Student Ambassadors

My name is Gracie Akers, and I am from Pulaski County, Virginia. I am a second-year MPH student concentrating in Community Health Promotion and Equity with a passion for rural health education. I graduated with my B.S. in Biology from Virginia Tech in May 2022 and my B.S. in Public Health in May 2023. I actively participate in research as an assistant for the Center of Public Health Practice and Research and as a GRA with the Center of Gerontology. 

I'm honored to help current and prospective students in discovering public health experiences that fulfill their interests and advance their goals. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns!

Email Gracie: gakers11@vt.edu

My name is Andrea Connor and I am from Midlothian, Virginia. I am a DVM/MPH student, with the Infectious Disease concentration for my MPH and the Mixed track for my DVM. I graduated with my B.S. in Animal and Poultry Sciences from Virginia Tech in May of 2022, and am so proud to eventually become an 8 year Hokie! 

During my undergraduate education, I was involved in numerous research projects, one of which used the calf model to study novel drugs to treat a parasite called Cryptosporidium. I was interested in pursuing this research position as it was a great way to combine my interests in animal and human health, along with public health and drug discovery. Prior to 2020, I was convinced that I would pursue my DVM and become a small animal practitioner. However, I learned about the MPH program and how well it fit with my interests in infectious diseases and the utilization of the One Health approach. Thus, I set a new path towards a DVM/MPH, which started when I completed my first set of MPH courses the summer prior to starting vet school. I will complete the rest, along with my Practicum and Integrative Learning Experience, prior to graduating with both of my degrees in the spring of 2026.

My eventual goal is to work in clinical practice before transitioning into a governmental role in disease outbreak response, emergency preparedness, and supporting the One Health approach. Additionally, I am passionate about mentorship and paying it forward, and would not be here without those who came before me. I have had multiple opportunities to mentor prospective and incoming students in the past, and continue to do so within the DVM program as an ambassador. I am so excited to continue helping out fellow students as an ambassador for the MPH program in order to provide insight to those who may be interested in the dual degree program. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or general inquiries!

Email Andrea: acon116@vt.edu

Hi, I'm Emma, a 2^nd year MPH student at VT with a bachelor’s in public health from American University. I am passionate about mental health access and women’s health and actively advocating for both in my current position as the GA at Cook Counseling Center. My hobbies include reading and any outdoor activity, as well as spending time with my dog, Oshie!  

Email Emma: emmahare@vt.edu

My name is Lauren Maghak and I’m a third year dual degree DVM/MPH pursing the infectious disease concentration of my MPH and the public/corporate track of my DVM from Columbia, MD. I graduated from Clemson in 2020 with a B.S. in biochemistry and minors in animal science and chemical engineering. I then went on to complete an M.S. in human medicine studying kidneys and the role uromodulin plays in recovery from acute kidney injury at Indiana university school of medicine. 

While there, I realized how much I missed working closely with animals and knew I needed to find a way to incorporate them more in my final career. I pursed a minor in epidemiology while I completed my master’s and fell in love with the more zoomed out form of research. As I fell out of love with benchwork research, I fell in love with public health and the ways veterinarians can help protect both animals and people. 

I feel very strongly about the concept of One Health and science communication being key to solving wicked problems. I look forward to this year being not only an MPH ambassador, but also the president of the Public Health Association. I can’t wait to watch both organizations grow! Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or thoughts. It was never my plan to end up where I am today, but I am sure glad life brought me here. 

Email Lauren: lmaghak@vt.edu

Hi! My name is Elly and I am a second year MPH student in the Infectious Disease concentration. I entered as an accelerated student and earned my B.S. in Clinical Neuroscience from Virginia Tech with a minor in Public Health in December 2023. My areas of interest include the impact of climate change on human health and the environment. I am currently part of a research project that is investigating the impacts of flooding on pregnancy. Upon completion of the program, I hope to work in disaster resilience or emergency management and use my geospatial analysis skills to promote One Health. I love exploring Blacksburg and spending time with my older sister, who is also a VT MPH alum! I am excited to learn from each other through this program and help answer any questions for new MPH students. Please do not hesitate to reach out at any time if you need anything or just want to chat!

Email Elly: ejloyd@vt.edu

Hello! My name is Kelly Ribeiro and I’m from Vienna, Virginia. I graduated in May 2024 with a BS degree in Public Health and two minors: Health Communication and Integrative Health & Wellness. This past year I have continued my education in the Accelerated MPH Program with a concentration in Infectious Disease.

I chose the Public Health program at Virginia Tech because of its One Health emphasis. I enjoy learning about all the many different facets of public health, especially public health policy, health equity in rural & underserved populations, and infectious diseases. I also enjoy how the courses introduce you to a range of disciplines to support a transdisciplinary approach to community health. The program also offers hands-on experiences in the field that gave me the opportunity to serve our campus and Blacksburg communities and live Virginia Tech’s motto, “Ut Prosim.” The faculty has given me a supportive and encouraging environment as I expand and learn more about my interests in Public Health.

