College of Public Health Graduate Student Association

The College of Public Health Graduate Student Association at the University of Iowa was established to expand opportunities in professional development and outreach, discuss student issues, and create a greater sense of community for all students in the College of Public Health.

Aims and Functions

  • Develop a sense of community among all graduate students and staff in the College of Public Health
  • Coordinate communication among student organizations in the College of Public Health
  • Expand and create opportunities for student professional development and service
  • Facilitate student dialogue with local, state, and national organizations

Membership

Membership is open to all students enrolled in a CPH graduate degree program, meetings are held biweekly. More information can be provided by contacting in the Comments section, at the bottom of the page.

2024-2025 Board Members

President: Allison Darling

Allison (she/her) is a second-year MPH student in the Occupational and Environmental Health department. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Environmental Studies from Coe College. Outside of CPHGSA she serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the college, secretary for the Occupational and Environmental Health Student Association, a Graduate Student Ambassador, and a LEND Trainee through the Center for Disabilities and Development. Outside of school she enjoys yoga, reading, and spending time with her dogs.

 

Treasurer: Grace Gerdts

Grace Gerdts (she/her) is a second-year PhD student in the Department of Epidemiology. She received a Bachelor of Science in biology concentrated in genetics and biotechnology and a Bachelor of mathematics concentrated in biomathematics from the University of Iowa in 2021. Following her undergraduate education, she received her MPH concentrated in biostatistics from the University of Iowa College of Public Health in 2023. She currently works as a GRA for Dr. Nichole Nidey, and her research interests include maternal and child health, substance use disorders, healthy equity and social justice, and maternity care. Outside of the academic space, she serves as the president of Here to Help, treasurer of the College of Public Health Graduate Student Association, lead Graduate Student Ambassador, a PhD representative in the Epidemiology Student Association, and a communications chair for the Maternal and Child Health Student Interest Group. She enjoys reading, being outdoors, and hanging out with friends and family in her free time. 

Committee Director: Emily Killian

Emily (she/her) is a second-year PhD student in the Community and Behavioral Health department. She received a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Illinois State University and a Master of Public Health in Behavioral Science and Health Education from Saint Louis University. She is passionate about healthy aging and mental health, particularly for older adults living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as those residing in long-term care facilities. She aims to improve the lives of these populations through community-engaged research, currently focusing on caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s and related dementias and exploring their social support networks and disaster preparedness. She chose CPH for its faculty expertise and the opportunities to conduct research directly related to her interests. Outside of school, she enjoys group fitness classes, caring for her many houseplants, and spending time with her puppy.

Events Director: Rebeca Galindo

Rebeca is a second-year PhD student from Fort Worth, Texas. She earned her B.S. in Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology in 2020 from the University of North Texas, and her M.S. in Public Health Sciences with a concentration in Epidemiology from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in 2023. She is passionate about infectious disease control, emergency disaster preparedness, and antimicrobial stewardship with research appointments in the College of Public Health and Carver College of Medicine. Rebeca works primarily as a graduate research assistant at the State Hygenic Laboratory. You can often find Rebeca involved with CPHGSA as event chair, dancing with Hawkeye Ballroom Dance Company, or cheering on Iowa’s Women’s Basketball team.

Research Director: Nafisa Kamal Ayntee

Nafisa (she/her) is a first-year Master of Public Health (MPH) student in the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health at the University of Iowa. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Global Health Studies and an Entrepreneurial Management Certificate, also from the University of Iowa. Passionate about environmental sustainability, climate change, and health equity, Nafisa wants to focus on addressing environmental health challenges within vulnerable communities. Outside of her studies, she enjoys watching K-dramas, exploring sustainable fashion, attending cultural events, exploring different cuisines, and spending time with friends.

Upcoming Events

December 5th: Finals Study Session (4-7pm in CPHB S302)

Sponsored Departments

  • President, Allison Darling: MPH, OEH
  • Treasurer, Grace Gerdts: PhD, Epidemiology
  • Committee Director, Emily Killian: PhD, CBH
  • Events Director, Rebeca Galindo: PhD, Epidemiology
  • Research Director, Nafisa Kamal Ayntee: MPH, OEH

Available Resources:

Grants

Health

Jobs & Careers

Meeting Minutes

Comments?

CPHGSA Feedback