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 sph-inquiries@umich.edu or reach out directly to department program coordinators and admissions staff.
Undergraduate Admissions Ambassadors
Graduate Admissions Ambassadors
Meet Our Undergraduate Admissions Ambassadors
Ranya Dano
rdano@umich.edu
BS in Public Health Sciences
I chose to pursue a BS in Public Health because I aspire to advocate for health equity and improve public health in underserved communities as a physician. Currently, I work as a Patient Attendant at Michigan Medicine, a Bio 171 Study Group Facilitator in the Science Learning Center (SLC), and a Resident Advisor in Michigan Housing. On campus, I serve as the Director of Advocacy for MENA Public Health, the Director of Media & Communications for Refugee & Immigrant Success Establishment (RISE), and a business sub-team member on The Initiative in Michigan Health Engineered for All Lives (M-HEAL). I have also conducted research in the Kresge Hearing Research Institute and been a part of the Cultural Seminar planning committee for Medical Arabic at Michigan Medicine. In my free time, I enjoy making art, going on walks, and participating in social activism. I would love to connect with prospective students about navigating the pre-med track within the School of Public Health and getting involved on campus!
al in Public Health, Undergraduate Representative on PHSA, and involved in a social sorority called Pi Beta Phi! During my free time I love to play soccer, ski, and explore different coffee shops in Ann Arbor. I'm an external transfer into the program, so I understand all about the transfer process and what to expect your first semester. For me, the School of Public Health has been extremely welcoming and my cohort has been amazing to get to know! Feel free to reach out to me to talk about the transfer process, campus life, being an SPH student, or if you have any general questions!
Vaishnavi Jagalur
vjagalur@umich.edu
BS in Public Health Science
I chose public health because of my interest in reducing disparities in health care and global health equity. Public health encapsulates my interests in medince, social justice, and healthcare justice. I love the electives and courses that are offered through this program and the connections built with my professors. Outside of school, I am involved in Dance Marathon, the Undergraduate Public Health Journal, and a Public Health lab! In my free time, I love trying new cafes, hanging out with friends, and spending time with my family. ! I would love to talk about classes offered in Public Health, being Pre-Med, the application process, or anything else!
Kendra Le
lekendra@umich.edu
BS in Public Health Sciences
I chose to pursue public health because of the wide range of aspects that public health provides, such as occupational safety to policy and regulations. Outside of class, I am currently on core board for GenAPA, the largest student run APIA culture show in Michigan, and a member of FASA, CSA, and VSA. Additionally, I am a research assistant at the Center of Respiratory Virus Research & Response and the ELEMENT Project. You can ask me about studying abroad, solo travelling, playing video games, vlogging, and/or any general questions regarding the admissions process!
Meghana Choragudi
mchorag@umich.edu
BS in Public Health Sciences
I’m a junior in the Public Health Sciences program with a minor in Biochemistry, and I was drawn to public health because of its focus on preventive care and health equity. The field has allowed me to explore areas like health policy, neuroscience, and the social determinants of health, all of which influence population well-being. As a pre-med student, I’ve been able to gain hands-on experience in healthcare settings, working as a Medical Phlebotomist and Nursing Assistant, which has deepened my interest in improving patient care. On campus, I am involved with Partners in Health, PhiDE, and MHEAL, where I’ve had the opportunity to work on fundraising initiatives and community health projects. Outside of my academic work, I love dancing and choreographing. If I’m not dancing, you can usually find me exploring new coffee shops around Ann Arbor or hanging out at the LSA building. I’m happy to chat about navigating the pre-med track, balancing extracurriculars, or anything related to campus life at Michigan! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Madia Adnan
madia@umich.edu
BS in Public Health Sciences
I chose to pursue public health to address health inequities and support marginalized and minoritized communities while promoting healthier practices. I’m involved in the Michigan Healthcare Business Consulting Club, Partners in Health Engage, Student Opportunities for HIV/AIDS Research, and Sigma Eta Pi, a co-ed professional entrepreneurship fraternity. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions —whether it’s about public health classes, the application process, being a first-generation student, or just to chat. I’m always happy to help!
