Rutgers School of Public Health’s Office for Student Experiences and Alumni Affairs (OSEAA) is thrilled to introduce the inaugural cohort of Wellness PHirst Ambassadors. This initiative reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to cultivating a culture of health and well-being.
The Wellness PHirst Ambassadors are student leaders who mentor their peers, promote wellness resources, and co-facilitate programs designed to enhance student engagement and support. This diverse group is dedicated to helping fellow students navigate the Dimensions of Wellness: cultural, social, occupational, intellectual, creative, environmental, physical, spiritual, financial, and emotional.
This ambassador initiative is part of OSEAA’s program, Wellness PHirst, with a mission to embed wellness practices into the fabric of the Rutgers School of Public Health community – students, faculty, and staff – experience.
To celebrate the first class of ambassadors, we will be featuring a series of Q&A spotlights throughout the academic year, highlighting each of the 2024–2025 Wellness PHirst Ambassadors.
In our first spotlight, we sat down with FNU Neha, a second-year Master of Public Health (MPH) student with a concentration in Population Mental Health, to discuss her public health journey and the significance of promoting and leading with wellness PHirst.
Why did you decide to pursue a degree and career in public health?
My academic background is in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine system of India, and I am a licensed Ayurvedic doctor.
Through my work treating patients, I developed a strong interest in public health, particularly in community engagement and raising awareness. This led me to pursue an MPH in India, where I conducted qualitative research on depression, anxiety, and stress among adolescents in my hometown. This experience fueled my passion for mental health, driving me to explore this field further.
I chose to continue my education in the U.S. due to its high educational standards and the opportunity to access advanced technologies and resources. My long-term goal is to use my knowledge and experience to raise awareness about mental health in India and work towards reducing the stigma surrounding this crucial issue.
Why did you pursue the Wellness PHirst Ambassador role? How do you plan on connecting with your peers as an Ambassador?
When I first learned about the Wellness PHirst program during my first semester, I was excited and intrigued by the idea of introducing a comprehensive wellness initiative to the organization—something I had rarely encountered in my previous experiences. What captivated me most was the program’s holistic approach, emphasizing emotional, spiritual, cultural, creative, and environmental wellness beyond the ‘usual’ focus on physical wellness.
As someone deeply passionate about mental health, with a concentration that closely aligns with these wellness principles, I felt compelled to participate as a student in the program last year. The experience was incredibly rewarding, which motivated me to step up as an ambassador.
In this role, I’m eager to connect with and support my peers, making the wellness journey more engaging, informative, and enjoyable for the entire community in the year ahead.
What are your interests outside of public health?
I am a passionate dancer, trained in the classical Indian dance form Bharatnatyam, and I also love belly dancing. Dance is truly one of my greatest passions.
I am also an avid pet lover, with three cats back home—Scooby, Ruby, and Panda. Cooking, especially baking, is another favorite hobby of mine, and I enjoy expressing my creativity through painting. As a social butterfly, I am always eager to meet new people and engage in meaningful conversations.
