Student Ambassadors: Public Health Science

VAGMI LUHAR

PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor Advice for Fellow Students: Take time to explore the resources that the University has to offer because you can really form great networks through them. While college can be a lot, make sure to take time for yourself and making memories. Future Plans/Career Path: To work in the field of cancer research.

ESOHE OWIE

PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor Advice for Fellow Students: Do not be afraid to apply to opportunities and ask for help! Future Plans/Career Path: I plan on getting my MPH and becoming a Public Health Analyst.

NOA BLUMENTHAL

PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor Advice for Fellow Students: To embrace the experience you have in SPH and try out different things along the way. There are so many things to learn and ways to grow; if you need help navigating your path there are many resources! Future Plans/Career Path: Public Health Science major with/Spanish minor on the Pre-Med track. I hope to become a well-rounded Family Physician that can serve my community.

JULIA ZUZOSVKY

PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor Advice for Fellow Students: The course load may seem overwhelming, but as long as you put in the work it is totally manageable. Future Plans/Career Path: I'm still unsure, but epidemiology is of great interest to me!

JOEL UKPELEGBU

PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor Advice for Fellow Students: Just do what makes you happy in college! Future Plans/Career Path: I’m aiming to finish my BS next year. I’m doing a BA in chemistry but I will finish that after I get my PHSC degree, and hopefully, I’ll earn my MPH by 2026. After that, the plan is to apply to med school.

MICHELLE RODRIGUEZ CRUZ

PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor Advice for Fellow Students: Don’t be afraid to ask for help! PHSC advisors want you to succeed, don't hesitate to reach out to advisors to explore opportunities and answer any questions. Future Plans/Career Path: Earn an MPH degree at UMD, hoping to work in the government sector. I'm interested in epidemiology, health promotion, and literacy.

CHRISTAL ONYEKWERE

PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor Advice for Fellow Students: Go to office hours, make study groups, communicate & collaborate with other students in Public Health Science. Future Plans/Career Path: Become an OBGyn and eventually open my own clinic that recognizes that Black maternal mortality is a rising issue in our country.

EUGENE SONG

PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor Advice for Fellow Students: Explore the different clubs and organizations and make use of the resources that are available at the School of Public Health. Future Plans/Career Path: I plan on attending graduate school and earning an MPH degree, then working in the health science field.

IRIS HAM

PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor Advice for Fellow Students: Embrace your interests and don’t be afraid to try new things! It is always worth it to give something a shot, whether that be trying out a club or taking a class that interests you. Future Plans/Career Path: I’m still not sure! I’m still in the process of figuring out what I want to do. :)

ARIANAZ DERAKSHANIAN

PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor Advice for Fellow Students: Keep an open mind and explore your options, even those that you think you may not enjoy. Future Plans/Career Path: I’m a pre-medical student and I plan to go to Medical School after graduation.

KRISTINA CHAN

PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor Advice for Fellow Students: Be adventurous and try new things. Make friends with people along the way and always have fun! Future Plans/Career Path: I am a pre-med student and hope to go to medical school after graduation.

JAMESON BOWEN

PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor Advice for Fellow Students: Try everything and take advantage of the resources offered by the School of Public Health! Future Plans/Career Path: I plan on getting my MPH and then working in the field of health policy or epidemiology.

EUGENE CHOI

PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor Advice for Fellow Students: Be patient in your PHSC courses, public health is a broad field of study that is a fusion of multiple academic concentrations. You may like some subjects more than others, and that’s okay! Future Plans/Career Path: Pursue my MPH in Epidemiology or Health Equity, medical school, striving to become a sports medicine physician.

MIKE BISRAT

PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor Advice for Fellow Students: Look to join clubs that align with your academic and social interests, this way you can meet people who are on similar paths as you and network. Explore campus as well and take advantage of the libraries like McKeldin. Future Plans/Career Path: I want to become a pediatrician, I am also interested in oncology and emergency medicine. My goal is to open a medical practice in the future and then hopefully open one where my family is from, Ethiopia.

MBANGE PALLE

PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor Advice for Fellow Students: Learn to be open-minded to many opportunities you can take part in! College is all about exploring your interests. Future Plans/Career Path: After undergrad, I plan to take a gap year to recharge before applying for medical school with hopes of becoming a pediatrician.

PRIYAL DINGHRA

PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor Advice for Fellow Students: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new—you never know what you’ll like until you give it a shot! Future Plans/Career Path: I hope to attend dental school and become a dentist.e applying for medical school with hopes of becoming a pediatrician.

LYDIA GIRMA

PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor Advice for Fellow Students: Explore all your interests, and be willing to take advantage of all your opportunities, even if it's out of your comfort zone. Future Plans/Career Path: After undergrad, I plan to enroll in a master's program in epidemiology or virology.

Become a PHSC Ambassador

PHSC Student Ambassadors are chosen through an application and interview process once a year. The program seeks students from diverse backgrounds who are enthusiastic and demonstrate exceptional communication and leadership skills.

PHSC majors based at the Shady Grove campus can find leadership opportunities on the Universities at Shady Grove Student Engagement page.

Share your experience at UMD with current and prospective PHSC majors
Build your portfolio/resume
Develop leadership skills, including public speaking and networking

Represent the Public Health Science program during UMD/SPH functions (summer registrations, receptions, open houses, etc.)
Staff information tables at First Look Fair, Maryland Day and other selected SPH events
Serve as encouraging role models and advocates of higher education to accepted students
Participate in special events as needed