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)

Suited student standing proudly in front of beautiful University of Maryland landscaping.

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!
Ask Me About: Things to do in DC!
Email: grahamwsnyder@gmail.com

Student in a hooded sweatshirt kneeling to happily work with plants.

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

Pleasant student posing among ornamental garden features.

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

Smiling student at a farm stand holding vibrant yellow mums.

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

Agricultural Science and Technology (AGST)

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

Hometown: Towson, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Major: A gricultural Science and Technology
Career Goal: Sustainable Agriculture
Clubs & Activities: 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

Animal & Avian Sciences (ANSC)

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

Hometown: Ridgefield, CT
Expected Graduation: Fall 2025
Major: Animal & Avian Sciences (ANSC)
Career Goal: Emergency Veterinarian
Clubs & Activities: Sigma Alpha, Pre-Veterinary Society, AGNR Student Council, Block and Bridle, Terps Raising Pups, Canine Language Perception Lab, 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

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

Professionally dressed student sitting cross-legged in the forefront with an iconic University of Maryland building in the background.

Hometown: Potomac, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Major: Animal & Avian Sciences (ANSC)
Career Goal: Small Animal Veterinarian
Clubs & Activities: Pre-Veterinary Society, Sigma Alpha, Terps4Change, Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Undergraduate ENST Research Assistant/Greenhouse Manager, AGNR Student Council, Block and Bridle, Food Recovery Network
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: Establish conducive study habits early on!! What worked for you in high school may not be as effective in college and that's ok! Work ethic and drive will get you far but also balance it properly with the countless opportunities that UMD has to offer (clubs, orgs, new people, cool gen-ed courses)!
Email: diemthu1@terpmail.umd.edu

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

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

A flannel-clad student happily hand-feeding her black cow.

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

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

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)

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. 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. 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

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

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

Smiling student in front of a traditional photography studio backdrop.

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

Environmental Science & Technology (ENST)

Smiling student posing in front of Washington DC's famous Cherry Blossoms.

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

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

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

Student standing on a beach while the sun sits low in the background.

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

Fermentation Science

Smiling student dressed professionally set against colorful blurred background.

Hometown: Towson, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Major: Fermentation Science
Career Goal: To work in the food manufacturing industry and pursue higher education!
Clubs & Activities: Sigma Kappa Sorority, Pi Sigma Epsilon, Accounting and Business Association, Food Science Club, Maryland Chapter of IFT
Advice for New Students: Put yourself out there, even if it feels intimidating at first! Get involved on campus, join clubs, and don’t hesitate to apply for opportunities that interest you. College can be challenging, but building a strong support system of friends and mentors make a huge difference in your college experience and success!
Ask Me About: Transferring to UMD and/or pursuing a double major or dual degree.
Email: kandino1@terpmail.umd.edu

Landscape Architecture (LARC)

Smiling student in green surrounded by greenery.

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

Happy student holding a backpack and surrounded by fall foliage.

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

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)

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

UMD student rubbing the bronze nose of a sculpture of Testudo - the school mascot.

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

Student in a white cardigan standing in front of an evergreen and cherry blossom.

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

Placeholder photo of green and blueish cabbages.

Hometown: Laurel, MD
Expected Graduation: Spring 2028
Major: Nutrition and Food Science (NFSC): Dietetics
Career Goal: To become a Food Scientist
Clubs & Activities: iGEM, Coffee Club, Food Science Club, MD IFT, art, nature, science, and chocolate!
Advice for New Students: Your class schedule will subtly affect your lifestyle, so carefully consider how you'll set it up. 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

Plant Sciences (PLSC)

Joyful UMD student posing with his scientific poster, "First Year Native Garden Impacts on Insects and Humans in Suburban Communities."

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

Confident student standing against colorful, blurred background.

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