Menu

Student Ambassadors

Meet our Ambassadors

This valuable group works closely with the Dean and the Office of Academic Programs. The mission of the ambassadors is to assist in the areas of recruitment, public relations and educational outreach. Activities include hosting prospective students and parents, serving on university open house student panels, performing community service and representing the college on various committees. Ambassadors are also active outside the college in such programs as the Honors College, College Park Scholars, Student Senate and Residence Life.

Below you will find the photos and bios of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Ambassadors. Click on their name to learn more about the Ambassador and how to contact them. Questions about student life, academics, campus living or a prospective major are welcome!

Not sure who to connect with? Send a general question to FutureAGNR@umd.edu.

Agricultural & Resource Economics (AREC)

Natalie Rilley

Happy hatted student presenting fresh fish catch on a boat.

Hometown: New Windsor, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Major: Agricultural and Resource Economics
Career Goal: I hope to become an agricultural economist and work for the USDA.
Clubs & Activities: Club Lacrosse, Volunteer Young Life Leader, University of Maryland Cru, Farm Hand at Local Homestead Products
Favorite Place on Campus: The Clarice Courtyard - best place to study & they have a ping pong table outside!
Advice for New Students: If you want a free t-shirt from a sporting event... get there early!! Waiting in line is worth it to get some UMD swag. ​​​​​​​
Email: nrilley@terpmail.umd.edu

Kelly Whalen

Kelly Whalen. Joyful student holding dog larger than she is.

Hometown: Poolesville, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Major: Agricultural and Resource Economics
Career Goal: To work in international development, finance, or creating economic opportunities for people through agriculture and sustainability.
Clubs & Activities: 4WORK (campus job)
Favorite Place on Campus: ESJ (best place to study with friends!)
Advice for New Students: College is a time for you to explore new opportunities and try new things, so don't worry if you don't have everything figured out just yet. Just make the most out of your time and enjoy it!
Email: whalenk@terpmail.umd.edu

Jason Lee

Proud student awardee standing in front of College of Agriculture and Natural Resources backdrop.

Hometown: Ellicott City, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Major: Agricultural and Resource Economics
Career Goal: To work in Agricultural policy as part of the USDA
Clubs & Activities: Creative Writing Club, Vintage Voices, Paints and Shells
Favorite Place on Campus: Mckeldin Mall
Advice for New Students: Make sure to network! Talk to your professors and go to career fairs. There are endless resources available to you use a student.
Email: jlee1103@terpmail.umd.edu

Leena Davis

Joyful student posing on trail, surrounded by trees.

Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Major: Agricultural and Resource Economics
Career Goal: Food Law and Policy
Clubs & Activities: Muslim Students' Association
Favorite Place on Campus: Nyumburu Ampitheater!
Advice for New Students: Self-discipline is key! Because college can often feel overwhelming, my advice would be to start early, start small, and stay consistent.
Email: ldavis25@umd.edu

Agricultural Science and Technology (AGST)

Sophie McCloskey

Sophie McCloskey.  A happy student surrounded by plants!

Hometown: Willow Grove, PA
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Major: Agricultural Science and Technology 
Career Goal: I hope to work in a field where I can combine my passions for horticulture and entomology!
Clubs & Activities: Sigma Alpha, UMD Insect Zoo
Favorite Place on Campus: Memorial Chapel Garden​​​​​​​
Advice for New Students: Try your best to get involved with at least one thing on campus - it's the best and easiest way to make friends. 
Email: smcc789@umd.edu

Kathleen Quinn

Kathleen Quinn.  Student on study abroad posing happily in front of Palais Longchamp.

Hometown: Upper Marlboro, MD
Expected Graduation: Fall 2024
Major: Agricultural Science and Technology & Theatre
Career Goal: Extension educator or urban farmer!
Clubs & Activities: Community Learning Garden, UTAS, 32 Bars
Favorite Place on Campus: Tawes Plaza (especially on Farmer's Market days!)
Advice for New Students: Don't be afraid to try new things and take risks!
Email: kquinn18@terpmail.umd.edu

Animal & Avian Sciences (ANSC)

Lexi Urbanz

Lexi Urbanz. Joyful student standing eye level with a handsome brown horse.

