CNMS GradFest Ignites Collaboration Among Researchers
On November 7, 2023, the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (CNMS) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) hosted its second annual CNMS GradFest. The event brought together graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and showcase their research. Participants engaged in discussions and presentations aimed at bridging gaps between different scientific fields.
Prableen Chowdhary, a Ph.D. candidate in biological sciences and a member of the student-led planning committee, articulated her hopes for GradFest, stating that it would “spark conversations and collaborations across disciplines.” As the event commenced, William LaCourse, the dean of CNMS, provided inspiring advice to attendees. He emphasized the importance of passion in research, encouraging them to “do it like you own it” and to seize present opportunities.
Following the opening remarks, seven students delivered “lightning talks.” These concise five-minute presentations were designed to share their research in a manner accessible to those outside their specific areas of study. The diverse topics ranged from novel therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer to innovative two-dimensional materials for enhanced sensors, and even observations of plasma jets from black holes.
Creating Opportunities for Emerging Researchers
Maria Cambraia, the director for research and international affairs in CNMS, explained that one of the primary goals of GradFest was to include graduate students with limited presentation experience or early-stage projects. “GradFest gives them a chance to practice in a friendly environment,” she noted.
Muhammad Jalil Ahmad, president of the Mathematics and Statistics Graduate Student Association, presented both a lightning talk and a poster on mathematical modeling for complex phenomena, such as weather patterns and disease spread. He highlighted the value of GradFest as a preparatory platform for larger conferences. “Even at a math conference, people study different topics, so it’s good to practice communicating with people outside your field,” Ahmad said.
Another participant, Ian Kirn, a second-year Ph.D. student in physics, showcased his research on astroseismology, a field that examines earthquake-like phenomena in stars. Kirn noted, “It’s important for different disciplines to talk to each other, because they’re actually all related.” His sentiments echoed the overarching theme of collaboration that GradFest aimed to promote.
Encouraging Networking and Learning
The atmosphere in the ballroom was vibrant as attendees engaged in two poster sessions following the lightning talks. These sessions featured many more students discussing their research projects with peers, mentors, and guests. Fidelia Asomani, a third-year Ph.D. candidate in biological sciences, described GradFest as “a good first opportunity to get my feet wet presenting.” Asomani studies yeast, organisms that share fundamental processes with more complex life forms, emphasizing the relevance of her work to human disease treatment.
LaCourse also spoke on the importance of humility in research, stating, “Humility helps you celebrate others’ successes and accept failure—and research involves a lot of failure.” His remarks resonated with the attendees, reinforcing the notion that the scientific journey comprises both triumphs and setbacks.
As the event concluded, participants left with newfound connections and a sense of community. The success of GradFest lay not only in the presentations but also in its ability to transform strangers into collaborators. The words of Dean LaCourse served as a reminder that bold discoveries often begin with a humble introduction.
For those interested in furthering their education, the CNMS offers a variety of graduate programs, providing a solid foundation for future research endeavors.
