3/4/24 - Alumna Blasts Into Space
As the countdown reached zero and the Falcon 9 rocket lifted off amid billowing smoke and flame from the John F. Kennedy Space Center on Sunday night, a Terp was preparing to take up temporary residence in a new home circling over the globe.
Mission specialist Jeanette Epps M.S. ’94, Ph.D. ’00, one of four astronauts on NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission, is beginning a six-month stint on the International Space Station (ISS), where she’ll serve as a flight engineer. A NASA astronaut since 2009, she ventured into space for the first time.
02/5/24 - Jeanette Epps: From Engineer to Astronaut
Jeanette Epps, who received her doctorate in aerospace engineering from the University of Maryland in 2000, pursued a successful career in engineering—working for Ford and the CIA and co-authoring several patents—before being selected by NASA for astronaut training. In the coming weeks, she is set to fly to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a Dragon spacecraft on a Falcon 9 rocket and then begin a half-year stint as part of the ISS crew.
10/25/23 - Alumnus Receives National Medal of Technology and Innovation
"President Joe Biden yesterday awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, the nation’s highest award for technological achievement, to a University of Maryland alum, faculty member and benefactor.
Jeong H. Kim Ph.D. ’91, namesake of the A. James Clark School of Engineering's administration and interdisciplinary research and education building, was recognized for his advances in broadband optical systems, data communications and wireless technologies that have made communication faster and clearer, including improvements in battlefield communications that strengthen national security."
10/3/23 - ECE Alumna Rose Faghih wins NIH MIRA
"ECE Alumna Rose Faghih (’08) has been awarded the National Institutes of Health Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA) for Early Stage Investigators. The award is accompanied by a five-year $1,825,840 grant for her project entitled “MESH: Multimodal Estimators for Sensing Health”.
Faghih is an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at NYU Tandon School of Engineering and Director of the Computational Medicine Laboratory. Her research interests include wearable technologies, medical cyber-physical systems and control, estimation and system identification of biomedical and neural systems."
9/1/23 - UMD Team Lands First Place in VFS Competition
"Graduate students from the University of Maryland’s Alfred Gessow Rotorcraft Center (AGRC) have won first place in the Vertical Flight Society’s (VFS) 40th Annual Student Design Competition.
Led by Nathan O’Brien, a UMD Clark Fellow, the team took the top spot in the graduate category with its design for a high-speed vertical takeoff and landing (HSVTOL) aircraft. The victory comes with a $2,500 stipend. O’Brien and fellow team members Xavier Delgado, Brendan Egan, Noam Kaplan, Ray Shimry Garatsa, and Nicholas Paternostro will be invited to present their design at the next VFS Annual Forum and Technology Display."
7/28/23 - Alum Sean Andersson named Mechanical Engineering Department chair at Boston University
"Alum Sean Andersson (ECE Ph.D. 2003) has been named chair of the Boston University Mechanical Engineering Department. He had been serving as interim chair of the department since July 2022, and has been on the university's faculty since 2006."
7/23/23 - Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department Graduate Selected for Prestigious Department of Energy Award
"Nahin Ferdousi-Rokib, PhD ‘23, chemical engineering, was one of 87 graduate students recently selected for the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Science Graduate Student Research Program (SCGSR). Through world-class training and access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources at DOE national laboratories, SCGSR prepares graduate students for positions of critical importance to its mission and to maintaining the nation’s position at the forefront of discovery and innovation."
7/3/23 - Alum's Book Explores 'Lost Relics' that Spurred the Nuclear Era
"It all began with a mysterious gift that landed on the desk of Tim Koeth, a nuclear physicist and Maryland Engineering researcher with a penchant for nuclear oddities: a cube of uranium metal wrapped in a cryptic note that read, “Taken from Germany from the nuclear reactor Hitler tried to build. Gift of Ninninger.”
What followed was a yearslong quest by Koeth, an assistant professor in the University of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering, and his student-turned-colleague Miriam “Mimi” Hiebert Ph.D. ’19 to discover the origin of the cube and its place in the high-stakes race between the United States and another would-be nuclear power: Nazi Germany."
Upcoming Events
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship application info sessions
The Clark School is hosting application information sessions for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP). This award provides 3 years of full support for PhD studies, with an annual stipend of $37,000, in all engineering fields. The Clark School is hosting two sessions run by Dr. Fancis DuVinage, Director of the National Scholarships Office and Maryland Center for Undergraduate Research. Both sessions will cover the same material.
- Tuesday, Sept. 3 from 2pm to 3pm in Kim 1105
- Friday, Sept. 6 from 11am to 12pm in AVW 1146
Please register beforehand here.
