Struggling to lead your group project? Whether you're in school or at work, leadership can make or break the team. In this episode of UMBC's Mic'd Up, we share 4 practical steps to help you lead with confidence—from defining your project to creating a culture of psychological safety.

Learn how to:
 ✅ Define goals and deadlines clearly
 ✅ Delegate based on strengths
 ✅ Set up smooth communication systems
 ✅ Build a positive, productive team environment

This is your go-to guide for becoming the group leader everyone wants to work with.

Is AI replacing software engineers? Not even close. 

In this episode of UMBC Mic’d Up, Dr. Mohammad Samarah, Program Director of UMBC’s Master’s in Software Engineering, shares why human expertise is more critical than ever in an AI-driven world. 

From designing intelligent systems to leading innovation, software engineers are at the center of tomorrow’s technology. 

Learn how UMBC prepares graduates to: 

• Build and guide AI-powered tools 

• Lead advanced teams in real-world roles 

• Stay future-proof in a fast-changing tech landscape 

Whether you're looking to upskill or wondering where AI is taking the field, this conversation will inspire and inform. 

👉 Subscribe for more conversations with UMBC’s thought leaders. 

#SoftwareEngineering #ArtificialIntelligence #UMBC #AICareers #TechFuture #UMBCMicdUp

Go behind the Scenes of Systems Engineering with Saurabh Phaltane, Senior Site Reliability Engineer (Google), in this episode of UMBC Mic'd Up. 

Learn how Site Reliability Engineers (SREs) ensure billions of people experience fast, secure, and uninterrupted search results every day. Saurabh shares what it takes to keep critical infrastructure running, how AI is transforming systems engineering, and what skills aspiring professionals should build to thrive in this fast-evolving field.

The views and opinions expressed by Saurabh Phaltane are his own and do not represent those of Google. 

Learn more about UMBC’s graduate programs in systems engineering: https://www.umbc.edu/se

In this episode of UMBC Mic’d Up, host Dennise Cardona, chats with Dr. Abdullah Karasan—adjunct faculty member in UMBC’s Data Science program and Founder of Leveragai—about the intersection of AI, finance, and education. 

Dr. Karasan shares his journey into financial data science and offers insight into his innovative new tool, Stockaivisor, a generative AI-powered platform built to simplify investing and learning for both beginners and professionals. He also highlights how UMBC students helped build the product and how hands-on learning is preparing graduates for in-demand careers in AI and fintech. 

Useful Links: 

🔗 Learn more about UMBC's graduate programs in Data Science: https://professionalprograms.umbc.edu/data-science/ 

🔗 Explore Stockaivisor: https://stockaivisor.com/ 

🔗Explore Leveragai: https://www.leveragai.com

In this episode of UMBC Mic’d Up, we dive into the transformative experience of the Just Maps course in the GIS graduate program at UMBC. Instructor Ron Wilson and students Amy Soukup and Derald Dudley share how this course blends technical skills with real-world ethics, critical cartography, and responsible AI use. 

• Hear how Amy and Derald’s careers and perspectives were shaped by their time in class.

• Learn how Professor Wilson uses AI as a tool for empowerment, not shortcuts. 

• Discover why mapping is never neutral—and why it matters. 

If you're curious about GIS, public service, data ethics, or practical AI in education—this episode is for you. 

🔗 Learn more about the UMBC GIS program: https://umbc.edu/gis

How can IO psychology improve workplaces and create better experiences for employees? In this episode of UMBC Mic’d Up, we sit down with Sabrina Williams, M.P.S. '23, a recent graduate of UMBC’s IO Psychology program, to explore the real-world impact of industrial-organizational psychology.

Sabrina, now a Management & Program Analyst at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), shares insights on workplace development, employee satisfaction, change management, and how data-driven decision-making helps solve complex workforce challenges. She also discusses how her time at UMBC prepared her for success, the skills essential for IO professionals, and why knowledge management is key to organizational growth.

If you're curious about the role of IO psychology in today’s workforce—or considering a career in the field—this episode is a must-listen!

🔗 Learn more about UMBC’s IO Psychology program: https://umbc.edu/io

#IOPsychology #WorkplaceSolutions #BetterWorkBetterLife #UMBC #ProfessionalGrowth

Join us as we chat with Thomas Jasmine, M.P.S. ’24, a recent graduate of UMBC's Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Leadership (EIL) program. In this inspiring interview, Thomas shares his journey from earning a bachelor's in music technology to building a thriving business as a media specialist. Discover how the EIL program transformed his perspective, equipped him with practical skills, and expanded his professional opportunities. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or curious about the power of leadership and innovation, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss!

Learn more about the EIL program:

https://umbc.edu/eil

AI is transforming the world of software engineering, but with great power comes great responsibility. 

In this episode of UMBC Mic'd Up, Dr. Mohammad Samarah, program director of UMBC's Software Engineering Graduate Program, delves into the critical intersection of artificial intelligence and software engineering. 

From the rise of ethical AI practices to the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into software solutions, Dr. Samarah provides a deep dive into how the field is evolving. 

Learn how UMBC is equipping students with the skills to build ethical, reliable, and innovative software systems that address real-world problems while maintaining integrity and trust. 

🔗 Learn more about UMBC's Software Engineering Graduate Program: https://professionalprograms.umbc.edu/software-engineering/masters-of-professional-studies-software-engineering/

Learn how to create a LinkedIn profile that opens doors to new opportunities! In this video, we share practical tips to optimize your profile, highlight your skills, and build a digital brand that stands out. Whether you're starting out, switching careers, or aiming for growth, these strategies will help you unlock your potential and attract the right connections.

Dive into the world of cybersecurity with UMBC's Mic'd Up podcast! In this episode, Dennise Cardona sits down with Charles Nicholas, an instructor in UMBC's Computer Science program, to discuss the Active Cyber Defense course. 

Learn about the hands-on approach that prepares students for real-world cyber challenges, the importance of cyber competitions, and the evolving tactics used to defend against digital threats. 

Charles shares insights on ethical considerations, overcoming intimidation in the field, and the future of cybersecurity education. 

🔍 Topics covered: 
Overview of the Active Cyber Defense course 
The role of cyber competitions in learning 
Real-world skills gained through hands-on exercises 
Balancing ethics with cybersecurity knowledge 
Staying up to date with evolving cyber threats 

Don't miss out on these valuable insights that can help shape your career in cybersecurity! 

📌 For more information about UMBC's cybersecurity programs: https://professionalprograms.umbc.edu/cybersecurity 

Please also check out: https://courses.cs.umbc.edu/undergraduate/CMSC491activeCyber/