Meet the Undergraduate Ambassadors

Majors: Anthropology and Classics

Campus/community involvement: Anthropology Club, Classics Club, Archaeological survey team

Fun fact: I have a love for teaching myself how to make/craft/build things and then throwing myself at said thing until I'm successful in creating it.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Some advice that I would give for future UB students is to put yourself out there. It can be scary to do new things, but if you answer the call for new experiences with a "Sure, why not?" you'll put yourself in the position to meet incredible people and build connections that you never thought were possible.

Majors: Anthropology and Spanish

Campus/community involvement: Tae Kwon Do instructor at Master Chong's World Class Tae Kwon Do, Wegmans employee,  Anthropology Club member

Fun fact: I am a 2nd Degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

What do you like best about your department?
The thing I enjoy most about UB's Department of Anthropology is that the field itself is so broad and everyone in the department has a unique specialization. I have the opportunity to focus on the area of anthropology that interests me (biological anthropology), while also being well-versed in the subject of anthropology as a whole.

Major: Fine Art (Print media concentration)

Campus/community involvement: Student assistant for Ronald Gaczewski and Noah Breuer

Fun fact: I make my own sketchbooks

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Use the facilities that your department offers while you have access to them.

Major: Fine Art (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.

Majors: Communication and Fine Art (Graphic design concentration)

Campus/community involvement: Media Study club, Communication Undergraduate Student Association (CUSA), Center for the Arts photo lab worker

Fun fact: I have five cats and a dog!

What do you like best about your department?
Coming to UB has helped me grow my portfolio and interests more than I could’ve ever imagined! I love how the Art department has so many different supplies and mediums to help you create whatever you want.

Major: Fine Art (Graphic design concentration)

Fun fact: I have the same name as my mom.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Take control of your own time! You have all of the resources you need at your fingertips - it's just up to you to use them.

Major: Biological Sciences
Minors: Creative Writing and English

Campus/community involvement: Alpha Kappa Chi, Biology Honors researcher, Biology Journal Club, Campus Living resident advisor, Poetry Club

Fun fact: I collect sea glass!

What do you like best about your department?
The Department of Biological Sciences truly is such a supportive place that gives you the guidance and support needed to grow on whatever path you choose to take. There are so many options and so much flexibility for you as a student. Whether you want to explore biology education, ecology, cell biology, neuroscience, there is so much variety in the department. This really gives you the space to grow and discover what your interests are. The faculty in the department are so incredibly supportive and knowledgeable; they want you to succeed and you really do feel this as a student. Their mentorship has helped me grow so much as a student and as an individual. The Biology Honors program is such an amazing resource that the department offers for students. Whether you’re pre-health, going into education or looking to go into research (or any other path), the Honors program is able to create such a personalized support system for you to gain the experience and skills to thrive in the future. It has helped me grow so much as a learner and as a person and I am so incredibly grateful for everything this department has given me.

Major: Biological Sciences

Campus/community involvement: Emergency Services, Association of Pre-Medical Students, Yoga, Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS) shadowing coordinator

Fun fact: I have been a dancer for over 10 years!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Don't be too hard on yourself. It’s okay feel overwhelmed; it’s all part of the process. There’s always room to improve, and you have time to do so. Be patient with yourself and celebrate the small victories along the way!

Major: Biological Sciences

Campus/community involvement:  EMS Club treasurer/social media chairman, Hospice and Palliative Care Buffalo volunteer, Seneca Street CDC volunteer, Biology Honors Program, Honors College

Fun fact: I am also a Global Ambassador for the education abroad office at UB

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Take advantage of the many opportunities the university has. Join clubs, go to events, make connections with your professors and other students, play intramural sports. UB has tons to offer and a wide variety of different ways to meet new people and learn new things.

Major: Biological Sciences

Campus/community involvement: UB EDM secretary, Table Tennis club, FeedMore WNY volunteer, Oral Biology research assistant, Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)

Fun fact: I speak Russian!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
My advice to students is to step out of your comfort zone and explore opportunities! Venture into new clubs or sports, connect with your professors and join UB events. You may be unexpectedly surprised by making new friends and discovering hobbies that you enjoy. UB offers countless ways to grow—there’s no better time to take advantage of them than right now!

Major: Biological Sciences
Minor: Management

Campus/community involvement: Buffalo Bhangra, Indian Student Association treasurer, Pre-Dental Association, Honors College

Fun fact: I played the cello for 10 years!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
A piece of advice I have for future UB students is to get outside their comfort zone and explore. UB offers a plethora of opportunities to learn about different careers and cultures, which gives students the ability to further learn about things that could help them in the future.

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: Academic assistant, Chem Club member, Honors College, resident assistant, student assistant

Fun fact: I can remember exactly who showed me any song that I love listening to.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
My advice would be to become an extrovert if you aren't one! Meeting new people and becoming a part of the campus community is the single best thing about college. Everyone is super friendly, and you want to make sure to use your four years here to the best pf your ability!. 

