Overview:
The Hudson College of Public Health Student Association (HCOPHSA) represents every student enrolled in a public health program at OUHSC. Elected HCOPHSA officers appear on behalf of public health students to the Graduate Student Association, Student Government Association, and the College of Public Health Executive Committee. HCOPHSA organizes social events, professional development, biannual student feedback sessions, and other opportunities that benefit and develop the public health student body.
Regular HCOPHSA meetings are on the second Wednesday of the month from 12pm-1pm.
We would love to hear your comments, suggestions, or questions at cophsa-officers@ouhsc.edu.
Current Officers:
President – Emily N. Kinyanjui – Health Administration and Policy, MHA
I am a second-year Master of Health Administration and Policy (MHA) student at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. I hold a bachelor's degree in accounting from Southern Adventist University in Tennessee and an MBA in Finance and Strategic Management from Daystar University in Nairobi. Prior to beginning my graduate studies, I worked with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), leading strategic financial initiatives across several international humanitarian programs—an experience that honed my skills in financial management and cross-cultural teamwork.
As a Graduate Research Assistant, I support faculty-led projects aimed at strengthening health systems and organizational performance. This has deepened my interest in applied health services research and strengthened my analytical and problem-solving abilities. My research interests include health systems improvement, healthcare policy, and the use of data-driven strategies to enhance operational efficiency and patient outcomes. Outside of academics, I enjoy reading, cooking, traveling, and volunteering in church-led outreach programs that serve vulnerable populations. These activities keep me grounded and inspired to contribute to community well-being.
Vice President – Dorsa Hosseininasab – PhD Student, Health Promotion Sciences
Dorsa Hosseininasab is a PhD student in Health Promotion Sciences at the Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. She holds a master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences and has experience in clinical nutrition. At OUHSC, she serves as a Graduate Research Assistant and is actively involved in research projects focused on diet, obesity, and chronic disease prevention
Dorsa has presented her research at national conferences including ASN and Obesity Week and enjoys mentoring students and participating in academic leadership. In her free time, she loves going to the gym, exploring new places, cooking, playing piano, and spending time with loved ones. As Vice President, she is dedicated to helping create a supportive and engaging environment for public health students.
Secretary – Navya Jeldi – PhD Student, Health Promotion Sciences
Navya Jeldi, MPH, is a PhD student in Health Promotion Science at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. She holds a degree in Dental Surgery from India and a master’s in public health from Oklahoma State University. With two years of clinical experience, she has a strong foundation in both clinical care and public health.
Her research interests include health disparities, chronic health conditions, mental health, and children's and women's health. Currently, she is a Graduate Research Assistant working on diabetes and mental health projects. When she's not working, you'll find her reading, drawing, and illustrating children's storybooks. As Secretary, she works to ensure smooth communication, efficient coordination, and active student engagement
Treasurer – Jon’E Mae Fulton – Epidemiology, MPH
Jon’e Mae is a second-year student in the MPH in Epidemiology program, having received a Bachelor’s of Public Health from OU. Jon’e Mae is interested in infectious disease epidemiology, especially disease outbreak investigation. She has previously worked as an intern at IMMY in Norman, OK, which gave her great knowledge of infectious diseases and experience with the data analytical side of global outbreak investigation. She is currently a graduate research assistant here at Hudson, working with Dr. Beebe on project CHAT, combating heavy tobacco advertising outside tobacco retailer environments. In her free time, Jon’e Mae enjoys reading, game nights with friends, and traveling whenever she gets the chance.
Senator – Teniola Ibrahim – Community and Population Health, MPH
Teniola Ibrahim is a physician driven by a passion for community well-being. After earning her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from Afe Babalola University in Nigeria, she is now building on that foundation by pursuing a Master of Public Health with a focus on Community and Population Health at the Hudson College of Public Health.
