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Meet Our Students

Karla Sofia Aguayo

Major in Public Health and minor in Spanish

Why choose public health/What’s awesome about Public Health?

I choose public health because it was the major and career that I believe would help me reach the potential that I much seek for myself. One that involves being there for the process of others respecting and seeking the ultimate health possible for themselves but also as I am on my own journey of health equity, with the public health community on my side I feel as I can make change as a health educator.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

I decided to attend U of A because of not only the amazing foundation created by all professors and faculty as well as peers but also because of the academics and programs provided here at the U, much of which are limitless!

Maddie Ahlstrand

Major: Public Health Minor: Wellness and Health Promotion Practice

Why choose public health/What’s awesome about Public Health?

I chose Public Health for the many opportunities I am given to support my community's health. Public Health is broad and provides students with many diverse career paths. By receiving a degree in Public Health I can see healthcare from different perspectives and learn about the various health challenges other parts of the world experience.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

I chose MEZCOPH because of its diverse learning opportunities and career paths. I felt at home on the campus and was welcomed to try all the extracurricular activities offered.

Robyn Almario

Major in Public Health Quantitative Methods

Why choose public health/What’s awesome about Public Health?

I chose public health because I believe healthcare should not focus solely on treating disease, but also preventing it. If we look at health from the holistic standpoint that public health provides, we can do so much good for the community.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

I chose MEZCOPH in order to further my career in biomedical research, and the U of A allows amazing research opportunities. Treating disease is so important, but somebody’s gotta advance the science behind it!

Isabella Faria Borduas

Major in Public Health

Why choose public health/What’s awesome about Public Health?

I chose Public Health because I always loved healthcare and wanted to make a change in the world. This major is very diverse with many great opportunities which I really enjoy because it allows me to try out many different specialties within the major.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

I am a student ambassador, as well as a student worker here at MEZCOPH so I am always in the building and I find it to be like my second home. No matter what I am feeling, when I step foot into MEZCOPH my mood changes. I have amazing mentors that are always eager to help me out when needed as well as giving me such great advice, which I truly value and has really helped me throughout college. I am so happy with my choice here, and could not imagine it any other way!

Katelyn Chhuon

Major: Public Health

Why choose public health/What’s awesome about Public Health?

I chose public health because I love helping the community and making a difference. I come from an under privileged community so I’ve been through/seen a lot of people struggle and I would love to help improve those types is situations.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

I chose MEZCOPH because I love the community. The teachers and the students are amazing. I’ve made some of my best friends from this major and I’m so excited to meet so many more. It is also so amazing that we all have the same goal: To build a healthier future!!

Aashika Desai

Major: Public Health with a Global health emphasis

Why choose public health/What’s awesome about Public Health?

I chose public health so I could learn more about community health and community dentistry as I am a pre-dental student, applying to dental school. I wanted to learn more about the intersection between health, health sciences, and dentistry specifically. I also loved the collaborative aspect of community needs assessments and group projects found within the major, learning from diverse student bodies with varied perspectives.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

I chose MEZCOPH because I align well with its mission of promoting the health and wellness of individuals and communities globally. Volunteering at Casa Alitas Migrant Shelter and various pop-up clinics has taught me how to have empathy and showcase compassion and respect to all patients of all backgrounds, overall aiming to improve patient lifestyle and wellness.

Briana Duran

Major in Public Health and Psyhcology minor in Spanish

Why choose public health/What’s awesome about Public Health?

I chose Public Health because I was interested and passionate about many different public health issues and wanted a career where I can focus on helping my community. Coming from a small underserved community that needed a lot of help during the pandemic, I realized how important public health is in all aspects of life and it made me want to help communities in need.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

I chose MEZCOPH because I loved the community at UA and I have always loved Tucson. I thought the college of public health specifically had a really supportive community. And from my first week, I have seen how incredible it really is. I have met amazing professors and have made many friends that I continue to have classes with.

Patrick Thomas Halvorsen

Major: Public Health - Health Systems Theory and Practice

Why choose public health/What’s awesome about Public Health?

I chose public health because of the vast areas that are incorporated in the world of public health. Through working in the hospital systems during the covid pandemic, I saw the significance of public health and the areas that were not emphasized enough and was blown away by the number of people that didn't really understand what public health is and how important it is. I hope to bring more insight into public health and provide more education and resources for prevention of conditions.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

I always visited the UA when I was younger and loved the experience I had here. I chose to come to school here because of the academics and student life that was provided here. I have enjoyed the friends and connections that I have made and look forward to continued relationships.

