College of Sciences Student Ambassadors Shaping the Way for Fellow Knights 

The College of Sciences (COS) Student Ambassadors program empowers fellow students through leadership opportunities 

By: Emily Dougherty | January 27, 2025 

Every fall semester fifteen new and returning students who apply are selected to be a part of the College of Sciences (COS) Student Ambassadors. Through this program, selected students represent the Knights who make up the largest college at UCF. These students take part in leadership and student engagement opportunities, helping to plan events and providing insight to the Dean’s office on student life within COS. 

Michelle Dusseau, Senior Lecturer at the Nicholson School of Communications and Media and COS Faculty Fellow for Student Engagement, guides and supports the student ambassadors. She shares the impact of the program on the COS community.  

“The student ambassadors are filling a critical need for the College of Sciences’ students. Today’s students can struggle with peer-to-peer engagement and building community,” Dusseau says. “At every single event, I have witnessed the power of the interpersonal and small group connections that develop as friendships grow, and supportive circles are fostered.” 

Haleema Al-Qudah, COS Student Ambassador and senior studying international & global studies with a minor in middle eastern studies, says that she became an ambassador to gain more insight into fellow students’ experiences and to make a difference. 

“I decided to become a College of Sciences Ambassador to not only further my outreach throughout the College but to improve the college experience for other students,” Al-Qudah says. “Through this role, I have been exposed first-hand to the experiences and concerns of students across UCF.” 

Fellow COS Student Ambassador and senior studying data science, David Alvarado, says he became an ambassador to build a better community for COS students and also gain experience for his future career.   

“I decided to become a student ambassador to be more involved in the UCF community, especially within the College of Sciences. I wanted to meet more people, build meaningful connections, and help new students navigate their experience at UCF. Being an ambassador gives me the opportunity to support others while also growing personally and professionally,” Alvarado says.  

During a student’s time as an ambassador, they work together on building connections with not only with students, faculty, and staff, but their fellow ambassadors. Fredsendie Benoze, COS Student Ambassador and senior studying biology, shares one of his favorite memories.  

“My favorite COS Student Ambassador memory was when we worked together in teams to brainstorm new ideas to grow our social media presence,” Benoze says. “We pitched a lot of fun ideas and had a blast creating the content. When we launched our first Instagram reel, it was a shared success!” 

Watching over these students creates memories for Dusseau too. Each year, she has the opportunity to see how the program evolves and supports growth for  students. 

“One of my favorite memories with the students was kayak racing across Lake Claire;, it was such a fun event,” Dusseau says. “Seeing the students enjoy a well-deserved break with a smile, especially during finals, is always amazing.”  

For students who are considering becoming a COS Student Ambassador, senior psychology major, Sudeepta Matha, explains why applying can have a positive impact on a student’s experience.  

“Becoming a student ambassador is a great opportunity to represent your major and the College of Sciences to new and current UCF students. By sharing your experiences and insights, you can inspire others to pursue their academic goals and help underrepresented students feel encouraged to explore their passions,” Matha says. “It is also a great way to learn and demonstrate leadership and creativity while planning events to bring the UCF community together!” 

Applications for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year open March 24, 2025, and will close April 21, 2025. Interviews will be held during the Summer A term and selected candidates will be notified in June 2025. 

For more information about becoming a COS Student Ambassador, please visit their website.