Staff Directory - Center for Rural Health

ebur@nmu.edu

Elise joined Northern Michigan University in July 2020 as the inaugural director of the NMU Center for Rural Health. She has more than thirty years of combined experience working in higher education and the healthcare industry. Elise is extremely dedicated to identifying, understanding and addressing regional health care needs through collaborative efforts. The foundation of her professional success can be attributed to building relationships and partnering with agencies and businesses on initiatives that improve the health and well-being of individuals. Additionally, she is extremely passionate about giving regional residents a voice by sharing challenges and success with local, state, and federal legislators which continues to result in new and on-going support for regional, state and national health-related matters.

annchris@nmu.edu

Anna was born in the Marquette area but spent the latter half of her childhood living in Anchorage, Alaska. It wasn’t long, however, before she was drawn back to Michigan for college, graduating from Calvin University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Health and Spanish. She has experience working in higher education, refugee resettlement, and clean water initiatives. She is passionate about finding creative solutions to address the unique challenges that face rural communities and empowering community members to advocate for their needs. She credits her unique upbringing in rural areas for her passion for rural health and is thrilled to be joining in the ongoing work at the Center for Rural Health. 

tsayen@nmu.edu

Tesse has resided in the Marquette community for over ten years. Her passion for the success of the local population has been supported through her efforts in fundraising and grant writing. Advocating for the needs of rural health across the U.P. is quickly growing into a dedication; the prospect of positively impacting systems of basic human health needs as well as the individual has really become an exciting opportunity to Tesse. She feels that the U.P. is such a physically beautiful place to call home and helping to improve our regional healthcare system makes for a stronger, more resilient and beautiful community.

Elizabeth Preston was born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI. She attended Northern Michigan University (NMU), where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations and Business. As an undergraduate student, Elizabeth spent two years in the marketing department at NMU, focusing on marketing initiatives for the Center for Rural Health. This role sparked her passion for rural healthcare, leading her to continue her journey at NMU as a Graduate Assistant for the NMU Center for Rural Health.

Currently, Elizabeth is pursuing her Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in data analytics at NMU. Since 2016, she has been actively involved with the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, which has provided her with invaluable insights into the unique healthcare challenges faced by underserved communities. 

Elizabeth was particularly drawn to the NMU Center for Rural Health because she wants to make a positive impact on rural healthcare systems. Coming from a more urban area, she recognized the differences in access and quality of care between urban and rural settings. Her goal is to use her background and experiences to help bridge these gaps, ensuring that rural communities receive the healthcare support they need and deserve.

Fernando is an undergraduate transfer student in his senior year. He volunteers with the NMU Center for Rural Health through the Student Leader Fellowship Program. He is a pre-med chemistry major and social media manager of the pre-med club. Additionally, he is a McNair scholar. He participated in an internship this summer where he did microwave synthesis of metal oxides with the hope of degrading organic dyes. Fernando’s goal in volunteering with the Center is to get more involved with the rural community and try to learn more about the needs of individuals in these communities. Outside the classroom Fernando enjoys hanging out with friends, spending time outdoors in nature, working out, and playing video games. After graduation, he plans to attend medical school.

Peyton is an undergraduate student volunteering at the NMU Center for Rural Health through the Student Leader Fellowship Program. He is a pre-dental student and treasurer of the pre-dental club. He aims to increase his understanding of rural health and apply that knowledge to help others across the Upper Peninsula. Another one of his goals is to expand volunteering in the pre-dental club. Outside of school, he enjoys lifting weights, skiing, running, traveling, and reading. Peyton’s future plans include opening a dental office and increasing the availability of oral healthcare.

Grace is a pre-dental student studying biology and minoring in psychology and is volunteering at the Center for Rural Health through the Student Leader Fellowship Program. She is also involved in NMU’s Pre-Dental club, Superior Edge, and works as a Resident Advisor in Magers Hall. Grace is hoping to gain greater insight into the problems faced by rural communities throughout the UP. She is passionate about equity in healthcare and wants to work on building a strong foundation for battling these challenges nationally and globally. After dental school, Grace hopes to serve other rural communities inside and outside of the US. Beyond education, Grace loves to read and spend as much time as possible outside with her dog, Winston. 

Audrey is an undergraduate student volunteering with the Center through the Student Leader Fellowship Program. She is a pre-dental student and President of the pre-dental club. Audrey’s goal in volunteering at the Center is to help educate people of all ages about preventative health care, with a particular focus on oral health. Another goal of Audrey’s is to assist in making dental care more accessible to U.P. residents. Beyond academia, Audrey enjoys exploring the U.P., working out at the gym, and reading. Audrey’s future plans include graduating from dental school and returning to the U.P. to start her own dental practice, in hopes of making dental care more obtainable for individuals in need.

Gretchen is an undergraduate student interning at the NMU Center for Rural Health. She is a pre-dental student and secretary of the pre-dental club. Gretchen aims to help the Center with rural health initiatives and expand student involvement in the pre-dental program at Northern. A goal of hers with the Center is to gain experience helping people of the rural U. P. community she hopes to serve after completing dental school. Outside of school she enjoys being outdoors, hiking, running, and skiing as well as working out at the gym and spending time with friends and family. After graduation, she plans to attend dental school at the University of Minnesota and has future plans to open her own practice and improve and increase access to oral healthcare.

Emma grew up in Gladstone, MI, and is currently an undergraduate student at NMU. She is volunteering at the Center to learn more about rural health and assist with connecting pre- professional students at NMU to the Center. She is a pre-medical student who has experience helping those in need. She volunteered for Pathways when she was in high school and is currently working as a care aide at U.P. Health System Marquette. Emma is involved in the pre-med club and the Student Leader Fellowship Program. Outside of the classroom, Emma enjoys hiking, skiing, and spending time with her friends and family. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school with the hope of returning to the U.P. to provide services and improve the health of U.P. residents.

Anja is an undergraduate student at NMU volunteering with the Center to help further its mission and connect the Center with pre-professional students on campus. She is a pre-dental student and President of the pre-dental club. Anja partnered with the Center for Rural Health to help educate over 300 local children on proper oral hygiene practices through fun, interactive, and memorable means. “As a student, I have had a great experience volunteering with the Center. The group is welcoming, compassionate, and dedicated. With their help and guidance, I have been able to develop my program from the ground up.” Though her focus lies on oral health, Anja is passionate about all sectors of rural health. Outside class, she explores the UP's biking, skiing, and hiking trails. After dental school, Anja hopes to return to the UP and continue her efforts to make dental care and oral health education more accessible.

trrupipe@nmu.edu

Trevor has been a Northern Michigan University student since 2016, and completed his Bachelor of Science degree in 2020. He is currently a graduate student in the Business Department, continuing his studies with an emphasis on the Master of Business Administration discipline. He has a diversified background in agriculture, heavy diesel repair, retail, hospitality, leadership, and other various endeavors. Trevor also enjoys weightlifting, hiking, biking, walking, and various other activities that enhance his well-being. He is dedicated to research and learning, while aiding the Center in achieving and maintaining key objectives. Lastly, Trevor is extremely passionate about advancing educational opportunities that will improve the health of residents throughout the Upper Peninsula.