The Synapse
Updates from the Sciences at Loyola University Maryland
November 2023| Issue 61
In this edition of The Synapse, the Natural and Applied Sciences (NAS) newsletter for November, we showcase key annual events that took place earlier this month, such as the Grand Seminar, the NAS Alumni Award, and the Hauber Fellows poster presentation. The newsletter also features a link to the Grand Seminar lecture. We extend our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for the tremendous support received for the Grand Seminar, with over 650 individuals registering and participating either online or in person.
Share your news, photos, inspiring stories, and upcoming events for a future issue. Please send any feature suggestions to Sciences@loyola.edu
Key Moments from Loyola University Maryland's 2023 Grand Seminar
On November 7, Loyola University Maryland's annual Grand Seminar, hosted by the academic division of Natural and Applied Sciences, featured Dr. Adam Phillippy, a distinguished 2002 Loyola graduate and one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People of 2022. Dr. Phillippy, now serving as Senior Investigator at the National Human Genome Research Institute, delivered a compelling lecture titled "Life's Code: The 30-year Quest to Read the Human Genome," delving into the intricacies of the extended effort to unravel the mysteries of the human genome.
The evening began with the presentation of the NAS Alumni Award to Christopher Miller, a '90 graduate and Vice President of Biometrics for Respiratory and immunology at AstraZeneca. The ceremony highlighted research conducted by fellows in Loyola's Hauber Research program, emphasizing the university's commitment to cultivating a culture of research and exploration among its talented students. The showcased posters reflected collaborative initiatives involving Loyola students and faculty from diverse NAS-supported programs, such as biology, biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, data science, engineering, forensic science, mathematical and statistical science, and physics.
Since its establishment in 2011, the Grand Seminar has consistently stood as a beacon of knowledge, actively engaging Loyola students and providing an enriching experience for the broader community. The event serves as a reliable platform for intellectual exchange and the celebration of academic excellence.
Link to the 2023 Grand Seminar Video Recording:
Grand Seminar 2023: Life’s code: the 30-year quest to read the human genome - YouTube
Links to the 2023 Grand Seminar on the Social Media:
The 2023 NAS Distinguished Alumni Award was Presented to Chris Miller
During the prelude to the Grand Seminar, the 2023 NAS Distinguished Alumni Award was bestowed upon Chris Miller, a luminary in the pharmaceutical and research domains. Currently holding the esteemed position of Vice President of Biometrics for Respiratory and Immunology in Late-Stage Research and Development at AstraZeneca, Chris is recognized as a distinguished professional with deep roots at Loyola. His father's longstanding tenure as the chair of the Chemistry department further ties him to the institution.
Chris Miller's association with Loyola extends to his early years as a Hauber research fellow, a program initiated in 1988. Under the mentorship of Dr. Morrell, he delved into groundbreaking research. Presently, Chris leads a global team of top-tier scientists, harmonizing their expertise in statistics, statistical programming, and information science. His pivotal role in AstraZeneca's governing bodies for both Early- and Late-Stage R&D underscores his commitment to upholding the highest standards of rigor in clinical program design, interpretation, and success probability assessment.
The presentation of the 2023 NAS Alumni Award to Chris Miller was met with immense pride and excitement. As a distinguished alum, Chris remains actively engaged with the campus, offering generous support to Loyola University and Loyola College. Beyond his leadership role at AstraZeneca, he embodies dedication, expertise, and mentorship, inspiring those around him to reach greater heights in drug development. Chris's enduring connection to Loyola is evident through his service on the Board of Advisors for LCAS and his family's historical ties to the institution, showcasing a spirit of generosity and commitment.
"Capture The Future 23" Cybersecurity Hackathon Hosted by Loyola CS department
Loyola University Maryland's Computer Science Department, in collaboration with Emagine IT, hosted the highly anticipated "Capture The Future 23" Cybersecurity Hackathon on November 11, 2023, at the vibrant Loyola University Graduate Campus in Timonium, MD. The event witnessed an impressive turnout, with over 65 students hailing from 9 universities: Capitol Technology University, George Mason University, Loyola University, Morgan State University, Penn State University, Towson University, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, University of Maryland College Park, and UMGC - University of Maryland Global Campus.
