Student Contributors

Trent grew up in the small, southern Indiana town of Salem. He received his Bachelors degree in Law and Public Policy from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA) in the summer of 2017. While pursuing his undergraduate degree, he interned and worked for DistnXion, a local non-profit youth sports business for a 2.5 years, and was actively involved with the Indiana University Student Foundation, serving on its Steering Committee. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Athletic Administration from the School of Public Health with the goal of representing professional athletes through agency in the future. Trent currently interns with Exclusive Sports Group (ESG) in Indianapolis, a multi-sport player representative agency.  He is an avid baseball fan, especially of the Chicago Cubs, and also cheers for the Oakland Raiders and IU athletics. Trent enjoys helping and mentoring people his age, specifically students, reach their goals and dreams.

Olivia is a freshman at Indiana University, from the small Southern Indiana town of Owensville. She is studying Apparel Merchandising and resides in the Kelley Living Learning Center. Olivia works in the School of Public Health Student Services assisting with administrative work. She applied to work here for her work component as a Jesse H. and Beulah Chanley Cox Legacy Scholar because she has a passion for helping others and introducing others to amazing opportunities. Olivia is also involved in the Retail Studies Organization. In her free time she enjoys trying any and every type of food, painting, and spending time with friends and family.

Born and raised in Mauritius, Trishnee decided to come to Bloomington two years back to work on her Ph. D. in Health Behavior. She has both a Bachelor and a Master of Nutritional Sciences from the University of Mauritius. Trishnee first started volunteering as a student blogger for the Office of Career Services and currently, as the blog editor, she heads the team of student bloggers. Her team makes sure career-related events are communicated in a timely fashion, and that students get regular advice on their resumes, job application procedures, time management skills and many others through articles. During her free time, Trishnee enjoys knitting, hiking, gardening, cooking and watching horror movies.

Daniel is a junior from Carmel, Indiana majoring in Sport Marketing and Management with a Business and Marketing minor. He has always had a passion for sports and his goal is to work in professional or collegiate athletics after college. Daniel has a Guest Relations role with IU Athletics, volunteers at LIFEDesigns in Bloomington, and is a member of the Sport Marketing Alliance club.

Born and raised in the Chicago suburb of Naperville, Hayley began her undergraduate career at Indiana University three years ago. She is currently a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health through the School of Public Health with minors in Spanish, Portuguese, and Global Health Promotion. Hayley is involved in a variety of organizations on campus and volunteers in the Bloomington Community. This is her second year as a School of Public Health Student Ambassador and looks forward to the renewed opportunity to represent her school. You can find Hayley spending all of her time and money at Pour-house Coffee on Kirkwood.

Taylor is a second-semester sophomore at Indiana University studying Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management. She is originally from Plainfield, Indiana, where she graduated early allowing her to be a semester ahead in her college work as well. Taylor is the Vice President for the Student Event Planners Association – IU Bloomington Chapter, a member of the Professional Tourism Management Club, as well as a supervisor at IMU Catering. She applied to become a student ambassador because she wants to become more connected to the School of Public Health and its students. In her free time, Taylor enjoys spending time with her friends and family and being outdoors.

Joi is a junior from Indianapolis Indiana, studying Exercise Science. She joined the Student Ambassadors program in the fall of 2016. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. She is also a member of the School of Public Health Student Government. Her future career plan is to attend a graduate program for physical therapy and to work in the field of sports medicine.

Courtland is currently a sophomore from Indianapolis, Indiana in the Professional Athletic Training Program while minoring in Spanish. He is a 2016 Groups Scholar, Herbert Presidential Scholar, Floor Senator and member of Spruce Student Government; and Secretary for the Public Health Student Association. He loves to exercise, read murder mystery books, and spend time with his friends in my spare time. Upon graduation, he plans on working with the NCAA or US Olympic Committee while continuing his education in the field of Sports Medicine.

Josh is a 2^nd year MPH student with a concentration in epidemiology. He studied biology with a minor in chemistry at Siena Heights University, where he focused on bacterial antibiotic resistance. After graduating in Spring 2016, he decided to pursue his master degree in public health immediately. His interest in public health grew out of the desire to improve the lives of HIV positive people.  His career goal is to become an outbreak investigator, combining his passion for infectious diseases and helping people in need. Originally from Ann Arbor, MI, Josh enjoys hiking, playing volleyball, and trivia in his spare time.

Tapati Dutta is a Ph.D. candidate at School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington. Her pedagogic majors are Health Behavior and Health Policy. Prior to this, Tapati completed two Master’s Degrees in Social Sciences (M.A) and in Population Studies (M.P.S). With her passion for work with the vulnerable communities, she has spent two decades working on sexual and reproductive health rights in India, Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa. She loves her work travels which introduces and mingles her with different cultures and people. Though began as a hobby, she has experienced solace in painting and pursues sketching nature using charcoal and acrylics.

