Our Global Community
The diverse experiences of our students, faculty, and alumni shape the vibrant academic community that so many have come to call their second home. Discover what makes 成人头条 special鈥攆rom the inspiring journeys of international students, to the successes of our global alumni, to the dedicated faculty from around the world, who guide and mentor students every step of the way. Explore their experiences and how 成人头条鈥檚 inclusive environment fosters personal growth, academic excellence, and lifelong connections.
Students
"I love the people here. 成人头条 is filled with students, faculty, and staff who are kind, supportive, and eager to help each other succeed. The community here makes all the difference... Everyone here is welcoming and open, and you鈥檒l meet individuals who are happy to share their experiences and support your journey. I鈥檝e built strong friendships and have never felt alone."
Class Year: Sophomore听
Majors: Finance and Data Science听
Campus Involvement: Sellinger Scholars Program (SSP), Ignatius Scholars Program (ISP)
"I find 成人头条 University Maryland a second home to me. I love the loving community and caring professors, the energy is quite different from how it is in Mongolia. However, I still find myself growing and thriving in this new environment, and I can鈥檛 imagine myself anywhere else. I cannot help but get excited to welcome the new international students!"
Class Year: Sophomore听
Major: Biohealth听
Campus Involvement: , , , ,
鈥淚 chose 成人头条 because of the great Division I soccer program and excellent marketing major. When I arrived on campus, everyone at 成人头条 was so welcoming. All my professors have been so supportive, too鈥攃onstantly exposing me to internship opportunities, offering advice, and answering questions. Here, I can be who I truly am and be accepted fully.鈥�
Class Year: Junior听
Major: Marketing听
Campus Involvement: Midfielder for the (Go Hounds!)
鈥淚 remember being hesitant coming to 成人头条 because I was worried about connecting with people and not being treated differently based on where I was coming from and who I was. I can say confidently that 成人头条 made me feel so welcomed. I chose 成人头条 not only because of the great financial aid I received, but also because I could really tell the school was built on a sense of community. From the first day I set foot on campus, the amount of care and support I received made me feel so seen and heard. It was so easy to call 成人头条 my home.鈥�
Class Year: Sophomore
Major/Minor: Psychology major, Early Childhood Education minor
Campus Involvement: Ignatius Scholars Program (ISP), , ,
"My favorite thing about 成人头条 is how green it is here. I love that our campus has so many trees and flowers all around. The fact that we are so close to the water and that fresh seafood is easily available here is also a plus. I can鈥檛 imagine being anywhere else for these four years."
Class Year: Senior听
Majors: Biology and Psychology听
Study Abroad: Newcastle, England
Campus Involvement: , Pre-Med Society
鈥淎s an international student from Bogot谩, Colombia, I was looking for a university where I would feel both challenged and supported. 成人头条 immediately stood out because of its close-knit community and smaller class sizes. I did not want to feel like just another face in a lecture hall. I wanted real conversations, mentorship, and connection. From the start, 成人头条 felt like a place where I could grow not only academically, but personally. My favorite part of 成人头条 has been the sense of belonging I have found here. The friendships I have built have made my transition to both college and a new country much smoother. The people I have met have truly shaped my experience and made 成人头条 feel like home.鈥�
Class Year: First-Year
Major/Minor: Psychology major, Business minor
Campus Involvement: Honors Program,
"I chose physics as my major鈥痓ecause 成人头条 has a unique 3+2 Physics and Engineering Combined Plan Program. My goal is to end up in engineering, and I believe the foundation my physics major provides will allow me to have a solid foundation as I move on to my engineering degree."
Class Year: Junior听
Major: Physics听
Campus Involvement: , Society of Women Engineers, Ad Honorem Council, Hyman Science Scholars (HSS), Honors Program
"During my senior year of high school, my college counselor had recommended 成人头条 University, so with my family, we drove on a weekend to tour the campus and received a warm welcome from student ambassadors and a complete tour of the facilities. I was raised as a Catholic and many of my family members received a very good education in Jesuit institutions in Africa. All this comforted me that it would be a good fit for me to continue my family legacy and values. By the time we left the campus, I was convinced that 成人头条 University Maryland was the right place to further my college education."
Class Year: Senior
Major: Communication and Media
Campus Involvement: Club running, Boxing Club, , board member
"成人头条 is a great school with a lot of diversity and a beautiful campus. My favorite aspect of the 成人头条 experience is the whole atmosphere on campus, especially in the spring when everyone is outside and playing spike ball or other fun games together!"
Class Year: Junior听
Major: International Business听
Campus Involvement: Defender for the (Go Hounds!)
