Meet the Undergraduate Ambassadors

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Africana and American Studies

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Isaiah Wright

Majors: Africana and American Studies

Campus/Community Involvement: UB football team

Fun Fact: I love music, reading, writing and all kinds of art.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
The best advice I'd give to future UB students is to be yourself and to get involved with a club that interests you!

Anthropology

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Emily Aldrich

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!

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Julie Nisbet

Majors: Anthropology and Spanish

Campus/Community Involvement: Anthropology Club, Tae Kwon Do instructor at Master Chong's World Class Tae Kwon Do, Wegmans employee

Fun Fact: I am a second 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.

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Matthew Matsulavage

Major: Anthropology
Minor: Geology

Campus/Community Involvement: Anthropology Club president, National Park Service archaeologist, UB Archaeological Surve

Fun Fact: I played hockey at my previous university.

What do you like best about your department?
What I like best about the department of anthropology is everyone is willing to drop everything and help you at a moments notice. From students and professors, to the department secretary. If they can't answer a question or solve a problem for you right away, they will do there best to find someone who can.

Art

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Victor Baez

Major: Studio Art (General concentration)

Fun Fact: I have a Leopard Gecko and his name is Butter Ball. He hates the sun.

What do you like best about your department?
The Center for the Arts contains some of the most diverse and interesting people you can possibly meet. Disregard that feeling of uncertainty and take advantage of your community.

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Shirley Bassarath

Major: Fine Arts (Graphic design concentration)
Minor: Communication

Campus/Community Involvement: Honors College Peer Mentor, Honors College Student Council Director of Advertising, Honors College Ambassador, Graphic Artist for Student Association, Graphic Designer/Communications Assistant for UB Sustainability, Photo Club

Fun Fact: My favorite season is spring!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
My advice is to explore UB. UB offers many clubs and activities for its students, so don't be afraid to get involved!

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Kylie Naylor

Major: Fine Arts (General Studio concentration)

Campus/Community Involvement: Spring into Art, Art Rally, Freelance favor giver

Fun Fact: I enjoy going on fishing trips with my family. My favorite fish to catch are the ones that put up a fight!

What do you like best about your department?
There's a path for everybody. Whatever you want to improve about your work, there will be somebody eager to lead the way.

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Micky Pearson

Major: Studio Art

Fun Fact: I was bitten by a monkey once upon a time.

What do you like best about your department?
There is unlimited potential for what is possible within the Art department, and so many incredible people willing to help you bring your ideas to life. I wouldn't be the artist I am today without all of their support and guidance.

Biological Sciences

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Jacob Barry

Major: Biological Sciences
Minor: History

Campus/Community Involvement: Pre-Dental Association president and Torregrossa Lab

Fun Fact: I've learned how to perfect scrambled eggs!

What do you like best about your department?
The department of biological sciences is exceptional in numerous aspects. Professors like Dr. Sehgal and Dr. Poulin and, indeed, all the faculty members truly care about your success and make it their mission to help you grasp difficult concepts. Another thing I love about this department is the plethora of opportunities it gives students to enhance their experiences and their interests. Most, if not all classes in the biological sciences department give you opportunities to become a TA, and the department offers a honors program that lets you explore the world of research.

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Ryan Dewan

Major: Biological Sciences
Minor: Public Health

Campus/Community Involvement: UB Symphony Orchestra, Clark Lab, UB Men of Color 

Fun Fact: I have been playing violin for 16 years.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
My advice for future UB students would be to take advantage of every opportunity that arises during your time at UB. You may never know what new people you meet or path you may take with each opportunity.

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Aniket Maini

Major: Biological Sciences
Minor: Spanish

Campus/Community Involvement: Honors College, UB Badminton, Association of Pre-Medical Students, Heppner Lab

Fun Fact: I watched an NBA game with Drake! Alright, he was sitting courtside and I was not but still... 

What do you like best about your department?
I think the versatility provided by the biology department is something that is truly unmatched here at UB. Whether it be research, medicine, dentistry, or industry, the wide range of classes in multiple disciplines of biology prepares us students for a myriad of competitive fields. 

Tori Majka

Major: Biological Sciences
Minor: Psychology

Campus/Community Involvement: Honors College, Pre-Dental Association, AED

Fun Fact: I have played piano and organ since I was four and have perfect pitch!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
UB is a huge school, and has a significantly large amount of opportunities. There are so many clubs you can join and events you can attend, and it makes the college experience that much more enjoyable.

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Shruti Patel

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.

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Ethan Tong

Majors: Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
Minor: Statistics

Campus/Community Involvement: UB Men's Lacrosse, Association of Pre-Medical Students, Compeer Wellness, True Blue

Fun Fact: I run a bubble tea truck!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Say YES to every opportunity! You never grow by staying inside your comfort zone; some of my fondest memories have came from spontaneous decisions where I branched out from my norm. Seek discomfort!

