Fall 2024

Lung illustration with bellhop outline inside. Viruses throughout

September 06, 2024

A groundbreaking UMD researcher investigating how respiratory infections spread asks volunteers to check in—and get sick for science.

Parting Shot

September 06, 2024

Newly Laid Tracks for Purple Line Curve Up to Campus Drive

four students leap over four others on stage during step show

Post-Grad

September 06, 2024

An ‘Underexposed’ Photo of UMD History

Isaac Hirsch and Ken Jennings on "Jeopardy!" set

Post-Grad

September 06, 2024

After 9 Wins on ‘Jeopardy!,’ History Grad to Return for Tournament of Champions

Katie Labor outside brick house with red door

Post-Grad

September 06, 2024

Alumna Investigates the Small Histories in Charm City’s Houses

Post-Grad

September 06, 2024

Alum Brings Big Concerts to Sin City

Large group of young people taking a selfie

Post-Grad

September 06, 2024

Tailgates, Touchdowns and Togetherness

Explorations

September 06, 2024

System Could Derail Video Fakes, Deep or Shallow

Explorations

September 06, 2024

From Sidewalks to Streetlights, Common Features Shown in Google’s Tech Linked to Crash Frequency

Explorations

September 06, 2024

Criminologist, Once Convicted, Studies Ripple Effects of Legal System Involvement

pixelated people use devices with varying amounts of battery life: 80%, 4%, 100%

Explorations

September 06, 2024

Ask the Expert: Advice for Real Life

blue radiation emerges from the UMD reactor

Explorations

September 06, 2024

Maryland’s Little-Known Nuclear Reactor Observes a Half-Century of Fission

Atmospheric and oceanic science Associate Professor Tim Canty, UMD President Darryll J. Pines and College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences Dean Amitabh Varshney discuss the technology behind a newly installed water level sensor

Explorations

September 06, 2024

Researchers, Local Leaders to Track Real-time Data in State’s Waterfront Communities

Explorations

September 06, 2024

Physicist Who Helped Send Mirrors to Moon on Apollo 11 Prepares to Launch an Improved Model

Esports athletes with arms folded looking at the camera

Campus Life

September 06, 2024

Women’s, Nonbinary Esports Teams Change the Game in Conference Competitions

Class Notes

News on Friends and Classmates

See all Class Notes from this issue

00s

Ross A. Berman ’02

Ross A. Berman ’02 was hired as senior vice president, commercial team lead in the Rockville market of John Marshall Bank. He most recently served as a senior vice president, commercial loan officer for Forbright Bank. Berman serves as treasurer of the…

10s

Alex Davidson ’15

Alex Davidson ’15 was appointed senior director of public affairs of the National Turkey Federation. He last held this role at the Beer Institute, and previously was the communications director for the late U.S. Rep. Paul Mitchell (R-Mich.) and worked in…

Passings

George Theodore Bachmann Jr. ’52, M.A. ’60

George Theodore Bachmann Jr. ’52, M.A. ’60 died on May 27, 2024, at his home in Westminster, Maryland. He was 94. Bachmann served in the Army during the Korean War but since he spoke French was sent to France, where he was a lieutenant and supply clerk.…

00s

K. Venu Venugopal MBA ’00

K. Venu Venugopal MBA ’00 was appointed chief operating officer at MaxVal Group, a provider of intellectual property management solutions. Most recently, he was global head of product management at NICE Actimize. He also held leadership roles at Knovel…

90s

Robert “Bobby” Parks ’94

Robert “Bobby” Parks ’94 was appointed chief accounting officer at Fortrea, a global contract research organization. Most recently, Parks served as CAO at SailPoint Technologies Holdings, a leader in identity security software.

60s

Andrew W. Booth ’64, M.S. ’67

Andrew W. Booth ’64, M.S. ’67 of Salisbury retired from the board of trustees of Wor-Wic Community College after 18 years of service. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the expansion of campus facilities. A professional engineer, he founded…

10s

Jason T. Mastronardi ’11

Jason T. Mastronardi ’11 joined Hilton Capital Management as an equity analyst. He focuses on small and midcap opportunities strategy. Prior to this, he was a director and senior equity investment analyst at Bank of America and a portfolio manager at Bank…

Passings

Dr. Duane Erickson ’73

Dr. Duane Erickson ’73 of Sandy Spring, Maryland, died on June 14, 2024, after a three-year battle with ALS. He received his bachelor’s degree in zoology at UMD, his D.D.S. from University of Maryland School of Dentistry and his advanced degree in…