Connect with a Current Undergrad

Hi there! I'm Alvina Li, a sophomore diving into the world of Public Health here at UB. This year, I’m going to apply to the Occupational Therapy program here at UB. Beyond my love for OT, I'm deeply passionate about Public Health, especially where it intersects with Health Equity and Public Policy. As a first-generation college student from an immigrant family, I've experienced firsthand the challenges of advocating for oneself and others. In my downtime, you'll find me hitting the gym, playing badminton, singing, and hanging out with friends. Despite being relatively new to the UB community, I already feel deeply connected to the school and its people. UB's focus on research has allowed me to explore my interests, like my recent stint in Dr. Miles's Environment Justice Team, where I honed my research skills and gained confidence. Now, I'm thrilled to serve as your Public Health Ambassador this year. Whether you need advice, support, or just someone to chat with, I'm here for you. Can't wait to bump into you on campus and have a chat soon!

Hi! I'm Nathalie and I'm currently a senior in the Honors College studying public health. I decided to major in public health back in 2021 on a whim, and grew to love the field and everything it entails. So far I've learned so much about what health looks like in different communities and the factors that contribute, especially appreciating the strengths in each of those communities! I plan on applying to the 3+2 MPH program by the end of the school year in hopes of being able to expand my knowledge and passion for the field. I've grown to have a great interest in harm reduction and the importance it plays in community health and have planned to take classes in the fall about the topic.

Outside of academics, I love to spend time with friends and my cat and explore new places in Buffalo since I'm from New York City. I'm here as a resource and to help with any questions or concerns you may have about the school of public health, UB, or life in general!

Hi, I'm Fatima! I am a senior in the honors college majoring in public health with minors in biological sciences and English. I'm incredibly passionate about public health, with specific interests in women's health, sexual and domestic violence prevention, reproductive justice, and storytelling. My plan is to pursue an MD/MPH and build a career that combines both medicine and public health. Outside of schoolwork, I am a research assistant at the Maternal and Child Health Lab, researching the effects of pulse consumption on pregnancy and child outcomes. In addition, I am the Vice President of Islamic Relief Buffalo, Vice President of the Medicine through Literature Book Club, and Editor-in-Chief of Her Campus Buffalo. I also volunteer my time at Justice for Migrant Families through the phone line, and at the YWCA of Niagara Frontier as a Volunteer Advocate.

If you ever have any questions regarding resources and opportunities in relation to the Public Health program at UB, please let me know, as I'd be happy to help!

Hi, I’m Mia! I am currently a senior in the exercise science program with a concentration in pre-physical therapy. After I obtain my degree, I plan to attend a DPT program. I must admit that my academic journey has had its fair share of bumps along the way. After enrolling at UB, I initially began as an exploratory major, uncertain about my future career path. I later switched to biological sciences in hopes of finding an interest, but quickly realized that it wasn't the right fit for me. As I explored various fields that intrigued me, I stumbled upon the profession of physical therapy. While uncertain about its suitability for me, I recognized the need for a change in my education. I took a leap and switched to exercise science within the middle of my sophomore year and immediately fell in love with the coursework. My fascination with the human body's response to physical activity has become a driving force in my educational career, motivating me to explore its complex dynamics. This passion has greatly contributed to my commitment of pursuing a career as a physical therapist, with the aspiration of positively influencing people's overall health and wellness.

Beyond my academic commitments, I volunteer as a coach for Girls on the Run and try to exercise with any time my schedule allows. I also hold a part-time job to meet my monthly living expenses. I can certainly empathize with challenges of discovering the right path for yourself, while striving to maintain balance between work and academics. If you have any questions regarding the program, learning opportunities, or life in general, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m always happy to help. 

Hi, my name is Chris, and I am currently a senior majoring in exercise science! My original goal was to pursue physical therapy however, after shadowing and working in a clinic I realized it wasn’t for me and I wanted to go a separate direction. After reassessing my goals and shadowing different career fields, I am planning on pursuing a career in medicine and my goal is to go to medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon. I feel that in medicine, you have the opportunity to impact people’s lives in a positive way and help someone achieve the best possible health outcome using your skills and knowledge something that is very important to me. Outside of school, I have many interests including going to the gym, fishing, and hanging out with my friends and working on my fishing lure company. If you have any questions about UB, Exercise Science or anything in general please feel free to reach out, I look forward to talking to you!

Hello everyone! My name is Michael, and I am currently a third year exercise science student with a concentration in pre-physical therapy. After volunteering in the middle east for two months, I found passion in the concept of “helping someone, help themselves”. With my love for the sciences and this newfound passion, there couldn't have been a better match than a career in the rehabilitation sciences. I chose the 4+3 route instead of the 3+3 as I am looking to earn a BS in exercise science with plans to pursue a DPT straight after. This fourth year will also provide extra time to become more acquainted with the greater Buffalo community through the ES internship. One of my career goals is to start my own out-patient physical therapy clinic. The prevalence of behavior related diseases in the United States are more evident than ever which has put emphasis on preventative care and rehabilitation sciences. Physical therapy has been a driving motivational factor in my studies because of this American epidemic.

Outside of academics, I hold a position as head of social chair for the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity where I coordinate social events spanning from volunteer work within the community to inter relations between other Greek life organizations. I have two adorable dogs who constantly love to play, and I enjoy an active lifestyle via the gym and tennis. If you ever have any questions regarding the exercise science program at UB, please reach out, as I’d be more than happy to help!

Hey y'all! My name is Nayab Mesfun and I am a senior exercise science major with a concentration in pre-health professions here at UB! After graduation this upcoming May, I plan on pursuing a career as a PA (physician's assistant) and attending and applying for PA school, after a gap year in which I plan to work and accumulate clinical hours. I am a first-generation American and college student and enjoy movies, music, and traveling. I have a passion for helping others, fueling my desire to be a PA, and through exercise science at UB I have been able to fulfill my passions and ambitions through my participation and involvement in the various clubs and organizations offered here. I have held numerous E-Board positions on MAPS (the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students), Exercise Science Club, and RHA (Resident Hall Association) and love advocating for and supporting minority students and students of color like myself. I have experience with dorming, working while in school, living on and off campus, being in clubs and on E-Boards, changing majors, being a first-generation college student and immigrant, and more so please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have because I would be more than happy to offer any advice or share any experiences I may have! Good luck in your studies and hope to see you around! 

Hi everyone! My name is Alexia, and I am a senior majoring in exercise science with a minor in nutrition. I switched to exercise science in my sophomore year because I fell in love with the gym and working out. Once I made the switch I quickly realized I had found my home. The courses that the exercise science program offers kept my attention in the classroom and made my love for exercise grow even stronger. I found that I enjoy learning about human anatomy and how the body performs exercises. After I graduate, I plan to go for my masters in athletic training. My end goal is to become an athletic trainer for a Division I college in the south. I found my passion for athletic training through UB athletics. I had the amazing opportunity to work with the UB football team, and thanks to the amazing sports medicine staff here at UB, I found my future career. I am very excited to start this role as an exercise science ambassador! I am always open to talk about any of the experiences I have had here at UB so feel free to reach out if you have any questions or just want to chat!