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 for Student Engagement and Practice is always available to assist. You can reach them anytime at sph-inquiries@umich.edu for more information.
Undergraduate Admissions Ambassadors
Graduate Admissions Ambassadors
Meet Our Undergraduate Admissions Ambassadors
Helena Helme
BS in Public Health Sciences
hhelme@umich.edu
I'm a junior in the public health bachelor of science program and I was really drawn into public health because it allowed me to peak interests in the field of epidemiology, and potentially work on a global scale. I’m involved with a pre-health professional fraternity Delta Epsilon Mu (DEM) and so I have made so many connections with other students in public health, as well as a variety of other health professions. DEM has also given me the opportunity to directly participate in professional health related workshops and discussions, and opening up networking and career opportunities through association with professors and career professionals. If I’m not at SPH, I’m most likely on a run or cozying up with a new book and the biggest cup of tea I can find! I transferred to the U of M for my sophomore year from Michigan State and so I understand the transfer experience and have a soft spot for those external transfer students! Feel free to also reach out if you have any questions about the application process or chat about classes and campus life!
Juee Modi
BA in Community & Global Public Health
jmodi@umich.edu
I chose public health because I am committed to using social justice and compassion to empower communities and improve health outcomes. I'm especially interested in public mental health, public health data, and maternal/child health. Outside of class, I love to read and write. I am an Events Chair for SAPAC, as well as the PR chair for my dance team, Michigan Wolveraas. I also volunteer with Perfect Pair and work for the Health and Retirement Study at the Institute of Social Research. I love public health, and would be happy to answer questions about the major/classes/the admission process!
Meghna Singh
BA in Community and Global Public Health
mssingh@umich.edu
I fell in love with the public health prevention approaches during my first semester freshman year when I took PUBHLTH 200 and my appreciation for the field has grown immensely since then. I'm currently a senior in the B.A Community and Global Public Health Program with minors in Education and Spanish and am excited to connect with you all to talk about the benefits of the being a part of a cohort, deciding between the BA vs. the BS major, recommended public health classes, research opportunities, and how to balance a major and two minors all in 4 years! I currently serve as the President of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and previously worked for the Healthy Minds Network, a research-to-practice organization in the School of Public Health which surveys youth mental health and well-being nationwide. In my free time I love watching football and baking.
Olivia Jeong
BS in Public Health Science
ojeong@umich.edu
I chose to pursue a degree in public health because I wanted to gain a more holistic perspective of health systems and learn how health equity can be implemented and maintained in populations. The COVID-19 pandemic allowed me to realize the necessity of strong public health systems in the midst of emergencies, which also contributed to my interest in the program. My public health experience has broadened my understanding of what factors influence health and the intersection of medicine and public health, all while collaborating with my amazing cohort. Outside of class, I participate in club gymnastics, conduct clinical research in social psychology, and work as a barista in a local Ann Arbor cafe. Prospective students can reach out to me with questions about the application process, how public health curriculum supplements a pre-med track, finding opportunities and utilizing resources on campus, or anything in general just to chat!
Andrea Kennedy
BS in Public Health Sciences
keandrea@umich.edu
Hello! I joined the public health undergraduate program this semester and am so happy I decided to pursue learning about population health. I unexpectedly fell in love with public health through Pubhlth 200 here at the University of Michigan. I am currently interested in toxicology, demography, and social epidemiology. I do research through SPH and am in a professional fraternity for pre-health students, Delta Epsilon Mu, and the Public Health Association. I love to read, take hikes, and travel! If you want to contact me about research, being pre-public health, or maybe history, feel free to reach out!
Bella Jureller
BS in Public Health Sciences
ijurelle@umich.edu
In high school I always thought I wanted to be a doctor. I wanted to help people not get sick and learn more about different diseases that were plaguing communities. However, upon arrival at college I realized that was actually more related to Public Health. So my interest in pursuing public health stems from the idea that I want to understand the spread of disease and study it to help with preventive efforts. In my free time I love to try all the yummy restaurants in Ann Arbor and go on long walks with my friends. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the undergraduate experience in the school of public health!
