The Public Health Student Association (PHSA) has been established as an organization dedicated to facilitating community service and opportunity for students at the University of Florida. PHSA will strive to enrich the University of Florida and Gainesville communities through widespread promotion of public health to promote interest, awareness, and understanding of the public health profession.
2026 Executive Board
President
The individual in this role will organize and preside over PHSA meetings, develop semester-specific strategic plans, and appoint committee chairpersons in collaboration with the Vice President. They will also have the authority to appoint ad-hoc committees and serve as an ex-officio member on all committees. Monthly meetings with the PHSA advisor and MPH program director will also be conducted to ensure effective communication and alignment with broader program objectives.
Coleen Peggs (She/Her)
Hi! My name is Coleen and I am an MPH Epidemiology student. I got my Bachelor of Public Health at UF last May and I love being a double Gator! I’m mostly interested in vaccine research, clinical trials, and antibiotic resistance. I am so excited to be the President of PHSA this year and I look forward to all of our experiences together!!
Vice President
The Vice President’s role is to oversee the update of PHSA’s official documents, including appointing committee chairpersons in collaboration with the President. Additionally, the incumbent will supervise all standing PHSA committees and act as a crucial liaison between PHSA and the American Public Health Association. Regular meetings with the PHSA advisor will be conducted to ensure effective coordination and communication.
Ryan Kalina (He/Him)
Ryan Kalina is a MPH student in the Epidemiology concentration. His interests include substance use, sexual and reproductive health, and addressing structural barriers to health through equity‑focused approaches.
Treasurer
The Treasurer will manage the PHSA funding account, which is exclusively allocated to PHSA funds and maintained in a readily accessible savings account. Attendance at the Board of College Councils budget training is essential to ensure proficiency in financial matters. Acting as a liaison between the College Council and PHSA, the incumbent will facilitate effective communication. Detailed and accurate records of all monetary transactions involving PHSA and its committees will be meticulously maintained. Collaborating with the President, the individual will play a key role in preparing annual and semester budgets for PHSA.
Isabella Lolus (She/Her/Hers)
My name is Isabella Lolus, and I am a first year MPH student with a concentration in Population Health Management. I am a double Gator and received my BS in Health Education and Behavior. I am interested in employee wellness, AI integration in healthcare, health policy, and healthcare operations. I am excited to learn more about budgeting and resource management through my role as treasurer for PHSA.
Secretary
The Secretary is tasked with diligently taking minutes at general meetings and preparing them for distribution and approval at the subsequent meeting. Maintaining an accurate record of general meeting attendance and implementing a point system for eligibility is also within their purview. In collaboration with the President, the individual is responsible for preparing a written meeting agenda. Furthermore, they coordinate, collect, and compile committee reports. Regular bi-weekly updates to all Public Health graduate students will be disseminated under their direction. Additionally, close collaboration with the PHSA Historian is expected to create publicity for PHSA events and maintain the Department Calendar.
Carissa Liu (She/Her/Hers)
Hi! My name is Carissa, and I am an MPH student with a concentration in Population Health Management. My public health interests lie in food systems, urban planning, aging-in-place, and reproductive justice.
Historian
The Historian is responsible for maintaining and maintaining the PHSA Instagram ensuring that it accurately reflects the organization’s activities and initiatives. Collaboration with the PHSA secretary is crucial for creating effective publicity for PHSA events and maintaining the Department Calendar. Additionally, the individual will oversee the maintenance of the PHSA bulletin board, strategically located adjacent to the Public Health student lounge in the HPNP building.
Nicolas Rosado (They/Them)
Hello, I am Nicolas Rosado, a combined Bachelor’s/MPH student with a concentration in epidemiology. I am interested in public health awareness, neglected tropical diseases, LGBTQ+ health, and post-viral chronic illnesses.
Combined Degree Representative – OPEN
The primary responsibility of the combined degree student is to act as a liaison between fellow combined degree students and the MPH program, advocating for the specific needs and concerns unique to this demographic. Despite being MPH students, it is acknowledged that those concurrently pursuing other degrees have distinct requirements. In close collaboration with the advisor and President, the combined degree student plays a crucial role in ensuring that the voices and concerns of their peers in the combined degree programs are effectively communicated and addressed within the broader MPH program.
Online Executive – OPEN
The Online Executive Representative serves as a voting member of the PHSA Executive Board and acts as a key voice for online MPH students. This role helps ensure PHSA events and opportunities are inclusive and accessible by coordinating with the Social and Service Committee Chairperson to tailor select activities for online engagement. The Online Executive also attends PHSA Executive Board meetings as needed, supports additional initiatives assigned by the PHSA President, and meets with the PHSA Advisor as needed to stay aligned with organizational priorities.
Co-Social Chairs
A Social Chair is responsible for planning and organizing events that foster engagement, connection, and community within an organization. They coordinate social gatherings, promote participation, and ensure events align with the group’s mission and interests. Their role helps strengthen relationships, enhance morale, and create a welcoming environment for members.
Mary Anne Ferrer (She/Her)
Hi! My name is Mary Anne! I am a co-social chair for PHSA!
I am originally from Tampa, FL, and am passionate about infectious disease public health and global health. Go gators!
Elizabeth Kolody (She/Her)
Hi! I’m Elizabeth and I’m a first year MPH student concentrating in Epidemiology. My public health interests include global health, one health, infectious diseases, and health equity.
Co-Service Chairs
A Service Chair organizes and oversees volunteer and community service initiatives, ensuring the organization contributes meaningfully to its community. They coordinate service projects, encourage member participation, and build partnerships with local organizations. Their role helps foster a culture of giving back and strengthens the organization’s impact.
Caelan Hook (They/He)
Caelan is an MPH student under the Social and Behavioral Sciences concentration. Their interests include HIV/AIDS research, LGBTQIA+ issues, the Latino/a population and health disparities for minorities.
Emma Lammens (She/Her)
Hi! I’m Emma and I’m an MPH student in the Epidemiology concentration. I’m interested chronic and communicable diseases, especially in pediatric populations. In my spare time, I like to play guitar, cook, work out, and spend time outside.
Who can join PHSA
Membership in this organization is open to all enrolled students at the University of Florida. Non-enrolled students, spouses, faculty, and staff may be associate members; however, they may not vote or hold office.
How to join PHSA
Please attend a General Body Meeting to receive more information.
College Calendar
Upcoming Events
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Aug 04
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Summer Public Health Day
All Day
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