Chemistry

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Lizzy Phillips

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. 

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Elliet Strang

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!

Classics

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Leah Eckert

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!

Communication

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Becca Buxton

Major: Communication

Campus/Community Involvement: UB Football Video Assistant, Alpha Sigma Tau, Celsius Energy Brand Representative

Fun Fact: I was vocally trained for 10 years in Italian and German opera and musical theatre!

What do you like best about your department?
The best part about the Communication Department at UB is how broad the courses and opportunities are. The classes offer students an understanding of the broader communication topics, but also allow you to discover and pursue the right education and path for you and what you'd like to do. The staff is also incredible and has been so fundamental in my success here at UB. 

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Katherine Gaynor

Major: Communication
Minor: Strategic Media Messaging

Campus/Community Involvement: Impulse Dance Force, Women's Awareness Alliance treasurer,  Spectrum Newspaper social media coordinator 

Fun Fact: I have 3 dogs named Ginny, Ravenclaw, and Dobby. 

What makes UB unique?
One of the things that attracted me most about UB was its unique culture. Staff and faculty make it their mission here to connect with the world around us. By offering out of the classroom experiences and referencing Buffalo culture. This has made UB feel like a home for me.

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Dominick Matarese

Major: Communication (Journalism certificate)

Campus/Community Involvement: Pep Band, research in the MEME lab, Undergraduate Communication Association

Fun Fact: I was a former world record holder for world's longest wiffleball game (30 hours)!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Don't be afraid to change majors! If you are having doubts about your current major, shop around a bit and you will likely find your passion!

Communicative Disorders and Sciences

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Molly Conaway

Major: Speech and Hearing Science

Campus/Community Involvement: Phi Sigma Sigma president and Buffalo Language Learning Lab

Fun Fact: I love to workout!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
If I could give advice to future UB students, I would tell them to find a balance between being disciplined and also being able to enjoy being a college student. Yes you need to study and work hard, but do things that make you enjoy it. For example, study with friends, get coffee, and take care of yourself. If you work hard and do your best, there is plenty of room for fun once the hard work is done. College is about accomplishing your goals and chasing your dreams, but also about having a blast and making memories that will last forever.

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Cat Delaney

Major: Speech and Hearing Science
Minor: Early Childhood Education

Campus/Community Involvement:  Delta Phi Epsilon, UBIT student employee, Student Association of Speech and Hearing (SASH), ASL Club and Impulse Dance Force.

Fun Fact: I canoed all of Lake George in 3 days!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
My advice for future UB students is to take advantage of all of the opportunities on campus. It allows you to meet so many new people and makes UB feel more like home.

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Emma Fitch

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

Campus/Community Involvement:  Delta Phi Epsilon, Student Association of Speech and Hearing (SASH) events coordinator

Fun Fact: I have traveled to Iceland.

What do you like best about your department?
My favorite thing about the department of communicative disorders and sciences is how all of the classes are interconnected. The things I learned in my classes previously are always be useful in my classes going forward. This shows that what we are learning is truly meaningful and keeps me motivated for my future!

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Helena Miller

Major: Speech and Hearing Science
Minor: Latin

Campus/Community Involvement: Student Association of Speech and Hearing (SASH) event coordinator

Fun Fact: My whole family has attended UB!

What do you like best about your department?
My department is full of opportunities: research, internships, connections, the chance for early admission to UB grad school and more. Also, the CDS department is relatively small so it's been nice to have classes with familiar faces and to get to know professors well!

Economics

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Tyler Herman

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!

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Noah Jenkins

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. 

English

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Eliana Dermody

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!

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Megan Michalski

Major: English (Creative Writing certificate)
Minor: Global Gender Studies

Campus/Community Involvement: UB English Club vice president, English Student Association Conference Committee, SPARK program

Fun Fact: I love to work on DIY projects!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Take advantage of every opportunity your department offers. Wether it be applying for a scholarship, assisting a professor with research, or attending a conference, participate in it. Experience outside of the classroom has been imperative to my success and growth at UB.

Environment and Sustainability

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Bubba Rustowicz

Major: Environmental Geosciences    
Minor: Management

Campus/Community Involvement: Vice President of UB Golf Association, Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Geology Department, Rotaract Club, Intern for Congressman Brian Higgins, Assistant Coach for Grand Island High School Varsity Lacrosse

Fun Fact: I'm the youngest of six kids!

What do you like best about your department?
One of the best parts about the Department of Environment and Sustainability is that being a smaller department, it gives you a small school feel inside of a big school environment. You're able to get the best of both worlds, with personal relationships with all of your professors as well as the great opportunities that come at a bigger school! 

