The UCGHI Student Ambassador Program is a leadership opportunity for all current University of California and Charles R. Drew University students from various disciplines who are dedicated to personal and professional growth by serving and representing their respective campus and UCGHI.
The program goals are to: 1) to educate Ambassadors on global health issues with focuses on the subject areas covered by Center for Planetary Health (CPH), Center for Gender and Health Justice (CGHJ), and Center for Health Workforce Equity (HEAL Initiative); 2) to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in global health through a social justice framework, including decolonizing global health and advancing racial equity; 3) to actively acknowledge, identify, and dismantle power structures that carry legacies of racism, imperialism, and colonialism in global health through collective dialogue; 4) to connect students and faculty/staff across college campuses; 5) to amplify student voices through UCGHI’s social media platforms; and 6) to create professional growth opportunities for student ambassadors such as student engagement opportunities and internship opportunities.
2023-2024 Curriculum
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Event |
Speaker(s) |
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Orientation |
UCGHI Leadership and Core Team |
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Webinar #1 |
Global Health Policy |
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Networking Session #1 |
David M. Carlisle, MD, PhD, President and CEO of Charles R. Drew University |
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Webinar #2 |
Everything, Everywhere, All At Once: A conversation about anti-SGM hatred, intersectional invisibility, and moments for transformation |
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Professional Development Workshop |
Careers and Education in Global Health |
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Networking Session #2 |
UC Global Health Day 2024 at UCLA |
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Webinar #3 |
Climate, health, and decarbonization |
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Networking Session #3 |
Latinxs and the Environment and Center for Planetary Health leadership |
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June Showcase |
Student Ambassador Final Project Presentations |
2024-2025 UCGHI Student Ambassadors
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Abtin Shafie Bioengineering UC Riverside Abtin is a passionate advocate for health equity, with experience in community outreach, research, and leadership. He collaborates with the UC Riverside School of Medicine to promote culturally competent healthcare for LGBTQ+ individuals throughout Inland Southern California. He conducts research on queer, trans, and nonbinary populations as a SHINE Strong Scholar and undergraduate researcher. Abtin is excited to learn about and contribute to the University’s global health agenda as a UCGHI Student Ambassador. |
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Aishwarya Natarajan Medical Student UC San Francisco Aishwarya is a fourth-year medical student at UCSF who is applying to be an OB/GYN. Her interest in global health disparities grew at UCLA through Model UN. Working with sexual assault survivors, she became passionate about sexual violence prevention and trauma-informed care, which she integrates into her clinical care and research. Her prior research includes investigating Ugandan women’s prenatal care experiences. Aishwarya aims to advocate for equitable global and local reproductive healthcare access. |
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Psychology UC Riverside Alexa Zelaya is an aspiring research psychologist focused on increasing the participation of underrepresented populations in research. With a strong foundation in developmental and climate psychology, she is actively involved in campus research programs. Passionate about mentorship, she aims to support and guide others through their academic journeys, reflecting the invaluable help she has received during her undergraduate career. |
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Ananya Kandikonda Global Health UC San Diego Ananya is a fourth year Global Health major on the premedical track at UC San Diego minoring in South Asian Studies. She works as a research assistant in a molecular neurobiology lab at Salk Institute and is interested in indigenous healing practices as a form of resistance and community as well as the intersection between healthcare and politics. In her spare time, she captains her dance team and loves to read! |
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Anthony Nocedal Public Health Sciences; Criminology, Law & Society UC Irvine Anthony Nocedal is a fourth-year undergraduate student at UCI, double-majoring in Public Health Sciences and Criminology, Law & Society on a pre-law track. Serving as Chief of Staff for ASUCI, working as a Campaign Intern with the Democratic Party of Orange County, and contributing as a Research Assistant with UCI’s Global Health Research, Education, and Translation Program, he has developed a strong commitment to addressing basic needs, promoting preventative care, and advancing global health equity. |
