05/26/2021: An exciting new development for building scientists comes from the Biden administration announcement to fund an action plan for cleaner, more affordable and resilient buildings. The research aspects of this plan focus on Grid-interactive Efficient Buildings (GEB) and heat pump technologies.

10/07/2020: Using computational models and physical experiments, City@UMD is activly testing the efficacy of a do-it-yourself (DIY) air cleaning solution for Indoor Presenters. The setup which is built around cheap commercially available fans and filters would allow for indoor occupants, such as singers and lecturers, to perform their duties without having to wear a mask. The localized air cleaning solution would provide a similar level of protection to face coverings from airborne COVID-19 transmission for the presenter, both in contraction and transmission of the virus.

10/07/2020: UMD researchers, lead by Dr. Jelena Srebric and Dr. Donald Milton, have worked to develop and test COVID-19 protection solutions. Public performances, such as the Presidential and Vice Presidential debates, can add a layer of protection from COVID-19 with a simple but effective technical solution that both provides filtered air to and filters the exhaled air from a performer.

08/10/2020: In a recent New York Times Article titled 'What Happens to Viral Particles on the Subway', City@UMD's work on indoor airflows and particle (COVID-19 potential carrier) transfer was used by the authors to illustrate how the HVAC systems of NYC subway carriages interact with the exhaled partciles of their occupants.

07/16/2020: City@UMD Director, Jelena Srebirc, was interviewed alongside Univeristy of Maryland colleague Dr. Don Milton on NBC's Today Show. They were part of a segment on the effects of air conditioners spreading the coronavirus. Dr. Srebric spoke on the impacts various HVAC installations and operations have on the spread of the virus in indoor spaces. To learn more visit our COVID-19 research page.

06/26/2020: Researchers at City@UMD have a long track record of working on computational fluid dynamics, indoor air quality, and novel building technologies. With the outbreak of COVID-19 our researchers are applying that knowledge along with previous research and upcoming experiemnts to aide in the understanding of COVID-19 transmission and the protection of people from airborne transmission of COVID-19 and similar pathogens.

02/03/2020: Our long-term collaboration with UMD's School of Public Health (CATCH the Virus Study) has demonstrated that receiving 5 l/s per person of fresh air in shared indoor spaces, such as dormitory rooms, significantly reduces the risk of airborne disease transmission, such as influenza.

08/01/2019: Dr. Jelena Srebric and City@UMD were interviewed and profiled in the latest in a series of articles done by UMD's Sustainability Department. The interview, done over seven questions, covers such topics as: sustainability opportunities at UMD, City@UMD's role in delivering greater energy effiency on campus, and future intersections of mechanical engineering and sustainability.

04/04/2019: Zander Forsythe, a UMD undergraduate working with City@UMD, has been awarded a Critical Language Scholarship (CLS). This program, sponsored by the US Department of State, will allow Zander to participate in a intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program. The program includes intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences designed to promote rapid language gains.

04/02/2019: Avery Layne, a City@UMD undergraduate researcher who has been working with the center since 2017, was honored as the Executeive Board Member of the Year (2018-2019) for Region II of the National Society Black of Engineers (NSBE) at their 45th Annual Convention. Here Avery (left) is seen with Region II Chairperson Obum Egolum.

03/13/2019: For their work on TerpFootprints, built in collaboration with UMD's Facilities Management Department, City@UMD was given an Innovation Award for Higher Ed Energy Data Management. The award was presented to Dr.Srebric, Director of City@UMD, and Chauncey Jenkins of UMD's FM at the Smart Energy Decisions Innovation Summit in Houston, Texas.

11/16/2018: Daniel Dalgo, a member of the City@UMD research group since 2015 successfully defends his Dissertation "Data-driven Analysis of Individual Thermal Comfort with Personalized Cooling".

05/05/2017: During the 11th Annual Maker Fair, our robotic personalized conditioning device had its debut at the west coast. Two of these devices are going to be tested with the involvement of human subjects to validate our existing numerical evaluations.