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March 25, 2025 Issue 56

UDC Research Week 2025: It ‘Isn’t Just What We Do—It's Who We Are’

Research Week is back—bringing a robust celebration of faculty and student discovery and innovation from every end of the university March 31-April 4.

“UDC Research Week 2025 is an opportunity to celebrate our success as the research laboratory for the D.C. government,” says Vice President of Research Victor McCrary.

Legal Scholarship in Action: UDC Law

This year, faculty will present on timely issues in racial, gender and economic justice, proposing reforms to expand equity under the law.

Breaking Barriers: UDC Community College

“At UDC-CC, we are proving that great research can come from any background and is happening at every degree level,” says Assistant Professor of Natural Sciences Michael Ha.

Research That Drives Change: SBPA

SBPA returns with a series of innovative presentations on artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, social impact and more.

Engineering the Future: SEAS

SEAS is expanding its capabilities and interdisciplinary collaboration, and preparing students to lead in the ever-expanding STEM fields.

CAS Brings 'Something for Everyone'

“The CAS community is made up of bright and passionate change agents,” says Dean Jeffery Fleming.

CAUSES Highlights Community-Focused Research

Student presentations will explore urban agriculture, climate resilience, nutritional genomics, environmental justice and more.

University Celebrates 15 Years of Partnership With the National Cherry Blossom Festival

Since 2011, UDC has served as a sponsor and active partner of the annual event that transforms the District into a sea of pink.

"The festival reminds us that we're not just in the city—we're of the city. And that's a distinction worth celebrating," says UDC's Lee Brian Reba.

New Book From Anacostia High Students Inspired by Environmental Exploration

"Young Voices of the Anacostia River" showcases essays, poems and photography from Anacostia High School students.

“We are proud to partner with D.C. Public Schools in providing impactful opportunities that inspire and tap into students’ creativity to explore their communities and career pathways," says UDC President Maurice D. Edington.

'Delivering on the Promise' In Action

UDC recently hosted a High School Counselor Brunch for D.C.-area counselors. Aligned with our Strategic Enrollment Plan, an initiative of our university-wide strategic plan, Delivering on the Promise, the event helped foster meaningful professional connections while enhancing visibility and attracting future Firebirds.

UDC Launches Redesigned Website to Enhance User Experience and Accessibility

The website redesign is part of a series of presidential priority initiatives rooted in the Delivering on the Promise strategic plan, aimed at strengthening UDC’s institutional identity, enhancing recruitment efforts and improving engagement with the entire Firebird community.

Community Changemakers Series Offers UDC Students 'Hands-On Experience' With Impactful Nonprofits

The lecture series is designed to raise awareness of the nonprofit sector and provide students with opportunities for internships and career development.

“I really wanted to connect students to the nonprofit space instead of just reading out of a textbook with them,” says criminal justice Professor Tayler Shreve.

Alumni Impact: Emmy Winner Larry Sindass

UDC digital media senior Asha Moore-Smith recently sat down with UDC alumni and current students to discuss the university's impact and ongoing legacy. Among the guests was Emmy-winning journalist and digital media Professor Larry Sindass ('92) .

"If you stay with a passion, and identify what is it you want to do, it becomes a career that will evolve—will connect with others around you," Sindass says.

Watch the video

The Social Spotlight

Celebrating Women's History Month

This month and every month, we salute the women of UDC and all the trailblazers who shaped history before them.

A Peek at UDC's New Innovation Lounge

The new lounge is powered by a Home Depot Retool Your School grant, a program supporting campus enhancements at HBCUs.

In the News

The Washington Post: How Much Money Do D.C.-area colleges generate? $15B, Report Says
The Washington Informer: Anacostia High Schoolers Bloom by Publishing Book Analyzing Black Environmental Contributions
WTOP-FM: Anacostia High School Seniors Author New Book ‘Young Voices of the Anacostia River’
WUSA-TV: Anacostia Seniors Find New Voices Through Unique Internship
Washington City Paper: District Line Daily
Inside Higher Ed: Students at HBCUs Have Better Mental Health Than Other College Students
HBCU Connect: First-Ever National 4-H Soccer Cup Kicks Off at the University of the District of Columbia
HBCU Connect: University of the District of Columbia Awarded New Research University Designation
U.S. Black Engineer & IT Magazine: HBCUs in New Carnegie Classifications

Athletics

Emmanuela Katou Kouami Lands UDC's First-Ever NIL Deal

The women's track and field student-athlete was named to the 2024-25 Allstate NACDA Good Works Winter Team, an opportunity that includes a name, image and likeness deal.

"For so long, an NIL deal was something I thought was beyond my reach," Katou Kouami says. "It is an amazing feeling to be celebrated for doing something that means a lot to me."

Events

March 27: 11th Annual Accomplished Women in STEM & Health
March 28: I've Known Rivers: A Pan-African Choral Journey
March 31: We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe
March 31-April 4: UDC Research Week
April 1: Maurice Jackson: Rhythms of Resistance and Resilience
April 4: Mom's Organic Market (Van Ness) Grand Opening
April 12: UDC Van Ness Farmers Market Returns
April 28: Calvin Jones Big Band Jazz Festival

View All Upcoming Events

Seen on Campus

During the last home game of the men's basketball season, UDC Athletics paid tribute to UDC police officers and Campus Public Safety Institute cadets during halftime.

Seen in the Community

Last month, the UDC Honda Campus All-Star Challenge team (including the members pictured above) competed in the National Qualifying Tournament, finishing second and qualifying for the National Championship Tournament in Los Angeles. The annual academic competition showcases HBCU pride.

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