Bryson Wade
bxwade@umich.edu
BA in Community & Global Public Health
I am a junior in the BA program at SPH. I chose to pursue public health because of my interest in the intersection of health and policy. I am also minoring in the Ford school of public policy with a focus on health care reform. Outside of Public Health I serve as vice president for the Black Undergrad Policy Society (BUPS) and president of a bible study group on campus called Kings 4 Christ. I enjoy traveling, connecting with nature, and supporting holistic approaches to well-being. As an external transfer student, I’m happy to connect with prospective students about navigating that process, my leadership roles, and my experiences working with people with developmental disabilities.
Laura McLees
lmclees@umich.edu
BS in Public Health Sciences
I’m a junior on the Public Health Sciences track doing a minor in Biology. I am also a proud first-generation college student. I chose public health because I am interested in epidemiology, infectious disease, chronic disease, and women’s health, and I hope to pursue a MPH and possibly a PhD relating to those topics. Outside of classes, I work in a lab that I began in UROP that focuses on respiratory disease surveillance and virus infectivity. Along with that, I am apart of the Public Health Association (PHA), where students of all majors can come together to learn more about the field. I am also a member of Zeta Omega Eta (ZOH), a non-Greek feminist sorority here on campus. Don’t hesitate at all to reach out to me about anything I’ve listed and more! Go Blue!
Ryan Mirza
mirzar@umich.edu
BS in Public Health Sciences
I chose to pursue public health due to my interests in working with underrepresented communities, and aspirations of becoming a holistic medical provider who understands health disparities and their systemic roots. On campus, I am involved in PhiDE (pre-med fraternity), Wolverine Street Medicine, serve as Co-President of the Arab Student Association, and represent the Arab community on the Dean of Students Advisory Board. I love to volunteer at the Delonis Shelter here in Ann Arbor and also work as a medical assistant! As a pre-med student, I’m always happy to connect with others who share my interest in healthcare and community service.
Jasmine Wisniewski
jasminpw@umich.edu
BS in Public Health Sciences
I'm currently a junior on the BS track at SPH, and I am studying Microbiology at the school of LSA as well! I chose to study public health because I wanted to learn more about how our environmental and social factors impact our health outcomes and addressing health disparities. More specifically, as an aspiring physician, I believe it is important to recognize and understand how a patient's background beyond biology impacts their health. Outside of the classroom, I work at a research lab in the Rogel Cancer Center studying pancreatic cancer, am a member of DMUM, and tutor in biochemistry! In my free time I enjoy baking, listening to music, and going for runs. Feel free to reach out if you want to discuss public health, pursuing a dual degree with SPH, being a premed or any questions you may have!
Ananya Gera
agera@umich.edu
BS in Public Health Sciences
I chose public health because it allows me to explore the intersection between health, holistic wellbeing, and policy. I am specifically interested in how health disparities manifest in healthcare environments. I hope to use the education I am receiving through the School of Public Health to lessen the burden minority communities face when it comes to healthcare and address disparities on a population level, through policy development. On campus, I am the Managing Director for Wolverine Support Network, which is a student organization that offers cost-free peer-to-peer support groups for those who need support or want to form new connections. I am also an editor for the Statement section of the Michigan Daily, an undergraduate researcher in pediatric neuro-oncology, and a medical scribe. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about SPH, the pre-medical track, finding a community on campus and within SPH, or anything else! I would love to get to know you!
Ella Stage
estage@umich.edu
BS in Public Health Sciences
Hi! I'm Ella and I'm currently a junior in the Public Health Sciences program. I chose public health because I am extremely passionate about ensuring that prevention and health-promoting services are equitable and inclusive for everyone. Outside of the classroom I am a peer mentor for the Michigan Community Scholars Program, an executive board member for Perfect Pair Nonprofit, and I help with data management for the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) here on campus. In my free time you'll usually find me reading, rewatching my favorite tv shows for the 10th time, or spending time with my friends. I would love to connect with you and help you determine if public health is the right program for you!
