Meet the Undergraduate Ambassadors

Major: Anthropology

Campus/Community Involvement: Honors College and Anthropology intern

Fun Fact: I started as a Bioinformatics major.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Don't be afraid to explore other interests you may discover throughout your time at UB, such as checking out different clubs or trying new classes. It is super easy to change your major, and you never know what opportunities may arise by trying something new!

Major: Fine Arts (General concentration)
Minors: Linguistics and German

Campus/community involvement: Honors College, Center for the Arts front of house staff, Food Recovery Network, Classics Club

Fun fact: I attended a summer study abroad program in Berlin, Germany.

What makes UB unique?
UB is a unique place where it feels like anyone can learn about anything. I hope we can continue to promote the wide variety of academic opportunities at UB, especially in the arts and humanities.

Major: Fine Arts (Graphic design concentration)

Campus/Community Involvement: Activist/peaceful protesting

Fun Fact: I own a pink electric guitar I named Bubblegum Toby!

What do you like best about your department?
My favorite part of the Department of Art  is the amazing community of staff and students. The ratio of students to faculty allows you the privilege of making lasting connections with both students and professors, furthering you socially and professionally. Everyone I have met through this department has been kind, genuine, eager to help, and, overall, has made my time here at UB amazing!

Major: Biological Sciences
Minor: Nutrition

Campus/Community Involvement: Campus Living Resident Advisor, Gunawardena Lab Research Assistant, CSTEP Program, Academic Success Centers Event Planning Student Assistant

Fun Fact: I practiced Tae Kwon Do for 9 years.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
My advice for future UB students is to embrace every opportunity that comes their way, whether it's academic, extracurricular or personal growth. College is a time for exploration and learning, so don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Remember, it's okay to make mistakes along the way; they're valuable learning experiences that contribute to your growth and development.

Major: Biological Sciences
Minor: Environmental Studies

Campus/Community Involvement: Krabbenhoft Freshwater Ecology Lab, First-Generation peer mentor

Fun Fact: I love to bake and I like to think that I've perfected a few cookie recipes!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Whether you attend clubs and events, do research, or get involved elsewhere, it's important to have something to look forward to outside of academics!

Majors: Biological Sciences and Business Administration

Campus/Community Involvement: UB Supply Chains and Operations Management (UB SCOM), Honors College, SUNY SA

Fun Fact: I am a black belt in Isshin-ryu karate!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
My advice for future UB students is to be willing to step out of your comfort zone and explore various clubs and opportunities. It's a great way to make friends and really figure out if you are doing what truly interests you!

Major: Biological Sciences

Campus/Community Involvement: Biology Journal Club, Undergraduate Biology Association, Habitat for Humanity volunteer

Fun Fact: I enjoy hiking and camping.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
My advice for future students would be to ensure they utilize the available resources on campus, such as tutoring, writing assistance, career design services, campus librarians and attending professors' office hours.

Major: Biological Sciences

Campus/Community Involvement: Kasanova Dance Team, Korean Student Association, UNICEF Unite Club

Fun Fact: My parents allowed my cousins to name me after a character from an Indian TV show.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Join many clubs. There are many different clubs at UB. I made many friends through a variety of clubs, and it took away a lot of stress from studying.

Majors: Chemistry and Studio Art

Campus/Community Involvement: Honors College, Wood Lab, UB's LGTBQA club

Fun Fact: I do art in my free time that usually involves my cat Leon. 

What do you like best about your department?
I like the faculty in the chemistry department and how dedicated they are to student success. There are a ton of research opportunities, and the openness of faculty makes getting involved very simple. 

Major: Combined Chemistry BA/Chemistry Education EdM

Campus/Community Involvement: Resident Advisor, Honors College, Chem Club Member, Secretary for SA in Govenor's

Fun Fact: I love to go on walks while listening to music. 

What do you like best about your department?
My favorite part of the chemistry department is the professors' positive attitudes and willingness to help students understand course content. All the professors are incredibly kind and want to see you succeed!
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Majors: Combined Classics BA/Latin Education EdM and English

Campus/Community Involvement: Latin Club

Fun Fact: I have a leopard gecko, a hamster and two gerbils!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
UB has so many opportunities it can feel overwhelming at first. Try one club, go to one activity, branch out of your comfort zone! Also, talk to your professors and get to know your department. It never hurts to visit during their office hours for extra help or to get an answer to a question. You are valuable and important!

