The University of Maryland has bestowed on Dr. Donald K. Milton the title and exceptional honor of Distinguished University Professor, a first in UMD School of Public Health history and one in only a handful of such titles given to tenured faculty across the university.
“It is a tremendous honor to receive this recognition,” said Milton, professor of environmental health at the School of Public Health and the School of Medicine’s Department of Medicine. “Public Health research is team science. Throughout my career, I've been blessed by working with outstanding students and colleagues that made our contributions possible.
“Public Health tends not to get much attention, except during pandemics and disasters. It is really gratifying to be here at UMD where the campus's investment in creating a School of Public Health continues to grow, where we are training a new generation of public health practitioners and scientists.”
UMD leadership commended Milton for his major contributions to the field of environmental and occupational health and his expertise in understanding airborne transmission of infectious diseases. Milton is at the forefront of investigating how infectious and deadly viruses transmit and seeking solutions that protect humans from infection.
It is a tremendous honor to receive this recognition. Public Health research is team science. Throughout my career, I've been blessed by working with outstanding students and colleagues that made our contributions possible.
At this high point in his career, Milton is also looking ahead. “I am very worried for the future of Public Health. I've had one NIH grant terminated so far. But what worries me most is how will we train and support young scientists? My graduate studies in Public Health were supported by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health – NIOSH was shut down on April 1, 2025. It has not been replaced,” he said. “As a senior scientist, it is my job now to stand up for the future generation of public health professionals and scientists. We will overcome this time – because we must. Our bright and energetic students will be in the lead of the massive reconstruction that lies ahead.”
Milton’s numerous accomplishments are wide-reaching, collaborative and seek solutions to some of the most complex public health issues of our time. He advises WHO on guidelines for acute respiratory infections, co-leads the Public Health AeroBiology Lab (PHAB Lab) that tests new ways to control airborne infections including using UV light, works closely with students and collaborates tirelessly with colleagues across UMD and the world. He developed the Gesundheit-II, a machine that allowed the first studies of viral infectiousness of exhaled breath while people breath, talk, and sing naturally – with and without masks. Using this novel device, he and colleagues showed for the first time that exhaled breath can contain infectious particles such as influenza and COVID – and that masks work to stop airborne spread of the infectious particles.
One recent research endeavor, the Evaluating Modes of Influenza Transmission, or EMIT2, has been breaking new ground in understanding how the flu spreads. The study famously developed a quarantined floor of a hotel and admitted a mix of healthy and newly flu-stricken volunteers, aiming to observe flu transmission in real time.
Milton’s impressive body of work, and continued drive to improve public health, is widely admired.
“This highest honor rightly recognizes a long career of excellence, but also highlights Don’s significant contribution and leadership in the study of aerobiology and respiratory viruses specifically,” said SPH Dean Boris Lushniak. “This lifelong work and ongoing commitment continues to have local, national and global impact.
“From his days as a young chemistry student at University of Maryland Baltimore to his groundbreaking work on the flu and COVID here at College Park, Don Milton embodies the spirit of fearless research for the public good.”
The School of Public Health congratulates this exceptional scientist, pioneering researcher, inspiring teacher and committed advocate for public health good.