Thank you for visiting Discover USG, the official news blog for The Universities at Shady Grove (USG). The Discover USG blog features news stories and guest posts from students, faculty, staff, program directors, and community members. We want you to have a voice and engage with us on the news and events that are happening at USG.
Hello everyone! My name is Swechchha Shrestha and I am a University of Maryland (UMD) junior, currently studying Information Science at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) campus.
The first time I heard of USG was through my involvement in the Achieving Collegiate Excellence and Success (ACES) program, and the first time I came to the campus was back in the summer of 2018. Even back then, I knew I wanted to come to USG for many reasons, such as location (USG being closer to home), small class sizes, diverse population, cost-savings, and more scholarship opportunities.
After graduating high school and enrolling in Montgomery College, I began researching majors and services offered at USG to prepare for transfer. I later applied and got accepted into the Terp Transfer Partnership (TTP) program, which helps transfer students with applications to UMD’s programs at USG and familiarizes them with USG resources. But for students looking to learn more about USG, one of the best places to learn about the campus and all of the programs offered here is their upcoming Open House.
USG’s spring Open House will be taking place on Saturday, May 4, from 10am to 2pm. All are welcome to come explore the bachelor’s and graduate degree programs offered by USG’s nine partner universities — all of which are top Maryland schools. During the Open House, attendees will be able to engage with program advisors and current students, receive personalized guidance on admissions, explore exclusive scholarships, and discover the extensive support services available to ensure their success. Attendees will also have the chance to learn about various pathway programs for MCPS students and exciting career readiness initiatives like “Hire U” designed to prepare students for a successful career post-graduation.
Any questions about programs and/or opportunities provided at USG are sure to get answered at the Open House! If you’re still not convinced about USG being a great option for transfer students or those pursuing graduate school, let me tell you a few more things that I love about USG…there are tons of extracurriculars, ways you can get involved and resources that have significantly enhanced my college experience.
I am involved in the USG Student Council, a blogger on USG’s Around the Grove student blog, and part of the Information Science Student Association. I also participate in the USG Leads Emerging Leadership Program, which helps students build their leadership skills. There are many of these types of organizations and programs that exist, but USG supports students who wish to create their own organizations as well.
USG also offers many resources through its centers and programming, including:
Even though I have only completed my first semester here, for me, USG feels like home. Everyone I have met at USG has been so supportive, encouraging, and friendly. Choosing to come to the USG campus has proven to be one of the best decisions I could have made.
So once again, as you think about your journey to a degree, I encourage you to take this opportunity to visit USG on Saturday, May 4, anytime between 10am and 2pm, so you too, can experience the amazing facilities and community that make up this campus!
By: Naz Beyranvand, Assistant Director and Jordan L. Edelin, Coordinator for Written and Oral Communication in The John and Effie Macklin Center for Leadership and Communication at USG
The Macklin Center for Leadership & Communication would like to congratulate our Public Speaking Program Fall 2023 graduates! Our USG student participants developed their oral communication abilities and leadership skills in an encouraging and supportive environment. The program began with participants selecting a public speaking skill they wished to improve upon such as making eye contact with the audience, projecting their voice to the back of the room, using gestures that match their speech, or slowing the pace of their speech.
With careful instruction, practice, and interactive exercises, students gained confidence in their public speaking abilities and made noticeable improvement during the Fall 2023 semester. In addition to building these skills, they learned to identify active listening techniques that helped them comprehend and evaluate speeches given by their peers.
“Embarking on the Macklin Public Speaking Program was an absolute game-changer for me. The comprehensive curriculum, led by Naz, a true expert, not only honed my communication skills but boosted my confidence exponentially.
The program’s dynamic blend of theory and practical application empowered me to craft compelling speeches, navigate diverse audiences, and master the art of persuasive communication. The supportive environment Naz created fostered a sense of camaraderie among peers, creating a space where learning felt engaging and collaborative.
Through personalized feedback and hands-on exercises, I discovered new areas of growth and improved aspects I previously struggled with. The Macklin Public Speaking Program has undoubtedly equipped me with invaluable skills essential for success in both my academic pursuits and future professional endeavors.
I wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone looking to refine their speaking abilities and unlock their full potential as a confident, articulate communicator!” ~ Testimony from Anastasiya Golikova, Translational Life Science Technology major at UMBC.
In each session, participants prepared a 1-2 minute speech to present to the group. They created and presented stellar elevator pitches and introductions. For every practice and speech they gave, they exercised their critical thinking skills which will help them not just in careers but everyday interactions. Our participants spoke passionately about what they loved, what inspired them, and what they wanted to see more of in the world.
“When I first started the Macklin Public Speaking Program, I was welcomed into a supportive and welcoming environment that consistently motivated me to grow and improve my public speaking abilities. I especially enjoyed that in each class, we had warm-ups that helped us prepare for each of our speeches and I especially liked how during these warm-ups, you had to think on your feet regardless of whether the speech we gave was factual or not.
I feel that I have grown throughout my time in the program. I am confident in my ability to not only give presentations or speeches in school but also in my ability to think critically on my feet, be aware of audience engagement, and expand on my vocabulary. I am grateful for the time and help I’ve received in the program, and I will keep improving my public speaking skills in the long run.
Thank you to you, Naz, and Jordan for supporting me throughout my time in the program!” From Ashley Morales, Criminal Justice and Criminology major at the University of Maryland, College Park. After going through the program, Ashley applied and was accepted into the USG Student Council as an Industry Hub Student Leader for Public Services, Education, & Social Science.
Please join us in congratulating our Macklin Public Speaking Program Fall 2023 graduates!
If you’ve been inspired by our graduates and want to improve your public speaking skills or practice speaking publicly, the Macklin Public Speaking Program application is currently open for the Spring 2024 semester.
Be on the lookout for our Public Speaking Program flyers around campus and in the USG Weekly newsletter. You can also find this and our other events in the Hire U app. If you have the chance, please stop by our Macklin Center in Building IV, Room 1322. We can’t wait to see you!
Re-post of sponsored content by Patrick Herron at The MoCo Show on November 6, 2023
In a world where technology evolves by the minute, the future belongs to those who dare to dream, innovate, and break barriers. This past summer, the University of Maryland, College Park’s A. James Clark School of Engineering’s Cyber-Physical Systems Engineering (CPSE) program unveiled their inaugural “Jumpstart your Engineering Career ” summer program. The Jumpstart program was a five-week open application summer initiative that encouraged engagement from Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) students and Montgomery College (MC) community college students over the summer. This program was designed to give students a sneak peak into the field of Cyber-Physical Systems Engineering and provided insight into the hands-on learning environment students would experience if they were to join the CPSE program located at the Universities at Shady Grove.
Students were divided into groups based on their interests and unique skills (software, microelectronics, coding, programming, etc.). Each group’s goal was to identify a problem in their lives, environment, or society, and make a prototype to help resolve that problem. In those five weeks, the students conceived projects, designs, and future solutions. They received access to real-time training and technology in electronics, mechanical 3-D drawing and printing, C-programming, python, computer vision, machine learning, and MQTT protocols used throughout the internet of things. As a result of this hands-on approach, students produced working prototypes within a short timeframe that with slight modification could be scaled commercially.
Twenty-four students were accepted into the Jumpstart Summer Program, and out of those twenty-four students, only three were young women. These women in STEM included Monica Escalante, Sushma Katta, and Abigail Zhang. At time of writing, Monica was a rising sophomore at Montgomery College. Her interests included studying complex math and science. Sushma, a rising junior from Richard Montgomery, got into STEM at a young age, learning how various gadgets worked and the many ways they could be assembled. Abigail, a rising senior from Winston Churchill High School, hopes to further her studies in the field of electrical engineering. Abigail also mentioned that growing up, she always valued STEM initiatives. As she gets older, she hopes to take more hands-on technology courses, like those offered through the UMD CPSE program.
The road for these young women in STEM wasn’t without its challenges. Growing up, they often found themselves the only female presence on various teams, struggling to make their voices heard in male-dominated environments. Doubts were cast upon their abilities, but those doubts only fueled their determination to rise above it all and prove others wrong.
