EPI Ambassadors Shaping the next generation of Leaders in research
The Emerging Pathogens Institute ambassador program consists of 10 undergraduate students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in academics, research and student leadership to serve as trainees to engage in outreach and play a direct role in enhancing the student research experience at the EPI.
Introducing a Program like no other
6 colleges The EPI ambassador program selects undergraduate students from six UF colleges to form a cohort that drives the EPI mission.
$1,500 stipend Each ambassador will receive a $1,500 stipend on an annual basis for professional development.
2-day symposium Ambassadors will participate in a 2-day training symposium with an internationally recognized senior researcher.
EPI Ambassador Program
Become an ambassador!
The EPI ambassador program is designed to answer two key questions: What undergraduates can do to further the EPI mission and what can the EPI do to strengthen their academic experience? Students will help increase engagement among the student audience, assist in key administrative functions and serve as volunteers for institutional events. In exchange, the EPI will offer professional development opportunities, instrumental mentorship and skill-based training sessions.
Meet the Program Advisor
Shantrel Canidate, Ph.D., MPH, a social and behavioral epidemiologist and health equity researcher, joins the institute’s leadership team as the EPI Associate Director for Outreach and Community Partnerships. This role is dedicated to nurturing the internal relationships between multiple UF units, identifying opportunities for external partnerships and fostering research collaboration with Southeastern universities.
Canidate is an assistant professor in the UF College of Public Health and Health Professions Department of Epidemiology. In addition, she serves as a faculty member within the social and behavioral science program and the Southern HIV and Alcohol Research Consortium. Her research focuses on applying interdisciplinary approaches to identifying, understanding and addressing substance use and HIV-related health disparities among marginalized populations, such as men who have sex with men (MSM). Her work also aims to leverage electronic health records data through artificial intelligence and utilize causal inference approaches to identify biomedical and behavioral interventions that can reduce racial disparities in HIV care among marginalized populations.
As a double gator, Canidate received both her master’s in public health and a doctorate in public health from UF, specializing in social and behavioral sciences. She later completed a two-year T32 postdoctoral fellowship in the department of epidemiology with the UF Substance Abuse Training Center in Public Health. She is currently funded as a principal investigator through the first-ever Health Equity Scholars for Action grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and through a five-year K01 grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Furthermore, she is also funded as a co-investigator by the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the National Institute of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse.
Meet the program Manager
Tasha Graham-Dinkins is the Project Manager III at the EPI, where she will lead the ambassadors program and the international fellowship program. Her work aims to significantly impact the UF’s academic and research goals. Before this, Tasha worked at the UF Health Cancer Center and held roles in the Graduate Medical Education (GME) Department at UF College of Medicine, including Project Manager II and Institutional Coordinator.
In her previous roles, Tasha provided institutional oversight and administrative support to program directors and coordinators, coordinated Graduate Medical Education Committee (GMEC) meetings. She also served on several key committees, including the GMEC, the Institutional Program Review Committee (IPRC) and the Clinical Learning Environment Committee (CLER).
Tasha’s career began as a program coordinator in the UF College of Medicine Hematology/Oncology Department. She also has over eight years of experience as a quality assurance project manager in the blood banking industry. She earned her master’s in business administration management in 2011, holds TAGME certification and completed the UF Manager’s Cohort Program in 2023.
Tasha is deeply committed to fostering an enriching environment at EPI and is passionate about outreach and community partnership initiatives, working closely with students and employees.
Meet the Ambassadors
Ambassador
Meghan Hamberg, she/her
Hi, I’m Meghan! I’m a first-year zoology major on the pre-vet track! I was born and raised in Windermere Florida, where I was just 15 minutes away from most Disney parks! I have two brothers: one at FSU and one still in high school. Additionally, I have a dog and three cats that I love. I used to participate in competitive swimming for 7 years and then Irish Dance for another 7 years! I volunteer at a lab here on campus that works with crawfish. My favorite class is Chemistry, but it’s still a little hard. I’m excited to be joining the EPI through the ambassador program and can’t wait to get started!
Ambassador
Katherine Kim, any/all
Hi! I am Katherine, Kai or Hayeon. I am a first-year animal science major, specialized in animal biology. I am originally from Madison, Wisconsin, but graduated high school from South Korea. In campus, I am involved in AASU (HEAL/KUSA/KSA), STAAR, the vetSMART program and UFPVM, as well as working in the EPI as a lab member. My passion lies upon sustainability and integration among environmental, veterinary and human medicine to create a healthier and greener future for all.