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Anuva Gajjar Global Health UC San Diego Anuva is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Global Health at the University of California, San Diego. Driven by her passion for health equity and education access, she has contributed to groundbreaking work as a clinical research intern at the Mayo Clinic, where she helped contribute to the development of AI tools designed to reduce health disparities. Anuva is also the founder of Meals That Heal: Ageless Learning, an innovative intergenerational education platform. Through her work, she aims to address systemic health and education inequalities by applying root-cause analysis and preventative care strategies, with a particular focus on improving outcomes in underserved communities. |
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Baljot Chahal (Lead Student Ambassador) Public Health; Environmental Health UC Irvine Baljot Chahal is a second-year MPH student at UC Irvine, focusing on Environmental Health. She has contributed to UCSB Health Equity Initiatives’ COVID-19 Task Force, Farmworker Rights Trainings, NAACP COVID-19 Health Report and UCI's i-CLEAN study on soil lead exposure in youth. Currently, she is studying the impact of smoke shops on youth health with the UCI Tobacco Related Disease Research Program team. Her interests include nutrition, environmental, reproductive, and global health. |
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Bhavya Kallam Biotechnology; Global and Community Health UC Santa Cruz Bhavya is a Junior at UC Santa Cruz double majoring in Biotechnology and Global and Community Health. She conducts research with UCSC Institute for Social Transformation, focusing on genomics, bioethics, and health disparities, with an emphasis on regulatory frameworks that ensure equitable healthcare access. Additionally, Bhavya works as a Co-op at Bayer AG, contributing to biotechnology and sustainability projects in plant engineering and process optimization, aimed at creating sustainable solutions for the healthcare industry. |
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Celeste Longo Earth & Planetary Sciences UC Santa Cruz Celeste is a 4th year pre-med student. Having worked as a healthcare provider and a researcher, Celeste is interested in hereditary cancer research, patient advocacy, and health education. She’s worked as an EMT in the Bay Area, a bioinformatics researcher at the UCSC Genomics Institute, and as a contraceptives educator. She’s a representative for student health in UCSC’s student government and a peer mentor for foster youth. Celeste hopes to become a cardiologist. |
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Chinmayee Iyer Psychobiology UCLA Chinmayee Iyer is a compassionate and driven first-year at UCLA pursuing a B.S. in Psychobiology, hoping to minor in Global Health. She has volunteered extensively in hospital settings and led community service initiatives for the local unhoused and low-income population. Passionate about addressing healthcare disparities and advocating for social justice, she aims to make a meaningful impact locally and globally. In her free time, she enjoys singing, playing different instruments, and learning languages. |
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Dania Taki Global Health UC San Diego |
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Dulce Alysea (Aly) Loreto Public Health; Health & Wellness; Food Systems UC Berkeley Dulce Alysea (Aly) Loreto is a third-year undergraduate at UC Berkeley where she is majoring in Public Health and double-minoring in Health & Wellness and Food Systems. Deeply rooted in the Pilipinx and Southeast Asian communities at Cal, she aims to explore the intersection of public health nutrition, holistic wellness, and social justice for her community. Aly is passionate about health equity and achieving this through collective action. |
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Emma Duge Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology UC Santa Barbara Emma is a third-year Ph.D. candidate in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she focuses on mosquito mating behavior. Since 2018, she has been conducting research on vectors of infectious diseases, including ticks, sandflies, and mosquitoes, at both the National Institutes of Health and UC Santa Barbara. Emma is dedicated to discovering sustainable solutions to mitigate the increasing risk of vector-borne disease transmission globally. |
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Jakelinne Bocel Public Health; Political Science UC Merced Jakelinne is a second-year student at the University of California, Merced, majoring in Public Health and Political Science. She enjoys playing tennis, dining out with friends, and prioritizes Sundays for self-care. Fluent in English and Spanish, and currently learning Portuguese, she navigates imposter syndrome as a first-generation immigrant student. Passionate about mental health research and community service, she plans to attend law school to further her impact in public health and advocacy. |
