Case Western Reserve University MPH Program Students Selected as ASPPH This Is Public Health Ambassadors
We are delighted to extend our heartfelt congratulations to two exceptional students from Case Western Reserve University's MPH program, Samyukta Dore and Ian Zonfa, for being chosen to be a part of the prestigious ASPPH This Is Public Health (TIPH) Ambassador Cohort. Their selection is a testament to their outstanding abilities and dedication to promoting public health and well-being worldwide.
In 2017, the ASPPH introduced the TIPH Ambassador program. Selected by their institutions, students who become Ambassadors actively promote the field of public health by organizing virtual events, managing TIPH's social media presence, and contributing to various projects and presentations. Their main objective is to generate interest in public health education and careers. To qualify for this program, individuals must possess outstanding communication skills, effective leadership qualities, innovative and creative thinking abilities, engaging personalities, reliable nature, and a strong, positive enthusiasm for both public health and higher education.
The selection of Samyukta Dore and Ian Zonfa as ASPPH TIPH Ambassadors reflects the exceptional talent and commitment within Case Western Reserve University's MPH program. We congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition and have no doubt that their contributions as TIPH Ambassadors will further the cause of public health education and advocacy on a global scale. Together with the remarkable 2023-2024 TIPH Ambassador Cohort, they will undoubtedly inspire positive change in public health.
Mallory Rose Walsh, MPH 2023
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Degree: Masters in Public Health (MPH), Health Promotion and Disease Prevention concentration
Why did you choose to pursue your MPH at CWRU? I knew the MPH program at CWRU would provide me with insurmountable opportunities to work with the Cleveland community and apply my public health knowledge in many real-world settings. It was important to me to attend a school that I believed reflects my passion for public health and commitment to make a difference in the community.
Can you share with me any internships or research opportunities you had and how did they contribute to your post-college plans? When I first started as a graduate student, I had the opportunity to work as a Graduate Research Assistant at the Prevention Research Center for Healthy Neighborhoods at CWRU. I helped facilitate the administration of the Cuyahoga County Youth Risk Behavior Survey in high schools and middle schools throughout the county. I also have contributed to data analysis and dissemination. This experience greatly shaped my interest and investment in adolescent health. I am still working at the PRCHN as a staff member for the YRBS project. It has been an incredible experience working in the community alongside educators and students, while collecting meaningful data and determining how to apply this data to promote adolescent health. After graduating in May, I plan to continue pursuing this research work in adolescent health surveillance.
What impact did (or does) attending an in-person MPH program have on your outcome (learning experience)? Public health is best learned in person. Engaging in activities, projects, and other learning experiences in person has allowed me to apply my public health knowledge and learn through practice in real-time. I have had more opportunities to work with the Cleveland community, meet new people, and engage with colleagues, professors, and peers. These interactions have led to more opportunities, including research opportunities. Communicating with people in person has also allowed me to better understand concepts/topics and ideas.
What is your favorite restaurant or food spot in the city, and what do you recommend ordering there? I love Grumpy’s cafe in Tremont for their amazing breakfast dishes! I recommend the Grumpy’s special or their cinnamon roll pancakes.
Nathan Ruhde: MPH Class of 2023
Hometown: Aurora, IL
Degree: Master of Public Health (concentration in Health Policy and Management)
Why did you choose to pursue your MPH at CWRU? I enjoyed doing my undergraduate studies at CWRU and saw valuable opportunities to get more hands-on experience. I chose an MPH because I have been passionate about solving problems from a big picture lens.
What were some of your most impactful courses or professors, and why? Currently, I am in a Geospatial Analytics class with Jayakrishnan Ajayakumar. He does a great job of tying the coding we do in class back to real world applications.
Can you share with me any internships or research opportunities you had and how did they contribute to your post-college plans? While in the program, I did a summer research practicum at the Swetland Center for Environmental Health. The thing allowed me to qualitatively analyze data and gave me more clarity about doing research after graduation.
How did your college experience shape your personal growth and development? My experience was formative for my personal growth. I got to explore my own interests more deeply. I got to work with a lot of different people and gained valuable soft skills along the way.
Best study spot on campus? I personally like going to [Think]Box. They have hotel offices on the sixth floor that I sometimes reserve when I want to sit down and focus.
What is your favorite activity to do in Cleveland? I enjoy going to Cleveland Charge games. They are cheap and it is fun to just experience something different.