UCGHI Student Ambassador Program

This remote leadership opportunity is open to all currently enrolled University of California (UC) and Charles R. Drew University (CDU) students from various stages of their education and across disciplines (i.e., undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from medical, nursing, law, social sciences, art, etc.) who are dedicated to personal and professional growth by representing UCGHI and global health on their respective campus. UCGHI Student Ambassadors will learn about the work of UCGHI and its Centers (Center for Gender and Health Justice, Center for Planetary Health, and Center for Health Workforce). This is an exciting and unique opportunity to engage with key researchers (faculty, staff, students) and leaders in global health across the UC system and CDU while also expanding your professional networks. The Student Ambassador Program curriculum will demonstrate the multidisciplinary nature of global health by providing students exposure to a broad range of topics through interactive webinars and networking sessions.

While UCGHI welcomes Student Ambassador alumni to apply, preference will be given to new students who have not yet participated in the program.

Student Ambassador Leadership Opportunity for Alumni: UCGHI encourages Student Ambassador alumni to consider applying for the two Lead Student Ambassador positions, a special leadership opportunity for one student from a Southern California UC campus or CDU and one student from a Northern California UC campus to support program coordination and to work closely with UCGHI and Center leadership.

Program Goals:

• Education & Training
  • To educate Ambassadors on global health issues with focuses on the subject areas covered by UCGHI Center for Planetary Health (CPH), UCGHI Center for Gender and Health Justice (CGHJ), and UCGHI Center for Health Workforce (HEAL).
  • To facilitate community building with fellow students interested in global health across the University of California.
  • To integrate cultural humility in global health and actively acknowledge and identify power inequities through collective dialogue.
• Professional Development
  • To connect students and faculty/staff across UC and CDU campuses to expand professional network.
  • To amplify student voices through UCGHI’s social media platforms.
  • To create professional growth opportunities and workforce skills building such as student engagement opportunities and internship opportunities.

Student Ambassador Role and Responsibilities:

Student Ambassadors will benefit by connecting with global health learners and leaders on campus; gaining knowledge and expertise on local and global public health topics; interacting with UCGHI leadership and staff across 10 UC campuses; and collaborating with campus leaders and faculty members from across the UC.

Student Ambassadors will:

• Serve as a UCGHI Student Ambassador from January 2026 – June 2026 and promote the Institute and global health on your respective campus(es).
• Commit 1-2 hours per week to the program.
• Participate in all monthly educational webinars and networking events and complete required monthly post-webinar surveys (watch recordings for missed webinars and complete post-webinar survey).
• Connect with diverse and dynamic students and leaders in the field across 10 UC campuses and Charles R. Drew University.
• Amplify UCGHI Grand Rounds webinars to peers and global health-related student organizations on campus (required).
• Attend the UCGHI Water and Health Research Conference in Spring 2026 and amplify the event to peers on campus (required - more details will be shared in winter).
• Submit a required final project and participate in the virtual Student Ambassadors Showcase in June 2026.
• Be invited to participate in a variety of UCGHI-affiliated opportunities via 1) internship opportunities (optional), 2) student engagement opportunities (optional).
• Receive a Certificate of Completion upon successful completion of the program.
• Receive a $300 student award upon successful completion of all program requirements.

Student Ambassador Stipend

UCGHI will be providing $300 stipends to participating student ambassadors upon successful completion of all the program’s requirements by mailed check. Student Ambassadors must commit to prompt communication and completing necessary paperwork accurately with the most up to date information. Important note: Student ambassadors who are employed by the University of California and paid through UC Path will receive a $300 stipend less taxes. Please note that being a UC employee does not disqualify you from participating in the program.

UCGHI Centers

UCGHI Center for Gender and Health Justice

The Center for Gender and Health Justice envisions a world in which equitable gender norms lead to healthy and empowered people — including UC students. The Center promotes research, education and community engagement both globally and locally to reduce gender and health inequities.

Student Ambassadors will be introduced to the CGHJ leadership team and the Center’s signature research projects and will learn about issues related to gender and health justice. Students will have the opportunity to work with the CGHJ through (optional) CGHJ Internship Opportunities Program. 

