Student Ambassadors

Hello! I’m Dayna Buitron, a sophomore majoring in Microbiology with a pre-med track. After undergrad, I plan on attending medical school for Emergency Medicine. Aside from being a part of the College of Science, I am also a part of Dr. Paul Rowley’s lab. My research project focuses on killer toxin K1, and its effect on yeast. My hope is to take this project further and understand killer toxins effectively enough to make a significant stride in medicinal advancements. In my free time, I like to work with my hand, and have my arts and crafts on display everywhere in my room. And whenever the opportunity presents itself, I will tackle a big hands-on project. I look forward to sharing the unique opportunities that the College of Science has for its students!

Hello! My name is Jaquelin Delgadillo (she/her). I am a senior studying Medical Sciences, Microbiology, and Spanish with a Pre-Medical Emphasis and a minor in Pre-Health Professions. During my time here at the University of Idaho, I’ve had the honor of serving on the executive board for my sorority, Gamma Phi Beta, as the Administrative Vice President. I’ve also served as a chapter representative for the university’s Panhellenic Judicial Board, and have participated in various student organizations. Just last spring (2022), I had the opportunity to study abroad in Alicante, Spain, where I was able to learn about the culture, improve my Spanish translation skills, and travel throughout the European continent. I am currently working with Dr. Unlu’s microbiology research and teaching lab as a laboratory assistant. Though I have only been working there for a short time, it has been an extremely enriching experience and I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity. During my free time, you can find me either spending time with my family and friends, singing along to my favorite artists, or exploring new places. I can’t wait to share my unique experience as a first-generation Latina Vandal and all of the great opportunities and invaluable experiences that UI’s College of Science has to offer.

Hello! My name is Madison Dobson. I am a sophomore majoring in Medical Sciences and Biology with a minor in Pre-Health. After completing my undergrad, I’m planning on attending optometry school and pursuing a career as a Doctor of Optometry. I’m originally from Meridian, ID where the importance of science was emphasized from a young age. As a student at the U of I, I am able to prioritize learning and fulfill my passion for discovery.

Outside of the College of Science, I am a Wellbeing Ambassador with Vandal Health Education and work towards promoting the welfare of students both on and off campus. I am also a member of the Pre-Health Program and the Honors College. I love the hands-on approach that the College of Science brings to learning, and I was able to serve as an undergraduate research lab assistant in Dr. Waynant’s Chemistry lab last semester. I cannot wait to discuss all of the opportunities that both the University of Idaho and the College of Science has to offer!

Hi! My name is Anna Findley and I am currently a junior majoring in microbiology. I’m originally from Salt Lake City, Utah.  I am involved in undergraduate research in Dr. Mitchell’s lab, focusing on the dynamics and functions of microglia during tissue development, using zebrafish as our model organism. I am also a member of the Pre-Dental Club. I am hoping to attend dental school and become a general dentist. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, playing tennis and spending time with family and friends!

Hi! My name is Lauren Fitzgerald and I am starting my Junior year here at the University of Idaho. I am studying Biological Mathematics and Medical Sciences with a minor in Pre-Health, intending to attend medical school or a master's degree in Mathematics after attaining my undergraduate degrees. Along with being a member of the pre-health club here on campus, a member of the Honors College, and having experience as a Chemistry tutor, I am also an excited new lab member in Dr. Balemba's research lab, which focuses on type 2 diabetes in mice models. 

My involvement on campus does not stop at the College of Science, as I am a third-year member of the University's Dance team and a proud member of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, where I have served in several positions including academic representative, external philanthropy chair, and events chair. 

When I am not in class, at practice, or in my research lab, you can find me studying at Starbucks, playing intramural volleyball, or performing on Vandal game days! I look forward to getting to share my passion for the College of Science, this University, and all the amazing opportunities it has to offer with incoming and prospective students.

Hello! My name is Ellie Grant. I am a junior majoring in Medical Sciences and minoring in Microbiology and Pre-Health. I plan on attending PA school after I finish my undergrad and pursuing a career as a Physician assistant. I am originally from Seattle, WA and in my free time I like to hike and ski.

Apart from the college of science, I am also track and field athlete. I compete in the high jump and triple jump events. I am a member of the student athletic advisory committee (SAAC). I look forward to sharing my experiences and opportunities with my fellow college of science students!

Hello! My name is Nicole Guthrie, and I am starting my junior year studying Geological sciences. I began my college journey in Civil Engineering but quickly found my love for earth science, so don’t be surprised if I try to convert you! Originally from Woodland Washington, I competed on the Vandal track team for the past 2 years but now I'm looking forward to life as just a student. I currently work part-time for the Idaho Geological Survey and am a member of the Geology club. Outside of school, I enjoy lots of outdoor activities and you can most often find me on a paddleboard. I am excited to share all my experiences as well as the amazing opportunities the College of Science has to offer!

Hi, my name is Amy Hernandez from Las Vegas, NV. Grew up in Leon Guanajuato, Mexico. I am double majoring in Biology and Medical Sciences. I am an active sister of Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority Incorporated and a midshipman in NROTC. I am currently doing my undergraduate research internship at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory working in the department of Biosciences & Biotechnology Division within the Physical and Life Sciences Directorate. In the future, I hope to become a dentist in the U.S. Navy after I commission as an officer and attend USUHS. During my free time, you can find me writing and listening to music or drinking boba. I am excited to start my third year at the university and share my experience and passion for science with you.

