Student Ambassadors

Hometown: Hagerstown, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2028
Major: Agricultural and Resource Economics
Career Goal: Work in international development and food security policy. 
Clubs & Activities: University Honors, Model United Nations, Kappa Omega Alpha Public Policy Professional Fraternity, Maryland Youth Advisory Council
Advice for New Students: Don’t be afraid to try new things! Adjusting to a big school with so much might feel like a lot, but putting yourself out there is the best way to make it feel manageable. Not everything will stick, but the more you try the more you’ll find you enjoy!
Fun Fact: I'm studying abroad in France this semester (Fall 2026) -- email me if you want to know more about studying abroad in AGNR!
Email: grahams@umd.edu 

Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Agricultural and Resource Economics
Career Goal: To work in corporate business or finance for an agricultural company. 
Clubs & Activities: President and Founder of Food Entrepreneurship Club, 2025-26 AGNR Student Council Ag Day Liaison, Teaching Assistant
Advice for New Students: Always find something to do on campus. Whether that is joining a club, going to sports games, or participating in community events, there are so many ways to meet new people and try things that can unlock new doors. 
Ask Me About: Getting involved on campus!
Email: jsmit130@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Bethesda, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Agricultural and Resource Economics
Career Goal: To work with environmental and economic policy. 
Clubs & Activities: Sigma Alpha, Deans Student Advisory Council, Undergraduate Research
Advice for New Students: Get out of your comfort zone! There are so many new things to try and people to meet at UMD. You can learn something from anyone and anything, you are surrounded by so many different ideas and people. 
Ask Me About: Study abroad!
Email: skahric@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Centreville, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Agricultural and Resource Economics
Career Goal: Hoping to build a career in agricultural business that connects producers directly with consumers, driven by a passion for strengthening local agriculture economies!
Clubs & Activities: Sigma Alpha, Block & Bridle, Dean's Student Advisory Council, Interdisciplinary Business Honors Program
Advice for New Students: Take a class outside your major, attend a workshop, or go to an AGNR event. College is the perfect time to explore—you never know what might spark your next interest.
Ask Me About: Getting involved on campus.
Email: hbranham@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Brookville, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2029
Major: Agricultural and Resource Economics
Career Goal: To work in agricultural business or policy focusing on sustainability.
Clubs & Activities: Sigma Alpha, RESTORE, University Senate, IAA Ambassador
Advice for New Students: Get involved and branch out, everybody is also in a new place - you'll find your people and community!
Ask Me About: Transitioning from the IAA or getting involved on campus!
Email: ehundert@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Elkton, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2029
Major: Agricultural Science and Technology 
Career Goal: Horticultural Extension or Greenhouse/Nursery Production 
Clubs & Activities: College Park Scholars: Environment, Technology, and Economy (ETE) Peer Mentor, Horticulture Club, 32 Bars UMD, photography and writing.
Advice for New Students: Don't be afraid to get out there and try something new! College is a great time of your life to see what interests you, and UMD is an incredibly welcoming place that has options for anyone regardless of your major or skill level!
Ask me About: College Park Scholars! I am a current student and Peer Mentor for the Environment, Technology, and Economy program and may be able to answer questions about how Scholars programs can fit into an AGNR student's schedule. 
Email: sdepaola@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Catonsville, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2028
Major: Agricultural Science and Technology 
Career Goal: Agronomist
Clubs & Activities: Sister to Sister, MANRRS, Scholars
Advice for New Students: Be open to new things and getting out of your comfort zone! Also find activities that you enjoy and always budget time to do them during the semester.
Ask me About: Getting involved in activities on campus and fun classes!
Email: farquhar@terpmail.umd.edu 

Hometown: Sykesville, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Animal & Avian Sciences (ANSC) 
Career Goal: To work in the field of commercial livestock genetics
Clubs & Activities: Sigma Alpha, AGNR Student Council, UMD Clay Target Team, UMD NESA Team, Block and Bridle, Omicron Delta Kappa, and UMD Honors
Favorite Place on Campus: McKeldin Mall during the sunrise or on a nice day.
Advice for New Students: Remember not to get too wrapped up in all the hustle and bustle of college life that you forget to have some fun and prioritize yourself. Sometimes taking a breather and looking at things from a different angle is the best thing you can do. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there, meet new people, and to take the leap to try something wild and new! Enjoy every bit of your college experience!
