About the APHA-SA
The UNE American Public Health Association – Student Assembly (APHA-SA) is an interdisciplinary organization welcoming student members from all health programs at the university who have an interest in public health. The chapter within UNE is part of the broader APHA-SA, a student-led organization within the American Public Health Association.
Membership
Members of the UNE APHA-SA are not required to become student members of the national APHA organization, although it is encouraged. Participation in UNE APHA-SA is free and flexible!
Students who join UNE APHA-SA have the benefit of being able to participate remotely, which works well for those enrolled in online programs and local students who may be unable to attend meetings on campus.
Monthly meetings
General member meetings are conducted monthly via teleconference. Members can also participate in events held every other month to delve deeper into the field of public health by learning about potential career paths, participating in skill building workshops, listening to exciting guest speakers who are professionals already in the field, and other activities as planned.
Ways to connect with the APHA-SA
Upcoming UNE APHA-SA activities are listed via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you are interested in learning more about UNE APHA-SA or joining the organization, please contact apha-board@une.edu.
Officers of the UNE APHA-SA
Jarrett O’Connor – President
Hi everyone! My name is Jarrett O’Connor, and I am the President for this year’s student assembly. I am a senior undergraduate student with a public health major and a health, medicine, & society minor! Home is in Pelham, New Hampshire, but I absolutely love our Biddeford campus. I am also a part of UNE’s Alpha Chi National Honor Society. My career goals are to my MPH with the hopes of becoming an infectious disease epidemiologist one day!
Presley ONeil – Vice President | Secretary
Presley ONeil is an online student in the MPH program here at UNE. She served as President of a club for two years, sat on Inter-Club Council, and was involved in a few other extracurriculars during undergrad. She came into college wanting to be a doctor, fell in love with Public Health, and completely changed her career plans. She currently works as a Care Coordinator at Heartland Health Centers in Chicago and absolutely loves being a part of bigger systemic change to solve the gaps in healthcare. She is so excited to continue her education in Public Health and to serve as the APHA Student-Assembly Vice President and Secretary!
Sarah Thompson – Campus Liaison | GAPSA Councilor
Sarah Thompson is a current online MPH student with an expected graduation date in summer of ’23 located in western Maryland. She is a Registered Dietitian with experience working in multiple clinical settings, however, her true passion lies within preventive medicine and education. Topics of interest include decreasing the number of diseases and deaths attributable to poor nutrition status and sustainable food systems. As the campus liaison, she will attend Graduate and Professional Student Association (GAPSA) Council meetings to raise issues and represent concerns on behalf of the Assembly and our membership, focus on increasing campus presence and student engagement online and on-ground, and engage with the APHA-SA regional liaison to share updates and foster engagement.
Rhetta Vega – Treasurer
Rhetta Vega is a senior in the undergraduate Public Health program. She volunteers with a nonprofit organization that focused on community outreach during the peak of the pandemic. Through that work, she strengthened her interpersonal and communication skills, while gaining experience in health promotion and cross-cultural competency as she worked primarily with new Americans. As Treasurer, she ensures that all finances are handled properly and that the mission of UNE’s APHA-SA is carried out in a fiscally responsible way.
Jennifer Ceide, MPH, CHES – Faculty Advisor
Jennifer Ceide is a Certified Health Education Specialist who has worked in the field of public health for over 14 years. Her expertise in program planning, health education, and communication has led to the development of programs and content for various communities. Her undergraduate and graduate degrees are in public health with concentrations in education and communication. She is thrilled to be working with the assembly on raising public health awareness.
If you have any questions about the coursework or the program requirements, please speak to one of our enrollment counselors at the email or phone number below.