Cara Starnes
BS in Public Health Sciences
carastar@umich.edu
I chose to pursue public health because I have always been interested in science and healthcare, and during my freshman year I realized that my other interests in sustainability, climate change, and social justice all compounded to the greater cause of public health. I am currently pre-med and planning to take a few gap years before applying to medical school. Outside of SPH, I'm the Community Service Chair of the U-M Public Health Association, a member of a social sorority, involved in Hillel, and I'm a research assistant in the Nutritional Sciences Department. I also took an alternative spring break volunteering trip last year and recently studied for a semester in Italy. I would be happy to answer any questions about being pre-med & public health, campus life, study abroad, or anything else that may help your decision!
Serena Smith
BS in Public Health Sciences
serenasm@umich.edu
I am a junior pursuing a degree in Public Health Sciences with a minor in Social Class and Inequality Studies. I have always been passionate about social justice and science, and have found that public health lives at the intersection of the two. My primary interests include the social determinants of health, health equity, and epidemiology. Although I am not involved in many on-campus clubs, I spend my free time enjoying the outdoors, cooking, hanging out with my roommates, and working part-time for a CDC-funded lab at SPH. I would love to answer questions about choosing between the BA and BS programs, undergraduate research work, my admissions experience, or any other general questions!
Abigail Young
BA in Community & Global Public Health
abigaily@umich.edu
I chose to study Community and Global Public Health because I have a passion for serving others and wanted to learn more about what this looks like in the context of preventive & community-based healthcare. I am especially interested in how social determinants affect health outcomes as well as the intersection between mental and physical health. Outside of classes, I work at the UM Hospital as a Patient Care Tech and am a Communications Co-Chair for Public Health Association (PHA). I also serve on the leadership team for Reformed University Fellowship (RUF), a Christian campus ministry - I am happy to talk to students about both student orgs! Additionally, students can ask me about the admission process and what it's like to be a pre-med, out-of-state, and SPH student!
Claire Higley
BS in Public Health Sciences
cshigley@umich.edu
Hi everyone! I chose the public health path because I had many academic interests, and public health was the perfect mix of all of them. From learning about biological pathogens to reviewing population data and statistics to learning about health and policy interventions, public health has something (or more than just one thing) for everyone. On campus, I am involved in Proyecto Avanzado: Latino Mentoring Association (PALMA), K-Grams, and I work at the Michigan Creamery. I'd be happy to connect with any prospective students who just want to talk about public health or learn more about the program. I am also pre-PA, so would be happy to talk about anything related to that as well!
Julia Erickson
BS in Public Health Sciences
juliaer@umich.edu
I knew I was interested in applying to the School of Public Health since I decided to apply to Michigan. I love working with people and find education to be one of the most important factors in improving the health of our communities. Aside from pursuing my degree through SPH, I am completing a minor in Gender and Health through LSA. I have been interested in gender and sexuality studies for a long time, and I hope to tie it into my career someday. I am on the executive board for Global Health Alliance here at UMich, and I love collaborating with my fellow club members on ways we can work together to improve public health here on campus and beyond. I would love to connect with prospective students to discuss the application process, gender/sexuality and public health, and finding your community here at UofM!
Olivia Eichman
BS in Public Health Sciences
oeichman@umich.edu
I chose public health because I wanted to play a more active role in fighting health disparities in the United States healthcare system after experiencing the social determinants of health reflected in my very own patients during a clinical rotation. I am currently involved as a Research Assistant at the EMBrace Lab here at UofM which is exploring methods of racial socialization for Black families who have experienced the mental burden of systemic racism in our society. I also love to read and spend time outside. If you are interested in switching your major I'm a great person to reach out to! I know changing your whole life trajectory can be scary and challenging but I can hopefully help you through that since I've lived through it before. I love public health and I'm always open to talk about my experiences in the program!
