Public Health Sciences Peer Advising : School of Public Health & Health Sciences : UMass Amherst

We are a group of experienced and involved students on campus with a twofold objective: to support you in your academic needs and promote the understanding of public health. Although we will not tell you which classes to take or avoid, we will offer insight to help you make the best, informed decision about your own academic career. If you are interested in taking part in the peer advising internship, please look for our application announcement each spring semester.

Fall 2026 Peer Advising Schedule

(No appointments necessary, September 8th - December 15th)

Monday: 9AM - 12PM, 1:45PM - 4PM
Tuesday: 10AM - 4:30PM
Wednesday: 9AM - 12PM
Thursday: 9AM - 4:15PM
Friday: CLOSED

Office: SPHHS Hub Room 316
E-mail: peerad [at] umass [dot] edu (peerad[at]umass[dot]edu)

Peer advisor in blue shirt smiles at camera

Alison Martin (Pronouns: she/her/hers), Graduating: Spring 2027

Areas of interest: Healthcare Administration, Health Policy, and Health Economics

Office Hours: Tuesdays 11am-12:30pm, Thursdays 10:30am-12:30pm

Hi! I’m Bonnie, and I’m from Brookline, MA. I’m a senior Public Health major, and my areas of interest are healthcare administration and health policy. I’m also part of the 4+1 Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management program. I chose public health because I knew I wanted to work in healthcare and help people, but I didn’t see myself working as a physician or in a traditional clinical setting. That’s when I learned about healthcare administration and discovered public health. This is my second year as a Peer Advisor, so I’m excited to be back, helping students and working with the other Peer Advisors.

Outside of peer advising, I’m also part of the UMass Club Swim Team! This past summer, I worked as a Health & Safety Intern in Norwell, and I also worked as a lifeguard.

My advice for fellow students would be to go check out the different clubs and organizations UMass has to offer. They are always hosting events, and it’s the perfect opportunity to meet new people and see what you are interested in!

Caleb Lam (Pronouns: he/him/his), Graduating: Spring 2027

Areas of Interest: Clinical health

Office Hours: Monday 1:45 PM - 4:00 PM, Wednesday 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM

Hi my name is Caleb! I am from Quincy, Massachusetts and I am currently a senior majoring in Public Health while pursuing the Pre-Pa health track. I chose Public Health as my major because of the variability the major provides, allowing me to explore numerous different fields/types of studies of Public Health and also being part of the health sciences, which gives me the opportunity to pursue most pre-health tracks.

Outside of peer advising, you can always find me either eating food in dining halls, playing volleyball or basketball at Boyden, or working out at the rec center. Over the past summer I worked as one of the head peer advisors while also enjoying my summer with activities like hiking, attending concerts/festivals, and more.

One advice I would give to a fellow student is to take advantage of all the resources/opportunities UMass has to offer. Some resources/opportunities like internships or leadership roles in clubs may take a little more time or work to be able to obtain, but others like SI sessions for different classes, Peer Advisor drop-in hours, clubs and many different organizations are there for you to help you as a student here at Umass Amherst. As a junior, the one thing I regret is not being aware of all these resources my freshman and sophomore year and being more engaged on campus.

Sakshi Mantripragada (Pronouns: she/her/hers), Graduating: Spring 2027

Areas of Interest: Women's Health, Health Policy, Data Analytics

Office Hours: Tuesdays 2:30PM- 4:30PM and Thursdays 2:30PM-4:00PM

Hi! My name is Sakshi Mantripragada and I am from Chelmsford, MA.
I’m a Public Health and Public Policy double major and I have a minor in Information Technology. I joined the major my freshman year and really loved how many different areas within health I was able to dive into. I specifically am interested in women’s health and being a part of research and projects that focus on underrepresented groups and help to fill the gap in health research. This year I am really excited to be a peer advisor and help students navigate the major and discover what they are interested in!

At UMass, I am a part of Her Campus, a magazine for college women where you get to write articles about things you are passionate about and that interest you. Alongside that, I serve as a Research Assistant in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, where our work focuses on diversity within higher education leadership. This past summer, I interned with a digital health company focused on supporting women during perimenopause. Last semester I spent studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain. It was an amazing experience, so please feel free to ask me any questions!

