Fall 2009

The Tweet Science

UMBC assistant professor of sociology Zeynep Tufekci investigates how we use Facebook, Twitter and other new social-networking services to define ourselves. By Joab Jackson ’90 Illustration by Michael Glenwood UMBC assistant professor of sociology Zeynep Tufekci is not a big fan of technology for its own sake. But if a new electronic gadget helps her get through the day more easily, she is all for it. Take the baby rocker, for instance. She loves this device. On a summer day at home on maternity leave, Tufekci replaces the hulking C batteries of a pendulous crib that gently rocks her seven-week-old… Continue Reading The Tweet Science

To You – Fall 2009

I am delighted that one of the features in this issue is written by John Strausbaugh ’74, interdisciplinary studies. Strausbaugh has had a successful career in journalism and cultural criticism, and is the author of a string of books that explore fascinating byways of American culture. But I’m particularly happy to have Strausbaugh in the magazine because I would not have launched my own career without his help. It’s a story that demonstrates the power that alumni have to mentor and shape the careers of those who follow after them. You might already have recognized the goofy face on the… Continue Reading To You – Fall 2009

Up On The Roof – Fall 2009

UMBC President Freeman A. Hrabowski, III takes your questions. Q. What book do you recommend that every young person read before they go out into the “real world?” — Shivonne L. Laird ’99, biological sciences A. Right now, I think it’s important for students to be constantly reading. And to read even more when they go into the real world, because life is changing in so many ways. Now if I were forced to choose a book, I would say Thomas Friedman’s Hot, Flat, and Crowded today. Because it focuses on the need for a green revolution, the impact of… Continue Reading Up On The Roof – Fall 2009

Venus, If You Will – Deborah Randall ’94, Theatre

Many theatre companies are born out of a mixture of inspiration and frustration. Take The Venus Theatre in Laurel, for instance. When its founder, Deborah Randall ’94, theatre, graduated from UMBC, she pursued a career as a playwright and a performer in Washington, D.C. Like many recent graduates, Randall had a desire to succeed in a challenging profession. But she also found some of the roles she played and the theatrical atmosphere that surrounded her to be stifling her creativity. She craved a theatre that valued women and living playwrights. Randall recalls UMBC theatre professor Wendy Salkind’s advice to her.… Continue Reading Venus, If You Will – Deborah Randall ’94, Theatre

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