Graduate Public Health Association (GPHA)

Co-President

Mariah Quinn – 2nd year CHPR

She/her/hers

I chose to join GPHA in order to promote student engagement opportunities and to participate in a student organization while in my graduate program. I see this involvement as a chance for personal and professional growth, as well as leadership development and community engagement. I believe it’s my responsibility as a student to shape the future of public health, and GPHA offers a pathway for me to do just that.

As I approach the end of my MPH program, my goal is not just to graduate, but to leave a lasting impact and establish myself as a leader in the field of public health.

A fun fact about me is that I love to collect shells and crystals!

Co-President

Dom Donnay – 2nd year CHPR
He/him/his

I am originally from Syracuse, NY and attended Syracuse University for undergrad. I currently work in healthcare and have worked as a Pharmacy Technician and now work as an Emergency Medical Technician. My ultimate career goal is to become a physician that uses public health as a foundation to treat patients and improve the healthcare system.

I have the pleasure to serve as Co-President for GPHA. I decided to take on the role to become more involved within the campus community, and wanted to begin to make impacts. I also will bring my strong leadership skills to the team. I also have heavy experience with social justice and equity work. I would like to create innovative ways to educate others on public health and how it can be used in everyday life.

A fun fact about me is that I have been to Italy!

Treasurer

Ayesha Kamdar – 2nd year CHPR

She/her/hers

I chose to join the GPHA board because I am passionate about making a difference in UNC Charlotte graduate campus life. My goal is to provide graduate students, especially MPH students, with opportunities to get more involved on campus.

A fun fact about me is that I received my undergraduate degree from UNC Charlotte as well so I am very familiar with the campus and Charlotte as a whole. 

Secretary

Evie Starr – 2nd year EPID

She/her

I previously received my undergraduate degree in biology, where I also did some lab research into proteostasis and aging. 

I chose GPHA because I wish to play a more active role in the public health community on campus. I chose the role of secretary because I believe my strengths lie in supporting other people to help them do their best work. 

A fun fact about me is that I love to longboat. Going down a hill as fast as you can is one of the best feelings out there.

Social Media Chair

Hayat Naqvi – 2nd year EPID

She/her/hers

I chose to join GPHA because I want to promote and spread awareness through content creation and social media, especially when it comes to public health. I am a social media hype person! One of my hobbies is editing and capturing good photos, so I’ll make sure the posts are on point and eye-catching. 

Fun fact about me: I am a huge Friends fan! and I love to travel.

Senator

Garima Giri – 2nd year MHA

She/her

Hi! I’m from Sacramento, CA and have loved exploring Charlotte throughout graduate school.

I chose GPHA because I’m interested in public health and want to contribute to a community that focuses on health equity. As a senator I will be able to connect GPSG and GPHA so public health students have opportunities to prepare for professional growth. A fun fact about me is that my favorite food is vegetarian momos. My pronouns are she/her. 

PhD Liaison

Helia Hadavi – 1st year EPID PhD

She/her/hers

I chose to become a part of GPHA because I want to help educate PhD students at UNC Charlotte about public health and its importance. I also want to help students feel that they belong on campus and be there to support them through their studies. 

A fun fact about me is that I have a sweet calico cat called Queenie. She is one and a half years old and she is from the Caribbean.