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

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