A Message From the Dean

Dean’s Welcome Message

Dear Participants and Guests,

Welcome to the 30th anniversary of UMBC’s Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day—URCAD! Reaching this remarkable milestone is a testament to the enduring spirit of discovery, creativity, and collaboration that defines our campus community. As the new Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs, I am honored to join you in celebrating three decades of student innovation and accomplishment.

Since its inception, URCAD has grown into one of UMBC’s most treasured traditions. Each year, this event has been shaped and strengthened by the vision and dedication of the deans and leaders who came before me—individuals who understood that undergraduate research and creative achievement matter. Their commitment helped build the legacy we proudly carry forward today: a legacy rooted in empowering students to transform learning into doing and doing into meaningful impact.

This 30th URCAD continues that tradition by showcasing the incredible breadth of work produced across UMBC’s many academic disciplines. Today, you will experience films, musical performances, paintings, dances, video games, and other creative works alongside presentations involving experiments, analyses, and scholarship in fields spanning the sciences, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. This diversity reflects UMBC at its best—where curiosity thrives, boundaries blur, and ideas flourish.

At the heart of this celebration are our students. Their imagination, persistence, and resilience shine through every project, performance, and presentation you will encounter today. Their achievements are also made possible through the guidance and encouragement of our faculty and staff mentors, whose passion for teaching and discovery continues to transform students’ lives. To all of you—students and mentors alike—please accept my deepest appreciation.

URCAD reminds us of the extraordinary power of applied learning. It builds critical thinkers, skilled communicators, and collaborative problem solvers. It creates stories and experiences that connect people across cultures, ideologies, and disciplines, preparing our students to lead with empathy, creativity, and purpose.

Thank you for joining us as we celebrate 30 years of research, creativity, and community. I invite you to explore, engage, and be inspired by the remarkable work on display.

Welcome to URCAD 2026!

Carlos Jensen, Ph.D.
Vice Provost and Dean
Undergraduate Academic Affairs