Majors: Classics and History

Campus/Community Involvement: Honors College, Classics Club vice president, Theater Design and Technology student, Center for the Arts front of house staff

Fun Fact: I play professional roller derby for the Buffalo Saucies!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Don't force anything. It may feel tempting to be a part of every club, attend every event, meet every person you can, but that can be very overwhelming at the beginning. College is stressful enough without all that so don't feel pressured to take on more than you can just for the sake of the "college experience." Everything you want and need at school will fall into place eventually, I promise you.

Major: Speech and Hearing Science
Minor: Health and Human Services

Campus/Community Involvement: Delta Phi Epsilon and Student Association for Speech and Hearing (SASH)

Fun Fact: I've been to Ireland!

What makes UB unique?
UB is unique because our professors are picked based on research. This is great because it gives students a lot of opportunities to get experience working in labs on campus and work closely with our professors.

Majors: Economics and Political Science
Minor: Linguistics

Campus/Community Involvement: Student Association senate chairperson, Honors College, UB Admissions employee, Undergraduate Research, College Democrats

Fun Fact: I grew up just 25 minutes South of UB, so ask me questions about the area too!

What makes UB unique?
UB has so many extra-curricular opportunities, but what sets us apart are our academic activities including; honor societies, the Experiential Learning Network, living learning communities and the entire SUNY system's study abroad network!

Majors: Economics and Political Science

Campus/Community Involvement: Honors College, UB Vegans secretary, UB Amnesty International, Intern at the Monroe County Democratic Committee

Fun Fact: I was on Food Network at the age of 11.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Make the most of your experience at school! It's normal to feel overwhelmed, so make sure to stay organized. UB has so many phenomenal academic and personal services to help you succeed; make sure to utilize them. Remember, you're only in college once, so don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something new. 

Major: Economics
Minor: Chinese

Campus/community involvement: UB Food Recovery Network, Honors College, Student-Athlete academic tutor

Fun fact: I am fluent in four languages, and I am currently learning Chinese as my fifth language!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
The advice I would give to future UB students would be that you can always learn something from every opportunity, class or activity that you participate in. Some of my favorite classes have been prerequisite courses or general education requirements that I was not particularly excited to take. However, whether through amazing professors or interesting content, these courses have often allowed me to develop new skills and interests I hadn’t discovered before. In some cases, these classes have completely changed the trajectory of my academic path.

Major: English 

Campus/Community Involvement: Honors College, English Student Association communications chair, Bullsharks club swim team and UB Upward Bound tutor

Fun Fact: Cherry vanilla coke is my favorite soda

What advice do you have for future UB students?
My advice for future UB students is to get out there. Join some clubs, talk to people in your class, and attend campus events. It can be scary, but once you find your people it is so worth it!

Major: Combined English BA/Adolescent Education EdM

Campus/Community Involvement: Honors College, community choir, Performing Arts Music staff member

Fun Fact: I used to be heavily involved in art and music before I decided to major in English!

What do you like best about your department?
I feel as though in the English department, everyone knows everyone, or is a friend of a friend. I have been able to build bonds with my peers and professors extremely easily and everyone is always so open-minded!

Major: Environmental Studies 
Minor: Communication

Campus/Community Involvement: Delta Phi Epsilon, Lending a Paw, UB Poetry Club

Fun Fact: I am a snowboard instructor!

What do you like best about your department?
The Department of Environment and Sustainability is a growing department with so many different opportunities whether that be internships, connections or research. Many of our classes offer hands-on experience outdoors where you can apply the knowledge you learned in real life scenarios. The faculty truly makes learning fun and is here to help everyone succeed.

Major: Environmental Geosciences

Campus/Community Involvement: BIO 200 Lab teaching assistant, UB Symphonic Orchestra,  UB Photo Club vice president, Violin tutor

Fun Fact: I traveled with a music ensemble to four cities in China to perform music concerts!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and never doubt your abilities! It’s important to get involved, whether it’s through your department or UB events. Reach out to your professor and other faculty about opportunities to further your success. You can do more than you think!

