March 23, 2025
In
Nicole Obido
Nicole Odibo is a senior at Virginia Tech pursuing a BS in public health. She will begin as an MPH student at Columbia University in the Fall of 2025. Passionate about promoting health equity, she is driven to make a positive impact in underserved communities. She has a particular interest in water contamination and its effects on marginalized populations. In her free time, she enjoys spending time at the beach, scrapbooking, creating pottery, and making vlogs to capture and share moments from her life.
Sydney is a senior at Virginia Tech pursuing a BS in public health with a minor in chemistry. She will begin as a Chemistry PhD student at the University of Virginia in the Fall of 2025, and is interested in studying Chemical Biology to investigate how chemicals affect humans and our environment at a molecular level. She likes to spend her free time playing and coaching volleyball, reading and writing fiction, and hanging out with her friends.
Alvaro is a senior at Virginia Tech, and he is currently pursuing his B.S. in public health. After completing his bachelors, he plans to obtain his MPH in epidemiology and biostatistics. Alvaro’s research interests include infectious diseases, water quality, rural health, and mental health. He plans to work in disease research in the future and keeping our society healthier. He enjoys to hike, exercise, watch football, watch movies, watch TV shows, and cooking.
Dilan is a Sophomore at Virginia Tech, and he is currently pursuing a B.S. in Biological Sciences. After completing his undergrad career, Dilan plans to continue his education by attending medical school with intentions of becoming a physician. In his free time, he likes to volunteer, rock climb, watch football, and spend time outdoors.
Ky is an undergraduate student in Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture & Life Sciences and is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry. He is interested in exploring sustainable water management strategies and its implementation across various communities. Ky hopes to continue doing research after graduation but has plans on pursuing a career in medicine. He spends his free time hanging out with friends, traveling, and staying active.
Andre Asarian is a senior cadet working towards a BS in Public Health and BA in Political Science at Virginia Tech. His research interests range from rural water supply and its effects on one’s lifestyle to bottled water’s impact on these individuals. He has future medical school goals and is working towards a career in Emergency and Trauma Medicine. While attending VT, Andre spends his time outside school volunteering and working as a Paramedic throughout the Roanoke and New River Valleys. He also enjoys football, basketball, and spending time with friends.
Margaret was a Senior at Virginia Tech studying for a B.S. in Public Health. Following graduation, she plans on getting her Masters Degree in Nutrition. Margaret graduated from Virginia Tech in 2023 and continued working with the Cohen Research Group as a Research Assistant for the spring and summer of 2024. Margret is now working as a Nutritionist Associate with the Virginia Department of Health. [last updated 2025]
Yabi Bereket was a Senior at Virginia Tech working towards a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health, with a double minor in International Public Policy and Data & Decisions. Following the completion of her undergraduate studies, she plans to further her education by pursuing a Master’s degree, with a focus on exploring opportunities that allow her to combine her areas of interest, including global health and data analysis. She enjoys utilizing these interests for the purpose of understanding and improving health and overall quality of life outcomes for different global communities. Yabi graduated from Virginia Tech in 2023. [last updated 2023]
Madeline was a senior studying Civil & Environmental Engineering at Virginia Tech. After graduating, she plans to continue her education at Virginia Tech as a MS student in Environmental Engineering. Her research interests include drinking water treatment methods and their effects on public health. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, cooking, and puzzles. Madeline graduated in 2023 and is current a graduate student at Virginia Tech. [last updated 2023]
Arpita Das was pursuing a B.S. in Public Health. She has worked at the Carey Lab since her freshman year focusing on understanding freshwater ecosystems while working specifically with Beaverdam and Falling Creek Reservoirs. She also worked at the Cohen Lab helping with a project focused on water bottle quality. Arpita is interested in pursuing an MPH in Epidemiology after graduating from Virginia Tech. [last updated 2023]