PROMISE at UMB

6th Annual PROMISE Tricampus Research Symposium Friday, 1/21

2011-01-12T12:44:00.005-05:00

Event: 6th Annual PROMISE Research Symposium
(tri-campus: UMB, UMBC, and UMCP)

Date: Friday, January 21, 2011
Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Location: UMCP Campus, Nyumburu Cultural Center

General Registration Open Through Friday, Jan 14, 2011
There is still time to register to attend the 6th Annual PROMISE Research Symposium held on Friday, January 21, 2011 at the UMCP campus. General registration remains open through Friday, January 14: http://cgi.umd.edu/survey/display?GraduateSchoolWorkshops/2011_ResearchSymposium.

Come support your fellow graduate school colleagues, meet PROMISE scholars working in a wide range of fields, and find out about the exciting research that is being done throughout UMB, UMBC, and UMCP campuses.

More information regarding the PROMISE Research Symposium can be found on the following websites:
http://promisesuccessseminars.wordpress.com/2010/11/23/promise-research-symposium-coming-january-21-2011/
http://www.gradschool.umd.edu/index.php/current_students/promise/

Transportation to UMCP
UMBC will provide bus transportation for both UMBC and UMB students to and from UMCP. Please email promisestaff@gmail.com with the subject line: “Bus for Research Symposium 2011” for additional details and sign-up information.

If you plan to drive, parking information is provided on http://www.gradschool.umd.edu/index.php/current_students/promise/.

If you have any questions, please e-mail to promise@gradschool.umd.edu.

2010-12-08T10:31:00.012-05:00

Event: PROMISE Reflections: Complementary and Alternative Medicine
(tri-campus: UMB, UMBC, and UMCP)

Date: Thursday, December 9, 2010
Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Location: UMB Campus, MSTF Atrium (685 W. Baltimore Street Baltimore, MD 21201)

Join us on Thursday December 9th for a relaxing dinner and a discussion of complementary and alternative medicine with an extended focus on acupressure and acupuncture and an interactive taichi workshop.

The semi-annual PROMISE Reflections series on health and wellness provides insights into taking care of your health proactively. This fall's Reflections will introduce you to the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine in an overview talk given by Dr. Niya Werts, who teaches at Towson University in the Department of Health Science.* Dr. Werts will also speak about acupressure. Ms. Madhuri Shenker will provide an in depth explanation of the two types of acupuncture she practices: traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and five elements. Dr. Sean Vasaitis will lead the interactive taichi workshop during which you will have the opportunity to experience some of the movements and stances yourselves.

Take a break from your work and studies and come meet PROMISE Peer Mentors and members from across UMB, UMBC, and UMCP. Bring your friends and family. Dinner will be served. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for movement.

Please RSVP to QCao@som.umaryland.edu ASAP so that a proper count can be made for food and drinks. Use “RSVP PROMISE Reflections” in the subject line of your email.

*Please note change in speaker and content from previous announcements: Dr. Werts speaking in place of Dr. Warnick for the overview and additional talk on acupressure.

UMB Dissertation House - Registration Open June 1-7

2010-06-01T10:33:00.002-04:00

Registration for UMB Summer 2010 Dissertation House Opens TODAY!

Applications are accepted June 1-7, 2010. Space is limited, so submit your application now!

A signed acknowledgment from your PI/Adviser must accompany your application to be considered.

For complete Application Instructions: http://www.umbc.edu/promise/dissertation.html

Please feel free to pass this information to students who can benefit from the program.

================================================================================

The UMB "Dissertation House - On Campus" will provide a 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

community environment for students to write their dissertations and work with a coach for

three days.

Dates/Time: Monday-Wednesday, June 28-30, 2010.

Location: SMC Campus Center Room 353.

Students will be provided with daily breakfast, coffee/tea, lunch, and snacks.

Participating students must plan to be present for the three days.

Applications are due June 7, 2010 and participants will be limited to 15 students.

