A number of student opportunities exist for building community within and outside of the School of Public Health. In addition to the SPH student organizations listed below, you may find other student opportunities via TerpLink.
Student Organizations
- Beyond Shelter
- Camp Kesem
- CARE
- Community Learning Garden
- Gymkana
- Education Abroad
- Gift of Life
- LGTBQ+ Students and Allies in Public Health
- Public Health Beyond Borders
- Student Health Advisory Committee
- Aging, Diversity and Professional Training (ADAPT)
- American Medical Women's Association
- Federal and Global Fellows
- Maryland Council Family Relations
- Pre-Physical Therapy (PPT) Association
- Students Transitioning into Effective Professionals (STEP)
Honor Societies
The Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health was founded in 1924 at Johns Hopkins University within the School of Hygiene and Public Health to promote the graduate study of public health, and to recognize outstanding achievement in the new field. Currently, Delta Omega has more than 100 chapters at CEPH-accredited schools, with a total of more than 20,000 members nationwide. Joining the organization allows for professional growth through leadership development opportunities, networking, and discounted resources (CPH study guides and APHA membership fees). Learn more on the Delta Omega Public Health Honorary Society: Gamma Zeta Chapter page.
PAE is a local honorary society committed to the mission of public health. We aim to connect like-minded, high achieving students, and to provide members with stimulating speakers, discussions, and other group events to better prepare them to enter the professional world of public health.
Eligibility and Membership Requirements
- A major within the School of Public Health
- At least junior standing (at least 60 credits)
- At least 24 credits must be from UMD
- 3.5 GPA or higher
Organization Officers
President
Saili Khorjekar (PHSC) is a senior majoring in Public Health Science and minoring in Law and Society. She hopes to pursue a career in medicine and has a special interest in ocular health. This summer she was a research assistant at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Fl where she learned more about retinal degeneration. On campus, she is actively involved in the Student Government Association (SGA), Remote Area Medical (RAM), Maryland Minza, and is the program intern for the Global Public Health Scholars Program. In her free time, Saili loves to play pickleball, travel, and crochet!
Vice President
Erin Tebbe (KNES) is a senior majoring in Kinesiology. Erin is currently serving as President of the Kinesiology Student Organization (KSO) and works as an undergraduate research assistant in the Human Performance Biopsychology Laboratory, where she will work this year to develop her honors thesis project. Her main interests at this time include sports medicine and psychology. Looking ahead, Erin plans to pursue a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) degree and a career in physical therapy!
Secretary
Maiya Kim (PHSC) is a senior double majoring in Public Health Science and English. She is passionate about addressing health disparities, advancing women’s health, and promoting accessible, community-based healthcare initiatives. Maiya is a text supporter with Lean On Me, a student ambassador for the College of Arts and Humanities, and assists with research in the Human Integrative Physiology Laboratory. She was also a fellow with the Reducetarian Foundation where she explored the impact of industrial agriculture on community health. After graduation, Maiya plans to pursue an MPH and a career with a nonprofit organization dedicated to working with underserved populations.
Treasurer
Isabella Roman (PHSC) is a junior majoring in Public Health Science. After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to apply to and attend medical school. She is interested in and passionate about family medicine and orthopedic care. As a physician, she plans to use her public health science degree to incorporate preventative care strategies and help her patients promote long-term health. She is a proud member of the University Honors program on campus. In addition, she completed an internal medicine shadow experience and spends time volunteering. Outside of academics, Isabella enjoys going to the gym, being at the beach, and spending time with her friends.
Public Relations
Lauren Paik (PHSC) is a senior majoring in Public Health Science and minoring in Humanities, Health, and Medicine. She is pursuing a career in dentistry, with hopes to use her public health background to diminish health disparities within oral health. Lauren is actively involved in The Every Child Project, a nonprofit tutoring organization K-12 across Maryland. She has experience as a research assistant at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Dentistry where she explored the impact of chronic neuropathic pain on microglial morphology and quantities.
For more information or to reach one of the officers, contact umdpae@gmail.com or Cynthia Kershaw, staff advisor at ckershaw@umd.edu
Phi Upsilon Omicron (Phi U) is a national honor society in the family and consumer science field known for traditions of promoting academic excellence, leadership skills, service opportunities, and ethical and scholastic excellence. Members are committed to a lifelong learning and advancement of family science. With over 95,000 members throughout the nation students and alumni benefit from professional networking, leadership development opportunities, and scholarships and awards.
The University of Maryland College Park Department of Family Science has its own chapter - The Gamma Lambda Chapter of Phi Upsilon Omicron. To be eligible to apply for Phi U Membership, students must meet the following criteria:
- Must have a GPA of 3.3 or higher
- Must have completed at least 36 credit hours
- FMSC majors must have a minimum of 6 credits in FMSC coursework
- Non-FMSC Majors must have a minimum of 9 credits in FMSC coursework
- Must have a commitment to service
To learn more about the UMD Gamma Lambda Chapter of Phi Upsilon Omicron, or to inquire about applying, please follow us on Instagram @phiu_md or email us at phiumd@gmail.com. You can also contact Anna Lacy, the Chapter Co-Advisor, at alacy1@umd.edu.
Eta Sigma Gamma is the only National Professional Honorary in Health Education. Since being revitalized in 2017, the Epsilon Chapter of Eta Sigma Gamma (ESG) has proudly excelled in the ares of service, academics, and membership growth. Through our philanthropy and social activities, members find lifetime friendships and valuable connections for the future. Learn more on the Department of Behavioral and Community Health undergraduate student resources page.
Honors Programs
The Department of Behavioral and Community Health Honors program offers undergraduates the opportunity to engage in challenging educational experiences related to the social and behavioral aspects of public health. Rising juniors with strong academic records and significant interest in intellectual pursuits are invited to apply for this opportunity to partake in independent, mentored, scholarly work. Learn more on the Department of Behavioral and Community Health undergraduate student resources page.
The Department of Family Science's Honors Program offers academically talented students a more advanced and challenging educational experience related to the study of families. The program provides opportunities for involvement in scholarly independent study, intensive interaction with faculty, and examination of a range of family topics in greater depth than is possible in the normal program of study. Learn more on the Department of Family Science undergraduate student resources page.
The Department of Kinesiology Honors Program provides an opportunity for students to engage in challenging educational experiences related to the study of human movement, sport, and exercise. Students with strong intellectual interests and the ability to pursue those interests at a high level are eligible for this program. It is the goal of the Honors Program to nurture these students and encourage them to pursue their interests in a range of intellectual topics. The Honors Program in the Department of Kinesiology is primarily designed for junior and senior level students to encourage them to engage in scholarly independent study and discussions. Learn more on the Department of Kinesiology undergraduate student resources page.