Skip Navigation
MarylandToday

Produced by the Office of Marketing and Communications

Subscribe Now

In Brief

New Study Shows Largest-Known Comet Was Active at Near-Record Distance

The largest comet ever discovered became active much farther from the sun than previously believed, according to a new study by University of Maryland astronomers.

Psychology Professor Named Faculty Ombuds Officer

University President Darryll J. Pines sent the following email to faculty and administrators today: It is my great pleasure to introduce Dr. Karen M. O'Brien as the university's faculty ombuds officer, effective Jan. 3, 2022. In this role, she will serve as a neutral and impartial officer to provide confidential and informal assistance to faculty and administrators in resolving concerns related to their work.

DOTS Shares Thanksgiving Break Travel, Bus and Parking Plans

As the campus community gears up for Thanksgiving break next week, the University of Maryland’s Department of Transportation Services (DOTS) is offering guidance on how students can prepare for travel and parking on campus.

Nominate the Next UMD First Year Book

First-year students at UMD over the years have read short stories about immigrants, poetry about African American life and a biography of Thurgood Marshall. Now, the First Year Book Committee is accepting nominations for next year’s selection.

School of Public Policy Joins Big Ten Civic Involvement Collaboration

The University of Maryland is joining with the other policy schools in the Big Ten Conference to launch “Democracy in the 21st Century,” a collaboration to promote active civic education and engagement.

Technica Returns to In-Person Hacking This Weekend

Technica, the world’s largest hackathon for women and people from underrepresented genders, returns tomorrow at the University of Maryland as an in-person experience following 2020’s virtual version, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

$2.9M NSF Grant to Fund Research on Networks of Brain Neurons to Speed Up Computers

A $2,949,109 award from the National Science Foundation will help University of Maryland researchers explore the “rules of life” of networks of neurons in the brain—a project that could one day lead to better computing tools.

After Pandemic-driven Decline, Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions Surge Upward Again, UMD Research Finds

Global carbon emissions have rebounded to near pre-pandemic levels, according to a report by University of Maryland researchers released during the United Nations’ climate summit in Glasgow.

Community Open Forums Announced for UMD Strategic Planning Process

Senior Vice President and Provost Jennifer King Rice sent the following email to the campus community today: Strategic planning at the University of Maryland presents an important moment in our history for us to examine our current state and to evaluate strengths and trends across campus and across the evolving higher education landscape.

Extension, State Announce Farm Stress Assistance Program

The University of Maryland Extension (UME) and Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) today announced a new statewide Farm Stress Assistance program to provide physical and mental health resources to rural communities. The program is funded by a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

$510K USDA Grant to Fund Researchers’ Work Enhancing Food Safety Culture on Farms

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded $510,000 to researchers at the University of Maryland Extension and partner institutions to train small and medium-sized farms that grow produce in food safety procedures to meet recent federal requirements.

New Study Finds Links Between Political Beliefs and COVID-19 Health Behaviors

A recent study by an international group of researchers—including members of the University of Maryland Department of Psychology—confirms the conventional wisdom that health-related behaviors like wearing a mask or getting vaccinated against COVID-19 have become tied up in political rhetoric in the United States.

Good Neighbor Day Expands to Celebrate 10th Anniversary

Registration is now open for a supersized 10th annual Good Neighbor Day, a community-wide day of service in Greater College Park to be held on Saturday, Nov. 13.

IonQ Joins UMD Quantum Startup Foundry

IonQ, a developer of quantum computing devices based in part on research at the University of Maryland, has become the newest member of UMD’s Quantum Startup Foundry (QSF). The collaboration builds upon a partnership and commitment between IonQ and UMD to accelerate cutting-edge quantum technologies and develop a thriving quantum ecosystem in the region.

NIST Renews Funding for Joint Center for Quantum Information and Computer Science

The Joint Center for Quantum Information and Computer Science (QuICS)—a research powerhouse focused on quantum computation, quantum communication and quantum cryptography—recently received a renewal of federal funding from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

With Every Goal, Field Hockey Team Supports Boy Recovering From Cancer

The Maryland field hockey team on Sunday will amp up its season-long campaign to support a local boy who battled cancer—and is also the young nephew of team captain Kyler Greenwalt.

On-campus Hearing and Speech Clinic Begins Accepting Private Insurance

Patients at the on-campus Speech and Hearing Clinic no longer must pay out of pocket if they are enrolled in the university’s preferred Blue Cross Blue Shield and United Healthcare insurance plans.