I’m excited to help potential, incoming, and current students find experiences within Public Health that reinforce their passions and help them reach their goals. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns!

Email Kelly: kellyribeiro@vt.edu

My name is Helena Alemu a junior from Northern Virginia majoring in Public Health with a minor in Health Communications. 

My ultimate goal is to attend physician assistant (PA) school, and I believe a public health degree will provide an excellent foundation for this path. Moreover, this degree aligns perfectly with my long-term aspiration to assist countries in need of medical aid, allowing me to make a meaningful impact on global health in the future. 

I wanted to become an ambassador to showcase the numerous opportunities and resources that VT has to offer. As someone who has benefited from these resources, I'm eager to share my experiences and help prospective students understand how VT can support their academic and personal growth.

Email Helena: helenaa@vt.edu

Hi! My name is Laiba Ali, and I am from Alexandria, Virginia. I’m a sophomore at Virginia Tech majoring in Public Health, and I aspire to get my MPH after graduating. In my free time, I love singing and listening to music. My favorite artists are Drake and Ariana Grande. I also enjoy reading and watching movies.

For most of my life, I knew I wanted to go into medicine and healthcare. In high school, I helped found the nonprofit Period101, an organization devoted to fighting period poverty and the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products. Through this advocacy work, I discovered that I wanted to pursue a field of health where I could help not just individuals, but also address health challenges on a global scale. Choosing public health has allowed me to support those around me while gaining a broader perspective on health equity and equality for all.

My main interests in public health include cancer epidemiology, period poverty, pediatrics, and global health equity.

I decided to become a Public Health Ambassador because I believe the community within our program is incredibly welcoming. As a freshman last year, I understand how difficult it can be to find your place in college and how important it is to have someone to connect with. I want everyone to have the opportunity to feel seen, find their place, and be themselves while working toward similar career goals and aspirations :) Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns, or just to talk!

Email Laiba: laiba@vt.edu

Hi! My name is Quinn Barravecchia and I’m from Warwick, New York! I’m a junior here at Virginia Tech, majoring in Public Health with a double minor in geographical information systems and geography. After graduation, I hope to earn a Master’s in Public Health in Epidemiology and Occupational Health and Safety and work as an occupational epidemiologist or in the disaster/emergency preparedness field!

While at Tech, I have the amazing opportunity to be involved in undergraduate research through the Integrated Health Sciences and Research Program, where I work in behavioral economics through the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. Outside of class and research, I’m super honored to be the Vice President of the Women’s Ice Hockey team, where I spend the majority of my weekends with my favorite people! I also love to read (I’m a huge J.R.R. Martin and Matt Haig fan!) and hike, especially in West Virginia and Tennessee.

I’m super excited to be an ambassador this year so I can help incoming first-year students and transfer major students, like myself, find their way in the BSPH program!

Email Quinn: quinntess05@vt.edu

Hey! My name is Mehret Berhanu, and I’m from Northern Virginia. I am currently majoring in Public Health on the Pre-PA track. After completing my BSPH, I plan on getting my Masters in PH. 

When I was first choosing my major, I knew I wanted to do something that focused on health on a global scale. I quickly realized that Public Health was for me! I believe change can happen by focusing on the health needs and demands within our communities. I chose Public Health to contribute to that change and see it in action. As I’m currently on the Pre-PA track, I believe it’s important to know the social and environmental determinants that affect our health daily, to 

provide the best care for all patients. Public Health has truly helped broaden my perspective on the endless opportunities within the health field and I am extremely grateful for it.

As a student ambassador, I hope to bridge the gap between professors and students, to let their opinions/ideas be known and heard. I want to share my experiences within the program and help guide my peers. If you have any questions on the program or VT in general, feel free to reach out!!

Email Mehret: mehretb24@vt.edu

Hi! My name is Emma Gregory, and I am from Midlothian, Virginia. I am a sophomore studying Public Health on the pre-medical professions track.

I have always known my ultimate career goal is to work in healthcare someday. When I came to Virginia Tech, I switched into the Public Health program the second semester of my freshman year and instantly fell in love. I quickly learned that Public Health encompasses all of the reasons I am passionate about pursuing a career within the medical field. I love learning about different aspects of the healthcare system, evaluating the spread and prevention of disease, and assessing barriers to health education and promotion, to name a few. My ultimate dream job is to be a physician working within the realm of Women’s Health for a university/ teaching hospital. I believe a Public Health Degree will equip me with many of the skills and knowledge I need to pursue a field in healthcare and achieve my goals. 

I wanted to become involved as an ambassador to help show prospective students the variety of wonderful things Virginia Tech’s Public Health program has to offer. From learning from an excellent faculty, to utilizing all the different resources available, I hope you can find a home in this program as I have!

Email Emma: emmagraceg24@vt.edu

Hi! I'm Thiviya, a junior from Ashburn, VA pursuing dual degrees in Microbiology and Public Health. I'm particularly interested in the quantitative side of public health – like epidemiology and biostatistics – and learning the science behind disease transmission. I'd like to continue these studies in graduate school, either in an MS or science-focused MPH program.