Shaylyn is a Senior studying Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management. She joined the Ambassador program in the fall of 2017. In addition to being an Ambassador, she is a Student Manager at the IU Auditorium and is involved with the Professional Tourism Management Club on campus. She is also a Disney College Program alumna, which she can talk about forever if you ask. Upon graduation, she hopes to work in a major theme park in a guest relations role

Brooke is a Sophomore from Carmel, Indiana. She is a School of Public Health Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management major and is pursuing three minors from the Kelley School of Business. In addition to being a School of Public Health Student Ambassador this year, she is a member of the Professional Tourism Management Club. Brooke enjoys filling her free time with her family and dogs, cooking, and traveling.

Derek is a second year Master of Public Health student with a concentration in Physical Activity.  Derek joined the School of Public Health Student Ambassador program in 2016.  He holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Purdue University.  Derek is a native of Evansville, Indiana, but has lived in seven states across the U.S., having moved to Bloomington from Los Angeles, California.  While at Indiana University, Derek has been involved as an associate instructor, as a staff member at Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands, and as a student member of the MPH Assembly and Graduate and Professional Student Government.    In addition to his involvement on campus, he has also volunteered in the community to organize physical activity programs for local school children and adults.  In his free time, Derek enjoys exploring Bloomington’s trail network with his dog, Hans Peter, cooking, gardening, and playing trombone and piano.

Matthew is a senior at Indiana University from Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is studying exercise science with a minor in psychology. Matthew has been a School of Public Health Student Ambassador since fall 2017. He is an Eagle Scout and a member of the Indiana University Sailing Club. After graduation, he plans to pursue a doctorate of physical therapy. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, biking, and spending time with friends.

Jordan is currently a senior from Bloomington, Indiana studying Sport Marketing and Management with minors in Business, Marketing, as well as Creative Media Advertising. He joined the School of Public Health Student Ambassador Program in the fall of 2015. In addition to his involvement with the Ambassador Program, Jordan is also involved as a student athlete here at Indiana University. As a member of the Cross Country and Track and Field team, Jordan is a multiple time Academic All-Big Ten selection, an All-Big Ten performer as a part of the 2017 Big Ten Indoor Championship Indiana Hoosiers, and an NCAA Championship participant. Jordan hopes to continue his success on and off the competition field after graduation in the field of sports marketing. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with friends, playing golf, cooking, and being outdoors.

Joye is a junior studying Exercise Science, Pre-Physical Therapy. She is a Groups 5 Student Ambassador and Groups Peer Mentor along with being a 2015 Groups Scholars student. She is the Secretary of the Black Student Union and the Social Programming Chair for the Neal Marshall Black Student Association. In her free time she love to read or watch Netflix along with hanging out with her close friends. After graduation, she will attend a Historical Black College to obtain her doctorate degree in Physical Therapy and focus on pediatrics or sports medicine. Hopefully, after completing her training for the U.S. Army National Guard she will go back to school to receive an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation.

Danielle is a Junior from Indianapolis, Indiana, studying Environmental Health with minors in Chemistry and Spanish. She joined the School of Public Health’s Student Ambassador Program in the fall of 2016. In addition to being a Student Ambassador, she is a member of the IU Minority Association of Premedical Students serving as the fundraising chair, and a member of Alpha Chi Sigma, a professional chemistry fraternity. After she graduates from Indiana University, she hopes to attend medical school. In her free time, Danielle enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling and trying new food.

Mackenzie is a first year Master of Public Health student with a concentration in Professional Health Education. Mackenzie recently joined the SPH Student Ambassador team and is excited to lead peers through career orientations, resume critiques, and networking events. She holds a B.S. in Communication Disorders and Health Science with additional coursework in Psychology and pre-medical sciences from Truman State University, a small but mighty liberal arts college in Kirksville, Missouri. During her undergraduate experience, Mackenzie was active in her Panhellenic sorority, co-ed a cappella choir, and respective academic departments. Here in Bloomington, Mackenzie has become a member of the MPH Assmebly, IU Swim Club, and the Bloominton Area Running Association. Her professional vision is to shift the medical perspective of disability from disease to identity through an emphasis on cultural awareness and strategic communication.

Katherine is from Rockville, Maryland. She is currently studying Community Health with a minor in Swahili. Katie joined the School of Public Health Student Ambassador program in the fall of 2016. She is also a member of the fundraising committee for Indiana University Dance Marathon and has been a part of IUDM since fall 2015. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking, painting, and cooking.

