iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

#UMD physicists played an essential role in the Nobel Prize-winning discovery of high-energy cosmic neutrinos: go.umd.edu/neutrinos They helped design the IceCube Neutrino Observatory’s data storage, analysis and alert systems, and they play a big role in observatory operations and data analysis.

Rachel Procter-Murphy (left) and Erik Blaufuss at the Antarctic Deployment Center in Christchurch, NZ, preparing for their flight to the South Pole. Photo courtesy of E. Blaufuss.

Erik Blaufuss at South Pole station, Antarctica, this past season (December 2025-February 2026). Courtesy of E. Blaufuss.

Rachel Procter-Murphy at South Pole station, Antarctica, this past season (December 2025-February 2026). Credit: E. Blaufuss

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

The #ScienceTerps Pop-Up Shop is back! Order from a new selection of T-shirts, quarter-zips, thermals and more! Open until October 11: go.umd.edu/cmns-shop In addition to CMNS apparel, some of our units (computer science, mathematics and neuroscience) have merch too!

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Join us on Monday (10/5) for a Science on Tap lecture featuring CBMG's Norberto González-Juarbe ➡️ go.umd.edu/sot1026 He'll discuss how his metagenomics and DNA analysis research is uncovering the histories of cultural heritage objects linked to #DaVinci 🧬🖥️

Science on Tap event graphic promoting a lecture on Monday, October 5, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Ledo Pizza, featuring UMD Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics Associate Professor Norberto Gonzalez-Juarbe on "Deciphering Da Vinci's Code"

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

🎉 Congrats to @umdphysics.bsky.social's Zohreh Davoudi, named a 2026 Schmidt Polymath ➡️ go.umd.edu/schmidt-polymath She's one of 8 researchers worldwide selected for this prestigious award, receiving up to $2.5M to advance her research in #QuantumComputing, sensing, cosmology and beyond.

Zohreh Davoudi is wearing a pink blazer and standing in front of a garden

Zohreh Davoudi is seated in front of a chalkboard listening to someone who has his back to the camera

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Our computer science undergraduate program ranks No. 17 overall in @usnews.com's 2027 Best Colleges—ranking in the top 20 for the 7th consecutive year! The program ranks in the Top 10 among public institutions and in the specialties of #AI and cybersecurity ➡️ go.umd.edu/csrankings26

Graphic with CMNS and U.S. News & World Report logos and red text on white background that reads: "UMD Computer Science Undergrad Program Ranks in the Top 20 for the 7th Year in a Row." An image of the exterior of the Brendan Iribe Center for Computer Science and Engineering is on the right.

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Computer Science Professor Mihai Pop uses computational tools to map the microbiome (the trillions of microbes in our bodies and environment). Submit a question to Mihai and CS postdoc Marcus Fedarko, and they will answer it during tomorrow's #RedditAMA: redd.it/1wmp6cs #MicrobiomeSky

Mihai Pop is standing in front of a bookcase with various photos and lanyards, holding a laptop promoting his Reddit AMA on September 22 at 12 p.m. ET

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Explore the "weird" world of #QuantumPhysics next Thursday (9/24) at Science on Tap, featuring @umdphysics.bsky.social's Steve Rolston! RSVP: go.umd.edu/sot0926 In this lecture, Steve will cover the unusual features of quantum theory and describe how we can use them to make devices.

Graphic promoting a Science on Tap lecture on Thursday, September 24, at 6:30 p.m. featuring UMD Physics Professor Steve Rolston. The topic is "Quantum Possibilities: What the Weirdest Physics Can Build"

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Marcie Occhi (B.S. '09, M.S. '11, @umdgeology.bsky.social) is studying and mapping the ancient geology of Virginia ➡️ go.umd.edu/occhi Marcie's work in the Virginia Department of Energy informs the state's efforts to develop resources, mitigate erosion, predict natural hazards and more. #EnergySky

A close-up of a woman in the woods wearing an orange vest and red hat smiling at the camera

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Cole Miller's (B.S. '24, mathematics) lifelong passion for mathematics and sports helped him score an "awesome" job as a scouting assistant with the Cleveland Browns. Read about this #ScienceTerp's journey from #UMD to the NFL 🏈 go.umd.edu/cmiller

