The Synapse
Updates from the Sciences at Loyola University Maryland
President Terry Sawyer
Provost Cheryl Moore-Thomas
Dr. Kim Cobb
Q and A
STEM Students Visit IMET!
Students were given an overview of the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET), including its research and the environmental and economic implications of its work. Tours of the Chatterjee and Chen labs followed the overview. The Chatterjee lab studies the fundamental biological principles that lead to Staphylococcus aureus infections, while the Chen lab focuses on the diversity and function of microorganisms and their ecological role in the marine ecosystem. Students were presented with tangible research from lab graduate assistants, receiving first-hand accounts and examples of the work.
IMET’s Aquaculture Research Center (ARC) tour offered Loyola’s students a look into IMET’s efforts towards sustainability. They saw a behind-the-scenes look at the completely contained, recirculating operation with large-scale mechanical and biological filtration and life support systems that enable safe and efficient re-use of tank water. The visit was capped by an overview of their internship opportunities and application process.
The activity was led by Mr. Douglas Jones of the Rizzo Career Center and Dr. Elizabeth Dahl of the Environmental Science and Studies Program. It was participated in by 22 students enrolled in CH201: Quantitative Analysis.
Department of Mathematics and Statistics Colloquium
Join us for a lecture on Real data-driven survival modeling for cancer prognostics: A comparative study with machine learning and traditional survival modeling methods by Dr. Malinda Iluppangama, Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Loyola University Maryland, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Knott Hall B03, 3:00 P.M.
Abstract
This investigation delves into the potential application of data-driven survival modeling approaches for prognostic assessments of cancer survival. The primary objective is to evaluate and compare the ability of machine learning (ML) models and conventional survival analysis techniques, to identify consistent key predictors of cancer survival outcomes. This study employs real data-driven survival modeling approaches to predict cancer survival, including survival-specific methods such as the Cox Proportional Hazards (CPH) model, Random Survival Forests (RSF), and Cox Proportional Deep Neural Networks (DeepSurv). To ensure interpretability across all models, the Shapley Additive Explanation (SHAP) method was applied to RSF and DeepSurv. This enabled the identification of key predictors influencing cancer survival, highlighting consistent factors across models while uncovering unique insights specific to each approach. The performance of survival-specific models was evaluated using the Concordance index (C-index), Integrated Brier Score (IBS), mean accuracy, and mean AUC..
This talk is geared towards students. Refreshments will be served. Contact: Prof. Sudeshna Basu
Apply for 2026 DAAD-Rise Summer STEM Research Internships in Germany!
The Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE) Germany program offers undergraduate students from North America the opportunity to participate in summer research internships at top German universities and research institutions. The program allows undergraduates to gain both international and research experience during the summer. In addition to valuable research experience, interns receive a three-month stipend to help cover the costs of living expenses, assistance with finding housing, and immersion in the German culture. Students interested in applying should visit the DAAD-RISE site for additional details.
Internships are available in all areas of STEM and can be found at top German Universities/Research Institutions across Germany. This year, there are almost 500 internship project opportunities from which to choose, and the application process is fairly straightforward. Interested students will need to submit: a certificate of enrollment, an official transcript, one letter of recommendation from a STEM professor, a CV, and one motivation letter for each research project opportunity for which the student would like to apply (up to three). Applications are due November 30 (letter of recommendation due December 14).
Interested students should contact Dr. Theresa Geiman (tmgeiman@loyola.edu for questions, assistance with the application, or to receive feedback on motivation letters and CVs. Additionally, students may contact the National Fellowships Director, Dr. Teresa Ryan (tmryan@loyola.edu), for questions on the program and assistance with submission. Students should aim to submit materials before the Thanksgiving break. Interested students should also start immediately by requesting the transcript, certificate of enrollment, and a letter of recommendation as these items are dependent on university faculty and offices.
Loyola students have had success in participating in the DAAD-RISE program in the past and we hope you consider applying for this competitive international STEM research opportunity.
Experience something new this semester! Learn a new skill! Do it all for the plot! Be sure to register by close of the day before classes to receive Zoom link.
If you attend 5 LNDL Side Quest events this semester (all pop-up classes are eligible!) you could win a $50 Ekiben gift card! Pick up a Side Quest punch card at the library’s help desk today!
If you have any questions, ideas for potential pop-up classes, or would like to teach a future class, contact Clara Love at cmlove@loyola.edu.
Register for the MS Data Science Virtual Info Session on Wednesday, November 19th!
Join us for an upcoming information session to learn more about Loyola University Maryland's Online Graduate Data Science program. The academic program director and the director of program operations will be present to answer your questions regarding program formats, application requirements, and the admission process.
By attending any of our information sessions, you can save yourself from paying the $60 graduate application fee.
Join us and explore the opportunities that await you! Please register here.
Donnelly Science Center Addition & Construction Livestream
The Donnelly Science Center has been the hub for Loyola’s science programs since 1978. As part of the University’s strategic plan Together We Rise: Loyola University Maryland's Strategic Plan for 2030, we aim at enhancing our STEM offerings, thus, university is making significant investments to strengthen STEM and health programs including extensive renovation and expansion of Donnelly Science Center.
More info and to view the Donnelly Science Center Addition & Construction Livestream.
Interested to support our Growth: To learn about making a gift to the Donnelly Science Center project, contact Mary Lineburger, '99, assistant vice president for major gifts, at mlmazzuca@loyola.edu or 410-617-2797.