Current Ambassadors
2025-2026
Mara Ottman
Expected Graduation: Spring 2028
Majors: Agricultural Technology and Production Management Minors: Agribusiness
Extracurricular Involvement
- AgTm Club
- Young Farmers & Ranchers
Favorite class taken at WSU?
My favorite class so far at WSU has been Ag. Power Units because we got to take apart small tractors and put them back together.
Why WSU?
I chose WSU because I wanted to be a traditional farmer but I am not from an Ag background and the AgTM major is the best for learning all corners of Ag.
Ryan Utley
Expected Graduation: Spring 2028
Majors: Agricultural Technology and Production Management
Extracurricular Involvement
- AgTm Club
- Agriculture Future of America
Favorite Class Taken at WSU?
My favorite class that I’ve taken has been GIS and Precision Ag because they were both right up my ally when it comes to my interests and what I am good at!
Aster Kanski
Expected Graduation: Spring 2028
Majors: Agricultural Education
Extracurricular Involvement
- AgEd Club
- Equestrian Team
Favorite class taken at WSU?
My favorite class that I’ve taken has been AFS 103. it introduces you to so many great areas of Ag and it’s very low commitment.
Lesly Valdovinos-Arevalo
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Majors: Human Nutrition & Food Systems
Extracurricular Involvement
- MANRRS
- McNair Scholar
- President of Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority, Inc.
- Clerical Assistant & participant in TRIO SSS.
Favorite Class taken at WSU?
My favorite class I’ve taken at WSU was AFS 336, Agriculture, Environment, and Community. I enjoyed this class because it covered many areas of agriculture related to social science. Many of these topics are related to my career interests so I had a great time!
Why did you choose WSU?
I chose WSU because I knew I would find a community here. Also because WSU has really strong agricultural programs that do a good job of supporting students.
Olivia Shawgo
Expected Graduation: Spring 2028
Major: Agricultural Education
Extracurricular Involvement
- Regents Hall Government– Historian
- Agricultural Education Club Secretary
- Research with Dr. Anna Warner
Favorite class taken at WSU?
AgTm 201! I really liked this class because I got an introduction to metal fabrication and how to best teach it to my future students!
Why WSU?
WSU was the closest school with an Ag program and i attended WA State FFA Convention here and loved the campus!
Rosemarie Faisao
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Organic & Sustainable Agriculture
Extracurricular Involvement
- WSU MANRRS Vice President
- TMP Mentor
Favorite class taken at WSU?
My favorite class I’ve taken has been AFS 336! The class was about agriculture in social/community, business, and interacting closely with students and locals from from the food co-op and farmers market!
Lillian Cunningham
Expected Graduation: Spring 2029
Major: Agricultural Education
Extracurricular Involvement
- Equestrian Team
- Volunteer at Lincoln Middle School
Favorite class taken at WSU?
Ag Ed 110 and AgTm. I love how they are major specific and give me a glance into my future career. Plus they are super fun!
Why WSU?
I chose WSU because of the student life and Ag opportunities!
Clare Duffy
Expected Graduation: Spring 2029
Major: Apparel Design | Merchandising
Extracurricular Involvement
- Fashion Club
Favorite class taken at WSU?
AMDT 108! It was an introduction class to my major, so I found it really helpful and interesting!
Why WSU?
I chose WSU because I liked the programs and community!
Owen Geis-Poage
Expected Graduation: Spring 2028
Major: Apparel Design | Merchandising
Extracurricular Involvement
- WSU National Retail Federation Student Ambassador
Favorite class taken at WSU?
AMDT 268, Communicating Creative Concepts in Fashion. This class married technical skills with the ability to apply my own creative process!
Why WSU?
I chose WSU because I immediately knew that the AMDT program was the program for me!
Paige Dahl
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Majors: Apparel Design & Merchandising
Sam Snekvik
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Major: Animal Science | Pre-Veterinary
Minor: Genetics and Cell Biology
Extracurricular Involvement
- Working in a Diagnostic Lab
- Horse Riding
- Swing Dancing
Favorite class taken at WSU?