Ask me about: Day to day life in AGNR!
Email: ashlynn@umd.edu

Hometown: Fairfax, VA
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Animal & Avian Sciences (ANSC)
Career Goal: Veterinarian
Clubs & Activities: UMD Pre-Veterinary Society (P),  Maryland Equestrian Club (P), Sigma Alpha, and electric guitar!
Advice for New Students: Don’t compare yourself to others, everyone has their own path and you will find yours!
Ask me About: The Science/Pre-Professional ("Pre-Vet") concentration of Animal Sciences, and transferring to UMD!
Email: esabzeva@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Goldsboro, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2028
Major: Animal & Avian Sciences (ANSC)
Career Goal: My main career goal at the moment is becoming an equine veterinarian. I aim to specialize in sports medicine, where I will strive to work with various disciplines, including polo and race horses.
Clubs & Activities: UMD Polo Club, Pre-Vet Society, One Health Club, Student Panelist for Eastern Shore Terps on Tour, Nutritional Research through the Cardoso Lab
Advice for New Students: It is really important to take advantage of your opportunities! One thing that makes UMD so great is its resourcefulness, and yes, at first it may seem a bit overwhelming. That being said, one thing that has helped me is to take one thing at a time. That way everything will find its place, making college go more smoothly!
Ask me About: Life on campus! Campus life at UMD is so much fun! People can often say how it can feel like a “mini-city” but it is so much more than that. The amount of green space on campus makes for great places to hang out with friends, play any sort of pick up games, and get some work done.
Email: rpg12@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: New Cumberland, PA
Expected Graduation: Spring 2028
Major: Animal & Avian Sciences (ANSC) 
Career Goal: Mixed Animal Veterinarian
Clubs & Activities: Terps Raising Pups (Raiser), Sigma Alpha, Pre-Veterinary Society, Block and Bridle, One Health, Ski Club
Advice for New Students: One piece of advice I would give new students is to put yourself out there early, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Joining clubs, attending events, talking to people in your classes, and getting involved on campus can make a huge difference in helping you feel connected and build friendships. It’s also important to stay organized and manage your time well, because college gives you a lot more independence than high school. At the same time, don’t put too much pressure on yourself to have everything figured out right away. Everyone adjusts at their own pace, and it’s okay to ask for help, try new things, and take time to find what works best for you.
Ask me About: Balancing academics and student life! 
Email: odick@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Bowie, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Animal & Avian Sciences (ANSC) 
Career Goal: Veterinarian
Favorite Place on Campus: Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center (ESJ)
Advice for New Students: Don't be afraid to ask for help!
Email: azhou921@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Huntingdon Valley, PA
Expected Graduation: Spring 2029
Major: Animal & Avian Sciences (ANSC) 
Career Goal: Veterinarian
Clubs & Activities: Terp Thon (Exec Board), Veterinary Assistant at a Vet Hospital 
Advice for New Students: Take your five seconds to really take in everything around you and enjoy the moment. Don't be afraid to get involved as much as you can. Make sure to try new things and step outside your comfort zone. While it's important to work hard and stay on top of your assignments, find time to be with friends and have fun. Remember, the best way to grow is to be yourself and embrace new experiences. 
Ask me About: My favorite locations on campus!
Email: tlicht@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Silver Spring, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Animal & Avian Sciences (ANSC) 
Career Goal: Veterinarian
Clubs & Activities: Black Student Union, The Wildlife Society, Vet Assistant, Bonifant Veterinary Clinic 
Favorite Place on Campus: Student Organization Resource Center at Stamp!
Advice for New Students: Make a schedule and start assignments early. Balance study time with fun and self-care!
Email: iabubake@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Rockville, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2029
Major: Animal & Avian Sciences (ANSC) 
Career Goal: Veterinarian
Clubs & Activities: Block and Bridle, Agriculture Future of America (AFA), Pre-Veterinary Society, Terps Raising Pups, Sigma Alpha 
Advice for New Students: If something doesn't go your way, it's because there's something better waiting for you! It's so easy to get caught up in what goes wrong, but things always have a way of working themselves out and everything happens for a reason. Keep calm, breathe, and try again! 
Ask me About: Balancing school and fun!
