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! My name is Julia and I'm entering my final year in the exercise science program, with a concentration in pre-physical therapy. I started at UB as an intended nursing major, but always struggled in feeling aligned with what I was learning. After my second year at UB, I switched into the exercise science program, and feel incredibly grateful that I did so. I love helping others, and feel that the information I learn in my courses allows me to better myself as well! My passion for understanding how the human body works and helping people achieve their fitness and health goals led me to switch to this major. The hands-on learning experiences and the supportive faculty at UB have been instrumental in my academic journey. After graduation, I plan to pursue a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree, although I'm still trying to decide what population I'd like to work with!

I feel truly excited to be an advocate for this program, as I feel that the coursework, faculty, and most importantly the community of students are what make this major so fulfilling and fun. Outside of class, I enjoy going to the gym, going on nature walks, cooking, playing video games, and trying out new places in Buffalo! I understand the struggles of finding your footing here at UB, and am happy to give insight into my own journey in hopes of helping you find your place here. Also, as an alumna of the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority, I'm happy to chat about Greek life leadership opportunities and philanthropy. If you're considering the exercise science program, or need advice on balancing academics and extracurricular activities, please feel free to reach out. I'd love to help you make the most of your UB experience.

Hi, I'm Jaime! I am currently a sophomore from Rochester, NY in the exercise science program with a concentration in pre-health, and am also a student of the Honors College. Following my time at UB, I have a goal of attending physician assistant school to become a surgical PA. I initially enrolled into UB with a concentration in pre-physical therapy however, I was intrigued with how broad the specialties are within the physician assistant field ultimately guiding my decision to make the switch. As of now, I am most interested in specializing in orthopedic surgery for my potential future career as a PA. I have always had a fascination with the human body and am passionate about building positive relationships and strong connections with future patients and their families in order to benefit their overall health and wellbeing. 

I had the opportunity this past summer to spend a few weeks in Costa Rica to study public health. During that time, I toured and volunteered in public and private hospitals/clinics to compare and contrast the public health system in Costa Rica to the US. Gaining perspective on health care from another country was an incredibly impactful experience. 

Outside of academics, I am a member of Alpha Gamma Delta and enjoy spending time with family and friends, and prioritizing staying active! 

Hi Everyone! My name is Philip Oreste and I am so excited to represent the exercise science program and the School of Public Health and Professions as an ambassador this year! I am a 4th year student, studying exercise science with a concentration in pre-physical therapy. I am also double minoring in psychology and counseling. I look forward to working with prospective students as well as those who are interested in UB’s exercise science program. Feel free to reach out to me over email and/or Instagram. I’ll be more than happy to answer any questions and take care of any concerns you may have! I’m a big New York Giants and New York Yankees fan!

Hi, my name is Gabriela and I am a senior majoring in exercise science with a concentration in pre-physical therapy! In high school, I played tennis and ran track so my athletic lifestyle was something I wanted to continue beyond high school, and I figured that exercise science was the perfect major for me. For fun, I like to go to the gym, play tennis, and hangout with friends. Since freshman year I have been a member of the Filipino Club where I met amazing people from different backgrounds and got to learn about Filipino culture. Over the last three years, my interest in physical therapy has grown as I learned more about the human body and how it responds to exercise. After graduation, I plan on going to physical therapy school. I have learned a lot about physical therapy while volunteering at out-patient physical therapy clinics, and I am looking forward to my internship next spring semester and experience a new setting. I am so excited to be an ambassador this year and share my experiences in the program with other students! If you have any questions about the program or college, please feel free to reach out!

Hi, I’m Nina! I am currently a junior in the exercise science program and plan to pursue a doctor of chiropractic (DC) degree after my time here at UB. I love the idea of helping people using a holistic approach and promoting long-term health and wellness. UB has a great selection of courses that not only prepare you for your future career but also help you achieve your own health and wellness goals. Outside of academics I enjoy hiking, going to the beach, and hanging out with friends and family. I have experience dorming, commuting, living off campus, and working while in school so feel free to reach out if you have questions regarding the exercise science program or college in general!