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 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!

Hi! My name is Lauren Fitzgerald and I am starting my junior year here at 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 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 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!

Hello! My name is Reagan Johnson, I’m a sophomore majoring in mathematics: applied-mathematical biology options. I originally began as a forensic chemistry major but found my fit about halfway through my first year and I am so glad I did. I work as a tutor for the Polya lab which is an absolute joy. Because as much as I love math, I also love helping others understand it! Outside of school I am passionate about art and poetry, I try to find any time I can to create something. I also really enjoy listening to music and going to local shows. I adore Moscow and all the amazing things that makes this town so unique. I absolutely love science and l look forward to being able to work with other students who feel the same!

Hello! My name is Siddhant Kamble and I’m starting my junior year this fall majoring in statistics and minoring in mathematics and business here at University of Idaho. I’m an International student from India and my hometown is Mumbai, Maharashtra. I have always been interested in sports and I want to pursue a career in sports analytics in the future. Besides my academics, I’m a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and I’m also a goalie for the water polo club on campus. During the semester I also work as a lifeguard at the swim center in the Memorial Gym. I am looking forward to all the opportunities and experiences the College of Science has to offer me and meet new people along the way, of the opportunities that both University of Idaho and the College of Science has to offer!

Hi! My name is Julia Major and I am a senior biochemistry major from Coeur d'Alene Idaho. After my bachelor's degree, I'm planning to pursue a Ph.D. in molecular biology or a related field. I am an active member in the Rowley lab where I research cell membrane receptors in yeast and their implications for biomedical research. I am also the vice president of the Women in Science Society, as well a teacher's assistant in the chemistry department. I'm proud to be a Vandal and represent the College of Science!

Hi! My name is Maddie Moody and I’m currently a senior majoring in chemistry. After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school to obtain a doctorate in synthetic organic chemistry. I have a great passion for undergraduate research and have been involved in research throughout my time at U of I. I work in Ray Von Wandruszka analytical chemistry lab where we use a variety of chemical and spectroscopic techniques to identify historical artifacts. I also work with Kris Waynant on the design and synthesis of novel ATF fungicides. I hope to one day pursue a career in research and development and help promote inclusion and diversity within the field of chemistry. In my free time I like visiting new coffee shops and working on my latest knitting project.

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  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 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 Claire Qualls (she/her) and I am embarking on my senior year at the University of Idaho. I spent my first three years studying Chemistry but recently turned my focus to Biology with a minor in Pre-Health Professions. I am a pre-medical student and have a passion for all the strange ways the body works. For the past 5 semesters and 3 summers, I have worked with Dr. Ray von Wandruszka conducting chemical detective work on archaeological artifacts from across the Americas.

When I am not on campus, you can find me working as an EMT with Moscow Volunteer Fire Department, working as a phlebotomist at Gritman Medical Center, adventuring with my huge, boisterous family (and dog), or drinking coffee at One World Cafe. Born and raised on the Palouse, I am passionate about connecting new people to a community, whether that be on campus or in the surrounding town. I cannot wait to offer guidance to incoming COS members in these upcoming semesters!

Hello! My name is Claire Shelton and I am currently a junior double majoring in Medical Sciences and Animal Science: Pre-Veterinary and double minoring in Pre-Health and Microbiology. With this, I hope to attend Medical School and become a doctor in rural Idaho.

My favorite part about the University of Idaho is being involved and building my leadership skills. I am currently the Vice President of Panhellenic in my sorority Kappa Alpha Theta, honors peer mentor, and an Animal, Veterinary, and Food Science (AVFS) peer mentor. I am also really passionate about serving the FFA through state and national events. I have been a facilitator at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Chapter Officer Leadership Training in Utah, and Gem State Leadership Conferences in Idaho. As well as being the Sessions Director and leading a team that produced the Idaho FFA State Convention Sessions.

I am so excited to be an Ambassador for the College of Science. I look forward to representing this wonderful College and sharing all that it has to offer!

Hello! My name is Emily Vergara and I am a current junior here at 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!