Danya Mazen Qato, PhD, PharmD, MPH, Associate Professor at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, delivered her speech “On the Imperative of Courage” at the 2025 University of Maryland, Baltimore Faculty Convocation.In her remarks, Dr. Qato reflects on the role of courage in science, research, and higher education. She shares a powerful story from a scientific conference where silence could have allowed a harmful narrative to persist, underscoring why speaking up — even when uncomfortable — must be part of the pursuit of truth.Dr. Qato calls on universities and faculty to resist silence, defend inquiry, and model courage for students and society. Her message is clear: silence itself speaks volumes, and courage is essential to protect knowledge, justice, and the future of higher education.🎓 University of Maryland, Baltimore – Seven Schools, One University#DanyaQato #ImperativeOfCourage #UMBConvocation #MarylandPharmacy #SpeakUp #HigherEducation #Courage #ScienceAndJustice #AcademicFreedom
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- 1:24Max Stearns: How Gerrymandering Broke American DemocracyPartisan gerrymandering isn’t new—it goes back to Governor Elbridge Gerry’s salamander-shaped map in Massachusetts. But today’s computer-driven maps take it to another level. In this clip, Max Stearns explains how gerrymanders compress opposition voters, spread majorities across more districts, and leave only a handful of competitive races. In fact, Pew Research Center reported in 2024 that just 40 out of 435 House seats were competitive. The result? Primaries matter more than general elections, states turn redder or bluer, and both parties play the game—though Republicans often do it better. In gerrymandered elections, we don’t choose our representatives. They choose us. #Gerrymandering #Democracy #MaxStearns
- 11:32On the Imperative of Courage | Danya Qato at UMB Faculty Convocation 2025Danya Mazen Qato, PhD, PharmD, MPH, Associate Professor at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, delivered her speech “On the Imperative of Courage” at the 2025 University of Maryland, Baltimore Faculty Convocation.In her remarks, Dr. Qato reflects on the role of courage in science, research, and higher education. She shares a powerful story from a scientific conference where silence could have allowed a harmful narrative to persist, underscoring why speaking up — even when uncomfortable — must be part of the pursuit of truth.Dr. Qato calls on universities and faculty to resist silence, defend inquiry, and model courage for students and society. Her message is clear: silence itself speaks volumes, and courage is essential to protect knowledge, justice, and the future of higher education.🎓 University of Maryland, Baltimore – Seven Schools, One University#DanyaQato #ImperativeOfCourage #UMBConvocation #MarylandPharmacy #SpeakUp #HigherEducation #Courage #ScienceAndJustice #AcademicFreedom
- 0:56Listening to Mothers, Improving Birth CareEvery mom’s voice matters.Rachel Blankstein Breman, assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, is leading research to capture the experiences of mothers during childbirth — whether cesarean, vaginal, induced, or not.By listening to families, we can build safer, more respectful care for every birth.This research is supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).#BreakthroughsCantWaitUMB #MaternalHealth #SafeBirths #FamilyCare #NursingResearch
- 1:16Fixing Democracy: 3 Reforms to End Gerrymandering & Empower VotersFixing our democracy demands bold change. In this talk, Maryland Carey Law Professor Max Stearns outlines three essential reforms: 1️⃣ Reimagine the House of Representatives — blend single-member districts and proportional representation to end gerrymandering. 2️⃣ Encourage multi-party coalitions — move beyond the two-party trap and give voters real choices. 3️⃣ Create a way to remove a deeply problematic president — ensure accountability at the highest level. These reforms strike a Goldilocks balance: not too few, not too many—just right. The goal? A stronger, more representative, and more resilient democracy. #Democracy #PoliticalReform #MaxStearns
- 9:28Becoming the Story | Jacqueline C. Mitchell at UMB Faculty Convocation 2025Jacqueline C. Mitchell, PhD, MS, CRNA, FAANA, assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Nursing, delivered her mini-lecture “Becoming the Story” at the 2025 University of Maryland, Baltimore Faculty Convocation.Born in the Caribbean and later serving in the U.S. Army as a nurse anesthetist, Mitchell reflects on her journey from childhood dreams to caring for soldiers in Afghanistan. She shares lessons on values, courage, and listening to the “whisper” that guides our purpose.This powerful speech challenges us to honor those who serve, to live out our dreams, and to inspire others through our actions.🎓 University of Maryland, Baltimore – Seven Schools, One University#BecomingTheStory #JacquelineMitchell #UMBConvocation #MarylandNursing #NurseAnesthetist #Leadership #Inspiration #Courage #ArmyNurse #Values
- 11:30Saving the Future of Our Democracy | UMB Faculty Convocation 2025Maxwell Stearns, Venable, Baetjer & Howard Professor of Law at Maryland Carey Law, delivered a mini-lecture, "Saving the Future of Our Democracy," at the 2025 University of Maryland, Baltimore Faculty Convocation.In this speech, Stearns explains why America’s two-party presidential system is failing and calls for bold reforms to strengthen democracy. He highlights the dangers of gerrymandering and social media, and outlines solutions: rethinking the House of Representatives, encouraging multi-party coalitions, and creating a way to remove deeply problematic presidents.Stearns warns that no democracy lasts forever—but with the right choices, ours can thrive for generations.🎓 University of Maryland, Baltimore – Seven Schools, One University#MaxStearns #Democracy #UMBConvocation #MarylandCareyLaw #UniversityofMaryland #LawAndDemocracy #Gerrymandering #PoliticalReform #CivicEngagement