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Jasmine Cisneros Psychobiology; Society and Genetics UCLA Jasmine is a 3rd year UCLA student majoring in Psychobiology, with a minor in Society and Genetics. Her academic interests focus on clinical psychology, public health, and health equity in underserved communities. Jasmine's fieldwork includes assisting in the Equity for Latinx/Hispanic Healthy Aging Lab, outreach coordination for the UCLA CalFresh Initiative, and advocacy for mental health and nutrition equity. She is passionate about addressing healthcare disparities and promoting culturally competent healthcare solutions. |
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Jaydi Romero Global Health Sciences UC San Francisco Jaydi Romero is passionate about immigrant communities, women’s health, and health equity. With a background in global health, she is committed to conducting research that addresses disparities in these areas, to give back and make a meaningful impact. She is pursuing a career in health to continue advocating for underserved populations and improving access to healthcare for marginalized communities. |
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John Adeleke Sociology UC Merced John Adeleke is a Sociology PhD student at the University of California Merced. His research explores the social, structural, and environmental dynamics of health disparities in the Global South, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, he is investigating how household inequities shape child health outcomes in rural and urban contexts and how the legacies of colonialism influence health policies in Africa. He envisions a more equitable and healthy world. |
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Joseph Ekpo Psychology and Brain Sciences; Political Science UC Santa Barbara Joseph is a 4th year student at UCSB double majoring in Psychology and Brain Sciences and Political Science. He is passionate about addressing the effects that conflict and social unrest have on marginalized international communities, with a specific focus on Africa. Joseph currently works at the Koegel Autism Center as a research assistant and as a research fellow for The Healing Space, where he is working on two independent research projects on same-race interventions for minorities with autism. Joseph has goals of pursuing a Fulbright scholarship, being a Trauma Surgeon with the US Air Force, and entering the global health sphere from a political perspective. |
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Kaia Chen Public Health UC Merced Kaia is a second-year undergraduate student at UCM, majoring in Public Health. She serves as the secretary for the Public Health Society on campus. Her interests encompass statistics, environmental health, and epidemiology. Kaia is looking forward to gaining more health-related experiences through this program. |
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Kate Villegas Human Development; Communications UC Davis Kate Villegas is a fourth-year undergraduate student at University of California, Davis pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Human Development with a minor in Communication. She is looking to complete a Master's in Public Health after graduating, seeking a career in public health program management, analysis, and planning. Kate is interested in addressing health equity concerns and their global intersections through her efforts, specifically pertaining to the low-income/education, women and children, an migrant communities. |
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Public Health Policy; Health Informatics UC Irvine Kaylin Tran is a second year Public Health Policy major, minoring in Health Informatics. She is passionate about leadership and enjoys guiding others. With a strong interest in healthcare administration, she has a keen interest on women's health rights, planetary health, and researching ways to dismantle barriers to healthcare, aiming to create more equitable systems. |
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Keisha Reine de Castro Public Affairs and Disability Studies; Global Health UCLA Keisha is a first-generation student at UCLA and an immigrant from the Philippines. She is pursuing Public Affairs and Disability Studies, with a Global Health minor. Her dedication to accessibility and equity drives her work as a UCLA research assistant, where she explores media portrayals and tokenization of marginalized groups. Her interests include patient-centered care in underfunded hospitals, global methods for addressing dyscalculia in education, and the implications of international trade agreements on food deserts. |
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Keya Jonnalagadda Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology UC Santa Cruz Keya is a thoughtful communicator and scientist with a goal of being a leader in research and policy on understudied diseases. Her interests lie in practicing inclusive teaching in STEM classrooms as a teaching assistant, building spaces to bring global health and basic research together, and sharing advances in global health through presentations and articles. As a Ph.D. student, she is pursuing biological research on parasitic nematodes, which cause serious human, crop, and livestock diseases. |
