BSPH Peer Mentoring Program

Email Hope: 
hopebleggi@vt.edu

Hi! My name is Hope Bleggi and I am from Raleigh, North Carolina. After completing my Public Health and Health Communications degree in Spring 2026, I plan to attend Physician’s Assistant school. Here at Virginia Tech, I am involved in the Undergraduate Public Health Association club, The Big Event, and Greek life. I love spending time outdoors and staying active. I thoroughly enjoyed my time during freshman year as a mentee in this program and can’t wait to be your mentor!

Email Cassie: 
cassiecollins@vt.edu

Hey!! My name is Cassie Collins, and I am from Richmond, Virginia. I am a junior and I’m planning to graduate with my bachelor’s in public health in the winter of 2025 with a minor in Science, Technology, and Society. After graduation, I want to attend law school and either become a medical malpractice lawyer or an athletic injury lawyer. I came into college believing I wanted to be a dermatologist or orthodontist, but soon figured out I was not skilled at science. This discovery led me to want to be a medical malpractice lawyer because I already have a large background in health/medicine, and I want to incorporate that into my future career without working in the direct medical field. When applying to be a public health major I did not know exactly what that meant, but I am so glad I applied for this major. The professors, advisors, and students in this major are supportive and dedicated to this field. As a student ambassador, I hope to provide advice and support for students with any information/questions they want to know an answer to. I am looking forward to meeting you and hopefully being someone to help you with your college path. If you have any questions or just want to reach out, please send me an email!!

Email Sarem: saremd@vt.edu

 Hi, my name is Sarem Dawit. I was born in North Carolina and moved to Ethiopia when I was 7 years old! I'm currently a freshman. I'm a public health major, and I always knew I wanted to work in health care; it is a very vast field with so many career possibilities! I am on the pre-medical track and plan on becoming a physician. As a mentor, I am excited to meet and offer guidance to incoming BSPH students. I also cannot wait to get to know everyone in the FYE class!

Email Destiny: 
destinyebiasah22@vt.edu

Hi! My name is Destiny Ebiasah, and I am from Gainesville, Virginia. I am majoring in Public Health and minoring in Health Communications, and I'm planning to graduate in May 2026. After graduating, I want to obtain my Master of Public Health here at Virginia Tech. Afterward, I plan on pursuing one of my lifelong aspirations: becoming a Dental Hygienist. 

When I first came to Virginia Tech, I was originally a Clinical Neuroscience major, but I realized that it personally wasn't for me, and I wanted to major in something that could give me more career options. After much research, I decided to switch to Public Health because it aligned with my interest in the healthcare field and helping individuals better their quality of life. Being a Public Health major has opened the door for more opportunities to growing my network by meeting other students, staff, and advisors that are passionate about the program. As a BSPH student ambassador, I'm excited to be a resource to incoming freshman in the program. I hope to be an example to every student I come across and make a difference in their college experience. I know the stress and hardships that come with being a college student, so I'm always open to chat! Please reach out and don't hesitate to email me with any questions, concerns, or just to talk!

Email Jordan: 
jordank03@vt.edu

I am from Frederick, Maryland.

I am interested in going into the field of epidemiology and researching infectious diseases and how they spread in different areas. 

Along with being a BSPH mentor, I am also Vice President of the Undergraduate Public Health Association Club at Virginia Tech, and a part of the Global Medical Brigades club, where we get the opportunity to travel to underdeveloped countries and provide health care needs and assistance. 

Hello! My name is Thang Mai, and I am from Manassas, Virginia. I am a junior majoring in Public Health and minoring in Statistics, and I am currently an employee of Dining Services and Eats2Seats. I enjoy cooking, baking, gaming, and playing table games (billiards, table tennis, foosball). Upon graduating in Spring 2026, I hope to continue my education in the Accelerated MPH Program at Virginia Tech.

I am thrilled to assist students of the Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) program in discovering opportunities that align with their interests and enable them to achieve their goals. The BSPH program at Virginia Tech is excellent, with great faculty, staff, and interesting courses. I am not much of a talker, but I hope we have some interesting conversations as the semester progresses. If you have any questions about public health or employment, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Hi! My name is Elizabeth Pepaj and I am from Montgomery NY. Currently, I am majoring in Public Health with a minor in Political Science. Following my years at Tech I hope to attend graduate school and receive my masters. I am drawn to this field because of the number of social challenges I become more aware of each day. I have always been driven to work in the healthcare field however, policy and ethics within Public Health have found my interest the most. On campus, I've been most active in the team tennis league and plan on playing for the rest of my time here!

Hey! My name is Brendan Stock, and I am from Bergen County, NJ. I am a rising junior in the BSPH program, and I am also pursuing a minor in Finance. After graduating, my goal is to pursue a career in Healthcare Administration. I am involved in Greek and Fraternity Life at Virginia Tech, most recently serving as my chapter’s treasurer. Outside of school, I love to listen to all types of music, hang out at the beach, and go to the gym!

Please let me know if you have any questions or if there are any issues!

Hello! My name is Peniel Tesfamichael, and I am from Woodbridge, Virginia. I am majoring in Public Health, intending to graduate in spring of 2026. After completing my Bachelors, I plan on pursing my Masters in Dietetics, as I am passionate in human nutrition and advocating for health equity. Other than studying, I love to stay active and play sports such as soccer, explore different eating spots, and cooking. 

When entering Virginia Tech, I was a Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise major, as that correlates with my career path; however, I wanted to explore different aspects of health such as more environmental and human health issues, rather than solely the biological and science aspects. My passion for health began in 9^th grade when I stepped into cooking, and realized how the impactful the food we consume has on our body, mind, and potential risk for diseases. Once I discovered my passion, I have had the goal of addressing and assessing issues regarding minorities who struggle with food security in addition to advising those who suffer with malnutrition. 

Being a part of the BSPH program has opened various new opportunities and people that I might not have found elsewhere. The staff, faculty, courses, and community are so welcoming and understanding! Please do not hesitate to contact me whether you have any questions regarding the BPHS program or are trying to navigate your academic/ career path!

My name is Rae Broyles, I am a senior at VT and a BSPH Peer Educator. I am from Pearisburg, VA, and am additionally studying for a minor in Integrative Health and Wellness. My interests within the field of Public Health include community health program planning/education and healthcare administration.

Hi, my name is Quay Dews and I'm a peer educator from Fredericksburg, Virginia! I am an honors senior and an accelerated MPH Candidate. I am interested in infectious diseases and epidemiology and hope to work in infection control.

My name is Emma Downs and I am a Junior majoring in Public Health on a Physical Therapy track. I am from New Jersey and spend my time working at a Physical Therapy center and volunteering at my local hospital. I am interested in sports medicine, nutrition, and Greek life. 

Hi, my name is Nicole Wilkerson and I'm the BSPH Student Coordinator. I'm from Stafford, Virginia and I'm planning on graduating this fall! I have minors in Health Communication and Medicine and Society, and I also work at the Virginia Department of Health for Roanoke City as their HIV PrEP Navigator. After I graduate, I hope to attend graduate school and obtain my master's in Health Administration!