ANIM_SCI 174 is a class out at the beef center where you learn about cow and calf production. You also get hands-on experience with the cattle here on campus.
Why WSU?
I chose WSU because of the great community and the program for my major! It was also close to home so I could watch my brothers play sports.
Siari Rodriguez
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Animal Science | Pre-Veterinary Science
Extracurricular Involvement
- Pre-Vet Club
- Soccer
Favorite class taken at WSU?
Horse Handling! We got to deal with horses one and one and learned so many new techniques!
Why WSU?
I chose WSU because they have the veterinary program and I wanted to live away from home, but specifically because of my major!
Julia Fasoli
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Major: Animal Science | Pre-Veterinary Sciences Minor: Business Administration
Extracurricular Involvement
- Collegiate Horsemans Association
- Pre-Vet Club
- Washington State Animal Response Team
Favorite class taken at WSU?
Animal Science 313, Feeds and Feeding! This was my favorite because of the knowledge it gave me to use after the class and for my own pets!
Why WSU?
I have wanted to attend WSU since I was 8 years old. When I toured I loved the feel of the campus and how warm and welcoming everyone was!
Kelsey Lewis
Expected Graduation: Spring 2028
Major: Animal Science | Pre-Veterinary Sciences
Extracurricular Involvement
- Pre-Vet Club
Favorite class taken at WSU?
My favorite classes I’ve taken were Animal Science 205, Companion Animal nutrition and Animal Science 315!
Why WSU?
I chose to attend WSU because I wanted to go out of state for college and the animal science program and vet school are amazing here!
Elyssa Kofler
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Animal Science | Pre-Veterinary Sciences
Extracurricular Involvement
- Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship
- Collegiate 4-H
Favorite class taken at WSU?
My favorite class has been Animal Science 480 because it was a study abroad trip to Costa Rica where we were learning and getting hands on experience with Animal Production Systems!
Why WSU?
Two years ago, I visited WSU during the 4-H Teen Conference and toured the school. Going to the conference, I didn’t know what school I wanted to attend at first, but at the conference, I realized WSU had been right in front of me the whole time! Through the Extension office and 4-H!
Alex Bolles
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Animal Science | Pre-Veterinary Sciences
Extracurricular Involvement
- Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship
- Knotts Dairy Farm
- Pre-Veterinary Club
Favorite class taken at WSU?
My favorite class so far would have to be Animal Science 313 because Dr. Nancy is so awesome and Nutrition is cool!
Why WSU?
I chose WSU because it is an agricultural school. Agriculture is something really close to my heart, and I want to spend my life helping the industry grow with my love and passion for all things animal science.
Cyrus Gibbons
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Animal Science | Management
Extracurricular Involvement
- Raising Show Cattle
- Young Farmers and Ranchers
- Coaching High school Basketball
Favorite class taken at WSU?
My favorite class has been Animal Science 180. I enjoyed talking cattle with Dr. Johnson!
Why WSU?
I chose WSU because it offered an animal science program with a history of success. I want to help the program thrive and provide opportunities for students interested in production livestock.
Anais Atilano
Expected Graduation: Spring 2029
Major: Animal Science | Pre-Veterinary Sciences Minor: Agricultural Education
Extracurricular Involvement
- CAHNRS Top Scholars
- WSU MANRRS
Favorite class taken at WSU?
Companion Animal Nutrition with Dr. Irlebeck because her teaching was amazing and so interactive. All of her stories were amazing to hear as well!
Why WSU?
I chose WSU because of the amazing opportunities here for Animal Science/Ag majors!
Azeesa Joseph
Expected Graduation: Spring 2028
Major: Animal Science | Pre-Veterinary Sciences
Extracurricular Involvement
- Archery Club
- Prendergast Pups
Favorite class taken at WSU?