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Kyle Tseng Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior; Public Health Sciences UC Davis Kyle Tseng is a 4th year student at UC Davis, studying Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior with a minor in Public Health Sciences. Kyle is passionate about helping holistically address the social determinants of health through collaboration with others. Kyle is also a volunteer at Willow Clinic (a UC Davis student-run clinic that serves the unhoused population of Sacramento), works as an Aggie Mental Health Ambassador, and volunteers as a small group leader for an on-campus fellowship, Catalyst. |
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Environmental Studies; Architecture & Urban History UC Santa Barbara Leanne Ly is a fourth-year undergraduate majoring in Environmental Studies with a minor in Architecture & Urban History at UC Santa Barbara. She is passionate about urban health, climate resilience, sustainability, and food justice. Since her junior year, she has been a Food, Nutrition, and Basic Skills intern with UCSB’s Department of Health & Wellness, where she has developed programming to increase food security and cultural foods access on campus. |
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Lynne Ta Biological Sciences & Public Health Policy UC Irvine Lynne Ta is a second year Biological Sciences & Public Health Policy major at UC Irvine. She is deeply passionate about healthcare inequity, and enjoys volunteering at free clinics in Orange County. Inspired by her own experience with hearing loss, she is committed to advocating for disability access and shaping policies that address the root causes of health disparities. Her research interests include advancing cardiology education in underserved communities, molecular-level medical innovation, and women's health. Through a comprehensive approach focused on preventative health, she aims to improve patient care to create a more equitable system for all. In her free time, Lynne enjoys trying out new cafes, photography, and collecting trinkets! |
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Matthew Heshmatipour Public Health UC Irvine I am a Master's in Public Health student at the University of California, Irvine. I am pursuing this degree because I have a strong interest in the global effect of substance use disorders (SUD) as well as global disproportionate access to care and respective healthcare models. Additionally, I am working in clinical research and starting a SUD-specific non-profit organization to hone my skills at the current step in my career. |
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Mylee Brown Biology UC Santa Barbara Mylee is a fourth-year Biology major at UC Santa Barbara. Her academic interests include addressing health inequities, advocating for reproductive rights, and promoting health education. Beyond the classroom, she volunteers at Cottage Hospital and contributes to groundbreaking research in a lab focused on the regulation of DNA repair mechanisms. She is passionate about leadership and healthcare, with the hopes of pursuing a career in medicine. In her leisure time, she enjoys practicing yoga and snowboarding. |
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Nadia Olea Global and Community Health UC Santa Cruz Nadia Olea (she/her/ella) is a third year at UCSC studying Global and Community Health and is also a member of the universities Mexican folklorico group, Los Mejicas. After college, she plans on getting her Master of Physicians Assistant and hopes to pursue gynecology where she will provide care for Spanish-speaking patients. During her free time, Nadia enjoys relaxing with her dogs and family, singing, and playing guitar. |
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Noran Hassan Molecular and Cell Biology UC Berkeley Noran Hassan is a third year molecular and cell biology student at UC Berkeley with a minor in nutritional sciences. Her goal is to go into the dental field and focus on advocating for gum health. She is also passionate about mental health intersecting with physical wellbeing, advocating for accessible healthcare, and research regarding solutions in the dental field. Outside of academics, Noran enjoys playing tennis, hiking, and cooking. |
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Paola Mendoza (Lead Student Ambassador) Global Health; Health Care Social Issues; Human Development UC Irvine Paola (Pa-hola) recently graduated from UC San Diego with a B.S. in Global Health and 2 minors in Health Care Social Issues and Human Development. She is currently part of a premedical post-baccalaureate program with UC Irvine School of Medicine. In the past, she researched migrants’ access to essential services at the border and volunteered at a student-run free clinic in Tijuana. Additionally, Paola worked as a neurology clinic research assistant and plans to continue raising awareness about underserved communities and their understanding of neurological disorders. Her various experiences have grounded her work in community and migrant advocacy, which she aims to bring into her pursuit of becoming the first physician in her family. Growing up in a community that's often underrepresented, she also emphasizes the importance of addressing health literacy, cultural identity, and unlearning to learn. |
