The University of Maryland School of Public Health announced Tuesday it will launch an undergraduate major in global health along with the Department of Global, Environmental, and Occupational Health (GEOH) in Fall 2024. The department will replace and expand upon the Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health (MIAEH).

Arms raised triumphantly, with “FlyGyrlz” emblazoned across her chest and sparkly shadow framing her eyes, 9-year-old Kamryn Edwards ’27 beams in a family photo as she’s lifted high in the air by her three sisters.

That’s how it’s always been for the Edwards girls. The two sets of fraternal twins, born less than two years apart, have supported each other in everything, from cheerleading competitions to a specialty high school program to now all attending the University of Maryland.

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.