BSOS+ Collaborative Research Showcase Highlights Teamwork on Campus
From an innovative way to bolster childhood literacy, to novel approaches to organ donation, to proven methods to augment community safety, the BSOS+ Collaborative Research Showcase put cross-disciplinary research in the spotlight on Wednesday afternoon in the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center. There, an audience of about 100 faculty, staff, students and leaders from UMD and the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB)—as well as external research partners—learned about collaborative research efforts through TED-style talks, interactive presentations and displays, and videos.
The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences hosted the event, which featured collaborative projects between every college and school across UMD, as well as some with UMB and with far-reaching external partners, including Yeshiva University in New York; government entities in Kenya and in Indonesia; and police departments in Maryland.
Though the highlighted academic units and external partners demonstrated unique, diverse areas of expertise and focus, Dean Susan Rivera noted that all are united by the common desire to improve the human condition and build stronger communities.
“Collaboration is not only ‘a plus’ when it comes to research impact, it is vital to the studies, findings, recommendations, information and discovery that can actually change our world,” Rivera said. “Each day, we are part of an integrated research network that is addressing complexities and challenges from every angle. I know I speak for all of my fellow deans and researchers when I say that I am so proud to be part of a community that is working to understand and improve our world.”
Senior Vice President and Provost Jennifer King Rice, and Vice President Patrick O’Shea each offered remarks at the event, and echoed the enthusiasm of the audience for the work of the presenters and the impact of their projects. UMD President Darryll J. Pines also attended the event.
BSOS Associate Dean for Research Meredith Kleykamp, who worked with the invited presenters to offer the audience a broad view of collaborative research in various fields, said that she was impressed not only by the highlighted work, but also the support of the UMD and UMB communities, as well as external partners.
“To look around the room and see members of leadership including President Pines and Provost Rice, as well as deans and faculty from all the colleges and schools across campus and beyond was inspiring and heartening,” Kleykamp said. “The enthusiasm for this event is a testament to the spirit of collaboration and innovation that drives important work in so many different disciplines.”
Published on Wed, Nov 19, 2025 - 10:00AM