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Staff Bios

Shannyn Snyder received her Bachelors of Political Science and Masters of Interdisciplinary Studies in Anthropology and Global Health, both through George Mason University. Her previous research includes the study of access to clean water and healthcare in vulnerable populations and wastewater pathogens in recreational and drinking water systems. Shannyn's current work focuses on vulnerable populations and their access to basic needs, as well as environmental and social justice issues both domestic and international. Shannyn developed Water Health Educator as a means to connect college students and public health professionals, as well as the general public, with news of community, regional, and global issues concerning water. She is currently an adjunct faculty member at George Mason University in the College of Health and Human Services, Department of Global and Community Health, where she teaches Health and Environment, Community Health and Literature, and Health, Ethics, Leadership, and Advocacy.

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Nora Rideg is currently an undergraduate student majoring in Community Health at George Mason University and a member of the Honors College. She has a strong interest in public health, particularly in promoting health equity, improving access to healthcare, and addressing environmental factors that impact health outcomes for marginalized populations. She is an advocate of lifelong learning, professional development, and continuous growth. In addition to her academic studies, she has volunteered at an animal shelter and developed a strong passion for animal rights and welfare. As a sophomore, she volunteered to assist her professor with cocurricular activities on multiple occasions at Northern Virginia Community College. She plans to pursue her Master's in Public Health with a Global Health concentration.

Alli Barham is an undergraduate student at George Mason University studying Community Health with a concentration in Global Health. She has interests in maternal and child health, health equity and policy, and environmental health. Following her graduation, she will pursue either a Master’s in Public Health or obtain a law degree. She is currently working on a GMU-funded research project alongside her research partner, Sheima Amara, studying food insecurity on the George Mason University campus. Outside of school, Alli works as a Physical Therapy Technician at an orthopedic practice in Fairfax. She is an avid reader, movie watcher, and loves trying out new recipes. Alli hopes to work in either health policy or health education to improve the health of marginalized communities. 

Sheima Amara received her Bachelor of Science in Community Health from George Mason University in August 2024. She is researching “The Impact of Food Insecurity on College Students Academic Success and Mental Health” with her research partner Alli Barham. She is interested in public health, focusing on how the social determinants of health impact marginalized communities, as well as epidemiology and infectious disease. She advocates for young children with learning disabilities and educates neurodivergent young adults on adequate nutrition. In addition to her academic studies, she has worked as a home health aid to disabled patients recovering from major surgeries and developed a passion for advocating for equity in healthcare environments and addressing health literacy in marginalized communities. Sheima plans on working in the Public Health field for a year before pursuing a Master’s in Public Health.

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