News from the School of Public Health

Even for the slipperiest student on the playground or the most inescapable “it,” the prospect of going pro in tag probably seems like little more than a gym class hero’s daydream. But a University of Maryland alum has taken his talents from the schoolyard to the world stage, with a twist—or maybe a backflip.

University of Maryland researchers and leaders met with White House representatives, crime victims and community activists on Wednesday to tackle the nationwide epidemic of gun violence at an event hosted by PROGRESS (Prevent Gun Violence: Research, Empowerment, Strategies and Solutions), a new university initiative.

At the annual Maryland Research Excellence Celebration on April 16, more than 200 outstanding scholars and researchers, nominated by their deans, were recognized for their research success and visibility.

A University of Maryland researcher who helped influence guidelines on masking and other measures nationwide to limit the spread of COVID-19 joined fellow experts on Thursday in publishing a new report designed to standardize how the medical and scientific fields communicate about transmission of respiratory viruses.

With the help of Dr. Donald Milton, a School of Public Health environmental health professor and renowned airborne disease expert, the World Health Organization (WHO) wants to change how people across medical and scientific fields talk about transmission of respiratory viruses like COVID-19.

While students in medical school can practice their new skills in controlled environments—whether that means operating on cadavers or using high-tech simulations—Associate Clinical Professor Tracy Zeeger didn’t see as many options in public health.

“Folks are developing and designing interventions, programs, communication materials, screening tools, surveys,” she said, “and the only way to gather feedback is through pilot testing or direct engagement with a community.”