The University of Maryland has formalized one of its global partnerships, solidifying an existing relationship and opening the doors for enhanced collaboration. In May, School of Public Health Dean Boris Lushniak along with Dean Craig Beyrouty of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, signed a memorandum of understanding with Vice Chancellor Laban Ayiro of Daystar University in Kenya.
The agreement brings the promise of greater collaboration between the two universities, including travel, opportunities for student internships and shared research projects.
“We are extremely excited about the partnership between the universities,” said Dina Borzekowski, research professor in the Department of Behavioral and Community Health and director of the Global Health Initiative. “For years now, I have been working with Daystar researchers across subSaharan Africa. I'm thrilled that we now have this MOU—it will facilitate more opportunities for members of the UMD community to work in Kenya.”
Those opportunities will begin immediately.
“In June, I along with SPH students will travel to Nairobi to launch projects and new sites for Public Health Beyond Borders,” Borzekowski said. “We expect that there will be great learning exchanges for everyone involved—in the fields of public health, agriculture, communication, and nursing.”