President Pines Urges Support for Maryland Charity Campaign

University of Maryland faculty and staff are encouraged to support the Maryland Charity Campaign, which helps thousands across the state in need, including those affected by COVID-19.

Events Slated for Mental Health Awareness Week

National Mental Health Awareness Week is a great time to start improving your mental health. Join the Counseling Center and campus partners Oct. 4-8 for free programming to break down health barriers, stamp out stigmas and take time for self-care.

New Maryland Gear Made From Recycled Water Bottles

Terp fans attending Friday night’s home football game against Iowa will have the chance to buy Maryland apparel made with post-consumer recycled water bottles.

UMD Annual Safety and Security and Fire Safety Reports Released

Chief David B. Mitchell of the University of Maryland Police Department sent the following email to the campus community today: The 2021 Annual Safety and Security Report (ASR) and Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) are available for your review. The ASR provides safety and security resources and information to current and prospective students and their parents, as well as to faculty and staff members.

Applications Welcomed for $300K in Sustainability Fund Grants

The University Sustainability Fund will award $300,000 this year to projects that promote environmental sustainability and positively impact the student experience at the University of Maryland. Applications are being accepted for 2020-21 projects through Oct. 15.

Vote Now: Chemistry Ph.D. Candidate Nominated for 2021 Three Minute Thesis Competition

Patricia Razafindrambinina, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, is one of 20 contestants in this year’s Universitas 21 Three Minute Thesis competition (3MT), which challenges research students to communicate the significance of their projects to a nonspecialist audience in a concise and compelling way.

Toolkit Aims to Help Small Businesses Stay in Place

The University of Maryland’s Small Business Anti-Displacement Network (SBAN) has compiled an interactive toolkit of more than 20 implementable strategies for small business leaders to protect vulnerable businesses, especially those owned by immigrants and people of color, from displacement, closure and the ongoing stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic.

CMNS Dean Varshney Named Interim Vice President for Research

University President Darryll J. Pines sent the following email to campus administrators today: Today, I am announcing the appointment of Dr. Amitabh Varshney, Ph.D., as interim vice president for research for the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) and University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), effective Monday, Oct. 11.

$7.5M Award Funds Research on Memory Architecture for Quantum Computers

A University of Maryland quantum computing expert is part of a multi-institutional team awarded $7.5 million by the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research to understand and create a quantum computing counterpart to the random access memory, or RAM, that helps everyday computers operate.

Employee Guidance Issued in Advance of Friday Night Football

Maryland Football will host the Iowa Hawkeyes at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium at 8 p.m. Oct. 1—a Friday—so faculty are being asked to consider hybrid or virtual instruction, and employees can look into other adjustments to their workday.

UMD Hosts Forums Welcoming Terps to Help Shape Data Privacy Policy

The University of Maryland seeks the campus community’s input as it develops a new data privacy policy to establish clear principles and expectations related to the appropriate use of members’ data.

Actor, Comedian Jimmy O. Yang to Headline Homecoming Comedy Show

Student Entertainment Events (SEE) at the University of Maryland will welcome “Silicon Valley” and “Space Force” actor and stand-up comic Jimmy O. Yang as the 2021 Homecoming Comedy Show’s featured act.

Wealthy Americans’ Diet Is Healthier, But Worse for Earth, Geographical Sciences Study Finds

A new study by University of Maryland researchers and international colleagues shows that wealthier Americans tend to eat healthier than lower-income Americans—with less sugar and more meats, dairy and fruits—but have a worse impact on the environment.

‘Terps in Service’ Initiative Encourages Employee Volunteerism

University President Darryll J. Pines sent the following message to faculty and staff today: The University of Maryland has a long history of service to our surrounding communities. From our annual Good Neighbor Day events to the numerous partnerships between campus groups and community organizations, Terps make a genuine difference in the lives of our neighbors.

Musicology Professor Tapped to Lead Arts for All Initiative

Musicology Professor Patrick Warfield has been appointed associate dean for arts and programming in the College of Arts and Humanities, where he will direct the campuswide Arts For All initiative and support the college’s programming, Dean Bonnie Thornton Dill announced.

Researchers Uncover Barriers to Green Infrastructure in Chesapeake Bay Watersheds

A University of Maryland study that examined barriers to deploying “green infrastructure” (GI) to manage storm water and mitigate the effects of climate change revealed a need for both increased transparency and communication from government and greater resident participation and buy-in on the concept.

Current Page is 12

Maryland Today is produced by the Office of Marketing and Communications for the University of Maryland community on weekdays during the academic year, except for university holidays.