Public Health undergraduate student ambassador
Meet the ’24-’25 Public Health Buckeye ambassadors who are sharing their passions for public health and Ohio State.
College of Public Health undergraduate student ambassadors proudly represent the student point of view. Every year, students in the Bachelor of Science of Public Health degree are asked to join a team and gain valuable leadership and presentation skills. They share their passions for and experiences in public health, the college and university and what it means to be a Public Health Buckeye with current and future students.
’24-’25 student ambassadors
Allie Cohen
3rd year, Public Health Sociology
Career dream: Nurse Practitioner
On-campus involvement: CPH student ambassador, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence Committee member, research with Dr. Benzo’s Lifestyle Lab, mentor for students with disabilities (TOPS program), wellness ambassador, teaching assistant for a public health class
What I enjoy about being a public health student: This field provides me with a unique and rewarding perspective on the world. I find great satisfaction in examining how health systems operate and identifying ways to improve them for the benefit of communities. Public health is a dynamic and varied field, encompassing areas such as epidemiology and health policy, which makes my studies both stimulating and intriguing. I also appreciate the personal touch of being in such a small major. It’s gratifying to walk into Cunz Hall and be recognized and known by faculty, staff and fellow students. In addition to the excellent academic and educational opportunities, being a public health student offers the advantage of close-knit academic relationships that significantly enhance my overall educational experience.
Best advice for a new CPH student: Take full advantage of the opportunities available. Attend office hours, join clubs and participate in group sessions that align with your passions. The College of Public Health provides numerous opportunities for research, volunteering and exploring any other areas of interest. Engaging in these activities will enrich your academic experience and help you make the most of your time in the program.
Contact: cohen.1267@osu.edu
Noon Mukhtar
4th year, Public Health Sociology
Career dream: I want to work creating public health policies to make equity and equality possible.
On-campus involvement: North and South Sudanese Association treasurer, student researcher with the Plascak Lab, CPH student ambassador
What I enjoy about being a public health student: I love how public health emphasizes finding the upstream root of the problem and I believe this is the most effective way to create programs that work. As a public health student I get to learn how to analyze real-world problems and build solutions.
Best advice for a new CPH student: To say yes to every opportunity that comes your way, no matter how small it seems. Your future self will thank you.
Contact: LinkedIn, mukhtar.17@osu.edu
Sarah Weglarz
4th year, Public Health Sociology / Pre-med
Career dream: Clinical Ethicist
On-campus involvement: Uplift Youth Volunteers (Co-President/Co-Founder), Nemeth Lab (brain injury and domestic violence research), CPH student ambassador, Saint Vincent Family Services (Summer 2023)
What I enjoy about being a public health student: The faculty get to know you on a deeper level, it’s a very supportive environment and everyone knows what you’re up to!
Best advice for a new CPH student: Don’t be afraid to immerse yourself in new experiences, get to know your professors and always ask questions!
Contact: LinkedIn, weglarz.4@osu.edu
Ella Kiener
4th year, Public Health Sociology
Career dream: To work at an international public health organization with a focus in infant and maternal health.
On-campus involvement: CPH student ambassador, Morrill Scholar, intern with Columbus Public Health: Family Health, undergraduate research assistant in the Child Emotional Development Laboratory, Moms2B volunteer, Public Health Student Leadership Council advocacy member, Office of Academic Enrichment student manager, Ohio State Mountaineers Club trip leader
What I enjoy about being a public health student: Though I enjoy nearly everything about being a public health student, one of my favorite aspects is the applicability of my education in the real world. Being able to utilize my public health knowledge to help meet the needs of our communities is deeply rewarding. I have confidence that my undergraduate experience will aid me immensely in my future academic and career aspirations.
Best advice for a new CPH student: Have confidence that you can turn your passions into a career! Public health is an incredibly intersectional and expansive field, and chances are you will find a way to turn your interests and passions into a fulfilling and impactful career — be creative!
Contact: LinkedIn, kiener.36@osu.edu
Simran Gurai
3rd year, Environmental Public Health
Career dream: Physician Assistant
On-campus involvement: CPH student ambassador, Buckeyes for HIV/AIDS advocacy, Public Health Student Leadership Council, Sikh Student Association, Community Refugee and Immigration Services refugee mentor and research in adolescents in trauma.
What I enjoy about being a public health student: Being a public health student offers the opportunity to make a real impact on people’s lives. I enjoy learning about how health policies, programs and research can improve well-being on both a local and global scale.
Best advice for a new CPH student: Don’t be afraid to reach out to your advisors! They are there to guide you through your academic journey and help you succeed. Also, if you ever feel lost or uncertain, remember that you have a support system not only in your advisors but also in your public health community.
