ERIN KOSLOSKI
Sondheim Public Affairs Scholar & Honors College Certificate
Majors: Inds: Psycholinguistics Applied to Autism
Minor: Spanish & Psychology
Certificate: Intercultural Communication
Hometown: Catonsville, MD
Erin is a driven, passionate advocate for multiple causes, as well as an academically accomplished, intelligent, community-oriented individual. She cares deeply about supporting people on the autism spectrum, advocating for environmentally-sound public policies, and addressing food insecurity. Erin used her well-honed research skills to conduct research for Retriever Essentials, UMBC’s food pantry, to serve as a research assistant in Dr. Mirela Cengher’s Applied Behavior Analysis Lab, and to conduct her own independent research project as a Undergraduate Research Award (URA) recipient. Erin advocated for environmental policy change as UMBC’s Delegate for MaryPIRG Student Climate Action Coalition and served as a campus Eco Ambassador. As a first year Sondheim Scholar, Erin served with Walking Discovery, a social group for neurodiverse young adults. She continued serving with Walking Discovery all four years at UMBC, moving into a leadership role and coordinating service-learning with Walking Discovery for several other UMBC students. Erin served on the Sondheim Steering Committee and she was an active member of the broader UMBC community. Erin was nominated by UMBC for the Truman Scholarship, the country’s premiere scholarship for students passionate about public service. After graduation, Erin will begin a PhD program in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at the University of Texas, Dallas.
A few thoughts from Erin about her time as a Sondheim Scholar:
What are you most proud of from your time at UMBC?
I am most proud of creating and completing an individualized degree that incorporates the valuable knowledge I’ve gained from volunteering with neurodiverse groups.
What is your most memorable public service experience as a Sondheim Scholar?
My most memorable public service experience has been building relationships with the participants of Walking Discovery.
What was your favorite Sondheim event?
The trips to Washington, D.C. were my favorite Sondheim events! I also loved the in-person retreat in Fall 2019.