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
A2i Job Search Strategies
March 3, 10, 24, & 31 | 4:00PM-5:00PM | Virtual | Registration
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. Topics include:
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Understanding the hiring process: March 3 | Suitable
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Prioritizing networking: March 10 | Suitable
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Leveraging tools and resources: March 24 | Suitable
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Staying on top of your search: March 31 | Suitable
Accelerate to Industry (A2i) Career Insights
Tuesdays, March 4 & March 18 | 12:00PM-1:00PM | Virtual | Registration for both sessions | Suitable
Join in for two sessions hosted by North Carolina State University featuring scientists from national labs as they share their career journeys and advice:
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March 4 – An Idaho National Labs scientist will share about her journey as an international graduate student to a national lab scientist. Learn about key career transitions, visas, networking, conferences, and overcoming challenges in STEM.
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March 18 – A Sandia National Labs scientist with experience in academia, industry, and national labs will discuss career choices, pros and cons of different sectors, and key factors for grad students and postdocs to consider.
Going Beyond LinkedIn, How to Unlock the Hidden Job Market
Wednesday, March 5 | 12:00PM-1:00PM | Virtual | Registration | Suitable
Nearly 70% of companies hire through employee referrals. These job openings may not be posted online, or employers may choose not to advertise them publicly. Instead, they approach employees and internal networks as trusted sources to help fill positions. As a job seeker, you need to find a way to break into this “hidden” job market. For PhDs it is one of the most effective ways to get hired quickly, make a career transition, or land your first non-academic job.
This webinar is designed for all academic disciplines who are wondering:
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Why do I need to think about the hidden job market?
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How do I access the hidden job market and connect with people?
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Who do I connect with and how do I grow my network?
Careers in User Experience (UX) & User Interface (UI)
Wednesday, March 5 | 12:00PM-1:00PM | Virtual | Registration | Suitable
Are you curious about what working in UX/UI (user experience and user interface) looks like? If so, consider attending this panel to learn directly from professionals working in various areas of UX/UI. The panelists will share their career paths and past educational experiences and provide tips for entering their fields. The event will begin with a moderated question and answer session and conclude with an opportunity to ask the professionals your own questions.
Understanding the Academic Job Market Pre-Candidacy
Thursday, March 6 & Tuesday, March 11 | 12:00PM-12:30PM | Lee Building 2124 and Zoom | Registration | Suitable
This series is aimed at doctoral students who have at least 1 year left in their programs--that is, it is designed to help you be prepared for an academic job search after May 2026 (so, if you are planning to graduate in December 2026 or later, this is for you!). In part 1, we’ll focus on the hidden knowledge that is critical for doctoral students interested in faculty careers to know. In part 2, we’ll focus on understanding trends in your field, from reading job descriptions to benchmarking yourself against recent hires. For best learning outcomes, please plan to attend both sessions if possible.
Grant Seeking 101
Tuesday, March 11 | 2:00PM-4:00PM | Virtual | Registration | Suitable
In this session, postdocs and late-stage doctoral trainees will learn about pursuing and applying for grants, common elements of most grant proposals, and hear advice for how to get started with grant writing.
Creative Tech Recruiter Meetup
Wednesday, March 12 | 1:00PM-3:00PM | INFO Commons (Hornbake Ground Floor) | Registration | Suitable
This smaller-scale, boutique career fair will showcase opportunities at the intersection of creativity/art and technology. Come explore career options with employers seeking to hire students and alumni interested in fields like UX/UI, web development, game design, product design, etc.
Virtual Postdoc Preview with Brown University
Wednesday | March 12 | 12:00PM-2:00PM | Virtual | Registration | Suitable
The Office of University Postdoctoral Affairs (OUPA) is excited to announce a Virtual Postdoc Preview for individuals interested in learning more about postdoctoral training at Brown University. This event is aimed at advanced PhD students and current postdoctoral scholars within 1-2 years of doctoral degree completion.
WIE Negotiate Salaries Workshop with Engineering Career Services
Thursday, March 13 | 12:00PM | EGR1131B | Suitable
Join Women in Engineering and Engineering Career services for a workshop on negotiating salaries! The event will be on March 13th at 12pm in EGR1131B, and lunch will be provided! RSVP here!
How to Ace your Non-Academic Interview
Wednesday, March 19 | 12:00PM-12:45PM | Virtual | Registration | Suitable
You’ve submitted job applications and are now waiting to hear back about interviews. Maybe you’ve already booked your first screening interview and you’re wondering what to expect. What kinds of questions will be asked? How should you prepare for a phone screen or virtual interview. This webinar is designed for all academic disciplines who are wondering:
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How do I prepare for non-academic interviews?
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What types of questions can I expect to be asked?
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What is the best way to stand out as a candidate during interviews?
Storytelling for International Graduate Students
Wednesday, March 26 | 4-5:30 pm | ESJ 2309 | Registration | Suitable
In professional conversations (interviews or networking), you often get this question, “tell me about yourself.” In fact, most people trip over this question, but you can open up possibilities if you practice the storytelling technique. In this workshop, you will collect, choose, and craft the stories most relevant to your professional identity as an international scholar.
George Dieter Distinguished Lecture Series in Mechanics and Materials
Wednesday, April 16 | 3:30PM-4:30PM | Stanley R. Zupnik Forum, A. James Clark Hall | Suitable
Reaching for the sky - Materials in extreme environments. TRESA M. POLLOCK
(Alcoa Distinguished Professor of Materials, University of California, Santa Barbara). Registration
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?
