Michigan Public Health Admissions Ambassadors
At the University of Michigan School of Public Health, we recognize that when considering a new career or applying to a new degree program, nothing is more valuable than hearing from someone who has been through it.
Our volunteer Admission Ambassador Program is composed of current students who are dedicated to recruiting the next generation of public health leaders. These Ambassadors are passionate about making a difference, active within our community, and excited to share their desire to contribute to the field of public health.
Throughout the academic year, Admissions Ambassadors assist with various recruitment initiatives for prospective and admitted students. There are many ways prospective students may interact with an Ambassador, such as an informational webinar, graduate school fair or in an informal Zoom conversation or email exchange. As you explore what public health has to offer and begin your journey with Michigan Public Health, an Admission Ambassador can be an asset to your journey and help guide you through your decision making process.
This page highlights some of our current Ambassadors. If you would like to connect with them, feel free to email them directly. If you are interested in being matched by your department/program of interest or degree, the Recruitment and Admissions team in the Office of Student Affairs is always available to assist. You can reach them anytime at [email protected] or reach out directly to department program coordinators and admissions staff.
Meet Our Undergraduate Admissions Ambassadors
UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS AMBASSADORs
Meet our Graduate Admissions Ambassadors
Hanna Venera (she/her)
[email protected]
PhD Candidate Biostatistics
Hello! My name is Hanna, and I am a PhD candidate in the Biostatistics department. I completed my MS in Biostatistics here in April 2023 and my undergraduate at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA in 2021. My dissertation research is in clinical trials methods (keywords: Sequential Multiple Randomized Trials, Zero Inflated Data) and I have been involved with several groups on campus over the past five years (STATCOM, Peer Mentoring, Admissions). Feel free to reach out with questions about anything from moving to Ann Arbor from out of state, to transitioning from a small undergrad institution, to navigating the Master's vs PhD decision (: Go Blue!
Rachel Brooks
[email protected]
Epidemiology - PhD
Hello! My name is Rachael, and I am a PhD candidate in the Epidemiology department. I completed my MPH in Global Health Epidemiology here at the University of Michigan in 2024 and my BS in Biology at Birmingham-Southern College in Birmingham, Alabama, my hometown, in 2022. I am interested in the impacts of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on women's health outcomes during midlife and am happy to talk to prospective students about research opportunities! Additionally, I serve as a representative for SPhD (the student board for PhD students at SPH) and EDSO (the student board for Epidemiology PhD students), and encourage you to ask about opportunities for getting involved with the SPH community!
Uyen Chu
[email protected]
Epidemiology - MPH
I’m Uyen (pronounced oo-ween) and I’m a first-year MPH student in General Epidemiology. My hometown is Boston but I've lived in NYC and D.C for a few years before UM SPH. I am also a proud first-generation student (both undergraduate and graduate). I got my B.S in Psychology from Tufts University in 2022 and worked in healthcare market research for 3 years post-grad. I’m passionate about research that centers marginalized voices and supporting the infrastructure that creates those pathways of change for underserved communities. I’m also currently conducting research in women’s health, specifically looking at physical functioning and hormonal health.
I chose UM SPH for its flexible curriculum, collaborative environment, and the opportunity to engage with interesting professors and their research. I’m happy to chat about first-gen identity, transitioning after taking gap years, conducting research, out-of-state perspectives, or anything else SPH related!
Bethany Faber
[email protected]
Environmental Health Sciences - MS
Hi prospective students! I am a first-year Master of Science student in Toxicology within the Environmental Health Sciences department. I completed my undergrad last May from Purdue University, where I received a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Health Sciences. My “why” and passion for public health derive from understanding the mechanistic linkage between environment and pathogenesis, with the goal of disease prevention. I chose Michigan Public Health due to the collegial and welcoming tone evident in each interaction. Public Health and its complexity require a team-driven dynamic - a dynamic Michigan SPH embodies. Alongside this role, I am a mentee in the student/alumni mentor program and a graduate student researcher. I am currently studying the interaction between environmental toxicants and breast cancer. Please reach out if you have questions regarding research, conducting a thesis, starting graduate school straight after undergrad, and life in Ann Arbor - I grew up in Ann Arbor! I look forward to connecting with you. Go Blue!
