Senate
Senate Members 2024-2025
Below are the members of the PHSA Senate for the 2024-2025 academic year. If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions for PHSA, please contact any Senate member. We look forward to hearing from you!
President - Allison Baumgartner (She/Her/Hers) ambaum@umich.edu
Allison is a second-year MPH student in Global Health Epidemiology. Allison is from Raleigh, North Carolina, where she received an undergraduate degree in biostatistics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health with minors in chemistry and music. Her professional interests encompass global maternal and child health, community-based participatory research, and mixed-method intervention monitoring and evaluation. As the PHSA President, Allison aims to foster cross-departmental and organizational engagement, idea-sharing, support, and collaboration. She enjoys hiking, experimenting with new recipes, painting, and playing the piano during her free time. Allison is committed to supporting the student community at SPH this academic year.
Vice President - Marlee Sacksner (She/Her/Hers) marleeis@umich.edu
Marlee Sacksner is a senior in the Undergraduate Public Health BA Program and is also pursuing a minor in Gender and Health. She is from Bloomfield Hills, MI. Marlee is interested in health equity, mental health advocacy and awareness, and reproductive justice. She hopes to work in the health administration field after graduation. In her free time, Marlee enjoys going to the movies with friends, baking and cooking, and spending time with her family and her dog. She is excited to serve as the Vice President and hopes to provide a supportive and welcoming environment for the entire SPH community through effective communication and programming.
Treasurer - Hannah Stovall (She/Her/Hers) hstovall@umich.edu
Hannah Stovall is a senior in the undergraduate program majoring in Public Health Sciences from Livonia, MI. Hannah is most interested in infectious disease prevention and injury prevention. After graduation, she hopes to continue her education by receiving an MPH in Epidemiology. She is looking forward to helping create a positive, welcoming SPH community. In her free time, Hannah enjoys exercise, baking, and reading.
Secretary - Paige Jewell (She/Hers) jewellpm@umich.edu
Paige is a first-year MPH student in the Environmental Health Sciences Program, specializing in Environmental Health Promotion and Policy, with certificates in Risk Science and Human Health and Sustainability. Paige is from Grand Rapids, Michigan, but traveled to Indianapolis to obtain her undergraduate degree in Health Sciences from Butler University. Paige is interested in the promotion of sustainability and climate change policy. She hopes to work within a non-profit or government organization in the future. Paige enjoys being with friends, reading, crocheting, and cooking in her free time. She is excited to serve as PHSA.
Parlimentarian - Zeinab Alghanem (she/hers) azeinab@umich.edu
Zeinab Alghanem is a first-year MPH student in Health Management and Policy from Detroit and Dearborn, MI. She earned her Bachelor's in Public Health from Wayne State University and is passionate about researching equitable healthcare solutions for minority communities locally and globally, with the aim of shaping more inclusive healthcare systems. As Parliamentarian, she aims to strengthen student autonomy through enhancing the impact of the feedback mechanism. In her free time, Zeinab enjoys reading books about societies, traveling, and exploring new cafes.
First-Year Representative - Anna Shewey (she/her) ashewey@umich.edu
I am an MPH student in the Health Behavior and Health Equity program. I grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and moved to Ann Arbor after receiving my Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Clinical Neuroscience from the University of Rhode Island. I am highly interested in food addiction, diabetes, and obesity-related research, and hope to integrate principles of health equity into this work to generate more culturally-competent interventions for those seeking weight loss or eating disorder treatments. In my spare time, I love running, hiking, reading, cooking and baking, and listening to classical music. I am thrilled to be a part of PHSA and hope I can help foster a sense of community and wellbeing within the School of Public Health.
Undergraduate Representative - Samantha Riordan (She/Her/Hers) riordasa@umich.edu
Samantha Riordan is a senior in the undergraduate program majoring in Public Health Sciences from Northville, MI. Sam is most interested in healthcare management. She is planning to continue onto graduate school in the future. As undergraduate representative, she is passionate about educating the community - both within and outside of SPH - about the work undergraduates contribute to public health. She is excited to help foster collaboration between cohorts and to help improve the inclusiveness of PHSA for undergraduates. Outside of class, Sam enjoys playing soccer, reading, and exploring coffee shops.
Doctoral Representative - Open Position Winter 2025
Open Position for a doctoral student in good academic standing (as determined by the Registrar’s Office) and enrolled full-time in the SPH. An executive board voting member responsible for being an intermediate between SPH doctoral students and the PHSA Senate. The Doctoral Representative is responsible for voicing relevant concerns or ideas from the doctoral student body at SPH to the PHSA Senate and is also required to disseminate relevant information from the PHSA Senate to their student subset. They will also be expected to coordinate with existing doctoral student organizations to ensure that PHSA meets the needs of the international student population at SPH. All members of the Executive Board, along with the rest of the PHSA Senate, are expected to support and assist other PHSA Senate members in coordinating PHSA events. If interested, please nominate yourself by reaching out to PHSA at phsaboard@umich.edu.
