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FIRE’s Social Science Cluster
Welcome to the Global Development & Design Webpage
20
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Current Projects
40
Undergraduate Researchers
16
Peer Research Mentors
2020
Founded
Who We Are
OVERVIEW
Global Development & Design (GDD) under the Office of Undergraduate Research encourages students to combine global development principles with design thinking to address complex global issues. The program introduces an innovative approach to incorporating ethical considerations into social impact projects.
Keywords: Design Thinking, Sustainable Development, Public Policy, Web Development, Qualitative Research, and AI Innovation
Global Development
Based on the 3 pillars of International Development which are Economic Development, Social Development, and Public Policy.
Design Thinking
Based on the d.school’s methodology for creative problem solving.
Foundational Mission
Ethical Development
Ethical development moves beyond economic growth and technological advancements to encompass the more human-centric values of worthwhile development.
7-Values of Worthwhile Development
- – Enhancement of people’s well-being
- – Equity in the sharing of the benefits
- – Agency and empowerment to participate freely
- – Environmental sustainability
- – Promotion of human rights
- – Promotion of cultural freedom
- – Responsibility, including integrity over corruption
Sample of our REsearch projects
Students in GDD Examine case studies related to sustainable “worthwhile” development.
Scaling Mental Health Interventions in Regions of Conflict
Improving and developing mental health interventions in areas undergoing conflict is an important mission due to the extreme psychological impact that war has on local populations.
Language and Policy: Preservation of Minority Languages in China
Throughout history, preserving languages has been a prominent issue due to the suppression of the local/indigenous languages and cultures.
Intersectionality and Reproductive Healthcare
Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Role of Intersectionality in Reproductive Healthcare Across the United States Post Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization
Mitigating Intravenous Drug Epidemic in the Former Soviet Union
The persistence of this crisis arises not only from historical and cultural factors but also from systemic drivers such as policy and public health practices.
Work Hard play hard
GDD Activities
Students in GDD not only have fun in the lab, but bond outside of it through numerous events. GDD hosts BBQs on the Washington Quad, has a team in Intramural Sports, organizes gatherings at TerpZone, and much more!
GDD Basketball
5v5 Intramural Basketball, Spring 2026
For Development practitioners
GDD’s Development Ethics Toolkit
Student Testimonials
Discover What Our Students are Saying.
“The Global Development and Design Stream has expanded my perspective on ethical development and the responsibilities that come with designing social impact projects. This experience has strengthened my critical thinking and problem-solving skills while giving me a deeper understanding of conducting research and approaching projects with ethics and sustainability.”
Rowan
PRM
“The Global Development and Design stream has given me valuable skills that are applicable in all aspects of life such as teamwork, communication, and research and critical thinking skills. This stream has opened my eyes to all sorts of different issues around the world and has allowed me to work closely with problems that I genuinely find interesting.”
Javon
PRM
Current Events!
News
May 5, 2026 — GDD will be hosting a launch party for the Tool Kit on the top floor of the Do Good building. We will be joined by our students, faculty leaders, and sponsors!
Archive
November 20, 2024 – GDD researchers champion minority language preservation and are featured in Maryland Global.
October 1, 2024 – Dr. Huffman recently attended the Human Development and Capability Association Conference in Kolkata, India where he chaired a panel session on Multidimensional Poverty during Childhood in South and East Asia. He also showcased GDD’s Development Ethics Toolkit and was asked to contribute to the United Nations Development Programme‘s upcoming Human Development Report.