Sanjana Sharma
svsharma@umich.edu
BS in Public Health Sciences
My name is Sanjana and I'm pursuing a BS in Public Health Sciences! I chose public health because not only am I interested in the field and the wide variety of topics I can explore, I love how public health pairs with being a pre-medical student. The undergraduate program provides me with an opportunity to dive into the fields of medicine I'm interested in from a different angle. My professional interests in autoimmune illnesses and women's health made public health the perfect fit for me. Outside of class, I'm involved in the Global Surgery Student Alliance as the Director of Correspondence as well as the Education Chair of my pre-professional fraternity, Delta Epsilon Mu. I am also a medical assistant at a Dermatology clinic and a volunteer at Mott's Children's Hospital. In my free time, I love reality TV, reading, going to concerts and spending time at coffee shops. Feel free to reach out if you want to talk about being pre-med or about your favorite artists or concerts!
Raymond Li
rayli@umich.edu
BA in Community and Global Public Health
I am a junior dual degree student (MDDP) in the BA program and getting a BS in Cognitive Science - Decision Track. I chose public health because I am interested in social justice, access to healthcare, and hospital operations. The field of public health is very broad and therefore it intersects with numerous careers and industries. With a background in public health, you can pursue so many different possibilities in the future. I am currently involved with behavioral neuroscience research at Michigan Neuroscience Institute, recruitment chair for Iota Omega Epsilon, advisor for Asian Consortium for Economic Development at Ross, and an intern at Merit Network. Prospective students can connect with me about the MDDP program, juggling multiple majors, being first-gen, food, and music!
Briella Mammana
bmammana@umich.edu
BA in Community and Global Public Health
Hi! I'm Briella, and I'm a junior in the Community and Global Public Health Major with a minor in Business. I chose public health because it brings together many of my interests, including health policy and healthcare systems. Public health’s multidisciplinary approach offers a comprehensive perspective on the factors that shape access to care at the population level which is something I’m passionate about exploring in depth. Additionally, I'm also very interested about the intersection of healthcare and business and how they impact one another. Outside of school, I'm the Vice President of the Public Health Association and the Recruitment Assistant in my social sorority, Kappa Delta, a member of the professional community service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, and a member of the Diabetes Link Club. During my free time, I enjoy reading, baking, going on walks, taking Soulcycle classes, skiing, and exploring all the amazing coffee shops in Ann Arbor! Feel free to reach out about any questions about the BA program and curriculum, campus life, being an SPH student, or any other general questions!
Esther Shon
eshon@umich.edu
BS in Public Health Sciences
I decided to pursue a BS in Public Health after gaining valuable experience as a research assistant at the University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention. I learned how vital health prevention and community-centered interventions were. I am confident that Public Health will help me post grad, shaping me into a more compassionate healthcare provider, who has a balanced mechanistic, proactive and reactive approach. On campus, I currently serve as a Communications chair for my professional pre-health fraternity Mu Epsilon Delta and as a mentor for the U of M Mentorship Program. In my free time, I enjoy walking around campus and trying new restaurants. Reach out if you are pre-health (especially if pre-PA!), interested in injury prevention research, or anything else!
Sonali Pawa
psonali@umich.edu
BS in Public Health Sciences
Hello! I am a B.S student studying Public Health with a minor in Entrepreneurship! I chose Public Health because it offers a pathway to make impactful, systemic changes to our healthcare systems. It allows me to explore my love for addressing and combatting healthcare disparities at their roots and push for equity - especially among marginalized communities. Outside of class, I am a member of Chiron Healthcare Consulting, Michigan IASA, and have the opportunity to work for the Chief Health Officer, to work on mental health campaigns and communications! I also love to bake, go to the gym, and hang out with my friends and family. Feel free to reach out to talk about the application process, healthcare consulting, being an SPH student, or any other general questions!