Animal Science 166 because you get hands on experience with horses.
Why WSU?
I chose WSU because it is a great Pre-Vet choice and the campus is gorgeous! Plus I love the social life here!
Bethzy Quirarte
Expected Graduation: Spring 2029
Major: Animal Science | Pre-Veterinary Sciences
Extracurricular Involvement
- Student Swine Cooperative (SSW)
Favorite class taken at WSU?
Animal Science 101, I learned a lot and got hands on experience.
Why WSU?
I chose WSU because I knew people here, and felt welcomed by the environment and the community!
Arianna Zendejas
Expected Graduation: Spring 2028
Major: Animal Science | Pre-Veterinary Sciences
Extracurricular Involvement
- Playing Tennis
Favorite class taken at WSU?
Animal Science 166! I really enjoyed horse handling. Its been really fun to gain experience with horses. All of the horses I’ve worked with have been super sweet and friendly!
Why WSU?
I chose WSU because of it’s closeness to home and the exciting community!
Rocio Sevilla
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Majors: Agricultural and Food Business Economics and Agricultural Economics Minors: Agribusiness
Extracurricular Involvement
- WSU Marching Band
- Resident Advisor (RA)
- TMP Mentor
Favorite class taken at WSU?
My favorite class that I have ever taken was Econs 431 Economic Analysis of Environment and Law. I got to learn a lot of useful tools and cool models of economics! (And had an amazing professor!)
Why WSU?
The reason why I chose WSU was because it fit perfectly for my major, and now I can say that it was the best decision that I have ever made!
Caelan Owens
Expected Graduation: Spring 2028
Major: Economics
Extracurricular Involvement
- Member of Phi Kappa Phi Fraternity
Favorite class taken at WSU?
I enjoyed Econ 310 the most. I enjoyed this class the most because the class included and excel lab, and I enjoyed working in that software a lot!
Why WSU?
At first, I chose WSU because the economics program here was a better fit for my goals than the college I transferred from. When I visited everyone was super welcoming and that locked in my decision!
Mackenzie Heffner
Expected Graduation: Spring 2029
Major: Economics; Policy & Law
Extracurricular Involvement
- Sigma Kappa Sorority
- Pre-Law Society
Favorite class taken at WSU?
Econ 310! The professor made an effort to connect class content to the real world!
Jesus Lopez
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Agricultural Economics
Minor: Field Crop Management
Extracurricular Involvement
- WSU MANRRS
- Economics Club
- TMP Mentor
- Technical Assistant in a Research Lab
Favorite class taken at WSU?
My favorite class I’ve taken has been Econ 305 because we analyzed how policies affect the economy!
John Peterson
Expected Graduation: Spring 2029
Major: Economic Sciences
Extracurricular Involvement
- Rowing Team
- College Hill Association Board Member
Favorite class taken at WSU?
Econ 181, History of Economic Thought and Inequality. I enjoyed it because I get to discuss the history of economics!
Natalie Camerino
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Major: Food Science
Minor: Entrepreneurship
Extracurricular Involvement
- Food Science Product Development Club
- WSU Women’s Club Volleyball
What is special about being a CAHNRS Coug?
Being a CAHNRS Coug is like being a part of a supportive family. Everyone is so friendly, are supportive, and you get to make great personal connections with lots of students and staff.
Favorite class taken at WSU?
My favorite class I’ve taken has been FS 489 Product Development. This was my capstone class and we developed a protein caffeinated bar that had cake texture. We created the product from scratch and spent 4 months experimenting with our recipe!
Why WSU?
I chose WSU for the food science program and the CAHNRS community. My advisor and grad students I became friends with were very welcoming and motivating!
Lauren Crisostomo
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Food Science
Extracurricular Involvement
- Food Science Club
- IFT College Bowl
- Undergraduate research
Favorite class taken at WSU?
HBM 258, Fundamentals of Cooking! I have always loved cooking and baking, so this class helped me develop those skills even more! Our professor and head chef would also go into the science behind our food and cooking methods which was super fun to hear as a food science major!
