Graduate Student Ambassadors represent a diverse group of students that strive to inspire, connect with, and represent past, present, and future College of Public Health graduate students.

What we do

• Communicate and connect with prospective and admitted students through:
  • Social media channels like Facebook and Instagram
  • Podcast episodes that feature current students, faculty, and experts from the field of public health
  • College events such as student panels, visit days, and student tours

To connect with a graduate student ambassador, please email us at cph-admissions@uiowa.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I live?

We are so excited for you to join us in Iowa City! To help make your transition to the area a bit easier, here is a quick breakdown of the popular areas where graduate students live.

• Downtown Iowa City: The heart of the city! You’ll be within walking distance of the main campus, library, and tons of great restaurants, coffee shops, and nightlife. This is best for students who want to be in the middle of the action and have a short walk to most campus buildings. Keep in mind parking may be a challenge, and it may be a bit noisier than other areas.
• West Side Iowa City: This area is a bit quieter than downtown with a mix of apartment complexes and houses. This is best for those looking to live as close as possible to the College of Public Health building. Keep in mind that you may have to take a bus or have a longer walk to get to the downtown area of campus.
• Coralville: This is a neighboring city that feels like a seamless extension of Iowa City. It offers a more suburban feel with lots of great shopping, parks, and newer apartment complexes. This area is best for students who want a bit more space, easy parking, and convenient access to amenities. This area is especially great for students with families or partners and many graduate students live here. Keep in mind you definitely will be using the bus system or driving to campus, but the bus routes are excellent and frequent!
• North Liberty: This is the most suburban of the options, and North Liberty offers a fast-growing area with many newer housing options and a family-friendly atmosphere. This is best for students who own a car, have a family, or prefer to be a little removed from the campus environment. Keep in mind that this is the longest commute to campus.

How do I get to class?

The Iowa City area provides a variety of transportation options for students who may not drive, or who may want alternatives to avoid worrying about parking. The University of Iowa CAMBUS and Iowa City Transit bus systems are free and connected to anywhere you may need to go. If you end up living in Coralville or ever want to go to the local mall, Coralville Transit is $1 per ride and has student passes you can buy. Most buses do not run on Sundays, so we recommend finding other ways to get around on the weekend. Walking, biking, and carpooling are also common options in Iowa City. You can download the Transit app for live bus information to start planning your routes! 

How do I prepare to be a student at the College of Public Health?

Our biggest recommendation is to plan your commute ahead of time. Parking is very limited around our building, so we recommend looking into the bus schedules or considering biking. Our second biggest recommendation is to connect with your graduate program coordinator, as they will be your best resource for department-specific inquiries. Another great tip for moving to Iowa is to prepare for the weather if you aren’t from this area. We get a full four seasons here (rain, snow, humidity, and everything in between), so make sure you consider what you may need to bring to be prepared for the weather. Finally, check out the CPH social media and websites to be in the know of all things public health.  

How am I matched with my advisor?

The process of matching students with advisors is program dependent. We recommend reaching out to your program coordinator if you have preferences or would like to know more! 

How and when should I reach out to the professors I am interested in working with?

Sending an email is a great way to begin contact with professors you are interested in working with. Before sending the email, we recommend reading about their work, asking your graduate program coordinator for any tips, and first sending a introduction email before asking about work.  

What is different about graduate school compared to undergrad?

Graduate school differs from undergraduate school in many ways including (but not limited to): time management, work schedules, finance budgeting, class sizes, and networking. In general, we hear from our students that graduate school provides opportunities for more responsibility often paired with less oversight, building meaningful relationships with faculty and staff, higher levels of critical thinking, and an emphasis on getting involved.  

Can I work during graduate school?

Yes! Most of our students manage working at least one job during graduate school including graduate assistantships, teaching assistantships, and off-campus jobs. 

What does my student ID give me access to?

Getting your student ID and learning about what it gives you access to is a great preparation step for starting school at Iowa. The student IDs give you access to many things, for example: the College of Public Health building, the computer labs within the building, the university recreation and wellness centers, and campus libraries. Additionally, the student IDs can be used to charge to your university bill at campus dining halls and bookstores and it will provide you with student discounts at some restaurants and stores.  