The day commenced with engaging speeches by industry experts: the insightful Travis 'JT' Dill, Founder of CyberVets.org; Gabe Pearson, Senior Cyber Security Analyst at T. Rowe Price; Thomas Schankweler, Director Division of Cyber Threat and Security Operations at Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; and Major Michael Kranch, Cyber Operations Officer for the U.S. Army. These talks not only provided valuable perspectives but also fueled the participants' enthusiasm for delving into the complexities of the cybersecurity landscape. At 10:30 am, the main event kicked off, unleashing a whirlwind of creativity and problem-solving that persisted until 4:30 pm.
Loyola University's teams left an indelible mark on the competition, securing noteworthy positions – an impressive 4th, 8th, 10th, and an honorable mention of 13th, achieved by a team of freshmen displaying exceptional skills despite their limited experience. This commendable performance reflects the dedication and talent embedded within Loyola's cybersecurity enthusiasts.
A hearty congratulations is extended to Loyola University's CyberHounds for their stellar representation and success. This inaugural hackathon not only showcased the prowess of participating universities but also laid the groundwork for future editions, promising continued advancements in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity. The event stands as a testament to the university's commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration within the tech community.
Congratulations to the Computer Science and Engineering Departments for their outstanding performance in the ABET accreditation review. While the official decision on the reaccreditation of Computer Science by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) and Engineering by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) is set to be announced next August, our faculty can take pride in the exceptional quality of their programs. A special acknowledgment goes to Dr. Raenita Fenner (Engineering Department Chair) and Dr. Robert Bailey (Engineering ABET lead faculty), as well as Dr. Sibren Isaacman (CS Department Chair) and Dr. David Binkley (CS Department lead faculty) for their leadership in preparing for and managing the ABET visit for their respective departments. The faculty's dedication to supporting student success through High Impact Practices (HIPs) in teaching and learning, combined with their professional approach, underscores the commitment of both departments to providing a high-quality educational experience for Loyola University students.
Forensic Science Department Open House - Friday, November 17
The Department of Forensic Science is hosting an open house on Friday, November 17th from 11 AM to 1 PM in Newman Towers West, Room 105. The department will be offering tours of the program spaces and offer light refreshments.
Note: The building does require swipe access. However, you can enter via the entrance to Iggy's and then go up one flight to West Towers. If you need access to the department, please call x2057 or x2642 when you arrive.
Annular Solar Eclipse Experience at Loyola University
SCIENCE & ENGINEERING INDICATORS
Between 2012 and 2021, the number of science and engineering awards in U.S. postsecondary institutions increased across all degree levels, reflecting positive trends in the enrollment of Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino STEM majors—groups historically underrepresented in Science and Engineering degree programs. However, American Indian, or Alaska Native students, another historically underrepresented group, experienced a decline in the number of science and engineering degrees awarded in 2021 compared to 2012. These trends and more are detailed in the Higher Education in Science and Engineering report. The National Science Board released this report on November 16, 2023, as part of the 2024 congressionally mandated Science and Engineering Indicators suite of products, providing an assessment of the state of the U.S. science and engineering enterprise. These comprehensive reports are prepared by the U.S. National Science Foundation's National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics under the guidance of the National Science Board. Read more here.
Images from 2023 STEM Career Fair - Wednesday, October 11th 2023, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm EDT
The 2023 STEM Career Fair, held at Loyola University, provided a platform for students to engage with prospective employers seeking to hire Loyola students. Attendees explored various possibilities, ranging from full-time and part-time employment to internship opportunities. Our aim is to expand participation from companies in the life sciences and health-related sectors for upcoming STEM Career Fairs. Check out the images below for features from the October STEM Career Fair event.