Hometown: Ridgefield, CT
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Major: Animal & Avian Sciences (ANSC) 
Career Goal: To become a veterinary ophthalmologist
Clubs & Activities: Sigma Alpha, Pre-Veterinary Society, AGNR Student Council, Block and Bridle, Terps Raising Pups, Pre-Surgical Society, RecWell Fitness Team (Spin Instructor)
Favorite Place on Campus: Eppley Recreation Center
Advice for New Students: Get involved! Joining clubs and participating in activities or sporting events offered by UMD are great ways to explore your interests and meet a wide variety of people. Your college experience is just as important as your academics. Put yourself out there!
Email: aurbanz@terpmail.umd.edu

Elizabeth Ridenour

Formally dressed student posing with rose-studded horse.

Hometown: Catonsville, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Major: Animal & Avian Sciences (ANSC)
Career Goal: Equine Veterinarian
Clubs & Activities: UMD Pre-Veterinary Society, Phi Theta Kappa, Tau Sigma Honor Society
Favorite Place on Campus: Catholic Student Center, and Hornbake Plaza:)
Advice for New Students: Take time to sit outside and breathe. School can be very stressful, but by taking care of yourself, resting, and detoxing with things you love, you can set yourself up for success and have a great experience in the process.
Email: eridenou@terpmail.umd.edu

Thu Nguyen

Happy student leaning on flowering Cherry Blossom

Hometown: Potomac, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Major: Animal & Avian Sciences (ANSC)
Career Goal: Gain my DVM and be a small animal/exotics veterinarian!
Clubs & Activities: Sigma Alpha, Pre-Vet Society, Food Recovery Network, Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Undergraduate Research Assistant
Favorite Place on Campus: Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center - absolutely love sitting outside in the back of the building, appreciating the green hills on a warm day studying and still getting that fresh air!
Advice for New Students: My favorite quote by Van Gogh is "What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?" UMD is a melting pot of so many various individuals, classes, and opportunities and especially during your freshman year is the most crucial time to branch out and explore. The best times in life are often the ones you least expect. Academics are important but shaping yourself to be the individual you're proud of in 5 years is more significant!!
Email: diemthu1@terpmail.umd.edu

Ayeesha Fadlaoui

Ayeesha Fadlaoui. A happy student standing next to a Holstein.

Hometown: Ellicott City, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Major: Animal & Avian Sciences (ANSC)
Career Goal: Undecided, but I'm currently interested in pursuing research related to zoonotic diseases!
Clubs & Activities: Club figure skating, AGNR’s Dean’s Student Advisory Council, Block and Bridle
Favorite Place on Campus: Fountain outside of Tawes Hall
Advice for New Students: Take advantage of new opportunities that are available to you during your first semester, but don’t overwork yourself! Remember that you have many years to take advantage of these opportunities, so just focus on a few things at a time until you decide what you really want to spend your time and energy doing.
Email: afadlaou@terpmail.umd.edu

Raven Herron

Raven Herron. A student happily posing with a very large, cross-breed, Charolais/Angus.

Hometown: Woodbine, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Major: Animal & Avian Sciences (ANSC) 
Career Goal: Veterinarian
Clubs & Activities: Sigma Alpha, Maryland Equestrian Club, Maryland Equestrian Team, Block and Bridle, Pre-Vet Society, AGNR Student Council, Clay Target Team, Terps Raising Pups and Omicron Delta Kappa
Favorite Place on Campus: Campus Farm
Advice for New Students: Get Involved! Join everything you're interested in, and evaluate what is important to keep in your schedule and what is not needed.
Email: rherron1@umd.edu

Amy Zhou

Pensive student posing with tortoise.

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

Cassidy Gitch

Cassidy Gitch. Happy student holding dog with red bandana neckerchief.

Hometown: Bethlehem, PA
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Major: Animal & Avian Sciences (ANSC)
Career Goal: As an upcoming junior I am continuing to explore different career opportunities- Recently I am interested in Animal Health and Policy!
Clubs & Activities: 
Favorite Place on Campus: I absolutely love seeing our community get together on the McKeldin Mall! Some of my favorite memories are with my best friends on the Mall.
Advice for New Students: Each course you take, ask the person next to you for their number! Having a support system is crucial— I met one of my best friends by asking for her number the first day of a new elective course!
Email: cgitch@terpmail.umd.edu

Ashlynn Kidwell

A proud 4H'er and her white bovine pal.