Mon Lacea

Major in Public Health-Global Health

Why choose public health/What’s awesome about Public Health?

I chose Public Health because it is a major that gives you versatility and flexibility to create the change and impact that you want in the world. You have a place both in and out of the hospital system. In a world after COVID, more people are realizing that prevention is just as important as treatment, and Public Health is a good way to do that.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

I chose MEZCOPH because it is a great school and because the University of Arizona is a wonderful college with a lot of resources that can get you to where you want to be in your career.

Aaron Loera

Health Promotion

Why choose public health/What’s awesome about Public Health?

I chose public health because I was so intrigued by the wide range of disciplines that not only impact healthcare but communities across the world. The field has become a passion as I have seen that through education and collaboration, so many improvements can be made to our society's well-being.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

MEZCOPH felt like the best decision for me due to the alignment of values that I share with the college. I truly wanted to gravitate my study efforts to be surrounded by innovation, equity, diversity, and commitment which is constantly demonstrated by professors, classes, curriculum, and all efforts within the college.

Saranya Madhira

Public health, Quantitative Methods emphasis ISTA

Why choose public health/What’s awesome about Public Health?

Public Health specialization with a Quantitative Methods emphasis reflects a passion for using data-driven approaches to tackle public health challenges. This choice equips me with analytical skills to conduct rigorous research, evaluate interventions, and make informed decisions.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

For its diverse academic programs, innovative research, and strong community engagement, the university offers a wide range of degrees spanning various fields. With a commitment to excellence in education, research, and service, it has established itself as a hub for learning, discovery, and collaboration.

Charity Moparthy

Major in Public Health: Health System Theory and Practice

Why choose public health/What’s awesome about Public Health?

I choose public health because of the experiences that shaped my life growing up. In my community, I saw how a lack of access to health resources affected people. It wasn’t just about illness; it was about the ripple effects on people’s lives—their ability to work, to learn, to thrive. These experiences made me realize that health is so much more than just individual choices; it’s deeply connected to the environment and society we live in. Public health felt like the right path for me because it’s all about tackling those big-picture issues, making sure everyone has a fair shot at living a healthy life. I want to be part of a field that’s focused on prevention and addressing root causes.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

Choosing MEZCOPH was a personal decision that felt right on so many levels. What drew me in was the college’s genuine commitment to community engagement and its focus on addressing health disparities. MEZCOPH’s reputation for hands-on learning, combined with its close-knit, supportive environment, really spoke to me. I knew this was a place where I could not only learn but also grow, surrounded by people who share my passion for making a difference. It’s a place where I see myself thriving, contributing, and learning from incredible mentors who are just as dedicated to public health as I am.

Yulianna Noriega

Majoring in Public Health & Spanish

Why choose public health/What’s awesome about Public Health?

Public Health has so many opportunities in the Healthcare sector. Coming into this college it was one of my best decisions and sticking with my major, I thought I wanted to do nursing but after taking one Public Health class I knew this is where I wanted to stay. What I found most interesting was how much we do to prevent issues from arising.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

The UA is an amazing community that anyone can fit into. Aside from having great academics it's a place where you will make lifelong friends and connections. Encouraging and engaging with students helps everyone come together to thrive and be successful through their experience at the UA. This goes for Undergrad and Grad students.

Mei-li Ortega

Major: Public Health with an environmental and occupational health emphasis

Why choose public health/What’s awesome about Public Health?

I chose Public Health because I want to make a significant impact by improving health for many people. The focus on disease prevention and health education is important to me. I appreciate how Public Health combines different areas like medicine, sociology, and environmental science. The field offers a variety of career options, from epidemiology to health policy, allowing me to find a path that fits my interests. I'm passionate about advocating for health equity and working directly with communities to enhance their well-being. Public Health perfectly matches my values and career aspirations.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

I chose MEZCOPH because it's known for its strong focus on practical public health work. The college offers a diverse range of disciplines like epidemiology and health policy, allowing me to explore my interests fully. With hands-on experience and support from experienced faculty, MEZCOPH provides the ideal environment for me to learn and contribute effectively to improving community health.

Kira Stancil

Major in Public Health: Quantitative Methods

Why choose public health/What’s awesome about Public Health?

I chose Public Health because of how important it is within the medical field. By receiving a degree in Public Health I can gain a new perspective on healthcare and not just solely focus on treating disease, but also preventing it in the future.

Why choose the UA/What’s awesome about the UA?

I chose MEZCOPH because I plan on furthering my education in Nursing and want to better understand how to help patients and their families holistically rather than just the medical aspect! On top of that, MEZCOPH is an amazing community where you are always learning something new.

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