Registration is open to all UMB graduate students, from all disciplines, who are either working on their proposal, thesis or dissertation.

The UMB Dissertation House-On Campus is sponsored by PROMISE: Maryland's Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) and The Writing Center.

How to Apply:

To apply to attend the UMB Summer 2010 Dissertation House, please submit a brief description (maximum 2 pages, font size 11-12 point 1 inch margins) that describes the project that you wish to accomplish during the Dissertation House period.

Please use the following guidelines:

Please write your application in paragraph form.

(1) Summary of the project, including research question(s), data or texts, and method;

(2) Description of work completed on the project to date; and

(3) Any obstacles that you are encountering that hinder completion of the dissertation.

Include the following header information with the description:

* Name

* Address

* Telephone numbers (home, office, and fax)

* E-mail address

* Academic Program and Year in the program

* Signed statement from your Adviser/PI: “I acknowledge and approve of my student attending the 3-day UMB Summer 2010 Dissertation House on June 28-30, 2010.”

Submit your application via an Email attachment by the specified

deadline to: PROMISE.UMB@gmail.com.

Use the subject line: "Dissertation House"

More information about the Dissertation House is

available online for your reference:

http://www.umbc.edu/promise/dissertation.html

================================================================================

PROMISE@UMB 05/18/2010 - Dissertation House this Summer, Dr. Williams hooded, etc.

2010-06-01T10:32:00.000-04:00

Dear PROMISE,

I am excited to announce the first ever on-campus Dissertation House this Summer! This means that interested UMB students do not need to travel to UMBC or UMCP to attend. You can just walk from your lab to the SMC Campus Center. UMB Dissertation House will be on June 28-30 (M, T, W). Applications are accepted June 1-7. Please see attached flyer for details on how to apply. Applications must be complete. Seats are limited! Feel free to invite your colleagues who may benefit from attending Dissertation House.

UMB Dissertation House is cosponsored by PROMISE and The Writing Center.

Other news:

* REFLECTIONS: Movie Night – Thank you those who came and enjoyed “The Blind Side” with popcorn and other refreshments. As the academic year comes to a close, it was a great time to catch up and relax. Also, the movie inspires us to overcome setbacks, reach out in kindness to others, and excel in what we do!

* Networking Workshop, Wednesday, May 19, 4:00pm – 5:00pm, Howard Hall, Room 450

Networking is crucial for your career success. This workshop will demystify the process of networking and teach participants new tools they can immediately employ to develop new contacts and enhance their job search visibility and professional development. Instructor: Derek Haseltine, MEd.

Pre-registration is required online at www.peopleware.net/1482

* Graduate School Hooding Ceremony, Thursday, May 20. SMC Ballroom 2^nd floor, 4-6pm.

SHOUT OUT to former PROMISE Peer Mentor, DR. CALVIN WILLIAMS, Microbiology and Immunology, who will be hooded. Dr. Williams defended his PhD last October. He is currently finishing up his MD, and plans to enter into an internal medicine residency program with a strong clinical infectious disease and research components. Congratulations!

Save the Dates:

UMB Graduate School Orientation Week – PROMISE night: Wednesday, August 18, 5-7pm
Summer Success Institute, UMBC Aug 20-21
2010 Institute on Teaching and Mentoring will be held in Tampa, Florida at the Marriott Tampa Waterside from October 28-31, 2010.

PROMISE Reflections Meeting Movie Night: "The Blind Side"

2010-05-04T15:04:00.001-04:00

PROMISE Reflections Meeting
Movie Night: "The Blind Side"
Hosted By: PROMISE Maryland’s AGEP

Come Join us for food, drinks, popcorn and a good movie.............
For this years annual PROMISE Reflections meeting we will be getting together to watch the movie "The Blind Side,” based on the true story of Michael Oher, a struggling foster kid who is helped out by a family to fulfill his potential. We will be serving sandwiches, refreshments and popcorn. The movie will begin at 5:00pm after a few words from the PROMISE organizers. Hope to see you there!