What are some cool things to do around Iowa City?

Iowa City has a diverse array of events and activities! Some things to check out include the food scene, Iowa City arts, literary events in Iowa City, Iowa sports, the nature trails in the area, and farmers markets. Outside of the Iowa City area but close by includes more places and events to check out including the Amana Colonies, the Iowa Heartlanders based in Coralville, concerts at Xtream Arena, and Lake MacBride state park.  

Where can I look for more College of Public Health resources?

Explore the other pages on the College of Public Health website, check out the CPH social media pages, and email admissions with any more questions or to get in contact with a graduate ambassador.  

Where can I look for more University of Iowa resources?

Check out the University websites and explore the Graduate College Orientation and New Student Resources ICON page.  

Meet Our Ambassadors

Grace Gerdts

Third-Year PhD Epidemiology

Grace Gerdts is a third-year PhD candidate in the Department of Epidemiology. She received a B.S. in Biology concentrated in genetics and biotechnology and a B.S. in Mathematics concentrated in biomathematics from the University of Iowa in 2021. Following her undergraduate education, she received her MPH concentrated in biostatistics from the University of Iowa College of Public Health in 2023. She currently works as a GRA for Dr. Nichole Nidey, and her research interests include maternal and child health, substance use disorders, and healthy equity. Outside of the academic space, she serves as the treasurer of Here to Help, lead Graduate Student Ambassador, and as a national public health ambassador for the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health.

Faith Ibitoye

Second-Year MPH Community and Behavioral Health

Faith is a second-year MPH student in the Department of Community and Behavioral Health. She earned her bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Nigeria and later worked for three years as a Public Health Officer at Royal Heritage Health Foundation, Ilorin, where she discovered her passion for public health. Currently, Faith serves as the President of the Community and Behavioral Health Student Association (CBHSA) and works as a research assistant in Dr. O’Neal’s Childhood Injury Risk Prevention (ChIRP) Lab. Her academic interests center on Child and Adolescent Health, Health Behaviors, Sexual and Reproductive Health, Teen Pregnancy, and Mental Health. Beyond her studies, Faith enjoys community work, singing in church, trying new experiences, and spending time with her friends.

Kasia Wiebel

First-Year MPH Occupational and Environmental Health

Kasia Wiebel is a first-year undergrad-to-grad student in the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health. She is originally from Mount Vernon, IA, and currently works with Dr. Jon Davis and the Healthier Workforce Center of the Midwest focusing on developing suicide and substance use prevention resources for construction workers. She is passionate about total worker health, specifically in the construction industry. Outside of her work, she also serves as the president for Here to Help which is a student-led mental health organization in the College of Public Health.

Morgan Linahon

First-Year MS Biostatistics

Morgan Linahon is a first-year M.S. student in the Department of Biostatistics. Originally from Newton, IA, she received her B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Iowa in 2025. She works with the Iowa Superfund Research Program as a Graduate Research Assistant investigating the toxic effects of airborne PCBs. She is especially interested in applying biostatistical tools to better understand how these persistent chemicals affect human health. She is passionate about the field of public health and hopes to educate and inspire others about all the important work being done! In her free time, Morgan likes to go on walks, try new coffee shops, and spend time with family and friends. 

Maxwell Hansen

Second-Year MS Epidemiology

Max Hansen is a second-year MS student in the Department of Epidemiology. He received his bachelor’s degree in Public Health from the University of Iowa in May 2025. During his time at the College of Public Health, he has conducted research on e-cigarette content on TikTok and the distribution of latent tuberculosis within Johnson County. He is passionate about student engagement and is active in several student organizations. This year, his focus is on research related to dementia risk reduction, and he is excited to continue learning and contributing to public health work!

Razan Babikir

Second-Year MPH Epidemiology

Razan Babikir is a second-year MPH student in the Department of Epidemiology. She earned her B.A. in Public Health from the University of Iowa in 2025 and currently serves as a teaching assistant in the department. Her academic interests include public health informatics, maternal and child health, and global health. Outside of school, Razan enjoys reading, exploring new cafes, spending time with her cats, and traveling whenever she can. 