Major: Environmental Science
Minor: Geology

Campus/Community Involvement: Marching band (drumline)

Fun Fact: I have a black belt in taekwondo!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
My advice for future UB students is to get involved in on-campus organizations. UB has a plethora of unique clubs, athletic groups, study abroad programs, and on-campus events that can get you in touch with like-minded students, it's a great way to make new friends!

Major: Environmental Studies 
Minor: Media Study

Campus/Community Involvement: Poetry Club treasurer, Outdoor Adventure Club, Alpha Kappa Chi

Fun Fact: I have broken both of my elbows (at different times!).

What do you like best about your department?
I honestly LOVE everything about the Department of Environment and Sustainability but my favorite thing would have to be the people. Everyone is so nice and it is really cool to talk to other people who also care so much for the planet!

Majors: Geographic Information Science and Environmental Sustainability
Minor: History

Campus/Community Involvement: UB Chapter of the Food Recovery Network, Student Engagement ambassador, Future Alumni Network, Welcome Weekend Leader, Honors College

Fun Fact: I am a competitive Rubik's cube speedsolver. I have been to 95 cube competitions in 18 U.S. States!

What do you like best about your department?
I love the geography department because the coursework covers a diverse array of topics that all have real-life applications. The department offers human geography, earth systems science and geographic information science courses. The societal issues we are trying to solve all have a spatial component, which is why geography is such a relevant discipline!

Major: Health and Human Services (Community Mental Health concentration)
Minor: Global Gender Studies

Fun fact: My thumbs aren't opposable.

What do you like best about your department?
The faculty in the Department of Global Gender and Sexuality Studies foster a warm and encouraging environment that allows us students to delve deeply into various topics of interest and genuinely feel at home on campus. They're both kind and knowledgeable people who care for every student in the department, regardless of whether they're majors or minors, and I've had nothing but positive experiences with them.

Majors: English, Global Gender Studies and History  
Minor: Jewish Studies

Campus/Community Involvement: Phi Alpha Theta, Advanced Honors College

Fun Fact:  I know every lyric to all Taylor Swift's songs

What advice do you have for future UB students?
It is important to make connections with not only your peers but also with advisors and professors. They may offer guidance, support and opportunities. They can really help you reach your full potential! Utilize office hours to ask questions, address concerns, and speak with them about your goals.

Majors: Linguistics (Japanese concentration) and Asian Studies

Campus/Community Involvement: J-Tomo (Japanese Language and Culture Club), Koryukai, Target employee

Fun Fact: My bedroom is full of Squishmallows!

What do you like best about your department?
I love the linguistics department due to the fact that it's very easy to connect with the professors and classmates because of how small it is! I consider us to be a rather tightly-knit community, and there's always someone to go to if you're academically struggling!

Major: Linguistics (Japanese concentration)

Campus/Community Involvement: J-Tomo (Japanese Language and Culture Club)

Fun Fact: I served 8 years in the Navy, lived for 3 of them in Japan.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
The teachers and students are beyond helpful! UB's size and student environment are superb, and make Buffalo feel like a home. Take time for yourself, but keep your goals in mind, try not to slack off and do your best to excel! It's your future so put in the effort you want to achieve it!

Major: Combined Mathematics BA/Mathematics Education EdM

Campus/Community Involvement: Concert band

Fun Fact: I can play the flute and oboe

What makes UB unique?
UB is unique because of its community, there’s a space for anyone and everyone here!

Major: Applied Mathematics

Campus/Community Involvement: Financial coordinator for Fargo, Directed Reading Program (DRP) for math department

Fun Fact:  I love F1 races!

What do you like best about your department?
I love how all the professors are friendly and passionate about their work. Furthermore, the opportunities provided by the math department are so many that its sometimes hard to keep track of. There are also so many lecture series that are held on different topics too! It’s also a very welcoming department, which makes it feel like you are right at home.

Majors: Business Management and Media Study (Production concentration) 

Campus/Community Involvement: Video Club

Fun Fact: I've been making online video content for 8 years!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Get involved, but don't stretch yourself too thin, you can't enjoy everything if you're not fully in it.