Shichi Dhar
BS in Public Health Sciences
shichid@umich.edu
I chose public health because I wanted to learn more about the factors that impact an individual's health outside of the traditional patient-physician interactions. More importantly, I am excited to learn about how knowledge of these factors can allow for policy and societal change to help communities reclaim control over their own health. Outside of class, I am an editor for the Undergraduate Journal of Public Health, on the planning team for Detroit Partnership (a service-learning organization), and a volunteer at Michigan Medicine. Prospective students can connect with me about being pre-med and a student in the Public Health Program, getting research and writing experience in undergrad, and anything else that may help you get through these stressful but rewarding years!
Chiraag Balsara
BS in Public Health Sciences
cub@umich.edu
I chose public health sciences to explore health disparities that impact vulnerable populations and interventions that improve health outcomes. As a pre-medical student planning to pursue a career as a physician, the School of Public Health has given me an opportunity to explore determinants of health outcomes from a wider scope than individual physiology. The combination of pre-medical prerequisites along with key public health coursework has given me valuable insight allowing me to better serve my community in the future. As an external transfer student, the School of Public Health and the University of Michigan has been really welcoming and valuable in the unmatched opportunities I have received and meaningful connections I’ve made. Outside of class I work in clinical research, manage a baseball team, teach piano, and enjoy spending any time outdoors! Feel free to message me about external transferring, applying to SPH, pre-medicine, or just to say hello!
Lily Grills
BS in Public Health Sciences
lgrills@umich.edu
Hello! I am currently a Senior in the B.S. Public Health Sciences Program with a minor in the History of Medicine and Health. I chose Public Health because it encompasses the many disciplines I’m passionate about: health and disease, healthcare systems, policy, and more. Outside of class, I am involved in Michigan Health Aid (MHA), research through the Epidemiology department, and am a Patient Care Tech at UM Hospital. The camaraderie that the Public Health cohort provides has been one of my favorite experiences at Michigan, and I would be happy to answer any questions about public health, being a Pre-Med student, or really anything you may be curious about!
Karis Hawkins
BS in Public Health Sciences
karhaw@umich.edu
I am a junior in the undergraduate B.S. program here at SPH. I am an external transfer student and my primary interests are in social epidemiology and health inequities. I chose public health because of my interest in confronting health disparities and researching social determinants of health. I am currently a member in a couple of student-led clubs on campus including the Public Health Association and the Black Student Union. I also enjoy spending time baking and trying new food. I'd be happy to connect with students on what it's like being an external transfer student, and my admissions process, or share my experience thus far in the program!
Fatema Dohadwala
BS in Public Health Sciences
fatemad@umich.edu
As an aspiring physician, the public health program has completely changed my perspective on how we view health, emphasizing the importance of understanding how an individual's sociocultural and socioeconomic background plays a strong role in their health outcomes. Additionally, this interdisciplinary work has helped me become a stronger advocate for healthcare policies, understanding that many of the disparities we see are due to inherent flaws at the policy level. Outside of coursework, I am a director for Dil Se, a South Asian mental health awareness organization, and VP of End the Cycle, a tutoring org aiming to reduce educational inequities in Michigan. I also work as a Medical Assistant in the OBGYN clinic at Michigan Medicine. In my free time, I love going on walks in the arb (which is conveniently right down the road from SPH!) and painting/doing artwork. Feel free to message me if you would like to chat about the B.S. program, being pre-med, finding a community on campus, or anything at all!
