BSOS Social STEM Brochure

SOCIAL T E M

COLLEGE OF

BEHAVIORAL & SOCIAL SCIENCES THE SOLUTION

BSOS and Social STEM The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSOS) at the University of Maryland is home to 10 diverse academic departments and programs, as well as several major research centers and endowed peace chairs. While our faculty and students explore a vast range of unique topics—from climate change to economic crises, and the impact of poverty to transitions in populations and governments— each member of the BSOS community makes a commitment to Be the Solution to the world’s great challenges. Thus, BSOS stands at the vanguard of interdisciplinary innovation in teaching and research.

As a renowned public research institution, the University of Maryland is a national leader in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. While it is not home to more traditional programs of research and study in STEM, such as engineering or the “hard” sciences, BSOS has long utilized STEM methods to enhance research and classroom experiences in all of its disciplines.

These efforts are complemented and accelerated by advanced technology.

Because BSOS’s STEM research and methods are collaborative and interdisciplinary—and because the challenges our researchers address are so universally compelling—we are proud to share highlights with the University community and beyond. Throughout this publication and at ter.ps/SocialSTEM, you’ll find examples of exciting research and activity within our College that utilize scientific methods, cutting-edge technology, engineering advancements and computational methods. We do so to Advance International Relations, Encourage Global Sustainability, Understand Societies and Cultures, and Improve the Human Condition. We call this extraordinary research Social STEM. www.bsos.umd.edu ter.ps/SocialSTEM

The Science of the Social Sciences How can we better understand and engage individuals with autism? ELIZABETH REDCAY (Psychology) examines how differences in brain organization are related to children’s developing abilities to understand and navigate complex social interactions.

To do this, she relies on resources at the Maryland Neuroimaging Center to collect measurements of brain structure and function from children and young adults with and without autism. This research will lead to a better understanding of how the developing mind and brain support social behaviors and why individuals with autism find social interactions so challenging.

How can looking to the past help create a better future?

Past examples of human-natural systems interactions help us understand both potential vulnerabilities and opportunities in the face of anthropogenic climate change. GEORGE HAMBRECHT (Anthropology) focuses on human/animal relationships in order to reveal these past natural systems interactions, which are a valuable source for understanding both potential vulnerabilities and potential pathways toward solutions. He uses this work to build international multidisciplinary collaborative research networks that investigate the complex interactions of human governance, climate change, human environmental impact, and world system effects on past cultures with the goal of better understanding contemporary problems.

The Technology of the Social Sciences How can social networks affect social change? JENNIFER HADDEN (Government and Politics) utilizes a combination of computer modeling and qualitative research methods to analyze the dynamics of decision-making in social networks and transnational social movements. This work includes an examination of how social movements and NGOs participate in international climate change politics. She also conducts research concerning the politics of sustainable development and is a regular participant in the UN climate change process.

What deters computer hackers? DAVID MAIMON (Criminology and Criminal Justice) uses specially configured machines that cast a wide net for hackers, then surreptitiously record their every keystroke and action, to study what methods cyber thieves use in their attacks, how they behave once they’re in the system and what deters them. Maimon is also exploring how computer network users expose their computers and organizations to system trespassing events, and the effectiveness of existing cyber policies in reducing cybercrime incidents. His work could lead to better ways for major corporations, federal agencies and other organizations to protect sensitive data.

How can we help busy people provide high-quality survey data?

The responses to surveys are essential for developing sound social policy and critical social services, yet people are increasingly less willing and able to take part in surveys. FRED CONRAD (Joint Program in Survey Methodology) is developing techniques that allow people to respond to surveys when and where they can, using the new modes available on their smart phones. This allows for a data collection process that is more private, personal and convenient for the respondent.

Interpersonal relationships are at the heart of every society; in the digital age, how are our relationships changing? CHRISTINA PRELL (Sociology) explores network theories as well as the evolution of social networks. Using computer simulations, she is leading a project that aims to discover how social capital can inform network evolution. This groundbreaking research links the networks people build with one another offline with the connections they forge online.

The Engineering of the Social Sciences When speech is compromised, how do we give voice to the voiceless? NICOLE LI (Hearing and Speech Sciences) works to understand how damaged voices can be restored. Whether this damage is caused by frequent voice use or surgical trauma, she explores the unique properties of wound healing in the larynx to guide surgeons and clinicians in the best methods to repair voices that have been lost. Her laboratory investigates what cells and proteins drive the vocal fold injury and repair.

Li’s work also includes simulating the vocal trauma and repair response in computers.

Human activity impacts the environment—how much is too much?

KUISHUANG FENG and KLAUS HUBACEK (Geographical Sciences) and CHRISTINA PRELL (Sociology) use social network analysis and environmental accounting systems to demonstrate which sectors could put the entire U.S. economy at risk when global oil production peaks (“Peak Oil”). Their study is among the first to outline a way of assessing the vulnerabilities of specific economic sectors to this threat, and to identify focal points for action that could strengthen the U.S. economy, make it less vulnerable to disasters, and provide a road map toward a low-carbon future.

The Mathematics of the Social Sciences How do we ensure that all young people have access to opportunities? ODIS JOHNSON (African American Studies) has identified “opportunity gaps” between white, black and Latino students and has made recommendations to change policies in order to address them. Now, he is uniting the areas of education, sociology and public policy to address math test score inequalities. These efforts will help to ensure that students from every economic background and ethnic population have access to the resources and tools they need to gain critical math skills.

What if placing money in a savings account was as exciting as placing a bet? ERKUT OZBAY (Economics) directs UMD’s Experimental Economics Laboratory, which leverages technology and experimental design to test economic theory and learn from the behavior of participating subjects. His research explores behavioral finance and saving behaviors.

With EMEL FILIZ-OZBAY (Economics), MELISSA S. KEARNEY (Economics) and researchers from other universities, Ozbay is designing an incentivized savings program where participants are encouraged to save money in a “lottery” system, where they have a chance to earn an unusually high interest rate.

ENDOWED PEACE CHAIRS • The Bahá’í Chair for World Peace • The Lisa and George Zakhem Kahlil Gibran Chair for Values and Peace • The Anwar Sadat Chair for Peace and Development

MAJOR CENTERS • Center for Addictions, Personality and Emotion Research • Center for Substance Abuse Research • Center for the Study of Business, Ethics, Regulation and Crime • Interindustry Forecasting Project at the University of Maryland • Maryland Center for Economics and Policy • Maryland Population Research Center • National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism • Center for Safe Solutions

The College of Behavioral & Social Sciences: Be the Solution African American Studies: Be Empowered Anthropology: Be Cultural Criminology & Criminal Justice: Be Just Economics: Be Efficient Geographical Sciences: Be Global Government & Politics: Be Civil Hearing & Speech Sciences: Be Heard Joint Program in Survey Methodology: Be Counted Psychology: Be Understood Sociology: Be Social WWW.BSOS.UMD.EDU TER.PS/SOCIALSTEM P 301.405.3475 / F 301.405.2826

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