Hometown: Sykesville, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Animal & Avian Sciences (ANSC) 
Career Goal: To work in the field of livestock genetics
Clubs & Activities: Sigma Alpha, AGNR Student Council, UMD Clay Sporting Team
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!​​​​​​​
Email: ashlynn@umd.edu

Naomi Rappaport

Naomi Rappaport. Smiling student in University of Maryland attire holding medium-sized white dog, also wearing University of Maryland wear!

Hometown: Tampa, FL
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Major: Animal & Avian Sciences (ANSC) 
Career Goal: Small Animal Veterinarian
Clubs & Activities: Terps Raising Pups
Favorite Place on Campus: McKeldin Mall on a sunny day!
Advice for New Students: Work hard, but always remember to take care of yourself. Your physical and mental health are just as important as your academics. Take time for yourself, try new things, and meet new people! College is the perfect place to do all of that.
Email: naomirap@terpmail.umd.edu

Allison Flaherty

Smiling student against the backdrop of a rocky shoreline.

Hometown: Mechanicsville, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Major: Animal & Avian Sciences (ANSC) 
Career Goal: Large Animal Veterinarian
Clubs & Activities: Sigma Alpha, University of Maryland Equestrian Team, Pre-Vet Society, AGNR Student Council, ANSC Peer Mentor
Favorite Place on Campus: ESJ
Advice for New Students: Take advantage of all of the opportunities UMD has to offer, get involved in things that you are interested in, and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things!
Email: aflaher1@terpmail.umd.edu

Iman Abubaker

Pensive sunlit student sitting in a car.

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

Environmental Science & Policy (ENSP)

Alyssa Lee

Professional image of kind-eyed student wearing red Ambassador uniform polo.

Hometown: Hanover, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Major: Environmental Science and Policy
Career Goal: To become a Wildlife Biologist!
Clubs & Activities: AGNR Dean's Student Advisory Council, The Wildlife Society, Maryland Women's Crew, ETE Scholars, Mullinax Applied Spatial Wildlife Ecology Lab Intern
Favorite Place on Campus: McKeldin Library! Late night studying with my best friends on the second floor will always be my favorite UMD campus memory!
Advice for New Students: Go where the wind takes you! Find what it is you're truly passionate about and grip onto the endless opportunities! Spend time with the people you love and believe in yourself! And always remember: Failure is learning and learning leads to success so remember to give yourself some grace!
Email: jiminlee@terpmail.umd.edu

Teddy Jorgensen

Teddy Jorgensen. Enthusiastic student with natural setting in background.

Hometown: Ellicott City, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Major: Environmental Science and Policy
Career Goal: Urban Planner
Clubs & Activities: Terrapin Trail Club, Rock Climbing Club
Favorite Place on Campus: FSK Hall Courtyard
Advice for New Students: College may seem long on paper but my first year went by super fast, so make sure to take time to slow down and enjoy each day
Email: fjorgens@terpmail.umd.edu

Natalie Cantagallo

Natalie Cantagallo.  Smiling student in forefront of pink flowers and a lovely gardenscape.

Hometown: Mount Arlington, NJ
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Major: Environmental Science and Policy
Career Goal: Right now I would love to go abroad and help people in developing countries gain access to potable water and sustainable agriculture.
Clubs & Activities: TIAS, Terp Thon
Favorite Place on Campus: Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library (in Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center)
Advice for New Students: Take opportunities to meet new people and try new things! This is the perfect time in your life to do so.
Email: ncantaga@terpmail.umd.edu

Elizabeth Morrison

Happy student with the backdrop of a majestic pine forest.

Hometown: Hastings-on-Hudson, NY
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Major: Environmental Science and Policy (ENSP)
Career Goal: I hope to work within an environmental organization pursuing my dream of becoming an environmental educator.
Clubs & Activities: Office of Sustainability Advisor, UMD Arboretum Intern, American Conservation Coalition, Circle K International Club
Favorite Place on Campus: Public Policy Building
Advice for New Students: Join clubs you’re interested in!! Joining clubs related to your major will help you find people who share the same interests as you and you make great connections down the line!
Email: Emorri12@terpmail.umd.edu

Vivian Maneval

Happy student standing in front of a picturesque lake and blue sky

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!
Email: vmaneval@terpmail.umd.edu

Shayna Silverman

Formally dressed, smiling student in front of brick wall.