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Paris Ballesteros Anguiano Global and Community Health UC Santa Cruz Paris Ballesteros is majoring in Global and Community Health with a biomedical concentration at UCSC and is currently a third-year pre-med student. She plans to attend medical school to become a surgeon. Fluent in two languages and learning Italian, she grew up in Mexico and is passionate about exploring healthcare disparities in Hispanic and underrepresented communities. Paris volunteers at a dialysis center and has completed clinical hours at three post- |
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Rachel Kim Global and Community Health UC Santa Cruz Rachel Kim is a freshman at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she is a proposed Global and Community Health major. She is driven by the constant implementations of barriers to work towards health equity and strives to integrate diversity and inclusion into any setting she enters. Outside of community work, Rachel loves embarking on long scenic walks with her dog, Crown. |
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Richa Kondapally Global Health UC San Diego Richa Kondapally is a sophomore at UC San Diego, majoring in global health. In the summer, Richa interned at Anganwadi Centers in India under the State Government of Telangana, and she is now interning under the UCSD Healthcare Frontiers in Tijuana Undergraduate Internship program for the fall ‘24 quarter. She is passionate about medical humanities and hopes to explore more about the intersection between media and medicine through freelance writing and filmmaking. |
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Riley Chen Political Science UCLA Riley is a current 2nd year Political Science major at UCLA on the pre-law track. Some of her interests include public policy, health equity, urban planning, and environmental sustainability, and she is involved in a basic needs club, and fundraises for the school radio! She aims to further explore global health and is particularly interested in the use of policy to achieve health equity in underserved communities. |
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Riya Prabhakar Anthropology UCLA Riya is a third-year undergraduate student at UCLA pursuing an Anthropology BS degree. She is interested in the roles that culture and race have played in medicine along with how policy change can help bridge the gap in healthcare disparities among underrepresented groups. In her free time, Riya enjoys giving campus tours to elementary and middle school students, spending time outdoors, and traveling. She currently is an undergraduate researcher in a pathology lab and is also a member of the Medical Aid Initiative. She is excited for the opportunity to work with everyone in the program and hopes to use what she learns for her interests in pediatrics and global health. |
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Robin Boparai Epidemiology UC Davis Robin utilizes epidemiologic methods in her research, and she aims to work with partnering campuses to promote enhanced global health scholarship at the UCGHI. Her service projects in Californian communities aim to bridge public engagement efforts with research to improve community health outcomes, and her experience includes working with non-profit organizations that employ community-based projects and data-driven strategies to address pressing needs. |
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Roslyn Simka Global Health; Cognitive Science UC San Diego Roslyn Simka is a third-year student at UC San Diego, double majoring in Global Health and Cognitive Science with a focus on Clinical Aspects of Cognition. Her research interests include mental health, particularly how social factors like trauma influence adolescent cognitive functioning and overall well-being. During recent fieldwork in Bali, Indonesia, she explored the intersection of biomedicine, community health, and alternative healing, gaining valuable insights while reconnecting with her cultural heritage. |
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Sabrina Spatny Public Health; Molecular & Cell Biology UC Berkeley Sabrina Spatny is a double-major student at UC Berkeley, pursuing Public Health and Molecular & Cell Biology. Her academic and fieldwork focus on program management, health equity, and genetic therapies. As Course Coordinator for a public health class, she manages the class operations and develops the curriculum while engaging with public health professionals. Sabrina’s independent research on AAV-mediated gene therapies reflects her dedication to bridging scientific knowledge with impactful public health solutions. |
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Sahare Rostami Zadeh Psychology; Global and Community Health UC Santa Cruz Sahare Rostami Zadeh is a dedicated public health advocate and double major in Psychology and Global and Community Health at UC Santa Cruz. Her key interests include women's health, mental health equity, and health disparities affecting marginalized communities. As a program organizer at UCSC's Women’s Center, she has led community service projects and advocacy efforts, advancing gender justice. Sahare is passionate about advancing health equity and supporting vulnerable populations through research and advocacy. |