Majors: Anthropology and Classics

Campus/community involvement: Classics Club, Resident advisor

Fun fact: My hobby is learning and listening to history of piracy during the Age of Sail.

What do you like best about your department?
What makes the Department of Classics great is the ability to simultaneously learn about a whole different world so distant from us that it may as well be on another planet and at the same time being able to see the remnants of that ancient world in our modern society. Greeks and Romans, which form the center of the study of classics, have impacted our world throughout the millennia and continue to be the base to most parts of our society today.

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! 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: Communication 

Campus/community involvement:  The Spectrum news multimedia photographer

Fun fact: This is my 3rd school I have attended and my favorite.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
My advice would be, to be adaptable and understanding. You may not find love in your first initial major, maybe not even your second or third. That is completely okay and normal, it took me three schools to get to this point and my journey has been everything except easy. You will have lows and highs, but just know you will figure it out. Accept the outcome and learn to move forward, you will find yourself in a more positive, productive and happy space.

Major: Geological Sciences
Minor: Environmental Studies

Campus/community involvement: Earth Science club president, undergraduate research

Fun fact: I love to cook!

What do you like best about your department?
The Department of Earth Sciences is pretty small, so I found it a lot less intimidating to make connections. It’s like it’s own little community, so come join!

Major: Geological Sciences
Minors: Geographic Information Systems and Cartography

Campus/community involvement: Earth Science club, Audubon club, OSIBL research

Fun fact: My favorite rock is foid-bearing monzogabbro.

What do you like best about your department?
I love how small and tight-knit the Department of Earth Sciences is - the faculty are so accessible and friendly and it really feels like a community once you start to get to know everyone. That being said, the more the merrier, so major in geology!

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: Economics
Minor: History

Campus/community involvement: Economics Club, ECO 181 teaching assistant

Fun fact: I can solve a Rubik's cube.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Explore your academic interests. UB offers over 150 undergraduate degree programs, and you can take classes outside of your major if you’re interested in another field of study or wish to find one that captivates you. Your pathway courses are a great way to do this. Additionally, don't hesitate to talk to your professors. They love helping students during office hours and are more than happy to help you with classwork or answer questions about their field.

Major: English 

Campus/community involvement: English Club vice president

Fun fact: I can draw Garfield on top of a latte with caramel.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Get involved with the school! There are so many clubs to join and events to attend. It can be daunting, but it helps with finding your people and connecting with others.

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: Combined English BA/Information and Library Science BS

Campus/community involvement: English Club, Disabled Students and Allies Association, Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society, public library worker and advocate

Fun fact: I’m obsessed with all things relating to 1960s pop culture!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Take advantage of office hours! Get to know your professors and make yourself known in return.

Major: Environmental Science
Minor: Geology

Campus/community involvement: Marching band (drumline)

Fun fact: I have a black belt in Tae Kwon Do!

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!

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!

Majors: Environmental Sustainability and Global Gender and Sexuality Studies

Campus/community involvement: Environmental Students of Color, UB Writing Center consultant, Honors College, McNair Scholars program

Fun fact: I collect feathers.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Take advantage of the Veggie Van. It's awesome. Seriously. I love it and you get a student discount. Sign up for their emails and you get to see when they're on campus and what's fresh on the weekly menu.

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.

Major: Combined History BA/Social Studies Education EdM

Campus/community involvement: Phi Alpha Theta (History honors society), Chabad leadership board

Fun Fact: I love 80's romcoms.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
My advice for future UB students is that you don't need to have everything figured out. It is okay to come undecided and try everything until you find your niche. One of the best things about college, and especially UB, is that you get the freedom to try new things.

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!

Majors: Linguistics

Fun fact: Last names go first in my tradition, so for years I have been insisting in using this format of 'LN,FN' to write my name.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Trust me, 72°F is THE right temperature for the room. 75°F is too warm , 70°F is too cold.

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/Math Education: Adolescence EdM

Campus/community involvement: Math Place tutor, Math teaching assistant

Fun fact: I crochet, knit, and do embriodery in my free time!

What do you like best about your department?
I love the fact that the department is relatively small, it makes it easy to meet people and make friends with your classmates, because many of them have a lot of classes in common!

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: Media Study (Production concentration) 
Minor: English

Campus/community involvement: Women in Media Club president, Media Study Club executive board

Fun fact: I love Hello Kitty!

What do you like best about your department?
The amazing professors and the community of students that uplift each other's ideas, and inspire me to create and reach my goals.

Majors: Media Study and English

Campus/community involvement: UB Stand Up president, Media Study Club vice president, Women in Media officer

Fun fact: I can name all the US states in under a minute!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
My advice for future UB students is to go to clubs, get involved and meet people!

Major: Combined Music MusB/Music Education EdM
Minor: Spanish

Campus/community involvement: UB Chamber Singers, UB Symphony Orchestra, UB Jazz Choir, UB Club Soccer, Buffalo Master Chorale

Fun fact: I love musical theatre and have played roles in productions on campus!