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY [OPTIONAL]: Are you interested in receiving education about gender and health justice? UCGHI’s Center for Gender and Health Justice is looking for students to complete an asynchronous online course and provide feedback about their experience. Students will receive $500 (in addition to the $300 UCGHI Student Ambassador stipend) to complete an online course that consists of approximately 80 hours of study (or about 5-8 hours a week). This will include online videos, readings, and a live discussions led by faculty from the UCGHI Center for Gender and Heath Justice. Students will receive a certificate of completion at the conclusion of the course. This opportunity is open for all UC undergraduate students who are able to agree to this time commitment during Winter 2026 quarter only (or January-March 2026). UCGHI Student Ambassadors will be given first priority to enroll in the course. Additional information for this special opportunity is in the UCGHI Student Ambassador application survey (see link under Application Process). 

UCGHI Center for Planetary Health

The mission of the Center for Planetary Health Is to collaborate with partners around the world in research, education, outreach, and transformative solutions to health-environment challenges. The Center for Planetary Health has the ability to galvanize faculty, researchers, and students across the ten UC campuses to address the threats and opportunities surrounding the health of populations and their environments and develop effective solutions. 

Student Ambassadors will be introduced to the Center for Planetary Health (CPH) leadership team and the Center’s education and training initiatives. Students will have the opportunity to work with the CPH through (optional) Summer Immersion Program, Latinxs and the Environment, Rx One Health Field Institute and other student engagement opportunities.

UCGHI Center for Health Workforce

The Center for Health Workforce (HEAL) believes health is achievable for even the most vulnerable populations in our world when we apply principles of equity, justice, and solidarity. The Center trains and transforms front line health professionals through building a community dedicated to serving the underserved as their lifelong choice.

Student Ambassadors will be introduced to the Center for Health Workforce leadership team and the Center’s fellowships and training initiatives. Students will have the opportunity to learn about global health equity and HEAL projects in the community, at the clinical level, in research, and in teaching through webinars or networking sessions.

• Applicants must be currently enrolled at a UC campus (i.e., undergraduate, graduate, medical, nursing, law, etc.) or partnering Historically Black College & University, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.
• Completed at least one year at your academic institution (does not apply to Masters and PhD students).
• Demonstrated engagement with a global health-related activity on your campus.
• Exhibit leadership, initiative, dependability, curiosity, and enthusiasm for global health.
• UCGHI is committed to building a culture of belonging. Applicants are requested to include in their application essay responses how they will further this goal.
• Demonstrate strong communication (written and verbal), including commitment to be responsive to email communication through the duration of the program.
• Ability to commit to 1-2 hours of work per week for duration of the program and commit to fulfilling all requirements of the program.

The application cycle for the 2025-2026 UCGHI Student Ambassador Program has closed.

For questions or more information contact:
UCGHI Communications Specialist, Stephanie Sumstine-Felice, MPH (Stephanie.Sumstine-Felice@ucop.edu).

2024-2025 Curriculum

2023-2024 Curriculum

Alyssa Bindra
Microbiology
UC Santa Barbara

Alyssa Bindra is a microbiology major with a strong commitment to global health advocacy and health equity. She has worked with the Filipino Migrant Center, engaging in community outreach and educational justice efforts, and supports youth health initiatives through SBCEO's Health Linkages program. Alyssa plans to pursue a career in infectious disease medicine, focusing on addressing global health inequities affecting underserved communities worldwide.

Alyssa Naoumov
Biopsychology
UC Santa Barbara

Alyssa Naoumov is a second-year biopsychology major at UC Santa Barbara. She is committed to women's health equity, healthcare accessibility, and becoming a patient-first physician. She has prior experience as an intern in an athletic training room and as a volunteer for a women's street medicine organization. Her research interests focus on women's reproduction and reproductive disease, with the goal of contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of female-tailored medicine for the next generation of healthcare providers.

Ananya Vittaladevuni
Molecular and Cellular Biology
UC Berkeley

Ananya has worked in research labs since 2019 in wet labs, remote capacities, and startups. She is currently pursuing a dual degree in Molecular Therapetuics and Human Biology at UC Berkeley. She plans on pursuing her love of science education and higher-degree research interests through an MD/PhD program and focusing on a career as a physician scientist or professor in biochemistry, endocrinology, and cellular biology research. She also enjoys teaching, volunteering, and travel.

Anchita Arora
Biology
UC Santa Barbara

Anchita is a second-year biology major at UCSB with a strong passion for community-based healthcare, health equity, and supporting underserved populations. Through her involvement in community health education initiatives, she has developed a commitment to health literacy and cultural humility. She aspires to pursue a career in medicine and is enthusiastic about working at the intersection of healthcare, advocacy, and education. In her free time, Anchita enjoys hiking, reading, and finding new cafes!