The prototype that the girls made with their team member, Zaydan Remtulla, was called the “Transplant (Translate for Plants) Automated Horticulture Maintenance System,” which used an array of various sensors to detect the health of plants as actuators were used to mitigate less than ideal growing conditions. These sensors and actuators ensured that the plants received adequate light, water, and nutrients. Also included was a camera to monitor the plants and the development of a communication app. These future engineers specifically wanted to make this prototype because they often forget to water their own plants and wanted to know how much water their plants truly needed to autonomously prosper.
At the end of the UMD Jumpstart summer program, these women and their Transplant system had won first place in the program’s first-ever prototype competition. This group wanted to remind other women in STEM that “girls do rule!”. And through dedication, passion, and belief in yourself, anything is possible. Way to go to Monica, Sushma, Abigail, and Zaydan!
This program is a great option for Montgomery College graduates looking to transfer. It equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to not just survive but thrive in a competitive field. If you or someone you know is interested, whether they’re looking for a job in industry or to further their education, the CPSE program provides the knowledge and skills needed to succeed.
Interested in learning more? Visit: https://shadygrove.ece.umd.edu and find them on social media @umdcpse
By: Erin Fernandez, Space & Scheduling Manager, Facilities Management, The Universities at Shady Grove (USG)
The last time I drove a box truck was over a decade ago, when I moved from Georgia to DC after grad school for my first professional job. Recently I found myself asking, how hard can it be — just like riding a bike, right?
So there I was one afternoon, picking up a 15’ truck to deliver 15 wood study carrels to public schools throughout Maryland. The Priddy Library at USG had recently reconfigured its study zones after research suggested students prefer to use furniture that is mobile, allowing them the flexibility to go back and forth between independent and collaborative work. This trend is prevalent in the classroom environment as well, with modular tables that seat groupings of 3 to 6 becoming much more popular than individual desks.
Now that the library had new furniture, Facilities needed to dispose of the study carrels — a process that can be more daunting than it seems. We are required to give right of first refusal to Terrapin Trader, the University of Maryland’s surplus property operation. If TerpTrader cannot resell the items, we are able to donate to a nonprofit organization.
Furniture is often referred to as the forgotten waste stream because it’s generated less frequently than other waste. However, it is very difficult to dispose of responsibly. It’s often made of material that is challenging to recycle – a single piece may combine metal and plastic which cannot be separated. Or wood pieces may actually be made of a composite, which has lots of little pieces of wood held together with glues and other chemicals. If we can’t recycle it, where does it go? The EPA tracks the disposal of durable goods. In 2018, the last year for which data is available, Americans generated 12 million tons of furniture waste. Eighty percent went to a landfill. Office furniture is actually the primary source of furniture waste, equaling 8.5 million tons of waste per year.
Further complicating this issue at the state level, is the Climate Solutions Now Act which was passed in 2022. Importantly, the Act requires the State to establish a net-zero statewide greenhouse gas emissions goal by 2045. A study by the Furniture Industry Research Association found that the average piece of home furniture generated the same amount of greenhouse gas as burning 5.3 gallons of oil. The study also claims that a building’s interior FFE (Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment) can be responsible for the same, if not more, carbon footprint as the building structure.
When we combine our legal obligations under Climate Solutions Now with USG’s commitment to sustainability, it becomes clear that we have to take action on a number of fronts. It’s not enough to recycle paper or glass; it’s composting, recycling electronics and metals, lowering utilities, buying carbon offsets, and finding new homes for every piece of furniture that crosses our threshold.
Ultimately, we donated 18 study carrels to five nonprofit organizations around the region, including the Dominican Theological Library, Ernest Everett Just Middle School Library, Oxon Hill Elementary Library, and the Spring Grove Hospital Center Patient Library.
We all have to do our part to reduce our impact on the environment. My contribution was spending a day delivering furniture to communities in need. It wasn’t quite as easy as riding a bike, but it still made a big difference.
I recently had the pleasure of attending the Equity Incubator Rocket Pitch Competition hosted by the Universities at Shady Grove’s (USG) Entrepreneurship Lab on March 29th, and I must say, it was quite an event! The competition featured groups of entrepreneurs who had been working together for eight weeks to develop and refine their business ideas, culminating in a final pitch to three judges who included Mike Priddy, Cathy Bernard, and MaryAnn Mayhew.
