SRPH doctoral student named president of A&M International Graduate Student Association

(COLLEGE STATION, TX) — Sang Nam Ahn, a doctoral student at the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health, has been named president of the Texas A&M University International Graduate Student Association.

The IGSA supports international students through advocacy on their behalf, as well as providing educational programs and creating social networking opportunities.

“I was attracted to serve international students who are relatively less informed, less outspoken and concerned about struggles at Texas A&M,” Mr. Ahn said. “In addition, it is a lot of fun to collaborate with people from different cultural backgrounds.”

As president, Mr. Ahn has a busy schedule of activities and changes to implement, including a stronger electronic presence and offering for students. The most beneficial change to graduate students could be a stronger representation of international students during Texas A&M Student Research Week.

“I plan to set up a section for the international graduate students during Texas A&M Student Research Week because they are less likely to participate in the research programs due to lack of English proficiency,” Mr. Ahn said. “This last activity will prompt international students to engage in the numerous opportunities that these campuses have to offer.”

Prior to beginning his Ph.D. in health services research at HSC-SRPH, Mr. Ahn earned a Master of Public Service and Administration degree from the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M. His completed his undergraduate work in Seoul, South Korea, his native country.

Following his undergraduate studies, Mr. Ahn served in the U.S. Army in Korea as a supply sergeant and official interpreter. He then worked at GlaxoSmithKline as a medical representative before coming to the United States.

“After studying policy and public administration at Texas A&M University, I was seeking a field to merge my previous experience and academic specialty, which turned out to be health policy and management at the School of Rural Public Health,” Mr. Ahn said. “HSC-SRPH was a great choice for me. I realized that HSC-SRPH is one of the fastest-growing schools of public health in the nation with great faculty and a lot of opportunities.”