Public Health Sciences major Karianne Santiago Ruiz has been selected as a 2019-20 This is Public Health (TIPH) ambassador by the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH).
TIPH Ambassadors help raise awareness about the field of public health by leading virtual events, taking over the TIPH social media accounts, and planning activities for kindergarten through college students to grow interest in public health education and careers. ASPPH launched the TIPH Ambassador program in 2017.
Santiago Ruiz's duties as a TIPH ambassador will include participation in SOPHAS Virtual Fairs, local TIPH Grad Fairs and social media, as well as talking to current undergraduate students.
"I'll be responsible for spreading awareness of the This is Public Health campaign," says Santiago Ruiz. "I'll also obtain access to exclusive events and a closed LinkedIn group, and gain professional development and network with professionals in the field of Public Health."
"Karianne is an incredibly diligent student and truly invest in public health," notes Gloria DiFulvio, the Public Health Sciences undergraduate program director. "She is an advocate for women's health and in particular an advocate for public health in Puerto Rico, her home. I believe she will do an excellent job engaging young people in the field of public health."
"I hope to gain as much knowledge as possible in order to teach others," adds Santiago Ruiz. "A topic that I am very passionate about is women's and geriatric health, particularly after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, where I was born and raised. Through this platform, I hope to shed a light on current health issues back home and potentially develop a research project of my own."