Pinkey Lam
BS in Public Health Sciences
pinkey@umich.edu
I am a junior in the BS program at the School of Public Health! Coming into U of M, I was overwhelmed with the number of majors we offer in our different schools. I honestly did not know what public health was until my sophomore year. I chose public health because I absolutely loved how involved in the community this field was. Rather than just focusing on individual health, this field really puts an emphasis on prevention and health of the community as a whole. As I was taking the introductory course, I found myself growing more passionate and that was how I knew this was the place for me. Everyone in this community is so friendly and we hope to welcome you to SPH :)
Nina Entcheva
BA in Community & Global Public Health
ninaent@umich.edu
I chose to pursue public health because I have always had a passion for helping others, and because I knew this field would allow me to focus on broadly advancing population health. The multidisciplinary nature of the field was also appealing to me, since I knew it would allow me to explore different subfields of disease prevention, such as epidemiology and health policy. At U of M, I am currently involved with the Health Policy Study Association, where I serve on the Advocacy Committee. Outside of class, I am a health policy intern, and I am also involved in an organization that equips individuals with global health research skills. Prospective students can reach out to me with any questions related to transferring from another university, since I transferred from Wayne State University!
Amber Wei
BA in Community & Global Public Health
amberwei@umich.edu
I chose to pursue public health because of my interest in health disparities in minority populations during my research project during my freshman year. I love the social justice foundation of the program, as well as the classmates in our cohort. I intend to pursue a dual degree in Community and Global Public Health (SPH) and Gender and Health (LSA)! Outside of academics, I'm involved as the social media chair of Michigan in Color (section of the Michigan Daily), work for Brilliant Detroit and LSA Honors, and conduct research for the Women's and Gender Studies Department. When I have free time, I enjoy crocheting and cooking for my friends. Feel free to talk to me about being a dual-degree student, course recommendations, navigating college life, imposter syndrome, or anything else!
Nina Rosenberg
BA in Community and Global Public Health
ninaros@umich.edu
I chose the public health path because I was particularly interested in how health policy can impact health outcomes downstream. Public health has taught me so much about social justice, social determinants of health, and how to make change in the world. On campus, I’m minoring in computer science, public policy, and history and work as a research assistant for the U-M Carceral State Project. Off campus, I’m interning for Workit Health, a telehealth company based in Ann Arbor focusing on medication assisted treatment for people with substance use disorders. I would love to talk to prospective students about anything related to public health and the undergraduate program, or getting involved with communities on campus!
Meet our Graduate Admissions Ambassadors
Jumanah Anwar, she/her
MHSA Student, Health Management and Policy
janwar@umich.edu
Profile: I chose University of Michigan in search of an environment where I would find others who would be as excited as I am to discuss healthcare and methods of improvement for the current system. I am equally excited to talk about the opportunities that come with joining this esteemed program and school. My interests are long-term care, delivering care that is culturally appropriate, and creating a healthcare system that is efficient and equitable. Connect with me any time!
Yan Jing Phay
MPH Student, Nutritional Sciences (Dietetics Concentration)
yjphay@umich.edu
Hello! I am currently a first-year graduate student from Malaysia, who is pursuing MPH in Nutritional Sciences (Dietetics Concentration) here at the School of Public Health at UM! I graduated from The Chinese University of Hong Kong with a degree of BSc in Food and Nutritional Sciences! I am very interested in how cultural, political and socioeconomic factors can affect the nutritional intake of the general public, especially in underprivileged communities or developing countries, and hoping that the knowledge and skills I acquired here will be able to assist me to make a change back in my home country, Malaysia! Since I am an international student too, if you have any questions in your process of applying and/or considering studying in the U.S., feel free to reach out to me!
Molly Fox
MPH Student, Health Management and Policy
foxmolly@umich.edu
Brief profile: I am a MPH student with a concentration in Health Management and Policy. I chose Michigan because of the interdisciplinary nature of the program, wonderful faculty, and strong support network provided. I would love to answer any questions you may have to help you make your decision easier!
Grace Joachim
MPH Student, Epidemiology (General Epidemiology)
joachimg@umich.edu
I am a student pursuing an MPH. I am primarily interested in infectious diseases, but I also love women’s health. I came to UMSPH after graduating from Michigan State University in 2021, and my experience with UM has been fantastic so far. I would be happy to chat with you about questions you have regarding admissions, classes, finding research opportunities, or anything else you’re curious about!
