By Erin Jester
University of Florida Master of Public Health students Elena Gener and Ryan Kalina have been selected as This is Public Health student ambassadors for the 2026-2027 academic year by the Association of Schools and Programs in Public Health.
The TIPH program highlights exceptional graduate students and their experiences to strengthen connections with prospective students and inspire the next generation of public health leaders. Gener and Kalina are among 82 graduate students from 51 ASPPH member schools to make the list this year.
Gener, a native of Weston, Florida, completed her undergraduate studies in the Bachelor of Public Health/Master of Public Health combined degree program and is now a second-year M.P.H. student in the population health management concentration.
After graduation she plans to pursue a Ph.D. and conduct research on how health policies can improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.
With her ambassadorship, Gener hopes to encourage other students to find their way in the vast field of public health.
“Our health system is changing, slowly but surely, and by having more public health professionals and healthcare providers educated on the importance of public health, we can make greater strides towards a better system,” she said.
Kalina, who is from Boca Raton, is a second-year M.P.H. student in the epidemiology concentration.
“As a TIPH Ambassador, my goal is to highlight the amazing and important public health work happening at UF and raise awareness about the many educational and career development opportunities available here,” he said.
After graduating, Kalina hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in epidemiology or public health, or work as an epidemiologist focusing on substance use issues and chronic diseases.
To keep up with this year’s This is Public Health student ambassadors, follow the This is Public Health accounts on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.