International Student Representative - Tai Yang (He/Him) yangtai@umich.edu
Tai Yang is a first-year PhD student in Biostatistics at the University of Michigan. Originally from China, Tai completed his undergraduate degree in Chongqing and received his master’s degree in the same Biostatistics program at SPH. His research focuses on statistical genetics, with specific interests in scRNA-seq analysis, GWAS, and cell lineage tracing. As the International Student Representative, Tai is dedicated to advocating for his fellow international students and ensuring their voices are heard. He aims to foster a supportive and inclusive environment at SPH while helping to improve access to important resources for international students. In his free time, Tai enjoys working out in the gym, hiking, and traveling.
Biostatistics Chair - Open Position Winter 2025
Open Position for a Biostatistics Graduate Student in good academic standing (as determined by the Registrar’s Office) and enrolled full-time in the SPH. A Departmental Board voting member responsible for being an intermediate between the Biostatistics students and the PHSA Senate. The Biostatistics Chair is responsible for voicing relevant concerns or ideas from the biostatistics student body at SPH to the PHSA Senate. They must also disseminate relevant information from the PHSA Senate to their department. All members of the Departmental Board, along with the rest of the PHSA Senate, are expected to support and assist other PHSA Senate members in coordinating PHSA events. Each Departmental Board member is responsible for coordinating and attending at least one PHSA event each semester and helping plan for the semesterly PHSA Town Hall. If interested, please nominate yourself by reaching out to PHSA at phsaboard@umich.edu.
Greg Trimble - (He/Him) gregtrim@umich.edu
Greg is a 1st year MPH student in Environmental Health Sciences with a focus on Environmental Health Promotion and Policy. He is originally from Melbourne, Florida and graduated with a Bachelor of Public Health from the University of Florida in May of 2024. Greg is interested in policy regarding workplace safety, and ensuring that all people can go to work free from hazards and have little to no risk of occupational injuries and illnesses. In his free time, Greg likes to swim, garden, and try locally owned restaurants in Ann Arbor. He looks forward to being the EHS representative and ensuring that all students’ voices are heard to facilitate positive changes and conversations within the School of Public Health.
Epidemiology Chair - Suranjan Bantupalli (He, Him, His) suranjan@umich.edu
Suranjan is a first-year MPH student in General Epidemiology at the University of Michigan, with a background in Health Informatics from his first master’s program. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from India. His research experience spans various areas, including respiratory health, medication efficacy, and public health intervention strategies. Suranjan has contributed to academic projects and publications, such as a comparative study on branded versus generic medications and an in-depth analysis of pulmonary function in diabetic patients. He is passionate about public health, particularly in the areas of healthcare systems, climate change, and epidemiology. In his free time, Suranjan enjoys staying active with fitness routines and creating content related to wellness and fashion.
Health Behavior & Health Equity Chair - Emily Anderson (She/Her/Hers) eeand@umich.edu
Emily is a second-year MPH student in the Department of Health Behavior and Health Equity. She is originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and received her bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities. Emily is interested in studying health disparities, equitable access to healthcare, and public health genetics. In her free time, Emily enjoys hiking, yoga, cooking, and trying new coffee shops in Ann Arbor. She is excited to serve as the HBHE Chair this academic year and looks forward to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community in SPH.
Health Informatics Chair - Open Position Winter 2025
Open Position for a Health Informatics Graduate Student in good academic standing (as determined by the Registrar’s Office) and enrolled full-time in the SPH. A Departmental Board voting member responsible for being an intermediate between the Health Informatics students and the PHSA Senate. The Health Informatics Chair is responsible for voicing relevant concerns or ideas from the Health Informatics student body at SPH to the PHSA Senate. They must also disseminate relevant information from the PHSA Senate to their department. All members of the Departmental Board, along with the rest of the PHSA Senate, are expected to support and assist other PHSA Senate members in coordinating PHSA events. Each Departmental Board member is responsible for coordinating and attending at least one PHSA event each semester and helping plan for the semesterly PHSA Town Hall. If interested, please nominateby reaching out to PHSA via phsaboard@umich.edu.
Health Management and Policy Chair - Kieu Anh Phan (She/Her/Hers) kieuphan@umich.edu
Kieu Anh Phan is a Third-year Dual Degree student, pursuing a Master of Health Services Administration and a Master Public Health in Global Health Epidemiology. She was born and raised in Vietnam and educated in Singapore. Kieu completed her undergraduate degree in Global and Public Health Sciences at Cornell University. Some of her professional interests include global health, climate change, health management and nutrition. In her free time, Kieu loves to explore new places, new recipes and meet new people.
Nutritional Sciences Chair - Farhia Mohamed (She/Her/Hers) farhia@umich.edu
Farhia is a first-year MPH student in the Nutritional Sciences Department. She graduated with distinction and an honors degree in Nutrition Science from College of Life Sciences - Kuwait University. Her focus is on nutritional epidemiology, with an emphasis on disease prevention and health promotion. As the Nutritional Sciences Chair, her goal is to integrate the department into the School of Public Health. She aims to foster a culture of inclusivity, integrity, and continuous growth within the SPH community. This will eventually create a supportive and thriving environment for all SPH students. In her free time, Farhia enjoys creating nutrition content, photography, and staying fit.
