Student Advisory Board

Aiswarya Suriaprakash

Aiswarya Suriaprakash is an MPH student studying Epidemiology at the University of Maryland, College Park. Aiswarya developed an interest in substance abuse in college students through her positions on campus, exposure to students of all paths, and the lack of knowledge and discussion around substance misuse among students. She hopes to gain well-rounded exposure and learning opportunities during her advocacy in the Maryland Collaborative. She is looking forward to learning how to translate scientific evidence into practice and effectively advocate for college students while building on her knowledge of health education. After completing her master’s program, Aiswarya plans to pursue a PhD in Biostatistics where she can continue to work and advocate for communities through infectious disease epidemiological and statistical methods.

Ariel Ellis

Ariel Ellis is an undergraduate student at Loyola University Maryland, majoring in the interdisciplinary field of Biopsychology and minoring in Health and Human Experience. She has been passionate about mental health since high school and recognizes the significant impact that substance abuse can have on it. As a board member of the Collaborative, she aims to develop a comprehensive perspective that will enable her to utilize the law to enhance healthcare, ensure equitable access, and address public health concerns. She is eager to make a positive contribution to the well-being of her community, both at school and throughout Maryland.

Ashley Ouedraogo

Ashley Ouedraogo is a Public Health major at Towson University. She is passionate about being a resource to others in any capacity. Working with the Collaborative is very significant to her because its mission of raising awareness about college drinking allows us to address a major public health issue, while also working to create a safer and healthier college environment for students. Ultimately, she is heavily committed to addressing alcohol and substance misuse among college students because she is aware of the catastrophic impact it can have on their lives and academic success. She hopes that by actively addressing alcohol and substance abuse, she can create a safer, more supportive environment in which students can succeed both academically and personally. After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Ashley plans to attend PA school and become a Physician Assistant. Outside of academics, Ashley works as a Lab Assistant and she has been an active member of the Exercise Science Club for four years.

Carissa Wolff

Carissa Wolff is a junior at the University of Maryland, College Park, double majoring in Public Health Practice and Family Science. Working with the Maryland Collaborative as a college student pursuing a career in public health holds immense significance to her. She is committed to improving the well-being of fellow students by raising awareness about the risks associated with alcohol consumption and ensuring that they have access to vital resources and support for addressing mental health challenges within the context of drinking. After she completes her bachelor’s degree, she plans to pursue her master’s in Epidemiology. She is the President of the National Alliance of Public Health Students & Alums at UMD, a representative of the Public Health Practice major at the School of Public Health, a member of Alpha Xi Delta, and a research assistant for the Social Policy Impact on Reproductive Events (SPIRE) study.

Christabella Wolfe

Christabella Wolfe is a junior at McDaniel College, majoring in Psychology, and double minoring in Sociology and Gender Studies. They believe it is important to spread awareness about substance abuse within colleges around the state. As a Psychology major, they feel that making sure an individual’s mental health is being prioritized is important. Many people do not realize how much substance abuse can negatively impact an individual’s mental health. Bringing new ideas to the Maryland Collaborative will allow them to impact the lives of college students who may be struggling with substance abuse. Contributing to the Maryland Collaborative will allow them to share their own personal experiences and ideas that may change the way other people view substance abuse. At McDaniel College, Christabella is a part of the McDaniel Honors Program, The International Honors Society of Psychology, The National Society of Leadership and Success, and is the Secretary of Alpha Lambda Delta. After college, they plan to get a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and further their education to a PsyD.

Courtney Trutt

Courtney Trutt is a senior at Loyola University Maryland, double majoring in Biology and Psychology, on the Pre-Physician Assistant track. She is also a member of the Women’s Club Lacrosse team and spends her free time working in a physical therapy clinic. She is passionate about making a positive, lasting impact on the lives of those around her, especially those who are affected by mental illness and addiction. She views being a part of the Maryland Collaborative as an impactful way to contribute to her Baltimore and greater Maryland community before moving on to PA school.

Giacomo Rossi

Giacomo Rossi is a freshman at the Johns Hopkins University, majoring in Economics with minors in Business and Financial Economics. Growing up in Maryland, he is passionate about advocating for safer college environments that contribute to healthier communities statewide. Giacomo looks forward to raising awareness about the risks of substance abuse and working to connect students to resources available on campus and in their communities. He hopes to positively impact students throughout Maryland by promoting healthy habits that support both mental and physical well-being. After graduation, Giacomo plans to attend law school.

Gianna Moscetti

Gianna Moscetti is a senior at Loyola University Maryland, double majoring in Psychology and Forensic Science, and a member of the Division I Swim Team.  She is passionate about supporting her peers to make healthy decisions through positive practices.  Through research and analysis, she hopes to contribute data and facts that can help the Collaborative to reduce the detrimental effects that come with substance use among college students.  

Grant Moore

Grant Moore, a freshman at University of Maryland, Baltimore County, is ecstatic to be a part of the Student Advisory Board. As a double major in Psychology and Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies and a member of the Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program, Grant is motivated in activism for mental health and strives to advocate for substance use services within and around the Baltimore area. Also, as a student-athlete on UMBC’s Men’s Swimming and Diving Team, Grant is committed to spreading the initiatives of the Collaborative to the world of NCAA sports, as the detrimental effects of balancing collegiate education and 20-hour training weeks takes a toll on driven students. After undergrad, Grant plans to attend law school and enter the field of either Family or Criminal Law.

