Connect with Afrah
Email: afraha1@umbc.edu
Track: Traditional
Graduation Year: Fall 2026
Hometown: Dhaka, Bangladesh
High School: Sir John Wilson School
Why I choose CBEE: I chose CBEE because it allowed me to realize my childhood ambitions of “doing a bit of everything”. As a ChemE, you have to learn and apply concepts of chemistry, physics, biology, coding, engineering, mathematics, and even economics to the problems you encounter to succeed. Moreover, the fact that ChemE is such an interdisciplinary major allows me to interact with people from many different disciplines and work alongside them. This makes CBEE the best place for me to be at UMBC.
Areas of Interest in Chemical Engineering: Sustainable Manufacturing, Energy, Environmental Remediation, Catalysis, Reaction Kinetics
My favorite thing about CBEE is: My favorite thing about CBEE is the fact that it is an incredibly tight-knit department, and help is never too far away. In my opinion(and experience), it’s less of a department in a college and more of a community of professionals that help each other succeed.
Advice for a new CBEE student: It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the number of things that you are required to be proficient in, however, it’s just as easy to find help whenever you need it. Never be afraid to ask for help, and ask for help early!
What I plan to do with my Chemical Engineering degree: I plan on pursuing a graduate degree and plan on dedicating my time to research, either at a company, a national lab, or at an academic institution, afterwards.
UMBC Activities & Clubs: AIChE(American Institute of Chemical Engineers), CWIT(Center for Women in Technology), UMBC Gritty Kitties, UMBC Lifting Club
Hobbies: Reading, Painting, Cooking, Playing the Piano and Guitar
My favorite thing about the Baltimore area: Definitely the Museums dotted around Baltimore(most of which are free for students) and the National Aquarium!