My advice to fellow students would be to get involved and take initiative. All of our faculty and staff in SPHHS are so supportive and truly love to help students grow and learn. Whether you get involved in research or join a club, putting yourself out there and reaching out really helps you find your community and discover what you are truly passionate about!

Dylan Smith (Pronouns: he/him/his), Graduating: Spring 2027

Areas of Interest: Healthcare Management, Public Health Nursing, Health Promotion and Communication

Office Hours: Mondays 9:30AM - 11:30PM and Wednesdays 9AM -10:30AM

Hello all, my name is Dylan, and I’m from Boston, Massachusetts! I am currently a senior studying public health sciences, with a minor in business. Currently, I am enrolled in the 4+1 program, in hopes of earning my MPH in Health Policy and Management. I’m interested in becoming a public health nurse or being a public health program manager. The reason I chose to pursue public health is a reflection of where I grew up in Boston. For those who don’t know, the leading cause of premature death in Boston is drug overdose, and growing up seeing drug abuse so frequently is what made public health so compelling. Becoming a peer advisor is an exciting responsibility, and I specifically look forward to building community within SPHHS and supporting my peers.

Outside of being a peer advisor, I also have a job at the Mullins Center as changeover staff (I change the floor in between basketball and ice hockey). Additionally, I am a member of the Isenberg Sales Club, which naturally doesn’t have a whole lot to do with public health. This past summer, I was interning at the Boston Public Health Commission within the Chronic Disease Prevention and Control division. I mostly helped promote the Summer Fitness Series, which is a series of free, weekly fitness classes that took place in parks scattered throughout every neighborhood in Boston. The goal of this healthcare initiative is to reduce the risk of heart and cardiovascular diseases.

My advice for incoming and fellow students would be to seek connection through sparking conversations. Something I struggled with, especially as a freshman, was putting up barriers and self-isolating when I really should have been trying to find friends. College becomes way more enjoyable when you have a wider network of friends.

Paris Pequero Pena (Pronouns: she/her/hers), Graduating: Spring 2028

Areas of Interest: Pre-PA, Epidemiology

Office Hours: Mondays 9:30AM-10:30 AM, Thursdays 9AM-11AM

Hello everyone! My name is Paris, I was born and raised in Boston. I am a current junior public health major on the Pre-Physician Associate track! I choose public health because it is very near and dear to my heart with many disciples ranging from epidemiology, biostatistics and the social sciences, this major truly has something for everyone. I am thrilled to be a peer advisor to create an amazing public health community, and to make all of those who are facing challenges feel a little more comfortable!
On campus I am involved in Greek Life, I am Alpha Sigma Kappa’s Vice President of Operations. And the secretary of HOSA, a future health professionals organization. Alongside this, I am also a general body member of the Cafe and Pre-PA club! This past summer I became a certified phlebotomy technician! Outside of classes, I love going to the gym and taking on ambitious hikes around Amherst!
As a student myself the biggest advice I could give is simply putting yourself out there, whether you are an incoming freshman or upper classmen the more you experience, the more connections you make that will flourish into unimaginable things!

Hannah Longtin (Pronouns: she/her/hers), Graduating: Spring 2026

Areas of Interest: Women's Health, Community Health

Office Hours: Mondays 10:30AM - 12:00PM, Wednesdays 9:30AM-11:30AM

Hello! I’m Hannah and I am from Agawam, Mass (The Six Flags area). I am a senior public health major with a focus area in Women’s Health, Community health and education. My main area of interest includes expanding the treatment and education of reproductive health within disadvantaged communities. I chose to study public health because it’s interesting to see how important healthcare is at every different level, not just clinical, and to see how each branch of public health is important in examining health outcomes. I am so excited to be a peer advisor so I can meet so many other public health students and learn about all their different journeys and pathways.

This past summer, I spent most of my weekends in Rhode Island with my family. In my free time, I love to cook and learn new recipes, go hiking, and listen to music.

