College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences > Academics > Public Health > Student Resources > Public Health Student Organization

Public Health Student Organization

​​​​​​The purpose of the Public Health Student Organization is to focus on the preservation, enrichment, transmission, and application of interdisciplinary knowledge in public health that emphasizes social justice, service to vulnerable populations, and excellence in public health practice. 

Contact Information

The 2020-2021 Executive Board

Preeya Waite, President
Kunal Lohana, Vice-President
Funmi Odutayo, Secretary
Darielle Sherrod, MPH Student Representative
Abby Creek, Communications Director
Abigail Torres, Student Representative

Please contact the Master of Public Health Program mph@depaul.edu for more information.
PHSO members enjoying the 2015 Chicago AIDS Run & Walk

Accomplishments and Activities

  • PHSO Fantasy Football League (2018)​
  • Fundraiser at Irish Eyes (raised over $400)
  • Volunteer events at Lakeview Food Pantry and Erie Neighborhood House (2016)
  • Color Run​ Chicago  (2016)
  • APHA Meeting in Denver, CO (2016)
  • Screening and discussion of The Hunting Ground (2016)
  • AIDS Run & Walk (raised over $600) (2015)​
  • American Heart Association's Heart Walk (raised over $500) (2013)
  • Society for Public Health Education Annual Meeting (2011)
  • American Public Health Association Annual Meeting (2011)
  • National Public Health Week, Nutrition and Physical Activity event at Rowe Elementary (2010)
  • Health Care Reform Panel (2010)

​​​​Get to Know 2019-2020 PHSO

Preeya Waite

Hometown: Cincinnati, OH 

Undergraduate Degree: B.S. in Biology from Xavier University

Public Health Interests: Incarceration, Maternal & Child Health, Health Policy

Practicum Placement: Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative

Favorite Aspect of the DePaul MPH Program: The faculty - they are incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, and supportive of our success.

Hobbies: Reading, crocheting, gardening, cooking, hiking

Fun Fact: One of my writings was published in a national poetry book when I was 7 years old

Kunal

Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan

Undergraduate Degree: Bachelors in Dental Surgery

Public Health Interest:healthcare disparity in immigrants and low socioeconomic populations.

Practicum Placement: DePaul University Office of Health Promotion and Wellness/COVID-19 Contact Tracing

Favorite Aspect of the DePaul MPH program: The integration of Chicago public health community to our academic curriculum, and how it helps us to use our skills to navigate public health problems our community is facing in the real world.

Hobbies: Biking, interior designing, and hiking/camping

Fun Fact: I am working from home since March, I have learned how to play the “Basic” violin and picked up the hobby of indoor gardening.

Funmilayo

Hometown: Houston, TX

Undergraduate Degree: B.S in Biology

Public Health Interest: Increasing healthy food availability in food disparity areas and promoting culturally sensitive behavior changes in communities at high risk for obesity related illness.

Favorite Aspect of the DePaul MPH program: The curriculum is greatly influential in studying public health practically and helps me envision real world solution applications.

Hobbies: all things art, also gardening

Fun Fact: I’m currently obsessed with trying to figure out how to grow cherry tomatoes in the living room of my apartment (hopefully my roommates won’t mind).
 
 
Darielle Sherrod

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Undergraduate Degree: Augustana College, B.A in Public Health, Communication Studies, and Sociology

Practicum Placement: Gary Comer Youth Center

Public Health Interest: Maternal and Child Health, Health Equity, Health Disparities, Social Determinants of Health and Health Policy. 

Favorite Aspect of the DePaul MPH Program: I appreciate and value the varies academic and professional opportunities, our practicum placements coexisting with our classes, and the small cohort atmosphere.

Hobbies: Reading, volunteering, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Fun Fact(s): I once road the Raging Bull at six flags 8 times in a row.

abigail torres

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Undergraduate Degree: B.A in international studies 

Public Health Interest: Decreasing the burden of chronic illnesses in the minority population by establishing adequate resources to improve a person’s quality of health.

Favorite Aspect of the DePaul MPH program: I really like the size of the cohort and the accessibility to our professors. I also like that the program allows us to work in different communities accords Chicago. 

Hobbies: baking, exercising, talking 

Fun Fact: I don’t know how to swim yet, my goal is to learn before I’m 25.
abby creek

Hometown: Collinsville, IL

Undergraduate degree: B.S. in Health Sciences with a concentration in Public Health from DePaul University

Practicum placement: AIDS Foundation of Chicago - Pride Action Tank

Public health interest: Substance Use and Harm Reduction, Homelessness, Health Equity, Social Determinants of Health

Favorite aspect of the DePaul MPH program: The small cohort size and the opportunity to get hands-on experience along with our education through our practicum

Hobbies: Traveling, going to concerts, volunteering, exploring the city with friends

Fun fact(s): I have seen my favorite band 20+ times and in 5 different states!

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