Meet with a Graduate Student Ambassador

The Office of Graduate Programs employs a number of current graduate students to serve as Graduate Student Ambassadors (GSAs).  These GSAs are available to meet with prospective students upon request to provide an in-depth look at their program of study, answer questions and provide invaluable insight of a current student in the program.  You can also:

  • Have lunch or coffee on-campus with the GSA
  • Sit in on a graduate level class or lab
  • Tour UM-Flint and/or your department of interest

Like Bruce in the testimonial below, if you are interested in scheduling time to meet with a Graduate Student Ambassador, please call or email Erin Strom in the Office of Graduate Programs at ecarrasc@umflint.edu or at 810.762.3171.

Current GSAs include the students below.

 

Email:
codych@umflint.edu

Cody Chapman, Physical Therapy (DPT)

Educational Background: BS in Health Sciences from UM-Flint.

Why UM-Flint? I initially selected UM-Flint when I was in high school in large part due to the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program. I grew up wanting to be a Wolverine and when I found out University of Michigan's program was on the Flint campus, I chose to go there to get the best preparation I could for the program. What kept me here for graduate school was the excellence I found on this campus. I knew that the commitment to students I found in my undergrad would only increase in the DPT program.

What are some of the best qualities of the DPT program? There's too many qualities to mention in short snippet, but I would have to highlight the sense of community within the program and on campus. Your classmates become your study groups, carpools, and best friends. Your professors are less like lecturers and more like mentors. Everywhere you go on campus, you'll find support and encouragement which can go a long way in your path to becoming a top clinician.

Email:
dchiante@umflint.edu

Dominic Chiantello, Physical Therapy (DPT)

Educational Background: BS in Kinesiology from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh.

Why UM-Flint? Great history of success and long time standing program. Being affiliated with the University of Michigan was a big draw as well.

What are some of the best qualities of the DPT program? The graduate DPT program has many great qualities, but the one that stands out to me the most is how great the faculty is. The professors are very personable and really want to see you succeed. It's easy to tell they love what they do and love passing on their knowledge to future clinicians.

Email:
tyeishac@umflint.edu

Tyeisha Cox, Education with Certification (MAC)

Educational Background: BA in Social Sciences Joint Program from UM-Flint.

Why UM-Flint? Initially, I selected UM-Flint because of its close proximity to home. However, with such a rewarding and high quality undergraduate experience, I knew that returning home would afford me so much more. This University exemplifies greatness from its faculty/staff, wonderful campus events/offerings, diverse student body, beautiful campus, and everything in between, I knew there was no better place for me.

What are some of the best qualities of the MAC program? Being able to serve in the field before obtaining my teacher certification provides great insights from school officials and students. Interacting and learning with my colleagues in a small cohort makes me feel most comfortable to develop through this program. The program staff are amazing! I could not ask for a more perfect program to fit all my desires for my graduate education.

Email:
katelyha@umflint.edu

Katelyn Harvey, Physical Therapy (DPT)

Educational Background: BS in Allied Health Sciences from Grand Valley State University.

Why UM-Flint? Originally, I decided to come to UM-Flint because of the cost, but after touring the facilities and meeting the faculty that I would have for the duration of the program, I realized that the cost was a small positive in comparison. The campus is clean and very inviting everywhere you go.  The faculty made me feel welcome and important at the open house I went to before I was even a student.

What are some of the best qualities of the DPT program? Some of the best qualities about the program is that all the professors are PT’s, some are still even practicing PT’s. The facilities and opportunities offered through the program are amazing as well. This includes the free clinic, PT Heart, where I get hands on practice with patients, the real-life practical’s, and inter-professional communications that are recently being added to the program.

Email:
suvarnaj@umflint.edu

Suvarna Joshi, Computer Science & Information Systems

Educational Background: Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering from Pune University, India

Why UM-Flint? A master’s degree in Computer Science and Information Systems where my major concentration belongs to  databases, and because we have many research opportunities and well experienced faculty who guide us towards our goals.

What are some of the best qualities of the Computer Science program? As a CSIS student, the courses are very flexible as we can opt for on campus or online classes. The professors are extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and work hard to tailor the program around current events and trends in education. It prepares you to enter and excel in a career as an analyst, designer, developer, or programmer leading technology teams.

Email:
hketzbea@umflint.edu

Holly Kopesky, Social Sciences

Educational Background: BA in Elementary Education from UM-Flint.

Why UM-Flint?   I decided to return to UM-Flint for my master's because I know that another University of Michigan diploma will not only make me more marketable in the workforce, but it will also prepare me to go on to post-graduate study.

What are some of the best qualities of the Social Sciences program?  The MASS Program is very individualized, and offers students many choices and opportunities.  Every instructor I have had has been an expert in their field, and my advisor is very available, helpful, and invested in my success. The programs and scholarships that are available have made the financial aspects of returning to school so much easier.

Email:
dochodni@umflint.edu

Derek Ochodnicky, Business Administration

Educational Background: BA in German Language Studies from Grand Valley State University.

Why UM-Flint? I decided to attend UM-Flint because it offers a highly valued MBA program with a widely recognizable and reputable name. The quality of education for the cost is fantastic and the program is flexible for those working full time jobs.

What are some of the best qualities of the MBA program? The MBA program offers real-world, practical experience through a variety of different learning applications. The instructors have years of experience and offer invaluable business insight.

Email:
jodea@umflint.edu

James O'Dea, English

Educational Background: BA in Philosophy from UM-Flint.

Why UM-Flint? I chose to return to UM-Flint because I knew the quality of the instructors and the institution. I also wanted to get more involved with Qua, the university's literary and fine arts magazine.

What are some of the best qualities of the English program? The quality I most appreciate in the English program is its versatility, which allows students to customize the graduate experience. As a Flint citizen, I am grateful to have my university so close to home and involved in my community. 

Email:
soseiono@umflint.edu

Shirley-Ann Osei Onomah, Public Health

Educational Background: BS in Nutrition and Food Sciences from the University of Ghana.

Why UM-Flint? I chose UM-Flint because I wanted an intimate learning atmosphere where I could nurture my passion in healthcare. I wanted an institution where I could be more involved in academics as well as community activities.

What are some of the best qualities of the MPH program? The MPH program provides individualized attention to students. It grants a sound sense of confidence in program specialization in both its theory and practical aspects ,with faculty members who are ready to assist students with internship and research opportunities, as well as how to succeed in the academic as well as professional environment.

Email:
jwentz@umflint.edu

Joshua Wentz, Liberal Studies

Educational Background: BA in Advertising from Michigan State University.

Why UM-Flint?  I selected the MALS program due to its flexibility in both course content and physical location.  In my electives, I could pursue which classes appealed to me and took advantage of the online format to live abroad for about half of the time I had been studying here.

What are some of the best qualities of the MALS program?  Some of the best qualities of the program are the ways in which each student is able to pursue his or her passions.  Additionally, though one might feel that there could be a disconnect between students given the online format, many of my classmates and I form strong bonds, sharing multiple classes and really getting to know one another.  We've even organized physical get-togethers near campus to celebrate the end of semesters.