Public Health Ambassadors


Student Organizations Promote Wellbeing 

USCB's Public Health Student Organization and Public Health Ambassadors focus on university health issues and interact with their peers in many ways, with a focus on improving wellbeing. They  collaborate with the Director of Campus Health, Student Development, campus leadership and a variety of student organizations to address health issues. 

 

Public Health Newsletters

 

Public Health Student Organization 

The goal of USCB's Public Health Student Organization (PHSO) is to promote public health to students and increase their involvement on campus and in the community. 

The 2023-24 Academic Year officers are:

Keshona Sharpe               

President

"My name is Keshona Sharpe, from Walterboro, SC.  I'm a junior majoring in nursing with a minor in public health. I'm the president of the Public Health Student Org. I enjoy helping people and educating them in ways that could make them do better in life! I look forward to making a difference on this campus and nearby communities as well."
Keshona Sharpe

TJ Ratzel                                 

Vice President

"Hello! I'm TJ (Thomas) Ratzel. I'm a sophomore and Pre-Nursing student. I am also an Army veteran and a father to an amazing, wonderful, and kind-hearted 1st grader. I was a Combat Medic for 7 years in the Army and have been in healthcare for a little over 10 years. I am extremely excited to continue my medical career by furthering my education at USCB. I look forward to building lasting partnerships with fellow students and sharing my personal experiences regarding my healthcare career journey. My hobbies are playing video games, lacrosse, and going on adventures with my daughter."
TJ Ratzel

Shermica Dunbar               

Treasurer

Bio Coming Soon.
Shermica Dunbar

Giselle Aguilar                      

Secretary

Bio Coming Soon.
Photo Coming Soon

Lacey Mueller               

Communication Officer

"I am currently a junior interdisciplinary studies major with a minor in medical humanities. I am going on my second year serving the executive board of the student organization as the communications officer. My responsibilities include publicizing club activities and serving as the liaison between the club and the wider USCB population. I am hoping that this year we can connect with more students to get them involved and informed on public health not only on campus but in our community. 
My future goals that I plan on pursuing with my degree include admission to a physician assistant master's program to provide a first-hand change in our country's health care system! As well as creating a non-profit to benefit women's health. My hobbies include cooking, traveling, and overall staying active in the gym."
Lacey Mueller

Kari Hill                                       

Social Media Chair

"I am a dedicated mother of two, balancing the demands of parenting with my full-time academic pursuits. My journey at USCB has been pivotal in shaping my ambitious career trajectory. I am currently working towards my bachelor’s degree in public health, complemented by a minor in medical health and humanities. My academic plan includes progressing to a Master's in Epidemiology, culminating in a dual Doctorate in Epidemiology and Environmental Health Science.

As an active participant in campus life, I hold the position of Social Media Chair in the Public Health Student Organization, and I'm a proud member of the Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society and the Social Media Club. These roles not only enrich my educational experience but also sharpen my leadership and communication skills.
My professional aspirations are to make a significant impact on global health, with the ultimate goal of working at esteemed organizations like the CDC or the World Health Organization. I firmly believe in the power of hard work, dedication, and determination to achieve one's dreams, a sentiment beautifully echoed by Eleanor Roosevelt: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." My commitment to these ideals drives me toward realizing my professional and personal goals."

Kari Hill

For more information about the Public Health Student Organization, contact its faculty advisor:

Hadis Dastgerdizad Elyaderani, PhD, MHA, MCHES

Assistant Professor, Public Health

SciTech Room 205
One University Boulevard
Bluffton, SC 29909
Office: 843-208-3171
Hadis Dastgerdizad Elyaderani, PhD, MHA, MCHES

 

Public Health Ambassadors

Public Health Ambassadors 2022-23

2022-2023 Student Public Health Ambassadors: (L to R) Becca Sonkin,  William Ancrum, Natalie Villasana and Khaylin Pinckney (not pictured). 

Safe Sex Campaign
2022-23 Academic Year

The USCB Student Public Health Ambassadors conducted a safe sex campaign, distributing complementary condoms on all three of the university's campus. They created and posted a QR code linked to the Center for Disease Control's condom factsheet and linked to an informational video about proper application and disposal of condoms. For this project, they partnered with Trojan brand and Advocates for Youths, a non-profit , dedicated to sexuality education and the prevention of HIV and of sexually transmitted diseases.

COVID 19 Precaucations and Education
2021-2022 Academic Year

Student Public Health Ambassadors conducted COVID-19 testing for students and university staff, delivered meals to students in quarantine, and conducted educational seminars to spread knowledge about COVID-19 and how to prevent its transmission. 

Public Health Ambassadors

2021-2022 Student Public Health Ambassors: (seated, L to R): Lauren Heath, Elyse Andrejcisk. (Standing, L to R): Kaylee Aiken, William Ancrum, Ianna Trumbauer

Become a Student Public Health Ambassador at USCB

If you're interested in becoming a Public Health Ambassador, please send an email to Dr. Kim Dudas, Director of Campus Health Initiatives, at kdudas@uscb.edu and include a resume.