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Samantha Scroggie Global Health UC San Diego Samantha is a fourth-year UC San Diego student obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Global Health. She is passionate about working with underserved communities with a focus on community health, indigenous health, and opioid use disorder. She is currently taking part in research at UC San Diego Health’s Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine laboratory with a focus on patients using opioids with sleep apnea and also serves in Student Health Advocates and the Mixed Student Union. |
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Sanil Chaudhari Pharmacology; Biopsychology UC Santa Barbara Sanil is a 4th year double majoring in pharmacology and biopsychology. He has experience working in a neuropsychiatric clinic, working in various hospitals, conducting addiction research, serving as a Capps Public Service Intern, and leading a team within a Street Medicine Organization. Sanil's experiences, especially with the homeless and underserved, has made him passionate about fighting the lack of access to healthcare, prevalence of social determinants to healthcare, and bridging the gap in health literacy. |
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Saranya Anandakumar Integrative Biology UC Berkeley Saranya is a first-year student at UC Berkeley pursuing a B.A. in Integrative Biology. They are passionate about addressing medical care inequities faced by disabled individuals, low-income communities, and LGBTQ+ people globally, especially as these disparities are exacerbated by climate change. At Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, they aided in research on the S1P lipid's role in the immunological response to Lyme disease and the potential of FTY to rescue damaged stem cells. |
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History UCLA Sean Moon is a sophomore at UCLA majoring in History. Originally from Suwanee, GA, Sean spent much of his childhood traveling every summer to unique locations, which broadened his perspective and fueled his curiosity. This exposure to diverse experiences has contributed to his wide-ranging interests, including Mixed Martial Arts, Journalism, and Photography. These interests complement his academic pursuits in history, allowing him to explore different forms of human experience both academically and creatively. |
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Seline Hemelians Global Health UC San Diego Seline Hemelians is an undergraduate Global Health student at UC San Diego. As an ambitious and empathetic leader, she is immensely passionate about medicine, health equity, and advocacy for minority communities. She serves as Secretary of the Armenian Students Association, advocating for her culture and also as Vice-Chair of Recreation. Seline is a student intern at the Glendale Community Free Clinic where she supports physicians caring for underserved and uninsured populations, further solidifying her passions. |
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Sophia Zhu Pharmacology UC Santa Barbara Sophia Zhu is a third-year undergraduate student at UCSB, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology. She is involved in research focused on improving birth outcomes for LatinX mothers and addressing systemic factors contributing to healthcare gaps, as well as research aiming to define risk factors in substance use disorders. She plans to pursue a career as a surgeon, where she can combine her clinical skills and research experience to advocate for more equitable outcomes. |
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Stephanie Onwu Public Health; Health Informatics UC Irvine Stephanie Onwu is a second-year Public Health major with a minor in Health Informatics at UCI. She is passionate about disease prevention in marginalized communities, health administration, and using health informatics to improve patient care. With a solid foundation in health policy and technology, Stephanie is eager to gain practical experience through internships and research. She plans to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) and contribute to creating equitable health strategies that address disparities in underserved populations. |
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Tracy Tran Public Health; Medical Anthropology UC Irvine Tracy Tran is a fourth-year student studying public health and medical anthropology at the University of California, Irvine. They are particularly interested in how social roles and identities impact health (and vice versa), using education as disease prevention, and the role of community in maintaining health. This year, they are applying these lenses to research the mental health of transgender and gender diverse youth in their use of digital spaces. |
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Uditi Desai (Lead Student Ambassador) Neuroscience UC Riverside Uditi Desai is a recent graduate from UC Riverside aspiring to become a physician specializing in gender-affirming care. Committed to inclusivity and health equity, she is currently working on a research initiative aimed at improving the well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals and understanding the disparities they face. Uditi is passionate about advancing medical practices that respect diverse identities, believing in the importance of creating a healthcare system where everyone feels valued and supported. |
