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BSPH Peer Mentoring Program

The BSPH Peer Mentoring Program at Virginia Tech is a student-led program designed to foster the academic, social, and professional growth of Public Health undergraduate students. Exemplary students serve as peer mentors for a small group of first-year students, providing additional support for their mentees during their first year at Virginia Tech! This model empowers first-year students to adjust to the college environment, to learn how to take advantage of academic and professional resources, and develops a strong sense of community within the public health program.

Benefits and Outcomes

Participating in this program has strong benefits for first-year students, returning students, and the BSPH community as a whole, including:

  • A greater sense of community among BSPH students that will help to relieve some of the social stress associated with college transition.
  • Create a broad support system for students to help address social, academic, and professional challenges.
  • Foster and celebrate:
    • Academic growth
    • Professional development
    • Career exploration
    • Social adjustment
    • Leadership

BSPH 2026-27 Student Mentors

Photo of Camdyn Acker

Email Camdyn: 
ackercamdyn@vt.edu

Hi! My name is Camdyn and I'm from Richmond, VA. I'm majoring in Public Health and planning to attend a physician assistant program after graduating. I'm currently earning my CMA certification, and am involved with College Mentors For Kids and the Undergraduate Public Health Association here at Virginia Tech. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, hiking, and listening to music. I'm excited to be a peer mentor this year, so please reach out to me with any questions or concerns

Photo of Lucy Adams

Email Lucy:
alucy@vt.edu

Hey! My name is Lucy Adams. I am a sophomore studying public health with a minor in health communication, with plans to go into Health Administration. I plan to graduate in 2028 and pursue a master's in Health Administration. I am drawn to this field because I love operations, finances, and policies of healthcare, where I can hopefully make an impact to improve patient care and efficiency. As a BSPH Peer Mentor, I look forward to helping fellow students by providing resources, answering their questions, and fostering a supportive and inclusive community.

Here at Virginia Tech, I am involved in Greek life and the VT Wellness Society. I also work on campus at the career and professional development center as a peer career advisor. Outside of school, I love to do group exercise classes such as barre, Pilates, and F45. I plan to get my ACE certification and teach workout classes next semester. I also love to cook and bake for fun and spend time outside.

I can't wait to meet everyone in the FYE class. If you have any questions about the BSPH program or need guidance related to your academic or career goals, feel free to reach out anytime.

 

Photo of Mikal Berhe

Email Mikal:
mikalberhe@vt.edu

Hi!!! My name is Mikal Berhe, and I am from Springfield, Virginia. I am a sophomore majoring in Public Health with a minor in Political Science on a pre-med track! I am very passionate about addressing healthcare disparities in developing countries, along with promoting human rights.

On campus, I am involved with the National Society of Black Women in Medicine (NSBWM), Global Medical Brigades, Black Student Alliance, and more! In my free time, I enjoy running, reading, listening to music, and trying out new coffee shops. As a peer mentor, I can't wait to connect with all of you guys and help you navigate your journey at Virginia Tech! Please feel free to reach out with any questions. I'm always happy to help!

Photo of Sofia Catalan

Email Sofia:
sofiac06@vt.edu

Photo of Lillani Horcharoen

Email Lilliani: 
lillani@vt.edu

Hi! My name is Lillani, and I’m from Alexandria, VA. I’m a senior in Public Health with a minor in Philosophy. I’m interested in pursuing a career in healthcare law and am currently studying for the LSAT. Apart from being a peer mentor, other organizations I’m a part of on campus are Phi Alpha Delta and VSA. In my free time, I enjoy reading, music, cooking, and hanging out with friends. I’m super excited to meet new public health students and help make their transition into the major feel easier! I’m here for advice, answering questions, and being someone you can turn to throughout the year.

Photo of Adrian Kavazovic

Email Adrian:
akkavazovic@vt.edu

Hey! My name is Adrian Kavazovic, and I’m a junior majoring in Public Health with a minor in Data and Decisions. I’m from Harrisonburg, VA, but I was born and raised in Virginia Beach, VA.