Cole Miller giving two thumbs up standing in stadium with a football field in the background

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

The start of the NFL season means the start of band season for these two #ScienceTerps 🎷💜 Charlotte Norris (B.S. '24, @umdgeology.bsky.social) and Andrea Zeppuhar (Ph.D. '21, chemistry) are members of Baltimore's Marching Ravens and play at home games ➡️ go.umd.edu/marching-ravens

Andrea Zeppuhar plays tenor saxophone for Baltimore's Marching Ravens. Credit: Baltimore Ravens

Charlotte Norris in a purple Ravens polo and black visor standing in front of a red brick building with a lot of windows. Credit: Baltimore Ravens

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

After graduating from #UMD, Julian Dumayas (B.S. '26, biological sciences) joined #NIH to research ways to treat HIV by cutting viral DNA out of chromosomes. For him, it's a stepping stone toward his career goal of becoming a physician-scientist ➡️ go.umd.edu/dumayas

A person wearing a labcoat covering, giving two thumbs up while standing in front of a lab bench with boxes and research instruments

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

1,250+ new #ScienceTerps gathered for our 2026 New Student Welcome 💛 Students played Science Terp Bingo, learned lessons from student panelists and shared their goals for the year. Here's to a wonderful semester 🎉

A group of six people standing with the Testudo mascot

A group of people playing Science Terp Bingo

A ballroom full of seated students, with a person speaking at a lectern and six panelists seated at a black table, and big screens on the wall on either side of the stage

A group of three students in red Science Terp T-shirts posing with the Testudo mascot in front of a black and red CMNS step-and-repeat banner

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Telescope successfully launched today, with the help of 10+ #ScienceTerps! Read about Jackie Townsend's (B.S. '94, @umdphysics.bsky.social) experience as program manager for this "groundbreaking, Earth-shattering, universe-defining mission: go.umd.edu/townsend

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Meet Mary Keen—a junior @umdphysics.bsky.social major and U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission intern who is working on licensing for nuclear waste storage and transportation. Read how Mary got her start in #NuclearSafety here at #UMD: go.umd.edu/mkeen

A woman with brown hair wearing glasses and a blazer standing in front of a sign that reads: "United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission"

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Senior chemistry major Mallory Striplin hopes to treat patients facing medical inequities and advocate for them through the law. One reason she chose #UMD was its reputation as a top research institution. Read about her nanotechnology research and more ➡️ go.umd.edu/striplin

A woman wearing a lab coat and safety goggles standing in front of a yellow cabinet that says "FLAMMABLE" in red lettering

A woman wearing a lab coat, safety goggles and gloves working at a lab bench in the dark

A woman wearing glasses and a black Maryland Honors T-shirt speaking with her hands while presenting to the right of a screen

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

How can we give people more agency when interacting with artificial intelligence systems? That is one of the questions that Sarah Wiegreffe's research aims to answer. Ask Sarah your questions about natural language processing, empirical ML and explainable #AI in today's #RedditAMA: redd.it/1vm665h

Sarah Wiegreffe holding a laptop in a hallway, standing next to a red pillar with binary code and words such as "machine learning" and "theory" on it

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

🎉 Congrats to Atmospheric and Oceanic Science Chair Sumant Nigam on being named Distinguished University Professor—the highest academic honor bestowed by #UMD! Sumant joins more than 60 colleagues in our college who have earned the distinction since 1980 ➡️ go.umd.edu/nigam-DUP #ClimateSky

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

#ScienceTerps in studio at @npr.org 🤩 Astronomy postdocs Robert David Stein and Jillian Chin Rastinejad will be on All Things Considered this Thursday to share their recent findings on wandering #BlackHoles. 🔭

Two people seated at a table for a radio show interview

Two people standing together, one with crutches, in front of a busy background

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Jessica Sadler manages our Applied Mathematics & Statistics, and Scientific Computation program’s advising, admissions and recruitment. This year, she received the Dean's Outstanding Employee Award for her efforts supporting graduate students ➡️ go.umd.edu/sadler

