PHSC Student Ambassadors Program
PHSC Student Ambassadors are a select group of Public Health Science majors from the College Park campus who assist prospective students in the enrollment process and represent the Public Health Science program (PHSC) at outreach activities and events for current and prospective UMD students.
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DARLENE PINEDA
PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor
Advice for Fellow Students: Be curious and ask questions! Public Health Science is very broad, so be ready to explore different areas and maybe discover new interests!
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DAMILOLA FOLORUNSO
PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor
Advice for Fellow Students: Explore! College is only four years - it’s a great opportunity to try new things, join fun clubs, & put yourself out there. Academically, I recommend giving yourself more time than you think you need to help reduce stress.
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VICTORIA WALKER
PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor
Advice for Fellow Students: Time management is everything! To manage school work, time for clubs, & spending time with friends, I find myself consulting my planner quite often! Also, connect with your professors! They want to help you as much as possible.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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PRIYAL DHINGRA
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!
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ARNAV SIDDAMSETTIWAR
PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor
Advice for Fellow Students: Stay open to trying new things and meeting new people. Don’t be afraid to communicate or ask for help when you need it. You are not alone in your journey in PHSC.
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KAIA BOOKER
PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor
Advice for Fellow Students: Try saying “yes” more, it can lead to trying new things and meeting new people! Also, be open to everything the Public Health Science major has to offer/teach you and make the most of your years here at Maryland!
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MORGAN PHILLIPS
PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor
Advice for Fellow Students: Remember that your major is not a permanent label. You should never feel stuck with a decision you made before you truly explored your options.
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RUBAINA HASAN
PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor
Advice for Fellow Students: Get involved in everything! Academic, social, professional -- balance is important!
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STRITANVI (TANVI) KODUKULLA
PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor
Advice for Fellow Students: Do not be afraid to ask questions and show up! Everyone was new to this at one point in time, and the fairs/socials PHSC offers are a great way to integrate into the major and create a support system around you.
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JACKELIN (JACKIE) CHICAS ARGUETA
PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor
Advice for Fellow Students: Ensure that you have a balance. I know that succeeding academically is important but remember to branch out and try out something new, embrace the entire college experience and not just on your career.
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SABA TEYMOURLOUEI
PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor
Advice for Fellow Students: Make the most of your education, get involved as much as you can, use your resources, make good connections and have fun!
Ambassador Tips for PHSC Majors!
Tips for Success in Science Classes at UMD
UMD Internship Tips
Networking & Elevator Pitch Tips
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.
Benefits to becoming a PHSC Ambassador
- Share your experience at UMD with current and prospective PHSC majors
- Build your portfolio/resume
- Develop leadership skills, including public speaking and networking
- Meet other PHSC students and make new friends!
Expectations of PHSC Ambassadors
- 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
PHSC Student Ambassador Application Process
Ready to apply to become a Public Health Science Student Ambassador? Connect with Advisor Jessica Moore-Solórzano at jms15@umd.edu.
Applications are accepted twice a year:
- Spring
- Fall
Want to Connect with an Ambassador? Looking for a Peer Mentor?
Email the PHSC Team at phsc@umd.edu to get connected, and be sure to follow PHSC Ambassadors on Instagram!