Sami is a junior from Crown Point, Indiana, studying Exercise Science with minors in Psychology and Fitness Instruction. She joined the Student Ambassador team in the fall of 2017. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with friends and family. She is also a member of Indiana University Dance Marathon where she is a member of the Stewardship Committee, and she is also a member of the Physical Therapy Club. After graduating from Indiana University, Sami hopes to continue her education on one of the coasts studying physical therapy in hopes of becoming a physical therapist and opening up her own practice.

Meredith grew up in South Bend, Indiana and came to Bloomington in 2015. She is currently a Junior working toward her Bachelors in Public Health with majors in both Community Health and Epidemiology. She joined the School of Public Health Student Ambassador’s program in the fall of 2016, when she also joined Peer Health and Wellness Educators. This is an organization that works out of the Health and Wellness office in the IMU and also partners with the IU Health Center. She works in the office and around campus giving out information about sexual health, tobacco cessation, and nutrition. In her free time, Meredith enjoys going to the beach, reading, watching Netflix, and watching Notre Dame football games with her friends.

Tyler Munn is a Sophomore from Lake in the Hill, Illinois, working on his BSPH in Epidemiology, certificate in GIS and Remote Sensing, and a minor in Medical Sciences. Tyler has been an SPH Student Ambassador since fall 2016. He is also involved in Health Now, a student organization designed to participate in health prevention activities, and Awkward Silence Comedy, an improv group that puts on a free improv show every week. After he graduates, he hopes to be accepted into the CDC’s Public Health Associates Program in which he hopes to work hands on with various public health agencies and non-governmental organizations to improve community health. In Tyler’s free time, he enjoys watching old movies, hiking, and listening to music.

Georgina, or Gina, is a senior at IU, majoring in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Criminal Justice. Her hobbies include dance, cooking, and spending time with loved ones including her cats, Shadow and Mocha. Her future career plan is to attend law school to become a divorce and child custody attorney. Gina is an advocate for equality, peace, and self-love, who writes all her blogs with a cup of coffee in her midst!

Blessing is a junior from Fort Wayne, IN, majoring in Nutrition Science with a minor in Health System Management and Policy. Blessing joined the School of Public Health Student Ambassador Program in the fall of 2016. In addition to being a Student Ambassador, she is Resident Assistant at Foster Quadrangle and a Hudson & Holland Scholar. She is a volunteer for Biology Outreach, a program which educates elementary students in Bloomington in biology, and is a member of Timmy Global Health, African Student Association, and of MAPS (minority association of pre-medicine students). In her spare time, she loves trying new restaurants in Bloomington, traveling, and spending time with friends. After graduation, Blessing hopes to continue her education by either pursuing a Masters’ of Public Health or taking a gap year to prepare for medical school.

MacKenzie is a Junior from Elkhart, Indiana, working towards her Bachelors Degree in Public Health with a major in Exercise Science and a minor in Psychology. MacKenzie joined the School of Public Health’s Student Ambassador Program in the fall of 2016. In addition to being a Student Ambassador, she is a member of the STEM outreach program which teaches Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics to elementary students in Bloomington. She also is the Campaigns Coordinator for GlobeMed, which works to address health inequities in impoverished communities and to promote education about global health issues. MacKenzie works as a Solutions Engineer for Ciren Group, Inc. After she graduates from Indiana University, she hopes to continue her education at Indiana University School of Medicine. In her free time, MacKenzie enjoys playing card games, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.

Born and raised in Southern California, Neil is currently a Senior at Indiana University studying Sport Marketing and Management with minors in Business, Marketing, and Finance.  This is his first year as a School of Public Health Student Ambassador. Neil first started volunteering for the Office of Career Services as a student blogger and is now co-editor, as he leads the team of student bloggers.  His job is to guide students towards career-related events that are occurring on campus through a written medium.  During his free time, Neil enjoys spending time in the outdoors, traveling, and attending sporting events.

Rebecca “Becca” is a second semester senior from Northern Virginia, right outside of Washington D.C. Becca came to Indiana University to take advantage of an opportunity to be outside of her comfort zone and to be able to spend four years in this wonderful community. Here, she found a major that was perfect for her – Human Development and Family Studies. This allowed her to pursue her passion for Geriatrics, which is one of her two minors, the other being Psychology. Besides academics, she is a sister, as well as Vice President, in the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority. Becca also works and volunteers with elderly in the community regularly. Other things she enjoys while in Bloomington are exploring the variety of restaurants and finding new things to do outdoors.