Geology

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Derek Zurenda

Major: Geology

Campus/Community Involvement: Undergraduate Geology Club vice president, undergraduate research

Fun Fact: I play the guitar.

What do you like best about your department?
The department of geology is quite small which allows for interaction between students and professors that other departments don't have. All of the professors are very friendly, approachable, and fun to talk to! Also, all the courses that are offered are super interesting!

Global Gender and Sexuality Studies

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Joseph Cook

Major: Psychology
Minor: Global Gender and Sexuality Studies

Campus/Community Involvement: Stress Coping and Prosocial Engagement Labs research assistant, Alcohol Research Lab research assistant, Psi Chi (International Honors Society in Psychology), Undergraduate Psychology Association

Fun Fact: I am the youngest of 7 siblings. 

What do you like best about your department?
What I like best about both of my departments is how personable my professors are and their abilities to see the importance of teaching in addition to their involvement in research and publications.

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Rachel Galet

Majors: Gender Studies and Media Study

Campus/Community Involvement: UB tour guide, lighting designer

Fun Fact: I am a huge Broadway fan.

What makes UB unique?
There is always something new to do at UB every day.

Linguistics

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Isabella Sotgiu

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!

History

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Taynia Atallia Brown

Major: History  
Minor: Law

Campus/Community Involvement: Phi Alpha Theta, Academic Assistant, McNair Scholar, Honors College

Fun Fact:  I am fascinated with art. I once was a volunteer art student teacher, teaching Pointillism.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Remember that growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Embrace uncertainty as a chance to learn and connect with others who share similar thoughts. Get involved, join clubs, and build connections with classmates or hallmates – these relationships can become lifelong friendships. Approach faculty and staff with curiosity and respect, and stay optimistic while remaining self-aware. Remember, UB is not just an institution; it's your home, so clasp each moment with enthusiasm and determination.

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Fiona Serrano

Majors: English 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.

Mathematics

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Alexandria Miller

Major: Mathematics (Actuarial Science concentration)
Minors: Economics and Statistics

Campus/Community Involvement: Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE), Residential Advisor, Math department grader

Fun Fact: I love to travel and have been to Venice and Greece, to name a few places. 

What do you like best about your department?
The math department may have the smallest building, but everyone, TAs and professors, are always happy to help if you need it, plus the Math Help Center is available to everyone and is located in the math building.

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Himanshu Rathi

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.

Media Study

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Jessica Fisher

Majors: Biological Sciences and Media Study

Campus/Community Involvement:  Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE)

Fun Fact: I make clay art! 

What advice do you have for future UB students?
My advice for future UB students is to step out of their comfort zone and don't be afraid to try new things! During my time here at UB, I realized that this school offers many helpful courses and opportunities to branch out in a field (or fields!) you may be interested in pursuing. Take advantage of this time in your life to explore new things and learn from new experiences!

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Astha Pandey

Majors: Media Study and Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Campus/Community Involvement: Student Association Senate Representative, Social Work research assistant, Research Foundation research aide, Honors College

Fun Fact: I went parasailing all by myself when I was 8 years old!

What do you like best about your department?
The department of media study has helped me achieve my goal of combining advocacy with the arts. I have had some of the most edifying experiences in my DMS courses. Be it social media, cinema, graphic design or immigration and coding systems, DMS is very interconnected with every field of study and encourages the pursuit of knowledge in different subjects. What's more is that UB has an incredible faculty with some of the most knowledgeable individuals as professors, and its location in Buffalo allows students the valuable opportunity to manifest our education into tangible change. My advice for future UB students, in any major, would be to take initiative. UB, the professors, and even your peers are massive vessels of resources with a lot to offer, all you have to do is show interest and strike a conversation.

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Axel Turpin

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.

Music

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Matt Reimer

Major: Vocal Performance

Campus/Community Involvement: UB Musicians Club vice president

Fun Fact: I collect manga for fun in my free time!

What do you like best about your department?
My favorite part of UB’s music department is that it really feels like a community. Professors care a lot about your experience within the department, and go above and beyond to make improvements constantly based on student feedback. 

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Rosa Vu

Major: Vocal Performance

Campus/Community Involvement: UB Choir, UB Chamber Singers, Opera Studio, UB Symphonic Orchestra 

Fun Fact: My favorite video game as of now is Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Use your time here to get to know yourself better. Find people and make connections, figure out what you like and don’t like, and don’t forget to have fun!

Philosophy

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Keilai Angeldekao

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.

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Lydia Sacheli

Major: Philosophy
Minor: English

Fun Fact: I have 3 cats.

What makes UB unique?
I was originally anxious to transfer to UB from a small school because UB it is a large, prestigious public university, but quickly after I started classes I realized that despite this UB professors genuinely care about the education of each individual student just as professors from small colleges do with smaller student bodies. UB is the best of both worlds. 