"Throughout my journey here, all my professors, my evergreen, and my ISP mentors have been the best of people, guiding me to make my experience at 成人头条 better every day. Nominating me as an evergreen, supporting my decisions, and鈥痟elping me decide what roles I want to do, everyone plays a major role."
Class Year: Sophomore听
Major: International Business听
Campus Involvement: Ignatius Scholars Program (ISP), Resident Assistant, , ,
Alumni
"One of the many lessons I learned at 成人头条 is that to grow and develop as an individual, it鈥檚 key to step outside your comfort zone鈥攖o become comfortable with the uncomfortable鈥攂ecause that鈥檚 where life starts. 成人头条 made me want to chase the difficult, the uncomfortable, the unknown. I became confident at 成人头条 because I was supported here. 成人头条 has readied me for whatever the world has in store."
Graduation Year: 2023听
Major: Finance and Information Systems & Data Analytics
鈥淚 would encourage an international student considering studying at 成人头条 to take advantage of the university鈥檚 supportive community, academic resources, and opportunities for involvement. 成人头条 offers a welcoming environment where students from diverse backgrounds can thrive academically, socially, and personally. The university鈥檚 commitment to social justice and service provides a meaningful context for learning and growth, and the vibrant city of Baltimore offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.鈥�
Graduation Year: 2025听
Major: Finance
Campus Involvement: 鈥淚 am a member of the Investment Club and the Barbell Lifting Club. These organizations have provided me with opportunities to connect with like-minded peers, develop valuable skills, and engage in activities that complement my academic interests.鈥�
"Watching the work with first-year students and making our campus such a lively environment made me excited to apply to the program鈥攁nd I was thrilled to be accepted! I've had the opportunity to meet and work with other student leaders with similar goals and strengths and to learn new skills that will help me not only with the Evergreen responsibilities but also in the future when I am working an internship or a job. I am beyond excited to meet the new first-year students I鈥檒l get to mentor in the fall and to put those skills to practice!"
Graduation Year: 2025
Major/Minor: International Business and Sustainability Management double major, Spanish minor
Campus Involvement: Ignatius Scholars Program, Philosophy Club, , , Study Abroad
"My favorite thing about Baltimore is how diverse the city is and how many activities there are to do in the city. I like Baltimore鈥檚 location since it makes traveling easier and faster. For example, Washington, D.C., is only 45 minutes away by train, and you can be in New York City in just three hours by train."
Graduation Year: 2025
Major/Minor: International Business and Marketing major, Communication and Media minor
Campus Involvement:
"The 成人头条 experience was invaluable in preparing me for my career and life. The university鈥檚 ecosystem was perfectly designed听 for international students like me, giving me access to a diverse network of peers and professors. This allowed me to constantly seek new information and advice, which has been instrumental in my professional growth."
Graduation Year: 2022听
Major: Marketing
鈥淚 appreciate the close-knit community that is fostered here at 成人头条. The university鈥檚 small class size and emphasis on collaboration create an environment in which students can build strong relationships with professors. My involvement with the Black Student Association has opened doors鈥擨鈥檝e been introduced to more people on campus and able to build friendships.鈥�
Graduation Year: 2025听
Major: Psychology
Campus Involvement:
Faculty & Staff
鈥淎t 成人头条, we care for each other, we watch out for each other, we push each other, we challenge each other.鈥�
Birgit Albrecht, Ph.D., a native of Germany, earned her Ph.D. from the University of Oxford and conducted postdoctoral research at Yale University. Since joining 成人头条, she has been dedicated to creating a dynamic learning environment, incorporating interactive tools and technology into her classroom. Her research focuses on computational chemistry and protein-ligand interactions, bridging the fields of chemistry and biology.
鈥淭he members of this community care for one another, and you see that being exercised everywhere鈥攆rom students to faculty to staff. It鈥檚 not like a big school where no one knows one another. At 成人头条 we all know and care for others. It鈥檚 what I love most about this university.鈥�
Originally from Iran, Jalal Soroosh, Ph.D., has been teaching accounting at 成人头条 since 1983. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Mississippi and focuses his research on financial accounting for practitioners. He is passionate about building close relationships with his students and colleagues.听
鈥淢y core values align with the relentless pursuit of academic excellence and a constant challenge to improve. I pursue those goals with the programs that I direct, with the students whom I teach and mentor, and with myself through clear understanding of metrics, assessment, and goals.鈥�
Maiju Lehmijoki Wetzel, Ph.D., originally from Finland, is a registered nurse and theologian. She directs 成人头条鈥檚 Pre-Health Programs, fostering student engagement in health care fields. Fluent in seven languages, she has lived and taught worldwide, bringing a truly global perspective to her teaching and advising.
