Meet Miriam Copeland

My INDS Degree

Disaster management is increasingly vital as climate change accelerates and global crises grow more complex. International relations are equally essential, especially as global interactions become more volatile and irrational. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Middle East, a region home to many of modern history’s most significant security and humanitarian challenges. My degree in International Disaster Security and Resilience focuses on this critical region by combining political science, emergency management, and Middle Eastern studies.

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 

Post Graduation Plans

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.

Courses In My INDS Degree

✅Political Science: Courses will provide a foundational understanding of governance, international relations, and policy-making, which are essential for analyzing global security challenges and crisis management. These courses will enhance my ability to assess political institutions, power dynamics, and conflict resolution strategies, all of which are crucial in disaster preparedness and response. Additionally, coursework in security studies and foreign policy will deepen my understanding of how states and organizations navigate emergencies, geopolitical risks, and humanitarian interventions.

(POLI 301, 385, 431, 467, 468, GLBL 483)

✅ Emergency and Disaster Management: Courses will equip me with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to assess, prepare for, and respond to crises on both a national and international scale. These courses will provide a deep understanding of risk assessment, incident command structures, and the coordination of governmental and non-governmental agencies during disasters. Studying disaster response planning, humanitarian logistics, and resilience-building strategies will enhance my ability to develop effective crisis mitigation and recovery plans.

(EDHS 200, 230, 301, 431, 637)

✅ Middle East Studies : Courses will provide essential linguistic and cultural competencies that are critical for engaging with security and crisis strategy in the region. Proficiency in Arabic will enhance my ability to analyze primary sources, communicate effectively in diplomatic and humanitarian contexts, and understand regional political discourse. Middle East Studies will deepen my knowledge of the region’s history, socio-political dynamics, and security challenges, allowing me to critically assess conflict resolution efforts, governance structures, and international interventions. By integrating language skills with cultural and geopolitical analysis, these courses will ensure a nuanced and informed approach to crisis response and security strategy in one of the world’s most complex and critical regions.

(ARBC 201, 202, JDST 400/POLI 485, JDST 390)

✅ Individualized Study: Coursework will provide the analytical framework necessary to integrate diverse fields such as political science, emergency management, public health, and philosophy into a cohesive approach to crisis strategy. INDS courses will strengthen my ability to synthesize complex information, draw connections between disciplines, and develop innovative solutions to security and disaster-related challenges.

(INDS 330, 335, 410, 480, 490)