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
Operation Introvert: Building Career Connections with Confidence
Tuesday, January 28 | 12:00PM-1:00PM | Virtual | Registration | Suitable
Networking can feel daunting, especially for those who identify as introverted or who experience social anxiety. This virtual workshop is designed to reframe networking as a skill that can be personalized to fit your unique strengths and comfort level. We’ll explore how to overcome common challenges, such as the fear of self-promotion or small talk, by focusing on authentic relationship-building and simple, effective strategies. Attendees will learn how to set manageable networking goals, initiate meaningful conversations, and connect with others in a way that feels genuine. Join us to discover tools and approaches that empower you to build a network on your own terms and ease any anxiety about upcoming networking events.
Bridging Generations at Work: Strategies for Success in a Multigenerational Team
Wednesday, January 29 | 12:00PM-1:00PM | Virtual | Registration | Suitable
Working alongside colleagues from multiple generations can be both rewarding and challenging. This workshop will equip you with practical strategies to bridge generational gaps and create a more cohesive, collaborative team. Gain insights into the values, motivations, and communication styles that drive each generation, from Baby Boomers to Gen Z, and discover how to adapt your approach to build stronger connections.
Leadership Skills Workshop Series
Thursdays, Jan. 30, Feb. 6, Feb. 13, Feb. 20 | 12:00PM-1:00PM | Virtual | Registration | Suitable
This series will cover introductory concepts of leadership. It is recommended to take the entire series as the workshops build upon each other:
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Self Awareness: Self awareness is key in leadership for realizing our strengths and challenges, and recognizing how this impacts our interactions with teams.
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Dealing with Conflict: Conflict is inevitable - learn about your conflict style and strategies to handle conflict as a leader effectively.
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Team Dynamics: This active workshop will help you understand team dynamics and leadership.
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Leading Welcoming Environments: This session will build on previous discussions, including working styles and conflict differences, and discuss how to create welcoming environments for all participants.
Federal Budgets for the Sciences 101
Friday, January 31 | 2:00PM-3:00PM | Virtual | Registration | Suitable
Chances are, if you are in the sciences, a part of the funding that makes your work possible came from federal sources. Please join SPG@UMD in welcoming Dr. Alessandra Zimmerman (UMD PhD in Biochemistry '19), Senior Manager at the AAAS R&D Budget and Policy Program, in a discussion about the federal science spending budget. We will explore topics from the fiscal year, the AAAS (publishers of the journal Science) engagement with the government, and how funding allocations through the Senate Committee on Appropriations has far-reaching societal implications.
Doctoral Career Design Series
Thursdays in February | 12:00PM-1:30PM | Lee Building, Room 2124 (lunch provided) | Register by 5 pm, Tuesday, February 3 | Suitable
In this 4-session series, you will explore diverse career pathways suitable for those with doctoral degrees, and learn strategies to advance career goals. Past attendees enjoyed meaningful discussions with peers, and felt more confident in their decision-making by prioritizing their values, skills, and interests. This course is best suited for doctoral students in year 2+.
How PhDs can Identify Non-academic Career Options
Wednesday, February 5 | 12:00PM-12:45PM | Virtual | Registration | Suitable
Are you struggling to identify non-academic career options where you can leverage your education and training? Wondering where PhDs from your discipline land non-academic jobs?
Join the Beyond Prof team for this webinar on how PhDs can identify and research non-academic career options through informational interviews. Informational interviews are incredibly common outside of academia. It’s how people learn about different jobs, learn about companies of interest, and build a network that can later help connect them to a job.
This webinar is uniquely designed for all academic disciplines who are wondering:
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What are my career options as a PhD with a background in [X]?
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Where do PhDs with my academic background work?
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How do I connect with PhDs and other professionals? What are informational interviews?
What Can I Do with My PhD
Tuesdays, Feb 11, Feb 18, Feb 25, Mar 4 | 12:00PM-1:00PM | Virtual | Register by 9 am, Monday, February 10 | Suitable
Do you feel uncertain about your professional future? Whether you know what career path you want to pursue, or you’re unsure and want to explore your options, join this virtual course developed by Beyond the Professoriate, and a supportive learning community. You will watch video lessons and complete workbook activities before each live session. This course will provide you with clarity, accountability, and an effective toolkit.
Philadelphia Postdoc Preview
Tuesday, February 11 | 12:00PM-3:30PM | Virtual | Suitable
The goal of the Preview event is to raise awareness of the robust training opportunities in the Philadelphia area. Whether postdocs are interested in studying basic, translational, or clinical research in human or model systems, Philadelphia has lots of options for those interested in expanding their research expertise, developing professional skills needed in today’s job market, and growing a network of engaged and successful colleagues. Registration
Navigating the Workplace for International Scholars
Wednesday, February 12 | 12:00PM-1:15PM | Virtual | Registration | Suitable
This workshop will equip international graduate students and scholars with essential tools to thrive in American workplaces. Learn to communicate effectively, set clear expectations, and understand cultural nuances. This session will provide practical tips and strategies to help you make a positive impact in your professional environment.
Yale University Virtual Postdoc Recruitment Event
Friday, February 14 | 1:00PM-4:00PM | Virtual | Registration | Suitable
Yale University’s Office for Postdoctoral Affairs is hosting its Virtual Postdoc Recruitment Event to engage scholars interested in pursuing postdoctoral training at Yale University. Our goals are to support potential postdocs in their career exploration and identifying next steps, engage with potential postdocs from underrepresented and historically excluded groups, and increase awareness of the experience of and resources supporting Yale postdocs. Participants will have the opportunity to:
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Meet with representatives from Yale resources for postdocs
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Hear from and ask questions of current Yale faculty from a variety of disciplinary fields, including STEM, Social Sciences, and Humanities
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Engage with current Yale postdocs in a virtual networking hour
As part of the event, we will highlight current and future postdoctoral opportunities at Yale and how to follow up with the corresponding hiring departments and faculty.
How to Commercialize Your Research: A Special Panel for UMD Researchers + Graduate Students
Monday, February 17 | 12:00PM-1:00PM | Virtual | Registration | Suitable
Are you curious about how to get the world to implement/benefit from your research beyond journal articles? Learn the best way to commercialize your research from a special panel of UMD doctoral students who have successfully done so! This session will highlight research commercialization support resources at UMD and feature a panel of former UMD graduate students who have attempted to commercialize their research in the past.
ADvantage Program by Bain and Company
Deadline to Apply: February 23, 2025 by 11:59 PM | Program Dates: May 5-9, 2025 | Suitable
Advantage welcomes advanced degrees (graduate students, post docs, and medical residents) to join us for a one-week program that immerses you in the consulting world. You'll receive training and work on a real case team with clients. This is a chance to build business skills, step outside academia, and experience life as a Bain consultant.
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
Embedded Counselor for Maryland Engineering
The Embedded Counselor is a licensed mental health professional employed by the Counseling Center. As such, all mental health services provided by the Embedded Counselor are confidential and follow Counseling Center policies (visit the Counseling Center FAQs page for more information).
The Embedded Counselor works specifically for Maryland Engineering, tailoring services and programs to the unique needs of engineering students. Information about additional Counseling Center services, resources, and programs is available at counseling.umd.edu. Urgent services are available to students in person at the Shoemaker Building during business hours or by phone at (301) 314-7651 outside of business hours.
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.
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?
