Meet Ava Tobar and Monalisa Akwuruoha, our amazing undergraduate representatives who bring passion, insight, and fresh perspectives to the TSOPHE Board! Read more about their journeys, interests, and goals in public health below.

We asked, “What are you currently studying, and what interests you most about your academic program or area of focus in public health?”

Ava: I graduated Baylor early in December 2025 with a degree in Medical Humanities, which focuses on the intersection between medicine and the humanities. Through the Medical Humanities Program, I was exposed to creative writing opportunities, medical ethics and history, and the importance of holistic care among many things. My interest in public health bloomed when I took Disrupting Racial Disparities, which is a course offered by the Medical Humanities Program. I am interested in further exploring T2D in Hispanic communities, especially its social determinants and current community initiatives. 

Monalisa: I am studying Public Health, with a minor in Health Informatics. The most interesting aspects of public health to me is the research within the field that to only analyzes current health issues, it also creates pathways for innovation that can ultimately drive population-level change. I aim to contribute to the development and improvement of technological tools that support both patients and healthcare systems in making more targeted and effective decisions, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.

“What do you hope your career path will look like after graduation, and what kinds of impact would you like to make in the field of public health?”

Ava: I’m hoping to pursue an MD, possibly a MPH during residency. I have always been interested in long-term holistic care, so I’m thinking about doing either pediatrics, pediatric surgery, or endocrinology. For the impacts I would like to make in the field of public health, I would like to be directly involved with T2D community initiatives for Hispanic communities and tailor programs towards adolescents via technology-based promotion. 

Monalisa: In the future, I hope to have my master's in biomedical informatics. By combining my background in Public Health with advanced training in informatics, I hope to work within hospital systems to improve clinical technologies and processes that make health equity more attainable for large populations. Ultimately, I want to ensure that patients are not only receiving care, but that the care they receive is equitable, effective, and supports long-term health. I also hope to contribute to systems where physicians and patients can work collaboratively to develop more personalized and effective health plans.

“What are you most excited about during your time serving on the TSOPHE Board, and what motivated you to get involved with TSOPHE?”

Ava: First and foremost, I would not have been introduced to TSOPHE without Dr. Emily Cunningham, one of my former Medical Humanities professors at Baylor. With the TSOPHE Conference back in September 2025, it had been the first time I had gone away from Waco to present research. I had been nervous, especially since I had not known any other Baylor students or professors going to the conference, but everyone I met was so kind and welcoming! Overall, the conference was so memorable for me and sparked my desire to further pursue public health through the TSOPHE Executive Board. As one of TSOPHE’s Undergraduate Representatives for the 2026 year, through the Membership and Program Planning committee, I hope to spread the word about TSOPHE to more undergraduate students, especially with the TSOPHE Conference in 2027 coming up! 

Monalisa: I am most excited about the professional development opportunities and the ability to help other students become more involved in organizations that support their growth. Serving on the TSOPHE Board allows me to expand my network and continue developing as a public health professional. TSHOPHE helped me visualize the future I want in public health by connecting me with professionals across the state, and that motivated me to further develop. My desire is to create opportunities for other students to experience the same exposure and see career is possible for themselves in public health.

Thank you all for your contributions to TSOPHE - we are truly grateful!