Engineering Welcome Back Social & Student Organization and Information Fair
Thursday, September 5 | 11:30AM-4:30PM | Jeong H. Kim Building and A. James Clark Hall
Welcome to the Fall Semester! Join in the excitement as we kick off the new academic year with two special events. These events are an excellent opportunity for our community to reconnect, make new connections, and discover all that Maryland Engineering has to offer. Click Here To RSVP
Welcome Back Social
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Jeong H. Kim Building
Engineering Student Organization & Information Fair
Time: 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Location: A. James Clark Hall
Info Session: I-Corps Mid-Atlantic Hub
Wednesday, September 4 | 12:00PM-1:00PM | Virtual | Registration
I-Corps Info Sessions are an informal opportunity to meet the Mid-Atlantic I-Corps Team and ask questions related to Business Model Generation, Customer Discovery, and Regional I-Corps programs, as well as NSF National I-Corps programs. These sessions are offered monthly and are casual, so feel free to bring lunch. Info Sessions will be held the first Wednesday of every month from noon-1 p.m. EST. Those interested will receive a calendar invitation with a Zoom link.
A2i Job Search Strategies (Sep. 2024)
Every Thursday in September | 12:00PM-1:00PM | Virtual
Accelerate to Industry (A2i) Industry Insights module focuses on preparing graduate students and Postdocs for careers in the private sector (also commonly referred to as "business"). We will discuss topics critical to the job application process while providing supplemental materials.
This series is best suited for PhD candidates or Postdocs who are actively applying or getting ready to apply for industry roles, including non-faculty positions in higher education and other non-profit space. ** For best learning outcome, participants are expected to attend all sessions if possible as the topics build on each other.
- Understanding the hiring process: Sep 5
- Prioritizing networking : Sep 12
- Leveraging tools and resources: Sep 19
- Staying on top of your search: Sep 26
How to Set Yourself Up for Career Success
Wednesday, September 11 | 12:00PM-12:45PM | Virtual | Registration
PhDs and postdocs are busy. There’s so much to do NOW that it’s hard to think long term.
But what will you do after your PhD? Have you started exploring career options yet? It’s important to think about these questions early because a job search can take 6+months.
This webinar will help you make goals and set priorities so that you can be successful in your program AND prepared to launch your career.
Quantum Leap Career Nexus
Thursday, September 12 | 9:00AM - 5:00PM | Stamp Student Union
The Institute of Robust Quantum Simulation (RQS) will host the second annual Quantum Leap Career Nexus (QLCN), a premier global networking, recruitment, and mentorship workshop dedicated to careers in the quantum industry. This career event features keynote speakers, a career fair featuring local, regional, and national companies/government agencies, exhibitor session, poster sessions, and lab tours. There will also be virtual workshops on August 29 and September 5, focused on career development skills. Registration
EGSS Monthly Happy Hour
Thursday, September 12th | 6:00PM - 7:00PM | The Hall CP
Come hang out with us for a laid-back evening where you can connect with your fellow engineering students. It's the perfect chance to kick back and get to know your peers in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere (with free appetizers!).
The Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR) Early Career Symposium
Thursday, September 12 | 8:30AM - 6:00PM | The Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR)
This year's symposium builds on the success of past symposiums held in 2022 and 2023 which were attended by 150 participants from the University System of Maryland, NIST, NIH, FDA, Johns Hopkins, AstraZeneca and many more. This year's keynote speaker is Dr. Cynthia Wolberger of Johns Hopkins University. Registration
Women in Engineering Program (WIE): Paint Your Own Tote!
Friday, September 13 | 2:00PM-4:00PM | Glenn L. Martin Patio
Join Women in Engineering to paint your own tote on September 13th 2024 from 2-4pm on the Glenn L. Martin Patio. RSVP here!
Tech Block Party
Friday, September 13 | 11:00 AM - 1:00PM | Hornbake Plaza
Tech Block Party brings all tech programs, organizations and opportunities together to help students find their tech community at UMD. Hosted by the Iribe Initiative for Inclusion and Diversity in Computing and Break Through Tech, it’s a great opportunity for you to connect with other students interested in tech, pick up swag and snacks, and also network with some of our corporate sponsors.
Introduction to Science Policy
Tuesday, September 17 | 4:00-5:15pm | virtual | Registration
Learn how scientific research influences government decisions and explore career pathways from academia to public policy. Join SPG@UMD for a panel discussion with Dr. Sylvester James Gates, Jr. (Professor of Physics and Public Policy), Dr. Timothy Canty(Professor of Atmospheric Science), and Dr. Aditi Dubey (Research Associate at Natural Resources Defense Council). Whether you're a researcher, student, or policy enthusiast, gain insights into the critical role scientists play in shaping legislation and addressing global challenges.
