News

Alumni Spotlight: Parker Vogel ’24

By: Bruna de Padua Photo Credit: Parker Vogel When Parker Vogel first arrived at UMBC, he had a completely different major and career path in mind. He started out in Mechanical Engineering...

Posted: February 18, 2026, 11:56 AM

Guiding the Next Generation of Media Makers

Prof Anchor on creativity and critical thinking

By: Michelle Lopez Photo Credit: Rahne Alexander Meet Kristen Anchor, an Associate Teaching Professor in UMBC's Media and Communication Studies Department. Her artistic and professional...

Posted: February 18, 2026, 11:41 AM

Prof Anchor wears a grey sweater and stands in front of a brown forrest.

The Many Paths of MCS Alum Nick Elza

Winding journey of an MCS alum shaped by film and healing

By: Mika Lopena Photo Credit: Mika Lopena No two career paths unfold the same way, and for UMBC MCS alum Nick Elza '24, the path toward his degree was shaped by self-discovery and a lifelong...

Posted: February 18, 2026, 11:27 AM

Nick stands in front of a yellow wall looking at the camera, wearing a black shirt.

Meeting Grace Cavanagh

Finding Her Voice in Media and Communication Studies

By: Jacey Lizer Photo Credit: Jacey Lizer  Meeting Grace Cavanagh, she is calm and confident, she's found herself at UMBC. Now a senior, she is moving through a story of rediscovery, academics,...

Posted: February 17, 2026, 5:25 PM

A woman with long red hair wearing a black shirt stands in front of an off-white wall, smiling.

How to Prepare a Social Science/Humanities Literature Review

today at 3pm!

The AOK Library Gallery is once again offering a series of workshops for graduate students.  See the attached flyer for details.   TODAY How to Prepare a Social Science/Humanities Literature...

Posted: February 17, 2026, 11:41 AM

Zion Murphy: MCS Grad to Filmmaker & Educator

Creative filmmaking through passion, purpose, and community

By: Bryan Dang Photo Credit: Zion Murphy  Meet Zion Murphy, he is a man of many things. A filmmaker, cultural worker, and educator, you immediately get the feeling that every part of his life...

Posted: February 16, 2026, 1:42 PM

Zion stands behind a professional camera, adjusting the lens. He has a towel draped on his head.

Introducing Dr. Holly Avella to UMBC!

Blending psychology & media to rethink digital life

By: Jacey Lizer Photo Credit: Holly Avella Meet Dr. Holly Avella, the newest addition to UMBC's Media and Communication Studies department! She works effortlessly to bridge psychology,...

Posted: February 16, 2026, 1:36 PM

Dr. Avella grins looks directly at the camera in front of a grey textured wall.

Following the Heart: Professor Huang’s Journey

From Taiwan to UMBC, a filmmaker’s path of creative courage

By: Mika Lopena Photo Credit: Chung Wei Huang No creative journey looks the same between two people, and Professor Chung Wei Huang is no exception. Growing up in a small but lively town in...

Posted: February 16, 2026, 1:28 PM

Professor Huang stands in front of a brick wall, smiling, and wearing a blue shirt.

Archaeological Fieldwork in Greece - Summer 2026

ARCH 397 Academic Credit Available

Preliminary Briefing Open to All UMBC Students Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 12–1 p.m. (the "free period") PAHB 441 For more information, see kocecola.umbc.edu Prof. Michael Lane (mflane@umbc.edu)

Posted: February 16, 2026, 8:47 AM