Cristina Gomez
MPH Student, Environmental Health Sciences (Industrial Hygiene)
crisag@umich.edu
I am a MPH student in the Industrial Hygiene program. I received my Bachelors of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Redlands in 2020. I also minored in Biology. During my time at the University of Redlands, I worked as an assistant to the Director of Environmental Health and Safety at Redlands. I completed three summer internships at the University of California, Irvine in the Enivronmental Health and Safety Department. The three internships covered environmental health, biosafety, and industrial hygiene and lab safety. I chose the University of Michigan because their IH program is rated #1 in the nation and SPH is rated #2 public school of public health in the nation! My father also received his MPH in IH from the University of Michigan. My interests are chemical exposures, physical hazards, risk assessment, occupational health and safety, organic chemistry, and microbiology. I would be happy to help answer any of your questions or just want to chat whether they are about SPH in general, the IH program, or simply adjusting to out-of-state. I can’t wait to meet you and further get to know you. Please do not hesitate to contact me. Go blue!
Jillian Baker, she/her
PhD Student, Epidemiology
jillbake@umich.edu
I am a PhD student in Epidemiological Science. After receiving my MPH and working five years for a longitudinal cohort study focused on the health of former professional football players, I wanted to continue to improve my skills and training in epidemiology. I am based at the Center for Midlife Science here at the School of Public Health and will be focusing on chronic disease epidemiology and social epidemiology. Please do not hesitate to contact me throughout your discernment process! Choosing how and where to pursue a PhD is a big step, and I'd be thrilled to share my experience of the University of Michigan.
Mike Sweeney
PhD Student, Biostatistics
mikeswny@umich.edu
I am a graduate student and first-generation student pursuing a PhD in biostatistics. My research interests include statistical genetics and genomics, and there are unrivaled opportunities in those research areas at UM. Before arriving at UM SPH, I received a B.S. in Applied Mathematics & Statistics and Computer Science from Stony Brook University in New York. I would be happy to talk with prospective SPH students about anything that would help their enrollment decision, including the biostatistics department, the Center for Statistical Genetics, moving to Ann Arbor from out of state, transitioning to graduate school, and anything else!
Natalie Wagner
MPH Student, Health Behavior Health Education
natwag@umich.edu
Hello! I am currently a first-generation graduate student pursuing a MPH degree in Health Behavior and Health Education. I graduated from Central Michigan University in 2016, and then joined the Peace Corps. I am an (evacuated) RPCV from Burkina Faso, and a PCV from Malawi. I am happy to talk with any prospective student about the graduate school application process, my international experience, how to get involved at the SPH, and all things Michigan (hikes, beaches, places to camp, mountain bike trails, etc!).
Morgan Harris
MPH Student, Epidemiology (Hospital and Molecular)
morganph@umich.edu
I am currently a MPH student in the Hospital and Molecular Epidemiology department here at UMich. I am originally from New Hampshire and I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. My primary interests are infection prevention and lab/field work in the field of epidemiology. I’d love to talk to you about the admissions process, student experience here, and more!
Jennifer Lee
PhD Student, Nutritional Sciences (Nutrition Epidemiology)
jentlee@umich.edu
Hello! I am a second-year PhD student in the Nutritional Sciences program, Nutrition Epidemiology track. My research interest is in food insecurity, dietary patterns, and sleep health. After receiving a MS in Nutrition and an MPH in Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, I have worked several years in both research and as a Community Dietitian for several years before arriving at UM SPH. Please feel free to reach out any time about any questions you may have!
Reid Richards
MPH Student, Population and Health Sciences (Online)
reidrich@umich.edu
I'm a second-year Population and Health Sciences Online MPH student currently residing in Atlanta, GA. University of Michigan SPH was the right fit for my graduate studies due to the flexible class format and program schedule while working full time, small cohort size, incredible access to professors, top-notch alumni network, and seriously unmatched program administrators (really, they make all the difference in your graduate program!). I'd love to chat with you about balancing full-time work, school, and life as an online student, UM's unique online program schedule, ways to get involved at UM from afar, and what it's really like to build community with people you've never met in person. Please feel empowered to connect about all things online MPH. I can't wait to meet y'all and help you find your best fit program!
