The UMB Pulse Podcast

University of Maryland, Baltimore

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is working to strengthen social impact and galvanize innovation. This season of “The UMB Pulse” podcast is featuring stories about how UMB is taking creative action to overcome barriers and solve social problems. Be sure to tune in – new episodes drop on the FIRST FRIDAY of the month! “The UMB Pulse” is produced by the UMB Office of Communications and Public Affairs. Co-hosted by Charles Schelle, lead social media specialist and Dana Rampolla, director of integrated marketing.

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Exploring Maryland's New Generation of Farmers with ALEI

Exploring Maryland's New Generation of Farmers with ALEI

In this episode of “The UMB Pulse” podcast, we are joined by Megan Todd, JD, managing director for the Agriculture Law Education Initiative (ALEI) at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, and Nia Nyamweya, founder and farm manager of Beauty Blooms Farm in Montgomery County. They discuss the new generation of Maryland farming, the role of ALEI in aiding Maryland farmers, and the nuances and challenges new farmers face. Maryland’s new face of farming is ethnically diverse, growing food and vegetables that reflect their cultures, especially from Africa, Asian, and Latin American countries — all done on small tracts of public land.Todd shares insights on how ALEI educates farmers on complex legal topics and collaborates with other institutions to provide comprehensive resources. Nyamweya shares her journey from nonprofit work to becoming a returning generation farmer and the innovative steps she has taken to overcome challenges in this emerging system. The conversation also explores the practical implications of farming regulations, the importance of community organizations, and the impact of local farming on cultural heritage.ALEI is a University of Maryland Strategic Partnership: MPowering the State joint venture among Maryland Carey Law, the University of Maryland College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences.In a bonus segment, Dana recaps holiday events and drives at UMB including the Holiday Craft Fair, Student Food Pantry Drive and the Christmas Store.Listen to The UMB Pulse on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you like to listen. The UMB Pulse is also now on YouTube.Visit our website at umaryland.edu/pulse or email us at umbpulse@umaryland.edu.

Exploring Maryland's New Generation of Farmers with ALEI

Exploring Maryland's New Generation of Farmers with ALEI

In this episode of “The UMB Pulse” podcast, we are joined by Megan Todd, JD, managing director for the Agriculture Law Education Initiative (ALEI) at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, and Nia Nyamweya, founder and farm manager of Beauty Blooms Farm in Montgomery County. They discuss the new generation of Maryland farming, the role of ALEI in aiding Maryland farmers, and the nuances and challenges new farmers face. Maryland’s new face of farming is ethnically diverse, growing food and vegetables that reflect their cultures, especially from Africa, Asian, and Latin American countries — all done on small tracts of public land.Todd shares insights on how ALEI educates farmers on complex legal topics and collaborates with other institutions to provide comprehensive resources. Nyamweya shares her journey from nonprofit work to becoming a returning generation farmer and the innovative steps she has taken to overcome challenges in this emerging system. The conversation also explores the practical implications of farming regulations, the importance of community organizations, and the impact of local farming on cultural heritage.ALEI is a University of Maryland Strategic Partnership: MPowering the State joint venture among Maryland Carey Law, the University of Maryland College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences.In a bonus segment, Dana recaps holiday events and drives at UMB including the Holiday Craft Fair, Student Food Pantry Drive and the Christmas Store.Listen to The UMB Pulse on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you like to listen. The UMB Pulse is also now on YouTube.Visit our website at umaryland.edu/pulse or email us at umbpulse@umaryland.edu.

Breaking Barriers for a Healthier City: Spotlight on the West Baltimore RICH Collaborative

Breaking Barriers for a Healthier City: Spotlight on the West Baltimore RICH Collaborative

In this episode, we delve into the transformative work of the West Baltimore RICH Collaborative, a partnership of 15 community organizations dedicated to tackling hypertension, social determinants of health, and social isolation in four West Baltimore ZIP codes that show evidence of race-based disparities. Join us as alumna and the new Bill and Joanne Conway Dean of the University of Maryland School of Nursing Yolanda Ogbolu, PhD '11, NNP, FNAP, FAAN, discusses how this collaborative — which stands for Reducing Isolation and Inequities in Cardiovascular Health — is making a significant impact in Baltimore. Listen to The UMB Pulse on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you like to listen. The UMB Pulse is also now on YouTube.Visit our website at umaryland.edu/pulse or email us at umbpulse@umaryland.edu.

