News from the School of Public Health

Even on the roof of the world, climate change is melting the snow. The loss of a third of the ice of Himalayan mountains in the past 30 years has translated into water and food shortages and variable water quality in the villages below.

A University of Maryland team traveled there this month to see how communities there are tackling these insecurities and to apply its expertise in water sampling and analysis to inform solutions to citizens in Namobuddha Municipality.

Most people haven’t experienced deeply caring for an animal for weeks or months at a time, bringing them into their home to heal and get strong, knowing they will eventually be moving on to someone else's home. For the Montfort family, this kind of generosity has become a way of life. Led by SPH alumna Reka Montfort and her husband Josh Montfort, Head Coach and Director of Gymkana, this family has not only embraced the noble cause of fostering rescue dogs but is also gearing up to make an even more significant impact by training service dogs.

The School of Public Health continued to move fearlessly forward this year, tackling pressing issues at the local, national and global level, while educating the next generation of public health practitioners. Here's a look back at some of the school’s achievements in 2023.

Throughout history, there are individuals whose actions resonate beyond their own lifetimes and shape the course of society by inspiring future generations. Harold (“Hal”) Brown stands as one of those unsung heroes whose dedication to civil rights and social justice continues to influence others, and in particular, his own son, Department of Kinesiology Chair Michael Brown.