Public Health Sciences Peer Advising
APPLY HERE TO BE A PEER ADVISOR FOR THE FALL 2024- SPRING 2025 ACADEMIC YEAR!
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.
Spring 2024 Peer Advising Schedule
(No appointments necessary, February 1st - May 10th)
Monday: 9AM - 12:30PM, 2PM - 5PM
Tuesday: 9AM - 4:30PM
Wednesday: 9AM - 4:30PM
Thursday: 9:30AM - 11AM, 11:15AM - 12:45PM, 1PM - 4:30PM
Friday: CLOSED
Office: 102 Arnold House
E-mail: peerad [at] umass [dot] edu (peerad[at]umass[dot]edu)
Peer advisors offer in-person drop-in advising hours, but If you would prefer virtual advising, please email peerad [at] umass [dot] edu (peerad[at]umass[dot]edu) to schedule a time. Please note: Students will not be accepted into the Zoom meeting if they are not logged into their UMass account.
Simone Vassell (Pronouns: she/her/hers), Graduating: Spring 2024
Areas of Interest: Pre-physician assistant studies, healthcare quality, health inequity
Office Hours: Tuesdays 11am-1pm and Thursdays 11:15am-12:45pm
Hello! I’m Simone, a senior public health major, with a psychology minor, on the pre-physician assistant track. I am also a first-generation college student. While I enjoy attending UMass, I’m a proud Jersey resident. I’m from Dumont, New Jersey, a small town in Northern New Jersey. I decided to attend UMass because I was fascinated by the public health major that is offered here. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced me to the general idea of public health, but participating in this major has allowed me to deepen my understanding of its importance and prevalence. I am going to attend PA school once I graduate from UMass, however I plan to take a gap year. During this time I’ll obtain patient care experience as a patient care associate. I feel that by majoring in public health, I can incorporate this knowledge towards the medical field and provide a unique perspective compared to those of other healthcare workers.
When I am not in class or peer advising, I work Facility Operations at the UMass Campus Recreation Center. Additionally, I love reading, working out with my sister, and taking long walks while listening to my favorite playlists. I also used to be a competitive dancer, so I still love to dance and often strengthen my flexibility through yoga.
My best piece of advice is to keep your focus on the big picture. As students we often find ourselves engrossed by things like poor exam grades or assignments that we may have scored low on. It's important to step back and recognize that our overall achievements are what truly matter. As long as you consistently try your best and seek help from outside resources when needed, you can certainly excel in your academic career.
Rebecca Jakson (Pronouns: she/her/hers), Graduating: Spring 2024
Areas of Interest: Pre-physican assistant studies, psychology, health inequities, community health education, women’s health, pediatrics, and preventative/primary care
Office Hours: Mondays 2-3:30pm and Tuesdays 2:30-4:30pm
Hey! I’m Rebecca and I am a senior from Marlborough, MA. I am a Public Health major with a Psychology and Biology minor, and am pursuing a Pre-Physician Assistant track. Health has always been something I have wanted to pursue a career in since I was in high school. When I first entered the public health major, I had no idea what it was other than it had the word health in it. These past three years at Umass have solidified that I made the right choice picking this major. Everything I am passionate about has been encompassed by this major. From a focus on community health, to how to promote access and equity of health care for others, to looking at different factors that influence health. I can’t wait to be a head peer advisor this year, to help others along with their journey, and pay it forward from past friends, students, advisors, professors etc who have helped me along the way.
Some things I am involved in outside of being a head peer advisor for the public health major here on campus are; I am Vice President of UMass Pre-PA club, Mentorship Chair for UMass SNMA-MAPS, a teaching assistant for Public Health 301 - Community Health Education, and I work at the John Adams Residential Service Desk. Outside of school and academics I love to travel, relax and have a selfcare night watching movies or Youtube, and spend time with family and friends.
The best advice I can give is to be open to talking. Keep an open mind when it comes to meeting new people and put yourself out there. Talk to other students in your classes, talk with your TA, go to your professor’s office hours or meet with your academic advisor regularly. It is so important to build those relationships because you never know what you might learn from someone else or opportunities that might come along the way while making and nurturing those relationships. I know it can be daunting making friends and talking to others, especially networking with professors and adults. Just go for it and be open to asking questions to others and sharing your own journey with others. You would be surprised just how many doors and opportunities open up when you say hello.
