The Synapse
Updates from the Sciences at Loyola University Maryland
April 2020 | Issue 19
We hope this issue finds you and your family healthy and well during this challenging time. Since Loyola has transitioned to online learning for the remainder of the spring semester and faculty, staff and administrators are working remotely, our community is finding new ways to connect, support, and care for one another. From Zoom faculty and department meetings, to honor society inductions and end of year celebrations, online training for student groups, and even virtual worship and prayer, Loyola's community remains strong, resilient and innovative. It is inspiring to see all of the work being done.
We encourage you to visit the University's COVID-19 update page for important information, useful links and resources. If you have news, photos, or inspiring stories to share for a future issue, please send to Jen Sullivan at jlsullivan4@loyola.edu.
During this holy week for many celebrating Passover and Easter, we wish you and your families peace, hope and renewal.
Highlights and General Announcements
Loyola Makers Contribute to 3D printing of Face Shields for Healthcare Community
Computer Science Department Celebrates Upsilon Pi Epsilon Induction Ceremony
What are you up to at home?
Send your photos and stories to sciences@loyola.edu to be featured on social media and in the next issue of the Synapse.
Announcing Loyola's 2020-21 University Innovation Fellows Cohort
Congratulations UIFs and thank you to all who applied! The world needs innovative thinkers now more than ever and we look forward to seeing you bring your ideas to life on campus and beyond.
Stories of Hope and Resilience
Contributed by Hannah Mannering, '23 (2020-21 Loyola UIF, CPaMS Scholar)
With the coronavirus consistently being a worry on our minds, a thought can be "What can I do to make an impact?". Being back home instead of being at Loyola for the Spring semester was, of course, a big disappointment. At first, all I could feel was a sense of anger because I was missing out on all the plans for the Spring. However, being at home I have seen how in difficult times is where one can see the strength and resilience that is in our communities- whether it be our community where we grew up or the Loyola community.
In my local community, I have seen many joining together to bring resources to those most in need. For example, the library branches located near me have been innovating so they can still serve the community. Despite the fact that the library cannot be open, the library near me has communicated their yearning to still want to help bring resources and serve the community. There has been many resources provided to my community such as online trivia nights, educational tools provided for free, and online books provided to the community.
My community also has an online Facebook group where I have been astounded at how people are willing to sacrifice their own health for others. For example, I have seen numerous people offer to get groceries and go out in public spaces to help those that are elderly or have a condition that makes them vulnerable to the virus. Seeing these simple acts has provided me with a sense of hope and assurance that communities will find ways to come together even in the most difficult times.
Have you witnessed hope, resilience and innovation in Loyola's community or your home community during this challenging time? Send your stories to sciences@loyola.edu to be highlighted in our next issue.
Fulbright Scholar Sandy Abboud, '18 Shares Inspiration from the City of Light
Salut from Paris my fellow greyhounds! I have had quite a busy last year and a half or so as a Fulbrighter in France. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with numerous community partners, to further explore my interest in public health policy concerning refugees, and I have found a new interest in the transmission of trauma and the enduring impacts of prolonged stress on physical and mental well-being. While most grant periods were cut short this year due to the precarious circumstances that we are living in, I have spent this time reflecting on my experiences overseas as I look forward to my future academic and career trajectories. I have found love and opportunities to grow both personally and academically in so many unexpected corners of the world and I fully intend on working in an international platform to promote health equity and equality around the world.
Some food for thought, delve deeply into your undergraduate studies but do not limit yourself. Ask questions and be critical, we are the individuals so privileged as to receive the blessing of formal education. At the same time, being confined to that which is offered through formal education is an injustice to yourself. There are a plethora of opportunities around Loyola, the United States, and the world. It is the culmination of formal and informal education that fosters life-long learning and curiosity.
And lastly but most importantly, it is a vexing reality that there exist places in the world that simply defy description. Move. Travel. Learn through lived experience. Be open to time, place, and person. Travel doesn’t necessarily require long distances nor is it always pretty. Travel within your own community—travel near and far and let the journey change you. Leave your small marks and be open to the beauty and change that exploring imprints on your own mentality. If I am an advocate for anything, it is to take advantage of the opportunities afforded to students to explore. Seek international opportunities—whether it be for service commitments, studies or fellowships. With every moment of comfort and discomfort on my journey so far, I have grown and truly absorbed knowledge, language, and experience like a sponge. It is these little moments of overwhelming realization that truly transform your mind and being.
Bien à vous tous et toutes,
SandyMeet Start-Up Executive in Residence Mustafa Wahid, '15
Click here to book an appointment.
A recent student who met with Mustafa wrote, "Thank you for making the CIE available during these unprecedented times. I find it valuable to still have access to these resources on campus, especially, having a mentor to provide feedback on projects and other entrepreneurial developments… Mustafa is one of the few people who challenge me and force me to think critically, not only about the world, but about myself and how I can be better for those around me. I am so happy that I have regained my entrepreneurial spirit and will use this time to learn and grow as a leader.”
Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship launches Loyola Crisis Navigators
For more information and to schedule an appointment with an expert, visit https://www.loyola.edu/department/center-innovation-entrepreneurship/community-involvement/loyola-crisis-navigators.
Upcoming Events
Celebrate Earth Day with Evergreen Fest on Zoom
Join us virtually for the 38th Annual Cosmos & Creation Conference
The annual Cosmos & Creation conference scheduled for June 2020 and traditionally held on Loyola's campus will be online this year with several keynote lectures available to the public as well as member discussions via an online platform. Plans are still underway.
The conference began in 1982 with the vision that working scientists would find it fruitful to share their religious awareness with other scientists, to discuss and share their vision of God and the world, based on their scientific training, reading, and working experience.
Visit www.loyola.edu/cosmosandcreation for more information about the conference and details as they become available.
Opportunities
VentureWell E-Team Grant Program - Up to $25,000 in Grant Funding
For more information, visit https://venturewell.org/e-team-grant-program/
Undergraduate Summer Research Experience at Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University is hosting an undergraduate summer research experience, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to provide hands-only learning and research experiences focused on the behavioral science of transportation issues. Students majoring in Psychology, Engineering, and related fields are encouraged to submit applications! Groups currently underrepresented in STEM (women, minorities, persons with disabilities) are strongly encouraged to apply.
This is a 10-week experience, and includes a stipend ($5,000), on-campus housing, travel support to and from Norfolk, VA, and support for research activities. There will be weekly workshops and field trips, and opportunities to conduct original research and present findings to Old Dominion University faculty.
Qualifications include: currently enrolled in an undergraduate program, a rising sophomore, junior, or senior, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, preferred GPA 3.00 or higher. All academic majors and disciplines will be considered, but preference will be given to those in Psychology, Engineering, or related fields. Must submit a resume/CV, cover letter (personal statement), transcripts, writing sample, and at least 1 letter of recommendation along with application.
To learn more, view the list of projects, or apply, please visit: https://sites.google.com/odu.edu/odu-reu-transportation/home
With the current social distancing measures in place, the university is still encouraging applications. They are exploring the possibilities for remote data collection if it is appropriate to do so by the time the program begins.
Opportunities for Connection and Service
- Care for your neighbors. Don't underestimate the gifts you can share during this time, from donating to a local food pantry or calling a neighbor or relative to check in. Check out this greeting from Erin O'Keefe in CCSJ.
- Pray together. Connect with the resources available through Campus Ministry including live streamed worship on Sunday's at 6 pm, and communal prayer throughout the week.
- Donate blood. Visit www.redcrossblood.org to learn more and schedule an appointment for a location near you.