President: Ramon Sanchez

1. President: Ramon Sanchez My name is Ramon Sanchez, I’m Student Government President for this academic year and I would like to welcome all of you to the Harvard School of Public Health. I’m a doctoral student in the Environmental Health Department and I’m starting my fourth year here. So, I have spent some time at HSPH, a place full of classrooms, equipment and laboratories. However, such facilities could be found somewhere else, so in my years here I learned that what really makes your Harvard experience unique is the excellent people you will find here. Somehow among the chaos of running around to get to class, doing lab work and term papers you will find some people that will share your dreams, exams, parties, classes, trips, seminars, panels, dances, etc. These experiences will create bonds and friendships that will last for a lifetime, and as Student Government our goal is to enrich your life as much as we can by acting on your behalf in matters concerning your education and welfare. For that reason, we interact with the Administration, Faculty and other groups in the HSPH community to organize social activities, academic conferences and community outreach programs so you enjoy your time here at its fullest. We are also your advocates, so if you need help or see some areas of opportunity, please contact your Student Government. We are here to serve you!!!

2. Vice-President: Julia Roos My name is Julia Roos. I’m a second-year MS2 in Environmental Health and I’m running for Vice President of Student Government. My passion is living an active life, and my goal as Vice President is to provide many options for my fellow students to be active. I think the best thing about being at HSPH is the incredible crowd of people that surrounds us – the people I’ve met have shaped my time and experiences here immensely. As VP I want to make sure there are a variety of ways for the student body to interact, from athletics to social gatherings, from student groups to community service. We are a passionate group, and that passion lends itself seamlessly to incredible conversations and amazing experiences together. I was the athletic coordinator last year, and I learned quite a bit about the way things work and what it takes to make events happen. The biggest lesson I learned last year is that my fellow students have amazing ideas and the best thing I could do was help those ideas become a reality. By serving as Vice President I can ensure that those ideas come to fruition by establishing solid communication and coordination between and among with the various student government committees and the student body.

3. Treasurer: Lauren Madden Hi, I am Lauren Madden, a 2nd year Masters Student in Environmental Health at HSPH.  I ran for treasurer of student government in order to ensure HSPH maintains its stability and continues its success in various fundraising, social, and community service activities throughout this year.  Being a part of student government in the 2008-2009 school year I understood the importance of the treasurer in making events such as winter ball and international night happen and I plan to execute all of these event again in the 2009-2010 school year.  Additionally, I plan to be more than just the HSPH treasurer this school year.  It is my goal to continue my involvement in all student government activities by volunteering my time at events and coordinating outreach and volunteer activities for all HSPH students to take part in.  I look forward to working with everyone this year.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at lmadden@hsph.harvard.edu

4. Secretary: Guddi Singh Hello, my name is Guddi Singh. I am a junior doctor in Paediatrics from the UK now on the MPH program for Global Health. My aim is to combine public health work alongside my clinical practice, and I am excited to learn ways I can do this here at Harvard. My positions as Managing Director of my own business at high school and President of the University of Cambridge branch of MEDSIN (Medical Students International Network) have prepared me for leadership opportunities and the dynamics of working in committees. I hope to take the skills in diplomacy, organization and relationship building from my past experiences and combine them with the sense of fun and camaraderie I have already found in HSPH. I am looking forward to representing my fellow students and am determined that our voice should be heard.

5. Athletic Committee Chair: Matthieu Trudeau Do you want to get involved in intramural sports or want to get a gym membership? Do you want to get good deals on tickets for professional sports in Boston and for Harvard sporting events? Did you even know that our sports teams are called the Crimson and that most of our teams are really good? As your Athletic Committee Chair here at HSPH, I will be working for you to get you the information you need, get you the ticket discounts you need, help recruit fans of our Crimson teams across HSPH, and I also want to plan a hiking or ski trip for us as well. By the way, my name is Matt and I’m passionate about sports and the outdoors. I’m also a doctoral student in the department of Environmental Health. I’m originally from Montréal, Canada. For the last two years, I’ve been working as a research assistant engineer in the ergonomics lab here at HSPH. Thanks for your support!