Elizabeth Foot (she/her)
MPH Student, Nutritional Sciences (Dietetics Concentration)
evfoot@umich.edu
Hello! My name is Elizabeth and I am a first-year MPH student in the Nutritional Sciences department, where I'm concentrating in dietetics. I am originally from right outside of Boston, MA and graduated from Hamilton College in 2020 with a degree in public policy. I am incredibly passionate about eating disorders, reproductive health (and rights), and food access. I went back and forth on the MPH/MS degree distinction within the Nutritional Sciences department so I am more than happy to answer any questions about that (I love research!). Part of why I chose Michigan was the community I interacted with while applying -- everyone was so kind, engaged, and passionate. Since getting here, these traits have only been affirmed! I am also loving getting to know Ann Arbor and would be more than happy to answer questions about the area, what I've been exploring for fun, and anything else. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or just to say hi!
Lala Sri Fadila (she/her)
MPH Student, Nutritional Sciences (Non-Dietetics)
lalafad@umich.edu
I am a first-year MPH student with a concentration in Nutritional Sciences. I am originally from Indonesia where I also obtained my bachelor's degree in nutrition back in 2018. Prior to coming here, I worked as a monitoring and evaluation officer in a global donor organization that focuses on malaria elimination in Indonesia. My interest is in sustainable food systems. I have been involved in some sustainable diet promotion activities and I searched for a program where I could dive deeper into this issue – the University of Michigan was the answer! Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns regarding the application, life as an international student here, or just anything you are curious about!
Sydney Prochaska
MHSA Student, Health Management and Policy
sprocha@umich.edu
I chose the University of Michigan in search of an environment where I would find others that would push me to become my best self, personally and professionally. Additionally, there are many opportunities and resources that come with joining such an esteemed program and University. My interests are in provider relations, health equity, and population health. Connect with me anytime, I would love to answer your questions!
Marissa Olson
MPH Student, Epidemiology
omariss@umich.edu
Hi, I am a first-year MPH General Epidemiology and a First-Generation College student. I received my undergraduate degree from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL in May 2020. Since graduating from my undergraduate and before coming to UM SPH, I worked for two years at my local health department as a COVID-19 Case Investigator doing case management and helping with vaccine distribution. I have a huge passion for infectious disease and social epidemiology! So far, my experience at UM SPH has been nothing but positive! I'm more than happy to chat about the admissions process, classes, public health, or anything else you would like to know!
Karli Monahan
MPH Student, Health Behavior and Health Education
kmonaha@umich.edu
I am a first-year MPH student in the Health Behavior and Health Education (HBHE) department. I got my BS in Physiology and Bioethics from Michigan State University last year. I chose to attend UM SPH because of the interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of the curriculum and internship opportunities that encourage students to get out into communities to see public health in action. My future plans include going to medical school after graduating with my MPH to pursue a career in emergency medicine and community outreach. I decided to get my master's degree in public health because I want to impact patients and communities beyond hospital walls and use my position and knowledge to advocate for change and improve broader health conditions and outcomes. Outside of classes, I am also involved in Womxn in Health Leadership (WiHL), Public Health Action Support Team (PHAST), a peer-founded non-profit called GlobalMarks, working as a phlebotomist at Michigan Medicine, and volunteering for Crisis Text Line. Prospective students can ask me about living in Ann Arbor, transitioning from undergrad to grad school, pre-med life, or just about anything SPH-related! I look forward to getting to know many potential students and hopefully seeing everyone on campus!