In the future, I hope to go into epidemiology. At Virginia Tech, I’m involved in FLEX as the President of First-Year Experience, SAA as the Director of Service, and the Undergraduate Public Health Association. Outside of school, I love spending time outdoors, especially at the beach or up in the mountains, as well as doing photography either for fun or for my photography business. As a Peer Mentor for the Public Health program, I’m incredibly excited to connect with fellow students, offer guidance, and help foster a strong, inclusive community within our tight-knit major. I’m here to support your journey and can’t wait to grow and learn alongside all of you this year!

Photo of Delaney Parkin

Email Delaney: 
parkinde28@vt.edu

Hi! My name is Delaney Parkin, and I’m from Lansing, Michigan! I’m a junior majoring in public health on the Pre-Med track and minoring in Spanish. I am hoping to go to graduate school abroad, and then medical school to become a traveling doctor! I chose to be a peer mentor to help students better adjust to college, as well as help students feel more comfortable within the public health program. I’m also so excited to be able to connect with new students! Along with being a mentor, I am also on the exec board of the Undergraduate Public Health Association, as well as working at the hospital and being in other organizations around campus. I love to travel, hang out with friends, shop, spend time outdoors, and get a sweet treat! I know your first year here at Tech can be very overwhelming, so please don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m always down to chat, whether it’s to help with something or even if you need someone to talk to.

Email Rewa: 
rrewa24@vt.edu

Hi everyone!! My name is Rewa Repala and I am from Ashburn, Virginia. I’m currently a junior studying Public Health and Biochemistry on the Pre-Medical track. After graduation, my goal is to attend Medical School and pursue pediatrics. I love working with kids and have enjoyed doing so over the summer, working as a Medical Assistant at a pediatric office. Outside of school I love to bake, draw, dance, watch new TV shows and movies, spend time outside, and hang out with my friends

As a peer mentor, I am excited to help students as they transition into college and be someone they can reach out to! I am here to answer any questions, give advice, and listen to any concerns you may have, school related or not. I’m so excited to meet everyone, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Email Keren:
kereny13@vt.edu

My name is Keren Ryan, and I’m from Northern Virginia! I’m majoring in Public Health and BIT, and I’m interested in going into health administration. I currently work as a CNA on campus, and I’m involved with Hokie Wellness through IMPACT and serve on the board for the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Club (EOTC).

In my free time, I love going to the gym, traveling with friends, listening to music, and trying new places to eat. I’m excited to be a mentor because I know how helpful it is to have someone you can ask questions to and learn from while adjusting to college. Public Health is such a close-knit major, and having support from people who have already been through the classes and experiences can make a huge difference.

I love helping friends find opportunities, stay motivated, and figure things out when college gets stressful, so I’m excited to do the same as a mentor. Whether you need advice, support, or just someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Photo of Lexi Taylor

Email Alexis: 
alexist23@vt.edu

Hi! My name is Lexi Taylor and I’m from Virginia Beach, Virginia. I am a Public Health major, with a double minor in Health Communications; and Integrative Health and Wellness. I’m not exactly sure what I want to do after I graduate in May 2027, but I am leaning towards getting a masters in Occupational Therapy after taking a gap year to do the Disney College Program

This year, I chose to be a Public Health peer mentor because I remember how overwhelming and stressful coming into college can be. As a First Generation student, I had no idea what I was coming into, and the community I had around me was critical in helping me find my home at Virginia Tech. My goal in being a peer mentor is to make your first year at Virginia Tech the best possible! If you have any questions at all regarding the Public Health program at Virginia Tech or anything at all, feel free to reach out! So excited to meet you all!

Photo of Sara Vera

Email Sara: 
vsara075@vt.edu

Hi! My name is Sara Vera and I live in Richmond, VA. I am a public health major on the pre-med track hoping to attend medical school with the goal to have a future career as an OB/GYN. I am incredibly passionate about women’s health and equity in the healthcare system! Here at Virginia Tech, I am involved in the Undergraduate Public Health Association, RAM, and others. This year I am also working with Hokie Wellness for the Mental Health Initiatives program! 