6. International Committee Chair: Syed Nabeel Zafar I am Nabeel, an MPH student concentrating in quantitative methods. I am from Pakistan and recently completed my medical degree from the Aga Khan University in Karachi. I wish to become a surgeon and work on public health and surgery. I am standing for chair of the international committee and promise to do a super job at it. I have a multitude of experience in organizing events and voicing issues. Be it settling in be it travel abroad, be it sports music or drama, be it networking, be it visa issues, be it career issues, be it cultural issues, be it academic issues, be it issues of love. I will make sure that everyone’s opinions, complaints and suggestions are heard and problems are solved. I hope to arrange speakers of great international stature to enrich our experience here at the HSPH. And I will definitely make sure that the International night is more fun than ever - a night that everyone will remember. A year HSPH will not forget. I was born in Pakistan, spent the first 7 years of my life in Northern Ireland before shifting back to Pakistan and have been to Norway, England, France, Egypt, Saudia Arab, Bangladesh and the USA before. (If your country isn’t on the list, it will be soon  - I love travelling) I will do my best to serve you well.

7. Social Committee Chair: Xin Lian Hi all! This is Xin Lian, a first year SM2 student in Department of Global Health and Population. I just got a medical degree in China this summer with a concentration in Acupuncture! Aha, interesting? In my undergraduate study, I was an active part for various student organizations, student government in schools and school-wide broadcasting station. I really enjoyed my past experiences and they brought so much joy into my undergrad life. I just settle into my brand new life here in HSPH and I love it! I would love to be part of the Student Government in HSPH and devote myself into it so that we can make our life in HSPH to be a nice part of memory years later when we are all alumni then. It is my honor to be part of it and because of this my heart plays music again!

8. Communications Committee Chair: ? Nomination period will remain open until this position is fulfilled (for more details please contact Ramon Sanchez at rsanchez@hsph.harvard.edu )

9. Student Voice Committee Chair: Casey Holmes Innovation. Dedication. Results. My name is Casey Holmes and I want to be your next Student Voice Committee Chair. The greatest challenge to this position will be maintaining a well-rounded perspective on the full spectrum of student concerns. As a journalist and professional researcher, I have conducted over 300 interviews enabling me with the experience to objectively gather and analysis information. In office my main priority will be to actively and regularly approach students and departmental representatives to discuss their reactions and concerns to HSPH policy. I will then do my best to resolve these issues with the administration. Further priorities in office will be to: Plan social events (specifically more alumni mixers). Foster more academic lectures on hot public health topics. Plan seminars on professional development skills. Potential topics include salary negotiation, management skills, and climbing the corporate ladder. Thank you for your participation and please vote for me as your next Student Voice Committee Chair.

10. Community Service Committee Chair: Jaime Madrigano Hi, My name is Jaime Madrigano. I am a fourth year doctoral student in the Departments of Epidemiology and Environmental Health. Like myself, I am sure many of you came to HSPH with a history of community involvement and desire to continue to serve your community. However, many of us often find that coursework consumes much of our time, and consequently, do not do as much community service as we would like. Recognizing this, I would like to make community service a more integrated part of our experience at HSPH. I hope to incorporate community involvement into our lives by partnering with Student Affairs and the wider study body. Some specific ideas I have are to: Create a student collaborative of individuals seeking to participate in community service in either an ongoing or periodic way Establish an ongoing relationship with 1 or 2 community partners whom rotating groups of HSPH students can work with on a regular (e.g. monthly) basis Benchmark with other Harvard University graduate school service groups to figure out the best way to integrate service into the lives of busy students and collaborate with other schools on at least one activity Make students aware of one-time community service opportunities Invite community leaders to HSPH to give students a broader perspective of the problems and concerns in the surrounding community I have a history of leadership in the community service area. As a part-time Master’s student at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Public Health, I founded and led the student community service group, V.O.I.C.E.S. (http://sphprojects.umdnj.edu/voices/). In Boston, I have volunteered with The Food Project and The Science Club for Girls. I look forward to hearing your ideas and working with you to make service an integral part of the HSPH experience.

11. MPH Program Representative: Justin Mills Hello, my name is Justin Mills. I am a MPH student in Health Policy and Management. I hail from the great state of Kansas were I just finished my pediatric residency. I am running for MPH Program Representative. While I am very new to Boston and Harvard, I have extensive experience in student governance. As an undergraduate I was very involved in Student Senate at the University of Kansas and was also active in my med school and residency councils. I am ready to listen to any suggestions you may have and am not afraid to voice your concerns.

