Shruti Patel
“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.”
—Shruti Patel, 2025 UB Student Ambassador
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.
Jasmine Gill
“Having been able to TA for several classes in the Biological Sciences department, I have been able to fully appreciate how dedicated our professors are to student success, and how we are very much a learning community made of esteemed experts and students!”
—Jasmine Gill, 2025 UB Student Ambassador
Majors: Biological Sciences and Political Science
Campus/Community Involvement: Association of Pre-Medical Students, UB Sikh Student Association, Human Rights Initiative volunteer
Fun Fact: I commute from Canada!
Catherine Clark
“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!”
—Catherine Clark, 2025 UB Student Ambassador
Major: Biological Sciences
Minor: Environmental Studies
Award: BIO Abate Research Fellow, 2024
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!
Axel Bermudez
“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.”
—Axel Bermudez, 2025 UB Student Ambassador
Major: Biological Sciences
Minor: Nutrition
Award: Department of Biological Sciences "Best Undergraduate Researcher Award", Fall 2024
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 nine years.
David Oughterson
“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.”
—David Oughterson, 2025 UB Student Ambassador
Major: Biological Sciences
Awards: BIO Abate Research Fellow, 2024; Department of Biological Sciences "The Bull" Award, 2024
Campus/Community Involvement: Biology Journal Club, Undergraduate Biology Association, Habitat for Humanity volunteer
Fun Fact: I enjoy hiking and camping.
Justin Uralil
"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."
—Justin Uralil, 2025 UB Student Ambassador
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!.
Noor Ismail
“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!”
—Noor Ismail, 2025 UB Student Ambassador
Majors: Biological Sciences and Business Administration
Campus/Community Involvement: UB Supply Chains and Operation Management (UB SCOM), Honors College, SUNY SA
Fun Fact: I am a black belt in Isshin-ryu karate