Victoria Fonseca (Pronouns: she/her/hers), Graduating: Spring 2024
Areas of Interest: Emergency Medicine, Maternal/Child Health, Toxicology, Biostatistics, Pre-Nursing
Office Hours: Tuesdays 1-3pm and Thursdays 9:30-11am
Hi, my name is Victoria and I am from Framingham, Massachusetts. I'm a senior studying public health sciences on the pre-nursing track with a minor in biology. When I began applying to colleges a few years ago, I was very excited to discover that UMass Amherst offered an undergraduate degree in public health. Even though I have known for many years that I want to pursue a career in medicine, I was really drawn to this major because of how broad the study of public health is. I love learning about ways to better the world around me, which my studies here allow me to do.
I spent my summer working as an EMT for a busy city, which was one of the greatest experiences ever! I love being able to interact with patients. I volunteered for multiple years at the blood bank and endoscopy unit of the hospital located in my hometown prior to becoming an EMT. Both volunteering and working in emergency medicine has reaffirmed to me that I want to work in healthcare due to my love of helping others. Here at UMass, I’m a member of UMass EMS, Public Health Club, American Red Cross Club, and the Association of Women in Science. I am also a teaching assistant for the course Environmental Poisons, (PUBHLTH 333) which I am so excited about because I am fascinated by toxicology. I also enjoy listening to music, spending time with my friends, and sitting down to read a good book.
My best advice is to ask for help if you are struggling or confused about anything at UMass. There are so many programs in place to aid students in various aspects: the Learning Resource Center, the Center for Counseling and Psychological Health, the Office of Career Planning, and more. There are so many resources built to help students succeed. Additionally - be sure to ask lots of questions! If you voice your confusion, people will be able to help you better.
Nicole Vassell (Pronouns: she/her/hers), Graduating: Spring 2024
Areas of interest: Pre-Physician Assistant, reproductive health, health inequities
Office hours: Mondays 3:30-5pm and Tuesdays 9-11am
Hi everyone! I’m from Bergen County, New Jersey. UMass was one of the only out of state schools I applied to and I’m so glad that I did. About halfway through high school I had known I either wanted to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant. Getting accepted into the PHS major and further researching what it’s all about is what really solidified my decision to commit to the pre-PA track. I feel that being well rounded is an important trait for people to have, and to me that‘s what this major is all about! For as long as I can remember I have been extremely passionate about women’s health and reproductive justice. Additionally, my studies at UMass have shown me how prevalent health inequities are and how important it is for them to be acknowledged and addressed.
Outside of peer advising, I spend time working Facility Operations at the Recreation Center. In my free time I enjoy working out and taking yoga classes, cooking, shopping, listening to music, and spending quality time with my family and friends.
The best advice I have to offer to any and every type of student is to always be looking ahead regarding your schedule. Try to maintain a good idea of what’s coming for you in terms of schoolwork and extracurriculars so that you manage when you complete work in accordance. When needed, always take a step back. There’s nothing wrong with having those unproductive days! Just make sure to always make an effort first.
Keelyn Santos (Pronouns: she/her/hers), Graduating: Spring 2024
Areas of Interest: Global Health, Maternal/Child Health, Health Policy and Management, Community Health
Office Hours: Mondays 10:30am-12:30pm and Tuesdays 1-2:30pm
Hi! My name is Keelyn and I am from Taunton, MA. I’m a senior studying public health with a concentration in global health. I transferred to UMass in the fall of my sophomore year and I am so happy I did! I was previously a biology major, but I always knew it wasn’t exactly a great fit for me. When applying to UMass I was immediately excited to see that they offered public health as a major. I have known from a very young age that I wanted to have a career in healthcare, but didn’t know what specific aspect I wanted to pursue. This is why I knew public health was a perfect choice because of the broad nature of it. Public health truly does have something to offer for everyone!
Besides being a public health peer advisor, I am also a teacher’s assistant for PUBHLTH 160 My Body, My Health for the 2023-2024 school year. Some of my other interests include reading, going to the beach, thrifting, and traveling. I recently studied abroad in Cyprus this past Spring and it definitely sparked my interest in learning more about other places, cultures, and healthcare systems within them.