12. MPH Program Representative: Brandon Ito My name is Brandon Ito and I'm running for the MPH Program Representative position for the 2009-2010 school year. I'm currently a 4th year medical student at the University of California, Irvine and a part of the Family and Community Health MPH concentration. I'm interested in both community and international health, and plan to apply to residency in either child psychiatry or pediatrics upon graduation. As MPH Program Representative, I hope to coordinate more social and academic events for students to both get to know one another, but more importantly, increase the sense of community within the HSPH. For many of us, this is the best opportunity to meet so many people from across the country and across the world. With that in mind, I hope to also be involved with other committees in planning and promoting larger campus-wide events to make this year memorable for all of us. I also hope to create a network list in order for current MPH students to remain in contact as each of us move on to our future careers. By doing so, I hope to build upon the friendships we've already made thus far. Thank you for your consideration and I hope to be serving you in the near future!

13. Masters Program (MS1/MS2) Representative: Jocelyn Hospital Hi, my name is Jocelyn Hospital and I am a first year MS2 student inthe Environmental Health department. am orginally from Virginia, buthave spent the last 3 1/2 years in Peru. As the Masters StudentRepresentative I look forward to being a spokesperson for the needs ofMasters students and fostering collaboration among all members of theHSPH community. I look forward to a great year. If you have any questions or comments feel free to contact me at: jhospita@hsph.harvard.edu

14. Doctoral Program (ScD, PhD, DPH) Rep: Guy Harling Hi, I’m Guy and I’m a second year doctoral student in Society, Human Development and Health. During my first year I was an avid consumer of student government activities (and food/drink) and now I’d like to start giving something back. As those of you who know me are doubtless aware, I am not shy in speaking my mind and am more than happy to talk with anyone who is willing to listen. As your doctoral program representative, I would put these ‘skills’ to work on your behalf. Over the past year I have noticed two shortcomings, which I believe are within the power of a doctoral representative to improve: - A limited student voice in departmental decision-making, coupled with an ad-hoc and sluggish approach to the communication of important departmental decisions to the student body; - A lack of feedback from student government to the student body about discussions and developments relating to academic (as opposed to social) activities that the government is involved in. As a result, I am standing for doctoral representative in order to improve the communications channels between you as a student, and both faculty and HSPH student government. As your representative, I would: - Actively solicit and work to communicate your views on both strengths and weaknesses of the existing departmental and school-wide structures; Work with other student representatives to increase student participation in decision-making; - Endeavour to create a formal communication channel from the departmental faculty and administration to students for academically-important decisions; - Provide feedback to you, the student body, at the end of each semester, outlining what academic procedures HSPH student government has been trying to change within the school and across the university, and whether they were successful. In summary, I would very much appreciate the opportunity to act as your doctoral representative. Thank you.

15. Health Policy and Management Representative: Matthew Field Hi, I am Matt, and I am in my first year of a two-year Master’s in Health Policy & Management. I am from Ann Arbor, MI and went to college at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. For the last two years I have been doing basic and clinical research in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Michigan. I also co-founded a biotech company with two professors from the University of Michigan to commercialize an instrument that non-invasively detects retinal disease 10-15 years earlier than current clinical non-invasive techniques. I love playing tennis and soccer and escape into these leisure activities in my spare time. I am interested in being your Health Policy & Management Department Representative. I have already listened to many students in my department and have identified several needs of my fellow students and offerings that they would like added to the HSPH and Harvard community. With my business and scientific research experience, I also believe that I am positioned to be an excellent liaison between our school and other graduate schools at Harvard. I am a big proponent of interdisciplinary interactions and collaborations and would very much like to increase the collaborations between schools at Harvard. I believe this could manifest itself in the form of conferences, forums, social events, social entrepreneurship, and research projects, among other things. I also have many ideas on how to further develop our current school and improve on its already excellent offerings and reputation. I am looking forward to discussing my interest in HPM issues thank you for the opportunity to apply. You can reach me by e-mail at mfield@hsph.harvard.edu

16. Biostatistics Representative: Rajarshi Mukherjee Hi, I am Rajarshi Mukherjee and I would like to represent the Department of Biostatistics in the HSPH school student government body. Being doctoral student in the department I feel that it is important for me to help the government deal with our issues and integrate our department to different school activities. Moreover, I would like to harness my share to experience as an international student to address to international student community issues entailing placements(including on campus jobs),funding and even providing guidance or help during the admission and application procedure. Finally, I believe that our quotidian and busy life deserves its share of fun and hence as a representative I will try my best to ensure a proper amalgam of fun and social activities. Hope we all have a wonderful year ahead and make the best of our time here. ThanksRajarshi Mukherjee

