Robin Schlesinger has long been passionate about advocacy and supporting children, going back to an aha moment during a discussion about school shootings.

A public policy course on the impact of policies on children and families led junior public health major Sophia Thompson to her passion: maternal and child health and policies that can address racial and economic disparities within the field.

Students from across the University of Maryland gathered at the School of Public Health to showcase their research during the annual SPH Public Health Research & Practice Day on Wednesday, April 4, one of several events taking place in SPH as part of National Public Health Week.

On Friday, Feb. 23, a pool of 16 leaders gathered at the Reservoir Center for Water Solutions with the purpose of bringing together powerful leaders and shaping the next generation of changemakers in public health. The leaders — all women of color in public health careers — discussed water solutions, letting flow a river of ideas and expertise. The panelists represented diverse skill sets and backgrounds united by their commitment to social justice, environmental health and clean water.

Kim shares why she decided to study health policy and management, how she overcame stigma around abortion research and how her research on contraception and abortion access could impact state and national health policies.