Fighting Fentanyl: Melanie Yates and the Josh Siems Act

Fighting Fentanyl: Melanie Yates and the Josh Siems Act

We delve deep into the heart of the opioid crisis, focusing on the devastating impact of fentanyl. Our special guest, Melanie Yates, LMSW, a May 2023 graduate from the University of Maryland School of Social Work, shares her personal journey of loss and her relentless pursuit to make a difference. Melanie's efforts led to the passing of the Josh Siems Act, a groundbreaking legislation that mandates Maryland hospitals to test for fentanyl. October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, so please join us as we discuss the importance of substance abuse awareness, the challenges of navigating the political system, and the hope for a safer future. Warning: This episode discusses topics of addiction, overdose, and family loss.Listen to The UMB Pulse on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you like to listen. The UMB Pulse is also now on YouTube.Visit our website at umaryland.edu/pulse or email us at umbpulse@umaryland.edu.

Olympic Rugby Star & Maryland Carey Law Graduate: Carmen Farmer's Mission to Conserve Colorado Lands

Olympic Rugby Star & Maryland Carey Law Graduate: Carmen Farmer's Mission to Conserve Colorado Lands

Discover the journey of Carmen Farmer, a standout University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law alumna and Team USA Rugby Olympian, who now champions land and water conservation in Colorado. In this episode of "The Pulse," recorded during the Podcast Movement Conference in Denver, Colorado, our co-hosts dive deep into Carmen's transition from the rugby fields of the Rio Olympics to the vast landscapes of Colorado. As a senior conservation project manager at Colorado Open Lands, Carmen plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the state's unique ecosystems, ensuring a harmonious balance between rapid population growth, nature, and wildlife. Learn about her dedication to preserving Colorado's pristine wilderness for future generations and her remarkable academic journey from Virginia Tech to Maryland Carey Law. Don't miss this inspiring conversation of passion, sports, and environmental stewardship. Visit this episode on YouTube to watch our interview with Carmen Farmer from the Gaylord Rockies.Listen to The UMB Pulse on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you like to listen. The UMB Pulse is also now on YouTube.Visit our website at umaryland.edu/pulse or email us at umbpulse@umaryland.edu.

How Breastfeeding Support for New Moms in Baltimore is Making For a Healthier Community

How Breastfeeding Support for New Moms in Baltimore is Making For a Healthier Community

Celebrate National Breastfeeding Month with an eye-opening conversation featuring B'More For Healthy Babies Director Stacey B. Stephens and lactation counselor Shasha Satchell! Discover how this collaborative program is revolutionizing the lives of new mothers, babies, and even fathers in Baltimore, transforming communities like the Upton/Druid Heights neighborhood, which witnessed an astounding 75 percent reduction in infant mortality rates. As we delve into National Black Breastfeeding Week in the last week of August, Stephens and Satchell candidly discuss the unique challenges faced by the Black community and how the program is empowering new families, creating advocates for new moms, and fostering a healthier future. Join us to gain valuable insights and essential tips every new breastfeeding mom should know! For more information about the program, visit https://www.healthybabiesbaltimore.com.Listen to The UMB Pulse on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you like to listen. The UMB Pulse is also now on YouTube.Visit our website at umaryland.edu/pulse or email us at umbpulse@umaryland.edu.

How UMB Helps Student Entrepreneurs and the Baltimore Tech Scene

How UMB Helps Student Entrepreneurs and the Baltimore Tech Scene

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) has several programs and opportunities to help student entrepreneurs go from idea to invention. The Graduate Research Innovation District (The Grid) is a one-stop-shop for anything related to entrepreneurial and innovation education and is located in the Health Sciences and Human Services Library.Jenny Owens, ScD, MS, associate dean, University of Maryland Graduate School, and executive director, The Grid, and Taylor DeBoer, MA, assistant director, The Grid, discuss how the innovation space is making a real impact on students and the Baltimore startup scene.We also hear from UMB alumna Kelsey Abernathy, PhD, and University of Maryland, College Park alumnus Dan Fucich, PhD, who leveraged The Grid’s resources to launch their company AlgenAir. The AlgenAir co-founders share their journey of going from an idea to a full-fledged company with products that use algae to convert carbon into oxygen in occupied spaces.Listen to The UMB Pulse on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you like to listen. The UMB Pulse is also now on YouTube.Visit our website at umaryland.edu/pulse or email us at umbpulse@umaryland.edu.