17. Environmental Health Representative: Tawan Udtamadilok My name is Tawan Udtamadilok (Ty). I am in my second year as a Masters student, and I want to become more involved by acting as a liaison between Environmental Health students and faculty, as well as between EH and the entire HSPH community. In my undergraduate career, I worked to establish academic and social initiatives for my department and developed forums for exploring opportunities in industry and academia. I would like to do the same for the EH department, and as your representative I will be responsive to any ideas or concerns that are of special interest to EH students. Please vote for me and let me be your voice in HSPH!

18. Epidemiology Representative: Yin Cao Hi, I am Yin, and I am a first year doctoral student in the department of Epidemiology concentrated on cancer Epi. I am originally from China, got my undergrad there in biological science and economics. Two years ago, I came to the US and got my MPH in Epidemiology from Columbia University. I am interested in being the student representative of Epidemiology Department. Although school has only started for one month, I loved it! However, I feel the strong need to have more opportunities to mix and mingle with fellow students within EPI and among all the other departments, socially and academically, as well as the need to have more interactions with faculties about everything in EPI. Let me be your representative, I would have your voice in HSPH!

19. Global Health & Population Representative: Michael Hadley My name is Michael Hadley. I am a first year student in the Department of Global Health & Population. I graduated in 2007 from Brown University with degrees in Biology and Philosophy. Since then, I've traveled around the developing world working on community-based health care projects. Most recently, I performed front line health care delivery and studied infectious disease epidemiology in marginalized indigenous communities in the Amazon jungle. I hope one day to lead a global health organization that brings health equity to indigenous communities throughout Latin America. I would like to be your Global Health & Population representative. As an acting co-chair of Harvard's new university-wide global health student group, I am well connected with global health students and faculty throughout HSPH and the broader Harvard community. I intend to listen to these individuals and voice their concerns and suggestions at student government meetings. Additionally, I hope to foster both HSPH-based and university-wide collaboration on GHP events, such as symposia, speaker series, and career fairs. I was a student government representative in college, and am confident that I can facilitate communication between GHP students, faculty, and student government. I look forward to working with you on global health issues. Please feel free to email me at mhadley@hsph.harvard.edu

20. Nutrition Department Representative: Julia Finkelstein Hello, I’m Julia and I am a third year doctoral student in the Departments of Nutrition and Epidemiology. I would love to have an opportunity to represent our department again this year in HSPH student government. I look forward to being involved in social activities and fundraising with other departments, and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration across the school. Thanks so much! :)

21. IDD and GCD Department Representative: Karrell Pelle Hi! My name is Karell Pellé. I am a doctoral student in the Biological Sciences in Public Health program and starting my 3rd year. I would like to represent the students of Immunology and Infectious Diseases (IID) and Genetic and Complex Diseases (GCD) departments on Student Government. As an active member on Student Government, I will serve as the link between the student body and the IID/GCD departments; voice the ideas and concerns of my peers; and contribute to the planning of Student Government events that will allow for interdepartmental interaction and the overall enrichment of our school’s culture. Best of luck with this school year!

22. Society Human Development and Health Representative: Sara Olson My name is Sara Olson and I’m in the second year of the MS2 program. Originally from upstate NY, my background is in human nutrition/dietetics. . I am also a co-chair for the Student Advisory Committee, bringing practice and community service opportunities to the whole student body. When I’m not on campus you can probably find me doing patient counseling at the Dana Farber Cancer Center @ Faulkner Hospital. Or JP Pond- pretending I’m a runner. Or baking something delicious, if not exactly healthy. Despite that, I’m actually really interested in health promotion and wellness in schools and worksites, which includes HSPH! I’d love to be involved in student government to help keep students healthier… and happier! I think past efforts like the Stair Challenge, switching to reusable water bottles, and featuring local produce in the cafeteria are great first steps, but there is so much more potential for change. I'd like to see changes made to foods served at meetings and events (not pizza at EVERY event, please!), better use of the SHDH departmental kitchen area, and information/resources made available to students in the new SHDH study lounge on the 6th floor. I also love any excuse for social events and meeting new people, so as your rep I’ll make sure we continue to throw SHDH social events, bring in speakers, whatever you’re interested in. For one, there should be more opportunities at the beginning and end of the year for everyone in the department to meet informally- so 1st year MS2s can meet with doctoral students, etc. I'd also like to see ongoing student involvement in the development and improvement of SHDH required coursework and practica.