My best advice would be to make the best of your college experience, whether it's getting involved in a club, making new friends, or doing something that's out of your comfort zone. All of these things are so important during your college years. As a senior I can’t help but reminisce on everything that I’ve done over the past 3 years and I can't wait to soak up my last year here at UMass!
Aly Haggerty (Pronouns: she/her/hers), Graduating: Spring 2025
Areas of Interest: Healthcare Management and Administration, Health Policy, Community Health Education
Office Hours: Wednesdays 11:30am-1pm and Thursdays 12:45-2:45pm
Hi! My name is Aly and I am from Woburn, Massachusetts. I'm a junior studying public health with a minor in business. Years before college I knew I wanted to work within the healthcare system. When I originally applied to UMass as a public health major I knew very little about the major. Because public health is so broad, I was able to learn about all of the opportunities the major gives me in all of my classes and instantly knew that I made the right decision. Over my first two years at UMass I have loved exploring the field and discovering my own passion within public health.
In addition to peer advising here at UMass, I’m a member of Isenberg Women in Business. Joining Women in Business helped me meet other students outside of my major and led me to declaring a business minor. Taking business classes along with my public health courses made it clear those were the fields I was most passionate about, leading me to declare a focus area in health management. Outside of school, I enjoy listening to country music, shopping, spending time with my family and friends, and reading a good book.
The best advice I have for any UMass Student is to pay attention to all of the resources offered on campus. I have come to learn that there is always someone who knows exactly how to help here, so never hesitate to ask if you’re struggling with anything! Peer Advising, the Office of Career Planning, the Learning Resource Center, and the Center for Counseling and Psychological Health are just some of the resources available to you. There is no shame in asking for help and everyone here wants you to succeed!
Jenna Marando (Pronouns: she/her/hers), Graduating: Spring 2024
Areas of Interest: Epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, research and data management
Office Hours: Wednesdays 9am-12:30pm
Hello! I’m Jenna and I am a senior from Norton, Massachusetts. I am a public health sciences major with a focus in epidemiology and a minor in biology. I am also in the 4+1 program pursuing an MPH degree in epidemiology. Although I started at UMass in the College of Natural Sciences, I switched to public health during my sophomore year and since then I have found my home in SPHHS among my peers and the faculty. The public health major has allowed me to take my interests in biology, healthcare, and research and apply these to different classes, projects, and opportunities.
For the past year I have been an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Laura Vandenberg’s lab which has taught me the details of academic research and has furthered my interests in environmental health and how environmental exposures can impact development. This summer I interned for the Safety, Health, and Environment department at AstraZeneca and focused on the regulatory, policy, and sustainability guidelines that work to protect human health and the environment. I am also on the E-board of the UMass Public Health Club and would love for new students to join us in volunteer activities and on-campus events!
My best advice is to stay organized in whatever way that means to you. I have always been the type of student to make lists: what I need to do for the day, what I need to do for the week, major due dates throughout the semester, etc. Find ways that work best for you to be able to keep track of assignments, deadlines, and commitments so that you don’t find yourself overwhelmed by tasks running through your mind or catching you off guard when it’s too late. This can give you peace of mind to be able to make time for doing the things you enjoy!
Michaela Ayisi (Pronouns: she/her/hers), Graduating: Spring 2024
Areas of Interest: Pre-physician assistant, maternal and child health, health equity
Office Hours: Wednesdays 1-4:30pm
Hi! I’m Michaela, a senior public health major with a focus area in maternal and child health. I am also on the pre-physician assistant track and in the 4+1 program for community health education. I am from Shrewsbury, MA, a small town next to Worcester. When I got accepted to UMass as a public health major I had little idea what that meant but I knew it was a good path to get some of my pre-physician assistant requirements. Once I actually began my courses I realized Public Health was something very interesting to me and would provide a good basis for the goals of my clinical work which is to provide patient centered care and minimize health disparities.
Outside of peer advising I am an event coordinator for Black Women in Medicine on campus and a member of the club pre-physician assistant. I also work as a CNA during the summers to accumulate patient care hours. When I am not focused on school I enjoy reading, crocheting, working out, and just hanging out with friends and family.
