Student Ambassadors: Public Health Science

KASSIDY OAKES

PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor Advice for Fellow Students: Be the first to say "Hi!" Chances are the other person is just as nervous to introduce themselves as you are! Future Plans/Career Path: Attend PA school and work in dermatology or women's health!

AUDREY ZARZUELA

PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor Advice for Fellow Students: Try everything you can & approach everything with an open mind! Especially as freshmen, getting as involved as possible is important so you can find the clubs/organizations you like & meet new people! Future Plans/Career Path: I hope to attend medical school and eventually become a doctor, hopefully a pediatrician.

ALINA VOZNA

PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor Advice for Fellow Students: Don't be intimidated by other students, put yourself out there and make friends early. Future Plans/Career Path: Dentistry

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.

NADIA COLEMAN

PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor Advice for Fellow Students: Take some time to have fun! College life is all about balance. Future Plans/Career Path: I plan to become a Physician Assistant after undergrad!

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.

ALEXIS FORD

PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor Advice for Fellow Students: My advice would be to take advantage of all of the wonderful resources the School of Public Health has to offer. Future Plans/Career Path: After graduating with a public health science degree, I plan to take a gap year and then attend dental school.

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.

ROMAN KASSARABA

PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor Advice for Fellow Students: Don't be afraid to try new things! Keep an open mind about everything! Future Plans/Career Path: I hope to get my MPH in epidemiology and work in the field of infectious disease prevention!

KELLY BIGLIN

PHSC Ambassador & Peer Mentor Advice for Fellow Students: Look for opportunities, talk to professors, and apply to as many internships/ positions as possible. You get out of UMD what you put into it, so get involved! Future Plans/Career Path: I plan to apply for the accelerated BS/MPH program at UMD and work in the public health field with my Master’s Degree.

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.

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