Science In A Shell: The UMD college of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences Newsletter

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University of Maryland > Fearlessly Forward

December 2025

Champion of “Computing for All” Honored with a Named Space at UMD

A gift from alum Brendan Iribe named a student lounge in honor of Computer Science’s Jandelyn Plane. Read More »

Senior Dhruvak Mirani Awarded Prestigious Marshall Scholarship

The dual-degree student in computer science and international relations plans to pursue master’s degrees in global security and cybersecurity. Read More »

Physics’ Maissam Barkeshli Selected for Prestigious Simons Collaboration to Study Inner Workings of Artificial Intelligence

His specialized research in quantum emergence will guide his approach to investigating mechanisms underlying AI and machine learning. Read More »

Building Better Tools for Brain Chemistry

Chemistry and Biochemistry’s Ling Hao is on a quest to decode the molecular changes that cause neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Read More »

‘Free-Range’ Dinosaur Parenting May Have Created Surprisingly Diverse Ancient Ecosystems

A study by Geology’s Thomas Holtz suggests that dinosaur parenting strategy fundamentally reshaped the Mesozoic world, with “latchkey kid dinosaurs” filling ecological niches their parents did not. Read More »

Physics’ Sylvester James Gates Jr. Receives 2025 Barry Prize, Named Fellow of the American Mathematical Society and African Academy of Sciences

The Barry Prize honors scholars who have “made outstanding contributions to humanity’s knowledge, appreciation, and cultivation of the good, the true, and the beautiful.” Read More »

New Molecules Capture, Contain and Clear Neuromuscular Blocking Agents

Chemistry and Biochemistry’s Lyle Isaacs and his team developed “molecular containers” that can trap anesthetic drugs and flush them from the body, speeding up patient recovery and improving hospital efficiency. Read More »

In The News

Astronomy’s Ben Sharkey on Earth’s Many Moons [National Geographic]

Entomology’s Daniel Gruner on Whether it’s Time for a New Era in Invasive Species Control? [Undark]

Maryland Mesonet Featured on Outdoors Maryland [PBS]

Entomology’s Mike Raupp Talks about Maryland’s Champion Trees [PBS]

Biology’s Sean Carroll on Evolution of New Species, Venom, Wings and More [NOVA Presents]

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