Two people holding an award in front of a CMNS step-and-repeat

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

As the Chesapeake Bay's temperature increases, its waters offer prime habitat for Vibrio—a potentially deadly microbe. #UMD microbiologist Rita Colwell and her lab members are looking for Vibrio cholerae in the Potomac River to predict the risk of infection. Via the Bay Journal: go.umd.edu/2cq3

Rita Colwell stands along the Potomac River in Maryland as graduate student Henry Sage returns to shore with a water sample. Photo by Timothy B. Wheeler

Henry Sage collects a water sample from the Potomac River near the District of Columbia in 2026. Photo by Timothy B. Wheeler

Rita Colwell (left)reviews Potomac River water sampling data with Vicki Judson of the Sycamore Island Canoe Club. Photo by Timothy B. Wheeler

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Senior computer science major Juhi Chitkara is spending her summer in Louisville, Kentucky, working as a portfolio management intern at Humana! Tomorrow (7/15), Juhi is taking over our Instagram story—follow along: instagram.com/umdscience

A woman standing wearing a pink blouse and black pants and a badge for her office, standing in front of a mossy green-filled H (for Humana)

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

@umdentomology.bsky.social's Mike Raupp and Paula Shrewsbury connect basic and applied ecology to the sustainable management of invasive insects. Submit a question for Mike and Paula ahead of their Reddit Ask-Me-Anything tomorrow (7/15) ➡️ redd.it/1uwcem6 #BugSky

Two people holding a laptop promoting their Reddit Ask-Me-Anything on July 15, 2026

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics Professor Kan Cao joined @fox5dc.bsky.social to offer her insight into the biological underpinnings of #HairLoss: go.umd.edu/2cd7 Rather than topical solutions, Kan's research shows how methylene blue can protect and reactivate hair follicle stem cells.

Screenshot of FOX5 Good Day DC feature on UMD's Kan Cao, with the headline "Hair Loss Concerns Impacting Americans"

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Professor Wendell Hill has been named director of the Institute for Physical Science and Technology (IPST) ➡️ go.umd.edu/hill-IPST Wendell has published 150+ articles and conducts research on laser-matter interaction under extreme conditions—ultra-fast, ultra-intense and ultra-cold.

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Senior music and computer science double-major Yasmine Tajeddin is just as gifted a coder as she is a singer ➡️ go.umd.edu/tajeddin And while most people might find her pairing of majors unusual, she sees a common thread: a love of languages, both sung and programmed.

Woman wearing a turquoise tank top and black pants, crossing her arms and leaning against a pillar

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Senior biological sciences major Enguun Chinbat is taking over our Instagram story tomorrow (6/17) ➡️ instagram.com/umdscience Enguun works as a medical assistant in College Park Medical Center's Urgent Care, where she provides acute #PatientCare and prepares instruments.

Enguun Chinbat wearing a leather jacket, standing in front of a sunset

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Understanding volcanoes is important for unlocking the history of our planet and advancing climate science. In today's #RedditAMA, ask @umdgeology.bsky.social's Megan Newcombe your questions about volcanoes on the Earth, the Moon and Mars: redd.it/1u68jcl #astro

Megan Newcombe standing in her lab and holding a laptop promoting her Reddit Ask-Me-Anything on June 15, 2026

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Applied Mathematics & Statistics, and Scientific Computation graduate Aditi Sen's next stop is the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences at NIH! "I am really looking forward to applying my statistical knowledge and solving important #PublicHealth problems." #UMDgrad

Graphic that reads "NEXT STOP" in red text with a yellow arrow next to it. The text below reads "National Institute of
Environmental Health Sciences, Aditi Sen, Ph.D. ‘26, applied mathematics & statistics, and scientific computation. A photo on the right shows Aditi holding a coffee in front of a red brick wall.

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Computer Science's Ruohan Gao and Ming Lin created an explorable audiovisual world from a single image. "We want to mimic—and maybe enhance—how humans hear, see and feel the world," Ruohan said. Learn about their process developing the SonoWorld system: go.umd.edu/SonoWorld #AI

Kids at Maryland Day 2026 learn about SonoWorld. Photo courtesy Ruohan Gao.