Anthony James Nocedal
Public Health Sciences; Criminology, Law & Society
UC Irvine

Anthony is in his last year at UCI pursuing a B.S. in Public Health Sciences and B.A. in Criminology, Law, and Society. As a Research Assistant for Dr. Oladele Ogunseitan and Dr. Belén Lowrey-Kinberg, he conducts research on electronic waste policy in the Philippines and progressive prosecution trends in the U.S. After graduating, he plans to pursue an MPH in Global Health/ Health Policy, with long-term goals of earning a JD/PhD joint degree.

Ariba Baig
Biochemistry
Medical & Health Humanities (Minor)
UC Riverside

Ariba Baig is a third-year Biochemistry major and Medical & Health Humanities minor at the University of California, Riverside, pursuing a career in pharmacy. She volunteers at Kaiser Permanente and is dedicated to gaining hands-on experience in patient care. Her interests include clinical research, healthcare awareness, and accessibility. Ariba strives to advocate for inclusivity in the healthcare system and encourage initiatives that promote equitable, culturally responsive care.

Blossom Miakiakwua Abudu
Public Health
UC Merced

Blossom Miakiakwua Abudu is a Public Health major at UC Merced whose work centers on global health equity, chronic disease prevention, and immigrant community health. She brings experience in EMT training, community health outreach, and service through programs such as VITA and College Corps. Blossom is committed to advancing culturally grounded approaches to health, strengthening health education, and supporting underserved populations across California.

Elizabeth Amankwah
PhD in Public Health
UC Merced

Elizabeth Amankwah is a Public Health PhD student at UC Merced with interests in maternal and child health, environmental exposures, and global health equity. Her research focuses on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and birth outcomes in the San Joaquin Valley, including spatial patterns and missing-data challenges. With a background in Statistics, Elizabeth is passionate about using data-driven approaches to reduce maternal and child health disparities locally and across low- and middle-income countries.

Felix Opoku
PhD in Public Health
UC Merced

Felix Opoku is a second-year PhD student in Public Health at the University of California, Merced. He conducts his research in the Bradman Lab, where his work focuses on air and water quality, environmental pollutants, and their impacts on vulnerable communities. Felix is particularly interested in understanding exposure pathways and advancing evidence-based approaches to environmental health protection. Through his doctoral training, Felix aims to bridge scientific research with community-centered environmental health solutions.

Gabrielle Villanueva
Biospychology
Spanish (Minor)
UC Santa Barbara

Gabrielle Villanueva is a 3rd year undergraduate student on the pre-physical therapy track as a Biopyschology major and Spanish minor. She currently holds various board positions for pre-health and community service organizations on campus, volunteers at Cottage Hospital, and works as a Physical Therapist Aide at a local clinic. Through these roles, she supports and uplifts her community, reflecting her commitment to meaningful, service-driven leadership.

Giovanni Rodriguez
Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience
General Biology (Minor)
UC San Diego

Giovanni (Gio) Rodriguez is a fourth-year student at UC San Diego studying Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in General Biology. As an aspiring physician, he is interested in researching and treating severe neurological disorders and advocating for increased access to education. Currently, he serves as a Research Assistant at the Positive Emotion and Anxiety Research Lab, and as a CAMP Scholar researching how to make STEM education more equitable and transparent for all students.

Hafsa Aslam
Human Biology
UC Davis

Hafsa Aslam is a second year Human Biology major at UC Davis. She is passionate about furthering health equity and health education especially for displaced communities. She enjoys volunteering with Hearts for the Homeless and is also a volunteer in training at Shifa clinic, a student-run clinic aimed to provide free multilingual, high quality care to disenfranchised communities. Additionally, she works as an undergraduate researcher at a physiology and proteomics laboratory. She is also interested in learning more about the intersection of health literacy and culturally competent care in improving overall global health.

Jasmine Cisneros (Lead Student Ambassador)
Psychobiology; Neuroscience
UCLA

Jasmine Cisneros is a UCLA Psychobiology student interested in the intersection of global health, equity, and systems of care. Her interests include health disparities research, basic needs and food security, and gender and health justice. She serves as the Student Lead of the CalFresh Initiative and works with the Equity in Aging Lab and Black Latinx AIDS Project, advancing inclusive research and community-based health initiatives.

Jeannie Vongfungfoo
Master's of Public Health
UC Irvine

Jeannie is a Master of Public Health student at UC Irvine with a passion for advancing health equity for marginalized communities. She brings an understanding of relationships between culture, food, and community well-being, having grown up in a Thai family. Her interests revolve around food insecurity, language access, and serving the unhoused population. She has worked across community outreach, health education, and agricultural systems analysis, including experiences with Teach for America and the USDA.