Email: jfreitas@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Bethesda, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2029
Major: Animal & Avian Sciences (ANSC) 
Career Goal: Veterinarian
Clubs & Activities: Integrated Life Sciences Honors, Pre-Veterinary Society, Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Undergraduate Research, Mighty Sound of Maryland Marching Band
Advice for New Students: Establish good study habits, but make sure to balance that with doing things you love. There's so many awesome activities to do at UMD and amazing people to meet and become friends with!
Ask me About: Getting involved on campus!
Email: hsickel@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Expected Graduation: Spring 2029
Major: Animal & Avian Sciences (ANSC) 
Career Goal: Veterinary Criticalist 
Clubs & Activities: Survivor Club, Pre Vet Society, Pickleball Club, cello, legos, and hiking. 
Advice for New Students: Join clubs, it’s such a great way to get involved and meet new people! 
Ask me About: Being an out of state student!
Email: msisson1@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Jamison, PA
Expected Graduation: Spring 2028
Major: Animal & Avian Sciences (ANSC) 
Career Goal: Zoo Veterinarian
Clubs & Activities: Campus Farm Volunteer, Alpha Chi Omega, UMD Club Field Hockey Team 
Advice for New Students: Rest is not a reward but a daily activity you should be treating yourself to! Managing one's academic, personal, social, and professional life can be so hard! Remember to give yourself time to focus on you throughout your college experience!
Ask me About: Joining Greek life!
Email: thomas8s@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Crownsville, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Environmental Science and Policy (ENSP)
Career Goal: To aid in the protection and restoration of the nation's coastal resources!
Clubs & Activities: University Honors, ENSPire Student Advisory Board, SustainableUMD Ambassadors, Sustainable Ocean Alliance
Favorite Place on Campus: The courtyard between Woods Hall and the Skinner Building
Advice for New Students: Take advantage of all the resources a big school like UMD offers! There is always something to do, see, or learn about on campus- and it never hurts to try something once!
Fun Fact: I'm studying abroad in Germany this semester (Fall 2026) -- email me if you want to know more about studying abroad in AGNR!
Email: vmaneval@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Newburyport, MA
Expected Graduation: Spring 2028
Major: Environmental Science and Policy
Career Goal: Fresh out of college I hope to serve two years in the environmental sector of the Peace Corps, after which I plan to get back to school for a PhD before pursuing a career as field wildlife biologist. 
Clubs & Activities: ENSPire (VP), Sustainable Ocean Alliance, The Wildlife Society, Terps for Change, hiking, painting, and reading.
Advice for New Students: My advice for students starting at UMD is to be outgoing and unafraid to put yourself out there. Everyone is starting fresh and looking for new friends, so there’s no reason to feel embarrassed or hesitant. Get involved, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. You’re stepping into a place full of opportunities and supportive people you’re going to do great!
Ask me About: Ask me about my certificate in Peace Corps Preparation. This program is a great opportunity offered by UMD, just a few extra classes unlock tailored interview coaching, direct access to Peace Corps advisors, and a clear pathway to becoming a stronger, more confident applicant. If you’re even a little curious about service work, it’s absolutely worth exploring. 
Email: sgediman@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Chestertown, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2029
Major: Environmental Science and Policy
Career Goal: Working in wetland restoration and/or coastline management
Clubs & Activities: Epsilon Eta, Club Tennis, Sustainable Ocean Alliance, Food Recovery Network, Sustainability Ambassador, running, hiking, reading, and playing intramural sports (trying to get the free t-shirt!)
Advice for New Students: My advice for new students is to branch out and do not be afraid to try new things! Getting involved in clubs and extracurricular activities was the main thing that helped me find my amazing campus community.  
Ask me About: Living on campus!
Email: ltaylo13@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Collegeville, PA
Expected Graduation: Fall 2028
Major: Environmental Science and Policy (ENSP)
Career Goal: Environmental Lawyer
Clubs & Activities: Club Volleyball, Zeta Tau Alpha, Phi Alpha Delta, Best Buddies, thrifting, hiking, and concerts
Advice for New Students: Be open to new experiences! Say yes to everything :)
Ask me About: Playing on a club sports team or being in a sorrority!
Email: mroeger@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Centreville, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Environmental Science and Policy (ENSP)
Career Goal: I hope to work in agricultural or environmental policy for a federal organization like the UDSA or EPA!