The energy in the room was fun and exciting and led by Equity Incubator Program Professor, Le Marie Vanessa Joan Thompson. Each group was given one minute to take their turn at the front of the room, confidently presenting their ideas with passion and conviction. The judges listened intently, and then had one minute to ask thoughtful questions and provide valuable feedback.
The judges have the difficult task of selecting just five groups to move on to the next stage of the competition. The stakes are high, with the winning group set to receive a $10,000 prize to help bring their business idea to life.
But even for those who don’t make it to the final round, there is still plenty to celebrate. Everyone worked hard to create something meaningful and contribute to a great event. The evening was full of positive energy, and attendees were treated to delicious coffee and pastries provided by Jaliyaa Coffee, a previous Equity Incubator participant.
Overall, the Equity Incubator Rocket Pitch Competition was an inspiring showcase of the power of entrepreneurship and innovation. It was clear that each group had put in a tremendous amount of effort and dedication to develop their ideas, and I have no doubt that many of them will go on to achieve great success in the future.
While in attendance, I took a number of photos in support of USG as part of my current internship with the Marketing and Communications team on campus. You can check out photos from the Rocket Pitch here on USG’s Flickr account.
Next up, is the Equity Incubator Showcase, happening on April 19th from 5:30pm to 8:00pm. The five teams will convene again to compete for the $10,000 grand prize. I hope to see you there as well!
By: Melany Claros
Hello USG community! My name is Melany Claros and I am a Junior at the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG). I am a Marketing major in UMD’s Robert H. Smith School, and minoring in Technology Entrepreneurship & Corporate Innovation.
On behalf of USG and my fellow Student Ambassadors, we are thrilled to invite you to join us for our Undergraduate & Graduate Open House on Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 10am-1pm. Whether you are a high school student interested in a program from one of the nine Maryland universities at USG, a parent looking to support your child’s education, someone interested in completing a bachelor’s degree after two years of community college (or at another institution), or maybe you are seeking a graduate-level education — our open house is the perfect opportunity to see all that USG has to offer.
Before diving into the nitty gritty of the event, let’s learn some more about our campus. USG is a full-service campus located in Rockville, Maryland that offers select degree programs from nine Maryland universities. Students apply directly to the university offering their major, but on their application, they choose USG as their preferred campus location. Students still get the same professors, curriculum, and degree as if they went to the institution’s main campus, and a very important point: it won’t say USG on your diploma at all — this is a very common question we get!
So for me, when I graduate, my diploma will indicate that I earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, College Park. Another detail that is important to understand about USG is that at the undergraduate-level, only junior and senior year courses are offered, which means that students must complete their lower-level prerequisites for their desired major prior to transfer. Students choose USG over the main campus for a variety of reasons, but the big draws are the significant cost-savings (by following the MCPS > MC > USG pathway), location (for many, the campus is closer to work and/or home), the small class sizes (which enables students to get to know classmates and professors better), the additional scholarship opportunities (which can be awarded by your university, as well as USG), the diverse student population and the personalized student services.
Now that you’re an expert on what USG is, how to apply to a program, and why you should consider being a student on our campus, let’s learn about the fun that’s awaiting you on May 6 at the Open House!
During your time with us, from 10 a.m. -1 p.m. that day, all open house attendees will be able to meet with program advisors from each of the career-focused undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered on our campus; receive personalized next steps in the application and admission process for your program(s) of interest; tour campus and hear about student life directly from Students Ambassadors (that’s me!); explore scholarship opportunities exclusive to students at USG; learn about USG’s customized academic, career, and personal support services; and apply on-site and/or receive application fee waivers for select degree programs.
Last year, I had the privilege of working with my fellow Student Ambassadors at the fall Open House and it was one of the most rewarding days of my life. I am excited to be part of it again on May 6! I felt exceptionally empowered guiding the students and their parents on campus tours, info sessions, and answering any questions they had. I also had the opportunity to speak with many parents that only spoke Spanish, and it was motivating to see how these parents are truly the backbone of their children’s dreams. As a first generation college student, I feel honored to be able to guide other first-gen Latin students in pursuing their goals.