鈥湷扇送诽� graduates have a spark in their eye and a fire in their hearts. They are involved in their communities... They are working to create a better world for those who don鈥檛 have the same rights or privileges.鈥�
Originally from Venezuela, Marianna Carlucci, Ph.D., moved to the United States as a child and has been part of 成人头条 since 2011. She holds a bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚, and Ph.D. in Psychology from Florida International University. Her teaching and research focus on diversity, social justice, and the unique educational opportunities in 成人头条鈥檚 Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Science program.听
鈥淥ne of the best parts about teaching at 成人头条 is the openness and enthusiasm students bring to the classroom.鈥�
Oghenetoja Okoh, born in International Falls, Minnesota, spent much of her childhood in Warri, Nigeria. She earned her Ph.D. from New York University, focusing on minority identity and citizenship in Nigeria. Before becoming a historian, she pursued art and continues to inspire creativity and confidence in her students.
鈥淪tudents at 成人头条 know the value of education and therefore are ready to work hard.鈥�
Ravi Srinivasan, Ph.D., is from Hyderabad, India, and holds a Ph.D. in Operations and Sourcing Management from Michigan State University. Before teaching, he worked for nearly a decade in supply chain management for global firms. His research focuses on buyer-supplier relationships and the impact of structural decisions on supply chain performance.
"成人头条 really walks hand-in-hand with students from their first day until graduation and beyond. We have so many people on campus who are committed to seeing students succeed and helping them push through the difficult moments. No matter where you are from, or what your background is, you will find people at 成人头条 who want to help you make 成人头条 your home鈥攑eople who will walk alongside you through the good and bad, who will enrich your time as a college student, and will become lifelong friends and mentors."
Barbar Kurz is from Juiz de Fora, MG, Brasil, and holds a master鈥檚 degree in College Student Development from Arkansas Tech University and a bachelor鈥檚 degree in English (Creative Writing) from Kansas State University. She is the director of Messina at 成人头条 University Maryland. Her professional focus centers on first-year student success, student life, and leadership development.
"For an international student who will be away from family or experience a culture shock, the 成人头条 family is the best place to be. The entire 成人头条 community embraces, welcomes and supports you throughout your stay here. You will not feel like an outsider."
Sandra Panchalingam, Ph.D., was born in Sri Lanka and raised in Nigeria and serves as Director of 成人头条鈥檚 Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. She earned her bachelor's degree in Microbiology and completed master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in Immunology at the University of Birmingham in England. After postdoctoral training at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, she held leadership roles in research management across academic, nonprofit, and federal medical organizations. Her work focuses on supporting faculty scholarship and strengthening institutional research capacity.
"My experience at 成人头条 has been incredibly welcoming and fulfilling. From my first day, I鈥檝e felt supported by colleagues who are genuinely committed to justice, community engagement, and student success. Every day brings opportunities to learn, grow, and collaborate with people who inspire me. The most special aspect of the 成人头条 experience is the sense of belonging. Whether you鈥檙e a student, staff member, or visitor, you鈥檙e invited into a community that values you as a whole person鈥攜our identity, your dreams, and your journey."
Narayana Salvatierra is from Le贸n, Nicaragua, and serves as Assistant Director for the Center for Community, Service, and Justice/York Road Initiative Operations. She studied Sociology at Universidad Centroamericana, Public Management at Universidad de Chile, and Development Policy at the KDI School of Public Policy and Management in South Korea. Before joining 成人头条, she held leadership roles in research, innovation, and community engagement within Jesuit higher education. Her work centers on youth development, human rights, and building partnerships between campus and community.
"As an immigrant, I recognize that it takes courage to take that first step and leave your home and family behind. But if you take that step towards 成人头条, we will make sure that you find a second home here. In addition to receiving a world-class education, you will find a place of community and belonging on campus that you need to thrive as an international student."
Saima's favorite thing about Baltimore:听
"I love the and dining at the restaurants around it. One of my favorite places to hang out at the Harbor is , which serves Halal cuisine. I would take up sitting in the restaurant鈥檚 outdoor area on a nice summer evening, sipping coffee with Kunaf茅 and watching the sun set, over anything!"
A native of Karachi, Pakistan, Saima Sitwat is dedicated to building bridges across religions and cultures within the 成人头条 community. She holds an M.A. in English Linguistics from the University of Karachi and a Master of Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh. A writer and educator, she facilitates conversations on race, religion, and identity and has held numerous interfaith leadership roles. Through her work, she fosters dialogue, understanding, and connection across diverse faith traditions.