Major: Music Performance

Campus/Community Involvement: UB Jazz Choir director,  Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNY volunteer

Fun Fact: I'm the second oldest of 8 kids!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
My advice is to take advantage of the innumerous opportunities that UB provides to its students. Go to events (which are usually free!), join clubs, use the athletic facilities, check out concerts and lectures and use all of the academic resources that are made available to you. One of the biggest advantages of attending a large research university is that you have so many options available to you, no matter what path your studies take you in. You just have to be willing to use them!

Majors: Philosophy and Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)

Campus/Community Involvement: PPE Club treasurer, LSAT Study Club president/co-founder

Fun Fact: I am one of seven children and we were raised in Portland, Oregon.

What do you like best about your department?
Philosophy forces one to bend and mold their mind, and in turn allows for one to truly envision other perspectives. It has given me the opportunity to meet bright minds both so alike and totally different, and is a study that can and will be carried onto all aspects of life.

Major: Philosophy

Fun Fact: I love Taylor Swift!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
My advice for students is to enjoy every day as best as you can. The school itself has so much to offer, take advantage of the opportunities that interest you. Try to do something that makes your day fun or exciting, and spend your time doing things that make you happy.

Major: Global Affairs and Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)

Campus/Community Involvement: Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Club founder, Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity UB chapter president, Erie County Republican Committee student intern

Fun Fact: I am the son of a Greek immigrant.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
My advice to new UB students is to take accountability for your academic experience. Too often students blame their advisors, when in reality everything an advisor does can be done by the students themselves. Make use of UB's resources like the Center for Writing and the Career Design Center. Get acquainted with UB's websites like the course catalog and student hub's AA (academic advising) report. At UB, the limit is your own ambition.

Majors: Physics and Mathematics

Campus/Community Involvement: Society of Physics Students, Alpha Kappa Chi, Resident Advisor, LASA, Spikeball Club

Fun Fact: I play the harmonica.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
My advice for future UB students is to make the most out of your time here and step outside of your comfort zone. The most fun I have had at UB is going to clubs and organizations that I was unsure about joining because I have never done what they do. So put yourself out there and find what you enjoy.

Major: Political Science (International Politics concentration)
Minor: Business Management

Campus/Community Involvement:  Intern for Congressional Candidate Adam Frisch, African Student Association, Black Student Union

Fun Fact: I did varsity track & field during high school.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
The best advice I can give to future UB students is to put yourself out there, especially during your first year. Even if you’re nervous about meeting new people, just know that they’re also nervous as well.

Major: Political Science

Campus/Community Involvement:  Honors College, Model United Nations president, PSC 103 teaching assistant, intern at Senator Schumer's WNY Office

Fun Fact: I studied Russian abroad in Tbilisi, Georgia!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Join campus organizations! My UB experience truly began after I joined several clubs on campus. They're a great opportunity to make new friends and meet people that could help with your career journey. As a commuter student, campus organizations were an especially valuable way of getting involved and meeting like-minded people.

Majors: Economics and Political Science

Campus/Community Involvement: Honors College, Secretary of UB Vegans, UB Amnesty International, Intern at the Monroe County Democratic Committee

Fun Fact: I was on Food Network at the age of 11.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Make the most of your experience at school! It's normal to feel overwhelmed, so make sure to stay organized. UB has so many phenomenal academic and personal services to help you succeed; make sure to utilize them. Remember, you're only in college once, so don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something new. 

Majors: Psychology and Global Gender Studies

Campus/Community Involvement: RSCM student assistant at Lockwood Library

Fun Fact: I love to paint with watercolors and oil paints

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Being by yourself is never a bad thing. Take time to become familiar and comfortable with who you are as an individual. College can be overwhelming and lonely, but you have to find comfort in yourself first. Establishing solid friendships can be challenging, but by affirming love and satisfaction with who you are as a person, everything else will fall in line. You know yourself better than anyone. Take this time to explore new things, meet new people, and learn that you should never limit yourself to people who don't appreciate and acknowledge you for who you are!