Contact: gurai.1@osu.edu
Joshua Ghosh-Groen
4th year, Public Health Sociology
Career dream: Attorney
On-campus involvement: CPH student ambassador, president of Minority Organization Representing Excellence (MORE) and an outreach co-lead for Unchained Anti-Human Trafficking.
What I enjoy about being a public health student: I personally love the diverse course selection that public health offers, especially because it takes a broad, interdisciplinary approach to some of the world’s greatest problems, and I feel that I have been equipped with a more well-rounded education to understand major issues from the context of health. Outside of the classroom, I genuinely appreciate the supportive community that I have found through CPH because it makes the college experience much more personal.
Best advice for a new CPH student: I would encourage new students to utilize the vast resources available at Ohio State, and while the size of the campus may be intimidating, I would also like to ensure that it's nothing to be scared of. There are tons of individuals, groups, advisors and instructors who are willing to offer support and guidance. Some of my greatest mentors have been fellow students who faced the same questions I had, so I urge you to reach out to your peers for insight and assistance since we are all in this together!
Contact: ghosh-groen.1@osu.edu
Damilola Aletor
4th year, Public Health Sociology
Career dream: Strength and conditioning coach/trainer
On-campus involvement: African Youth League, Ohio State women’s club volleyball, Buckeyes 4 Public Health, CPH student ambassador
What I enjoy about being a public health student: Embracing my interests in community and individual health, promoting health through fitness and physical health and understanding our world better through social determinants and observing marginalized communities.
Best advice for a new CPH student: Be open-minded because public health is a dynamic field, take care of yourself, continually improve your transferrable skills, never stop learning and exploring and gain as much experience as you can!
Contact: LinkedIn, damialetor845@gmail.com
Emanuel Tewolde
4th year, Environmental Public Health / Pre-med
Career dream: Physician while working in public health related research
On-campus involvement: CPH student ambassador, MARC scholar, undergraduate researcher in Environmental Health Science, Columbus Free Clinic medical records volunteer
What I enjoy about being a public health student: By studying public health, I have come to appreciate how addressing environmental susceptibilities like pollution, access to clean water or exposure to harmful substances can lead to better overall health for communities.
Best advice for a new CPH student: Make use of the BSPH undergraduate career services module in your Carmen. You never know what opportunity you might find.
Contact: LinkedIn, tewolde.12@osu.edu
Danica Nelson
3rd year, BSPH-MPH combined program: Public Health Sociology and Epidemiology
Career dream: To work for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researching how cosmetic ingredients impact public health. I am interested in assessing the safety of new chemicals, studying long-term trends in skin conditions and analyzing data on the effects of these ingredients on vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and children.
On-campus involvement: Working with a research team at Nationwide Children’s Hospital on two studies: one focusing on teen driving safety and another examining how acute post-injury neurocognitive function and cognitive load affect driving in teen drivers with and without mild traumatic brain injuries.
What I enjoy about being a public health student: I enjoy being a public health student because I get to work with other passionate students who have the same common goal of improving health outcomes in populations around the world.
Best advice for a new CPH student: Make connections with other students in the major.
Contact: LinkedIn, nelson.1942@osu.edu
Yuva Vidwans
3rd year, Environmental Public Health / Pre-med
Career dream: Physician (Surgeon or Primary Care Physician)
On-campus involvement: Director of Events for BREACH (Buckeyes Racial/Ethnic Equity Awareness Centered in Healthcare), Heart for the Unhoused clinic/camps volunteer, Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity, Crochet Club
What I enjoy about being a public health student: I love the courses I take as a public health student because I can learn about all the intersections of the environment, epidemiology, sociology and their respective impacts on health. Through my coursework, I learn more to become a better citizen and a better physician down the road for my parents. I additionally love the close-knit community of advisors, faculty and students! It makes me feel more supported in my endeavors and opens the door to many interesting public health opportunities.
Best advice for a new CPH student: Utilize all the resources that the CPH provides you with. If you have a specific career question or maybe you're not sure how to get involved, reach out to your advisors and faculty, or even one of your public health ambassadors, and they will guide you to success. It may feel intimidating, but it’s important to know that everyone in the college wants to help you get involved in activities and causes that you are passionate about. Also, it can be overwhelming to enter a field as vast as public health, but I encourage you to partake in our public health community and keep on learning. If you need any help or guidance, your advisors can help match you with someone who had possibly been in your shoes before and would like to help!
Contact: vidwans.3@osu.edu
Join our next ambassador cohort
If you want to be part of our group of ambassadors, an announcement will be sent in the spring semester to apply. For any questions regarding the application process or selection criteria, reach out to Senior Academic Advisor JOJO Beyene.