Lina Medjahed
linamedj@umich.edu
BS in Public Health Sciences
I am a junior in the BS program at SPH. I chose to pursue public health because of its intersection with medicine and health policy, which has deepened my interest in maternal health and addressing racial inequality in healthcare. Outside of SPH, I serve on the medical committee for Inclusive Healthcare for Children (IHC) and am a member of Students Allied for Healthcare Accessibility (SAHA). I am a research assistant for the prenatal stress study at Michigan Medicine. In my free time, I enjoy going on walks, spending time with my family, and watching shows. I am excited to speak with prospective students and provide insight into what the School of Public Health has to offer. Feel free to connect with me about pre-health resources or anything else!
Sunit Chakraborty
sunitnj@umich.edu
BS in Public Health Sciences
I am a junior completing my bachelor of science degree in Public Health. I chose Public Health because I want to improve the lives of people through health policy and law. My personal experiences dealing with the US healthcare system for myself and my family motivated me to learn more about healthcare policy and prevention measures. Outside of being an admissions ambassador, I’m involved in the Michigan Undergraduate Law Review as a staff writer and a player on a 3 on 3 intramural basketball team. Prospective students can connect with me about being an external transfer student, the pros and cons of being from New Jersey, basketball, being a proud beagle/hound dog owner, and being a big fan of prominent NBC comedy shows such as Community and Brooklyn Nine Nine.
Hannah Segrist
hsegrist@umich.edu
BS in Public Health Sciences
Hi! My name is Hannah, and I am a junior in the Public Health Sciences program. As an external transfer student, I chose to pursue public health to contribute to its unique and positive impact on communities and the world. I am interested in maternal and reproductive health and policy, and my plans include attending medical school to pursue a women's health-related field. Outside of class, I am involved with M-Run, Pre-Medical Club, and my job downtown! Please reach out if you have any questions about the transfer process, the BS program, or if you just want to chat. I would love to connect with you!
Alexander Calderon
calderoa@umich.edu
BS in Public Health Sciences
I chose Public Health because I knew I wanted to work in the healthcare field, but wasn't sure what major will help me with this profession. I wanted to make a change not only towards individuals who are experiencing these diseases and disorders, but also the community in preventing another case from occurring. When I took Public health 200, a new perspective was brought to my attention and saw a future where I can work behind the scenes in order to keep individuals having the best quality of life. I do enjoy swimming, exploring new places to eat, and even just watching movies at home. I am involved in LUMA (Latinx Undergraduate Medical Association), Public Health Association (PHA), Hands on Health, and ASL club. Any prospective student that is premed, first-generation, and/or out of state student can talk to me, but I can connect with anybody.
Nancy Ramirez
ramirgn@umich.edu
BS in Public Health Sciences
I am a pre-health student, but chose to pursue an education in public health because I was interested in learning about health and healthcare delivery and assurance beyond the individual level. First generation students and prospective students with interests in Latine health, maternal health, reproductive health, or anything related can feel free to connect with me at any time.
Meet our Graduate Admissions Ambassadors
Hanna Venera (she/her)
venerahm@umich.edu
PhD Biostatistics
Hello! My name is Hanna, and I am a PhD student in the Biostatistics department. I completed my MS in Biostatistics here last April and my undergraduate at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA in 2021. I am interested in clinical trials research 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!
Mike Sweeney
mikeswny@umich.edu
Biostatistics PhD
I am a Biostatistics PhD student and first-generation college student interested in statistical genetics/genomics and statistical computing. Before arriving at UM SPH, I was born and raised in Bethpage, NY and I received a B.S. in Applied Mathematics & Statistics and Computer Science from Stony Brook University. I am more than happy to chat with prospective SPH students about any topic that would be of help. Particular topics I am most knowledgeable about are the biostatistics department, the Center for Statistical Genetics, the Genome Science Training Program, moving to Ann Arbor from out of state, and transitioning to graduate school directly from undergraduate study. Choosing a graduate school is a life-changing decision as well as a major financial and time commitment, and the decision was quite difficult for me as a first gen student. I enjoy hearing from prospective students and having candid (and hopefully helpful!) conversations with them during this exciting and pivotal time of change.
