SPHIS Student Ambassadors
Meet the school’s 2026-27 Ambassadors
UofL SPHIS ambassadors serve as positive role models for new, current, and prospective students. Ambassadors have a commitment to helping the UofL SPHIS community grow and thrive. Ambassadors draw on their personal experiences to tell their story and highlight the opportunities and benefits of a UofL SPHIS education. They are exemplary leaders who support recruitment, enrollment, and retention for the school, promote student engagement, increase awareness of college services and programs, foster pride in the Cardinal community, and act as liaisons between UofL SPHIS and the community.
Oluwabunmi Adesina
PhD in Public Health Sciences with a specialization in Epidemiology
I am from Nigeria and have a strong interest in epidemiology and community health. I want to become a field epidemiologist and use public health to help address health challenges in communities. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling and exploring new places.
Mary Shea Ballantine
BS in Public Health (Pre-Health Track)
I am from Jefferson County in Louisville, and I transferred to UofL in spring 2026. I discovered my passion for public health after transferring and decided to pursue a pre-med pathway with the goal of becoming a doctor. In my free time, I enjoy walking in Louisville parks, practicing yoga, exercising, meeting new people, and spending time with friends.
Shauna Cleveland
BS in Public Health – Accelerated MPH
I’m from the Chicagoland suburbs of Illinois and chose UofL because I immediately felt a strong sense of community on campus. I’ve always been interested in public health, but that passion grew through my coursework. I love that public health focuses on addressing issues at the root rather than reacting to them later. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends, cooking, and crocheting.
Yathreb Mohamed
PhD in Public Health Sciences with a specialization in Health Management
I’m a Ph.D. candidate at UofL SPHIS and a Fulbright Scholar with advanced clinical research training through Harvard Medical School. My interests include health economics, health policy, health outcomes, and health disparities, with a focus on translating research into meaningful impact.
Miquela Moneypenny
BS in Public Health
I am from Louisville, Kentucky, and I am interested in the connection between public health and healthcare. I want to pursue a career in healthcare administration and make a positive difference in how healthcare organizations serve their communities. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies.
Roshni Ramesh
BS in Public Health (Pre-Health Track)
I am from Louisville, Kentucky, and I am passionate about health and helping others. I want to attend dental school and become a dentist. When I am not studying, I love to sing and travel.
Geremew Wana
PhD in Public Health Sciences with a specialization in Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences
I am from Ethiopia and am passionate about public health research and education. I want to become an academic and researcher and contribute to the field through research and learning. In my spare time, I enjoy playing soccer, spending time with my family, and participating in church community gatherings.
Finley Whitaker
BS in Public Health (Pre-Health Track)
I am from Louisville, Kentucky, and I am passionate about public health and oral health. I want to attend dental school and become a dentist, using my knowledge of population health to help improve oral health outcomes. In my spare time, I enjoy embroidery, painting, and spending time with my friends and family.
The first Friday of the month, you can chat virtually with SPHIS students and hear firsthand about academics, student life, campus experiences and what it’s like to be part of SPHIS.
Meet SPHIS Students Representing Public Health on a National Stage
In addition to our SPHIS Student Ambassadors, SPHIS is proud to have students selected as This Is Public Health (TIPH) Ambassadors through the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH).
TIPH Ambassadors help raise awareness about public health education and careers, participate in virtual events, share public health stories and contribute to TIPH initiatives.
Yathreb Mohamed
PhD in Public Health Sciences with a specialization in Health Management
As a TIPH Ambassador, I’m passionate about supporting students and highlighting the diverse career opportunities available in public health. I’m a Ph.D. candidate at UofL SPHIS and a Fulbright Scholar with advanced clinical research training through Harvard Medical School. My interests include health economics, health policy, health outcomes, and health disparities, with a focus on translating research into meaningful impact.
Hanna Mohammed
Dual degree in MPH – Health Policy and MS in Health Administration
As a UofL SPHIS alum now pursuing my MPH and MSHA, I’m passionate about health equity and creating meaningful changes in marginalized communities. I look forward to connecting with public health peers and professionals, sharing my experiences, and inspiring others to explore a career in public health.
Banuka Wijerathne
PhD in Biostatistics
I am passionate about using statistics and data to understand and address real-world public health challenges. As a TIPH Ambassador, I’m excited to connect with students, share my experiences, and highlight the many opportunities available in public health. I hope to inspire others to explore how data and public health can come together to make a meaningful impact.
