Dean's Student Advisory Board : School of Public Health & Health Sciences : UMass Amherst

The Dean's Student Advisory Board (DSAB) is comprised of SPHHS students who advise the dean and provide ideas for improving the student experience.

Who we are:

The board is composed of both undergraduate and graduate full-time students in the School of Public Health and Health Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Members are nominated by department chairs, program directors, advisors, faculty, staff, other board members, or self-nomination and appointed by the Dean.

Co-Chairs:
Firas Aljizani, Graduate Student/Biostatistics and Epidemiology
Aarohi Darisi, Undergraduate Student/Public Health Sciences

What we do:

Advise the Dean regarding strengths and challenges within the school
Provide ideas for improving the student experience
Take an active role in soliciting input from other SPHHS students
Represent student perspectives on various committees
Become an agent for creating a supportive and positive culture in SPHHS
Organize student events to support the school’s mission and vision
Advise the Dean in the choice of the Senior recognition event speaker

The board’s recommendations help to influence the school’s goals, services, programs, and overall effectiveness.

Former dean's advisory board co-chairs Ada Lopez Gonzalez and Megan Bergeron at SPHHS Awards Ceremony 2022

Join our board!

There are lots of reasons to join the dean's advisory board. Learn more about all the benefits of being a board member here.

SPHHS advisory board members serve as panelists while student advisory board co-chairs look onco-chairs

Expand your professional networking

Build networking relationships with SPHHS alumni and stakeholders

EHS graduate students Carissa Lange and Lindsey Russo at the SPHHS Pops and Hops social

Have fun!

Gain unique experience as a student leader in a supportive environment of your peers.

In the spotlight

After my 1st year of the PhD program in Environmental Health Sciences, I wanted to get more involved with SPHHS activities. Though I love my department, I felt disconnected from the rest of the school and knew few people from other programs. When I heard about the DSAB, I thought it would provide a unique opportunity to branch out of my comfort zone and meet new people. Now, I love serving on the DSAB! Not only do I get to play a role in planning SPHHS events, but I also get to use my knowledge to increase my department’s engagement with the school. If you are looking for a way to get more involved in the SPHHS, then the DSAB is the perfect fit for you!

Carissa Lange , PhD in Environmental Health Sciences Dean's Student Advisory Board Member

Undergraduate student Aarohi Darisi shares her experience as the co-chair of the SPHHS Dean's Student Advisory Board.

Past Activities and Events

The Dean's Student Advisory Board hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year, including the "Pops and Hops" social at the start of the year and the Spring BBQ to close out the academic year. We're also involved in selecting the Senior Recognition Ceremony student speaker, an annual t-shirt design, and school advisory board meetings, to name just a few!