What: Movie Night: “The Blind Side“

When: Thursday, May 13, 2010

Where: SMC, Rm 351
621 W. Lombard Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

Time: 4:30-7:30pm

Other: This is a PROMISE hosted event but all student are welcome. If you have any questions please contact Victor Ayala at vayal001@umaryland.edu

PROMISE@UMB February Newsletter

2010-02-22T16:59:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone!

Enjoying the snow? It’s hard to believe that we’ve started the SPRING semester :-) Well, we have a few events lined up this semester: local and tri-campus. Please share with your colleagues and students who may be interested.

1. Feb 18: PROMISE@UMB: Spring Opening Meeting "Putting Your Best Foot Forward: How to Prepare a Great Dissertation/Thesis Presentation"
2. Feb 23: Career Development: How to Write an NRSA
3. Feb 26-28: PROMISE Retreat
4. March 2: Career Development: Publish, Don't Perish! How to Write and Publish a Research Paper
5. April: PROMISE Reflections
6. May 1: PROMISE End of the Year Cookout
7. Peer Mentoring: Ongoing
8. Jobs, Workshops, Conferences
9. Articles of interest

1. PROMISE @ UMB: Spring Opening Meeting (New Date)
Thursday, February 18, 2010
12:00-1:15 pm
SMC Campus Center 353.
Food and beverages provided.
We’re kicking off the semester with a talk "Putting Your Best Foot Forward: How to Prepare a Great Dissertation/Thesis Presentation"
Are you afraid of public speaking and giving presentations? Do you have difficulty putting together PowerPoint presentations? If so, then we have just the thing for you! Come find out tips on how to make a GREAT defense presentation and meet other graduate students aspiring to success!
Whether you are ready to defend your dissertation, a first year student, or somewhere in between, you will find this talk helpful while you prepare for your next presentation. Speaker: Dr. Judith Pollack, PROMISE Coordinator and recent PhD graduate from UMBC.
You will also meet PROMISE Peer Mentors and find out more about PROMISE activities. Open to all graduate students who want to be successful.

2. Career Development: How to Write an NRSA Workshop for Postdocs and Graduate Students Tuesday, February 23, 2010 12:30pm - 4:30pm HSF II Auditorium In collaboration with the Graduate Program in Life Sciences (GPILS), the Office for Research Career Development is offering this grant writing workshop which is targeted to postdoctoral fellows and graduate students interested in applying for an individual National Research Service Award (NRSA) from the NIH. Major subjects will include the following: the “right time” to apply; components of an NRSA; and the review criteria for an NRSA, including: candidate; sponsor and training environment; training potential and research proposal. Speakers: Margaret M. McCarthy, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Graduate Studies, Professor, Department of Physiology; Wendy Sanders, MA, Assistant Dean, Research Career Development; Asaf Keller, PhD., Professor, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology; Stuart Martin, PhD., Associate Professor, Department of Physiology and Iris Lindberg, PhD., Professor, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology Pre-registration is required online at www.peopleware.net/1482. Please specify you are part of PROMISE when you register.

3. PROMISE Retreat for Graduate Students and Post-Docs Save the date for the PROMISE Community Building Retreat to Rocky Gap, coming Feb. 26-28, 2010!
The application period will be from Weds. 2/10 - Weds. 2/17. We will be able to take 100 people (graduate students and postdocs at UMBC, UMB, and
UMCP.) For examples from last year's retreat, see the website and the early entries of the Community Building blog:
http://sites.google.com/site/thepromisearchive/Home/community-retreat-at-rocky-gap-2009
http://promisecommunitybuilding.blogspot.com/
The retreat is sponsored by PROMISE: Maryland's AGEP and is therefore offered at no charge to our students and postdocs. Application information will be posted on the PROMISE website on 2/10/10.
http://www.umbc.edu/promise