Clubs & Activities: UMD Federal Fellows, University Honors program, Club Lacrosse, Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity
Advice for New Students: Get involved in as much as you can, whether its academic or just for fun! Being involved on campus is a great way to meet new people, make lifelong friends, and make connections that can help you reach your academic and career goals.
Ask Me About: Changing to AGNR from a different college.
Email: ehiner1@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Environmental Science and Technology 
Career Goal: To become a certified wildlife biologist. 
Clubs & Activities: Epsilon Eta, The Wildlife Society, backpacking, and fishing. 
Advice for New Students: Remember that an important aspect of college is connecting with other people. Building a relationship with the people in your classes and your professors is a great way to set yourself up for success and build lifelong relationships. 
Ask Me About: Working a job on campus. 
Email: hogarth1@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: White Hall, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Environmental Science and Technology 
Career Goal: Environmental Educator
Clubs & Activities: Terps for Change, Sigma Alpha, Center for Young Children, National FFA Alumna
Advice for New Students: Never be afraid to put yourself out there! It can feel daunting to try new things at UMD when surrounded by such a diverse group of individuals with different majors or backgrounds, but this is precisely why it is important to do so! UMD is such a welcoming and supportive environment, and if you try new things—even just making a new friend in class—you can make the most of your time here!
Ask Me About: Transitioning to UMD as an older student!
Email: tflaher1@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Frederick, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Environmental Science and Technology
Career Goal: To work in a field related to water quality or nutrient pollution, or environmental consulting
Clubs & Activities: Epsilon Eta
Advice for New Students: Take advantage of any opportunity that comes your way! Try new things out, explore campus, and talk to people!
Ask Me About: Picking a major!
Email: aclerch@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Bel Air, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Environmental Science and Technology
Career Goal: To work indoors and outdoors on environmental projects such as habitat restoration or stormwater management
Clubs & Activities: Epsilon Eta, Laboratory Assistant, intramural sports and weightlifting
Advice for New Students: Take advantage of all the resources and extracurriculars here at UMD! There are so many opportunities to get involved to build your resume and make new friends. 
Ask Me About: Freshman Connection
Email: tparis1@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Olney, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Environmental Science and Technology
Career Goal: To work for the EPA and NFL's department of Environmental Justice. 
Clubs & Activities: Catholic Student Center, Hiking, Fishing
Advice for New Students: Don't forget to prioritize yourself! College can seem overwhelming but take the time to have fun. There are so many opportunities for you to grow at college.
Ask Me About: Freshman Connection!
Email: alisle@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Gaithersburg, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Environmental Science and Technology
Career Goal: Sustainable Agriculture 
Clubs & Activities: Residence Hall Association (VP), Sustainability Fund Review Committee,Terrapin Trail Club
Advice for New Students: Say yes! Join too many clubs because they caught your interest at the club fair, or take that intriguing elective class, or make time to hang out with classmates and new friends. You'll never have more time than you do now, and this is the best time to explore the innumerable opportunities on campus.
Ask Me About: Ask me about doing a double degree!
Email: asolson@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Anywhere, USA
Major: Fermentation Science
Career Goal: Biopharmaceutical Developer/Researcher, Food Scientist/Compliance Professional, Fermentation Microbiologist, Brewer, Distiller, Industrial Biotechnician AND MORE
Clubs & Activities:  Food Science Club, Pre-Pharmacy Society, AGNR Student Council, American Society of Microbiology, Alpha Rho, American Chemical Society
Ask Me About: Studying Fermentation Science at the University of Maryland
Email: futureagnr@umd.edu

Hometown: Havre de Grace, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Landscape Architecture
Career Goal: To become an licensed Landscape Architect!
Clubs & Activities: Epsilon Eta, Sustainable UMD Ambassador and Advisor, Food Recovery Network
Advice for New Students: Try everything and anything! You never really know what you like or dislike until you give it a shot.
Ask Me About: Changing your major or getting involved on campus!
Email: aemurray@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Ellicott City, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Landscape Architecture
Career Goal: To become a Landscape Architect with a focus in Ecological Restoration.
Clubs & Activities: College Park Scholars: Environment, Technology, and the Economy, Student American Society of Landscape Architects (SASLA), English Conversation Partners at UMD, cellist and guitarist 
Advice for New Students: Follow your curiosity! Don't be afraid to try new things - if something sounds interesting, try it out! Whether it be a new club, hobby, or even a new major, let your curiosity guide you to find what you love.