Suzy Molina

Second-Year MPH Biostatistics

Nereyda “Suzy” Molina is a second-year MPH student concentrating in Biostatistics. She earned her B.A. in Biology with a minor in Mathematics from Texas A&M International University. Her research experience spans occupational health, cancer data visualization for the Iowa Cancer Registry, and public health informatics focused on Hispanic/Latinos communities in South Texas. Suzy is active in the Biostatistics Student Organization and Public Health Strike Force at Iowa, and she is passionate about using data-driven methods to improve health equity and public health communication. Suzy enjoys concerts, new foods, and spending time with family back in Nuevo León, Mexico.

Maja Palmroos

Second-Year MHA Health Management and Policy

Maja Palmroos is a first-year PhD student in the Department of Biostatistics. She is originally from San Diego, CA, and she received a B.S. in Applied Mathematics and a B.A. in Data Analytics (Concentration in Chemistry) from Denison University in 2021. She is a graduate research assistant for Dr. Jake Oleson and Dr. Knute Carter, working on investigating possible explanations for elevated cancer rates in Iowa compared to the national average. Her current research interests are how EHR can be used to improve treatment and health outcomes, and general cancer research. She is also the Recruitment Coordinator for the Biostatistics Student Organization. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, going to the gym, and trying coffee shops. 

Hailey Meacham

Second-Year MPH Community and Behavioral

Hailey is a second-year MPH student in the Department of Community and Behavioral Health. Hailey is an Iowa native from a small town, Panora, near Des Moines, which sparked her passion for rural public health. In May Hailey graduated from Coe College with a bachelor’s in biology, psychology and neuroscience. Hailey is a part of American Public Health Association and the MPATH program here at the U of I. The MPATH program focuses on working in local health departments or non-profits in the Eastern Iowa that are high need. With the MPATH grant Hailey is placed at Scott County Health Department working on a food rescue and insecurity project. Outside of CPH Hailey enjoys traveling, being outside, attending sporting events and spending time with family and friends.

Tristan Milarch

Second-Year PhD Epidemiology

Tristan is from Grand Rapids, Michigan where he received a dual bachelors degree in Biology and Business Administration. He is a recent graduate of Cornell University’s Master’s in Public Health (MPH) program. At the University of Iowa, Tristan is a current Teaching Assistant and an avid member of the Here2Help (H2H) student organization. Tristan is also a member of several public health organizations such as the Massachusetts Medical Society, UNA-USA Global Goals Ambassador Program, and the Global Water Alliance. Outside of education, Tristanenjoys the great outdoors, sports, and spending time with family in Northen Michigan.

Parker Nelson

First-Year MS Occupational and Environmental Health

Parker Nelson is a first-year MS student in the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health. He received a B.S. in Kinesiology from the University of Alabama in Huntsville in 2025. His undergraduate research interests included fall prevention among vulnerable populations and musculoskeletal injury mitigation in tactical populations. He is excited to continue research at Iowa, planning to focus on ergonomic solutions that aid in preventing musculoskeletal injuries. Outside the classroom, he enjoys spending time at the Campus Rec Center, and being involved in the OEHSAI club. While brief, he’s loved his time in Iowa thus far and is excited to answer questions and help those looking to become part of the college.

Caroline Powell

Second-Year MS Occupational and Environmental Health

Caroline Powell (she/her) is a second-year MS student in the Agricultural Safety & Health program. She received her B.A. in International Studies with a focus on Environmental Sustainability & Global Health from American University. Originally from New York City, the CDC’s Public Health Associate Program brought her to Iowa City where she has been stationed at the Iowa Cancer Consortium, the state’s comprehensive cancer coalition. There, she has developed education and outreach for cancer screening and early detection, radon, and environmental and occupational cancer risk reduction. She serves as the Consortium’s Environmental Outreach Coordinator and staff lead for their Cancer and the Environment Task Force.  Her current research is on the cancer knowledge, risk perception, and protective behavior of people living and working in agricultural communities in Iowa.