With a passion for social justice and public interest law, Danielle Basdekis arrived at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law in 2023 to pursue a Juris Doctor degree and hit the ground running. In two years, she has distinguished herself as a student, scholar, and leader, with her contributions significantly enriching the law school and advancing the mission of the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB).The third-year student has made her mark on the Francis King Carey School of Law through her academic pursuits and leadership roles. Basdekis, who will be a clerk for Justice Angela Eaves on the Supreme Court of Maryland after graduating next spring, said she was “overwhelmed” by the Student of the Year honor.Read more: https://elm.umaryland.edu/elm-stories/2025/Founders-Week-2025-Student-of-the-Year-Danielle-D-Basdekis.php

Being named the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) 2025 Founders Week David J. Ramsay Entrepreneur of the Year has been a full-circle moment for Rajabrata Sarkar, MD, PhD.The School of Medicine professor is an expert in treating blood vessel disorders, a nationally known researcher in his field, and a partner in the medical technology startup MDC Studio.Read more: https://elm.umaryland.edu/elm-stories/2025/Founders-Week-2025-David-J-Ramsay-Entrepreneur-of-the-Year-Rajabrata-Sarkar-MD-PhD.php

From the remote reaches of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to the front lines of global vaccine development, University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) professor Kirsten E. Lyke, MD, has charted a career defined by brilliance, persistence, and compassion.The School of Medicine professor and Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health researcher has built a global reputation for vaccine innovation.Because of her impactful work, Lyke has been named the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB) 2025 Founders Week Researcher of the Year.Read more: https://elm.umaryland.edu/elm-stories/2025/Founders-Week-2025-Researcher-of-the-Year-Kirsten-E-Lyke-MD.php

If there is one constant presence during a student’s academic journey at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD), it’s Andrea Morgan, DDS, MS.As a clinical assistant professor, director of student advocacy and cultural affairs, and director of student recruitment, Morgan is with students from start to finish, helping them to become not only oral health professionals, but also well-rounded practitioners who deliver attentive care to their patients.The School of Dentistry faculty member supports students throughout their academic journey at the school, helping to produce competent and compassionate oral health professionals.Read more: https://elm.umaryland.edu/elm-stories/2025/Founders-Week-2025-Educator-of-the-Year-Andrea-Morgan-DDS-MS.php

Kyla Liggett-Creel, PhD, LCSW-C, has spent more than two decades shaping programs and policies that center community voices and expand opportunity across Baltimore. Known widely as “Dr. K,” she has worked with schools, clinics, neighborhoods, and city hall task forces to ensure that those most affected by trauma and systemic inequities are part of solutions. This year, the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) has recognized her extraordinary contributions by naming her the 2025 Founders Week Public Servant of the Year.Read more: https://elm.umaryland.edu/elm-stories/2025/Founders-Week-2025-Public-Servant-of-the-Year-Kyla-Liggett-Creel-PhD-LCSW-C.php

After receiving feedback from students about the revitalized UMB shuttle program, the University will hold three town halls to gain more insight from the UMB community on proposed changes to the service coming in August 2026. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to join an upcoming Shuttle Town Hall to receive information, share ideas, ask questions, and help shape a service that best meets the needs of the University community. Town Hall Schedule Oct. 29: In-Person Only 1 to 2 p.m. School of Nursing, Room 130 (auditorium) Nov. 3: In-Person and Virtual 4 to 5 p.m. Francis King Carey School of Law, Room 107 Nov. 10: In-Person Only 1 to 2 p.m. School of Nursing, Room 130 (auditorium)Your input will influence how the new UMB shuttle program takes shape. Visit umaryland.edu/shuttlebus

University of Maryland School of Medicine student Claire Wegner is working with Dr. Alicia Chaves in Pediatric Cardiology to study prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease — and why some families receive that diagnosis too late.Her early findings reveal that mothers of Latino and Hispanic ethnicity and those who prefer non-English languages are significantly less likely to receive a prenatal diagnosis. Understanding these differences can help improve access to care and save more babies’ lives.Breakthroughs Can’t Wait. At UMB, we’re changing the future today.#BreakthroughsCantWaitUMB #PrenatalCare #MaternalHealth #CongenitalHeartDisease #HealthEquity #MedicalResearch #UMBresearch

University of Maryland School of Medicine student Claire Wegner is investigating how congenital heart disease is diagnosed — and how earlier detection could save newborn lives.As a participant in the Program for Research Initiated by Students and Mentors (PRISM), Wegner spent her summer in the Department of Pediatric Cardiology under the mentorship of Alicia Heather Chaves, MD, MAS, where she analyzed data from mothers and infants affected by congenital heart disease.Early diagnosis is critical, Wegner stressed, saying, “It has been shown that infants who are diagnosed prenatally, that they have much better outcomes than those who are diagnosed postnatally.”Learn more at https://www.umaryland.edu/breakthroughs

“What if we could save more babies by diagnosing congenital heart disease before they’re born?”Medical student Claire Wegner is studying the prenatal course of infants with congenital heart disease to uncover why some conditions are detected early while others are missed.Her findings reveal key differences in maternal demographics that can guide solutions to improve prenatal access and save lives.#BreakthroughsCantWaitUMB #MaternalHealth #PrenatalCare #CongenitalHeartDisease #MedicalResearch #UMBresearch #NINR