On April 6, 2016, the University of Maryland’s Graduate School Government hosted Graduate Research Appreciation Day (GRAD). The event gave Master's and doctoral student investigators from all academic backgrounds an opportunity to share research, obtain feedback from faculty and peers, and hone conference presentation skills in a welcoming, on-campus setting.

Christine Thinn was a Master of Public Health student in Public Health Practice and Policy and a Graduate Assistant for the Public Health Science bachelor of science program. She edited the Public Health Connection newsletter for the Universities at Shady Grove, the campus where the MPH in Public Health Practice and Policy is based.

Maria graduated from Simmons College in Boston, MA in 2012 with a BA in Political Science and Communications. She has spent the past few years working in the US House of Representatives, where she continues to learn the legislative process. Maria joined the MPH in Public Health Practice and Policy (PHPP) program to specialize in healthcare policy and learn the skills to analyze, develop and advocate for policies to improve health and reduce illness in the United States.