UMBC Mic'd Up

UMBC Mic'd Up with Dennise
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UMBC Mic'd Up Podcast welcomes faculty, students, alumni, and industry thought leaders to share their insights and UMBC experiences.

  1. How Data Science Helped Build a Smarter Fitness App

    قبل ٥ أيام

    How Data Science Helped Build a Smarter Fitness App

    Manikanta Sirumalla, a graduate student in UMBC’s Data Science program, shares the story behind Rep Track Pro — an AI-powered fitness app designed to bring workouts, nutrition, recovery, and progress tracking into one place. In this conversation, he discusses how his own fitness journey inspired the idea, the challenges of building and launching an app as a solo founder, and how coursework in UMBC’s Data Science program helped shape the technology behind it. From machine learning models to real-world user feedback, this is a story about innovation, persistence, and building something meaningful from the ground up. Learn more about UMBC’s Data Science graduate program: https://professionalprograms.umbc.edu/data-science Learn more about RepTrack Pro App: https://reptrackpro.org/

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  2. More Than a Degree: Becoming a Systems Problem Solver

    ١٤ مايو

    More Than a Degree: Becoming a Systems Problem Solver

    In this episode of UMBC Mic’d Up, we sat down with Gordon Quach, M.S. ’25, to talk about his journey through the Systems Engineering graduate program at UMBC. Gordon shares what led him to pursue a master’s degree, how he balanced work and graduate school, and why systems engineering stood out among other paths. He offers practical insights on career growth, real-world application, and the value of thinking beyond individual tasks to see the bigger picture. The conversation also explores how systems thinking prepares professionals for an AI-driven world—where tools are evolving quickly, but strong problem-solving and big-picture thinking remain essential. Whether you’re considering graduate school or looking to advance your career, this episode offers a thoughtful look at what it means to build skills that last. Learn more about UMBC’s Systems Engineering Graduate Program!  https://professionalprograms.umbc.edu/systems-engineering/ms-systems-engineering/

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  3. How to Request a Letter of Recommendation

    ٣٠ أبريل

    How to Request a Letter of Recommendation

    Asking for a letter of recommendation can feel awkward—but it doesn’t have to be rushed or uncomfortable. In this episode of UMBC Mic’d Up, Dennise Cardona, M.A.’23, shares a simple, thoughtful approach to requesting a strong letter that actually supports your goals. From choosing the right person to giving them the right information, it all comes down to preparation and clarity. You’ll learn how to: Select someone who can truly speak to your workGive enough time for a meaningful letterProvide the context and materials they needMake a professional, thoughtful requestStrengthen your network before you even need to askA strong recommendation doesn’t happen by chance. It starts with how you ask. If you’re preparing for your next step, this is one you’ll want to hear.

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  4. How Graduate School Can Elevate Your Career in Today’s Changing World

    ١٦ أبريل

    How Graduate School Can Elevate Your Career in Today’s Changing World

    What does it take to grow your career in today’s evolving job market? In this episode of UMBC Mic’d Up, host Dennise Cardona, M.A. '23, sits down with Rex Jarrett, Director of Professional Programs at UMBC, to explore how graduate education continues to open doors for working professionals. From building practical, real-world skills to learning how to work alongside AI, this conversation highlights how the right program can help you move forward with confidence and purpose. You’ll hear insights on: How graduate programs are adapting to today’s workforceThe skills that help professionals stand out and leadThe value of applied learning and industry-connected facultyWays to balance school with work and family lifeWhy taking the first step matters more than perfect timingIf you’re thinking about what’s next in your career, this is a great place to start. 🎓 Learn more about UMBC Professional Programs: https://professionalprograms.umbc.edu

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  5. Finish What You Started - How One Student Came Back to Earn Her Degree

    ١ أبريل

    Finish What You Started - How One Student Came Back to Earn Her Degree

    What happens when you decide it’s finally time to finish what you started?  In this episode of UMBC Mic’d Up, Dennise sits down with Samantha Drummond, B.A. ’25, Individualized Study, who returned to UMBC after several years away to complete her degree through the Finish Line program. Samantha shares what it was like balancing full-time work, family responsibilities, and school—and how she stayed motivated through the challenges. From self-doubt to walking across the stage, her journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to invest in yourself.  If you’ve ever thought about going back to school, this conversation will meet you right where you are.  👉 Learn more about the UMBC Finish Line program: https://finishline.umbc.edu/

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  6. Back to School in Your 50s: Building Cybersecurity Expertise

    ١٩ مارس

    Back to School in Your 50s: Building Cybersecurity Expertise

    Returning to school later in life can feel intimidating. For cybersecurity professional Jeff Burnett, M.S. '25, it became one of the most valuable decisions of his career.  In this episode of UMBC Mic’d Up, Jeff shares why he chose to pursue a graduate degree in cybersecurity while already established in the field. After years working in cybersecurity sales, he realized that understanding the technology behind the conversations would allow him to better serve clients and contribute more strategically.  Jeff talks about what it was like stepping back into the classroom in his 50s, learning alongside younger students, and tackling technical topics outside his original background. He also shares how the experience strengthened his confidence, deepened his industry knowledge, and helped him better understand the real challenges cybersecurity teams face every day. If you are a working professional wondering whether going back to school is worth it, Jeff offers practical insight and encouragement from someone who made the leap. Learn more about  UMBC’s Cybersecurity graduate program: https://professionalprograms.umbc.edu/cybersecurity/masters-of-professional-studies-cybersecurity/  #Cybersecurity #CybersecurityCareers #UMBC #GraduateSchool #LifelongLearning #CybersecurityEducation #ProfessionalDevelopment

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  7. From Chemical Engineering to Biotech Innovation: Turning Science Into Impact

    ٣ فبراير

    From Chemical Engineering to Biotech Innovation: Turning Science Into Impact

    In this episode, we sit down with Kendall McWilliams, ’20 Chemical Engineering, M.P.S. Biotechnology Student, to talk about what it really takes to build a meaningful career in biotech. Kendall shares his journey from chemical engineering into the biotech industry, and why pursuing graduate education was the logical next step. He explains how understanding quality systems, GMP regulations, clinical trials, and business operations transformed how he approaches his work—especially in bringing promising therapies from research to patients. The conversation also dives into how AI and data modeling are being used responsibly in bioprocessing, why human judgment still matters, and how constant learning is simply part of the profession. Kendall offers honest insight into balancing full-time work with graduate school, navigating different roles within biotech, and staying grounded in the industry’s ultimate purpose: protecting and improving lives. This episode is especially valuable for working professionals considering graduate study, career-changers exploring biotech, or anyone curious about how science, regulation, and ethics come together in real-world biotech work. Learn more about UMBC’s M.P.S. in Biotechnology: https://professionalprograms.umbc.edu/biotechnology/

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  8. The Power of Alumni Connections

    ٢٦ يناير

    The Power of Alumni Connections

    Alumni connections can open doors to mentorship, career insight, and long-term professional growth—but only if you know how to build those relationships thoughtfully. In this episode of UMBC Mic’d Up, host Dennise Cardona shares practical, approachable strategies for connecting with alumni and turning those connections into meaningful professional relationships. From making your outreach more personal to following up with intention, this episode offers guidance you can apply at any stage of your academic or career journey. If you’ve ever felt unsure about networking or reaching out, this conversation will help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

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UMBC Mic'd Up Podcast welcomes faculty, students, alumni, and industry thought leaders to share their insights and UMBC experiences.

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    UMBC Mic'd Up with Dennise
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    UMBC Mic'd Up