UMD Science
@umdscience.bsky.social
200 followers 90 following 200 posts
Science with an impact from the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences at the University of Maryland. Follows/shares ≠ endorsements.
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umdscience.bsky.social
This month, skywatchers will have the opportunity to observe not one but two once-in-a-lifetime comets.

Astronomy's Quanzhi Ye shared some tips on how to locate and view comets A6 (Lemmon) and R2 (SWAN) with @marinakoren.bsky.social for @nytimes.com ☄️ 🔭
Two Comets Are Moving Into Your Night Skies in October: How to Watch
www.nytimes.com
umdscience.bsky.social
Caroline Solomon (Ph.D. ’06, marine estuarine and environmental sciences) fell in love with science during an internship at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science.

Now, Caroline is the first woman president at @ritntid.bsky.social ⤵️
Changing the Narrative From ‘You Can’t’ to ‘You Can’ | College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences | University of Maryland
Drawing on her own success story, Caroline Solomon (Ph.D.
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umdscience.bsky.social
@umdphysics.bsky.social Ph.D. student Raunak Dey designs theoretical and mathematical models to understand how viruses interact in microbial communities.

Read about Raunak's research in @joshuasweitz.bsky.social's group—and his work making science more accessible ⤵️
When Physics and Math Go Viral | College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences | University of Maryland
Physics Ph.D.
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Reposted by UMD Science
umdentomology.bsky.social
📦🪲Package from Carolina Science arrived via FedEx today, and guess what's inside?! Bess beetles! Interested in seeing these decomposers in action? Stop by the Insect Zoo during Family Weekend 12:30 - 2 p.m. at McKeldin Mall (Armory if rain) familyweekend.umd.edu/%F0%9F%AA%B2...
Bess beetle in clear container with wood and paper Bess beetle in clear container with wood and paper
umdscience.bsky.social
The #ScienceTerps Pop-Up Shop is back! Order from a selection of T-shirts, Under Armour polos, quarter-zips, hats and more!

Open until October 13: umdcmnsfall25.itemorder.com
Graphic showing items available in the Science Terps pop-up shop, open until October 13
umdscience.bsky.social
The University of Maryland is helping Marylanders stay safe from #SevereWeather with the Maryland Mesonet and Maryland HydroNet.

The Mesonet and HydroNet transmit weather and sea-level data in near real-time, and the data are immediately available to local and state emergency management personnel.
The Weather Networks Keeping Marylanders Safe
YouTube video by UMD Science
youtu.be
Reposted by UMD Science
nicoleyh11.bsky.social
About a decade ago, I was presenting about majorization at the University of Maryland as a PhD student. Now, a PhD student of mine is. arxiv.org/abs/2507.22986 @umdscience.bsky.social
umdscience.bsky.social
Research led by Biology's Bill Fagan revealed that wild canines create and stick to specific travel routes; their distant cousins in the cat family roam more freely, relying less strongly on favored routes.

Read more about the largest comparative study of carnivore movement ecology ever conducted ⤵️
Scientists Map the Navigation Styles of Wild Cats and Dogs | College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences | University of Maryland
A University of Maryland-led study that followed over 1,200 animals across six continents challenges longstandin
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umdscience.bsky.social
@umdgeology.bsky.social's Karen Prestegaard studies the links between precipitation, stream baseflow, stormwater runoff and evapotranspiration in the mid-Atlantic region.

Ask Karen your questions about freshwater and stormwater flooding in today's Reddit Ask-Me-Anything: redd.it/1ntaqz0
Karen Prestegaard wearing a blue shirt and glasses, holding a laptop in her lab to promote her Reddit Ask-Me-Anything on September 29, 2025
Reposted by UMD Science
umdentomology.bsky.social
Awesome to see #ScienceTerps fostering community interest in conservation and research. Way to do good, Damani!
umdscience.bsky.social
Biological sciences Ph.D. student Damani Eubanks protects forests and mentors the next generation of environmental stewards 🌳🍃

For his dissertation, Damani is using U.S. Forest Service data to forecast changes in #AirQuality, biodiversity and wildlife in the mid-Atlantic region.
Rooting for Healthy Forests | College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences | University of Maryland
UMD biological sciences Ph.D.
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umdscience.bsky.social
Biological sciences Ph.D. student Damani Eubanks protects forests and mentors the next generation of environmental stewards 🌳🍃

For his dissertation, Damani is using U.S. Forest Service data to forecast changes in #AirQuality, biodiversity and wildlife in the mid-Atlantic region.
Rooting for Healthy Forests | College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences | University of Maryland
UMD biological sciences Ph.D.
go.umd.edu
umdscience.bsky.social
#ArtificialIntelligence is transforming higher education at #UMD and beyond.

Computer Science Professor Hal Daumé III addressed a live, worldwide streaming audience at the @washingtonpost.com's Global AI Summit this week. Read the highlights ⤵️
‘Make AI a Force That Is Uplifting for All,’ UMD… | Maryland Today
Pines, Daumé Join International Leaders, Tech Pioneers to Discuss AI’s Impact on Education and More
today.umd.edu
umdscience.bsky.social
Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics Professor Najib El-Sayed leverages RNA technologies and #MachineLearning in his research on host-pathogen interactions.