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

A team of #UMD students built a powerful electric race car. Next week, they'll bring it to compete in #FormulaSAE at the Michigan International Speedway! Their car can reach 76 mph and accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds ➡️ go.umd.edu/terps-racing

Seven people standing in a parking lot behind a racecar

A driver in a racecar with someone next to them looking at a laptop, with three people in the background looking on

A person using a saw in a workshop environment, with blue lighting on the left and red lighting on the right

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Astronomy and @umdphysics.bsky.social grad Isabella Sanford's next stop is @umich.edu, where she will begin her Ph.D. in physics! Isabella will conduct theoretical astrophysics research, applying gravitational physics to the study of #BlackHoles and early universe structure formation. #UMDgrad

Graphic that reads "NEXT STOP" in red text with a yellow arrow next to it. The text below reads "UMich Physics Ph.D. Program, Isabella Sanford, B.S. '25, computer science. A photo on the right shows Isabella posing with the Testudo statue in front of McKeldin Library.

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Senior biological sciences major Joshua Mathew was named a 2026 Astronaut Scholar ➡️ go.umd.edu/astronaut26 Joshua plans to pursue an M.D./Ph.D. and go on to lead a structural and #ComputationalBiology research program focused on cancer #DrugDiscovery.

Joshua Mathew wearing a blue sweater and tie with a white collared shirt in front of a gray background

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Columbia Ph.D. candidate Syl Foisy traveled 200 miles on foot to meet with Atmospheric and Oceanic Science Professor Ross Salawitch ➡️ go.umd.edu/nyc-dc Syl started this 250-plus-mile journey from Central Park to the U.S. Capitol to connect the public with the climate science community. #ClimateSky

Two people standing next to each other in front of an outdoor plaza

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Meet the new chair of @umdgeology.bsky.social, Sarah Penniston-Dorland! Since joining the department, Sarah has held various leadership roles on and off campus and mentored over 40 students and postdocs. Read about Sarah's research on metamorphic rocks and more ➡️ go.umd.edu/penniston-dorland

Sarah Penniston-Dorland wearing glasses and a blue blazer

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Senior neuroscience major Seti Ouelega and her little sister wrote a book, "Marvelous Meghan: Our Big Sister," to raise #AutismAwareness. Learn how Seti's advocacy experience inspired her dream of becoming a neurosurgeon ➡️ go.umd.edu/ouelega

Marvelous Meghan: Our Big Sister book cover

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Computer science graduate Esha Singhai's next stop is Google's Associate Product Manager (APM) program! In this two-year rotational program, Esha hopes to work on consumer-facing products and further explore how tech integrates into our lives. #UMDgrad

Graphic that reads "NEXT STOP" in red text with a yellow arrow next to it. The text below reads "Google, Esha Singhai, B.S. '25, computer science. A photo on the right shows Esha wearing a white shirt standing in front of large windows in the Iribe Center lobby.

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

With #HurricaneSeason approaching, you may be wondering how tropical cyclones form—and how we can better predict these #SevereWeather events. ESSIC-UMD's Will Miller will answer your questions about tropical cyclones and meteorology in today's #RedditAMA, live from 1–3 p.m. ET ➡️ redd.it/1tniwzx

Will Miller standing in front of a window and a whiteboard with writing on it, holding a laptop promoting his Reddit AMA on May 26, 2026

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Astronomy grad Braden Marazzo-Nowicki's next stop is McGill's Physics Department, where he'll pursue a Ph.D. in astrophysics and research high-energy plasma accretion environments! During undergrad, Braden conducted research on #BlackHoles and volunteered for conservation efforts. #UMDgrad 🔭

Graphic that reads "NEXT STOP" in red text with a yellow arrow next to it. The text below reads "McGill Physics Graduate Program, Braden Marazzo-Nowicki, B.S. ‘26, astronomy. A photo on the right shows Braden wearing glasses, a T-shirt and a necklace

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

"Choose to be curious. Choose to be kind. Choose to be resilient. Choose to show up, even when it feels uncertain. And most importantly—choose boldly, because no version of you is final." Thanks to Raina Saraiya (B.S. '25, neuroscience) for sharing these wise words! #UMDgrad

A graduate standing at a clear lectern speaking into a microphone, with the platform party seated behind her