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Vanessa Sanchez Global Health; Biology UC San Diego Vanessa Sanchez is a third-year Global Health major with a minor in Biology at UC San Diego. As a dedicated Muir College orientation leader and research assistant at the Center for Healthy Eating and Activity Research, she actively contributes to student engagement and academic research. Outside of her academic pursuits, Vanessa is passionate about reading, exploring local coffee shops, and staying up-to-date with the latest fashion trends. |
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Varsha Vijayakartik Human Biology UC Davis Varsha is a third-year Human biology major who is passionate about expanding her perspective on cultural determinants of health and improving health outcomes for minority communities. She is involved with research in understudied areas of disease dynamics and organizes resource distributions to the unhoused community in Sacramento. Last summer, Varsha shadowed in hospitals and family practices in India to connect her culture with her global health interests. She also enjoys playing the saxophone and hiking. |
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Yasmeen El Jack Biological Sciences; Neurobiology UC Irvine Yasmeen has aspirations of making a meaningful impact in the field of Neuroscience through healthcare and research. She's actively involved in ASUCI Senate as the Biological Sciences Senator, representing and supporting her peers. She is also a certified math learning assistant, allowing her to combine her love for teaching with her academic interests. In her free time she enjoys playing tennis as well as creating art. |
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Yasmine Gonzalez Public Health; Psychology UC Merced Yasmine Gonzalez is pursuing a public health major and psychology minor, with plans to become a physician assistant. Passionate about community engagement, they love being outdoors and baking. With experience in academic and field work, they strive to make a positive impact on public health. |
Center for Gender and Health Justice Student Ambassadors
Center for Planetary Health Student Ambassadors
The UCGHI Student Ambassador Blog, where UCGHI students bring you a fresh perspective on the world's current events and news through the lens of passionate and insightful student writers. UCGHI believes that the student voice is powerful, and by amplifying their diverse voices, we can foster meaningful discussions and contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the pressing issues of global health.
Check out the blog here!
UCGHI's suite of online courses are developed by interdisciplinary, multi-campus teams of faculty and supported by the UC Office of the President's Innovative Learning Technology Initiative (ILTI).
Enrolled students may register for UCGHI undergraduate courses and earn credit from their home campus through UC Online. If your campus hosts the course, you may enroll through your campus registrar.
This course presents case studies in various themes of public health practice to demonstrate how the principles of public health were established and continue to evolve.
This course focuses on the: (1) distribution and determinants of disease and injury in populations, (2) practice of epidemiology as it relates to human populations, and (3) relationship of epidemiology to public health.
Principles of Public Health (PUBHLTH 1)
This course introduces the major concepts and principles of public health and the determinants of health status in communities.
Case Studies in Public Health Practice (PBHLTH 2)
This course presents case studies in various themes of public health practice to demonstrate how the principles of public health were established and continue to evolve.
Nutrition and Global Health (PUBHLTH 120)
This course introduces global issues related to nutrition and public health.
Global Poverty and Inequality (UPPP 115)
The course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of poverty, in the US and globally, with a special focus on exploring its relationship to inequality.
Global Population, Health, and Environment (VME 057V)
Students critically examine multi-scale processes involving human, animal, and ecosystem health. Online team and independent work engage local and global topics around population pressures on environments and environmental pressures on populations.
Women’s Health, Gender and Empowerment (PBHLTH W108)
The course will provide core knowledge and skills from several disciplines on how to improve women's health and well-being globally, and it will follow a life course framework. It aims to expand students' understanding of the interconnected factors that influence women's health and empowerment - including foundations of sexual and reproductive health, economic development, political frameworks and global reproductive rights, demographic and social changes, basic principles of empowerment theory, educational opportunities, and efforts to ensure gender equity.
Global Health Policy and Diplomacy (PUBHLTH 177)
Fundamental principles and consequences of global health policy and diplomacy, including governance structure, functions, analysis, advocacy, and outcomes. Emphasizes practical application of multilateral policies for global health security and responses to transnational threats such as pandemics, climate, pollution, and migration.
