The Synapse
Updates from the Sciences at Loyola University Maryland
May 2021 | Issue 32
This issue is packed with special recognition for the class of 2021. This year's graduating seniors have persevered through an academic year unlike any other - so it's only fitting that it would culminate with the song of billions of 17-year cicadas later this month! (More on cicadas on the Art of STEM blog.) We celebrate the many accomplishments of this year's graduates who rose to the challenge of remote and hybrid learning. Virtual senior capstone presentations (Computer Science capstone presentations pictured below) and Zoom honor society induction ceremonies were held to recognize the hard work and achievements of the class of 2021. Loyola will hold an in-person commencement to celebrate both the class of 2020 and the class of 2021 at M&T Bank Stadium on May 22. Learn more at https://www.loyola.edu/join-us/commencement. Congratulations seniors! Wishing you all the very best as you go forth as leaders and changemakers!
Share your news, photos, inspiring stories, and upcoming events for a future issue. Please send any feature suggestions to Jen Sullivan at jlsullivan4@loyola.edu.
HIGHLIGHTS & GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Biology lecturer shares "Ode to The Emergence" of the 17-year cicada
"My Ode to The Emergence"
By Lauren Spearman, Ph.D., Biology Lecturer
You are in luck. Any day now, billions of cicadas will emerge after 17 years underground and they will congregate with a spectacular crescendo of singing and mating. The moment, when it comes, should remind you that we live in a special place on this planet. Feeding on the liquid nutrients of tree roots since 2004, the last-stage cicada nymphs are just days from emerging from the ground en masse. This 7-minute film Return of the Cicadas beautifully encapsulates their life cycle.
Class of 2021 Accolades and Honors
Choudhury Sarkar-Dey Medal presented to biology major Brunilda Neufeld, '21
An actively-engaged member of Loyola's community and the local Baltimore community, Bruni has served as a leader for student groups including Loyola's Outdoor Adventure Experience (OAE) and the student chapter of Doctor's Without Borders. According to Bruni, her most impactful experience while at Loyola was time spent as an advocate and resource team coordinator for Health Outreach Baltimore, a Loyola program in partnership with Mercy Medical Center, connecting local clients with community resources.
Please join us in congratulating Bruni and thanking her for her commitment to diversity and community service at Loyola and in the Baltimore community!
Haig Scholars class of 2021
CPaMS Scholars class of 2021
Beta Beta Beta Inductees
Upsilon Pi Epsilon Inductees
Congratulations to the following faculty and students inducted into Upsilon Pi Epsilon International Honor Society for the Computing and Information Disciplines. Loyola's 34th induction ceremony was held via Zoom on April 11th.
Community Engagement Honors
Forty graduating seniors will receive distinguished community engagement honors as part of Loyola’s commencement exercises. Honorees are selected based upon their significant contributions in service, justice, and community engagement with our community partners, in Baltimore and beyond, throughout their time at Loyola. Please join us in congratulating and thanking these students, several of whom majored in natural and applied sciences, for their service.
Loyola Sciences in the news
Christopher Thompson, Ph.D., associate professor of biology
- Canada Approves Pfizer's COVID-19 Vaccine for Children Above the Age of 12 (Al Jazeera)
- Getting Kids Vaccinated (Fox45)
- What Parents Need To Know About COVID Vaccines For Preteens, Teens As FDA Expected To Give Pfizer OK (WJZ)
- Pfizer to apply for vaccine use in 12 to 15-year-olds (WMAR)
- The Daily Dose: Maryland Confronts COVID-19 (WYPR)
- The No. 1 Reason Why Vaccine Reactions Vary, Doctors Say (Yahoo Finance)
Loyola approves Green Building Policy to advance sustainability efforts on campus (Loyola.edu)
STUDENT & FACULTY OPPORTUNITIES
Summer Resources
Coronavirus Resources
- Loyola Coronavirus Updates - General university information for all students, faculty, staff including reopening plans, COVID-19 dashboard, FAQs, policies, and resources.
- Summer Student Policies - For students on campus this summer including vaccination requirements, daily symptom screening, guidelines if testing positive for COVID-19, campus services, and university protocols.
Student Support Resources
Employee Support Resources