I started as a Public Health minor but loved the program so much that I eventually added it on as a second major. My experience with classes, professors, and advisors in the department has been overwhelmingly positive, especially with the smaller class sizes and genuinely caring faculty – an experience that can be hard to find, especially at such a large public university like VT. One of my favorite parts of our BSPH program is the Practicum experience, for which I was able to bring in the undergraduate research project I was already working on as just a Microbiology major. This opportunity let me find a unique way of combining my academic interests and is helping guide my future career path!

If you are interested in adding Public Health as a major or minor or are interested in undergraduate research in the public health field, feel free to reach out!

Email Thiviva: thiviya@vt.edu

Hi my name is Malaika Kiyani! I am from Northern Virginia. I chose public health as my major because I hope to attend medical school, and I felt the Public Health pre-med option was the best fit for me. I wanted to become an ambassador to show new students how versatile this major is.

Email Malaika: malaikak@vt.edu

Hi! My name is Caroline McInnish. I was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama, but spent my high school years in Wellesley, Massachusetts. I’m currently majoring in Public Health at Virginia Tech and plan to graduate in Spring 2027. After earning my degree, I hope to return to Virginia Tech to pursue a Master’s in Public Health.

I transferred into the Public Health major after my first semester in the Pamplin College of Business. I’m especially interested in Public Health Policy and Administration, where I can combine my passion for harm reduction advocacy with a drive to create meaningful change in communities.

Currently, I work with Hokie Wellness—Virginia Tech’s Department of Health Education and Promotion—as both an IMPACT peer educator and office assistant. Outside of academics, I’m actively involved in the Virginia Tech Recovery Community and The Roost Living-Learning Community.

As a peer ambassador for the BSPH program, I hope to highlight the wide range of career paths available in Public Health and help foster a welcoming, inclusive community for both current and prospective students.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or just want to chat!

Email Caroline: carolinem05@vt.edu

Hi everyone! My name is Kathy Pham, and I’m from Northern Virginia—specifically the Fairfax County area. I’m currently a second-year student majoring in Public Health with a strong interest in pursuing the master’s program, and I’m also considering a double major in Human Development.

I’m proud to serve as one of the BSPH Student Ambassadors! I switched into Public Health from a different major, and I’d be happy to share my experience with anyone who’s considering making a similar change. Public Health has been a great fit for me because of the major’s versatility and the incredible support from both faculty and fellow students.

Beyond academics, I am a residential Well-being student leader and involved in the Pre-Nursing Club, Vietnamese Student Association (VSA), and Filipino American Student Association (FASA) here at Virginia Tech. 

I’m always excited to be a resource, so please don’t hesitate to reach out—whether you have questions about the major, need advice, or just want to chat!

Email Kathy: kathyypham14@vt.edu

My name is Domenico Picciano, and I'm from Windham, New Hampshire. I am majoring in Public Health with a double minor in Data and Decision Science and Entrepreneurship. With my degree, I aim to excel in the fields of healthcare data analytics or epidemiology. I am passionate about becoming an ambassador to guide and inspire a new generation of public health students, helping them achieve their fullest potential.

Email Domenico: domenicoapicc26@vt.edu

Hi! My name is Grayson Russell, and I am from Salem, Virginia! I am entering my second year here at Tech. I plan to graduate early in 2026 with a Bachelor’s in Public Health. With my degree, I plan to attend Physician Assistant school to earn my Master’s and begin practicing as a provider! I initially came to Tech as a Microbiology major, however, I realized after my first semester that I didn’t click with the major, so I began the search for a new major and found Public Health. After finding out that I could still take all the science classes I needed to take while learning about other important aspects of healthcare as a Public Health major, I knew it was for me! I decided to become an ambassador after my first semester as a Public Health student because all the professors, advisors, and faculty within Public Health are kind, smart, and passionate, and all of those transferred over to me as a student! I am eager to help other students on their journey, whether it be within Public Health, transferring majors, or anything else! Please feel free to reach out! I am so excited to get to know you!

Email Grayson: grrgrayson@vt.edu 

Hi my name is Malaika Kiyani! I am from Northern Virginia. I chose public health as my major because I hope to attend medical school, and I felt the Public Health pre-med option was the best fit for me. I wanted to become an ambassador to show new students how versatile this major is.

Email Malaika: malaikak@vt.edu

My name is Vickie Zewdie and I’m a Senior here at Virginia Tech studying Public Health on the pre-dental track. I grew up in Ethiopia, where I witnessed firsthand the challenges many people face in accessing basic healthcare. These early experiences sparked my interest in health equity and inspired me to pursue a career where I could make a difference in people’s lives.

What drew me to public health was its focus on prevention and I appreciate how the major allows me to explore diverse topics like epidemiology, health systems, and environmental health, while also preparing me for a career dedicated to service and impact.

As a student ambassador, I’m excited to connect with others, especially those who might not be familiar with what public health has to offer. I want to help prospective and current students see the many ways this field can lead to meaningful and fulfilling careers.

Email Vickie: victoriazewdie@vt.edu