Hey all! My name is Emily Hernandez. I am from the Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada, but I grew up in the wonderful city of Leon Guanajuato, Mexico. This fall 2022 I will be starting my third year here at the University of Idaho where I am double majoring in Biology and Medical Sciences. After college I am hoping to become a medical officer in the U.S. Navy and attend USUHS. I am currently an Undergraduate Research Intern at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under the department of Biosciences and Biotechnology Division within Physical and Life Sciences Directorate. I am an active member of Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority Incorporated and I am also a midshipman in NROTC. During my free time I you can spot me trying out different restaurants around downtown and taking pictures of random things I see. I am excited to get started with this new opportunity that was given to me, to share my experience, knowledge, and love for science with people!

Hello! My name is Rosie Hill and I'm from Boise, Idaho. I am starting my second year as a biochemistry major and plan to attend medical school after I graduate. I am currently the president of the Asian American Pacific Islander Association (AAPIA) which is a club dedicated to sharing and educating people about AAPI culture on campus. This fall I will be involved in undergraduate research with the Rowley Lab, and I'll be conducting my own experiments on killer toxin immunity. Outside of school, my hobbies include drawing and baking. I'm looking forward to sharing my experiences at U of I and the great opportunities the College of Science has to offer!

Hi! My name is Hannah Kaylor and I'm starting my junior year majoring in Medical Sciences and minoring in Psychology. I grew up in Eagle, Idaho and have had an interest for the sciences since I was young. The prospect of working in healthcare has always attracted my desire to have a career I'm passionate about while helping make a difference in the lives of others. In the future I'm interested in attending a graduate program and obtaining a career within Addiction Medicine to break the barriers and stigma associated with this field. Outside of my studies I contribute to my sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, by working as Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. In addition, I'm an active Vandals for Recovery Ambassador in order to spread information about substance misuse around our campus. I'm looking forward to a great year of sharing what the College of Science means to me!

Hi! My name is Secilia Lopez (she/her) I am heading into my senior here at the University of Idaho. I am studying Biology and Medical Sciences with a Pre-Med Emphasis and Minor in Pre-Health Professions and seeking an academic certificate in Diversity and Inclusion. After graduation I plan to attend medical school and pursue a career in healthcare as a pediatric surgeon! Throughout my time at UI, I have held two presidency position in Movimiento Activista Social and the Multicultural Greek Council, I have also served a term in our student government as an ASUI Senator and Pro-Tempore, and am an active member of my sorority Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. During the day you can catch me at my work-study position as a tutor for the Office of Multicultural Affair or in the lab as I have recently started working with Dr. Andreas Vasdekis in his Biophysics lab! I am a proud Vandal and can't wait to share my amazing experience at the University and my passion for science!

Hello! My name is Keera Paull and I am a senior studying Microbiology. I am from Coeur d' Alene and have been enjoying Idaho's great outdoors my whole life. I am interested in bacteriology and virology, so microbiology is the perfect mix of both! After finishing up my undergrad, I intend to get a PhD in Microbiology and pursue a career in research. I currently work for Dr. JT Van Leuven in the Wichman-Miller lab studying the applications of phage therapy against foulbrood, a microbial disease in honeybees. My research has been the best part of my undergrad and I hope to inspire others to try it out too! Besides working with honeybees and bacteriophages, I am also a trip leader for the UI Outdoor Program. I love meeting new people and introducing them to the amazing outdoor activities Moscow has to offer. Now, I am lucky enough to share my passion for science with others and welcome all to the University of Idaho's College of Science.

Hi all! my name is Charis Peever. I am in my second year of studying Geology here at the University of Idaho. This will also be my second year of working as a research assistant in one of the University’s Soil Sciences labs. I am originally from North Carolina, but I am now living in Northern Idaho and loving every minute of it. Some of my favorite hobbies include knitting, enjoying good cups of tea, spending time in nature, and never taking good geology puns for granite. I am so excited to be making an impact on campus and meeting new students as a Student Ambassador!

Hi! My name is Joey and I’m a junior in the Honors program studying Applied Computational Mathematics with minors in Physics and Computer Science. I perform undergraduate research under Dr. Vasdekis in the Physics department and I also tutor math at the Polya Lab on campus. I’m originally from Richland, WA and I transferred to the University of Idaho in 2021. I haven’t looked back since!

When I’m not studying, working or spending time with my friends on campus you might see me exploring the Palouse, singing and playing guitar at open mics, or volunteering at my church. I always enjoy a fun adventure, a great song (preferably rock), and helping other people. I hope I get to tell you about all the great opportunities here at the U of I and the College of Science!

Hello! My name is Emily Vergara and I am a current Junior here at the University of Idaho studying Biology, minoring in Pre- Health Studies and Spanish. I am originally from Tri- Cities, Washington, but I grew up majority of my childhood in both the U.S. and Mexico, where I found my interest of helping others. Upon graduating and attaining my bachelor's degree, I plan on working in a Laboratory within the medical field. I am currently a Laboratory Teaching Assistant for the Chemistry Department, and a new thrilled member of the Balemba Research Lab that focuses on the "gut brain" of type two diabetes in mouse models. I am also proudly serving the current position of Apparel Chair for my sorority, Gamma Phi Beta. During my spare time you can find me in lab, at the student Rec center, or creating new apparel designs. I love sharing my unique experience as a first-generation Hispanic student, and I cannot wait to share the opportunities the College of Science and our community has to offer!