As you plan for your visit, I’d like to offer a few helpful tips to make your open house experience a productive and memorable one:
To learn more about USG and our Open House on May 6, visit shadygrove.umd.edu/open house, and don’t forget to pre-register to save time at the door. Friends and family are welcome to attend. We can’t wait to see you!
I first heard about the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) through my brother, who attended the campus in 2019. However, it wasn’t until a University of Maryland, College Park (UMD)Communication Program at USG advisor visited one of my classes at Montgomery College (MC) that I really learned about everything the campus had to offer. Prior to MC, I had also briefly attended Bethany College in West Virginia for a year in an attempt to continue my athletic and educational career after high school.
When COVID-19 hit in early 2020, it really allowed me to take a step back and think through what I wanted to do with my life. In high school and college, I had always had a passion and interest in writing, journalism and public relations. I eventually realized that a degree in communications could be a great fit for me, and I was pleased to find that the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) offered their communications program at USG. I knew from the moment I began learning more about USG that I wanted to attend the campus based on the campus size, student to professor ratio, and distance, as it was only a 10-minute commute from my home. So, after contacting the program advisor for UMD’s communication program at USG, I figured out exactly how many more credits and which classes I still needed at MC to make the transfer, and I was accepted into the program in the Spring of 2021.
Due to the pandemic, my very first semester at USG was virtual, so it wasn’t until the fall that I was actually able to meet my professors and peers in person. Prior to USG, I was always one of those students who would come to campus and leave as soon as my classes were over. However, through my time at USG, I had fallen in love with the campus and the close-knit community it offered. By the Spring of 2022, I was catching myself spending hours in the breakout rooms in the Biomedical Sciences and Engineering (BSE) Building, which was by far one of my favorite features about the campus. Whether it would be studying for finals, writing a paper or just hanging with friends, you could always catch me there after classes!
I also had the honor of interning with USG’s Marketing and Communications department on campus. Here, I created and edited content for USG’s website and social media channels, provided on-site support for events on campus, assisted with photography or video-capturing, and more. This showed me firsthand how tasks are handled from an organization’s standpoint, and I am extremely appreciative for the opportunity and the connections I was able to make.
I graduated in December of 2022, and before I enter the real world, I’ve decided to take a break and travel to Spain. Ever since I can remember, school has been my entire life, something that has always been creeping around the corner come summer or winter time. And while it does feel awfully weird not having a specific path for once, I could not be more excited for what’s to come. I am forever grateful for USG and the endless opportunities it has presented to me, as well as allowing me to call a campus my home.
It’s internship application time! That time in the school year when you’re not only finishing up schoolwork for the semester but also looking and applying for internships.
My name is Millena Prather and I was in your shoes a year ago. I was a junior at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), looking for internships that involved Social Work or Psychology since I’m majoring in both. It never occurred to me to do a fellowship involving public interest communications. However, when I learned about the Karel Fellowship, I knew I had to apply immediately. The Karel Fellowship is a two-month-long paid internship that includes paid housing and travel. It allows students to advance social justice with an organization that matches their interests and major.
When applying for the Karel Fellowship, I had to do two applications. One just for students at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) and the general application which is open to everyone across the USA. The USG application consisted of five essay questions, a resume submission and eligibility questions. In order to be eligible for the Karel Fellowship, applicants must either be a BIPOC and/or a first-generation student, as well as continuing school in the fall after the internship. The USG application is there so that the USG Career and Internship Services Center and the Macklin Center for Academic Success can help students edit their resume and essay questions before they submit the general application for the program. It also allows USG staff to pick finalists for the USG spot in the Karel Fellowship. When it came time to complete the general application, it was incredibly straightforward because all I had to do was submit the same materials as I did for the USG application.
Once that was all done, I learned a few weeks later that I was a finalist for the general application. I was so excited and proud of myself. I immediately scheduled a practice interview with the Career and Internship Services Center on campus, so when it came time to do my interview, I was fully prepared.
My interview was nerve-wracking, but thinking back on it, it wasn’t that hard. They asked me typical interview questions as well as questions like “Why did you apply for this fellowship?” and “How have you used social media to advance social justice?” A week to two weeks later, I received a call from the head of the fellowship. At first, I didn’t pick up the phone because I didn’t have the number saved, but when I listened to the voicemail, I called back immediately. After our conversation, I cried, hugged my friend, and called my mom. I got the sole USG spot for the fellowship!