Inspiring Words from UMB Commencement

Inspiring Words from UMB Commencement

Commencement is a time for celebration and inspiration for new graduates ready to change the world. In this episode, co-hosts Dana Rampolla and Charles Schelle share their personal favorite speeches from this year's University of Maryland, Baltimore graduation ceremonies.First is Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), who spoke at the University of Maryland School of Social Work convocation ceremony, outlining his seven reasons for hope.The second speech is from former Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh (D), who spoke at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law hooding ceremony, telling graduates to use their knowledge to ignite positive change.There were many other great speeches at UMB's ceremonies. Here are a few to check out:Universitywide Commencement featuring University System of Maryland Regent Bill Wood, Retired Lockheed Martin Chairman and CEO Norman Augustine and UMB Student Government Association President Joanna Zhao Ye.University of Maryland School of Medicine hooding ceremony featuring Dayna Bowen Matthew, JD, PhD, dean and Harold H. Greene Professor of Law at the George Washington University Law School and Outstanding Scholar Award recipient Nicholas Fioravante.Listen to The UMB Pulse on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you like to listen. The UMB Pulse is also now on YouTube.Visit our website at umaryland.edu/pulse or email us at umbpulse@umaryland.edu.

How UMB is Studying Artificial Intelligence's Potential in Health Care

How UMB is Studying Artificial Intelligence's Potential in Health Care

A new wave of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is proving to be a disruptor across industries. How can artificial intelligence and tools like Chat GPT improve health care? What are the pitfalls? The University of Maryland Medical Intelligent Imaging (UM2ii) Center is an academic research hub for revolutionizing medical imaging AI housed in the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Paul Yi, MD, assistant professor of diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine and director of UM2ii gives his insight on AI in health care and how UM2ii fits into that landscape. Paul is also the co-host of the Radiology: Artificial Intelligence podcast. Listen to The UMB Pulse on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you like to listen. The UMB Pulse is also now on YouTube.Visit our website at umaryland.edu/pulse or email us at umbpulse@umaryland.edu.

Navigating a Medical Cannabis Career Amid Recreational Legalization

Navigating a Medical Cannabis Career Amid Recreational Legalization

As recreational marijuana is readied to be legalized in Maryland come July, there will still be a demand for medical cannabis. Catrena Almonte, MS ’21, is a graduate from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy’s MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics program housed at the Universities at Shady Grove, and she is preparing for the next steps in her cannabis career as laws continue to change. Almonte describes how her experience in the military as a chaplain candidate led her to studying medical cannabis. Almonte shares why there will still be a need for medical cannabis in light of recreational marijuana’s availability, and how she wants to combine her research on cannabis with clinical psychology and clinical psychopharmacology. Listen more about the legal and public health impact of the upcoming July 1 legalization of recreational marijuana in Maryland on Virtual Face to Face featuring Leah Sera, PharmD, MA, BCPS, associate professor and co-director of the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy’s first-in-the-nation MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics program, and Mathew Swinburne, JD, research associate with the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, who has worked closely with legislative committees crafting Maryland’s cannabis legislation.Listen to The UMB Pulse on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you like to listen. The UMB Pulse is also now on YouTube.Visit our website at umaryland.edu/pulse or email us at umbpulse@umaryland.edu.

Adolescents: Why Sleep is Important

Adolescents: Why Sleep is Important

March 17 is World Sleep Day, and it might be a challenge for teens and pre-teens to get all the shuteye they need this month. Between the start of Daylight Saving Time and the arrival of spring and all of the activities that come with the warmer months, there are plenty of events that can disrupt a good night's rest.This month’s "Pulse" guest is talking all about sleep — and the lack thereof — and how prolonged loss of sleep impacts children. Ze Wang, PhD, is a professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in the Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine. He and a team of researchers published findings, in the journal Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, from analyzing data provided by the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. Wang shares what the study revealed, what kind of cognitive impacts resulted from a lack of sleep, and what the impact of later school start times have on children’s sleep.Listen to The UMB Pulse on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you like to listen. The UMB Pulse is also now on YouTube.Visit our website at umaryland.edu/pulse or email us at umbpulse@umaryland.edu.

How Can Black Fathers-in-Law and Sons-in-Law Create Healthy Relationships

How Can Black Fathers-in-Law and Sons-in-Law Create Healthy Relationships

Happy Valentine's Day! In this bonus episode, we continue our discussion about in-law relationships to focus on how Black fathers-in-law and sons-in-law can create healthy bonds. Ericka Lewis, PhD, MSW,assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW), and Brianna Lemmons, PhD, MSW, assistant professor at the Baylor University Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, join "The UMB Pulse" to talk about their study. Their findings, which were co-authored by Michael Woolley, PhD, MSW, professor at UMSSW, were published in Psychology of Men & Masculinities.Listen to The UMB Pulse on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you like to listen. The UMB Pulse is also now on YouTube.Visit our website at umaryland.edu/pulse or email us at umbpulse@umaryland.edu.