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

"The systems you design, the algorithms you write, the research you conduct—they affect people." "Think carefully always about who bears the consequences of your work, and design accordingly," said Andy Balo (B.S. '70, microbiology) in his address to graduating seniors. #UMDgrad

A man in a black cap and gown standing behind a clear lectern with a UMD seal on the front and a screen behind him

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

"Today, you join a global community of 60K #ScienceTerps who have dedicated their lives to advancing knowledge and improving the world around them," Dean Amitabh Varshney said to the 1,700+ graduating seniors at our Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony. #UMDgrad

Dean Amitabh Varshney standing behind a lectern under a large University of Maryland seal sign

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Tune in for our 2026 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony, starting soon at 9 a.m. ET! Watch the ceremony—including speeches from Andy Balo (B.S. '70, microbiology) and Raina Saraiya (B.S. '25, neuroscience)—on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@UMDscience

A group of graduates smiling and clapping

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

"One of the best things about #UMD’s graduate program is the training that you received in asking good questions..." "Curiosity is a match that sets off the fires of learning," NIH data strategy lead Susan Gregurick (Ph.D. '95, chemistry) advised our Ph.D. grads. #UMDgrad

A man in graduation regalia gives a black gift bag to a woman in graduation regalia in front of a CMNS gonfalon, Maryland state flag, and black curtain

Woman wearing glasses and UMD Ph.D. graduation regalia speaking into a mic at a lectern

Two people wearing Ph.D. regalia in front of white columns, smiling into the camera

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Pooja Guhan (Ph.D. '25, computer science) honored the advisors, family members and friends who supported today's graduates along their #PhDJourney. "No one does a Ph.D. in isolation. Behind every breakthrough is a village of people that holds the ladder while we reach for the unknown." #UMDgrad

Pooja Guhan wearing Ph.D. regalia, smiling, standing behind a lectern and speaking into a mic with the platform party seated behind her

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

"Your work lies at the heart of progress," Dean Amitabh Varshney exhorted today's 100+ Ph.D. graduates, "and that is exactly what society needs today." #UMDgrad

Side view of Dean Amitabh Varshney wearing graduation regalia and standing behind a lectern, with the platform party seated behind him and a red curtain behind them

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Congratulations to our 470+ master's and graduate certificate graduates 🎉🎓 Go Fearlessly Forward and show the world what it means to be a #ScienceTerp!

Two people in black and red graduation regalia shaking hands behind a lectern in front of a CMNS gonfalon and US and Maryland flags and a black drape

A group of 20-plus faculty members wearing graduation regalia posing for a group photo in a lecture hall

Dean Amitabh Varshney (left) shakes the hand of a graduate (right) as she crosses the stage

A graduate poses with his family on the steps of the Reckord Armory

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

"We stand here having accomplished something truly meaningful...every late night session, every challenge, and every moment of resilience brought you to this day," said Tauksik Anil Kumar (M.S. '26, data science). #UMDgrad

Tauksik Anil Kumar standing behind a lectern giving a speech, raising his fist in the air, with members of the platform party to the left and a CMNS gonfalon banner on the right

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

"You are a testament to the power of science, discovery and learning," Dean Amitabh Varshney said to our 470+ master’s and graduate certificate graduates today. "Here, you learned how to apply your knowledge to complex problems... and how to turn ideas into impact." #UMDgrad

View from the back of the graduate commencement ceremony, with the audience full of graduates in regalia and Dean Amitabh Varshney standing at the lectern speaking

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Our 2026 Doctoral Commencement Ceremony is starting soon at 10:30 a.m. ET! Watch the ceremony—featuring speeches from Susan Gregurick (Ph.D. '95, chemistry) and Pooja Guhan (Ph.D. '25, computer science)—on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@UMDscience #UMDgrad

An audience of people wearing doctoral graduation regalia smiling and clapping, with a black drape and a window in the background

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UMD Science @umdscience.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Tune in for our 2026 Master's and Graduate Certificate Commencement Ceremony today at 8 a.m. ET! Watch the ceremony—including a speech from Tauksik Anil Kumar (M.S. '26, data science)—on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@UMDscience

Dean Amitabh Varshney in regalia speaking on stage behind a podium, flanked by the platform party

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