University of Maryland, Baltimore - School of Graduate Studies

08/31/2026

What should I eat for lunch? Which email is necessary to answer first? What should I wear? Which streaming service should I watch?

Small decisions may not seem stressful on their own, but as they add up throughout the day, they can take a toll on our mental energy.

In the latest Wellness Matters, Michelle Pearce, PhD, explores decision fatigue, why everyday choices can leave us feeling overwhelmed, and how simplifying some of those decisions can help us protect our attention for what matters most.

Read “The Hidden Cost of Too Many Decisions” on The Elm.

Sometimes it’s not the big decisions that wear us down. It’s all the small ones we make each day. Learn how simplifying choices can help reduce stress. Part of the “Wellness Matters” blog series.

08/27/2026

We’re proud to celebrate SGS associate professor and program director, J. Howard Kucher, DPA, MBA, who was appointed to the Maryland Commission on Aging for a four-year term.

As an expert in social entrepreneurship, Dr. Kucher brings a problem-solving mindset to complex issues facing all Marylanders as we and our loved ones age.

08/25/2026

Students, need a mental reset?

Meet Anx, the Anxiety Trashcan, now available in the School of Graduate Studies Commons. Write down a worry or negative thought, toss it in the trash, and take a moment to pause, reflect, and refocus. The Anxiety Trashcan is available through a partnership with the Student Counseling Center.

At SGS, your wellness is a priority. Stop by and give Anx a try the next time you're in the Commons.

📍 SGS Commons, 620 W. Lexington St., first floor, behind the glass doors.

08/18/2026

We are happy to present the August edition of SciComm Spotlight! This month, we discuss how museums and historical collections use storytelling to connect science with the public. We also spotlight science communicator and multimedia storyteller Zakiya Whatley, PhD, and share resources and upcoming opportunities for the SciComm community.

Read the August edition of SciComm Spotlight and discover new ways to connect science with the people it serves.

Museums have been telling science stories for generations, and science communicators can learn a lot from them.

08/03/2026

Who do you turn to when life feels overwhelming?

In this month's Wellness Matters, Michelle Pearce, PhD, shares why social connection plays an important role in managing stress and strengthening resilience.

Some people believe resilience means facing life’s challenges alone. What if one effective way to manage stress is simply reaching out to another person? Part of the “Wellness Matters” blog series.

06/05/2026

This summer, we’re showing off our SGS spirit ❤️ 🖤 💛

We kicked things off with our first Spirit Day on Tuesday, and we’re just getting started. Through June and July, wear your SGS merch and tag us so we can see your school pride!

06/03/2026

New students, new chapter 🩺

Welcome to the newest class of PA students as they begin their journey toward becoming compassionate healthcare providers.

06/02/2026

Often, stress is not caused by one major event, but by many small stressors without recovery time in between. When the nervous system does not have a chance to reset, activation can persist longer than intended, increasing strain on the body.

In June’s Wellness Matters, Michelle Pearce, PhD, shares how pausing can reduce stress and prevent the end-of-day feeling of being completely depleted.

Read the blog post: https://elm.umaryland.edu/elm-stories/2026/The-Power-of-the-Pause.php

05/30/2026

We are still celebrating our newest cohort of doctoral scholars! Congratulations to all the graduates, mentors, families, and colleagues who filled Leadership Hall for the 2026 Doctoral Hooding Ceremony on May 20.

Read more about the ceremony: https://www.umaryland.edu/news/archived-news/may-2026/carrying-knowledge-forward-umb-celebrates-new-doctoral-graduates.php

05/01/2026

For many of us, the world feels unsettled right now. Heightened stress, tension, uncertainty, and fear seem to have become the norm. Our nervous systems were not designed to absorb this much conflict and stimulation.

In this May’s Wellness Matters, Michelle Pearce, PhD, shares how compassion can protect both our well-being and our relationships.

Read the blog post: https://elm.umaryland.edu/elm-stories/2026/Compassion-in-Challenging-Times.php