Sable Fest
[email protected]
Epidemiology - MPH
Sable is a first-year MPH student in the Epidemiology department, where she is also pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Social Epidemiology. She works as a research assistant on projects related to ovarian cancer and social drivers of health and health equity, and she is a member of the Sexual and Gender Diversity in Public Health organization. Sable received her BA in Human Biology from Scripps College and is a California native. Outside of the program, she enjoys photosynthesizing (AKA hanging out in the sun), reading, listening to podcasts, moving her body, and discovering coffee shops and parks across Michigan. Sable is happy to chat about balancing research and schoolwork, coming from out of state, finding your community, and any other curiosities you might have.
Hannah Fields
[email protected]
Epidemiology - MPH
Hi! I’m Hannah Fields and I’m a first-year MPH student on the Global Health Epidemiology track with a certificate in Social Epidemiology. I’m from Valparaiso, Indiana and I got my B.A. in 2025 from DePauw University, where I majored in Global Health and Hispanic Studies and minored in Statistics and Sociology. Here at Michigan I’m a first-year representative for the Epidemiology Students’ Organization and I also work in a research lab looking at how COVID-19 susceptibility and immunity change over time. My interests lie in social epidemiology, social determinants of health, mixed methods research, and the intersection of language and healthcare. I’d love to connect with any prospective students who want to chat about the transition from a small undergraduate program to UMich, the Global Health Epidemiology Program, or anything else relating to Michigan and SPH. Go Blue!
Andre Gala-Garza
[email protected]
Master of Science (MS) in Health Data Science
Hello! I'm Andre, a first-year MS student in the Health Data Science program from the Biostatistics department. I completed my undergraduate degree in Data Science at the University of Michigan College of Engineering. I've always aspired to use data visualization and machine learning as a way to make powerful, objective arguments in order to benefit communities. Looking at the opportunities offered by the School of Public Health, I saw the perfect way to transfer my knowledge into a real-world area. I'm applying my skills in AI, NLP, sentiment analysis, and image classification to support other areas of public health using the data-driven analysis and predictive modeling from my field. I'm happy to share insights and work together with other SPH disciplines to show how Biostatistics and Data Science majors can make the most of their program and develop their community here at SPH!
Antonia Gitau
[email protected]
Epidemiology - MPH
Hi, I’m Antonia! I was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya and am currently in my first year of my Master of Public Health (MPH). In December 2024, I earned my B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Human Biology from Eastern Michigan University at just 20 years old. I chose the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health because of its collaborative community, research opportunities, and commitment to equity. My passions include global health, mental health, infectious diseases, and addressing health disparities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, volunteering, and exploring new experiences. Prospective students are welcome to reach out with questions about the application process, adjusting to graduate school, balancing academics with research and work, or even how to navigate the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area. I look forward to connecting and sharing my experiences with you :)
Emma Kohrt
[email protected]
Epidemiology - MPH
Hi! My name is Emma and I'm a first year General Epidemiology MPH student. I recently graduated from Northeastern University in Boston with a BS in Health Science and I'm originally from Connecticut. I'm interested in infectious disease epidemiology, vaccines, and environmental impacts on disease transmission. I recently joined the Climate Sensitive Infections Research Group and I am a first year rep for the Epidemiology Student Organization. I chose to come to Michigan for my MPH because of the vast array of research opportunities and the flexibility to customize my degree through certificates and electives. I'd be happy to talk about any part of my Michigan experience, including the application process, moving out of state, or getting involved in research!
Josh Knudten
[email protected]
Epidemiology - MPH
Hi all! I am Josh Knudten. I was an undergraduate in microbiology here at the University of Michigan. I am currently in the Hospital and Molecular Epidemiology program at the SPH and am getting a certificate in public health genetics. I chose this focus to eventually work in developing curative genetic therapies. Prospective students can contact me if they are interested in pursuing a genetics certificate or have an interest in the UM epidemiology program. Michigan is the best university in the world. It offers numerous opportunities and activities in addition to its exceptional education. I am heavily involved in athletics, if you also want to discuss extracurricular activities, I would love to connect!
Maya Nathwani
[email protected]
Epidemiology - MPH
Hello! My name is Maya Nathwani and I'm a first-year MPH student in the Epidemiology department. I graduated with a BA in Anthropology & Sociology and Biology at Kalamazoo College in 2023. My passions lie in health equity, social epidemiology, global health, healthcare access and policy, infectious diseases, and chronic illnesses. I'm happy to chat with prospective students.
