UMBC Mic'd Up

The world of Biotechnology is critical to all of humanity. Professionals in this field need to keep up on the emergence of new techniques, equipment, and processes to continue to forge new pathways to innovations that lead to making a difference in the lives of others. In this episode of UMBC's Mic'd Up Podcast, we chat with a graduate of our M.P.S. in Biotechnology, Chidera Igbokwe &apo...

Designing and delivering learning and training using a systems approach removes the guesswork and sets learners up for a productive experience. UMBC’s Learning and Performance Technology (LAPT) graduate programs (formerly named ISD), prepares its students to enter into the workforce with this system approach in hand.  In today’s episode, we chat with Melody Wright '21, M.A. Instructional Syst...

We recently chatted with I/O Psychology professional and UMBC alum, Twisha Thakore '19, M.P.S. I/O Psychology. We spoke about the critical elements, qualities, and skills needed to be effective as an I/O Psychologist. Accordingly, she highlighted the importance of safeguarding the delicate balance between business and the human element. The art and science of I/O Psychology operates on the no...

The hiring process can be daunting for organizations. IO Psychology professionals like Kendra Lyons ‘ 09, M.P.S. IO Psychology, help to make the process easier and less risky by providing valuable insights into the hiring process. In this episode of UMBC’s Mic’d Up Podcast Kendra shares with us a glimpse into the daily life of an IO Psychology professional.  What does it take to be one? What kinds...

When it comes to making an impact in the field of I/O Psychology, one of the first skills necessary is in learning new things. Life is constantly changing, and with those changes comes a need for flexibility and new knowledge. In the grand landscape of what makes up I/O Psychology, one thing remains a constant and that is the dynamic nature of the way we operate in life and in  the workforce. In t...

In the field of Biotechnology, the focus on cell & gene therapy continues to advance our potential to improve lives. UMBC's Biotechnology Graduate Programs offers special topic courses that help their students achieve success in the field, courses like BTEC 691, Cell and Gene Therapy.  In this episode of UMBC's Mic'd Up Podcast, we chat with graduate faculty, Darren Dasburg, M.B...

Biotechnology is a rapidly growing field, especially in the state of Maryland. In fact, according to Mark Schenerman, Ph. D., Graduate Program Director, UMBC Biotechnology Graduate program, "Maryland is one of the leading centers in the country for cell and gene therapy. Companies in Maryland are trying to hire people as quickly as they can. They just can't find enough talent. They can&a...

UMBC and United Way of Central Maryland recently partnered up on a project with a UMBC Intrapreneurship class to brainstorm new ways of approaching business goals. In this episode of UMBC's Mic'd Up Podcast, we are joined by UMBC graduate student, Mehrshad Devin from the Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Leadership graduate program to  chat about his experience with implementing innovati...

UMBC and United Way of Central Maryland recently partnered up on a project with a UMBC Intrapreneurship class to brainstorm new ways of approaching business goals. In this episode of UMBC's Mic'd Up Podcast, we are joined by Franklyn Baker, President and CEO of United Way of Central Maryland to discuss this collaborative project.  To learn more about United Way of Central Maryland, visit...

What does it take to raise the level of grassroots efforts in a community? It takes leaders who are willing to go open their hearts and minds to the possibilities before them. In this episode, we chat with Tom Coale, J.D., Adjunct Faculty with UMBC's Community Leadership graduate program about the course he's teaching: Grassroots Community Advocacy.  To learn more about UMBC's Commu...

Community leadership is about transparency and compassion. According to Keenan Hickman ’22, M.P.S: Community Leadership, it's about being somebody in the community who advocates for something that's bigger than themselves. He doesn't believe you have to be a mayor to be the community leader. You could be an urban farmer, a director of a nonprofit, or even the elderly grandma on the...