23. HSPH Representative to HGC: Mariesa Ricks Hello fellow students of the School of Public Health! My name is Mariesa Ricks and I am a first year MS2 candidate in the Society, Human Development, and Health Department and I would love for you to consider my candidacy as a representative on the Harvard Graduate Council. As an HCG representative, I would be responsible for ensuring fair representation of HSPH and making sure that the concerns of our community are expressed and considered. Furthermore, I would be responsible for fostering and solidifying relationships within the graduate school community through collaboration in the planning of academic and social events that encompass various facets of the graduate communities. Admittedly I haven’t been removed from the school environment for very long (I graduated from college a little over a year ago), but I have garnered a great deal of experience in the capacity of serving as an effective student leader in various campus organizations. I’ve chaired various social activities, for example, an intercollegiate winter formal dance that included guests from various college campuses in Boston, and as a board member of a major campus organization collaborated with executive boards of other cultural and political organizations on campus to foster understanding of different cultures and viewpoints through the co-hosting of various events. Furthermore, as allegiance to the organizations on which I served as a board member, I strove to ensure that our presence was known on campus and in the wider community of Boston (e.g., helping to administer a new after-school mentorship program in the under-resourced area of Mattapan). As a former hurdler and rugby player, I know the importance of team work, tenacity, and hard work, and I hope to bring my experience and dedication as your HSPH representative on the Harvard Graduate Council 

24. HSPH Representative to HGC: Sonali Vaid We heard the phrase “Welcome to Harvard” repeatedly during the orientation – we were welcomed not only to the Harvard School of Public Health but also to Harvard University. We were told to cross-the-river and take advantage of what the other schools at Harvard have to offer. But it is easier said than done. How many of us have crossed-the-river, how many of us have tried hard and yet failed due to scheduling conflicts or other restrictions? While trying to cross-register for a class at the Harvard Kennedy School, I would repeatedly run into several other determined students from HSPH who were trying to do the same. But despite their sincerity, only one of them has managed to get in on a class at HKS. And as I went across the river to HKS and the GSAS, I met a whole new world of people, and activities and ways of doing things that we could learn a lot from. And I also realized that HSPH has a lot to offer to the larger Harvard community. There are already efforts underway to spread the eco-initiatives from HSPH to other Harvard buildings. HSPH has made green the new crimson. Healthcare lies at the center of many conversations at other schools, which could be better informed by faculty speakers from HSPH. There is so much potential for interaction and involvement, and it relies on student participation and feedback. There are also roadblocks to better collaboration which I will seek to address. I will focus on improving student involvement in the Student Government both at HSPH and in the Harvard Graduate Council, so that suggestions can be heard and new opportunities can be tapped. At the end of the day it is more than classes and seminars that will bring us closer – it will be the friendships we form with people from across campus that will broaden our horizons and truly make us part of a larger Harvard Community. And through this position I hope to help build real bridges across the river.

25. Student Representative to the Committee on Education Policy: Marlene Camacho The student representative to the CEP is an appointed postion by the SG President, Marlene was one of our representatives last year and was asked to continue in this position due to her excellent performance and dedication to education policy issues at HSPH.

26. Student Representative to the Committee on Education Policy: Aaron Holman The student representative to the CEP is an appointed postion by the SG President, Aaron was one of our representatives last year and was asked to continue in this position due to his excellent performance and dedication to education policy issues at HSPH.

27. Student Representative to the Committee on Admissions and Degrees (CAD): Stalo Karageorgi The student representative to the CAD is an appointed postion by the SG President and has the following responsibililities: - Attend the meetings of the Committee in Admissions and Degrees. - Participate in the debates to determine the graduation requirements for different degree programs at HSPH. - Check the consistency of the criteria used to admit students to different degree programs at HSPH - Participate in the solution of controversies for some admission decisions in the Spring Semester (early February to late March) - Represent all the students at HSPH in regards to admission and degrees issues.