Population and Health Sciences Chair - Shadi Mawari (He/Him/His) ssmawari@umich.edu
Shadi is a second-year MPH student in the Population and Health Sciences department. He currently lives in Dearborn, Michigan and graduated with his Bachelor’s of Science in Public Health from Wayne State University. His interests in public health include effects of redlining, health equity, and the impact of policy on community health. Shadi is driven by a goal to enact tangible changes within his own community and beyond. He is also committed to bridging the gap between online students and the rest of SPH. In his free time, Shadi enjoys traveling, trying new food spots, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Graduate DEI Co-Chair - Sooyeon Oh (She/Her/Hers) sooyeono@umich.edu
Sooyeon Oh is a second-year MS student in the Biostatistics department. She was born in Korea and educated in different countries. She received her undergraduate degree in Statistics and Analytics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with minors in Neuroscience and Education. Her professional interests include mental health and psychiatric epidemiology. As a Graduate DEI Co-Chair at PHSA, Sooyeon aims to foster diversity and provide a welcoming environment for students at SPH.
Undergraduate DEI Co-chair - Rishika Satapathy (She/her) satapath@umich.edu
Rishika Satapathy is a junior in the undergraduate program majoring in Public Health Sciences and Data Science. She is from Northville, MI and enjoys cooking, reading mystery novels, and spending time with friends. Rishika is most interested in health disparities and changing the healthcare system. After graduation, she hopes to continue her education by receiving an MPH in Epidemiology or Biostatistics. She is looking forward to fostering an inclusive community at SPH where everyone’s' voices are heard!
Graduate Professional Development Co-Chair - Open Position Winter 2025
Open Position for an SPH Graduate Student in good academic standing (as determined by the Registrar’s Office) and enrolled full-time in the SPH. The Professional Development Chairs will disseminate knowledge about events pertaining to professional development within the School and within the wider University. They will coordinate SPH events or activities related to professional development opportunities, and serve as a liaison between the administration who works with alumni and the current student body. The Professional Development Chair will meet with Career Services and the Development Office to discuss strategic goals for the upcoming year. The Professional Development Chair will also oversee the Undergraduate-Graduate Mentorship Program. If interested, please nominate yourself or another student via nominating form, which goes live in September. School-wide elections will take place before September 30th. If you have questions about the Graduate Professional Development Co-Chair role on PHSA, please reach out to phsaboard@umich.edu.
Undergraduate Professional Development Co-Chair - Owen Chun (He/Him/His) owenchun@umich.edu
Owen Chun is a junior in the Undergraduate Public Health B.S. program also pursuing Microbiology (B.S.) in the College of Literature, Science, and Arts. He enjoys running, everything Star Wars, and RTS games. Being from San Jose, CA, he is particularly passionate about food/nutrition insecurity, infectious diseases, and LGBTQ+ health. Strongly interested in pursuing public health, he hopes to pursue an MPH or become a Certified Public Health Microbiologist. As a Professional Development Co-Chair, he hopes to link the graduate and undergraduate programs while exposing students to the broad field of public health.
Undergraduate Service Co-Chair - Albert Shim (He/Him/His) albertes@umich.edu
Albert is a senior in the Undergraduate Public Health BS Program. Passionate about environmental health and combating environmental injustice, Albert is also pursuing an Accelerated Master's Degree in environmental health sciences, with a focus on water quality and contaminant reduction. In his free time, Albert likes to listen to podcasts and walk the University of Michigan's arboretum. As undergraduate service co-chair, Albert hopes to engage the SPH undergraduate student body in making positive changes to communities on and off campus.
Graduate Social Co-chair - Tannis Catlett (she/her) tannisc@umich.edu
Tannis is a first-year MPH student in Nutritional Sciences-Dietetics, originally from Houston, Texas. She received two undergraduate degrees: one in Food Studies and Cognitive Science from Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, and another in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Her professional interests include nutritional biochemistry, clinical dietetics, translational research methodologies, and culinary arts. As the Graduate Co-Chair, Tannis hopes to leverage her experience as a hospitality professional to support community building in the School of Public Health and beyond. In her free time, she enjoys visiting cultural markets, exploring Michigan with her family, playing Sudoku, and caring for her pets. With a passion for bringing people together, Tannis aims to make every event a memorable experience for all!
Undergraduate Social Co-Chair - Grace Lenox (She/Her/Hers) gracelen@umich.edu
Grace Lenox is a senior majoring in Public Health Sciences in the undergraduate program, and minoring in Computer Science. She is from Northville, MI and enjoys crocheting, reading, making music, and spending time with friends and family. Grace plans to pursue a MPH after graduation, with interests in environmental health, epidemiology, and biostatistics. She is currently researching the health impacts of environmental noise and is particularly interested in health disparities, reproductive justice, and mental health advocacy. As Undergraduate Social Co-Chair, she hopes to provide the Public Health community with beneficial and engaging events throughout the year.