Learn more about his work combating tropical diseases at Science on Tap next Tuesday (9/30) ➡️ go.umd.edu/sot0925
Science on Tap featuring Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics Professor Najib El-Sayed on Tuesday, September 30
umdscience.bsky.social
@umdphysics.bsky.social senior Dhruv Agarwal leads a team of undergraduate students developing satellite components that could launch deep into space with upcoming NASA missions.

Their current #CubeSat project will house a custom GPS and special thermal system ➡️ go.umd.edu/CubeSat
From Lab Bench to Launch Pad | College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences | University of Maryland
Senior physics major Dhruv Agarwal leads a team of undergraduate students developing satellite components that c
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umdscience.bsky.social
The ASTR 315: Astronomy in Practice class gives students of all majors the tools to make scientific discoveries.

In the spring semester, students measured the light curve and rotation period of an asteroid, then petitioned to name it after UMD's mascot ➡️ go.umd.edu/diamondback 🔭 #Astronomy
UMD Students Name Asteroid ‘Diamondback’ | College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences | University of Maryland
Students in the ASTR 315: Astronomy in Practice class measured the asteroid’s light curve and rotation period, t
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umdscience.bsky.social
The University of Maryland's undergraduate computer science program climbed three spots to 16th overall in @usnews.com's 2026 Best Colleges!

The program ranks in the Top 10 among public institutions and in the #ArtificialIntelligence and cybersecurity specialties ➡️ go.umd.edu/csrankings25
umdscience.bsky.social
At Wayve, John Wyrwas (B.S. ’07, physics; B.S. ’07, electrical engineering) is driving AI innovation for next-generation #AutonomousVehicles ➡️ go.umd.edu/wyrwas

"This technology has the promise of saving lives, reducing traffic and making transportation more accessible."
Driving AI Innovation for Autonomous Vehicles | College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences | University of Maryland
As software engineering director of AI evaluation at Wayve, John Wyrwas (B.S. ’07, physics; B.S.
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umdscience.bsky.social
#UMD's 2025 Convocation honored 4 #ScienceTerps!

🌟 Mathematics Professor Larry Washington received the Kirwan Undergraduate Education Award.
🌟 @umdgeology.bsky.social's Michael Brow, Mathematics' Abba Gumel and Astronomy's Chris Reynolds were named Distinguished University Professors.
Left to right: Abba Gumel, Amitabh Varshney, Chris Reynolds, Michael Brown, Larry Washington
Reposted by UMD Science
umdentomology.bsky.social
🏝️🐜A new study out by Dr. Evan Economo and colleagues reveals a decline in Fiji’s native ant species. With insects playing a crucial role in ecosystems, this research is key to understanding insect populations and guiding conservation efforts.🐜🏝️
umdscience.bsky.social
“Insects are essential for the environment,” said @umdentomology.bsky.social's Evan Economo. “As scientists, we need to play our part in their protection.”

Read about Evan's novel approach to studying ant populations, which revealed signs of decline in 79% of species found only in Fiji ⤵️ #BugSky
New Study Shows Island Ant Communities in Sharp Decline | College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences | University of Maryland
UMD entomologist Evan Economo’s novel approach to studying ant populations revealed signs of decline in
go.umd.edu
umdscience.bsky.social
“Insects are essential for the environment,” said @umdentomology.bsky.social's Evan Economo. “As scientists, we need to play our part in their protection.”

Read about Evan's novel approach to studying ant populations, which revealed signs of decline in 79% of species found only in Fiji ⤵️ #BugSky
New Study Shows Island Ant Communities in Sharp Decline | College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences | University of Maryland
UMD entomologist Evan Economo’s novel approach to studying ant populations revealed signs of decline in
go.umd.edu
Reposted by UMD Science
umdscience.bsky.social
The Science & Community Impacts Mapping Project (SCIMaP), co-led by Biology Professor Joshua Weitz, shows how scientific and medical research funding cuts affect local economies.

With new funding from Open Philanthropy, the team plans to expand its analysis ➡️ go.umd.edu/scimap-2
Screenshot of the SCIMaP website, showing the impact of federal health resource cuts across the United States
Reposted by UMD Science
umdentomology.bsky.social
#InsectTerps are researching ways to predict mosquito-borne disease outbreaks. See them at work 👇
umdscience.bsky.social
#WestNileVirus is one of the most common mosquito-borne diseases in North America, with cases reported in the U.S. every year.

@umdentomology.bsky.social Asst. Prof. Megan Fritz's lab is working to predict mosquito-borne disease outbreaks ➡️ go.umd.edu/west-nile #BugSky @mosquitodoc.bsky.social
Benjamin Gregory (right) picking up a mosquito trap from a rural site. Image courtesy of the Megan Fritz lab.