The Community and Behavioral Health Student Association was established to provide opportunities for professional development, service-oriented outreach and student social events. CBHSA aims to create unity among all students in the Department of Community and Behavioral Health by serving as a means of communication between students, faculty, the College of Public Health, and the community.

Aims and Functions

• Develop a sense of community among all students and staff in the Department of Community and Behavioral Health
• Expand opportunities for student professional development
• Facilitate student dialogue with local, state, and national organizations

Membership

All CBHSA sponsored events are open to students studying Community and Behavioral Health. Elections for officer positions are held twice a year. Contact an officer for more information.

2025-2026 Officers

Faith Ibitoye (she/her) – President

Faith Ibitoye is a second-year MPH student in the department of Community and Behavioral Health where she works as a Research Assistant in Dr. O’Neal’s lab. She has a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State, Nigeria.

Faith is a passionate community advocate dedicated to adolescent health, education, and mental well-being. She strives to develop and promote evidence-based interventions that empower young people to lead healthier, more informed, and resilient lives.

In her free time, Faith loves spending time with friends, singing, drawing, and creating video content.

Grace Carlson (she/her) – Vice President

Grace Carlson is a second-year MPH student in the Department of Community and Behavioral Health. She was a U2G student and graduated in December of 2024 from the University of Iowa with a B.A. in Public Health and a certificate in Sustainability.

As a Research Administration Assistant in the College of Public Health, she supports projects on nutrition, cancer messaging, and farm-to-school programming. She previously contributed to the EMPOWER Project, identifying barriers to substance use rehabilitation for pregnant individuals in Iowa. Grace has also served as a Certified Peer Educator with the Women’s Resource & Action Center and as Co-President of the Undergraduate Public Health Organization, leading efforts in violence prevention and student engagement.

Grace is passionate about maternal and child health, violence prevention, health communication, and sustainable environments. In her own time, she enjoys planting, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with friends and family.

Madison Rippel (she/her) – Wellness Chair

Madison is a first-year MPH student in the Department of Community and Behavorial Health. She received her BA in Health and Human Physiology from the University of Iowa in 2022. After receiving her undergraduate degree, she worked as a Patient Care Technician at University of Iowa Health Care in the Ambulatory Surgery Center for two years before entering graduate schooling.

Madison’s primary interests include promoting health and wellness, mental health, and maternal and child health. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, reading, lap swimming, and baking sourdough bread.

Asiya Idris (she/her) – Social Chair

Asiya Idris is a second year MPH student in the Department of Community and Behavioral Health. She has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Bayero University, Kano State, Nigeria. Asiya currently serves as a Teaching Assistant in the College of Public Health, where she works alongside Dr. Ebonee Johnson.

In her free time, Aiya enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking and watching documentaries.

Liana Nguyen (she/her) – Public Relations Liaison

Liana Nguyen is a first-year MPH student in the Department of Community and Behavioral Health. She received her B.A. in Ethics and Public Policy with a focus on Sociology and Criminology, and a certificate in Human Rights from the University of Iowa in 2024.

Liana is passionate about advancing health equity among immigrant and refugee communities, maternal and child health, and mental health. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, as well as reading and writing.

Peyton Connolly – Service Chair

Peyton is a first-year MPH student in the Department of Community and Behavioral Health. She received her B.A. in Public Health with minors in Psychology and Gender, Health and Healthcare equity from the University of Iowa in 2025. Peyton is a Clinical Lab Assistant for the Mothers Milk Bank of Iowa. 

Peyton is interested in maternal and child health and working in community health. In her free time, she likes doing outdoor activities such as playing tennis, hiking, and camping.

TBD – Professional Development Chair

Elections will be held early Fall 2025.