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 2025 Student Ambassadors

Ryan Donovan, AB ’26

“I am an Ecology and Economics double major, with the hopes to have a career that combines both fields and shows people they are not mutually exclusive. My interest in ecology began 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!”

Luke Krohn, AB ’26

“I am an A.B. ecology major working towards a career that combines my ecological knowledge and environmental policy. Specifically, 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.”

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Dhruv Singh, BS ’26

“I am BS Ecology major, with a minor and design and media. I am currently working a research project related to nature based solutions and am excited to pursue a career working on tying conservation to human interest. After transferring to UGA, Odum was the perfect stepping stone and the community immediately made me feel welcome here, and 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 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!”

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Emme McCumiskey, AB ’26

“I am an A.B. ecology major and an environmental resource science major with minors in wildlife sciences and environmental geology and certificates in sustainability and water resources. I love all things nature and am always looking to learn something new. As an ambassador, I hope to show all of UGA how incredible the Odum school of Ecology is!”

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Mathews Nascimento, BS ’26

“I’m a fourth-year student pursuing a B.S. in Ecology with a minor in Entomology. Growing up in Brazil, I was surrounded by rich biodiversity from a young age, which sparked my curiosity for behavioral ecology and how environmental pressures shape organisms’ actions. As an Odum Student Ambassador, I’m excited to share my passion for ecology and help other students see how amazing and supportive our community is.”

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Melanie Frick, BS ’27

“Digging through the dirt and growing zucchini in my backyard garden as a kid propelled me to pursue the path I am on now in Ecology. As an A.B. in Ecology, Horticulture Minor and Sustainability Certificate student, I am interested in the cross-section of gardening, food justice, sustainability, conservation, and environmental design. I’m excited to help build the same welcoming atmosphere that solitified me joining the Odum School of Ecology back when I was a senior in high school!”

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Katie Holister, AB ’27

“Scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef last semester ignited my passion for marine ecology and coral reef ecosystems! Consequently, I’m driven to pursue a career involving environmental policy, science communication, and the depoliticization of climate change. Since switching to an A.B. in ecology, I’ve been enveloped by a welcoming, passionate, and motivating Odum community. As a student ambassador, I’m excited to help others find their home and the resources they need to thrive!”

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Liz Sharp, BS ’27

“I am pursuing a double major in ecology and entomology which all started in long days in my grandparent’s backyard/garden. There I learned the importance of sustainability and mindfulness. This lead me to pursue my current position with ACC Solid Waste Department as their Zero Waste intern where I coordinate educational events and help others minimize their environmental impact! Coming from a transfer student, I understand how important it is to have a sense of belonging in a community and I am so excited to be able to help others find their places.”