Aimée Cardoso  is pursuing her IMPH at the University of Haifa after nearly a decade of clinical practice as a veterinarian in Brazil, specializing in internal medicine and hematology. Her years in practice refined her ability to diagnose complex conditions and build meaningful connections with patients and their families. Over time, she felt a strong call to create impact beyond the individual level and is now channeling her clinical expertise into population-level health strategies. She is driven by the belief that meaningful change emerges when individual care is translated into collective well-being.

Alice Dusengumuremi  holds a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Rwanda. Her background includes active involvement in One Health field activities, community health education, and research projects focused on aflatoxin mitigation, antimicrobial resistance, and zoonotic diseases. These experiences deepened her interest in the interconnections between human, animal, and environmental health and motivated her to pursue advanced training in public health. Her goal is to strengthen her capacity to design and support effective public health interventions in resource-limited settings and to contribute to building more resilient and equitable health systems in Rwanda and beyond 

Ernestina Tawiah a dedicated mental health advocate from Ghana, driven by a strong commitment to improving mental health care within her community and beyond. She joined the IMPH program for its comprehensive, global approach to addressing healthcare challenges and its uniquely diverse student body. She views the opportunity to study in Israel and connect with health professionals from around the world as a valuable experience for both personal and professional growth.

Jiska Sulamith Suckut  from Germany and studied Psychology with a focus on Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy. Over time, she became increasingly motivated to move from individual-level treatment toward population-based approaches, with a strong emphasis on prevention. She has a particular interest in research and aspires to contribute to evidence-based public health studies in the future. Through the IMPH program, she aims to deepen her public health knowledge and explore ways to integrate mental health care with prevention strategies. 

Joy Wanjiku Ng'ethe is a Biomedical Science graduate from Kenya with experience working as a laboratory assistant at a psychiatric and rehabilitation center, where she gained insight into how frontline care connects to broader public health challenges. She also volunteers in a youth leadership program, which has strengthened her commitment to health education, empowerment, and community impact. Over time, she recognized that her interests extend beyond laboratory work to understanding the systems, policies, and decision-making processes that shape population health. This motivated her to pursue the IMPH program, which she views as a natural step in integrating her scientific background with her growing dedication to public health and health equity.

Joyce Justo Nsombo - is a medical doctor from Tanzania, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine. She has been working as a General Practitioner at Sekou Toure Regional Referral Hospital, a tertiary-level referral facility in Tanzania. She chose to pursue a Master of Public Health to become a public health specialist, with the goal of improving community health through prevention programs and strengthening her expertise in epidemiology and research. She selected the University of Haifa in Israel due to the country’s advanced healthcare technologies, the university’s full membership in ASPHER, and its multicultural learning environment, which she believes will equip her with valuable skills and knowledge to enhance public health practice in her community. 

Kaili Gefen Vlassopoulos holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with an emphasis in biochemistry from San Diego State University. Prior to coming to Israel, she worked as a research assistant in a neuroscience laboratory investigating a novel therapeutic for stroke. Her interest in research both within and beyond the laboratory motivated her to pursue a Master of Public Health at the University of Haifa. 

Natalia Goldenberg  has a strong passion for anatomy, biomechanics, and understanding how the human body functions. She graduated from a sports university in Moscow six years ago with a degree in strength training and rehabilitation. She is currently the founder of her own company, where she and her team help individuals reduce musculoskeletal pain, improve posture, and incorporate healthy physical activity into their lives through personalized approaches. She believes that the IMPH program will provide her with a deeper understanding of healthcare systems and enable her to develop large-scale initiatives aimed at improving quality of life through movement.

Nathaniel Moddia Yavasia is a registered nurse from Liberia with experience in community health leadership in remote and underserved settings. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Cuttington University and completed a Master of Arts in Education and Development in Early Childhood at the University of Haifa in July 2025. He previously served as a Community Health Services Supervisor with Last Mile Health, leading primary care delivery for children under five in hard-to-reach communities, and has held supervisory and clinical roles with the International Rescue Committee, the Bong County Health Team, and the University of North Carolina’s Lassa Fever Research Team. These experiences motivated him to pursue the IMPH, with interests in strengthening health systems, improving vaccine access, and advancing health policy and management.

Omafuvwe Blessing Omaehwe is a registered nurse and Senior Nurse Tutor with the Delta State Ministry of Health in Nigeria. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Valley View University, Ghana, and has over four years of combined clinical hospital and academic teaching experience in nursing education. Her work in health education, patient care, and community outreach has strengthened her commitment to improving public health practice in underserved settings. She joined the IMPH program at the University of Haifa to deepen her knowledge of health systems administration, global health, and public health leadership. She is motivated by a strong desire to contribute to more resilient and equitable health systems in Nigeria and looks forward to collaborating with fellow MPH students to build meaningful academic and professional networks.

Dr. Rebecca Sharma is a medical doctor from Mumbai, India, with a strong interest in community health and preventive medicine. During her MBBS training, she worked in maternal and child health clinics, supported health education initiatives, and participated in research on breastfeeding practices. These experiences highlighted how culture and access shape health outcomes and motivated her to pursue public health more deeply. She chose the IMPH program at the University of Haifa for its global perspective, leadership focus, and diverse student community. Through this program, she aims to strengthen her capacity to design equitable, community-centered health interventions. 

Tom Shamula is a registered nurse from Israel and a student in the International Master of Public Health (IMPH) program, Health Systems Management track, at the University of Haifa. She previously managed Haifa Municipality’s beach first aid clinic, served as a clinic medic in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and worked as an epidemiological researcher for Israel’s Ministry of Education, as well as a COVID-19 field sampler. These experiences strengthened her commitment to public health and motivated her to pursue advanced training in health systems and community health promotion.