As a Graduate Teaching Assistant for cell biology, Tenny enjoys guiding students and sharing her love for science. Away from her academic and professional life, she expresses her creativity through cooking and hairstyling. She also loves to travel and spend quality time with her family. Ultimately, everything she does is rooted in a desire to use her medical and public health knowledge to make a real, positive difference in people's lives.
Senator – Andrew Long – MPH Student, Epidemiology
Andrew Long is a Master of Public Health candidate in Epidemiology at the University of Oklahoma. He began his professional journey by enlisting in the United States Air Force as an Ophthalmic Technician, where he gained extensive experience in clinical, surgical, and administrative settings. During his service, he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for meritorious achievement and dedication.
Following his military service, Andrew returned to Oklahoma and worked at a local clinic while completing his Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and Gerontology at Southern Nazarene University. Now transitioning into the field of public health, he is eager to leverage his background in biostatistics, epidemiology, clinical care, and public service to advance data-driven solutions that improve health outcomes across Oklahoma, with a particular focus on supporting veterans, enhancing state health metrics, and strengthening national service initiatives
Community Service Chair – Sarah C. Odiachi –Epidemiology, MPH
Sarah C. Odiachi is a first-year MPH student in Epidemiology. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Microbiology from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Sarah currently serves as a Graduate Research Assistant on the Lung Screen Tribal-OK Study, working in partnership with the Cherokee Nation to improve lung cancer screening among tribal communities, and is supervised by Dr Juell Homco. She also brings experience from previous roles in public health projects, microbiology laboratory work, data analysis, and quality control in the food and beverage industry. A member of the American Society for Microbiology, Sarah is passionate about health education, outreach, and community service. In her free time, she enjoys reading novels, watching movies, sitcoms, and reality/game shows, as well as experimenting with new recipes and kitchen tools.
SOBE Liaison – Esma Sheikh – Epidemiology, MPH
Esma Sheikh is a Master of Public Health student at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, specializing in Epidemiology. She holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from Maharashtra university of Health Science in India and has extensive experience in community health outreach, including oral health camps, disaster relief, and food distribution programs. Esma currently serves as the Sovereignty, Opportunity, Belonging, and Engagement (SOBE) Liaison for the Hudson College of Public Health Student Association (HCOPHSA). Having transitioned from India to the U.S. for graduate school, she deeply values the importance of inclusion, cultural sensitivity, and community belonging—making the SOBE role a natural and meaningful fit. She is a Graduate Research Assistant working on impactful cancer data projects and preparing to contribute to a major COVID-19 data initiative. Her research interests include maternal and child health, oral health, food insecurity, health disparities, and the role of targeted advertising in tobacco use. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new restaurants and cafes, and relaxing with movies and TV series.
Interdisciplinary IPE Liaison – Zimazile Nakisani Bango – Epidemiology, MPH
I’m pursuing my Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology and work as a Teaching Assistant for the Principles in Epidemiology course. I hold a master’s in biotechnology and a bachelor’s in applied biology and Biochemistry, both from Zimbabwe and I have five years of experience as a biosafety officer. My professional and academic journey has fueled a strong interest in data analysis particularly applying statistical tools to transform complex disease research data into actionable insights that improve population health and guide policy. I speak four languages fluently and can converse in four more. An avid traveler, I’ve explored 13 countries across three continents. In my free time I enjoy reading, sketching (badly but happily), singing (off-key but with enthusiasm), playing games and volunteering.
Social Chair – Parker Hermanski – Health Administration and Policy, MHA
Parker Hermanski is a second-year student pursuing a Master of Health Administration (MHA) at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, expected to graduate in the spring of 2026. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Healthcare Business from the University of Oklahoma in 2024. He recently completed an Administrative Internship at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, part of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System (FMOLHS) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After graduation, he plans to obtain a fellowship and further his knowledge in administration by learning directly from executive leadership. Parker is known for his curiosity, enthusiasm, and strong work ethic, consistently seeking opportunities to learn from experienced leaders and contribute to meaningful projects. In his free time, he enjoys golfing and has been the biggest Oklahoma City Thunder fan since the team’s arrival to the city.