4. Career Development: Publish, Don't Perish! How to Write and Publish a Research Paper (NEW Workshop) Tuesday, March 2, 2010 11:00am – 4:00pm HSFII Auditorium (20 Penn Street) In collaboration with the Department of Pediatrics, the Office for Research Career Development is offering this one day workshop which is targeted to all residents, fellows, grads, postdocs and junior faculty with an interest in learning how to write and publish a scientific research paper. Subjects that will be addressed include: Successfully Navigating the Publication Process; Understanding the Structure and Content of a Research Article (Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion); Crucial Ethical Issues in Publishing Scientific Research: and Tips for Effective Writing.
A networking luncheon is included (journal editors will facilitate discussions at each lunch table) Pre-registration is required online at www.peopleware.net/1482. Please specify you are part of PROMISE when you register.

5. PROMISE Reflections – Date TBA:
UMB usually hosts the end of the semester Reflections for PROMISE Tricampus, where students not only consider their academic career and hard work, but also evaluate their lives in a broader sense. Every semester, we do something different. Details are in the works. Stay tuned!

6. PROMISE End of the Year Cookout
Friends and Family Cookout and Recognition of Graduates Saturday, May 1, 2010, 1:00 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Howard County Park (Cedar Lane, Columbia, MD)

7. Peer Mentoring: OnGoing
Graduate school is making you feel overwhelmed? Our Peer Mentors can walk along side you and share tips on how to navigate the process. First or second year students will be paired with senior grad students. Interested in applying? Contact Dr. Judith Pollack for an application (don’t worry, it’s an easy application).

8. Jobs, Workshops, Conferences
- NIH Summer Internship Program deadline is March 1, 2010. National Institute of Aging in particular has openings. The application can be found at: http://www.training.nih.gov/student
- National PostDoctoral Association Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, March 12-14, 2010 http://www.nationalpostdoc.org/meetings-and-events/annual-meeting/2010-annual-meeting

9: Articles of interest:
Scientific writing 101. Nature Structural & Molecular Biology (2010) vol. 17 (2) pp. 139-139
http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nsmb0210-139

Peer Mentor Application, due Aug 13, 2009.

2009-08-03T14:37:00.002-04:00

If you are interested in being considered as a Peer Mentor for Fall 2009, please fill out an application and submit to Dr. Judith Pollack, MSTF 300, by Thursday Aug 13, end of business day.
Applications are available at the Aug 4 meeting, or email Dr. Pollack to ask for a soft-copy.

jpollack@som.umaryland.edu

PROMISE student featured in the Baltimore Sun

2009-05-21T10:06:00.002-04:00

Antonia Tolson, PROMISE student, recipient of NIH Stimulus money .... now Celebrity!

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nation/bal-te.md.stimulus20may20,0,252052.story

Congratulations to our PROMISE PhD graduates!

2009-05-21T10:04:00.001-04:00

Four University of Maryland, Baltimore Students Fulfill PROMISE
UMB News - Baltimore,MD,USA
PROMISE is the name for Maryland's Alliance for Graduate Education and the

Peer Mentor Training: Reflections, what worked, what didn't

2009-05-11T09:31:00.008-04:00

PROMISE Peer Mentor Training
May 5, 2009
12:00-1:00pm
MSTF 316

Discussion Items:
1. Reflections: Healthy Living Symposium June 4, 2009
2. Peer mentoring at UMB: what worked/didn't. Dr. Trudy Smith, past Peer Mentor

Attendance: Jocelyn, Victor, Calvin, Antonia, Trudy, Maria, Hermela, Holly, Sean, Judith.