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Major: Environmental Science and Policy (ENSP)
Career Goal: In 10 years, I see myself working as an environmental consultant.
Clubs & Activities: Delta Gamma, ENSPire Student Advisory Board, University of Maryland Alumni Association (Intern)
Favorite Place on Campus: Riggs Alumni Center
Advice for New Students: Don't compare your accomplishments to those of your peers. Everyone's journey is different and any experience is good experience!!
Email: shaysil7@terpmail.umd.edu

Environmental Science & Technology (ENST)

Ava Ciabattoni

Happy student enjoying a freshly picked pint of blackberries.

Hometown: Mechanicsville, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Environmental Science and Technology
Career Goal: To work for the FWS or NOAA as a fisheries biologist
Clubs & Activites: Mighty Sound of Maryland, University Honors
Favorite Place on Campus: ESJ (great natural light for studying!)​​​​​​​
Advice for New Students: Your study/learning style may be very different than how it was in high school, and that’s ok! It’s scary at first but work with your professors, Teaching Assistants (TAs), and peers to find a method that works best for you.
Email: ciabs530@terpmail.umd.edu

Mallory Gray

Sweet-natured student nurturing a white horse.

Hometown: Prince Frederick, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Major: Environmental Science and Technology 
Career Goal: Environmental Field Work, wildlife management
Clubs & Activities: Epsilon Eta, Shift Leader at Campus Farm, Running!
Favorite Place on Campus: Animal Sciences Courtyard
Advice for New Students: Be confident in your abilities and make friends whenever presented the opportunity!
Email: Mgray112@terpmail.UMD.edu

Lillian Hsu

Lillian Hsu

Hometown: Germantown, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Major: Environmental Science and Technology
Career Goal: To work an environmental organization and work in a field related to sustainability.
Clubs & Activities: UMD Club Running, Crocheting for a Cause
Favorite Place on Campus: McKeldin Mall
Advice for New Students: Don’t be afraid to try new things or to ask for help when you need it.

Anushka Tandon

Anushka Tandon. Smiling student in glamorous headshot.

Hometown: Bethesda, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Major: Environmental Science and Technology
Career Goal: Work in EPA or USDA in science communication regarding sustainability and environmental science
Clubs & Activities: RESTORE, MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences)
Favorite Place on Campus: Washington Quad
Advice for New Students: Go to the first club meeting for as many clubs as interest you to find your people and your niche. Don't settle too early!
Email: atandon1@terpmail.umd.edu

Hana Chytil

Happy student with blurred campus background.

Hometown: Acton, MA
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Major: Environmental Science and Technology
Career Goal: I plan to further my education by attending graduate school in an environmentally related field. Eventually I hope to work through my job to improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay and its ecosystems.
Clubs & Activities: Epsilon Eta, running
Favorite Place on Campus: Animal Sciences Courtyard
Advice for New Students: Put yourself out there and attend any club meeting or events that look interesting to you! This is a great way to meet people with similar interests and find a community you feel welcome in.​​​​​​​
Email: hchytil@terpmail.umd.edu

Fermentation Science

Maya Mulligan

Beautiful curls abound on this professionally dressed, smiling student wearing fuschia.

Hometown: Towson, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Major: Fermentation Science
Career Goal: To work in the food or pharmaceutical industry
Clubs & Activites: Gemstone Honors Program, Food Science Club, Maryland Chapter of IFT ​​​​​​​
Favorite Place on Campus: Anywhere in ESJ!​​​​​​​
Advice for New Students: Don't forget to take time for yourself! College can get very busy as you're adjusting to new routines and its important to still take time to relax, hang out with friends and go outside. It will help your productivity if you regularly take breaks. ​​​​​​​
Email: mayafay@terpmail.umd.edu

Landscape Architecture (LARC)

Grazelle Giray

Happy student holding pink baseball cap in front of palm trees and fountain.

Hometown: New Carrollton, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Major: Landscape Architecture
Career Goal: To become a licensed Landscape Architect and work in a firm that focuses on urban design and sustainability.
Clubs & Activities: SASLA, AGNR Peer Mentor
Favorite Place on Campus: Hornbake Plaza
Advice for New Students: Take advantage of the many resources/activities you can find at UMD! Check out the Career Center, make use of the free tutoring, and go out to all the fun SEE events. There are so many opportunities on campus, you just have to look for them!
Email: ggiray@umd.edu

David Phan

Student presenting scientific poster involving urban design.

