Elizabeth received her Master of Public Health (MPH) from the University of South Florida in Global Disaster Management and Humanitarian Relief. In 2012, she was invited to teach at USF as an instructor for the public health undergraduate program in homeland security & emergency management. She is currently pursuing her Doctor in Public Health (DrPH) degree in Public Health Leadership.​ ​In 2013, Ms. Dunn started training students, faculty, and staff in the FEMA Basic CERT in an effort to bring CERT to the university. She now serves as a FEMA CERT Instructor, Train-the-Trainer for future CERT Instructors, and organizes HSEEP-compliant exercises in Hillsborough County. In addition, she is a Shelter Manager, a Disaster Action Team (DAT) Lead, and Hands-Only CPR Lead Trainer for the American Red Cross. She is a CERT Basic Train-the-Trainer (TtT) Trainer and Stop-the-Bleed Instructor. She serves as the President of the Board of Directors for the Refugee and Migrant Women's Initiative (RAMWI) and serves as the faculty advisor for the USF Red Cross Club, and United Nations Association.

Hannah Mammen is a second-year MPH student concentrating in environmental and occupational health. Hannah has a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with minors in both Environmental Health and Community Engaged Homeland Security & Emergency Management. She began her affiliation with USF CERT in the Spring of 2023 and has been an active member ever since. In Fall 2024, Hannah became the USF CERT Public Information Officer. With this role, she created a safety campaign, “Hurricane 101,” during the 2024 hurricane storm season, while helping coordinate volunteer response. The University of South Florida Center for Leadership & Civic Engagement recognized her achievements, awarding her the  “Volunteer Standout Performance of the Year Award,” and she also helped USF DAHR receive the “Outstanding Student Organization Collaboration Award.” Now as Senior Deputy Director, Hannah looks forward to bringing new initiatives and ideas to create more traction and community engagement for both the University of South Florida and the Tampa Bay region.

Anahita Tyagi is a first-year Biomedical Sciences student at the University of South Florida. She is
originally from New Jersey, where she was a junior firefighter and EMT, still working as an EMT.
Anahita joined the USF CERT team in Fall of 2025, becoming Junior Deputy Director shortly thereafter.
Beyond CERT, Anahita engages in disaster research with Elizabeth Dunn, MPH, CPH, understanding the
importance and effects of disaster management protocols and response on the population. After
completing her B.S. degree, Anahita aspires to attend medical school and explore specialties in
emergency medicine, critical care, and trauma surgery, combining her experience as a first responder
with medicine.

Carla Handal earned her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Florida State University in 2024. Driven by a lifelong passion for public health and community service, she is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health at the University of South Florida’s College of Public Health. In her first semester in Tampa, Carla began collaborating with Elizabeth Dunn, MPH, CPH, on research examining social vulnerability and community responses following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. This project allowed her to engage in meaningful conversations with key community partners and explore the intersection of disaster recovery and public health. Beyond hurricane response, Carla has also contributed to implementing community nutrition interventions in East Tampa. Upon graduation, she plans to attend medical school to become a pediatric primary care physician, where she hopes to integrate her public health and clinical training to improve outcomes for underserved communities. 

Sriharshita Volety is a first-year Biomedical Sciences at the University of South Florida. She began her affiliation with USF CERT Fall 2025, and became a CERT Finance Officer shortly thereafter. After completing her B.S degree, Sriharshita plans to attend medical school and explore specialties in which she can integrate clinical care with emergency preparedness and public health.

Sasha Mosich is a second-year MPH student concentrating in epidemiology. She received her BSPH from the University of South Florida in 2024. Sasha began her affiliation with CERT in Spring 2023. She became a Media Officer in Fall 2024, and subsequently the Public Information Officer in Summer 2025. Beyond CERT duties, Sasha specializes and engages in GIS research. Upon graduation, Sasha intends to pursue a PhD in epidemiology. 

Tanya Joseph is the Media Officer for CERT.

Rodrigo Souza is the Media Officer for CERT.

Matt is an emergency services professional with a strong background in fire rescue, EMS, and technical rescue operations. His experience spans roles as a firefighter, EMT, and fire police officer, with additional specialization in technical rescue. As a radio operator for HCFR under ARES/RACES, he has supported multiple hurricane deployments, providing critical emergency communications during disaster response operations. In his Coast Guard Auxiliary work, Matt currently serves as a Unit Commander, Emergency Management staff member (Incident Command & GIS Analyst) for post-storm damage assessments, TCO (Radio Operator), and Surface Operations crew member supporting SAR calls, patrols, and standbys. He also assists in Air Operations support, working with MH-60 units at AIRSTA Clearwater.

Beyond that, he is a Rescue Diver working toward Public Safety Diver certification. Matt began volunteering with CERT during the COVID-19 pandemic, completed CERT Instructor training in 2022, and has since served as an evaluator for numerous Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) exercises. He holds a B.A. in Sociology and is passionate about emergency management, interagency coordination, and disaster response communications.

Audry Sauls is a second-year Health Sciences student at the University of South Florida, originally from Tallahassee. With a strong foundation in BLS/AED training from her time as a lifeguard and swim instructor. Audry joined USF CERT in Fall 2025 and soon advanced into the role of Deputy Director, where she now serves as a Stop-the-Bleed instructor and a Lead Instructor teaching monthly disaster preparedness courses. Driven by a passion for education and community resilience, Audry is dedicated to strengthening the Tampa Bay community by combining her public health background, medical training, and love for teaching to enhance disaster response and recovery efforts. Beyond CERT, she works as an EMR on UEMSA’s Medical Response Unit (campus ambulance) and supports campus health initiatives through the Student Health and Wellness Center. After completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Audry plans to serve in the Peace Corps before returning to pursue her Master’s degree as a Nurse Practitioner.

Rachel Kehoe completed her Bachelors of Science in Public Health with a concentration in Infection Control in 2021. Using her education and experience from volunteering during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she went on to work in community outreach for the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA before pivoting to disease surveillance at the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County. During her time at the health department, she has had the opportunity to work with special needs shelters and incident command.

Rachel is currently pursuing a Masters in Epidemiology and Global Communicable Disease and intends to work on developing the new Student Outbreak Response Team (SORT) alongside her studies.

Meet Hooriya Siddiqui, a sophomore at the University of South Florida (USF) pursuing a Biology degree with a focus on medicine. With a passion for pediatric oncology, Hooriya aspires to attend medical school after graduation. Their journey is marked by a dedication to both academic excellence and hands-on experience, evident through certifications such as CERT, Biotechnician Assistant, and Seizure Plus First Aid certified. Hooriya embodies a commitment to educate and give back to the community as well through volunteer work and being a leader.

Chandana Hemakumar is the SORT Administrative Coordinator