The UMB Pulse Podcast

Send us a text Join hosts Charles Schelle, MS, and Dana Rampolla as they interview Michael Allen, MSW '03, chief executive officer of Therapeutic Connections and chairman of the University of Maryland School of Social Work Alumni Board. Allen shares his inspiring journey navigating through being a social worker at the R Cowley Adams Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland Medical Center, employee assistance program (EAP) consulting, and his innovative work at Therapeutic Connections. Learn how he leveraged his experiences to make impactful changes in behavioral health services and hear his advice for aspiring social workers. 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.

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of “The UMB Pulse” podcast, we welcome Harry Knipp, MD '76, FACR, a distinguished alumnus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). A 1976 graduate of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Knipp represents the fourth in a line of five consecutive generations of UMB graduates, starting with his great-grandfather in 1887 and continuing with his son, David, in 2014. Knipp has made significant contributions to the medical field as a founding board member of Advanced Radiology, a past chairman of the Maryland state medical board, and a leader in various professional organizations. He has also served as chief of staff and board member at Carroll Hospital and holds emeritus status at UMMS St. Joseph Medical Center. We discuss Knipp’s experiences at UMB, the evolution of the University, and his family’s enduring legacy. His dedication to UMB extends beyond his career, with active involvement as past president of the Medical Alumni Association, chair of the Board of Trustees of the University of Maryland Baltimore Foundation, and other key roles. Join us to hear Knipp’s insights on lifelong involvement, legacy, networking, and his remarkable journey with UMB, while also highlighting how all UMB alumni can find meaningful ways to engage with the University. 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.

Send us a Text Message. This graduation wrap-up special edition of "The UMB Pulse Podcast" features inspiring commencement speeches from the University of Maryland, Baltimore's recent graduation ceremonies. Notable speakers include U.S. District Judge Brendan Hurson, JD '05 (4:03), United Therapeutics CEO Martine Rothblatt, PhD, JD, MBA (22:12), and U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, JD '67 (37:25). The speeches touch on their personal journeys, professional experiences, and important lessons learned, with themes of resilience, community support, and public service. 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.

Send us a Text Message. This episode of the UMB Pulse podcast features an inspiring interview with Kun Yang, PharmD '15, a University of Maryland School of Pharmacy alumnus who co-founded Pricklee, a company that produces cactus water. Kun's journey took him from growing up in Canada to attending pharmacy school in Maryland, where the idea for Pricklee cactus water blossomed. He shares the challenges and triumphs of appearing on Shark Tank, securing a deal, and the unique benefits and production processes behind cactus water. The hosts also explore Kun's motivations, the impact of his cultural background, and his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those from the pharmacy field or first-generation Americans. The episode concludes with a look at Pricklee's future innovations and Kun's reflections on entrepreneurship. 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.

Send us a Text Message. This episode of “The UMB Pulse” podcast features Allan Doctor, MD, a professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine who was the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB) David J. Ramsay Entrepreneur of the Year in 2022. Doctor also is the co-founder and chief scientific officer at KaloCyte, a company focused on developing freeze-dried, powdered synthetic blood designed to save lives in emergency situations where traditional blood transfusions are not viable. Doctor outlines the imperative need for an easily transportable and universally usable blood substitute for scenarios such as accidents or battlefield injuries, where immediate blood replacement can make the difference between life and death. The podcast explores the science of blood, the challenges of creating a stable and biologically compatible blood substitute, and the potential applications beyond emergency medicine. The episode also delves into Doctor’s background, the support from UMB and various grants including substantial funding from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and the future of artificial blood research at the University of Maryland BioPark. 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.

Send us a Text Message. Explore the transformative work happening at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) through the lens of EMBRACE — a civic engagement initiative led by executive director Kyla Liggett-Creel, PhD, LCSW-C, who is also a clinical associate professor at the University of Maryland Graduate School. Liggett-Creel shares her insights into creating pathways for community improvement and how EMBRACE facilitates connections among the University, nonprofits, and the communities they serve. Listeners will get a peek into EMBRACE’s main areas. They include: Healing Youth Alliance • Training youth to become peer educators, advocates, trainers, and consultants focusing on mental health and resilience. Youth Development • Working with youth who have been arrested for nonviolent offenses to provide mentoring and case management to support prosocial behaviors. Violence Reduction • Partnering with credible messengers and people with lived experience providing conflict resolution, crime/violence prevention, and resource management. Liggett-Creel also shares updates about the Eutaw Street Initiative, which is an innovative collaboration between UMB Police and Public Safety and social workers to support those in need on the streets. The initiative has a new home at the Embrace Resource Center at 55 N. Paca St. Tune in to learn more about how the EMBRACE initiative is making significant strides in civic engagement, community service, and fostering a collaborative environment for positive change in Baltimore. Whether you’re a community member, student, faculty, or simply interested in social impact, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of collective action and the importance of embracing and empowering communities. Links of interest from the show: Opening of the Embrace Resource Center Ways to Give to the Embrace Initiative Email Liggett-Creel 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.

Send us a Text Message. We are excited to welcome two distinguished guests from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD): Vineet Dhar, BDS, MDS, PhD, clinical professor, assistant dean of postgraduate and professional studies in dentistry, and chair of the Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, and Robert Windsor, DDS, FICD, director of clinical operations in the Division of General Dentistry. Join this engaging conversation as we explore the critical link between oral health and overall well-being, and we learn how UMSOD is committed to expanding access to oral health care. Through education, research, clinical care, customized service, and continually evolving to meet the needs of the community they serve, UMSOD’s dental clinics are making significant strides in elevating the oral health of youths and older people who are on Medicaid. We also will learn about how several significant grants have helped pave the way for these successes. To learn about verifying dental coverage through Medicaid, call 855-642-8572 or visit www.marylandhealthconnection.gov. To learn more about faculty practice dental clinics at UMSOD, visit www.dental.umaryland.edu/patients or call 410-706-2801. 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.

Send us a Text Message. 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.

Send us a Text Message. 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.

Send us a Text Message. 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.

Send us a Text Message. 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.

Send us a Text Message. 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.

Send us a Text Message. 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.

Send us a Text Message. 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 CommencementJoanna Zhao Ye.University of Maryland School of Medicine hooding ceremonyDayna Bowen Matthew, JD, PhDListen 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.

Send us a Text Message. 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.

Send us a Text Message. 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.

Send us a Text Message. 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.

Send us a Text Message. 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.

Send us a Text Message. 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.

Send us a Text Message. 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.