Graduate school can be rewarding, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. Join the Graduate Student Support Group to connect with fellow grad students in a safe, confidential, and supportive space. This group is designed to help you ask questions, talk through challenges, explore solutions, and work toward your personal and academic goals alongside peers who get it.

When? Tuesdays | February 17 – April 28 | 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Where? Virtual, scan the QR code 

All graduate students are welcome to participate.

To learn more or get started, call 410-455-2542 or visit your RetrieverCare portal to schedule an initial consultation appointment.

This program is open to full participation by all individuals in accordance with UMBC's nondiscrimination policies. 

The library will be open the following schedule during spring semester:

Cervical cancer is preventable, and January is a time to learn, take action, and help spread awareness. The National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) works year-round to promote cervical health through education, vaccination, and regular screening, in alignment with the World Health Organization's goal to eliminate cervical cancer.

New screening options, including HPV self-collection tests approved by the FDA, may allow some individuals to screen without a pelvic exam. These tests check for high-risk types of HPV that can lead to cervical cancer and have the potential to increase access to lifesaving screening.
Partners, families, and caregivers also play an important role. Learning how to support a loved one through abnormal screening results, follow-up testing, or a cervical cancer diagnosis can make a meaningful difference.

You can get involved by downloading NCCC's advocacy toolkit, connecting with a local NCCC chapter, or sharing cervical health prevention messages throughout the month. Resources include free educational materials, survivor stories, and downloadable posters to help spread awareness. 

Screening is easy to schedule at UMBC! You can make an appointment with Retriever Integrated Health (RIH) for cervical screenings and preventive care: UMBC Health Appointments. Learn more, get involved, and help promote cervical health and cervical cancer prevention.

Name: Harshal Chauhan

Pronouns: He/Him

Semester of Internship: Fall 2025

Major: Information Systems (Health Informatics)

Current Class Level: Doctoral Student

This semester I completed a(n): Internship

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): Maryland Department of Health (MDH) – Public Health Workforce Internship Program Money Follows the Person (MFP) Demonstration Team

Location of the Organization (City, State): Baltimore, MD

Title of position: Public Health Intern (Quality Measure Set (QMS) Survey and Data Research Intern)

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:

As a Quality Measure Set (QMS) Survey and Data Research Intern with the Maryland Department of Health, I support statewide quality improvement initiatives focused on Medicaid beneficiaries receiving Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). My day-to-day responsibilities include administering and analyzing the Experience of Care Survey for participants enrolled in programs such as Community First Choice, Brain Injury Waiver, and Community Personal Assistance Services. I conduct participant outreach, track survey responses, and ensure compliance with federal and state guidelines. Additionally, I assist with data analysis to identify trends and performance gaps, contribute to the development of quality metrics, and help prepare summary reports and recommendations used for internal planning and policy decision-making. This role allows me to work at the intersection of data analytics, public health research, and health policy implementation.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?

I first learned about the Maryland Department of Health during a UMBC career fair in 2023, where I spoke with a representative and was introduced to the Public Health Workforce Internship Program. I applied for the internship in January 2025. In August 2025, I received two follow-up calls for 2 internships from MDH to confirm my interest and availability, followed by a second-round virtual interview with my direct supervisors. I received my formal acceptance later that same month. The process reinforced the importance of persistence and staying engaged, even when opportunities take time to materialize.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

UMBC Career Center, Career Fairs

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?

What I have enjoyed most about this position is the flexibility and genuinely supportive work environment. My team has been welcoming, understanding, and deeply committed to mentorship and learning. I have been encouraged to ask questions, contribute ideas, and grow both technically and professionally. The organization values collaboration and provides meaningful exposure to real-world public health challenges, making this an exceptional learning experience. 

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

I believe I have made a meaningful impact through my work. By supporting survey administration, response tracking, and data analysis, I have contributed to improving the accuracy and usability of quality measurement efforts within Maryland Medicaid's HCBS programs. The tracking tools and analytical support I provided helped ensure timely follow-up, better data integrity, and actionable insights that can inform quality improvement and policy decisions affecting vulnerable populations.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?

My advice to other students is to remain persistent and patient. Continue applying and believing in your goals, even if responses take longer than expected. I initially applied for this role for Spring 2025 and did not hear back until Fall, but staying consistent paid off. Networking, following up, and trusting the process are just as important as submitting applications.

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.

Favorite Quote: "You worry about the results, but have you ever paused to ask—what if?" What I valued most about my internship was the supportive and flexible environment that allowed me to apply my academic training to real public health impact. The UMBC Career Center played a vital role by connecting me to this opportunity and supporting me early on with resume formatting and career guidance.

January is Braille Literacy Month, and January 4th marks World Braille Day, honoring the birthday of Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille code. This month is all about raising awareness of the importance of braille literacy and recognizing how braille supports independence, education, and access for people with visual impairments and beyond.

When many people hear "braille," they think only of blindness, but braille benefits individuals with low vision, dual sensory loss, and multiple disabilities.

Here are 6 things you may not know about Braille:

• Louis Braille was just 15 years old when he invented Braille
• Braille is a tactile code, not a language—many languages can be read and written in Braille
• A braille cell is made up of 6 raised dots
• Braille includes letters, numbers, punctuation, music notation, and even formatting like bold and italics
• Braille takes up more space than print—Webster's Unabridged Dictionary is 72 volumes in braille
• There are two levels of braille: uncontracted (letter-by-letter) and contracted (a shorthand version)

Want to try it yourself? Here's a link to type and see your name in Braille.

As you go about campus this month, take a moment to notice braille on signs, elevators, and other materials. These small adaptations make a big difference in accessibility and independence. Let's celebrate Braille literacy, accessibility, and inclusive learning this month and all year long.