Why WSU?
WSU gave me the chance to start undergraduate research my freshman year, (thanks, Ignite program!) which helped me see food science in real life and feel like I belonged in my major!
Rylee Galino
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Major: Food Science
Extracurricular Involvement
- Lab Tech Assistant in the Food Science Processing Labs
- Food Science Club Publicist
- New Member Educator for the Lovely Sisterhood of Chi Delta Sigma Sorority Inc.
Favorite class taken at WSU?
Food Science 350, Sensory! I learned a lot about sensory science and how to use it on a daily basis. Using our 5 tastes of perceptions I was able to understand how we think and the process of what goes on in our minds.
Why WSU?
The reason I chose WSU was because of the community and what WSU had to offer. Being from Hawaii and moving to a PNW school, I never thought I would get so many opportunities, but I noticed that I was able to build bonds and create memories.
Sherine Ortiz
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Major: Food Science
Extracurricular Involvement
- Lab Assistant
Favorite class taken at WSU?
FS 416, Food Microbiology! We got to find bacteria from food, like ice cream, rice, beef, and more! I also loved our professor!
Why WSU?
I chose WSU because of the financial opportunities and diversity of programs!
Jaelyn Christensen
Expected Graduation: Spring 2028
Major: Human Development | Family and Consumer Sciences
Extracurricular Involvement
- Human Development Club Social Media Chair
Favorite class taken at WSU?
My current favorite class is Family Interactions with Dr. Putney! It’s my favorite because I just love the content, and I think its super interesting! Plus, I love Dr. Putney as well!
Why WSU?
I chose WSU because of proximity. it’s close, but not too close to home it also was the best choice financially. Additionally, I love the campus and how much spirit the school as a whole has.
Cerys Deveson
Expected Graduation: Fall 2027
Major: Psychology
Minor: Human Development
Extracurricular Involvement
- Women’s Hockey Club
- Psych Squared
- Secretary of Human Development Club
- Research Assistant at Temperament Lab
Why WSU?
I chose WSU because of the welcoming community, opportunities and beautiful location!
Jose Perez-Olmos
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Major: Landscape, Nursery, and Greenhouse Management
Minor: Viticulture and Enology, and Horticulture
Extracurricular Involvement
- CAHNRS Student Senate Chair
- Horticulture Club
- MANRRS
Favorite class taken at WSU?
Horticulture 330! I loved learning and identifying the different plants on campus!
Why WSU?
WSU had the most programs I was interested in. I felt at home when I would attend the WAFFA State Convention too!
Daniel Pastor
Expected Graduation: Spring 2026
Major: Fruit and Vegetable Management
Extracurricular Involvement
- WSU MANRRS President
- TMP Mentor
Favorite class taken at WSU?
My favorite class I have taken at WSU is Entomology because got to learn about insects/bugs which I find really interesting!
Why WSU?
I chose WSU because it felt like I belonged here and I saw opportunities for me to grow and get experience for my particular major!
Wendy Castellanos Bueno
Expected Graduation: Spring 2027
Majors: Fruit and Vegetable Management | Landscape Nursery and Greenhouse Management Minors: Communications
Extracurricular Involvement
- Gamma Alpha Omega Sorority Inc.
- Member of MECHA
- TMP Program Mentee
- MANRRS Member
Favorite class taken at WSU?
My favorite class I have taken so far in WSU would be HORT 420. It was my first introduction to my Fruit and Veg. Major, were I learned about applicable material to my future career. I was interesting to learn about vegetables and its definition.
Why WSU?
I chose WSU because it is big in Agriculture with amazing programs! I was also influenced by my managers and running start advisor who attended WSU and spoke highly about their time here. Being first-generation at a 4-year university was scary but after multiple tours and programs like La Bienvenida and CASHE, it allowed me to find a community of students who looked like me which made attending WSU less intimidating.