Majors: Psychology and Dance

Campus/Community Involvement: Zodiaque Dance Company, Irish Dance Club

Fun Fact: I have applied to be on Survivor twice!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
My advice for future UB students is two things. The first is to always be present and positive. You never know who you will see throughout your day and you never know who is going through a tough time. Giving a smile or a wave to someone can brighten their day and start a friendship. Spreading more positivity within the UB community is perfect to start your college experience. My second piece of advice is to try everything. Going to new clubs or student organizations may seem scary but you're truly never tied down to any commitment. You truly never know what you will enjoy and if you don't like a club, that's perfectly fine. You can go once and never have to go again. College is about finding your people and who you are, exploring your interests is key to a successful college start.

Major: Psychology

Campus/Community Involvement: CSTEP Program, Social Self Research Lab, Bridges International Club, Newman Center 

Fun Fact: I love to make crafts like wreaths, cards and drawings

What advice do you have for future UB students?
The advice I have is for students to challenge their habits in classes. Maybe they consider themselves to be just another student who sits in class and takes exams, etc, but I encourage them to do something different. If you never raise your hand in class, raise it. If you never go to office hours, do it. You are not defined by who you were in the past. I promise that if you participate in class and think curiously, school will transform from a chore into a passion.

Major: Psychology
Minor: Japanese

Campus/Community Involvement: UB Psi Chi program coordinator, Research Assistant (Dr. Ostrov SDL), Japanese language teaching, Study abroad participant (Kobe Japan summer intensive program) and guest speaker

Fun Fact: I can speak Japanese

What do you like best about your department?
I love how everyone is so close, it really helps to meet and get to know many people. 

Major: Psychology
Minors: Counseling and Sociology

Campus/Community Involvement: Alcohol Research Lab research assistant, Self and Motivation Lab research assistant, Psi Chi officer, PPE Club

Fun Fact: I love playing music!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
My advice to future UB students would be: have as many experiences as possible! UB is a massive school and it offers so many different clubs, activities, and events. A great way to make connections and find out what you really like doing is by taking advantage of these opportunities!

Majors: Combined Linguistics BA/English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) EdM and Italian

Campus/Community Involvement: Italian Club vice president, Honors College  and Welcome Weekend Leader

Fun Fact: I was born in England and I speak fluent Italian!

What do you like best about your department?
I love the department of romance languages and literatures because it’s such a small group that you feel really seen, heard and appreciated in every class. I’ve had so many opportunities to connect and speak with my professors and peers one on one, and get to know them well. It feels like it’s own little community, and it’s been a great experience so far!

Major: Health and Human Services
Minor: Spanish

Campus/Community Involvement: Intercultural Diversity Center progam assistant, Red Jacket resident advisor, Proud EOP student, Poetry club

Fun Fact: I'm Puerto Rican and I have 10 siblings!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
College can be overwhelming, especially while learning to navigate hard life decisions and balancing personal matters with academics. But you can figure this out! Recognize that everyone is a "work in progress" for the rest of their lives and no one is perfect. No matter what happens be true to yourself and be kind to others. Take your time, take in your surroundings and enjoy the wild ride that's sure to come :)

Majors: Health and Human Services and Nursing
Minor: Psychology

Campus/Community Involvement: Alpha Sigma Tau, Lending A Paw, work at Sisters Hospital

Fun Fact: I am half Canadian and half American.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
My advice to future UB students is to put yourself out there and get involved. Go to everything you possibly can and talk to everyone!

Majors: Criminology and Psychology

Campus/Community Involvement: TASS Center tutor, Phi Beta Kappa, LGBTQ+ Banned Book Club member

Fun Fact: I’m really interested in interior design and built my own bed frame.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Don’t be afraid to go out and try new things or join different clubs! UB has so many different events, classes and organizations where you can learn things not ever possible before. Don’t just take the classes for your major but instead go out and find classes that are interesting to you that can help you find the things you are passionate about!

Major: Dance

Campus/Community Involvement: Carmarie's Dance Studio dance teacher, UB men's and women's basketball national anthem singer, St. Joseph's University Parish cantor, Honors College

Fun Fact: My dream job is to become a Radio City Rockette! I started the audition process in high school and hope to continue!

What do you like best about your department?
I love the size of the Department of Theatre and Dance because I have a safe and smaller home base with deep personal connections to return to within such a large university. It feels like a family!