The Odum School of Ecology’s Student Ambassador Program launched in fall 2022. Student Ambassadors are undergraduate ecology majors who help host events—like our weekly ‘Waffle Wednesday’ and graduation receptions—that build a sense of community. They assist with campus visits, both meeting with prospective students and families and facilitating the opportunity for prospective students to shadow an undergraduate ecology course. They also contribute content through the Odum School’s social media channels, providing insight into the student experience.

Student Ambassadors are chosen by a committee of faculty and staff, based on their academic achievements, leadership potential and commitment to serving the Odum community. They attend monthly workshops to brainstorm ideas for community involvement, plan content for social media and explore topics like best practices for communications.

Apply to the Student Ambassador Program

Applications for the 2025-26 cohort of Student Ambassadors will open in spring 2025.

Faculty mentor: Dr. Allison Injaian, lecturer and academic coordinator.

Odum Student Ambassadors for 2024-25 are (seated, left to right) Paige Robinson, Sam Dilley, Catherine Hanks, Kariana Colon, (standing, left to right) Camy Teichman, Tiffanie Torrey, Luke Grider, Ryan Donovan, Luke Krohn, Riley Forrestall and Dhruv Singh. Not pictured: Anderson Smith (Photo: Allison Injaian)

Meet the 2024 Student Ambassadors

Kariana Colon, BS ’25

“Growing up with a big backyard bordering woods, I got to witness and explore nature and its processes. I believe having a childhood immersed in the environment has brought me to the path I am on now, where I am currently a B.S. ecology and entomology double major. I hope to use my experience, passion and position as an ambassador to help others connect with the wonderful Odum community and pursue what they aspire for the future.”

Sam Dilley, AB ’25

“As an A.B. ecology and A.B. economics double major with a Certificate in Sustainability, I am interested in using economics to find the sustainable intersection between human and environmental interests. In the future, I hope to pursue a graduate degree in environmental management and eventually work in sustainability consulting! Through being a Student Ambassador, I hope to show the interdisciplinary nature of ecology and connect more with the supportive community I’ve found at Odum.”

Ryan Donovan, AB ’26

“I am an ecology and real estate double major. With this combination, I hope to work hands-on in land conservation and eventually lead my own development firm that improves our cities by emphasizing people and nature. My interest in ecology started as a kid catching tadpoles and lightning bugs in my backyard. I am excited to serve as an ambassador so I can help people who also love ecology find their community at Odum and UGA at large!”

Riley Forrestall, BS ’25

“I’m a fourth year pursuing both a B.S. in ecology and a B.S. in plant biology and am interested in community and evolutionary ecology, with a specific focus on early plant evolution and plant-pollinator interactions. In the future, I hope to continue my education through graduate school and expand on my background in plant-pollinator coevolution. I’m an ambassador because I love the community here at Odum and want to make sure new students have the opportunity to be a part of it!”

Luke Grider, AB ’25

“Pursuing degrees in ecology and philosophy with a Certificate in Sustainability has opened my eyes to the interconnectivity between the two fields of study. As a student ambassador, I strive to emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of ecology and its applicability wherever students may find themselves! After graduation, I hope to join the environmental sector of the Peace Corps.”

Catherine Hanks, BS ’25

“I am a B.S. ecology major with an anthropology minor and a sustainability certificate. I’m working toward a career where I can apply my interests in conservation, herpetology and the intersection between humans and the environment. As an ambassador, I hope to give back to the welcoming community I’ve found within Odum and share everything this school has to offer with prospective students!”

Luke Krohn, AB ’26

“I am an A.B. ecology major working toward a career that combines my ecological knowledge and environmental policy. I would like to show the importance of ecological research, specifically how it informs environmentally focused laws. As an ambassador, I hope to connect with current and prospective students to increase awareness about Odum’s ecology program.”

Paige Robinson, AB ’25

“As an A.B. ecology major working toward certificates in sustainability and GIS, I’m interested in sustainable development and environmental consulting. In the future I hope to work on sustainable urban development in cities. My interest in ecology started as a child from growing up outdoors and seeing how much people influence the environment, both positively and negatively. As an Odum Student Ambassador, I love connecting with current and prospective students and representing the welcoming and fun atmosphere in Odum!”

Dhruv Singh, BS ’26

“I am an ecology major, with a minor and design and media. I am interested in ecological education on a community scale, and how ecological concepts can improve communities while simultaneously furthering conservation efforts. After transferring to UGA, Odum was the perfect stepping stone and the community immediately made me feel welcome. I hope that as an ambassador, I can help other students take advantage of this special gem of a community on campus!”

Anderson Smith, BS ’26

“Growing up on the coast, I saw firsthand how human interference shapes the natural world in which we live. I chose to obtain a B.S. in ecology and a minor in genetics to better understand this interference as well as how to mitigate it. My main interest lies in the effects of human-driven change on evolutionary processes, and I hope to pursue this interest further through graduate study. I am so excited to serve as an ambassador and welcome folks to our wonderful community!”

Camy Teichman, BS ’26

“I am a third-year B.S. ecology major with a minor in international affairs and a Certificate in Sustainability. I plan to pursue a graduate degree to work on environmental policy and conservation in the future. I have found my community at UGA through Odum, and by being a student ambassador, I hope to bring that community to others and connect with more students!”

Tiffanie Torrey, BS ’25

“I am a double major in B.S. ecology and B.S. plant biology with an area of emphasis in plant ecology and environment. I’m interested in plant-microbe interactions and plant chemical ecology, and in the future, I wish to continue my education in these areas! As an ambassador, I hope to continue cultivating our community here in Odum and giving back to fellow students, staff and faculty.”