Meet Miriam Copeland

B.A.: International Disaster Resilience and Security

Major, Minor, Certificate, and/or Honors: 

• Honors College
• Security Studies Certificate 

Degree Mentors: 

• Dr. Lauren Clay| Professor & Department Chair, UMBC Department of Emergency & Disaster Health Systems
• Dr. Daniel Aldrich| Dean’s Professor of Resilience and Director of the Resilience and Security Studies Program, Northeastern University
• Dr. Jose Arenas Gomez| Assistant Teaching Professor, Individualized Study 

Why did you choose to major in INDS?

I joined INDS because I wanted to major in Bioethics, which is not offered as a traditional major at UMBC. Being a student in the INDS department allowed my degree to evolve with me as I learned and developed my career goals.

What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?

After graduation, I plan to apply for a fellowship opportunity at the Maryland Department of Emergency Management, where I completed a successful internship this past summer. 

Were you involved in any clubs or organizations?

• UMBC Individualized Study Council| Student Representative
  October 2025 – December 2026
• UMBC Symphony Orchestra
  Violin
  September 2024 – December 2025

Awards, Certifications, Scholarships, etc. that you have received in your time at UMBC:

• President's Scholar
• Music Performance Fellow
• President's List
• Dean's List

Internships: 

• Maryland Department of Emergency Management, Office of Resilience
  Summer Intern
  June 2026 – August 2026
• Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics
  Genomics and Society Mentorship Program, Intern
  June 2025 – May 2026

For More information on Miriam's INDS journey please Click Here!

Visit the INDS Website