Public Health undergraduate student ambassadors

Abhinav Dendukuri

2nd year, Environmental Public Health

Career dream: I would love to become a physician and make an impact in the communities that have helped so much throughout my life.

On-campus involvement: Public Health Student Leadership Council, Buckeye Shadowing Club, intramural sports, volunteering, CPH student ambassador.

What I enjoy about being a public health student: The amazing culture and academic opportunities. Ohio State is a massive school and it’s easy to feel lost. With the College of Public Health’s smaller class sizes, I was able to get to know so many of my classmates and faculty during my first year.

Best advice for a new CPH student: Really take the time to get to know your professors and advisors. Everyone is so friendly and willing to help, which will significantly help ease the tension as an incoming student and may help with academic performance as you continue to progress within the major.

Allie Cohen

4th year, Public Health Sociology

Career dream: Nurse practitioner

On-campus involvement: CPH student ambassador, wellness ambassador, mentor for students with disabilities (TOPS program).

What I enjoy about being a public health student: The opportunity, the wide range of classes you can take, and the small close school where everyone knows everyone.

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

Iris D’Costa

4th year, BSPH-MPH: Public Health Sociology and Epidemiology / Pre-med

Career dream: Surgeon or primary care physician while working in public health research.

On-campus involvement: CPH student ambassador, clinical intern with Your Concierge MD, volunteer with Helping Hands Free Clinic, member of Buckeye MedMentors Club, Pre-Health Constellation Club, and Medicine4Youth Club.

What I enjoy about being a public health student: One of the best parts about being a public health student is being surrounded by people who care deeply and want to be part of something bigger than themselves. It makes our learning environment feel more collaborative and encouraging. I also really appreciate how close-knit our community is at the College of Public Health! Our advisors, faculty, and students have a strong support for each other, and that kind of environment makes a huge difference as a student.

Best advice for a new CPH student: Get to know your professors and faculty early on because they genuinely want to know and support you! Take advantage of everything CPH offers, from student organizations to career and advising resources. It really makes a difference.

Contact: LinkedIn

Jade Davis

3rd year, Environmental Public Health / Pre-med

Career dream: Physician

On-campus involvement: Biological Sciences Scholars, Second-year Transformational Experience Program (STEP), fundraising chair for Prescription Fitness, Buck-I-SERV Oklahoma 2025 leader, CHIMES Junior Honorary, CPH student ambassador, research in the College of Public Health on adolescent and young adult tobacco use.

What I enjoy about being a public health student: I enjoy learning how concepts taught in public health courses can be applied to medicine, health outcomes and everyday life. By understanding the intersectionality of the environment, health policy and health outcomes, I gain a deeper understanding of how to be a better advocate for my future patients.

Best advice for a new CPH student: Don't be scared to ask for help and take advantage of every opportunity. If you are remotely interested in something, send a cold email and reach out to older students, advisors and professors. If you continue putting yourself out there, opportunities will find you.

Contact: davis.7328@osu.edu

Cameron Deguchi

3rd year, Environmental Public Health / Pre-med

Career dream: Pediatrician or primary care physician

On-campus involvement: CPH student ambassador, Japanese Student Organization, Nationwide Children's Hospital volunteer.

What I enjoy about being a public health student: I enjoy learning and experiencing the broad scope of public health. I also enjoy the collaboration that comes with being a public health student, communicating with professors but also working alongside other students and engaging with communities. These connections make what I learn in the classroom feel more meaningful and practical.

Best advice for a new CPH student: There are lots of resources available to you in the College of Public Health. If you have an idea of what you want to do or learn, you can ask professors or advisors for help with those needs — or even look things up yourself, and you might find exactly what you’re looking for.

Contact: deguchi.8@osu.edu

Simran Gurai

4th 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 in your public health community.

Contact: gurai.1@osu.edu

Paige Gehring

4th year, Public Health Sociology

Career dream: Health administrator

On-campus involvement: President of the Public Health Student Leadership Council, C-3 REACH Research with Associate Professor Tasleem Padamsee, Moms2B volunteer, CPH student ambassador.

What I enjoy about being a public health student: Being able to make a difference in ways that most individuals do not think of.

Best advice for a new CPH student: Talk to your professors! They want to see you succeed, so don’t be afraid to ask questions during class and go to office hours.

Contact: Gehring.97@osu.edu

Ashanti Harris

2nd year, Public Health Sociology / Pre-med

Career dream: Pediatric doctor

On-campus involvement: Buckeyes for Public Health, Morrill Scholars, Presidential Host, CPH student ambassador.

What I enjoy about being a public health student: Community engagement, diversity, meeting new people and studying medical history.

Best advice for a new CPH student: Connect with the College of Public Health Office of Academic Programs and Student Services.

Contact: harris.3865@osu.edu

Yobel Petros

2nd year, Public Health Sociology

Career dream: Physician involved in health advocacy and policy.

On-campus involvement: CPH student ambassador, Morrill Scholar, Health Science Scholar, chemistry tutor, Minority Collegiate Outreach and Support Team, Community Refugee and Immigration Services at Ohio State, Eritrean Student Association.

What I enjoy about being a public health student: Studying public health allows me to view health through a more holistic lens. Instead of focusing only on individual cases or treating illnesses without addressing underlying determinants, it encourages us to focus on the 'why' behind illnesses across entire populations by identifying root causes and health trends.

Specifically at the College of Public Health, I appreciate how approachable and friendly the faculty and professors are, as well as the abundance of fulfilling opportunities that put you in a position to create real change.

Best advice for a new CPH student: Utilize and make connections with upperclassmen and faculty in your major. It will ease your transition into college, open doors to opportunities, and provide insights that can shape your college experience for the better.

Contact: petros.30@osu.edu

Yuva Vidwans

4th year, Environmental Public Health / Pre-med

Career dream: 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, CPH student ambassador.

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 future physician.

I also 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: 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.

Contact: vidwans.3@osu.edu