Just Engaged: Meeting Your In-Laws for the First Time

Just Engaged: Meeting Your In-Laws for the First Time

Whether you recently got engaged or might get a proposal on Valentine's Day or in the upcoming months, it may mean meeting your in-laws for the first time or building your relationship with them more fully. University of Maryland School of Social Work professors Geoff Greif, PhD, MSW, and Michael Woolley, PhD, MSW, provide tips and anecdotes of how married couples get along with their in-laws in this wide-ranging interview to help new couples start off on the right foot. Greif and Woolley also touch on adult sibling in-laws (36:15), what happens when grandchildren enter the picture (42:05), LGBTQ+ relationships with in-laws (47:09), and preview their new research on multiracial marriages (53:34). They are co-authors of the books "In-Law Relationships: Mothers, Daughters, Fathers, and Sons," where 1,175 in-laws were surveyed for their research, and "Adult Sibling Relationships."Check out these other interviews by Greif and Woolley on this topic:"In-Law Relationships": Probing The Joys And Complexities of Extended Families" (WYPR) "Understanding Male Friendships" (If You've Come This Far Podcast)Virtual Face to Face with President Bruce Jarrell: Relationships Under Lockdown (University of Maryland, Baltimore)Listen to The UMB Pulse on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you like to listen. The UMB Pulse is also now on YouTube.Visit our website at umaryland.edu/pulse or email us at umbpulse@umaryland.edu.

How UMB Alumna Kathryn Pawlak's Summer Camp Inspires Future Dentists

How UMB Alumna Kathryn Pawlak's Summer Camp Inspires Future Dentists

Each summer, University of Maryland School of Dentistry alumna Kathryn Pawlak, DDS '19, returns to the University of Maryland, Baltimore to inspire teenagers to become dentists through her Discovering Dentistry Camp she created through her non-profit Planet Smilez. Pawlak created Planet Smilez as an undergraduate at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in New York, and in this episode she tells us why pediatric dentistry is near and dear to her heart, and shares how two close family members inspired her to become a dentist.Today, Pawlak is an attending pediatric dentist at University Pediatric Dentistry, which is the faculty practice for the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine Pediatric Dentistry department. She also has privileges to treat patients at John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital, where she works closely with the Hematolgoy and Oncology Department Listen to The UMB Pulse on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you like to listen. The UMB Pulse is also now on YouTube.Visit our website at umaryland.edu/pulse or email us at umbpulse@umaryland.edu.

Dr. Kotloff's Global Health Mission: Defeating Diarrheal Illness

Dr. Kotloff's Global Health Mission: Defeating Diarrheal Illness

Dr. Karen Kotloff finds herself in remote areas of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia to help children survive diarrheal illnesses that we take for granted in the United States thanks to our health care system. Kotloff discusses what her work in global health looks like, in part thanks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and explains why some countries continue to battle these illnesses. Kotloff is a professor in the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics; head, Division of Infectious Disease and Tropical Pediatrics, and associate director of clinical studies, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health; and a UMB Distinguished University Professor. Listen to The UMB Pulse on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you like to listen. The UMB Pulse is also now on YouTube.Visit our website at umaryland.edu/pulse or email us at umbpulse@umaryland.edu.

This Isn't 'CSI': Not All Forensic Evidence is Bulletproof

This Isn't 'CSI': Not All Forensic Evidence is Bulletproof

Shows like "CSI" have made forensic evidence flashy, brought to TVs with cases wrapped in under an hour. Some types of forensic evidence, like pattern matching, aren't as reliable as what a TV show might make it appear to be, and it's a challenge to address the reliability of certain pattern matching evidence in courtrooms, according to Maneka Sinha, JD, associate professor at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. Sinha goes in-depth on one area of her research addressing ShotSpotter — a gunfire detection technology used in Baltimore and in cities across the U.S.Listen to The UMB Pulse on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you like to listen. The UMB Pulse is also now on YouTube.Visit our website at umaryland.edu/pulse or email us at umbpulse@umaryland.edu.