Ask Me About: Applying to the Landscape Architecture program!
Email: ocalkins@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Eldersburg, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Nutrition and Food Science (NFSC): Dietetics
Career Goal: To become a Registered Dietitian 
Clubs & Activities: NASM certified Personal Trainer,  Dining Services Student Nutritionist, UMD Concessions, UMD sports nutrition program volunteer,  weightlifting, tennis, cooking, and reading
Advice for New Students: Find a study buddy! Having someone studying by your side is encouraging and will make your long late night study sessions feel much more comforting and manageable.
Ask Me About: UMD student employment!
Email: aembrey@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Glen Burnie, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2029
Major: Nutrition and Food Science (NFSC): Food Science
Career Goal: Food Product Developer
Clubs & Activities: Honors College (Design Cultures and Creativity), Summer Orientation Ambassador, Food Science Club (VP of Public Relations).
Advice for New Students: Prioritize your well being. College is a place for you to get your degree but also to grow as an individual and learn more about yourself. Make sure to branch out and try new things throughout these next few years!
Ask me About: Student life on campus! Anything from how to get more connected with AGNR, to the best spot for late night study snacks on campus.
Email: msh07@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Rockville, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Nutrition and Food Science (NFSC): Nutritional Science
Career Goal: I'd like to attend Medical School.
Clubs & Activities: Terps Against Hunger, Helping Hands at UMD, Undergraduate Research, GSS Leader, and I love baking/cooking!
Advice for New Students: Follow your passions
Ask Me About: Commuting to UMD
Email: atahi@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Laurel, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2028
Major: Nutrition and Food Science (NFSC): Food Science
Career Goal: Food Scientist
Clubs & Activities: ILS Honors, Coffee@UMD, Food Science Club, IFT, Undergraduate Research, Sustainability Fund Review Committee, watercolor/calligraphy, and chocolate!
Advice for New Students: Your class schedule affects your lifestyle, so plan strategically. Do you prefer spacing out or stacking classes? Do you like to keep certain days or times open? Does anything conflict with activities you want to do?
Ask Me About: The best food in DC!
Email: juliayc@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Burlington, NJ
Expected Graduation: Spring 2029
Major: Nutrition and Food Science (NFSC): Food Science
Career Goal: I am leaning towards a career in sensory science, but keeping my options open.
Clubs & Activities:  Food Science Club, Student Nutritionist, Maryland Chapter of IFT, Community Learning Garden, cooking, and foraging.
Advice for New Students: It is okay to ask for help! University of Maryland offers many support systems to help us succeed. Academic support services include free tutoring, guided study sessions, and academic advising. Emotional support services are also available through the counseling center, the health center, and wellness workshops. 
Ask Me About: Navigating dietary restrictions at UMD.
Email: ssims124@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Chevy Chase, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2028
Major: Plant Sciences: Plant Biology (PLSC)
Career Goal: I hope to go into basic biological research or applied agricultural research
Clubs & Activities: UMD Beekeeping Club (VP), Juggling club, and Undergraduate Research
Advice for New Students: Take the classes that you want to take as soon as you can. It's sometimes tempting to take all the "boring" but necessary classes first because that's how the majors sort of expect you to do it, but it's really worth taking a class that you are excited for even if you have to push back the other class a little bit.
Ask Me About: Cool things happening in the greenhouse
Email: jweng130@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Columbia, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Plant Sciences: Plant Biology (PLSC)
Career Goal: I hope to work to increase native biodiversity in urban areas.
Clubs & Activities: American Conservation Coalition, Epsilon Eta, Audubon Society, Undergraduate Research, and native gardening.
Advice for New Students: The worst thing someone can say is "no". If you have an idea or need help, don't be afraid to reach out to the various resources we have on campus! This is a place where anything can happen.
Ask Me About: Transferring to UMD and transitioning from Community College!
Email: aheff21@terpmail.umd.edu

Hometown: Oakland, MD
Expected Graduation: Fall 2027
Major: Plant Sciences: Urban Forestry (PLSC)
Career Goal: Urban Forester for a city or university
Clubs & Activities: WMUC Student Radio, Maryland Promise Scholars, Soccer 
Advice for New Students: Be an active learner in classes! It makes them so much more enjoyable and helpful. 
Ask Me About: Being a first generation college student. 
Email: abutina@terpmail.umd.edu