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
Biostatistics
Hanna Venera (she/her)
[email protected]
Biostatistics - PhD Candidate
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!
Environmental Health Sciences
Ava Rawley (she/her)
[email protected]
Environmental Health Sciences
Hi! My name is Ava, I am a senior and first-year MS student in the Environmental Health Science program. I am from Macomb, MI and I am finishing up my undergraduate degree in Microbiology with a minor in Medical Anthropology at the University of Michigan. I am a member of the Accelerated Masters’ Degree program, so I am able to begin my graduate studies during my senior year, which I am super excited about! I chose to continue my education at SPH to pursue this unique opportunity and to connect with its welcoming and supportive community. My academic interests include injury prevention, emergency medicine, infectious disease, global health, and expanding access to quality healthcare. I am most excited to complete a research thesis in my program and to take specialized courses in EHS. Outside of school, I enjoy running, hiking, traveling, and trying new coffee shops.
I look forward to talking to prospective students and answering questions about the AMD program, balancing school and extracurricular activities, ways to get involved, and living in Michigan/Ann Arbor! Go blue!
Epidemiology
Asiwome Agbleze (she/her)
[email protected]
Epidemiology - MPH
I am an incoming MPH student at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, concentrating in Global Epidemiology. I earned my BS in Public health with a minor in Data Analytics, graduating Cum Laude. Originally from Ghana and Washington, DC and currently serves as a PrEP Ambassador with C3 CARES, educating vulnerable communities on HIV prevention, and also works as a pharmacy technician.
Vianey Cardiel (she/her)
[email protected]
Epidemiology - MPH
Hi! My name is Vianey Cardiel, and I am a current Epidemiology student on the Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology track! I received my Bachelor of Science from the University of Michigan, with a Neuroscience Major and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) Minor. I'm pre-veterinary medicine, and hold research interests in human-animal disease interactions. I am also passionate about animal welfare, climate change, and health advocacy! I'm currently a researcher in the Climate-Sensitive Infections Research Group (CSI - Michigan). Please reach out if you have questions about research, applications, community, winter (I'm a Michigander), anything Ann Arbor/UoM, and literally whatever else you can think of :)
Sable Fest
[email protected]
Epidemiology - MPH
Sable is a second-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 social and political drivers of health and health equity as well as ovarian cancer. Sable is also a Board Member for OutPH, an organization for LGBTQI+ community members and allies at the School of Public Health. She received her BA in Human Biology from Scripps College and is a California native. Outside of the program, Sable enjoys photosynthesizing (AKA hanging out in the sun), reading, listening to podcasts, moving her body, and discovering coffee shops and parks across Michigan. She is happy to chat about balancing research and schoolwork, coming from out of state, finding your community, and any other curiosities you might have.
Antonia Gitau (she/her)
[email protected]
Global Health Epidemiology - MPH
Hi! My name is Antonia, and I am a second-year Master of Public Health student in the Global Health Epidemiology track at the University of Michigan, pursuing a Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. I was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, and earned my Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology from Eastern Michigan University in December 2024 at the age of 20. I chose the School of Public Health because of its collaborative community, robust research opportunities, and strong commitment to equity. My academic and professional interests include infectious and chronic disease, health equity and disparities, and public health innovation. Beyond the classroom, I serve as the Service Chair of the Epidemiology Student Organization and a member of the Public Health Action Support Team (PHAST). Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, volunteering, and exploring new experiences. I welcome prospective students to reach out with questions about the application process, transitioning to graduate school, balancing academics with research and work, or navigating life in the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area. I look forward to connecting and sharing my experiences with you!
Arianna Guerra (she/her)
[email protected]
Global Health Epidemiology - MPH
Hi, my name is Arianna Guerra! I am a first-year MPH student in the Global Health Epidemiology (GHE) department pursuing the Certificate in Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control. I received my B.S in Integrative Biology and a Minor in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in December 2025. I chose to attend Michigan’s School of Public Health because of its large alumni network and support. Everyone here is committed to seeing each student succeed and as someone in the GHE program, I also have the opportunity to travel outside the United States for my summer internship.
Currently, I am also working in a research lab, focusing on how new infrastructure has impacted travel amongst different Ecuadorian communities and its impact on Dengue transmission. My research interests include global health, infectious diseases, pathogenic transmission, and intervention implementation.
