News from the School of Public Health

Why do rural adults and racial and ethnic minorities with vascular disease get major leg amputations more often?

This May, Hannah Altberger became the first ever graduate of a social data science major on the public health track. 

“Getting to pioneer the major was so cool,” Altberger said. “I just happened to be the first one to graduate with this degree, and I think that is such an honor.” 

As a young man, Cory Easton knew he wanted to work in health care and help a lot of people, but he didn’t feel he had the academic chops to be a doctor. So he became more interested in the business of health and, ultimately, in how to ensure people got the medicine they needed at the right time, for the right reasons and at the right price.

Our SPH colleagues continue to investigate and find solutions for some of the most crucial public health issues of our time. Get the latest here in the Spring Research Roundup that celebrates the excellent work and dedicated humans of UMD School of Public Health. 

Congratulations to the dedicated SPH faculty and staff who received awards this Spring honoring outstanding teaching, public health practice, service, mentoring and commitment to the school’s success and community during the 2024-2025 academic year! 

Recent SPH graduate Matthew Ryan Alvarez wants to improve men's mental health and help couples through therapy. As of May 2025, he’s got a masters in marriage and family therapy from UMD’s School of Public Health to help him reach his goals.