Alec is a junior in his second year here at Indiana University Bloomington. In his first year, he attended Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne, which is located in his hometown, before transferring to IU. He is currently majoring in Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management and minoring in Marketing. He has had some work experience on campus within Residential Program Services (RPS) and Recreational Sports. During his time at IU, he has been selected to be on the Dean’s List in SPH, “Male Official of the Year”, and a resident assistant in Eigenmann Hall. Personality, leadership skills, hard-work ethic, and enthausiasm are all key personal traits that he embodies. He is also an avid sports fan who cheers on the Hoosiers, Colts, Cubs, and Pacers. Alec is passionate about this university and the School of Public Health; he looks forward to assisting current, incoming, or prospective students.

Anna is a senior in the School of Public Health studying Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management as well as minors in Business and Spanish. Born and raised in Southern California she came to IU knowing little about the midwest and has grown to love it here. Bloomington is the perfect college town to spend four years! Her passion for hospitality and hotel management brought her to SPH in the spring of 2015. Since then she has had multiple jobs in hotels across the country including spending her summer working in Las Vegas. She also has a passion for traveling and was able to study abroad in Seville, Spain where she fell in love with the European lifestyle. After graduation, she looks forward to working in a big city luxury hotel or traveling the world.

Yan Qi is currently a junior from Qingdao, China studying Sport Marketing and Management with minors in Business, Marketing, and Coaching. He joined the School of Public Health Student Ambassador Program in the fall of 2017. In addition to his involvement with the Ambassador Program, he is involved with sport organizations. Currently, he is working as a property assistant intern at Learfield Communication, LLC. He also volunteers as a guest service specialist at the IU Athletic Department. Yan Qi hopes to continue his success both on and off campus, preferably in the fields of sport operation, public relations, marketing, and sales. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, playing basketball and watching movies.

Erika is a junior from Indianapolis majoring in Community Health with a minor in Nutrition. She is also a Hudson and Holland Scholar. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, traveling, and trying new places to eat. In the future she would like to work with children and families as a health advocate, focusing on nutrition.

Gabby is a freshman at Indiana University. She is from the small town of Morocco in Northwest Indiana. As a direct admit to the School of Public Health, Gabby is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health and a minor in Spanish while also following the pre-med track. She currently lives with the School of Public Health LLC in Briscoe. Gabby is looking forward to having a great year as a student ambassador and representing her school.

Alyssa is a junior from Brownsburg, Indiana, and working towards her Bachelors in Public Health with a major in Community Health and minors in Global Health Promotion, Human Development and Family Studies, Ecotourism, and Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Human Ecology. She joined the School of Public Health Student Ambassador’s program in the fall of 2016. In addition to being a Student Ambassador, she is a member of Timmy Global Health which provides students with opportunities to learn and fight health disparities locally and abroad. In her free time, Alyssa likes to travel, hike, eat plenty of food, watch Netflix, volunteer, and spend time with her family and friends. 

Joshua grew up in the small town of Bluffton, Indiana. He began his studies at Indiana University in 2014 and is currently a senior majoring in Exercise Science. Joshua moved to Bloomington because he wanted to experience a bigger city with more opportunities and wanted to be part of the amazing culture at IU. His career aspiration is to attend Indiana University School of Medicine and started the application process this past summer. IU has been an amazing home these past three years, and he has learned and grown more than he could ever imagine. While at IU, Joshua came to love hiking out by the Monroe Reservoir and in Brown County. Pick-up basketball at the rec center is his favorite free time activity.

Kendrick is currently a Senior from Indianapolis, Indiana, studying Community Health with a minor in Human Sexuality at Indiana University Bloomington. He joined the School of Public Health’s Student Ambassador Program in fall of 2016. In addition to being a Student Ambassador, he is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, an Ambassador and Peer Advisor form the Group Scholars program and a member of Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor’s Society. Kendrick also volunteers and works with the Jordan YMCA implementing fun, healthy, and enjoyable curriculum for the kids. After graduation, he hopes to continue his education in either the field of nursing or youth development. In his spare time, he loves spending time with friends, swimming, traveling, cooking, and just enjoying life!

Born and raised in Guangzhou, China, Jueyin (Ashley) Zheng decided to continue her sport adventure in Bloomington, Indiana after she earned her bachelor degree in Sport Journalism and Communication at Beijing Sport University. Jueyin is currently a second-year master student in Athletic Administration/Sport Management at the SPH. Meanwhile, she is also a teaching assistant in the Department of Kinesiology. With an enthusiasm for sports, she has involved herself in the sport industry for over five years as a student, a worker, and a fan. Thus, she would love to share different fun sport facts based on her oversea background. Most exciting moments for her are college graduation, paragliding in Nepal and of course becoming a Hoosier! More than above, she also enjoys nature photography, Zumba, and hiking. Jueyin is really looking forward to meeting and assisting every student, faculty, and staff!