Hanna Venera, She/Her/Hers
MS Student, Biostatistics
venerahm@umich.edu
Hello! My name is Hanna, and I am a graduate student in the Biostatistics department. I am interested in digital-mobile health research and SMART/MRT, and would be happy to talk to you about research interests or how to get involved. The Biostatistics department is incredibly supportive and collaborative, yet challenges its students to push their academic boundaries -- it is truly the best of both worlds! 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!
Jamie Fry (she/her)
MPH Student, General Epidemiology
jamiefry@umich.edu
Hello! My name is Jamie and I am a first-year and first-generation college student in the General Epidemiology MPH program. I earned my Bachelor of Health Science degree from DePaul University in 2019. After graduating, I spent 2 years working on the COVID-19 response team at my local health department. Since starting my program at UM SPH, I have joined the following organizations: Epidemiology Student Organization (ESO), Public Health Action Support Team (PHAST), and here as an admissions ambassador. I know how overwhelming the graduate school application and decision-making process can be, so please reach out to me with any questions! I am happy to share more about why I chose UM SPH and what my experience here has been like so far!
Kaitlin Schwarz
MPH Student, Epidemiology (General Epidemiology)
ktschwrz@umich.edu
I am a first year MPH in the Epidemiology Department. A few of my primary interests include infectious diseases, social epidemiology, and health inequities. I received my B.S. in Biology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison before moving to Ann Arbor to pursue my MPH. I was drawn to UMSPH as a result of the fantastic opportunities the program boasts to be involved with research and other opportunities that provide experience in applying and building upon the concepts learned through coursework in real world scenarios, such as the Public Health Action Support Team (PHAST). I would be eager to connect with anyone who has questions about anything at all and/or would like to chat about life as an MPH student at UMSPH, opportunities that UMSPH offers, considering epidemiology as a concentration, and so on. Please don't hesitate to reach out at any time!
Kimmy Vandewege
MPH Student, Nutritional Sciences (Dietetics Concentration)
kimmyv@umich.edu
Kimmy is a graduate student earning her MPH in Nutritional Sciences with a concentration in dietetics. After earning a B.S. studying art education at Miami University, Kimmy completed a holistic chef’s training program in New York City (2018) which fueled her passion for nutrition.
Since then, she has worked at a gluten-free bakery in Brooklyn, NY and as a vegan baker at The Lunch Room here in Ann Arbor, where Kimmy learned how to create recipes for people with specialized diets. Kimmy’s recent internship with the Today Show included creating food videos and food photography for Joy Bauer. Inspired by a weight bias class with Professor Kendrin Sonneville, Kimmy plans to become a Registered Dietitian for people living in all body sizes. She prioritizes culturally relevant foods and recognizes that health is connected to more than just eating spinach, but it’s connected to race, the systems we are a part of, and the ways we live our daily lives. Kimmy is committed to working to create a world where health can be attainable for all of us.
Neil Zhao
MS Student, Toxicology
neilzhao@umich.edu
I am a first year student pursuing an MS in Toxicology. Originally, I am from NJ and I finished my undergraduate work in Food Science at Purdue University-West Lafayette. I am interested in evaluating the potential human health and environmental hazards of chemicals, ingredient formulations, and commercial products. Michigan Public Health is special in that it addresses wide-scale interventions in population health through proactive research and action. In addition, the faculty, staff, and students are some of the nicest and most hardworking people I’ve met! Feel free to ask me anything about student experiences, SPH, the admissions process, connecting with faculty, finding research opportunities, academic timelines, classes, transitioning to graduate school, local restaurant recommendations, and more!
Tasnuva Tarannum
MPH Student, Nutritional Sciences
tasnuvat@umich.edu
I am a second-year MPH student in Nutritional Sciences. As an international student, navigating through the vast amount of information and resources available at UM can be challenging and overwhelming. I am happy to help in any way possible if you want to know more about the program or school, opportunities to get involved with volunteer work, internships, or workshops. UM offers plenty of resources for students, and you just need to ask for directions!