My biggest piece of advice for a fellow student would be to find time to just relax and sit with yourself. College is a stressful time and once the semester kicks into gear you will find yourself always on the go, so it’s important to have those tiny moments in the day where you can take a moment to yourself and realize that you're here a UMass for a reason, you're trying you’re absolute best and everything is going to be okay. There are so many people here to support you and your needs so don’t hesitate to ask for help because nine times out of ten, someone else has been in your position.

Firdaus Muhammad (Pronouns: she/her/hers), Graduating: Spring 2026

Areas of Interest: Global health, infectious disease, immunology

Office Hours: Mondays 2:30PM-4PM, Wednesdays 9AM-11AM

Hi! My name is Firdaus Muhammad and I’m from Essex, Vermont. I’m a senior pursuing a dual degree in Public Health Sciences and Microbiology through the Commonwealth Honors College. I chose to study public health because it brings together my interests in science and medicine while allowing me to explore how research can address important health challenges. I’m especially fascinated by infectious disease research and how factors such as global context and socioeconomic status play a role in shaping health outcomes. I’m excited to be a peer advisor so I can help other students in finding their own paths in public health and throughout their entire academic journey!

Apart from being a peer advisor, I’m the co-president of the Public Health Club, which is a really fun way to connect with other public health students through activities like craft nights and volunteer events. I’m also part of the iCons program, where I get to collaborate on projects with people from all different majors! In addition, I work at the Learning Resource Center (LRC) as both an office assistant and peer tutor, so definitely say hi if you see me there! On top of that, I’m an undergraduate researcher in two developmental toxicology labs, which has been a really cool way to gain hands-on research experience. Outside of school, I love going to spin classes, checking out new cafes, and hanging out with friends.

My advice for fellow students is to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and take advantage of the amazing opportunities around you! Whether that means joining a new club, signing up for a fun event, or exploring research, trying new things can help you learn more about yourself and your interests. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and reach out to advisors, professors, and friends for guidance along the way!

Colby Davis (Pronouns: he/him/his), Graduating: Spring 2026

Areas of Interest: Pre-PA, Clinical Health, and Healthcare Policy

Office Hours: Mondays 2:15PM - 3:45PM, Wednesdays 1:30PM - 3:30PM

Hi, I'm Colby, and I'm from Taunton, MA. I'm a senior in Public Health, pursuing a minor in Biology and a focus on the pre-PA track. I am interested in pre-PA, Healthcare policies, and preventive care and practices. I chose Public Health because I felt that learning more about people would help me be a better healthcare provider in the future. I always knew I wanted to go to PA school, and Public Health felt like the correct choice to be the most well-rounded in the healthcare field. I am excited to be a peer advisor so I can help support students navigate through the many different paths that Public Health offers.

Besides peer advising, I am also a member of the pre-PA club, which provides a lot of helpful information about applying and getting to know more people also looking to pursue the same career. I am also a member of the UMass Motorsports Club is a great place to meet new people who share the same passion for cars. Outside of the UMass community, I work as a Pharmacy Technician and a CNA.

Being the first in my family to attend higher education, my advice would be to use all the resources provided to you for success. Go out, meet people, build connections that can last a lifetime. Explore the community, learn, and experience new things.

Willa Davis (Pronouns: she/her/hers), Graduating: Spring 2026

Areas of Interest: Education, early childhood, community health education, pediatric medicine, pre-PA, environmental health

Office Hours: Tuesdays 12PM - 2PM, Wednesdays 2PM - 3:30PM

Hi! I’m Willa, and I’m from Boston, MA. I am a senior Public Health major with a minor in Biology, and I was previously on the pre-PA track. I’ve always been interested in health and medicine, and public health felt like the perfect way to explore those interests while also learning about prevention and health promotion. I love how broad the field is and how important it is in today’s world. I plan to become an elementary school teacher and work with kids on building healthy, inclusive classrooms - especially supporting children with autism. Later, I may pursue becoming a pediatric Physician Assistant. I’m excited to be a peer advisor because I want to share my enthusiasm for this major and help other students see all the different paths they can take with it.