Joselen Contreras
Public Health
Public Policy (Minor)
UC Berkeley

Joselen Contreras is a first-generation UC Berkeley Public Health major and Public Policy minor, a Regents' & Chancellor's Scholar, and ASUC General Manager. She has served as UC Regents' Health Services Student Observer and conducted policy research on Latino representation and healthcare access. Interests: equitable healthcare access, language justice for LEP patients, and data-informed policy. Fieldwork includes roles with Amgen, California's Department of Managed Health Care, and Unseen, translating research into actionable public-health guidance.

Julianne Tenorio
Public Health; Microbiology
Asian American & Asian Diaspora Studies (Minor)
UC Berkeley

Julianne Tenorio is a third year undergraduate majoring in Microbial Biology and Public Health and minoring in Asian American & Asian Diaspora Studies at UC Berkeley. She is deeply passionate about the intersection of microbiology, public health and health equity, hoping to pursue research surrounding infectious disease dynamics across underserved communities. Julianne has interned at the California Department of Public Health's Center for Laboratory Sciences and is conducting microbiome editing research at the Innovative Genomics Institute.

Julie Liu
Biochemistry
Spanish (Minor)
UCLA

Julie is a third-year undergraduate at UCLA pursuing a Biochemistry major with a minor in Spanish. She researches new treatments for triple negative breast cancer and is passionate about combating racial disparities in cancer through research, policy, and outreach. After graduation, she plans to pursue an MD/PhD program and continue working towards health equity. In her free time, she enjoys painting, weightlifting, and exploring Los Angeles as a New Jersey native.

Laryah Carter
Public Health with Concentration in Health Policy and Management Science
Business (Minor)
UC San Diego

Laryah is a fourth-year at UC San Diego, majoring in Public Health with a concentration in Health Policy and Management, and minoring in Business. She is passionate about improving Black maternal mortality outcomes and advancing equity for underserved communities. She's currently a Resource Center Intern at the nonprofit Project Access, assisting seniors in accessing essential services. After graduating, Laryah plans to pursue a career in healthcare administration focused on improving access and quality of care.

Lianne Liaw
MS in Biological Sciences (Addiction Neurobiology)
UC San Diego

Leanne Liaw is a current Biological Science master's student at UC San Diego, where she focuses on the impacts of fentanyl dependence on non-social reward motivation. Focused on the intersection of basic substance use research and effective public health interventions, Leanne aims to develop sustainable health resource programs to promote education on substance use harm reduction and proper use of overdose reversal resources like naloxone. Through her current academic pursuits, Leanne hopes to pursue a career and human health and academic research and encourage growth of local collective action that combats the effects of the ongoing global opioid epidemic.

Mackenna Dere
Biology
UCLA

Mackenna Dere is an aspiring environmental scientist with a strong interest in ecology, epidemiology, and their intersection. She is currently developing a research project examining potential links between yellow fever incidence and deforestation patterns, integrating ecological risk modeling with public health perspectives. Mackenna aims to contribute to interdisciplinary approaches that strengthen environmental and disease-prevention strategies.

Madeline Kehlet
Biological Sciences; Public Health Policy
UC Irvine

Madeline is a third-year undergraduate at UC Irvine double-majoring in Biological Sciences and Public Health Policy. At UCI's Center for Student Wellness, she works as a Peer Health Educator, facilitating workshops on sexual health, mental health, and substance use. She serves as a Student Advisor for the Legacy Center, organizing campus programming to advance health justice for sexual and gender minoritized communities. She also conducts epidemiology research, with interests in infectious diseases, substance abuse prevention, and health equity.

Matthew Santana
Public Health Policy
UC Irvine

I'm Matthew Santana, a 4th-year Public Health Policy major at UC Irvine. Outside of school, I volunteer at MLK Jr. Community Hospital and intern with UCI Health Weight Management, supporting clinical staff in helping patients achieve sustainable health. I also serve as a Dean's Student Ambassador with UCI Wen Public Health, where I help prospective students navigate the application process. My goal is to enter the medical field and provide emergency care to underserved communities.

Prisha Jain
Human Biology and Society
UCLA

Prisha Jain is a second-year undergraduate student at UCLA majoring in Human Biology and Society (B.S.). She is passionate about women's health equity, regenerative medicine, and sustainable healthcare systems. Her research includes using patient-specific iPSC-derived organoids to model vascular regeneration for heart and lung disease, as well as studying healthcare delivery and strategies to decarbonize cancer care. She aims to advance equitable, patient-centered, and environmentally responsible clinical practice.

