This story was originally published on the Maryland Today website on Jan. 27, 2021.

The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly altered the research field, leading to institutions struggling to keep career development connections and networks. The virus may also contribute to increasing the research divide, specifically for underrepresented Early Career Researchers (ECR’s) and doctoral students. 

Racial and ethnic groups who are underrepresented in Health Management, Services and Policy fields tend to face unique obstacles when it comes to career success. 

Children and families across Maryland and throughout the United States are grappling with the challenges and necessity of virtual learning required by the Covid-19 pandemic. But Black, Latino, and low-income children face starker difficulties and may be at risk of falling behind or disengaging from school entirely. Inequities that existed before the pandemic have become even deeper and difficult to bridge. 

Our Happiness and Wellness Initiative will share "Some Good News" from the SPH and our extended community. You can submit your own good news by email to: happyandwell@umd.edu.

In his first week on the job, President Joe Biden signed several climate-related executive orders, including rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement, halting the construction of the Keystone pipeline and aggressively expanding and investing in efforts to fight environmental racism in disadvantaged communities that have suffered the most from pollution.