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COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Over the last year, more than 20 members of the UMD School of Public Health community - alongside colleagues throughout the state - have been steadily working toward a single ambitious goal: shaping the future of public health in Maryland. 

As an incoming freshman, Jessica Stanley was unsure of her career path. What she knew for certain was that she was interested in the healthcare field. Growing up in Connecticut, Stanley, now 21 and a senior, comes from a healthcare-oriented family, which influenced her decision to follow suit. 

Helping people has always been central to Jenny Lee’s life. Growing up with cerebral palsy — a neurological disorder that affects movement — Lee said that many people assumed she needed help. However, what most people didn’t know is that Lee, who is Korean, took on the role of her “family's representative” from age 12, translating important medical documents and other materials to her parents who didn't speak English.

Mia Owens’ younger brother, who was born premature, displayed symptoms of autism growing up. However, despite visiting multiple doctors, he wasn’t offered a diagnosis until his teenage years.  

After being inspired by her own teaching assistants, family science major Shawntay Brown wanted to give back to her public health community – to help students the same way she was helped. So the senior became an undergraduate teaching assistant, or UTA.

This week, the School of Public Health celebrated its 2024 Winter graduates with  students, faculty and staff joining together on Dec. 10 to commemorate the new graduates’ achievements and honor their milestone. 

“Every time I talk with our SPH graduating students, I am so heartened by the intellect, compassion and skills they’re bringing to the world of public health,” said SPH Dean Boris Lushniak. “This year’s graduates are going out into the world ready to be leaders, to do public health good. I can’t wait to see all that I know they will accomplish.”