My best piece of advice is don’t be ashamed if you don’t know something. Always ask questions, whether that be for clarification on a difficult topic or even advice on what classes you should take. We have all been there before, even your professors. There is no such thing as a stupid question; and if it feels like you don’t even know where to start, stop by the peer advising office and we can point you in the right direction.
Kaela Leary (Pronouns: she/her/hers), Graduating: Spring 2024
Areas of Interest: Community health education, mental health, psychology, health and our built environment
Office Hours: Mondays 2-3:30pm and Tuesdays 10:30am-12:30pm
Hi! My name is Kaela and I am a senior from Marshfield, MA. I am a Public Health and Psychology double major and I’m in the Honors College. I entered UMass undecided and spent a year trying to figure out what was the best major for me. I am so happy I landed in Public Health because the major has given me the opportunity to explore things I care about, like mental health education, as well as discover new interests like exploring how our physical environment can affect our health. I have been super grateful for all the support I have received in the Public Health department over the past two years and am excited to step into the role of Peer Advisor to help others find their love for Public Health.
Outside of Public Health and advising, I am the Vice President of the Club Running team on campus and I love to run. I also work at the Carney Cafe in Isenberg and I love volunteering in the Permaculture garden here on campus. In my free time, I love being outdoors, hanging out with my roommates, taking yoga classes at the rec center, reading, and rock climbing!
One piece of advice I would give is that it’s ok not to have it all figured out. There will be plenty of time and opportunity to explore what sounds interesting to you, you don’t have to know exactly what you want to do right away. Take a class that piques your interest and sign up for a club that might be a bit outside of your comfort zone. Talk to people in various different majors and careers. Always keep an open mind. In time, you’ll begin to find what the right path is for you, but no there’s need to rush it :)
Hengie Isidore (Pronouns: she/her/hers), Graduating: Spring 2025
Areas of interest: health policy, health management, health law, health policies affecting vulnerable populations. epidemiology
Office Hours: Mondays 9am-12:30pm
Hi everyone! My name is Hengie and I’m from Orlando, Florida. I am currently a junior majoring in Public Health and also pursuing a business minor. I am also a member of the Commonwealth Honors College here at UMass. Growing up, my mother worked in business/ finance and my father was a diplomat which greatly influenced my interest in policy and management. Throughout high school, I was also really intrigued by the human body and the different ways our mental, spiritual, physical, emotional, and social health can impact our quality of life and wellbeing as well as the policies and regulations that may help or limit us from doing so which is why I was determined and excited to start my studies in public health at UMass.
Outside of peer advising, I work at the UMass Residential Life Office in CHC as a Student Supervisor. I also am a UMass Dining Sustainability intern where I get to work on interesting projects to make a safer campus climate both for students and the environment. I’m also one of the Treasurers for the Haitian-American Student Association (HASA) on campus. On my own time, I enjoy listening to music and going to concerts, reading, shopping, and hanging out with friends.
My best advice would be to really take advantage of your first year and look into programs and extracurriculars that you would be interested in. Often, clubs and organizations on campus require you to be an active member of their organizations before being able to be a part of their planning committee. It’s always nice to see their qualifications and have the time to prepare yourself which greatly helps you achieve your academic, professional, and/or personal goals.
Renee Boulanger (Pronouns: she/her/hers), Graduating: Spring 2025
Areas of Interest: Pre-Dental studies, Mental health, community health education, health management, health inequities
Office Hours: Tuesdays 3-4:30pm and Thursdays 2:30-4:30pm
Hi! My name is Renee and I'm a junior from Andover, Massachusetts. I am studying public health sciences on the pre-dental track with a minor in biology. When I first came to Umass I was a biology major and switched to public health during freshman year. I am so happy I made the decision and being in the major has given me amazing opportunities and I have been able to explore many different interests. I was overall drawn to this major specifically because of how broad it is and how it allows me to explore topics that I am passionate about. I am very excited to be a peer advisor this year and help other students with their journey.
Outside of peer advising I am on the Eboard for Active Minds as well as the Pre-dental society here on campus. In my free time I love to spend time with family and friends, reading, relaxing, shopping and volunteering. I am also BLS certified and dental radiographic certified. This past summer I spent a lot of time shadowing and volunteering.