The New Lexington Market & Baltimore's Biggest Stoop

The New Lexington Market & Baltimore's Biggest Stoop

When will you be able to grab a bite to eat in the new Lexington Market? What surprises will you find as you walk through the brightly lit new building? From highly crafted merchant stalls to Baltimore's Biggest Stoop, Baltimore Public Markets Corp. President and CEO Paul Ruppert and Director of Marketing, Cherrie Woods, dish on all of the latest of Baltimore's flagship public food hall and market ... including how the University of Maryland, Baltimore helped entrepreneurs launch their business at the new location.Make sure to check out our other October Bonus Episode: "Visiting the Catacombs and Edgar Allan Poe's Grave in Baltimore." Listen to The UMB Pulse on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you like to listen. The UMB Pulse is also now on YouTube.Visit our website at umaryland.edu/pulse or email us at umbpulse@umaryland.edu.

Visiting the Catacombs and Edgar Allan Poe's Grave in Baltimore

Visiting the Catacombs and Edgar Allan Poe's Grave in Baltimore

You might know that Edgar Allan Poe is buried in Baltimore, but do you know the story behind the burial ground of his final resting place? And did you know there are catacombs in Baltimore? It's a perfect historic Halloween haunt! The Westminster Hall and Burying Ground is under the care of the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, and October is a popular time of year for the venue, featuring public tours of the historic hall, cemetery and the catacombs. Learn how you can visit and tour this landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. Jessica Williams, associate director, Event Services & Westminster Preservation Trust, Inc. and Heather McKlveen, administrative assistant, take us inside and underneath Westminster Hall.Once you're done at Westminster Hall, stop over at our other October Bonus Episode on the new Lexington Market.Listen to The UMB Pulse on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you like to listen. The UMB Pulse is also now on YouTube.Visit our website at umaryland.edu/pulse or email us at umbpulse@umaryland.edu.

Preventing Financial Abuse in Intimate Relationships with Judy Postmus, PhD, ACSW

Preventing Financial Abuse in Intimate Relationships with Judy Postmus, PhD, ACSW

What happens when you feel trapped or threatened in a relationship because of money? For National Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, we're talking about an often unseen form: financial and economic abuse. University of Maryland School of Social Work Dean Judy Postmus, PhD, ACSW, (4:12) will share what she's learned from survivors through her research, helping to identify what financial abuse looks like, how to help empower victims and what to do if you or someone you know needs assistance to break away from their abuser. Postmus also shares a little bit about her journey as a daughter of Dutch immigrants living in Miami to dean of the School of Social Work in Baltimore (33:00).Listen to The UMB Pulse on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you like to listen. The UMB Pulse is also now on YouTube.Visit our website at umaryland.edu/pulse or email us at umbpulse@umaryland.edu.

An Inside Look at COVID-19 With Coronavirus Researcher Dr. Matthew Frieman

An Inside Look at COVID-19 With Coronavirus Researcher Dr. Matthew Frieman

What is it like researching COVID-19 — the disease that has changed the world? And where do we go from here? University of Maryland School of Medicine Professor of Microbiology and Immunology Matthew Frieman, PhD, takes us on his journey in this supersized episode to researching coronaviruses (2:41), the future of therapeutic medications battling COVID-19 (20:38), and what we should expect this fall (49:09). We also hope we didn't jinx Dr. Frieman about COVID-19 (16:42), and ask him what keeps him up at night: variants, new viruses, or a return of an old virus (39:01). Listen to The UMB Pulse on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you like to listen. The UMB Pulse is also now on YouTube.Visit our website at umaryland.edu/pulse or email us at umbpulse@umaryland.edu.

'Field of Dreams' Discovery: The Legacy of Archie "Moonlight" Graham

'Field of Dreams' Discovery: The Legacy of Archie "Moonlight" Graham

In this bonus episode, we "Go the Distance" on the history and legacy of the real Archie "Moonlight" Graham, who many people know from the "Field of Dreams" movie portrayed by Burt Lancaster and Frank Whaley. Graham was a 1905 alumnus of the University of Maryland School of Medicine and made historic contributions in the field of medicine, specifically, pediatrics. Guest Larry Pitrof, executive director of the Medical Alumni Association of the University of Maryland, talks about his recent discovery of correspondence and artifacts tied to Graham that were previously unknown. This bonus episode is a condensed version of a Twitter Space that aired on Aug. 10, 2022, a day before the second annual MLB Field of Dreams game.Listen to The UMB Pulse on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you like to listen. The UMB Pulse is also now on YouTube.Visit our website at umaryland.edu/pulse or email us at umbpulse@umaryland.edu.