Outside of peer advising, I’m an EMT with UMass EMS and a research assistant in the Quality for All (Q4A) Lab, where I get to work on projects that focus on reducing health inequities and addressing the root causes of health disparities. This past spring, I also studied abroad in Barcelona, which was such an incredible experience.

My biggest advice is to follow your passion! Public Health is such a broad major, and there are so many ways to make it your own. Don’t be afraid to lean on the supports we offer, such as the peer advisors, professors and faculty, or the support sessions offered by PAs throughout the year. I also encourage you to get involved in organizations that spark your interest, even if you’re not sure where they’ll lead at first. Taking advantage of all the opportunities within this major will help you discover your niche and figure out what excites you most for the future.

Rachel Lopriore (Pronouns: she/her/hers), Graduating: Spring 2026

Areas of Interest: Biostatistics

Office Hours: Tuesdays 10:30AM - 12PM, Thursdays 10:30AM - 12:30 PM

Hi! My name is Rachel Lopriore, and I'm from Leicester, Massachusetts. I'm majoring in public
health with a minor in business. I'm especially interested in public health's focus on prevention
and the ways science and statistics can be integrated to improve health outcomes. I transferred
into the public health major during my sophomore year, and I'm very excited to be a peer
advisor so I can help support other students as they navigate their own academic paths!

Outside of peer advising, I work at the Off-Campus Student Life Center in Bartlett 103
and also waitress at the Hanger Pub and Grill on University Drive. As a first-generation college
student, I understand the challenges that can come with transitioning into higher education, and
I'm passionate about helping students feel supported through that process.

My best advice for fellow UMass students is to take full advantage of the many
resources available to us. Lean into your advisors, especially during your first semesters, and
don't be afraid to ask for guidance. Keep your schedule full and consistent—it's important to stay
busy but balanced, especially since many students are used to structured high school
schedules. Most importantly, be open to change and new opportunities! There are so many
people here to support you, and we peer advisors are always here to help guide you in the right
direction.

Emma O'Connell (Pronouns: she/her/hers), Graduating: Spring 2026

Areas of Interest: Public Health & Health Policy

Office Hours: Mondays 9AM - 10:30AM, Wednesdays 11:30AM - 1:30PM

Hi everyone! My name is Emma O’Connell, a senior Public Health major with a minor in Public Policy. I’m from the small town of Winchester, MA—just about 15 minutes north of Boston. I chose to join the Public Health community because of my passion for helping people and making a positive impact on communities. The Public Health major is so broad and impactful, especially in areas such as policy and prevention, which I am mainly interested in. I am super excited to be a peer advisor as I love connecting with other students in the major, as well as recommending help and resources!

Here at UMass, aside from being a peer advisor, I am a part of the Public Health Club as well as the Public Policy Student Association. They are both great ways I have connected with students in the major, and with similar interests to me! This summer, I’ve been spending a lot of time with family and friends as I was studying abroad in Barcelona for the Spring 2025 semester!

My advice to students is not to be afraid to seek help and ask questions! During my freshman and sophomore years, peer advisors were such a great resource. I'm so glad that I will be able to help students just like I was when I first started at UMass. Also, try new things, meet new people, and take in every moment as it goes fast!

Caleb Lam (Pronouns: he/him/his), Graduating: Spring 2027

Areas of Interest: Clinical Health

Office Hours: Tuesdays 1:30PM - 3:30PM, Thursdays 1:00PM - 2:30PM

Hi my name is Caleb! I am from Quincy, Massachusetts and I am currently a junior majoring in Public Health while pursuing the Pre-PA health track. I chose Public Health as my major because of the variability the major provides, allowing me to explore numerous different fields/types of studies of Public Health and also being part of the health sciences, which gives me the opportunity to pursue most pre-health tracks.

Outside of peer advising, you can always find me either eating food in dining halls, playing volleyball or basketball at Boyden, or working out at the rec center. Over the past summer I worked as a waiter/bartender at a Vietnamese restaurant and took a course to get my EMT license.