My best advice is to actually go to class! I know that sounds silly but in order to be successful in your classes you have to actually be engaged and present. I noticed that sitting in the front of a big lecture hall really helps to stay engaged. This also helps you to make a good relationship with professors who otherwise wouldn't know your name in a sea of hundreds of kids. Talk to the people around you and make friends in your classes. It's really helpful to know other people in the same class as you whether you need a study buddy or just someone to talk to.
Anna Arbo (Pronouns: she/her/hers), Graduating: Spring 2024
Areas of Interest: health equity, global health, community health education, housing stability, community development
Office Hours: Wednesdays 9:30-11:30am and 2:30-4pm (also on Wednesdays)
Hi I’m Anna and I’m from Marblehead, MA. I’m a senior public health and Spanish double major and in the 4+1 MPH program in Community Health Education. I was accepted into UMass as a public health major and knew it was such a broad subject that would allow me to make a difference. But, I had no idea how much I would learn about the ways that public health is integrated in everything we do on a daily basis. I love looking at different social issues, finding connections between them, and using those to brainstorm and develop solutions that could actually be implemented. All of my classes have inspired me and opened my eyes to the possibilities in the field of public health and my potential career.
This summer, I had an internship with MassHousing in the Housing Stability department which was an amazing experience that introduced me to the field of housing and the partners that are involved in solving housing problems. Here at UMass, I work as an Usher at the Fine Arts Center and am involved in Alpha Phi Omega, a community service fraternity. I also studied abroad in Granada, Spain last spring (2023)! Outside of school, I love to run, do yoga, hang out with friends, and read on the beach.
My best piece of advice is to ask questions both when you need help and when something interests you. There are so many resources on campus that can address almost any type of need. It can also be really helpful to reach out to professors when something is specifically interesting to you. Anything can be a learning experience and you never know when an opportunity can come your way if you are willing to ask questions.
Grace Dube (Pronouns: she/her/hers), Graduating: Spring 2024
Area of Interest: pre-physician assistant studies, harm reduction, addiction medicine, health inequities
Office Hours: Wednesdays 12:30-2:30pm and Thursdays 1-2:30pm
Hi everyone! My name is Grace and I am from Somerset, Massachusetts, a small town near Providence, Rhode Island. I am a current senior studying Public Health Sciences and I am on the pre-physician assistant track. I am also pursuing a minor in Biology! Both of my parents work in healthcare (my dad is a paramedic and my mom is a nurse), so I am extremely fortunate enough to grow up in an environment that supported my curiosity in medicine and my decision to enter the healthcare field.
Before attending UMass Amherst I was a biology major at another university. Despite wanting to go into healthcare, I realized early on I wanted to take classes in college that encompassed all of my interests (such as community engagement, social justice, and politics)! I thus decided to become a global studies and biology double major a couple weeks into my freshman year. My advisor at the time introduced me to the field of public health and I was immediately intrigued. A long story short, I ended up discovering the UMass Amherst PHS major and transferred into this program for my sophomore year!
Becoming a public health major was one of the greatest decisions. In addition to transforming how I think about health and medicine, this major has helped me grow as a student, critical thinker, and overall person in my short three years here. I am very excited to learn even more about what the public health major has to offer by interacting with my peers during my time as an advisor!
In addition to being a peer advisor, I am also an undergraduate teaching assistant for anatomy and physiology, a field supervisor for UMass EMS, and am a member of the pre-PA club! When home from school I work as an EMT and provide emergency 911 care and transport to my community. Working as an EMT has been a transformative and educational experience. From engaging with underserved populations to witnessing health inequities and the opioid epidemic in action, the real life experiences I have had as an EMT have strengthened my understanding and passion for public health. During the summers I also work as an assistant manager at a local pizza shop in my hometown, play softball, and am an assistant coach for a recreational softball team. In my free time I enjoy working out, reading a good book (I am eager for recommendations), listening to true crime podcasts, camping, and skiing.
The best advice I can give is to be open-minded! Yes, I know it sounds cliché and repetitive, but I encourage everyone to be open to new things; be open to ask for help about classes, be open to talking and learning from new people, and be open to trying new clubs! With an open mind I believe you will find your interests and truly enjoy your time at UMass!