About us

As a CPH Undergraduate Student Ambassador, you will represent the College of Public Health and the University of Iowa. Your role involves assisting with recruitment events on campus and outreach activities beyond the college. Through these experiences, you will share your passions for public health and enhance your interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.

How to join

We begin recruiting for each new academic year in early fall. Students will receive information on how to apply at the start of the fall semester.

Responsibilities

The ambassador team supports a range of events within the College of Public Health, adapting to the college’s current needs and the time of the year. Their responsibilities include representing the College at University of Iowa recruitment events. Additionally, ambassadors have opportunities to assist with various events beyond outreach, such as planning National Public Health Week, creating CPH merchandise, organizing finals week events, coordinating therapy animals visits, facilitating textbook drives, and more.

How to apply

For questions about the application and/or selection process, contact Lexie Just at lexie-just@uiowa.edu.

Meet The Ambassadors!

Lydia Johnston

Hello everyone! My name is Lydia Johnston, and I am the student director of the undergraduate ambassadors. I am a fourth-year public health student pursuing a BS  in public health. Some of my primary public health interests include cancer epidemiology, rural healthcare, and maternal health. After my undergraduate studies, I plan to attend medical school. Outside of the ambassadors and class, I am involved in research and am the co-president of the undergraduate mentorship program. Please reach out if you have any questions about the College of Public Health, the ambassadors, or any of my other activities.

Sara Streeter

Hello! My name is Sara Streeter, and I am a second year Public Health student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health and a minor in Business Administration. After undergrad, I plan to go to graduate school for a masters degree in healthcare administration. I have enjoyed being in the College of Public Health and love having the opportunity to share my experience! Go Hawks! 

Ethan Chodur

My name is Ethan Chodur and I am a 2nd year student pursuing a BS in Public Health and a BS in Microbiology on a pre-medicine track. My primary public health interests focus on bacterial and viral pathogens, and the gut microbiome in relation to food access and insecurities. Beyond the classroom, I am an undergraduate researcher in Bosch Lab within the Department of Pathology. I am also involved in Johnson County Public Health’s Student Epidemiology Team, student clubs MUSA and Medicus, and a certified nursing assistant at a hospital. I also enjoy cycling, working out, listening to music, watching Iowa Hawkeye sports, and exploring everything Iowa City has to offer! My plan for after graduation is to attend a medical school and become a physician. I am so excited to be an Ambassador and look forward to connecting with all of you! 

Jahanvi Chawla

My name is Jahanvi Chawla, and I am a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health with minor in Business Administration, and a Writing Certificate on the pre-law track. My primary interests are in public health policy and healthcare law.  Outside of public health. I am involved in A Moment of Magic and the Indian Student Alliance. In my free time I enjoy traveling, hiking, and attending Hawkeye football games!

Sam Haase

Hi everyone! I am currently a second year Bachelor of Arts student at the College of Public Health, from Lakeville, Minnesota. I am currently serving with Disaster PrepWise Americorps and I am hosted at Linn County Emergency Management Agency. I am focusing on emergency response and preparedness in public health along with disaster management. Outside of public health I work for the University of Iowa Dance Department as a Front of House Manager.

Sercie Gee

Hello! My Name is Sercie Gee, I am from Cedar Falls, Iowa (Go Tigers!). I am a first-year student studying Public Health (B.A) with a minor in Sociology. I am extremely passionate about public policy and health equity, and plan on pursuing a career in Healthcare Law. Public Health has truly given me the opportunity to combine all of my academic interests. I am excited to have been chosen as an Ambassador and can’t wait to show new students the opportunities that await them in this field!

Sarah Chen

Hi Everyone! My name is Sarah Chen, and I am a second-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a minor in Global Health on the Pre-Pa track. Within public health, I am primarily interested in global public health related to refugee + immigrant health and maternal health. Outside of class, I am involved in stigma and perinatal health research with Dr. Nidey here in the college of public health, I serve as the treasurer for the undergraduate public health organization, I volunteer at the Food Pantry @ UIowa, and am a member of Ethics Bowl. After graduation, I hope to pursue a dual MPH/MPAS degree and continue learning about the intersection between healthcare and public health regarding health equity and education. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions!

Aden Baldridge

My name is Aden Baldridge  I am a second year public health major on the premed track. I am really interested in community behavioral health with a focus on mental health. I got into public health because I think it goes really well with my future career plans and I really like the idea of community based in interventions. 

Emma Martens

My name is Emma Martens. I am second-year student in Public Health. My primary interest regarding public health is maternal/reproductive health, and how it can be improved for all groups of people that are with child, want a child, or have a child. I am also interested in the transmission of communicable diseases, and how they are handled differently around the globe. On campus, I stay busy by being in the Pre-Physical Therapy club, Honors Program, Women in Business, Public Health Undergraduate Mentoring Program, and volunteer at the hospital! After graduation, I hope to do the public health undergrad to grad program here at Iowa, and then go to physical therapy school! 

McKynlee Grimm

My name is McKynlee Grimm and I am third year student pursuing a Public Health major, Communication Studies minor, and Leadership Studies Certificate! I love dancing, thrifting, and being involved in activities around campus! I plan on getting my master’s degree in public health and exploring a career in project management in a hospital setting!

Ella Sherlock

Hi, I’m Ella (she/her)! I’m a sophomore in the College of Public Health working towards a BA. I’m interested in perinatal health, rural health, and health policy. I’m from Iowa City, and this spring, I’ll be studying abroad in Romania. My favorite things are Barbie movies, history podcasts, and Trader Joe’s! 

Ben McFetridge

Hello! My name is Ben McFetridge, I am a third-year student earning my BS in Public Health. Outside of school, I love to spend time outside, visit the uiowa greenhouse, and watch Iowa football! I plan on pursuing a career in Perfusion with the skills I’ve gained here in the College of Public Health. I am excited to be an undergrad ambassador and show new students all the opportunities the college of public health has to offer!

Cadence Gulbranson

Hello, my name is Cadence Gulbranson, as a fifth-generation Iowa Hawkeye from Pleasant Hill, Iowa, I’m proud to continue my family’s legacy while pursuing my BS in Public Health with a minor in Public Policy. My passion lies in health policy, and I aspire to shape healthcare legislation on Capitol Hill. The intersection of public health and policy has captured my interest, leading me toward future plans to earn a master’s degree in public health policy. When I’m not diving into healthcare policy discussions, you’ll find me serving on the executive council of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority or sharing my love for our campus as a university tour guide. As a second-year student, I’m thrilled to take on the role of ambassador and contribute to our vibrant campus community!

Liz Barnett

Hi everyone! My name is Liz Barnett and I am from Coralville, Iowa. I am currently a junior studying Public Health and minoring in Spanish on the Pre-Law track. I am working towards my goals of attending law school after graduation and finding a way to improve the lives of others through my work. Studying public health has helped me to recognize my passion for patient advocacy as well as fighting for access to quality health care for all. On campus, I am currently the Co-President of the Student Health Advisory Committee, Treasurer of my honor fraternity Phi Sigma Pi, a member of the Pre-Law Association of Women, a research assistant on a teen mental health research project and am a Student Ambassador to the College of Public Health. In my time spent outside of school, I love to attend Iowa sporting events, go hiking, and listen to music. Go Hawks!