Meet the College of Sciences Student Ambassadors
In the Summer 2022 semester, the College of Sciences selected 11 students from different COS majors to represent the college as student ambassadors. Their role is to represent the students across COS by engaging with the student body and working with the dean to serve students.
To learn more about this new program, we spoke with Associate Lecturer Michelle Dusseau, Ph.D., the COS Faculty Fellow for Undergraduate Student Engagement, and Associate Dean Teresa Dorman, Ed.D. As part of her role as Faculty Fellow, Dusseau oversees the new ambassador program and with input from the ambassadors themselves, she is developing the program into what it is today.
A New Era in the Student Experience
For several years, the college considered ideas to better and directly engage with students, and additional interest from the College of Sciences Student Government Association senators advanced the ideas to reality. Conversations between Dorman and Dean Maggy Tomova, Ph.D. put the plan into motion.
Dorman shared that while the program is unique to COS, it was modeled after the College of Business’ ambassador program and the President’s Leadership Council.
She explained how the ambassadors serve as active representatives of our students by working with College of Sciences leadership by providing their valuable insight on ways to improve the student experience.
So, why would a student want to be an ambassador? The skills they practice as ambassadors can translate into their future careers—and their experiences will give them memories for years to come.
The Job Description of an Ambassador
The ambassadors have the opportunity to work together while representing the more than 14,000 students who call COS home. They serve at events, work with the dean and help to create a greater sense of community across the college. The ambassadors provide a direct path between the dean and student body through their role on the dean’s advisory board. They present issues or positive experiences that their peers are having to educate College of Sciences leadership on the student experience and areas of potential growth.
The opportunities will continue to grow as the program evolves.
“Everything you’re building will be the foundation for the ambassadors of the future.”
Associate Lecturer Michelle Dusseau, Ph.D.
Learn more about the program here.
Ambassador Highlights from Fall 2022
In November 2022, the ambassadors represented COS at Knight at the Musuem, an event bringing the local community together to explore UCF’s role in returning to the moon. At the event, they had the opportunity to meet other COS students and supporters while welcoming attendees.
They also had the chance to participate in other events including the Dean’s Inaugural State of the College Breakfast, where one ambassador provided welcoming remarks and all had the opportunity to interact with college supporters and alumni. They also served at the India Center’s Evening with Kal Penn event, where ambassadors escorted VIP attendees from parking to the event before interacting with other guests and enjoying the event as participants.
Meet the Ambassadors
Naomi Battle
Hometown: Fort Myers, Florida
Major: General Psychology
Dream Job: Social psychology researcher
Scott Buksbaum
Hometown: Howard Beach, New York and Tampa, Florida
Major: Psychology and Biomedical Sciences
Dream Job: Health administration or policy
Nefertari Elshiekh
Hometown: New York, New York
Major: International and Global Studies
Dream Job: Lawyer
Kaila Garton-Miller
Hometown: Pembroke Pines, Florida
Major: Human Communication
Dream Job: Marketing manager
Jessica Maco-Rodriguez
Homepage: North Lauderdale, Florida
Major: Forensic Science
Dream job: Crime scene investigator
Meril Manoj
Hometown: Pembroke Pines, Florida
Major: Biology
Dream Job: Endodontist
Puja Shambhag
Hometown: Orlando, Florida
Major: Biology
Professional Goal: Medical school
Andrea Vasquez
Hometown: Pembroke Pines, Florida
Major: Biology
Dream Job: Wildlife veterinarian
Raynaliz C. Velazquez Feliciano
Hometown: Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
Major: Anthropology
Dream Job: Archaeologist
Ingrid Whitelocke
Hometown: Boca Raton
Major: Biology
Dream Job: Physician
Rebecca Wilson
Hometown: Boca Raton
Major: Forensic Science
Dream Job: Medical examiner
Keep up with Ambassador News
Throughout the semester, the ambassadors will be introducing themselves and sharing more about the exciting things they’re doing on the College of Sciences social media.