Graduate Research Talks
Elevate your research profile with ease! We're kickstarting our Research Presentation Series—a low-stress, relaxed environment designed for you to practice and perfect your 10-minute research presentation. Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your work, receive valuable feedback from peers, and enhance your presentation skills. Secure your spot now by filling out the Google Form —because practice makes presentations perfect!
Are You Interested in Startups?
Calling for all graduate students who want to learn more about startups!
As a student-run startup incubator and co-working space at UMD, Startup Shells is looking for graduate students who have interest in entrepreneurship or want to get involved in building new ideas. The organization is a community open to all students and majors, and provides the student entrepreneurship community with the space, resources, and network to explore ideas, collaborate, and scale their ventures.
Join a culture of innovation that produces the next generation of venture-scale companies by connecting the most innovative builders, creators, and designers here at UMD. See upcoming events and follow Startup Shells on Instagram (on-campus space: IDEA Factory).
Commencement Ceremony
Are you about to complete your degree? Visit the Commencement Ceremony page for all the times, dates, procedures and guest information you need.
Student Societies
The Clark School supports more than 30 active student societies, such as the Engineering Student Council, departmental honor and professional societies and special interest organizations.
Graduate School Writing Center
The Graduate School Writing Center offers support for graduate students at every stage of their development as academic and professional communicators who can, in turn, fulfill the university’s mission of sharing research, educational, cultural, and technological strengths with the broader community.
The Center offers:
- Writing and oral communication consultations
- A variety of workshop and weekly write-ins
- Writing Groups
- English editing for international graduate students
- Information on how to use sources in your writing
- Resources for writing in your, or another, discipline
- Resources for writing in a specific linguistic or cultural context
University Counseling Center
The University Counseling Center provides comprehensive support services that promote the personal, social, and academic success of UMD students.
Resources:
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The Counseling Center is offering a number of counseling groups specifically geared toward graduate students. These groups are a great way to connect with others, learn about yourself, improve your mental health, and receive support. This semester groups will take place virtually. An intake appointment is required to participate in the groups. The groups are free to registered graduate students. If graduate studen ts are interested in any groups, please contact the counseling center at 301-314-7651 to schedule an intake appointment. The services are free to graduate students. The schedule of the upcoming group sessions can be accessed at this page.
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The Counseling Center is hosting drop-in virtual workshops on a wide range of topics (Coping Skills, Academic Success, Relationships and Communication, Resilience and Adaptability) to support your health and wellbeing. More information can be found here.
The Health Center has daily online meditation groups which vary in topic. Students can go to health.umd.edu/meditation to register for the groups and learn more about the meditation sessions.
Graduate School Academic Counseling
UMD National Scholarships Office
The UMD National Scholarships Office and the Graduate School have experienced staff and hold information sessions to help students explore various fellowship opportunities. Many students found the application process a valuable experience, and if awarded, the external fellowships not only help augment the resources and provide flexibilities to the graduate research of the fellows, but also provide additional peer and mentoring networks with potentially lasting impact on the fellows' career development.
Prospective and early-career doctoral students:
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NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) - 3 years of full support for PhD studies, with an annual stipend of $34,000, in science, math, engineering, and social/behavioral science fields.
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DoD National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship
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Hertz Graduate Fellowship
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Ford Foundation Pre-doctoral Fellowship (info)
Mid-career graduate students:
UMD External Fellowships Database
University of Illinois Fellowship Finder
Proposal Development Services for Graduate Students and Postdocs
If you are planning to submit an external fellowship application to support your research, please reach out to discuss how we can support you at proposals@umd.edu, or submit your PDM support request here! The Research Development Office is excited to partner with the Graduate School to provide free Proposal Development and Management (PDM) services to Graduate Students and Postdocs seeking external fellowships of $10,000 or more to support their research. Our team works with students and postdocs year-round on an individual basis to Strategize, Develop, Review, and Elevate proposals.
Postdoctoral Funding Opportunities
Johns Hopkins University Vice President for Research Denis Wirtz has compiled a list of funding opportunities for researchers. As of Fall 2022, there are over 380 items search through. The list can be found by clicking here.
Graduate School Professional and Career Development Office
The Graduate School has launched a Professional and Career Development office for current doctoral students. Get started looking into their services and events here. Other quick links:
Clark School Career Services for Engineering Students
Find more here about:
- Finding an Internship or Job
- Meeting Employers
- Increasing Your Employability
- Getting Career Advice
- You're Hired, Now What?