Leah Nielsen
[email protected]
Epidemiology - MPH
Hello! My name is Leah, and I am a first year General Epidemiology MPH student. I am from Frankenmuth, Michigan. I am involved in research through the Department of Epidemiology, and my specific research interests include chronic disease. Prospective students can connect with me if they have any questions regarding the transition from the Undergraduate SPH program at Michigan to the Graduate Program, if they are interested in pursuing a Certificate in Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control, or if they have any other questions regarding the General Epidemiology program.
Peace Odiase
[email protected]
Health Behavior & Health Equity - MPH
Hello! My name is Peace, and I am a first-year MPH student in the Health Behavior and Health Equity (HBHE) department. I also recently graduated from the University of Michigan with a BA in Community and Global Public Health and a BA in Psychology. I am passionate about global public health, child and adolescent well-being, and asset-based approaches to community health. I chose to pursue an MPH in HBHE because I knew it would allow me to strengthen my skills in research and community-driven public health practice. On campus, I am involved in the Public Health Action Support Team (PHAST), the Public Health Students of African Descent (PHSAD), and maternal and child health equity research. Please feel free to reach out if you would like to talk about the transition from undergrad to graduate school, ways to get involved on campus, why I chose to stay at Michigan for graduate school, or anything else!
Nour Selmane
[email protected]
MPH in Health Behavior and Health Equity
Hello! My name is Nour, and I’m a first-year MPH student in the Health Behavior and Health Equity department. I recently earned my BS in Public Health with a concentration in Community Health Education from Eastern Michigan University. My passions lie in advancing and improving healthcare access and equity in diverse populations, understanding the impact of social determinants of health, and global health. Outside of classes, I’m involved with the Public Health Student Assembly (PHSA), and I enjoy traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with family and friends. Prospective students are welcome to reach out with questions about living in Ann Arbor, transitioning from undergraduate to graduate school, the application process, or any SPH-related matter—I look forward to connecting with you and seeing you on campus!
Esha Shah
[email protected]
Environmental Health Sciences - PhD
Hello! My name is Esha, and I am a 2nd-year PhD student in the Environmental Health Sciences department. I am originally from Atlanta, GA, and I hold a BSE in Environmental Engineering from Mercer University and an MPH in Environmental Health from Emory University. I have a background in WASH and have a special interest in toxicants found in water. My current research focuses on the impact of environmental toxicants on maternal and fetal health outcomes, particularly preeclampsia. When I am not at SPH, I enjoy baking, hiking, and exploring new coffee shops! I am happy to chat about any questions you have about SPH, life in Ann Arbor, opportunities within SPH, and any other questions you may have!
Alex Shepherd
[email protected]
Nutritional Sciences - MS
Hi there! I’m Alex, and I’m a first-year MS Clinical Nutrition student. I chose the MSCN program because I genuinely love food and have always been drawn to public health—it’s such a personal, service-oriented field, and I love how it gives you ways to make a difference in people’s lives. For undergrad, I majored in public health with minors in chemistry and nutrition. Now, I’m an aspiring dietitian, with a strong interest in cardiovascular and mental health research. When I’m not studying, you can probably find me running in the Arboretum, cheering on UMich sports (especially football and soccer!), exploring new restaurants, or listening to nutrition and gardening podcasts. If you’re a prospective student and have any questions about the MSCN program, please don’t hesitate to reach out—I really enjoy connecting with prospective students and am happy to share my experience and answer any questions!
Montala Carruthers
[email protected]
MPH in Population and Health Sciences
Montala (mon-tay-la) is a 1st year student in the Online MPH program in Population and Health Sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. A first-generation college graduate, she earned her B.A. in Public Health with a certificate in Resilience and Trauma-Informed Perspectives from the University of Iowa in 2024. Her interests include community health, behavior change, social determinants of health, and health policy and advocacy. Montala is passionate about guiding prospective students through the admissions process and sharing her experiences in higher education. In addition to being a working student and parent, she serves in two AmeriCorps programs: as a youth violence prevention coordinator with Iowa Community Corps and as a college coach with Course to College. She also chairs the Population and Health Sciences section of the Public Health Student Assembly.