Skip to main content

SPPH Ambassadors Make an Impact Inside and Outside the Classroom

SPPH student ambassadors in front of a bright red tree.
SPPH Student Learning Assistants and Ambassadors

This school year, the School of Public and Population Health rolled out its new Student Learning Assistant and Ambassador program. With the goal of building community inside and outside the classroom, the inaugural program was built with the help of nine student learning assistants and ambassadors: Brooke Brunett, Mary Bolarinwa, Trey Gerlach, Jamisen Kovach, Stella Naprstek, Joshua Sevigny, Brooklin Thomas and Willinah Walbuck.

The ambassadors have spent their time assisting with the school’s Introduction to Health Science and Public Health and Mental Health and Wellbeing courses, promoting the school’s academic programming and building connections amongst their peers with a variety of outreach activities. 

Outbreak simulation participants in a classroom.
SPPH outbreak simulation participants.

For Brooke Brunett, a Health Studies senior and SPPH ambassador, working with her health-focused peers has been a highlight of her time as a learning assistant and ambassador. 

“I have enjoyed helping students feel less intimidated to ask for help and working to make them feel more welcome in our school,” Brunett said. 

Outside the classroom, the student ambassadors took part in hosting a public health outbreak simulation activity last fall. There, several ambassadors and faculty led Boise State Living and Learning Community students through a foodborne illness outbreak simulation, where participants got the chance to learn about the important work of clinicians and public health professionals through a simulation activity.

Stella Naprstek, a winter 2025 Health Studies graduate and ambassador, hopes these outreach activities continue building student engagement and connection.

SPPH student ambassadors connect with students in the Student Union Building.
SPPH student ambassadors connect with students in the Student Union Building.

“Connecting with students and professors is one of the best things to come from my college and learning assistant and ambassador experience,” Naprstek said. 

Stop by the Boise State University Quad on April 9 from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. to connect with ambassadors, hydrate with a fun, fruity drink and celebrate National Public Health Week in the spring weather. 

Interested in becoming an SPPH Student Learning Assistant and Ambassador? Learn more about the role and apply here.