1. Reflections: Healthy Living Symposium June 4, 2009
Reflections will take place on Thursday June 4, 2009, in the MSTF Auditorium, 6:00-8:30 pm. The schedule is as follows:
6:00-6:10 Welcome, dinner (buffet)
6:10-6:40 Talk on Sleep, Dr. Jeanne Geiger Brown
6:40-6:45 Raffles
6:45-7:30 Cooking Demo, Victoria Proctor
7:30-7:35 Raffles
7:35-8:25 Tai chi and Yoga demo (2x25 min)
8:25-8:30 Raffles, closing remarks

Sleep talk: Speaker is confirmed, bio has been received, will need computer/projector for her presentation. (contact: Maria)
Cooking demo: Speaker is confirmed, bio has been received. Still waiting for contract and handouts. Did not need audio/visual equipment. (contact: Calvin)
Tai chi demo: it was decided that 2x25 min sessions is better than 3x15 min sessions. Tai chi needs big room, will use the Atrium. Will need speakers and music. (contact: Sean)
Yoga demo: will also follow 2x25 min sessions. Instructor will bring mats, will need people to help carry mat from car to Atrium. May need to have a separate room for yoga. Ask for a contract (contact: Holly)
Catering: Yabba Pot, $15 perperson. Menu has been confirmed. Will need to provide our own drinks and paperware.
Raffles: It was reminded that the raffle prizes shoudl be consistent with our theme "healthy living." Judith will contact Office of Development/Outreach to go about getting raffle prizes from community. Holly will ask Yoga instructor if will donate a free class. Trudy will ask Whole Foods for gift card.
Advertising: Judith and Jocelyn will get together and discuss.

Dr. Pollack's to-do list:
- reserve extra room off the MSTF Atrium for Yoga
- Call physical plantfor podium/tables; AV for projector screen and microphone
- Contact Office of Development/Outreach for raffle prizes
- Find out who signs the contracts

2. Peer mentoring at UMB: what worked/didn't. Dr. Trudy Smith, past Peer Mentor
Trudy shared her experiences as past Peer Mentor and reflected on what she wished had happened, what worked and what did not work. Others chimed in and shared their experiences, opinions, and suggestions. Below is a summary.

Better communication between Coordinator and Peer Mentors, lots of reminders
Get participation form peer mentors and non-peer mentors
Get mentees (need recruiting)
More focused meetings and UMB-specific training
Outings and celebrations

Details (in no particular order):
- Peer mentoring at UMB was very different from UMBC, UMCP.
- wished there were more mentees (there were not enough new people)
- needed a more structured mentor/mentee guideline (it was too informal, and trainings from UMBC/UMCP were too broad and not applicable).
- needed training at UMB, discussing topics such as conflict resolution.
- Peer mentors could take turns leading a talk (eg on presentation skills, finding research topics, life balance), or just sharing about themselves.
- In the past there have been celebratory parties/end of semester outings for the Peer Mentors, eg go to Cheesecake factory or go to Dr. Warnick's house.
- Need more focused meetings, not so much of venting/complaining about self, but more focused towards Peer mentor training or professional development.
- Need to clearly define the roles of peer mentors and peer mentors in training (besides the money). => Currently there are no peer mentors in training.
- Need to have clear communication between Coordinator and peer mentors, lots of reminders.
- Need to have more participation for non-mentors.
- Need to make the program self-propelling, such that if the Coordinator leaves, there is a mechanism to keep the program going.
- Suggestion to look at forming an organization under USGA, or a subsidiary of another group. (Sean will look into this).
- What happened to Summer Bridge program? => Currently no budget for that. However, GPILS has a Bridge program, and PROMISE can be introduced at that time.
- PROMISE has a slot during Grad school orientation in August.

Announcements/Reminders/Closing Remarks: Hooding ceremony May 14, Commencement May 15.

