This summer’s Juneteenth celebrations in the historic African American community of Sandy Spring were lively, musical and rich with storytelling from residents descended from formerly enslaved Black people who gained freedom within one of Maryland’s oldest Quaker communities. 

After Zaila Avant-garde correctly spelled “Murraya” to win the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee, the confetti had barely finished raining down on stage before the scholarship offers started pouring in.

Most came from universities in the eighth-grader’s home state of Louisiana, but not all. University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines reached out to her on social media to offer his congratulations and a full ride to UMD. “We hope you’ll bring your ‘Murraya’ win to Maryland!”

As a young man, Cory Easton knew he wanted to work in health care and help a lot of people, but he didn’t feel he had the academic chops to be a doctor. So he became more interested in the business of health and, ultimately, in how to ensure people got the medicine they needed at the right time, for the right reasons and at the right price.

Our SPH colleagues continue to investigate and find solutions for some of the most crucial public health issues of our time. Get the latest here in the Spring Research Roundup that celebrates the excellent work and dedicated humans of UMD School of Public Health. 

Congratulations to the dedicated SPH faculty and staff who received awards this Spring honoring outstanding teaching, public health practice, service, mentoring and commitment to the school’s success and community during the 2024-2025 academic year! 

Since transferring from Harford Community College to the UMD School of Public Health, Lahna Hall, who graduated this Spring in public health practice,  has always been passionate about the health of her community.

Growing up, first-generation UMD School of Public Health graduate Crisdel Mayen Velasquez witnessed her parents struggle to navigate the U.S. healthcare system. Like many children of immigrant parents, she helped translate their medical documents.

This Spring, UMD School of Public Health (SPH) recognized four outstanding members of the community with its highest honor – the Distinguished Terrapin Award.

Several School of Public Health faculty were singled out for accolades at this year’s Maryland Research Excellence Celebration, which honors the distinct and notable accomplishments of University of Maryland researchers.

The School of Public Health (SPH) Alumni Network awarded the Public Health Emerging and Engaging Leaders (PHEEL) Award to seven outstanding recent graduates in April 2025. Each honoree was selected for their excellence in their career progression, service and leadership.