Officers
Colleen Corrigan
What are the 3 core values in your life that you cannot live without?
Justice, Sustainability and Empathy.
As MaPHSA President, I’m excited to welcome MPH Students back to Campus and continue supporting our Online Program. I graduated from USC with a B.S. in Human Biology and a B.A. in Non-Governmental Organizations, and I’m on the Global Health track. I love to hike, backpack, camp, run, read, and cook; most weekends you can find me somewhere in the mountains or in search of the best breakfast burrito in LA! Reach out if you want to study in a coffee shop, play tennis, or if you have any ideas for how I can better support you in your education at USC!
Describe public health with one word that means the most to you?
I have to echo the past President, Andrew Blank, in his sentiment that justice is paramount to everything in public health. Wellbeing and justice are inextricable; to improve our quality of life, we must focus on the needs of the most disadvantaged and right the wrongs of systemic discrimination in this country. Economic justice, social justice, and environmental justice all inform the role that public health can play.
Who or What inspired you to pursue the world of public health?
While my background is in the natural sciencs, I have always been passionate about climate change and sustainability, human rights, politics, and literature. Working on an envrironmental health study based in South Central/Watts, I bore witness to health disparities caused by food insecurity, violence, lack of green space, pollution, and gentrification. I quickly came to realize in researching these issues, that public health offers the framework and tools for adressing social determinants in local communities and across the globe.
Elizabeth Tapia
What are the 3 core values in your life that you cannot live without?
Authenticity, Integrity, and Empathy.
What is your favorite song or book at the moment?
I love all types of music, ranging from pop to salsa to reggaeton, so picking a favorite song is tough! Right now, I have the album “SOUR” by Olivia Rodrigo on repeat though so most any song from there! In terms of favorite book, I have to go with The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd.
Who or What inspired you to pursue the world of public health?
What inspired me to go into public health was seeing how different public health initiatives had such a widespread impact, and could cause positive change for entire communities and future generations. I was also inspired to see how many facets of public health target a preventive medicine aspect, which was important to me because it is always better to prevent potential diseases or injuries before they can begin to appear, especially given the lack of affordable and accessible healthcare in the U.S. and many other communities abroad. In particular, I am passionate about achieving health equity and improving health outcomes for mothers and children, especially those in communities of color.
Shaye Morrison
What are the 3 core values in your life that you cannot live without?
Hi, my name is Shaye Morrison and I am the Director of Finance for the upcoming school year! I got my Bachelors in Health and Human Sciences from USC in Spring of 2021 and was a part of the progressive degree program. Personally, I value empathy, having strong relationships, and personal growth. I love spending time with my family and friends, going to the beach, traveling, and exploring new restaurants.
What is your favorite song or book at the moment?
My favorite book right now is Where the Crawdads Sing, and my all time favorite song is Dreams by Fleetwood Mac!
Who or What inspired you to pursue the world of public health?
I was inspired to go into public health, and specifically global health, from one of my undergraduate classes when a speaker told us about a book called Half the Sky which I later read. I am most passionate about health equity and reproductive health.
Amarilis Bolanos
What are the 3 core values in your life that you cannot live without?
Adaptability, open-mindedness, teamwork
Hello! My name is Amarilis Bolaños and I am happy to be serving as MaPHSA’s Secretary. I am a USC student, employee, and alumni, as well as a LA native who loves to get lost in the city and especially eat all the goodies it has to offer. I love to explore and play in the outdoors, brew my own kombucha, try new cooking and baking recipes, visit the beach at night, and simply be curious and adventurous with all things (I had whale and horse sashimi in Japan and have bungee jumped and skydived. Any cool adventures you recommend?)
What is your favorite song or book at the moment?
Favorite song at the moment: Lost In Yesterday by Tame Impala
Who or What inspired you to pursue the world of public health?
While sheltered at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, and hearing all about the state of our current public health, I started thinking about pursuing a degree in the field. I have had the pleasure to immerse myself in COVID-19 projects at USC, and now in my second semester, I continue to be excited to learn more about my interests, which include the environment, health disparities, community health education, and research. I am passionate about working towards a healthier world where all the living organisms can live a long and healthy life.
Shirley Saker
What are the 3 core values in your life that you cannot live without?
What is your favorite song or book at the moment?
Who or What inspired you to pursue the world of public health?
Maricar Ordonez
What are the 3 core values in your life that you cannot live without?
My 3 core values are integrity, family, and altruism.
My name is Maricar Ordonez and I am the Director of Student Relations this year! I’m excited to get back on campus and capture all those special moments within our student community and academic community and posting them all over social media. I am currently a senior studying Human Biology with a minor in English while pursuing a Progressive Master’s degree in Public Health, set to graduate undergrad in 2022 and grad in 2023.
What is your favorite song or book at the moment?
My favorite books at the moment are Kiersten White’s utterly unpredictable And I Darken trilogy. Although I love all of Conan Gray’s songs, especially Treehouse, my current favorite is Overdrive.
Who or What inspired you to pursue the world of public health?
After taking a few public health courses in my undergrad, I realized how preventing disease is the first step to helping people live healthier and happier lives. I’m all about information and interpretation, hence the English minor, so data and records of impact are things I’m really passionate about.
Ivana Susic
What are the 3 core values in your life that you cannot live without?
I think honesty is the biggest thing to me. It’s not always comfortable, but it’s always the right approach. Dependability is another big one; if you can’t be there for others, don’t let them rely on you! Finally, compassion. As much of a cliche as it is, we truly never know what someone else may be going through. Stop and ask yourself: is it actually something I did, or do they need assistance of some kind?
What is your favorite song or book at the moment?
Who or What inspired you to pursue the world of public health?
Lauren Sinks
What are the 3 core values in your life that you cannot live without?
Three core values I hold in high regard are accountability and humility and servant leadership; I lead my own life, both personally and professionally, with these three values in mind.
Hello! My name is Lauren Sinks (she/her/hers) and I am currently serving as the Graduate Student Government Senator. I received my Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Nutrition from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. I am incredibly passionate about reproductive health, adequate nutrition, healthcare accessibility, and environmental health, and how we provide resources and programs at both local and global levels to help address various disparities in all of these areas. My goal is to work collaboratively to continue efforts in creating a healthier and more equitable world.
What is your favorite song or book at the moment?
Currently, I have been reading “A Tale of Two Cities”, but I think my most frequently read books at the moment are my “Introduction to Public Health” and “Epidemiology in Medicine” textbooks! My favorite song is Clair de Lune since it always brings me a sense of calmness.
Who or What inspired you to pursue the world of public health?
During my undergraduate career, I served on Student Government as the Officer of Basic Needs where I advocated for student health and wellness resources on campus including free menstrual products, aided in the creation and sustainability of the permanent food pantry where students can receive free food and hygiene items of their choosing, and also served as President of the Pre-Medical Student Association where I envisioned and lead the first Cal Poly Pomona Pre-Health Conference. These experiences in part with my interests in science, medicine, and policy lead me to pursue my Master of Public Health.