O'Donnel School of Public Health Peer Advocates

Khushi Bhattarai

Health Economics and Policy I’m a pediatric hospitalist and MPH student who loves thinking about how we can turn everyday clinical experiences into meaningful public health impact. My interests include health equity, health systems improvement, and advocating for children and families at both the bedside and the policy level. Outside of work and school, I enjoy traveling, cooking (especially trying out new recipes), spending time with friends and family, and finding small creative outlets that help me recharge. I’m someone who values connection, balance, and honest conversations, and I enjoy supporting others through the ups and downs of graduate school. As a Peer Advocate, I’m always happy to listen, share resources, or just be a friendly face. My goal is to help create a welcoming, supportive space where everyone feels comfortable asking questions and being themselves.

Prisha Goyal

Health Systems Science Hi, I’m Prisha, a second-year MPH student with a concentration in Health Systems, Science, Economics, and Policy. I am originally from Flower Mound, Texas. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, basketball, and exploring new coffee shops. I am passionate about improving access to care and addressing the social determinants of health that affect vulnerable communities. As a Peer Advocate, I’m here to listen, offer support, and be a friendly resource for whatever you need. Grad school can be challenging, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Keerthi Kulkarni

Applied Epidemiology
Hi everyone! My name is Keerthi, and I’m a physician from India currently pursuing my MPH in Applied Epidemiology at UT Southwestern. I've been living in Texas for the past five years with my family, and I'm also a proud mom of a curious and joyful 4-year-old. My journey of moving across countries, rediscovering independence, and balancing family life while navigating my medical career has been both challenging and deeply rewarding.

If you're ever feeling overwhelmed about transitions, academics, or simply figuring out life in a new chapter–you're not alone. I've been there too, and I'm always happy to listen or share a warm cup of coffee. My academic interests center on neurodegenerative diseases, but outside of school, I love spending time with my family, cooking, gardening (I have basil, jasmine, roses, and hibiscus!), and taking spontaneous road trips to explore new places.

Please don't hestitate to reach out for a chat, coffee, or snack break–I'd love to get to know your story.

Joseph Rangel

Applied Epidemiology My name is Joseph Rangel, and I am a 2nd year Ph.D. student in Public Health with a focus in Genetic Epidemiology. I completed my undergraduate degrees in Biology and Psychology along with my MPH at the University of Texas in Arlington. In my limited spare time, I enjoy going to concerts, playing video games, and exercising. I am excited to embark on this journey as a Peer Advocate here at UTSW. Mental health has always been something I’m passionate about as many people struggle with some mental health issue at some point in their lives. During my time as an undergrad, I lost a close friend of mine to suicide while he was attending Wake Forest University. A few years later I chose to volunteer at a Suicide and Crisis Center here in Dallas where I talked with people from all walks of life. That role taught me that life is a humbling experience and no matter your background, we all have our own personal struggles. There are moments in our lives where we could use a helping hand and there are people out there who care about you even if they don’t know you. In my advocacy position here, I hope to continue to be there for others when they need it. Please feel free to reach out and I’ll do my best to be someone you can rely on.