The Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science and the Biological Sciences Graduate Program received the awards.

College discoveries won the physical sciences and quantum technology categories. In addition, Anne Simon, a professor of cell biology and molecular genetics, received a special recognition award for her significant contributions to UMD's innovation ecosystem. 

In the lab, chemistry Ph.D. student Mya Gaddy uses light to build synthetic molecules for drug development. She also supports her peers as vice president of UMD’s Chemistry and Biochemistry Graduate Student Organization.

She has been on the faculty for 22 years and previously served as associate chair for undergraduate education for four years.

Recently dubbed the “hot-girl hobby of the year,” a new birding course at UMD filled up within minutes of enrollment opening.

Computer Science Assistant Professor Ruohan Gao and Distinguished University Professor Ming Lin turned a single image into an explorable world that sounds like the real thing.

NIH data strategy czar Susan Gregurick (Ph.D. ’95, chemistry) brings her science success story to UMD as keynote speaker for the 2026 CMNS Doctoral Commencement Ceremony.

As the keynote speaker for the 2026 CMNS Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony, Andy Balo (B.S. ’70, microbiology) will share how a passion for science, innovation and impact shaped his 53-year career in healthcare technology.

UMD Biology Professor Emeritus Arthur N. Popper calls for studies of non-mammalian marine species affected by the sounds of deep-sea mining.

Senior immersive media design major Holden Denyer connects digital experiences with the physical world.