I know freshman year of college can be quite stressful and overwhelming so as a public health mentor, I am so excited to help and guide you along the way to hopefully make it less so. I am always happy to talk so please do not be afraid to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, advice, or simply want to chat!

2026-27 Student Educators

Email McKenna: 
mcorrado05@vt.edu

Hi everyone! I’m McKenna, and I’m a junior majoring in Public Health, with a focus in epidemiology and rural health, with minors in Business, Health Communication, and PPE.

Outside of class, I am involved in the Undergraduate Student Senate, Greek life, and I’m a part of the women’s water polo club team.

I can’t wait to meet you all! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Email Sarem: 
saremd@vt.edu

Hi! My name is Sarem Dawit. I am a junior majoring in public health and on the pre-med track. I am from Ethiopia, which is in East Africa. In my free time, I like drawing, reading, and cooking. In addition to being a peer educator, I am on board for the art club, and I also research with Team Malawi. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me. I look forward to seeing you all in fall.

Photo of Bassmala Elgamal

Email Bassmala:
bassmalaelgamal@vt.edu

Hi everyone! My name is Bassmala Elgamal, and I’m from Alexandria, VA. I’m a Public Health major with a minor in Data and Decisions on the pre-Physician Assistant track, and I’m super passionate about making healthcare more accessible and equitable for all communities. As a Public Health Peer Educator, I’m excited to connect with you all, help you navigate VT, and take advantage of its resources!

Outside of academics, I’m involved with the Sudanese Student Organization (SSO) and the Undergraduate Public Health Club. I love to try new foods, especially if they're spicy. I love to hang out with my friends, listen to music, and want to get into traveling more! Whether you want to chat about public health, student orgs, or just talk, I’m always here to help and listen. Looking forward to a great year together!

Email Gabby: 
gabbyl@vt.edu

My name is Gabby, and I’m currently a Senior majoring in Public Health with a minor in Data and Decisions from Loudoun County. I’m on the pre-PA track and I work as a CNA. On campus, I’m the Treasurer of the Undergraduate Public Health Association (UPHA) and the Vice President for the National Society of Black Women in Medicine (NSBWM). Pull up to a meeting sometime! In my free time, I like to dance, binge-watch shows, and listen to music (especially R&B).

I’m excited to be a Peer educator this year, as I was a mentor last year. I am also here to support your growth, share what I’ve learned, and be a resource for whatever you need. So don't be afraid to reach out!

Email Liz: 
elizabethp211@vt.edu

Hi!! My name is Liz, and I’m going into my final year at Tech and my third year as a peer mentor. I’m pursuing my bachelor’s in Public Health with a minor in Political Science. I hope to attend graduate school and receive my master’s in Environmental Policy and Sustainability, where I hope to promote healthy environments through policy and law. I serve as an undergraduate representative on the Bachelor’s in Public Health Education Committee and am a research assistant in the Cohen Research group. These past two summers I have worked for NYS DOH as a seasonal inspector and am soon beginning my internship with Helix Electric as a safety intern. I’m very excited to serve as a mentor for my final year here!

Erica Selim, Peer Mentor

Email Erica: 
ericaselim@vt.edu

 Hi! My name is Erica Selim, and I am from Northern Virginia. I am majoring in public health and on the pre-med track. Here at Virginia Tech, I am involved in the BSPH Peer Mentoring Program and Greek Life. I am looking forward to meeting all of you! If you have any questions regarding the BSPH program or questions related to your academic/career goals, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Key Contact Information

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the BSPH Peer Mentoring program, please reach out to our Student Coordinator or Program Liaison!

Student Coordinator
Sarem Dewit
saremd@vt.edu

Program Liaison: 
Katie Cross
  kammons@vt.edu