Three MPRC Associates receive Grand Challenges Grants

Faculty recognized for interdisciplinary research leadership

Three MPRC Faculty Associates are part of University of Maryland teams receiving funding through the 2026 Grand Challenges Grants Program, a university initiative supporting interdisciplinary research that addresses pressing societal challenges.

Marie Thoma is the PI for the “Women’s Health Interdisciplinary Research Collaborative (WHIRC),” which will advance collaborative research on women’s health. Julie Park is a Co-PI on “Belonging for Immigrants and Refugees with Disabilities (BIRD),” a project focused on improving inclusion and support for immigrant and refugee communities with disabilities. Maureen Cropper is a Co-PI on “The Air We Share, A Public Health Revolution for the 21st Century,” which aims to revolutionize indoor air quality and public health.