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APRIL 2026

UM-IHC IN ACTION

A newsletter for legislative and business communities

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTORS

The University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing brings together the power of data, artificial intelligence (AI) and mathematics with deep expertise in medical research to improve health and mitigate disease across Maryland and beyond. Together with our academic, clinical, industry and federal partners, our dynamic hub based in Montgomery County is shaping the future of health and medicine. We hope this inaugural newsletter and those that follow will keep our stakeholders apprised of our exciting progress.

Bradley Maron, M.D., University of Maryland, Baltimore

Adam Porter, Ph.D., University of Maryland, College Park

Warren D’Souza, Ph.D., MBA, University of Maryland Medical System

Community Impact

Analyzing the Links Between Food Deserts and Diabetes in Maryland

UM-IHC researchers assess how access to healthy, affordable food affects diabetes rates among Maryland residents.

Rising Temperatures May Push Lyme Disease Risk Westward in Maryland

A mathematical model developed by UM-IHC researchers illustrates how Lyme-carrying ticks respond to shifting temperatures, redistributing disease risk across the state.

Continuing Medical Education Courses Now Offered by the UM-IHC

More than 40 clinical professionals gathered for the first course on the development of AI tools for the clinic and strategies for shaping their responsible, equitable and impactful use.

The UM-IHC Hosted Second Biotech Connections Event

The event showcased the UM-IHC’s deep expertise in AI and brought together early-stage companies to explore the latest advancements and applications of AI in life sciences.

Partnership Spotlight

New FDA Collaboration to Advance Evaluation of AI-Enabled Medical Devices

Joint projects aim to translate research into practical tools to support device review and post-market monitoring.

Research Advances

Launching New Startup Company Emergente with Revolutionary RNA Technology

Emergente’s patented RNAnneal platform developed by Pratyush Tiwary predicts shapeshifting RNA structures, addressing a foundational bottleneck across the therapeutics, agriculture and biotechnology manufacturing industries.

Improving the Health and Well-Being of Older Adults

The new Center for SUNSHINE, co-led by Rozalina McCoy and funded by NIH, will strengthen care coordination, empower communities, and reimagine the health and social infrastructure needed to support older adults.

Using AI to Drive Drug Discovery for Alzheimer’s Disease

Heng Huang received NIH funding to build an innovative large genomic language model from biobank data for Alzheimer’s disease.

$Abba Gumel standing at a blackboard covered with equations. Credit: Mark Sherwood.$

Charting Paths to End Cervical Cancer

Abba Gumel identified strategies to eradicate HPV-related cancers.

Employee Spotlight

Joshua Weitz
Biology Professor and Clark Leadership Chair in Data Analytics, University of Maryland, College Park

“

The UM-IHC is a nexus for data-driven collaboration that brings computational scientists and clinicians together in common pursuit of discoveries that spur innovation, economic development, and improved health outcomes. As a Montgomery County resident, I'm especially excited by UM-IHC's mission to improve the health of folks not just here in Maryland but across the mid-Atlantic and the country.

”

Upcoming Events

Wed
APR
15

Advancing Aging Resilience Through Research, Partnership and Practice

Join us for a free day of presentations, panels and structured networking centered on aging resilience. Hybrid option also available.

Wed
MAY
6

AI for Small Business Leaders

The UM-IHC is the hub for health computing innovation and collaboration in Montgomery County, Maryland. Merging computational, clinical and biomedical expertise, our researchers are committed to improving the health of Maryland residents and advancing the state’s biotech industry.

The UM-IHC is a signature initiative of the University of Maryland Strategic Partnership: MPowering the State. The UM-IHC is funded by MPower and Montgomery County.

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6116 Executive Boulevard / North Bethesda, MD 20852 / ihc@umd.edu