Ambassador
Davit Kobaidze, he/him
Hi, I’m Davit. I am a second-year biotechnology major. After graduating, I plan on attending medical school. For the last year and a half, I have been a part of a research team at EPI, where we studied the effectiveness of the Active Plasma Sterilizer for decontamination in planetary protection. Most of my days are filled with studying, however, I thoroughly enjoy reading, writing, playing the guitar and working out in my free time. Even when I don’t have free time you will most likely see me with my brown beats on listening to music. Music is what keeps me moving.
Ambassador
Sloane Murphy, she/her
Hi, I’m Sloane! I’m a second-year microbiology and cell science major on a pre-medical track with minor studies in health disparities in society, medical geography in global health, and pathogenesis. I work in a research lab with UF’s Pharmacodynamics department studying substance abuse, and I authored my own project investigating the phenology of Chagas disease in Florida. I enjoy spending time with my friends from my medical fraternity Phi Delta Epsilon, relaxing with family at the beach, reading and doing yoga! In my future, I aim to attend graduate medical school to work in global health, focused in epidemiology and health justice.
Ambassador
Ayana Price, she/her
Hello, my name is Ayana Price. I’m a senior student majoring in microbiology and cellular sciences, with a minor in bioinformatics. Originally from Pompano Beach, FL, I am actively involved in various organizations including Tau Sigma and SISTUHS Inc, as well as being recognized as a University Scholar. In terms of academic endeavors, I have participated in research focused on computational modeling of proteins within the JAK/STAT pathway. Throughout my undergraduate years, I co-founded a programming club and assumed the role of vice president. Additionally, I have received accolades for mathematics.
Ambassador
Primrose Tanachaiwiwat, she/her
Hi, my name is Primrose Tanachaiwiwat, and I am a fourth-year microbiology major with a minor in bioinformatics. I am passionate about research, and I have worked at the USDA Medical Entomology Center, the Cancer and Genetics Research Complex, and the Powell Gene Therapy Center. Outside of the lab, I am editor-in-chief of the UF Honors magazine, Prism, serve as an Honors ambassador Luminary, and am a Lombardi Scholar. I am excited to show undergraduate students where research can take them, literally and figuratively — research has brought me to Thailand during an internship at the Chulalongkorn Center for Immunotherapy, the Sequoia National Park during an REU at Caltech, and Long Beach, California, for the National Conference for Undergraduate Research.
Ambassador
Elizabeth (Grace) Bane, she/her
Hi! My name is Elizabeth (Grace) Bane, and I am a third-year biomedical engineering major with a minor in entomology. I work with a lab in the department of entomology and nematology, where I have done projects relating to the behavior and biomechanics of insects. I am starting a microbiology project with another entomology lab that’s a part of the EPI. I am on the Center for Undergraduate Research board of students (come visit me for peer advising!). I’m originally from St. Petersburg, FL, where I love swimming, going to the beach and observing animals in the wild.
Ambassador
Harini Rajmohan, she/her
Hi, I’m Harini! I’m a second-year health Science major with a minor in applied brain sciences. I’m really passionate about public health and love finding ways to translate science into everyday language and real-world impact. I enjoy connecting with people, sharing resources, and making research feel more approachable and exciting for other students. As an EPI Ambassador, I’m excited to help uplift the work happening here and create pathways for more students to learn about and engage with meaningful research. Outside of school, you’ll usually find me exploring Gainesville, trying new coffee shops or hanging out with friends!
Ambassador
Nyla Searl, she/her
Hi, I’m Nyla! I’m an undergraduate student at the University of Florida, majoring in microbiology and cell science. I’m passionate about connecting research, health and community engagement. As a student leader in several STEM organizations, I enjoy helping others find their path in science and encouraging collaboration across disciplines. Through the EPI Ambassador Program, I hope to learn from experts, support public outreach and help make science more accessible to diverse audiences. In my free time, I enjoy reading, creative projects and exploring new experiences at UF.
Ambassador
Kaitlyn Drew, she/her
Hi, I’m Katie! I’m a third-year microbiology and cell science major with a minor in bioinformatics. As a former University Scholar with the UF Health Cancer Center, I conducted a project investigating the molecular mechanisms of the CRTC1-MAML2 fusion oncogene in mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Having personally benefited from great guidance, I recognize the value of mentorship and peer support in navigating academic and research pathways. I’m so excited to help other students build confidence as they explore science. Outside of class and lab, you might catch me at Southwest or in the music building!
Ambassador
Catherine Smith, she/her
Hi! My name is Catherine Smith, and I am a third-year public health major with minors in medical geography and pathogenesis. I am passionate about disease prevention and control, as I hope to become an infectious disease epidemiologist. My current research interests lie in exploring vector-borne diseases and how they impact human, animal and environmental health. Outside of research, I am involved in the Center for Undergraduate Research Board of Students (CURBS), Alpha Epsilon Delta and the Student Health Advisory Council. Otherwise, in my free time, I love to lie in my hammock and read a good book!