PROMISE PhD Reception

2009-05-05T16:03:00.003-04:00

This year we celebrate 4 outstanding women who completed their PhDs:

Stacey Williams, Pharmaceutical Sciences
Trudy Smith, Pharmaceutical Sciences
Marishka Brown, Pharmaceutical Sciences
Jocelyn Reader, Human Genetics

We had a cake reception for them on April 28, 2009, 12:30-1:30 pm, MSTF 316.
Each of them got a cupcake and a bell announcing their new Title "Dr. x"
Their mentors talked about their accomplishments and what a treat they have been in the lab. Their friends and PROMISE fellows also said nice things about them. It was a great time of celebration and friendship.
As the new PROMISE Coordinator, I've only known these women for a short time. However, from listening to the shared stories and observing their interactions, I see how these women have had great impacts in the lives of the other PROMISE fellows. PROMISE has brought people together for lasting friendships. I PROMISE to continue to provide the opportunities to cultivate such friendships and role models through our program.

Congratulations, Doctors! I look forward to attending your Doctoral Hooding Ceremony on Thursday May 14!

--Dr. Judith Pollack, PROMISE Coordinator at UMB

Dependable Strengths Workshop

2009-05-05T15:39:00.003-04:00

Monday, April 27, 2009
Dependable Strengths Workshop
Facilitator: Anne Scholl-Fiedler, UMBC Director of Career Center
UMBC

I was privileged to attend this workshop. The purpose is to discover your passion and assess your strengths and what you enjoy - i.e., "dependable strengths"
Throughout the workshop we think, remember, and share good experiences (defined as an experience in which we feel we did well, enjoyed doing, and feel proud of). We compared our self assessment to feedback from others, and honed in on what are our dependable strengths. I scored high on analysis, ideas, initiative, organizer, planner, and practical.
My dependable strengths (what I am good at and I enjoy doing) are:

Organize ideas into an easy to understand output (schematic or presentation)
Plan programs that are beneficial to others
Solve problems in a practical way
Take initiative and involve people

Towards the end of the workshop we got into groups and planned a program. Each person volunteered in a role that was consistent with their dependable strengths. One person took up the teaching role, while another wanted to do writing, and another wanted to do the creative part. Another took care of logistics and food. Another thought of fundraising. I volunteered to be the program chair. I observed that we were all quite satisfied and and did our parts happily.

This workshop was eye opening. I learned that what one person thinks of as a burden to do is actually a treat for another. If we all work within our dependable strengths, then we will be a much stronger, happier team.

I would love to have a Dependable Strengths workshop here at UMB for the PROMISE students. Is this of interest to you? I welcome your comments!
--Dr. Judith Pollack, PROMISE Coordinator at UMB

Fischell Bioengineering Day at UM College Park

2009-05-05T15:22:00.003-04:00

The 3rd Annual Fischell Festival
April 21, 2009
Kim Engineerig Building, University of Maryland, College Park.

I represented the University of Maryland School of Medicine at the Fischell Bioengineering Day, University of Maryland College Park. Several people stopped by the table, looked at the poster, picked up handouts, and talked with me. The posterboard consisted of three main topics:

Graduate Programs in Life Sciences (GPILS)
PROMISE: Maryland's AGEP (Alliance for Graduate Education and the Profesoriate)
School of Medicine Combined MD-Masters programs

There was considerable interest in the MD-Masters in Bioengineering (in partnership with UM College Park), and a question whether an MD-PhD in Bioengineerig is also available (the answer is: it is in the works). One person was interested in the MD-MBA program. Surprisingly, about 4 people who asked about the combined program were high school students (i.e., incoming undergraduate students to UM Bioengineering). Apparently they were also interested in getting an MD. I salute these bright and young minds. Maryland definitely has a lot to offer!
---Dr. Judith Pollack, PROMISE Coordinator at UMB

Welcome

2009-05-05T15:08:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the Blog of PROMISE at University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB). The purpose of this blog is to report on past PROMISE activities, training events, and conferences.

To find out about future PROMISE activities, visit

PROMISE at UMB: http://medschool.umaryland.edu/OSR/promise.asp
PROMISE main page: http://www.umbc.edu/promise/
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2350349732
Twitter: http://twitter.com/PROMISE_AGEP