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When Annabella Davis transferred to the University of Maryland two years ago, she wanted to focus on conflict, identity, reconciliation, and the real-world consequences of political violence. Now a senior majoring in International Relations and minoring in International Development and Conflict Management (IDCM), Annabella has taken that ambition beyond the classroom.

In October 2025, early-career researchers and doctoral students from U21 member institutions and a policy leader convened in Dublin for the biannual Universitas 21 Health Research Exchange (U21HREx) symposium. Chaired by Dr. Negin Fouladi of the University of Maryland (UMD), the U21HREx network brings together participants from UMD, the University of Birmingham and University College Dublin as a growing global community of practice.

By COMM StaffCOMM Lecturer Lamia Zia has been awarded one of the honorable and prestigious International Affairs Fellowships from the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) for 2026–2027!

UMD students achieved their strongest performance to date during a highly competitive national cycle. 46 UMD students received a total of $140,500 during a highly competitive national cycle.

When Viktoriia Savchuk Kennet Ph.D. ‘25 crossed the stage at commencement this May, she carried not only a doctoral degree, but a mission—to return home and use her research on communication and resilience to help rebuild her country.“I love Ukraine. It is a beautiful country,” Viktoriia says. “I cherish every opportunity to be here with my family, friends, and my people, and to contribute in any way I can to positive change and good memories despite everything.”

UMD recently was ranked No. 4 among all institutions nationwide in the number of students to receive Gilman scholarships, a program of the U.S. Department of State that awards up to $5,000 to U.S. students eligible for Pell Grants for their pursuits abroad.