The Gator Nation just got bigger.
The University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions welcomed hundreds of new faces this week as classes kicked off for the start of the 2025-2026 academic year. They come from different places and with different goals, but the newest students at the College of Public Health and Health Professions share one thing in common: a passion for helping people live healthier lives.
Meet a few of the college’s newest members, who are bringing fresh perspectives and big ambitions to UF.
Jamar Crockwell
Hometown: Groveland, FL
Program: Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Educational background: Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
“I attended the University of Florida for undergrad and I have gotten to spend so much time in the city of Gainesville building a community and making so many memories in this city. It was an easy decision choosing UF to further my education at a university that continues to promote excellence! Once I finish the O.T.D. program I hope to make a difference in the lives of whichever community I end up in. I hope to advocate for OT opportunities in communities that may be in need of support.”
Braidyn Cunningham
Hometown: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Program: Doctor of Physical Therapy
Educational background: Bachelor of Science in Health Education
“My background as a competitive surfer inspired me to pursue physical therapy after seeing my teammates on the USA Surfing America Surf Team overcome career-threatening injuries through rehabilitation. That experience sparked my passion for helping others achieve their own comeback stories. UF was my first choice as I had such an amazing undergraduate experience, and my internship at the UF Health Hand and Upper Extremity Clinic further confirmed that UF is where I want to grow as a clinician. I am excited to start this next chapter in my academic journey with UF D.P.T. After all, it’s great to be a Florida Gator!”
Jake Jeter
Hometown: Red Level, AL
Program: Doctor of Physical Therapy
Educational background: Bachelor of Art in Exercise Science Pre-PT with a minor in Psychology
“The Physical Therapy program at UF is known as one of the best in the nation. I also really enjoyed the area of Gainesville, and had been to small schools my whole life, both in high school and college, and wanted to go somewhere bigger. My hope is to move back home, where I am from a rural area, and help provide health care in an area where there is not an abundance of options around. I have interests in sports and pediatrics currently, but am open to experiencing different fields during my time at UF.”
Ellie McAfee
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Program: Ph.D. in Clinical and Health Psychology
Educational background: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English & Creative Writing
“I was thrilled to join UF’s Clinical and Health Psychology Ph.D. program because I knew I could pursue my research and clinical goals while being surrounded by an incredible community of scientists and scholars. With a clinical psychology Ph.D., I aspire to contribute to the study and treatment of children and adolescents with OCD and anxiety disorders by examining biological, behavioral and social mechanisms that influence treatment outcomes.”
Tori Ramakrishnan
Hometown: Tampa, FL
Program: Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Educational background: Bachelor of Science in Applied Physiology and Health Management and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
“I am hoping to become a Pediatric OT! I have always loved working with children and thoroughly enjoyed all of my shadowing experiences in the pediatric setting. Children are both resilient and motivated to see results. I would be honored to be there to support them along their journey while in occupational therapy.”
Amanda Ramirez
Hometown: Miami, FL
Program: Master of Health Administration
Educational background: Bachelor of Arts in Health Services
“I decided to join the Master of Health Administration program at the University of Florida because it is a perfect continuation of my undergraduate degree. I received a B.A. in Health Services and want to continue to grow and learn as much as possible so that I will be better suited for the workforce. Once I finish the M.H.A. program, I hope to make a positive impact on health care. I am not completely sure what route in health care management I want to take, but I am sure that I want to help make health care more efficient. I would like to improve the communication between the different levels of health care as well.”
Jennifer Rayburn
Hometown: Tampa, FL
Program: Bachelor of Health Science-Doctor of Occupational Therapy
“When I learned about the University of Florida’s combined B.H.S.-O.T.D. program that allows students to earn a Bachelor of Health Science while beginning the first year of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, I knew it was the perfect fit. UF has always been my dream school, and the opportunity to become a Double Gator while advancing toward my goal of becoming an occupational therapist is more than I ever imagined. Once I complete the O.T.D. program, I hope to work with individuals with disabilities, helping them build greater independence and quality of life. I currently assist a young woman with cerebral palsy, and that experience has deepened my understanding of the daily challenges faced by people with disabilities. My goal is not only to be an occupational therapist but also an advocate for disability rights and accessibility, ensuring that every individual has the tools and support they need to thrive.”
Emily Slater
Hometown: Lake Mary, FL
Program: Master of Health Administration
Educational background: Bachelor of Arts in History
“I plan to one day direct a nonprofit clinic as a way to give back to the community and serve individuals who might otherwise go without care. With health care costs continuing to rise and access to quality services becoming increasingly challenging, I feel a strong calling to help bridge that gap. My goal is to create a clinic that not only provides essential care but also fosters dignity and support for every person who walks through its doors. I believe that the knowledge and skills I gain through this program will equip me to grow into a capable and compassionate administrative leader, prepared to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.”
Pilar Thangwaritorn
Hometown: Melbourne, FL
Program: Internship program in Clinical Psychology
Educational background: Bachelor’s and master’s in psychology, current clinical psychology Ph.D. student at the University of Kansas
“I attended the University of Florida for undergrad and always knew that I wanted to come back! I was interested in filling the gaps in the last year of my clinical psychology doctoral program by gaining experiences in areas and patient populations I have not had the chance to experience. In addition to the learning experience, the med/health psychology staff and faculty members are the epitome of the Gator Nation by embodying the spirit and values at the University of Florida. I am excited to see where this next year takes me and the opportunities for both my personal and professional endeavors!”
