Graves and Goodman (2022) discuss race as a social construct, influenced by Dorothy Roberts' ideas without explicit acknowledgment.
We immediately categorize people by race, influencing our interactions (e.g., greetings, behavior).
Robert argues that it's impossible to avoid using race daily, even though defining it is hard.
Race is used as a tool based on learned, invented rules.
There are social consequences for correctly or incorrectly identifying someone's race.
Rules can be explicit regulations or implicit principles.
Self-segregation by race is common, with stereotypes associating race with economic status.
The Case of Rachel Dolezal
Rachel Dolezal, formerly head of a local NAACP chapter, was accused of misrepresenting herself as Black despite having White parents.
The case was sensationalized, raising questions about the rules of race.
Dolezal never explicitly claimed to be Black but did not correct assumptions.
This raises questions about the moral implications of allowing inaccurate assumptions about one's race.
Race and Opportunity
A person changed his appearance to appear Black and claimed to receive more medical school offers.
This suggests potential consequences for deviating from racial expectations.
The validity of such findings can be questioned due to potential biases.
Research on this topic, using identical credentials but different names and pictures, exists.
The Use of Race in Science
Little attention is given to why race is used in science.
Race provides structure and predictability.
Race as Genetics
Race is sometimes used in medical science to cut costs, assuming different genetic categories exist.
This ignores the complexity of genetics and family history.
Cognitive Laziness
Jamie Lopez argues that the concept of race is used due to cognitive laziness.
The Legal Construction of Race
Race is created and maintained by law, a combination of sociology and common knowledge, and scientific evidence.
Supreme Court decisions on race are based on "common knowledge."
The quality of scientific evidence depends on the scientists and the societal context.
Racial classifications are contradictory; the courts have been inconsistent in how they are applied.
Examples of Legal Contradictions
Armenians were classified differently based on their birthplace, even within the same family.
The "one-drop rule" defines someone as Black if they have one-eighth Black ancestry, despite seven-eighths non-Black ancestry.
Laws determine who can migrate, marry, reproduce, attend college, vote, and live in certain areas.
Whiteness as Transparent
Whiteness is often seen as transparent, not a racial category.
It is viewed as a normative standard and a source of moral and intellectual superiority.
Examples include the assumption that "classical music" refers to White classical music.
Immigration Act of 1917
The Immigration Act of 1917 restricted immigration from specific countries.
It excluded individuals based on health, poverty, and perceived mental capacity (e.g., "idiot," "illiterate," "imbecile").
Historical Context
In 1655, Virginia law based a child's status on English common law.
In 1662, the law changed to base a child's status on that of their mother.
Carl Steiner - Introduction to Research
Introduction
Carl Steiner introduces himself, highlighting his background and role at UMBC.
He acknowledges the Meyerhoff Scholars and their future impact.
Background
Steiner grew up in Germany with 13 years of school and compulsory military service in the Air Force.
He studied electric computer engineering and obtained a Doctor of Engineering degree.
He worked at the composite center, focusing on computer graphics, robotic simulation, and lightweight structures.
He then moved to biotechnology and eventually joined UMBC, finding it incredibly rewarding.
Defining Research
George: Research involves experiments or tests to develop new knowledge or reinforce existing knowledge.
Yossef Gedochu: Research aims to improve human lives.
Matteo: Basic research involves solving abstract problems for the sake of knowledge.
Types of Research
Basic research: Purely for knowledge.
Applied research: Improving society and products.
Clinical research: Human trials and ethical considerations.
Ethical considerations are crucial in all research.
UMBC's Research Portfolio
UMBC conducts research with NASA, focusing on cybersecurity.
They have centers for AI, quantum science, and navigation timing frequency.
They are involved in developing laser communication technology.
Aquaculture Research Lab
USM has an aquaculture research lab in the basement for growing salmon in the lab.
UMBC's Cybersecurity Program
UMBC is heavily invested in cybersecurity research.
Faculty from physics, public policy, math, political science, and economics are involved.
AI Program
Developed abductive reasoning 40 years ago which is essentially current AI.
Robotics
UMBC students develop robots that monitor sensors and hand signals.
International Collaboration
UMBC collaborates with universities worldwide on cybersecurity.
They host a campus-to-campus capture the flag event.
Clinical Translation
UMBC collaborates with the University of Maryland, Baltimore on clinical and translational starter grants. In the medical schools of dentistry, medicine, social work, nursing etc.
Alumni Success
UMBC helped aid in creating the COVID nineteen vaccine; Time Magazine showcased it.
UMBC Research Division
Highlighted using ERCAT in the middle for undergraduate research and creative achievement day. A research festival showcasing posters, performing arts, etc.
Mission
Kamari Buckley: Own my own research lab for children's bio
Samuel Adenola: Research, refine, rework medicine for all peoples.