Swati Sriram
MPH Student, Environmental Health Sciences
swatisr@umich.edu
I'm a second-year MPH student in Environmental Health Sciences. I got my bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from India, during which I worked as a research assistant at a Toxicology Laboratory. I became increasingly interested in Environmental Health and wanted to explore beyond the field of research. I felt Public Health to be the best fit because it gives me an opportunity to enhance my research experiences while I work towards providing to people and help create a habitable and healthy environment for everyone to live in. Being an International Student, the University of Michigan has been extremely welcoming, and is filled with resources that keeps me constantly engaged and intrigued to expand my horizons. Environmental Health is within everything we do, and it's important for people to be aware of the same. I would love to talk about everything the school and the university have to offer, navigating life as an international student, life in Ann Arbor, and everything in between!
Febin Francis
MHSA Student, Health Management and Policy
febin@umich.edu
I am a first-year MHSA student at the School of Public Health. I am a transitioning healthcare professional and I intend to work at the intersection of health and design. I chose Michigan because of the notable reputation it has built over the years, unrivaled alumni network, excellent faculty profile, program outcomes, leadership building opportunities embedded in the curriculum, close knit community and the strong extensive support. I would love to help you make an easier decision by answering any questions you may have!
Aria Grabowski
PhD Student, Nutritional Sciences
ariagrab@umich.edu
Hi! I am a second-year PhD student in Nutritional Sciences. I have been a member of the UM SPH community since 2018, completing my MPH in the same department prior to starting the PhD program. I work in the ELEMENT research group, focused on maternal and early life exposures (to nutrition and environmental toxicants) in Mexico City. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions throughout your admission process!
Connor Watson
MHSA Student, Health Management and Policy
cjwat@umich.edu
I am a first-year Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA) student in the Health Management and Policy program. I have a significant interest in health administration and hope to work at an Academic Medical Center in the future. I chose Michigan because of its incredible reputation (for both the school and the program), the professors and cohort (which I find to be both incredibly diverse, seasoned with experience, and genuinely engaged in your success), and the connections and alumni network (which has been the most impressive and helpful aspect of the program so far). I have worked closely with individuals in many of the top programs across the country, and I truly believe that Michigan's is unparalleled in terms of how prepared and knowledgeable the students are when they start their healthcare careers. I hope that you will consider Michigan and I am happy to connect with anyone who has questions.
Aashna Pradhan
MPH Student, Health Management and Policy
aashnap@umich.edu
My name is Aashna and I am a first-year MPH student in the Health Management & Policy department. I am very interested in global health strategy and health innovation’s role in promoting health equity and addressing disparities. Prospective students can reach out to me about anything at all! I have absolutely been in your shoes and know how tough the application season can be so I am here to support in any way I can! I went to Michigan for undergrad too so I can give a lot of insight into what makes SPH unique, life in Ann Arbor, and more.
Mohamad Ramli
MS Students, Population and Health Sciences (online)
mohamadr@umich.edu
I am a second-year online MS candidate in the Population and Health Sciences program at UM. I am currently also working full-time as a hospital social worker in Singapore, dealing with the biopsychosocial-spiritual aspects of care, and focusing on social and financial issues faced by patients. My work with mostly minorities and low-income populations in the hospital setting sparked my interest in pursuing research on the social determinants of health at the population level. Feel free to get in touch with me to find out how it has been like for me to navigate the program as an international student, or just to chat about social work and social justice issues in public health!
Samira Dani
MHSA student, Health Management & Policy
scdani@umich.edu
Hi! My name is Samira Dani and I am a second-year MHSA student in the Health Management & Policy department. I am originally from Atlanta, GA; I graduated with my undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Georgia in 2019, worked for a few years, and then joined the HMP program. I am interested in increasing patient access to healthcare and optimizing the patient experience through strategic planning and process improvement. I chose U-M’s program because of the interdisciplinary nature and the amazing alumni network! Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions at all about getting into the program, the coursework, internships, and life in Ann Arbor!