The College of Public Health Student Ambassadors are student leaders in the College who introduce prospective students and visitors to the University of Kentucky and programs. In addition, ambassadors work with current, first-year students to foster a sense of community and help them transition to the university.
We want all our students to feel (and find) a sense of community, purpose, and passion for public health through our activities, events, programming, academics, community involvement, and more. With the support and efforts of our student ambassadors, we are able to build better relationships with our student body at the College of Public Health and the University of Kentucky.
Email: sgjo230@uky.edu
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Future Plans: I am completing my Master of Public Health with a concentration in Health Management and Policy. After that, I plan to attend medical school and focus on pediatric asthma and allergy prevalence in rural communities.
Why you chose to major in Public Health: Choosing to major in Public Health was driven by my passion for improving health outcomes on a large scale and my desire to make a meaningful impact on society. While studying, I have formed strong connections with fellow students, staff, and faculty members, all of whom have enriched my understanding and commitment to the field. These interactions have provided me with unique perspectives, collaborative opportunities, and a supportive network that has been instrumental in both my academic and personal growth.
Favorite Class(es): CPH 353: Health Policy
Fun Facts: I am the current President of the University of Kentucky Student Public Health Association!
Email: mckennacgreen@uky.edu
Hometown: Cadiz, KY
Future Plans: I want to attend graduate school and become an Experimental Psychologist.
Why you chose to major in Public Health: I chose Public Health because I want to help advocate for, and educate rural communities, like the one I grew up in. Originally, I was dual majoring in Psychology and Neuroscience but realized that it was not the right path for me. By dual majoring in Public Health and Psychology, I feel that I can still help out communities like my own in a unique way.
Favorite Class(es): CPH 423: Health of Kentuckians
Fun Facts: I shoot archery and I am left-handed!
Email Address: dmra240@uky.edu
Hometown: Louisville, KY
Future Plans: After obtaining my bachelor's degree in public health, I plan to do the Accelerated Masters Pathways (AMP) program and obtain my master's degree in either biostatistics or public health.
Why I chose to major in Public Health: I came to UK as a biology major on the pre-dental track, but after shadowing a dentist, I realized my true passion was helping others access healthcare. Public health allows me to continue working in healthcare, but now an entire population can be my patient, and I can have a larger impact on a broader scale.
Favorite Class: CPH 310 Epidemiology
Fun Facts: I am fluent in Spanish and love to read.
Email: javi237@uky.edu
Hometown: Southgate, KY
Future Plans: I am currently in the Accelerated Masters Pathways (AMP) program. Which means, while I’m completing my Bachelor of Public Health (BPH), I am taking graduate classes to earn my Master's degree. I plan to get an MPH in Health Management and Policy.
Why you chose to major in Public Health: I’ve always had a passion for health along with values of health equity and providing a safe place for everyone in health care. I went to a small high school and I wanted to find a sense of community at UK that felt similar! I felt at home when making connections with the staff and peers in the college.
Favorite Class(es): CPH 352-001: Public Health and Social Media.
Fun Facts: I love to travel and visit all types of places! I have a map that I’m trying to fill of all types of places I have been.
Email: sasc251@uky.edu
Future Plans: I am currently a part of the AMP (Accelerated Masters Pathways) program. So, after completing my BPH I plan to continue the path of obtaining an MPH.
Why you chose to major in Public Health: When I started at the University of Kentucky, I was originally a biology major. However, I completed some classes that were not my favorite and decided to branch out and try other classes. I ended up taking CPH 310 Disease Detectives: Epidemiology in Action, an epidemiology course, and discovered my love for data and working with populations. This led me to switching to a pre-major Public Health student and taking more classes that cemented my love for Public Health.
Favorite Class(es): CPH 351: Population Health and Crisis Management, CPH 352: Public Health and Social Media
Fun Facts: I have 2 Boston Terriers and I love all things superheroes, especially Spider-man.
Email: mego254@uky.edu
Hometown: Findlay, Ohio
Future Plans: I intend to get my Master's in Public Health (MPH) specializing in Epidemiology, after completing my Bachelor of Public Health (BPH). Then I want to be an epidemiologist at a local health department.
Why you chose to major in Public Health: I chose to major in public health because I have always wanted to help people but knew that patient care was not for me. Public health allows me to learn more about why people get sick and ways to try to prevent people from getting sick. Public health allows me to help improve my community for the better and continue to learn about different diseases.
Favorite Class(es): CPH 330 - Health Analytics, and CPH 202 - Public Health Through Popular Film
Fun Facts: I play the piccolo in the Wildcat Marching Band. I also play the violin.
Email: eva.caudill@uky.edu
Hometown: Maysville, Kentucky
Future Plans: I am participating in the Accelerated Masters Pathways (AMP) which means I am completing a Bachelor of Public Health (BPH) and working towards my Master of Public Health (MPH). After I complete my MPH, I will be applying to Physicians Assistant programs.
Why you chose to major in Public Health: I have always dreamed of working in healthcare, and by majoring in Public Health, I get to see the other side of health that impacts entire communities. With my future endeavors, I'm excited to treat individuals and use my knowledge of public health to create a better environment for everyone!
Favorite Class(es): CPH 440 - Health Behaviors
Fun Facts: I am left-handed.
Email: kate.dietsch@uky.edu
Hometown: Dayton, Ohio
Future Plans: Upon completion of my Bachelor of Public Health (BPH) degree, I plan on either pursuing further education in epidemiology or obtaining an MHA (Master of Health Administration) degree in the hopes of working in hospital administration.
