Graduate Public Health Association (GPHA)

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!

Co-President

Dom Donnay – 2nd year CHPR
He/him/his

I am currently in my second semester of the MPH program with a concentration in epidemiology! I attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I studied medical anthropology and got involved with a research project in Kenya working with Pastoralist communities. Additionally, I have previous experience working
as a nursing assistant in a long term care facility for dementia. My undergraduate experiences shaped my passion for public health and research, combining principles
from anthropology and public health with the goal of supporting a more healthy society through research and education.

I am excited to serve as Co-President for GPHA and support the future growth of the association! I decided to take the role because I wanted an avenue to serve communities, promote ethical public health principles, and build relationships. As Co-President, I am committed to providing a space for students to build connections with the community and take actionable steps to develop as a public health professional.

A fun fact about me is that I survived a dangerous encounter with an elephant
while in Northern Kenya!

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

Kaitlyn Leverton– CHPR

Hello! I am originally from Cary, North Carolina, but I have been living in the Charlotte area for several years. I received my BS in Psychology from UNC Charlotte and am now pursuing my MPH here with a concentration in Community Health Practice. My interests include suicide prevention and mental health, maternal health, and the overlap of all of the above!

I chose to join GPHA because I wanted to develop my leadership skills as well as get involved in and learn about the public health field from the graduate student perspective. I hope to positively impact those around me in multiple capacities and to learn from them as well. 

A fun fact about me is that I can do a cartwheel!

PhD Liaison

Liane Ventura – PHS PhD Student

She/her/they/them

I am a PhD student in Public Health Sciences and have a longstanding passion for Women’s Health. My research focuses on perinatal health behaviors within geographic, social, and community contexts.

I am excited to serve as the GPHA PhD Student Liaison and connect with like-minded students! I hope to contribute unique insight to GPHA based on my professional experiences.

My personal interests include outdoor activities and mindfulness meditation.

MCH Chair

Sydney Stine– 1st year EPID

Hi! I am originally from Western NC and earned my B.S. in Psychology and B.A. in Health & Medical Humanities at UNC Charlotte. I have a background in hormonal health, women’s health, pharmacy, and education. 

I chose to join the GPHA executive board to promote student engagement opportunities and to participate in maternal and child health initiatives. As the MCH Chair, I hope to create opportunities for students to engage with issues affecting women, children, and families through education, advocacy, and community partnerships. 

A fun fact about me is that I love to snowboard!