Some of my hobbies include running (currently training for a 1/2 marathon), cooking, reading, and exploring new places.
Being new to Ann Arbor, I can give out-of-state prospective students insight into living in a new area, adjusting to graduate school, pursuing a certificate, getting into research, and making sure to balance academics with hobbies that you enjoy. I’m also happy to talk with prospective students about the general application process!
Anniya Maysun (she/her)
[email protected]
Epidemiology - MPH
My name is Anniya Maysun, and I am a first-year MPH student in Global Health Epidemiology. I recently graduated in May 2026 from the University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, where I earned a B.S. in Biology, Health, & Society and International Studies (Global Environment and Health Track). My hometown is West Bloomfield, MI, but I have strong research interests in South Asia, where I did my thesis on maternal health navigation in Bangladesh and an internship in India in 2025. I am interested in the intersection of medical anthropology and health systems in global settings, specifically traditional medicine techniques (Yoga, Ayurveda, etc.). Other research interests include social determinants of health, infectious and communicable diseases, and mixed methods research. I enjoy the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and trying new matcha/coffee shops and ClassPass classes!
Leah Nielsen (she/her)
[email protected]
Epidemiology - MPH
Hello! My name is Leah, and I am a first-year MPH student in the General Epidemiology program. I am originally from Frankenmuth, Michigan, and I am involved in research at CLASS laboratory through the Department of Epidemiology. My research interests include infectious disease and cancer epidemiology.
Prospective students are welcome to connect with me if they have questions about transitioning from the Undergraduate SPH program at Michigan to a graduate program, pursuing a Certificate in Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control, or learning more about the General Epidemiology program. I would be happy to share my experiences and answer any questions!
Allen Benjamin Tugade (he/him)
[email protected]
Epidemiology - M.S. in CESM
Allen Benjamin Tugade is a first-generation Filipino American researcher whose work is informed by his heritage as a proud descendant of immigrants from the Ilocos region of Luzon in the Philippines. Raised in Federal Way, Washington, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Data Science from Pacific Lutheran University. Allen's work with the URBan Native Elders (URBANE) study focuses on the neuroepidemiology of urban Elders, specifically, social determinants of cognitive aging within this unique population. His research objectives broadly focus on health and education outcomes among underserved communities. Allen is currently working towards a Master of Science in Computational Epidemiology and Systems Modeling at the University of Michigan and was selected as the 2026 Epidemiology Impact Scholar by the Michigan School of Public Health. In his free-time, Allen enjoys a semi-professional career as a classically trained singer. He has performed minor principal roles with Vashon opera and regularly sings with local choirs in the Puget sound area, having recently completed an international choral performance tour of Switzerland and Italy. In 2024, Allen was a national semifinalist in both Classical and Musical Theater voice for the NATS student auditions.
Health Behavior & Health Equity
Hillary Aina (she/her)
[email protected]
Health Behavior & Health Equity - MPH
Hello! My name is Hillary, and I am a second-year MPH student in the Health Behavior
& Health Equity Department. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Health Science in
May of 2025 at the University of Florida. I plan to pursue a career as a physician,
and I am passionate about improving healthcare access and studying how patient decision-making
and communication shape health outcomes and influence trust in the healthcare system.
I would be happy to talk with prospective students about moving to Ann Arbor from
out of state, pre-med journey, transitioning from undergrad to grad school, Ann Arbor
food recommendations, or anything related to SPH. I look forward to connecting with
prospective students and sharing the SPH experience!
Nour Selmane (she/her)
[email protected]
Health Behavior and Health Equity - MPH
Hello! My name is Nour, and I am a second-year MPH student in the Health Behavior and Health Equity department. I am also pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Social Epidemiology. I earned my BS in Public Health with a concentration in Community Health Education from Eastern Michigan University. My public health interests include mental health, injury prevention, and improving healthcare access and communication for diverse populations. Outside of classes, I enjoy traveling, trying new foods, and spending time with family and friends. Prospective students are always welcome to reach out to me 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 prospective students and hopefully seeing you on campus!
Health Management & Policy
Brooklyn Durfield (she/her)
[email protected]
Health Management & Policy - MHSA
As a proud graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, an HBCU, and an incoming graduate student at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Brooklyn Durfield is passionate about education, leadership, healthcare, and creating opportunities for students to thrive. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a minor in African American Studies, where she developed a strong commitment to health equity and serving communities that are often underrepresented.