Reem Hunain
Master of Public Health
UC Berkeley

Reem Hunain is pursuing a Master's in Public Health at UC Berkeley. She is a physician by training from India and her interests primarily include women's health and non-communicable diseases.

Riya Chhabra
Human Biology
Global Health (Minor)
UC San Diego

Riya Chhabra is a UC San Diego Human Biology and Global Health student passionate about cross-border health access, addressing cancer disparities, and community mentorship. She conducts translational oncology research in the Ongkeko Lab and volunteers with the Health Frontiers in Tijuana Clinic, where she assists with patient care and outreach. Riya is dedicated to improving health outcomes in underserved communities through research, partnership, and culturally informed care.

Sanya Dhama
MD Candidate
UC Riverside

Sanya Dhama is a medical student at UC Riverside with interests in global health, gender justice, community health equity, and health policy and leadership—particularly how grassroots action can drive systemic, global change. She is an experienced researcher with work published in The Lancet on adolescent sexual health, has drafted and testified for California Assembly Bill 2683 to strengthen survivor support services, and volunteers locally in free clinics. She also organized a women’s health fair to expand community access and preventive care.

Saranya Anandakumar
Integrative Biology
UC Berkeley

Saranya is a second-year at UC Berkeley passionate about addressing global medical care inequities faced by disabled, low-income, and LGBTQ+ communities, especially as they are exacerbated by climate change. At Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, they aided in research on S1P's role in the immunological response to Lyme disease and the potential of FTY to rescue damaged stem cells. At UC Berkeley, they research South Asian experiences of end-of-life care in the United States.

Sumukh Cadpakar
Master's in Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology (Global Health Research)
UC Santa Cruz

Sumukh is a second-year masters student at UC Santa Cruz in the Lin Lab. He is currently researching a global health research project investigating nutrition and telomere length in children from rural Bangladesh. Sumukh is passionate about investigating children's health and remediating systemic injustices and inequities through the context of public health. As an ambassador, Sumukh hopes to better understand the initiatives of UCGHI and apply these insights to the UC Santa Cruz community by fostering dialogue and awareness to advance global health equity.

Svasti Kandpal
Global and Community Health (Biomedical Concentration)
UC Santa Cruz

Svasti Kandpal is a fourth-year Global and Community Health major with a concentration in Biomedical Sciences at UC Santa Cruz. Her work spans farmworker health research through the Campo-Sano project, Alzheimer's disease genetics research, and clinical care as a medical scribe. Through these experiences, she has developed a strong commitment to addressing health disparities and aims to become a physician who promotes equitable, accessible healthcare for underserved communities.

Varsha Vijayakartik (Lead Student Ambassador)
Human Biology
UC Davis

Varsha is a fourth-year Human Biology major who is passionate about expanding her perspective on cultural determinants of health and improving health outcomes for minority communities. She is researching understudied areas of host-pathogen dynamics and organizes resource distributions to unhoused communities in Sacramento. Varsha also shadowed in hospitals and family practices in Chennai to connect her cultural background with her professional interests in medicine. In her free time, she enjoys playing the saxophone and hiking.

Zafreen Shaik
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Public Health and Human Rights(Minors)
UC Davis

Zafreen Shaik is a junior at UC Davis studying Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a minor in Public Health and Human Rights. She is passionate about bridging molecular science and healthcare equity, focusing on vaccine development and infectious disease research. Beyond the lab, Zafreen is dedicated to science communication. At Morning Sign Out, her favorite campus club, she writes articles and creates graphic designs that make complex scientific concepts accessible to broader audiences.

2024-2025 Student Ambassadors

2023-2024 Student Ambassadors

Center for Gender and Health Justice Student Ambassadors

2022-2023 Student Ambassadors

2021-2022 Student Ambassadors

2020-2021 Student Ambassadors

2019-2020 Student Ambassadors

Center for Planetary Health Student Ambassadors

2022-2023 Student Ambassadors

2021-2022 Student Ambassadors

2020-2021 Student Ambassadors

2019-2020 Student Ambassadors

The UCGHI Student Ambassador Blog, where UCGHI students bring you a fresh perspective on the world's current events and news through the lens of passionate and insightful student writers. UCGHI believes that the student voice is powerful, and by amplifying their diverse voices, we can foster meaningful discussions and contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the pressing issues of global health.

Check out the blog here!