Karli Monahan
kmonaha@umich.edu
MPH Student, Health Behavior and Health Equity
I am a first-year MPH student in the Health Behavior and Health Equity 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!
Kennedy Smith
kennsmit@umich.edu
Health Management and Policy, MPH
Hello, my name is Kennedy Smith and I am a first year Master of Public Health Student, in the Health Management and Policy Department. I obtained my bachelor's degree in Health Sciences from Hampton University, where I focused on policy and administration. My passion lies in healthcare policy, particularly in the areas of access and equity. I am also keen on researching health policy within the United States' justice system. I chose the U of M School of Public Health because of its unique opportunity to explore various disciplines, including population and community health, in addition to health behaviors and outcomes—integral aspects of developing public health policy. In my leisure time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, trying new foods, and rewatching various shows such as “Suits.” I welcome any inquiries from prospective students regarding my department or the School of Public Health. Having been in your shoes, I understand your concerns, and I am confident that things will work out positively. I look forward to connecting with you!
Raksha Rajeshmohan
rraksha@umich.edu
MPH in Epidemiology
On top of her global health epidemiology degree, Raksha is pursuing a certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship through Michigan Engineering/Ross. She is a member of the Public Health Action Support Team (PHAST) and is also in a campus acapella group. She also currently works a job with the Susan B. Meister Child Health Evaluation and Research Center. She graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.A. in public health and was born and raised in California. She will be completing her summer internship in the Caribbean with the Grenada Red Cross Society. She is happy to chat about the application process, certificate programs here at Michigan, opportunities to get involved outside of the program, working during your program, internship searching, coming from out-of-state, and any other questions you may have.
Julidè Mayer
jumayer@umich.edu
Master of Public Health (MPH) in Health Management and Policy (HMP)
I am a first-year MPH student in Health Management and Policy and an international student from Luxembourg. Before joining the University of Michigan, I earned two undergraduate degrees: an LLB in law, management, and economics from Sorbonne Law School in Paris (FR) and a BSc in Biomedical Science from the University of the West of England in Bristol (UK). I also gained hands-on experience in healthcare consulting during a one-year internship at PwC Luxembourg. My passion lies in advancing global public health and improving healthcare access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. I aspire to work in an international health organization or within European institutions.
I would love to share insights about the program or my journey moving to the U.S. for graduate school. Thank you!
Rowan Klar
rklar@umich.edu
MPH in Nutritional Sciences- Dietetics
Hi! I'm Rowan, a first-year MPH student in Nutritional Sciences with a Dietetics concentration. I also completed my undergraduate degree at Michigan, where I earned a B.A. in Gender and Health with a minor in Food and the Environment. I've always been interested in nutrition, but my passions have evolved over time. When I was a sophomore, I started interning at Michigan Performance Nutrition, and I'm now the Fueling Station Manager there. Alongside this role, I'm also a program assistant with Michigan Dining and am involved in research on both eating disorders and low FODMAP diets. I’ve loved getting involved in these diverse experiences at Michigan across clinical, athletic, and institutional settings. I'm passionate about my field and always excited to connect with prospective students who want to learn more about UMich or the Nutritional Sciences program!
Jonathan Braithwaite
jbraith@umich.edu
MPH in Health Management and Policy
Hello prospective students! I am from New York and currently a first year in the health management and policy program (HMP) on the Masters of Public Health Track. In undergrad I was also a public health major. I choose to pursue a career in public health and health management and policy because of my passion for policy work. I enjoy merging my passion for helping people and simplifying navigating difficult health systems. I am very interested in improving health equity and improving access to services. As of right now I am a Class Representative for the first year class and involved in some professional organizations. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding health management and policy or being pre-law. I am a huge foodie and have tried a bunch of really great places around Ann Arbor, always happy to give a recommendation! Always ready and happy to help students, please reach out !