Throughout her undergraduate experience, Brooklyn embraced opportunities to lead and serve. As a student leader at Xavier, she helped organize and facilitate programming, collaborated with fellow students, and developed skills in communication, mentorship, and community engagement. Her experiences have strengthened her belief that a supportive educational environment can transform students’ confidence, goals, and future opportunities.
Now pursuing her Master of Health Services Administration at the University of Michigan, Brooklyn is excited to continue growing as a healthcare leader while contributing to the Michigan community. As an Admissions Ambassador, she hopes to share her authentic student experience, connect prospective students with the resources and opportunities available at Michigan, and encourage students from diverse backgrounds to envision themselves as part of the Wolverine community.
Master of Health Informatics
Chitra Sunil (she/her)
[email protected]
Master of Health Informatics
Hi! My name is Chitra Sunil and I am a 1st year Master of Health Informatics student! I graduated from the University of Cincinnati in May of 2026 with a major in Medical Sciences and a minor in Public Health. While I was originally on the Pre-Med track, I developed an interest in data analytics and how it interacts with healthcare to improve health outcomes. I am passionate about improving health equity and increasing market access for rare disease drugs, so I am excited about how this program will help me in achieving these goals through my future career. Aside from my studies, I love to dance, go to concerts, try new restaurants, and watch basketball! I am always happy to connect and answer any questions about the program or anything else:)
Nutritional Sciences
Megan Simpson (she/her)
[email protected]
Nutritional Sciences - MPH
Hello! My name is Megan Simpson and I am a first-year MPH student in the nutritional sciences concentration on the path to become a registered dietitian. I am originally from Irwin, PA (outside of Pittsburgh) and got my B.S. in Cell Biology/Biochemistry from Bucknell University in 2026, with a second major in Linguistics and a minor in Philosophy. I decided to pursue my MPH in nutrition because I have developed a strong interest in understanding how the food we eat affects how we feel, as well as how food functions in the context of chronic disease. Studying these ideas from a public health lens allows me to incorporate other passions of mine into these conversations, such as a focus on social equity and an interest in the role of state and federal policy in our food supply. Outside of my education, I love to spend my time baking, cooking, hiking, finding new music, and reading. I also love meeting new people and discussing my experiences, so feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Tai-Ying Wu (Catherine) (she/her)
[email protected]
Nutritional Sciences - MPH
Hello everyone! My name is Tai-Ying Wu, but you can call me Catherine. I’m a first-year MPH student in Nutritional Sciences, pursuing the Dietetics track at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. I was born and raised in Taiwan and am proud to be both an international student and a first-generation graduate student.
I earned my undergraduate degree in Nutrition in Taiwan and worked for two years as a Registered Dietitian at a weight management center. I’m passionate about nutrition, weight management, and helping people build healthier lives through food. At Michigan, I’m also excited to explore my interests in maternal and child health, pediatric nutrition, and sports nutrition.
I chose Michigan Public Health because of its collaborative and welcoming community, amazing learning opportunities, and beautiful campus. I’m excited to connect with prospective students and share what it’s really like to study, live, and grow at Michigan as an international student. Whether you’re curious about graduate school, nutrition and dietetics, adjusting to life in the U.S., or simply want to know more about Ann Arbor, I’d love to chat!
Population and Health Sciences
Hannah Parsons (she/her)
[email protected]
Population and Health Sciences - MPH
Hi! My name is Hannah, and I am a first-year MPH student in the online Population and Health Sciences program. I am originally from Williamston, MI, and I just recently earned my BA from Kalamazoo College studying Community and Global Health, as well as Critical Ethnic Studies and Developmental Psychology. Through my previous undergraduate work, I posed questions about children's early relationships to their food system and immersed myself in experiential answers by leading an elementary after-school cooking and gardening program, known as Club Glub. In the field of public health, I am driven by and endlessly curious about community-engaged health initiatives, child and adolescent health equity, and health literacy programs for people of all walks of life. I am happily available via email if you would like to talk or ask a question about transitioning to graduate school or obtaining your MPH online. Or, if you're a prospective student just looking to make an early connection at Michigan, feel free to reach out about fantasy books and shows, Michigan road-trips, the PWHL, or seasonal cooking. Go Blue!