One Health Workforce Academies’ (OHWA) mission is to promote the development, delivery, institutionalization, accreditation, and employer-recognition of training and educational activities that are in alignment with One Health core competencies and technical skills.
As part of this mission, OHWA has developed a publicly accessible website to provide high-quality, readily available training materials and resources to engage and support One Health students, faculty, and practitioners. The online courses and case studies are designed for completion by learners who aspire to acquire One Health competencies. These resources serve as continuing professional development for in-service professionals working in various One Health sectors, and are also suitable for students pursuing professional, graduate, and undergraduate degrees. Additionally, the Facilitator and Field Guides are offered as resources to One Health educators in classroom and field-site settings.
Enrollment is open, and access will be granted immediately upon enrollment. There are no prerequisites, and participation is free.
Course titles include:
Fundamentals of One Health Practice
Outbreak Investigation and Response
Antimicrobial Resistance in One Health: Introductory Level
Antimicrobial Resistance in One Health: Advanced Level
Risk Communication & Community Engagement
An Introduction to Grant Writing
Introduction to Health Care Quality and Quality Improvement
Preventing and Addressing COVID-19
Virtual Communities of Practice
You are invited to explore the full catalog at: One Health Workforce Academies.The UC Global Health Institute and its Centers are offering two programs for UCGHI Student Ambassadors who are interested in issues of global health, with a focus on planetary health, one health, gender justice, and health equity.
1) Student engagement opportunities will be routinely added below throughout the academic year for students who are looking for volunteer and learning opportunities in global health.
2) Students interested in paid summer internships can browse the opportunities listed here.
The UCGHI Advocacy Initiative trains UC students and faculty in political advocacy for federal funding for global health issues.
Student advocates from across the UC system lead advocacy efforts on their respective campuses by collaborating with faculty, campus global health groups, and each other to build system-wide momentum in support of global health. Current proposed cuts to the global health budget threaten the health of communities both globally and locally. UCGHI AI helps ensure student, faculty, and community voices are heard throughout California and in Washington, D.C. by coordinating campus events and outreach to members of Congress and other elected officials.
UCGHI AI is partnered with Kyle House Group (KHG), a DC-based international advocacy and government relations consulting firm, to implement an advocacy strategy tailored to UCGHI's focus areas — Planetary Health and Gender and Health Justice— with a goal of harnessing the power of the 10-campus system in a shared advocacy effort.
Student Advocates
UCGHI's 2017 inaugural group of Student Advocates represent UC campuses and communities across California. Although they come from different fields and backgrounds, they share an interest in global health and passion for encouraging continued US leadership in global health.
Student Advocate Activities
Interested in becoming a student advocate?
Our inaugural program has ended. Please check back later for updates on getting involved.
Advocacy Resources
UCGHI's Global Health Advocacy Guide
Advocacy Engagement: Social Media Tips
University of California Digital Advocacy Guide
Advocacy Action Guide: A ToolKit for Strategic Policy Advocacy Campaigns
The University of California Global Health Institute (UCGHI), spanning ten-UC campuses, hosts a signature conference that showcases the outstanding global health research, training, education and advocacy taking place across the University of California system and beyond. Our network is made up of local and global multidisciplinary collaborators working with students, post-docs, staff, faculty, educators/scholars, health providers, lawyers, policymakers, community members, and others working on cutting edge issues.
Interdisciplinary by nature and collaborative in spirit, global health efforts encompass a range of academic topics – from psychology to engineering to sustainability and economics, scholars are committed to improving the health of humans, animals and ecosystems around the globe.
“ I feel confident that having these experiences in the UCGHI Student Ambassador Program that I have the skills to be part of the global health community after graduating.”
-Natasha Glendening, PhD Student at UCI and 2023-2024 Lead Student Ambassador
Alexa Zelaya
Kaylin Tran (Lead Student Ambassador)
Leanne Ly
Sean Moon