Jesse Loder is a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Professional Counseling from Loyola University Maryland.  She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.  Jesse’s passions for mental health developed through curiosity of how the health care system supports patients seeking mental health treatment.  She joined the Collaborative in dedication to loved ones lost to the opioid epidemic.  After graduation she plans to continue to advocate for the importance of quality accessible mental health care through her work as a therapist.  Her current areas of interest are trauma-informed therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.

John Scherfel, Jr.

John Scherfel, Jr. is a senior at the University of Baltimore, majoring in history. As a non-traditional student, he has gained extensive experience in understanding mental health and substance abuse throughout his college journey. He is eager to contribute to the Collaborative, recognizing the vital importance of disseminating accurate information about mental and physical health, wellness, and safety, all while fostering an inclusive campus environment. During his undergraduate studies, John has actively engaged in student debates, served as a registered peer health educator, and is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. After graduation, he aims to continue making a positive impact in the communities where he lives and works.

Katie Roberts is a first-year MPH student with a focus in Health Equity at the University of Maryland, College Park. As a member of the Student Advisory Board, Katie hopes to collaborate with other students in an effort to gain a better understanding of the ideology behind social substance use. She is committed to reducing the stigmatization surrounding substance use disorder and mental health disorders, in order to better the safety and health of college students in the state of Maryland. Her education in emergency medicine as a registered emergency medical technician has solidified her understanding of the critical need to increase equitable access to substance use related services.

Kirsten Parsons

Kirsten Parsons is a Biomedical Science major minoring in Chemistry and Psychology at Salisbury University. She is passionate about making a difference in the lives of people that are struggling with substance use and addiction and wants to help destigmatize talking about these issues. After graduation, Kirsten plans to pursue medical school in hopes of going into psychiatry or neurology.

Lian Peach is a senior at Salisbury University, majoring in Political Science with minors in Economics and Quantitative Analysis. Lian developed her interest in addressing substance use disorders through recent research and coursework where she explored how opioid use disorder affects individuals experiencing homelessness in Maryland. Working with the Collaborative on the Student Advisory Board is such a significant opportunity to advocate for public health prevention measures on campus and discuss creative solutions with peers.  On campus, she is the chief of staff for student government, vice president for the campus food pantry, and treasurer for SU’s chapter of Planned Parenthood Generation Action. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a master’s in Public Administration and to work in Maryland State Government.

Meghan O’Brien

Meghan O’Brien is a junior at Loyola University Maryland, double majoring in Psychology and Communications with a minor in Health and Human Experience. She is committed to helping her peers make healthy choices by promoting positive practices. Additionally, she is passionate about destigmatizing discussions related to mental health as well as promoting healthier coping skills. Alongside her position with the Collaborative board she also holds positions at The Women’s Center and The Study on Loyola’s campus. She looks forward to pursuing a master’s degree in Health Psychology or Public Health after completing her bachelors.

Muskaan Wadhava is a Class of 2026 Biopsychology major studying at Loyola University Maryland. As a student advocate of the Maryland Collaborative board, her mission is to contribute to the overall well-being of college students in the state of Maryland, starting within her community. Post graduation, medical school is in her plans, in hopes of being a general surgeon! She looks forward to further integrating herself into the Baltimore community.

Naomi Aruna

Naomi Aruna is a Psychology major and Public Health minor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She’s fascinated by the concept of individual dissociation from addiction to substances and drugs, which is why she decided to join the Maryland Collaborative Board. She would like to develop initiatives that give students better access to substance abuse certified therapists on campus, as well as promote their mental health. Additionally, she’s dedicated to spreading awareness about substance abuse while simultaneously building her community through community council and the student government association. When she graduates, she plans to pursue a PhD in Applied Child Psychology, while also developing her research and psychological assessment skills.

Sara Stromberg

Sara Stromberg is a senior Public Health Sciences major and Professional Writing minor at the University of Maryland, College Park. Having grown up in an area deeply affected by the opioid epidemic, Sara is passionate about preventing and treating substance abuse. Her experience working in the bar industry has provided her insight into college drinking culture. As part of the Collaborative, Sara wants to use her experiences to share and learn with other college students to reduce the negative effects of substance abuse on campuses. After graduating, Sara will be pursuing a master’s in Public Health Policy and hopes to work on bettering health outcomes through policy initiatives in local communities.

Shene Wright is a sophomore Psychology major with a minor in Social Work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Passionate about connecting with people, she finds fulfillment in listening to others, understanding their experiences, and exploring the nuances of personal growth. Shene aspires to make a positive impact in people’s lives and is particularly focused on promoting mental health and wellness. As a member of the Student Advisory Board, she engages in discourse with peers from other schools on how to implement strategies that directly benefit students’ health concerning substance use. She advocates for substance prevention on college campuses, encouraging peers to adopt healthier habits. Currently, Shene works as a Registered Behavioral Technician, providing in-home therapy to children diagnosed with autism. In her free time, she enjoys writing fictional stories and playing video games.