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Doctoral students selected for ASSPH’s This is Public Health Ambassador Program
For the first time, SPHIS has two graduate students participating in ASPPH’s This is Public Health (TIPH) Ambassador Program. Join us in congratulating Chandrima Chatterjee, a doctoral student in the Dept. of Health Management and Systems Sciences, and Olufunmilayo (Funmi) Babarinde, a doctoral student in the Dept. of Epidemiology and Population Health. 
ASPPH reports that this is their largest TIPH ambassador cohort since the program started in 2017, with 97 graduate students representing 61 member schools and programs worldwide. “These exceptional graduate students, nominated by their respective institutions, play a crucial role in fostering interest in public health education and career opportunities,” says ASPPH.
The TIPH ambassadors, who will be featured in “Profiles in Public Health,” receive professional development support from ASSPH and with making lasting connections with fellow students and partners. Once selected, ambassadors enjoy benefits tailored to their growth – like a discounted CPH exam, TIPH swag, and access to exclusive events, presentations, and tons of networking opportunities.
As ambassadors, they showcase their passion for public health and higher education by hosting virtual events, managing TIPH’s social media platforms, engaging with their cohort online, and developing projects and presentations that bolster interest in public health education and careers. These students demonstrate excellent communication, leadership skills, and an innovative mindset.
“As a school, we appreciate that Chandrima and Funmi are serving as TIPH ambassadors and are willing to share their public health stories with a wider audience,” says Tammi Thomas, PhD, MSSW, Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Public Health Practice, and Undergraduate Education. School and program representatives nominate their most exceptional students to become TIPH ambassadors. This year, Dr. Thomas nominated both students who were ultimately selected from many eligible candidates nationwide.
Both Funmi and Chandrima expressed their excitement about this opportunity. When asked what they hope to accomplish as TIPH ambassadors, Funmi said, “I hope to engage in projects that will increase the public’s awareness of public health and encourage enrollment in public health educational programs through effective presentations.”
Chandrima explained this was an opportunity to enhance her own collaboration and communication skills. She added that this is a chance to network with other public health students who are TIPH ambassadors and “spread awareness about what “Public Health” entails.”
If you are interested in participating in this program next year, nominations open May 2025.
