Six University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) professors were recognized with the designation of Distinguished University Professor, the highest appointment bestowed on a faculty member at UMB at the Fourth Annual UMB Faculty Convocation, held Sept. 11, 2025. The title is a recognition not just of excellence, but also of impact and significant contribution to the nominee’s field, knowledge, profession, and/or practice.The six will be celebrated and receive their Distinguished University Professor medals during UMB’s fourth annual Faculty Convocation on Sept. 11.Richard P. Barth, PhD, MSW, Professor, University of Maryland School of Social Work, and Deputy Director, UMB Institute for Clinical and Translational ResearchMark A. Graber, JD, PhD, MA, University System of Maryland Regents Professor, University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of LawMyron M. Levine, MD, DTPH, Simon and Bessie Grollman Distinguished Professor, Department of Medicine, and Founder, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM)Jay Magaziner, PhD, MSHyg, Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, and Director, Center for Research on Aging, UMSOMAmal Mattu, MD, FAAEM, FACEP, Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, and Vice Chair of Academic Affairs, UMSOMPaula A. Monopoli, JD, Sol & Carlyn Hubert Professor of Law, Maryland Carey LawConvocation also featured three faculty speakers with mini lectures. They included:Jacqueline Mitchell, PhD, MS, CRNA, FAANA, assistant professor, University of Maryland School of NursingMaxwell Stearns, JD, professor, Maryland Carey LawDanya Mazen Qato, PhD, PharmD, MPH, associate professor, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy

How does where you live impact your diabetes care?UMB student researcher Abby Abaku uses geolocational data to explore how access to food, healthcare, and community resources affects patients’ ability to manage Type 2 diabetes.This Breakthroughs Can’t Wait research is shaping the future of personalized care.#BreakthroughsCantWait #DiabetesResearch #HealthEquity #UMBresearch #SocialDeterminants

What if your diabetes care plan was tailored to where you live and the resources you can actually access?Olohitare (Abby) Abaku, a Summer Research Student at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, is studying how geolocational data—like proximity to grocery stores, clinics, and community resources—affects diabetes outcomes.By connecting the University of Maryland Medical System Diabetes Registry with GPS Health data, Abby’s research explores how food deserts and limited healthcare access disproportionately impact underserved communities, especially low-income families and people of color. Her findings show that distance to healthy food options and care directly influences a patient’s ability to manage blood glucose levels and prevent complications.Abby’s goal: to help clinicians create personalized treatment plans that reflect the realities of each patient’s environment, while informing policies that build healthier, more equitable communities.👉 Learn how this research could transform diabetes care and why Breakthroughs Can’t Wait at https://www.umaryland.edu/breakthroughs#Diabetes #HealthEquity #MedicalResearch #FoodDeserts #SocialDeterminantsOfHealth #BreakthroughsCantWait

Baltimore City Public Schools teachers are finding new energy in renovated teacher and wellness lounges — thanks to the Educator Support Collaborative and the University of Maryland School of Social Work’s Positive Schools Center.This project brings together community partners, designers, and nonprofits to transform outdated staff rooms into restorative spaces where educators can relax, recharge, and collaborate.Hear from Ariel Watson, a teacher at George Washington Elementary, along with Nikomar Mosley of the Positive Schools Center and design partners, about how these renovations are making a difference in teacher well-being and school culture.Read more: https://www.umaryland.edu/news/archived-news/september-2025/positive-schools-center-helps-redesign-teacher-lounges.php#TeacherWellbeing #BaltimoreSchools #PositiveSchoolsCenter #EducatorSupportCollaborative #TeacherSupport #SchoolWellness #BaltimoreEducation #UMaryland

Not all hormone replacement therapies are the same. Compounded products raise unique questions about safety and effectiveness.University of Maryland School of Medicine professor Audra Stinchcomb, PhD, RPh, FAAPS, FAIMBE, explains the latest insights — helping patients and providers make informed choices.This research is supported by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).#BreakthroughsCantWait #HormoneTherapy #FDAResearch #UMBresearch #WomensHealth