What does it take to make communities thrive? How can leaders be the change agents communities need and deserve to keep them healthy and sustainable? In this podcast episode, Kiaron Bailey ’21, M.P.S Community Leadership, shares her experience as a community leader in Baltimore.  Curious about UMBC’s M.P.S. Community Leadership Program? Check it out here: https://leader.umbc.edu

As professionals, our time is valuable. We don't want to waste it on useless meetings that are unproductive. Running a productive meeting is simple if well-planned. Taking the time to plan will please everyone involved and create a more dynamic and purposeful meeting.  Tune in to learn simple techniques you can use to make your next meeting productive. 

Transformation trends are based on emerging technologies being leveraged by businesses, whether in the private or public sector, to run more efficiently and improve their service delivery and operations. The field of systems engineering plays a role in this digital transformation. "People remain the most important assets. Fancy technologies and their capabilities are nothing without the innov...

Software is used in every aspect of our daily life. From the moment we wake up to the moment we go to sleep. Software is that invisible writing that connects us to ourselves and others and the world. Software is not just about a window or a page on the screen; it's about the interaction with hardware, and the contacts of users and environment. The world needs qualified software engineers who...

Most every driven professional comes to the same conclusion when it comes to learning, it must always be present. Life, as well as business, is steeped in the promise of change. Most everyone at a certain point realizes that change is necessary. Shahwar Amin '22, Learning and Performance Technology, realized this early on and has never looked back.  "I found my passion in instructional d...

In this latest episode of UMBC's MIc'D Up podcast, we chat with graduate faculty, Mr. Quincy Wright, MBA, CCM, PMP, about the importance of operating in the professional world of engineering and project management through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We discuss various circumstances in the workforce environment that can be affected by a lack of attention to DE/I. He shares...

The world of Biotechnology is transforming every day. Keeping up on the latest trends and research is a must for biotech professionals who want to create impact in an ever-changing landscape. Advancements in technology are happening quickly and creating vast opportunities for professionals seeking to develop or enhance their career in biotechnology. In this episode, Dr. Antonio Moreira talks us th...

One of the greatest feelings a professional can experience is knowing the work they put out in the world impacts the lives of others. Dvija Maurer '20, M.A. Instructional Systems Development, embarked on a journey of learning at UMBC to progress toward a career credential that allowed her the opportunity to learn and grow in her chosen field of working in support of the United States Coast Gu...

One of the greatest benefits of engaging in a learning experience is being able to take what is newly acquired and bring its value to the real world. We sat down and chatted with recent graduate Ally Hepp '21, P.B.C. Project Management about what she learned in her time studying at UMBC and how it's helped her gain a greater grasp on the role of project management as it relates to her po...

The field of IO Psychology is a great place for professionals who thrive in analyzing issues and providing potential solutions. Saad Arshad '21, M.P.S. IO Psychology, enjoyed this aspect of his capstone experience. "What intrigued me the most about the field of IO psychology was studying an organization and then being able to diagnose and solve a problem. I enjoyed working with teams of...

Bringing value to a current role is one of the greatest benefits of embarking on an educational journey to learn and grow as a professional. Cindy Greenwood '21, P.B.C. Community Leadership, transferred the new skills she gained in her experience with the Community Leadership graduate program at UMBC into her current role as assistant director with UMBC's Center for Women in Technology. ...

Bhavika Chavda ’21, M.P.S. Data Science joins us for this episode of UMBC's Mic'd Up and shares her experience with entering into the data science world and working with an ethical lens. She shared, " As data scientists, we have a lot of responsibility on us. We make or break platforms. We can make people's lives by using the data and we can break their lives by using their dat...

Succeeding in the engineering world as a leader is about having really great mentors, a strong framework, and a process for managing business and projects. Troy Venuto '21, M.S. Engineering Management, shared his reflection of the journey he took from the engineering world, to the fitness world and then back to the engineering world.  "In the educational journey, it's the learning t...

To get a true sense of the power of data and technology, one has to place themselves into the real world and apply it. It’s only then that they get to witness firsthand how the two combine to form critical answers to today’s top questions. Sandra Pinto Vera ’21, M.P.S. Data Science searched for an opportunity to do just that. "What I expected to get out of the UMBC Data Science Master’s Profe...