Interested in Becoming a SPHIS Student Ambassador?
Ambassadors also receive professional development and training that equips them to represent UofL SPHIS at events, on social media, and more. They are awarded $500 scholarships at the end of each semester after meeting the minimum program involvement of four activities per semester. Ambassadors can earn up to $1,500 per year in scholarship funding. Additional benefits include:
- Receive swag including a polo shirt and official name tag.
- Develop valuable leadership skills.
- Enhance your resume.
- Work closely with UofL SPHIS faculty and staff.
- Build your professional network.
- Participate in training opportunities.
- Enhance communication, interpersonal, organizational, public speaking and problem solving skills.
- Build lasting friendships with your fellow Student Ambassadors and current students.
- Enjoy special Student Ambassador social events and regular meetings.
- There may be volunteer travel opportunities.
- Represent UofL SPHIS at conferences and events.
- Make a difference in the lives of prospective students!
Active Program Participation and Engagement
- Attend mandatory ambassador trainings and meetings
- Complete a minimum of six activities per semester
- Support SPHIS events and programs
Student Engagement & Representation
- Serve as a visible and professional representative of SPHIS, including serving on requested committees
- Actively engage with current and prospectives students and families- includes recruitment and student mentorship
Communication & Reporting
- Promptly communicate with SPHIS Ambassador Administrators regarding scheduled events
- Submit event reports within 48 hours following participation.
- Monitor and respond to university email regularly and professionally
Professional Conduct
- Adhere to all UofL, SPHIS and Ambassador policies and procedures.
- Maintain strict confidentiality and comply with all FERPA regulations.
- Demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, and respect in all interactions.
Scheduling & Accountability
- Create a manageable and flexible schedule based on academic course load and other university commitments.
- Be prepared and arrive on time for all scheduled events.
- Accurately track and report all worked hours.
Continuous Improvement & Initiative
- Actively seek ways to enhance the experience of SPHIS Prospective and Current students and families.
- Contribute ideas and feedback to improve Student Ambassador programming and services.
- Greeter – Be the welcoming face at an event by hosting the sign in table or showing people where to go.
- Resource – Answer questions from prospective students/families, current students/ families, UofL campus and community partners about UofL and SPHIS.
- Tour Guide - Introduce prospective students and families to the facilities and opportunities that UofL provides, tell them about life as a college student in Louisville, and share your personal experiences as a SPHIS student.
- Mingler – Speak one-on-one and share your UofL story with prospective students and families at events, information sessions, recruitment opportunities and tours. Create a welcoming atmosphere for visiting families through casual conversation.
- Panelist – Highlight your SPHIS program experiences during panel discussions at events. The panel discussions are intended to provide information informally through the panelists’ answers to questions posed by the moderator or the audience. Discussions could be based around topics related to public health, coursework, and research.
- Peer Support – Provide lived experience to current students to champion advocacy and support their academic journey.
Ambassadors will be advised and supervised year-round by members of the SPHIS Student Services team. Team members will be responsible for the recruitment, application review, and training process of the ambassadors in addition to sustaining the group over time. Additional support from SPHIS faculty and staff may be necessary on a situational basis.
- Student ambassador events take place on weekdays, weeknights, and weekends.
- The typical time commitment for ambassadors is 8-10 hours a month.
- The time commitment will vary based on the time of year.
- Undergraduate students must have completed a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework and have a 3.0 GPA.
- Graduate students must have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours of coursework and have a 3.25 GPA.
- Enroll in a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester while serving.
- Have strong interpersonal and presentation skills.
- Commit to one full academic year of service.
- Students may serve no more than two academic years without approval.
Applications will be accepted annually.
Check back in Spring 2027 for application information
Application requirements include:
- Application
- Resume
- Unofficial transcript
- Leadership statement
- Video Submission
- Interview
Have questions about student life at SPHIS? Talk to the students who know it best!
Every first Friday of the month, you can chat with SPHIS students virtually and ask questions in a relaxed, informal setting. Prospective students can ask questions and hear firsthand about academics, student life, campus experiences, and what it’s like to be part of SPHIS to get an honest, student-to-student perspective.
Questions