Why you chose to major Public Health: When I first came to UK, I was enrolled in a different college and department. After a few weeks, I felt I was not in the right place. I did not know much about the College of Public Health (CPH), but I went to the Stuckert Career Center (a great resource on campus!), where I met with someone who told me about CPH! I applied to switch my major later that day, and I am so happy I did! The BPH program encompasses my interests in human health, the social sciences, and populations, while preparing me for a career where I can use my empathetic nature and work with communities.
Favorite Class(es): CPH 395: Undergraduate Independent Studies in Public Health
Fun Facts: I am a tour guide at the UK Visitor Center, and I LOVE showing prospective students and their loved ones why UK is so special!
Email: mattelyn.thompson@uky.edu
Hometown: Paducah, KY
Future Plans: After completing my Bachelor of Public Health (BPH), I plan to apply to the Master’s Program at Murray State University to obtain a Master of Health Administration (MHA). With this program having an all-online option, I hope to begin working in the field of Public Health after I complete my undergraduate degree.
Why you chose to major in Public Health: I made the decision to become a part of the College of Public Health because it encompasses all of the aspects regarding my main goal of helping people since I was a little girl. Public Health offers you the chance to impact communities’ health on a large scale and bring issues to light that most people aren’t aware of.
When I began taking classes within the college, I could feel the support and genuine care from fellow students and professors to share the knowledge and fun. The College of Public Health shed light on a career I had never considered, but quickly made me realize I could be happy doing it every day. The relationships and friendships I’ve built within the college have motivated me to try new things and learn more about myself, academically and personally!
Favorite Class(es): CPH 440- Foundations of Health Behaviors
Fun Facts: I participated in DanceBlue 2025, and it is one of my favorite memories of my college experience here at UK. I can’t wait to dance again next year at DanceBlue 2026!
Email: Lsjo2e0@uky.edu
Hometown: Killeen, Texas
Future Plans: While completing my Bachelor of Public Health (BPH), I will be preparing for my next steps for graduate schools to prepare for my dream career of being a public health Dentist and Orthodontist.
Why you chose to major in Public Health: Being a first-generation student and choosing the “right” major could be very daunting. Knowing where you want to end up but not knowing the path to get there is something I struggled with until I attended the UK event ‘Gettin’ Classy’, where I met my advisor. She along with another student ambassador told me more about Public Health and how I can fulfill my purpose while still aiming for my dream of Dental school.
Taking CPH classes the following semester nurtured my interest of helping families across regions with the focus of accessibility, assurance, and advocacy. CPH also introduced me to other career paths and voices of public health professionals. Being in CPH I connected with professors, students, and the Dean! As a future healthcare professional, I aspire to be a bridge of encouragement and light to fellow first-generation students who are also dream chasers!
Favorite Class(es): CPH 255 Public Health Careers and CPH 352 Social Media and Public Health
Fun Facts: I am a music head! I can listen to almost any genre of music and I love to connect with other people and cultures through the art of music. I also love poetry!
Email: Bella.Chard@uky.edu
Future Plans: I’m a junior in the Bachelor of Public Health program, planning to apply to the Accelerated Master’s Program next spring to begin my MPH. After that, I plan to pursue a PhD in epidemiology and biostatistics. My long-term goal is to analyze research and use data-driven approaches to better communities and reduce health disparities.
Why you chose to major in Public Health: I chose to major in public health because of my passion for helping people, but I wanted to do so in a way that reaches beyond the individual level. Public health gives me the opportunity to create change on a larger scale by addressing the root causes of health issues and improving the well-being of entire communities. I’ve become especially interested in biostatistics because it allows me to use data to uncover patterns, guide decision-making, and support evidence-based solutions in healthcare.
Favorite Class(es): CPH 310 : Fundamentals of Epidemiology
Fun Facts: I love to read, and try to read at least one book a week!
Email: klmo258@uky.edu
Future Plans: I am a third-year public health student at the University of Kentucky. After completing my bachelor's program, I plan to pursue the College of Nursing Accelerated Program (ABSN) at the University of Kentucky, with the ultimate goal of working in a maternal and child health setting as a public health nurse.
Why you chose to major in Public Health: Public health is a widespread field that encompasses many aspects of life that affect everyone. Initially, I just wanted to be a nurse, but I found a home in public health at the University of Kentucky. This program aligns with my passion for equitable healthcare access and ways to fill the care gap for those who need it the most. From my personal experience, this program allows you to grow as a leader through classes, essential skills, career goals, and so much more in a vibrant community.
Favorite Class(es): CPH 201, BST 230, CPH 244
Fun Facts: I share a birthday with my sister—but we’re not twins!
Email: igfr225@uky.edu
Hometown: Barbourville, KY
Future Plans: Along with working towards my BPH degree, and also being a part of the Lewis Honors College, I am on the pre-dental track where I hope to go to dental school after graduation.
Why you chose to major in Public Health: I originally didn't choose public health. On the pre-dental track, I thought biology was what was expected of me to major in. It wasn't until the end of high school that I decided I didn't want to spend the next four years in biology. Exploring other possible majors, public health stood out to me. It combined two things that I was passionate about, helping others and doing so through healthcare. I thought that I would try it and use it as a steppingstone to another major but after my first semester I knew CPH was where I wanted to be. Since orientation and my first class, I knew public health was the best place for me.
Favorite Class(es): CPH 255
Fun Facts: I love coffee and hanging out with my friends and family, especially my 4 nieces and 1 nephew.