Hometown: Glen Burnie, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Major: Landscape Architecture
Career Goal: To become an licensed Landscape Architect
Clubs & Activities: SASLA, Epsilon Eta
Favorite Place on Campus: Memorial Chapel
Advice for New Students: Don't hesitate to ask for help from your professors, TAs, or peers. They'll be with you along the way, even post-education.
Email: dmphan@terpmail.umd.edu

 

Lili Francisco

Lili Francisco.  Happy student with lovely natural surrounding.

Hometown: Crownsville, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Major: Landscape Architecture
Career Goal: Become a licensed landscape architect and possibly even own my own company one day!
Clubs & Activities: Epsilon Eta, SASLA
Favorite Place on Campus: Mckeldin Mall
Advice for New Students: Get involved somehow on campus! It’s a great way to meet other people who have similar interests as you!
Email: lilif@terpmail.umd.edu

Eashana Subramanian

Smiling student about to enjoy a blue smoothie.

Hometown: Clarksburg, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Major: Landscape Architecture
Career Goal: Environmental Architect
Clubs & Activities:Epsilon eta, 17 for Peace and Justice, SASLA, Greenhouse Assistant, Eppley Facility Staff
Favorite Place on Campus: Garden of reflection and remembrance
Advice for New Students: Don’t shy away from new opportunities and trying new things, take full advantage of every resource this university provides you! ​​​​​​​
Email: Eashana4@terpmail.umd.edu

Nutrition & Food Science (NFSC)

Anders Murphy

Joyful student kneeling with happy, hatted snowman.

Hometown: Crofton, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Major: Nutrition and Food Science (NFSC): Dietetics
Career Goal: To become a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
Clubs & Activities: Food Science Club
Favorite Place on Campus: Washington Quad​​​​​​​
Advice for New Students: Create a habit of effective time management (use lists/calendars) and set goals for yourself. College can become overwhelming very quickly if you don't stay organized. Also, seek new experiences and get out of your comfort zone!
Email: apmurph1@terpmail.umd.edu

Kaity Deaner

Serious student taking self portrait in a car.

Hometown: Port Deposit, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Major: Nutrition and Food Science (NFSC): Dietetics
Career Goal: To become a Registered Dietitian and work in the community
Clubs & Activities: University Honors, AGNR Peer Mentor, Student Dietetic Association, AGNR Student Life Council
Favorite Place on Campus: Symons Hall
Advice for New Students: Go out and get involved at UMD! You'll meet some of your closest friends from what you get involved with. But also, don't forget to focus on your classes!
Email: kdeaner@umd.edu

Elise Roen

Elise headshot

Hometown: West Hartford, CT
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Major: Nutrition and Food Science (NFSC): Dietetics
Career Goal: To become a Registered Dietitian
Clubs & Activities: Community Outreach Chair, Student Dietetics Association, Student Nutritionist Supervisor, UMD Dining Services, UMD RecWell (Spin Instructor)
Favorite Place on Campus: Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center (ESJ)
Advice for New Students: Say yes to new things! Say yes to meeting new people, trying out a new club, hobby or sport you've never done before, and taking advantages of all the resources you have as a student.
Email: eroen@terpmail.umd.edu

KEvin Lam

Student proudly displaying scientific poster regarding the food microbiome.

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Major: Nutrition and Food Science (NFSC): Food Science
Career Goal: As of now, working somewhere in the food industry or food protection sector.
Clubs & Activities: Food Science Club, WMUC Radio, cooking, and watching movies
Favorite Place on Campus: WMUC Record room​​​​​​​
Advice for New Students: Be proactive, always seek opportunities around campus and pursue them to your best ability!​​​​​​​
Email: klam1238@terpmail.umd.edu

Plant Sciences (PLSC)

Victoria Cheng

Demure student standing next to purple flowering Wisteria.

Hometown: Yorktown, VA
Expected Graduation: Spring 2025
Major: Plant Sciences: Plant Biology
Career Goal: PhD
Clubs & Activities: Food Recovery Network, Terps for Change, Small Grains Pathology Lab, University Orchestra, Clinic
Favorite Place on Campus: Greenhouse Complex
Advice for New Students: Get to know your professors and TAs. They are the key to helping you succeed.
Email: vcheng13@terpmail.umd.edu