 

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Victoria Trzaska

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.

 

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Michael Xenos

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.

 

Physics

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Zaw Oo Ko

Majors: Physics and Engineering Physics

Campus/Community Involvement: Honors College, UB SEDS

Fun Fact: I love collecting fountain pens!

What do you like best about your department?
My department has a a lot of research opportunities for undergrads with a lot of professors for support. 

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Krish Patel

Majors: Mathematics and Physics

Campus/Community Involvement: UB Students for the Development & Exploration of Space (SEDS), Honors College, NYS Election Inspector

Fun Fact: I am a Toronto Raptors fan!

What makes UB unique?
UB is a big university! It's the opportunities outside of class - research, clubs, sports -  that really make it a great school. 

Political Science

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Arah Abunaw

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.

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Alisha Allison

Major: Political Science

Campus/Community Involvement: UB Bookworms, Pre-Law Chapter of the National Black Law Students Association, UB Chapter of IGNITE National

Fun Fact: I enjoy writing, photography and reading.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Join organizations! UB has numerous organizations students can join based on their interests, so take advantage of that. As soon as you get your schedule - plan ahead with both your social and academic life in mind. Additionally, communicate with your advisor even after your first year to confirm your schudele and ask questions. If you believe you are taking more courses than you can handle for the semester, consider your options such as taking classes during the summer or winter semesters.

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Katie Bales

Majors: Political Science and Sociology

Campus/Community Involvement: UB Irish Dance Treasurer

Fun Fact: I have Irish danced since I was 9 years old!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
My advice for future UB students would be to take advantage of all the resources UB offers! There are so many free resources to help students during their time at UB that they don’t realize are there. Use these resources as much as you can!!

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Noah Jenkins

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. 

Psychology

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Rachel Fan

Majors: Psychology and Neuroscience
Minor: Music Performance

Campus/Community Involvement: Honors College, undergraduate research, UB Symphony Orchestra

Fun Fact: I was part of a group that painted a mural in the Governors Complex.

What advice do you have for future UB students?
Try new things! Don't be afraid to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and get involved in things that you might not have ever thought about doing before. Take advantage of the many opportunities UB offers and make the most of your time here.

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Caramia Michno

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.

Romance Languages and Literatures

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Jessica Reale

Majors: Social Sciences Interdisciplinary (International Studies concentration)
Minors: French and Spanish

Campus/Community Involvement: Impulse Dance Force president, UB French Club vice president

Fun Fact: I studied abroad in Spain for 3.5 months!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
My biggest advice is to keep an open mind. When you leave yourself open to trying new things, you’ll discover so much about yourself. Constantly putting myself out there exposed me to so many amazing experiences that I would not have had otherwise.

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Isabella Sotgiu

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!

Social Sciences Interdisciplinary

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Zanaya Hussain

Majors: International Studies and Urban and Public Policy
Minor: Chinese

Campus/Community Involvement: UB Amnesty International president, McNair Scholar, ENL tutor, assistant at the Asia Research Institute

Fun Fact: I love to perform spoken word poetry!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
My advice to future UB students is to be intellectual curious; at the University at Buffalo, students have the opportunity to take unique classes with faculty from around the world, so my advice is that students take advantage of this and learn as much as they in the things they're curious or passionate about!

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Steven Pawlowski

Major: Urban and Public Policy
Minor: Management

Campus/Community Involvement: BASIC Club president, work at Greenfields nursing home, active member of Love JOY church

Fun Fact: I have a twin brother!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
The best advice I can give is to just get involved! UB might seem overwhelming, but taking the risk and getting involved in clubs, various events, and so many of the other opportunities that Ub has to offer will help you so much!  

College Ambassador Head shot.

Rebekah Young

Major: Cognitive Science
Minor: Computer Science

Campus/Community Involvement: Research assistant

Fun Fact: I started dancing when I was 2 years old and went to a performing arts high school in NYC for dance.

What do you like best about your program?
The best part about the Cognitive Science BA within the Social Sciences Interdisciplinary program is the ability to cater your courses to your interests and desired knowledge.

Sociology

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Julie Chinkunguwo

Majors: Political Science and Sociology
Minor: African American Studies

Campus/Community Involvement: Orientation leader, Undergraduate teaching assistant

Fun Fact: I'm obsessed with cats and I love going to the gym!

What advice do you have for future UB students?
My advice to future students is to always strive to put your best foot forward regardless of what you may think the outcome might be. Sometimes you will fall but what's important is what you do to get back up.

Theatre and Dance

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Audree Woods

Major: Dance

Campus/Community Involvement: Dance Teacher at Carmarie's Dance Studio, National Anthem Singer for UB Men's and Women's Basketball, Cantor at St. Joseph's University Parish, 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!