Meet our Undergraduate Student Ambassadors
In a university as large as UB, our students have the opportunity to make connections and build professional relationships from the moment they step on campus. With this in mind, every year the College of Arts and Sciences assembles a group of exceptional students to serve as College Ambassadors.
Nominated by faculty and staff after demonstrating academic excellence and community engagement, our undergraduate student ambassadors are available to provide insight, advice and information to current and prospective students, as well as their families.
ON THIS PAGE
Dee Dolce
(they/he)
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.
Haile Hamilton-Coore
(she/her)
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!
Eli Levy
(he/him)
Major: Biological Sciences
Campus/community involvement: Pre-Dental Club, undergraduate research
Fun fact: I love to try new things, I am mostly always willing
What do you like best about your department?
What I like best about the Department of Biological Sciences is the faculty. I have met so many biology professors who truly care and have helped me be successful at UB.
Jacob Lieberman
(he/him)
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.
Michelle Shaposhnik
(she/her)
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!
Justin Uralil
(he/him)
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.
Catherine Clark, 2025 UB Student Ambassador
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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!Shruti Patel, 2025 UB Student Ambassador
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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 AmbassadorMajor: 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.Axel Bermudez, 2025 UB Student Ambassador
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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 AmbassadorMajor: 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.Noor Ismail, 2025 UB Student Ambassador
![Noor Ismail.]()
Noor Ismail
Congratulations to Noor Ismail on winning the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, the highest honor SUNY bestows upon its students. Learn more.
“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 AmbassadorMajors: 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 karateJustin Uralil, 2025 UB Student Ambassador
![Uralil.]()
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 AmbassadorMajor: 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!.Jasmin Gill, 2025 CAS Outstanding Senior
![Jasmine Gill.]()
Jasmine Gill
Congratulations to Jasmin Gill on being named 2025 Outstanding Senior. Jasmine, also a recent Student Ambassador, states: "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!" The CAS award ceremony was presented at a special pre-graduation reception.
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!David Oughterson, 2025 UB Student Ambassador
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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 AmbassadorMajor: 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.