What do you like best about your department?
The thing that I love about the music department at UB is most definitely the faculty and professors. Everyone is incredibly welcoming and even though the department is relatively small, it is thriving and there is so much talent amongst the faculty and the students. It's the professors that I worked with here that helped me decide that I wanted to truly focus on my passion for music.

Major: Philosophy
Minor: Law

Campus/community involvement: PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics) Club 

Fun fact: I love mixed martial arts and wrestled in high school.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Explore everything UB has to offer. The large student body, clubs and events are perfect opportunities to discover yourself, make life long friends and further yourself. I found out I wanted to be a philosophy major after going to a student-led event. I haven’t looked back since.

Majors: Philosophy and Economics

Campus/community involvement: Diversity Advocate (Intercultural and Diversity Center), Honors College, PPE Club director of community engagement, Empire State Service Corps member, Undergraduate Philosophy research assistant

Fun fact: I have a twin brother, and we were born on different days.

What do you like best about your department?
What I appreciate most about the Department of Philosophy is the way that its diverse offerings of classes prepare you excellently for a wide range of careers, and also lay the foundation for a thoughtful and fulfilling life. Whether we're analyzing the nature of justice, refining our reasoning with models, or grappling with life's fundamental questions, the philosophy department's dynamic courses and exceptional faculty provide an educational experience that is truly rewarding.

Major: Philosophy
Minors: Law and Sociology

Campus/community involvement: Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Club event coordinator, EOP office work study

Fun fact: My favorite anime is One Piece (proves I can be very determined).

What advice do you have for future UB students?
To future UB students, do everything and anything you want. Even if you think you don't have the time, money, energy, interest, etc., do it anyway. Use this time to engage in every trial and error to figure out what works best for you. College is a unique experience; take advantage of this opportunity to form the best version of yourself!!! Especially if you are in dorms, meet as many people as you can, and go to as many events as you can. Have as much fun as possible! But of course, keep your academics as a priority. Proper balance between your social and academic life will come will time and discipline.

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 and History
Minor: Communication

Campus/community involvement:  Phi Alpha Delta, Phi Eta Sigma, TASS

Fun fact: I once led a team from New York State to a national competiton for Mock Trial.

What do you like best about your department?
I love the Department of Political Science because the professors there want to see us succeed and reach our goals, and there are lots of opportunities for growth and leadership in the department.

Majors: Political Science and Communication
Minor: Entrepreneurship

Campus/community involvement:  Intern at Senator Schumer’s Buffalo District Office, Sisters in Law co-founder and co-president, Phi Alpha Delta community service and brotherhood committee member, Honors College, teaching assistant for PSC 301: Cases in Civil Liberties under Dr. Abigail Matthews.

Fun fact: I was a guest singer for the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus in collaboration with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, showcasing my passion for music alongside my academic and professional pursuits.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Shape your UB experience with intention by utilizing the exceptional resources and faculty available to you. Approach every opportunity with a mindset of continuous learning, growth, and self-improvement. Your education is what you make of it—embrace challenges, seek out new experiences, and actively shape your academic and professional journey.

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!

Major: Psychology
Minor: American Sign Language

Campus/community involvement: Honors College, Psy Chi member, research assistant, teaching assistant

Fun fact: I’ve been stung by a jellyfish in three different countries.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Diversify your experiences! While classes are an essential part of the college experience, joining things like clubs and research labs can help you earn real life experience and make lifelong friends.

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
Minor: Counseling

Campus/community involvement: SCoPE Lab research assistant and Psi Chi member

Fun fact: I have a twin brother!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Embrace all of the opportunities and experiences that UB has to offer. There are so many different ways to become involved on campus, from experiential learning opportunities to the many different clubs offered. Don't be afraid to try something new and meet new people along the way!

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!

Majors: Psychology and Spanish

Campus/community involvement: Resident Assistant, Honors College, Residence Hall Association liaison, National Residence Hall Honorary member

Fun fact: I love to watch Formula 1.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
I think that future students at UB should take advantage of their time at UB and get involved in as many different things as possible. UB provides the environment for such an enriching experience with opportunities to meet friends, find a sense of community and develop yourself academically, personally and professionally. Future students should keep their eye out for any opportunity they might be interested in because it all starts with getting involved.

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 :)

Major: Sociology
Minor: Nonprofit Leadership

Campus/community involvement: Sociology Club, peer notetaker

Fun fact: I have been to Uganda

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. You can find a club for almost anything, and if you don't see one, don't be afraid to start one. Be aware that everyone else is also nervous about meeting new people, so try going to campus life events to meet new people and keep an open mind.

Major: Dance

Campus/community involvement:  UB Rec fitness instructor, UB Dance merchandise representative, UB Dance recruitment assistant, Zodiaque Dance Company member

Fun fact: I love Mexican food!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Don’t be afraid to reach out and make new connections!

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!