During my time in the program, I stayed and worked in D.C., on various projects for Mary’s Center, a healthcare organization that provides healthcare, education, and social services for the public. I worked on a breastfeeding social media campaign for National Black Breastfeeding Week and researched different prenatal clinics, hospitals, schools, etc. for their Prenatal Symposium. I also worked on various other projects for the fellowship. Everyone has to do one presentation a few weeks into the program on their host organization, as well as an end-of-the-year presentation on a topic that connects back to their host organization. We also were required to write two blog posts.
But my time in D.C. wasn’t all work! I got to know my cohort since we all lived in the same dorm together right near the Lincoln Memorial! We would make dinner together, go out dancing, go grocery shopping, and visit museums.
If I could go back, I wouldn’t change a thing. I loved being involved in the Karel Fellowship, made lifelong connections, and gained invaluable experiences that I’ll never forget.
If you’re interested in the Karel Fellowship for next year, the application is currently open! Go to shadygrove.umd.edu/student-services/CISC/student-services/CISC/2023Karel and apply by Tuesday, January 31, 2023!
The Universities at Shady Grove (USG) is a second home to me, and if I were to explain all the positive experiences the campus provided me, this blog post would go on forever. So, I will limit the list of my positive experiences to just a few.
First, I received a quality education through the University of Maryland, College Park’s Criminology and Criminal Justice (CCJS) program at USG which enhanced my passion for juvenile justice. The classes I took on juvenile delinquency, criminal investigations, domestic violence, and many others, provided me with a practical and theoretical framework of the criminal justice system. I thoroughly enjoyed my program not only because the material was intriguing, but because I was learning from local defense attorneys, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers; all of whom helped me develop my own understanding of what justice is.
Second, as a former undergraduate student and current graduate student, I understand the stress that comes along with academics. But in the moments when things got challenging, I found comfort in knowing I was not alone. My study squad in undergrad were there to lean on for support, study sessions in the library, and most importantly, encouragement. But it was not just the friends in my program that provided this support. My peers in other programs and I would send each other internships and job postings related to our respective fields of interest. Now, USG is not solely a place to take classes and leave. No, USG is a place where my friends and I stayed late on campus to attend events (with free food!). USG is a place where students celebrate diversity at events such as International Night and give back to the community by volunteering at mobile market food distribution events. USG helped me develop lifelong relationships and a community right here in Montgomery County.
Lastly, and most importantly, USG gave me the opportunity to become a leader as a Student Ambassador, a role that I came back to hold now as a graduate student. As someone who once feared public speaking, I now find myself standing before large groups at events, such as the USG Open House, and giving tours of the campus. I watch as parents grin when they learn about the wide range of scholarship opportunities that are available for students. I get to see students’ eyes light up as they learn about their programs, student life, and begin to envision themselves at USG. These are experiences that make me feel fulfilled, knowing that I am able to help students for whom college may have once seemed far-fetched, with the realization that their dreams can be achieved. I can attest there is no greater feeling than this.
Now, there is so much more that I could say about USG, but I had promised to keep this short. I am glad to be back at USG and learn with and from my social work classmates and professors who are passionate about social justice and dedicated to creating positive change in Maryland. USG has created a community that cares. A community that students each day get to walk into where they feel valued, supported, and a part of a family. USG to me, and to many students, is more than just a campus. USG is home.
The USG Open House will provide high school through graduate-level attendees a chance to explore all degree programs offered at USG from our 9 partner universities, as well as learn about scholarships, take campus tours, explore student life, and get customized next steps. More information and registration can be found at shadygrove.umd.edu/openhouse.
About Millicent Sasu
Millicent Sasu graduated from Clarksburg High School in 2016, obtained her Associates degree from Montgomery College in 2018, and attended the University of Maryland, College Park at USG where she graduated in May 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Currently, she is a dual JD/MSW student, entering her second year at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law and completing the first year of her Masters in Social Work (MSW) program with the University of Maryland, Baltimore at USG. She plans on pursuing a career as a juvenile defense attorney and supporting children and families impacted by the criminal justice system.
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