University Honors Ambassador Program
The University Honors Ambassador Program is a competitive leadership opportunity for any Honors student who wishes to develop leadership, event management, and interpersonal skills. University Honors Ambassadors work with the Honors team to enhance student development through peer mentoring, conducting outreach for prospective Honors students, and coordinating extracurricular activities for Honors students.
Applications open spring quarter.
- Gain professional development skills
- Network with faculty, staff, and campus partners
- Help build a community of motivated and talented Honors students
- Become eligible for the Honors leadership scholarship up to $3000
- Be a current first-year, second-year, or third-year Honors student
- Minimum 3.300 cumulative GPA
- Be available to serve for the entire academic year
- Commit five to eight hours per week
- Attend and participate in mandatory trainings and meetings
- Develop and execute workshops or activities throughout the academic year
- Assist with and promote Honors-sponsored events and activities
- Support and mentor incoming University Honors students
- Provide ideas and feedback related to building the University Honors community
Student Ambassadors
Rahul Almeida
View More ►
Hi! My name is Rahul, and I'm a fourth-year biology major. I aspire to be a physician in the future and hope to also work in public health due to my interest in food insecurity. In my free time, I love playing basketball, badminton, reading books. Fun fact: I went to NYC for my 21st birthday! As a University Honors Ambassador, my main goal is to use my background and experiences to help you achieve your personal and professional goals in college. Looking forward to meeting all of you!
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Email: ralme008@ucr.edu
If you would like to meet an Honors Ambassador please fill out the following form.
Please note that all first year students are required to attend an ambassador hangout with any Honors Ambassador in fall quarter (only available weeks 2-8). Hangouts will take place via Zoom and the link to access each ambassador's meeting room is included in the form. Ambassador Hangouts are only open to First Year students.
Academic | Extra-Curricular |
---|---|
Major: Biology | On-Campus: Fit Heart Clinic President, Public Health Peer Outreach Lead @ The Well |
Year in Honors: Fourth Year | Off-Campus: "Food for Thought" program founder, "Food is Medicine" Social Medicine intern at Moreno Valley Community Health Center, SBFC |
Research: Capstone project on effects of food insecurity labeling on resource-seeking behavior in college students, public health research on effects of discrimination on hear disease risk factors, clinical research on effects of cannabis use on blood vessels (UCSF) | Interests: Basketball, badminton, travelling, eating, watching TikToks until 3:00 a.m. |
Career Goals: Physician (specifically a cardiologist working primarily with underserved communities) | Hometown: Pleasanton, CA |
Donna Arteaga Alvarez
View More ►
I am a transfer student, going into my fourth year, and majoring in psychology. I am also a student parent. I enjoy writing poetry, watching movies and anime, and playing mobile games. Two of my favorite games are Brawl Stars and AdoptMe. My career goal is to become a research scientist and a professor at a university. As a first-generation student, navigating through college was something new and overwhelming, so I sought out resources to help my find my way. Some programs which I am part of are TRIO and McNair Scholars Program.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
If you would like to meet an Honors Ambassador please fill out the following form.
Please note that all first year students are required to attend an ambassador hangout with any Honors Ambassador in fall quarter (only available weeks 2-8). Hangouts will take place via Zoom and the link to access each ambassador's meeting room is included in the form. Ambassador Hangouts are only open to First Year students.
Academic | Extra-Curricular |
---|---|
Major: Psychology | On-Campus: N/A |
Year in Honors: Fourth Year | Off-Campus: N/A |
Research: I am currently researching the effect implementing career readiness has on motivation and learning outcomes. | Interests: I like to write poetry, watch movies and anime, and play mobile games. |
Career Goals: I want to work as a research scientist and a university professor. | Hometown: Riverside, CA |
Sophia Barrows
View More ►
Hey! :) I'm Sophia and I'm a fourth-year bio major. I've been an Ambassador for two years now. I love plants, animals, insects, basically any living thing. I look forward to becoming a researcher in the future and potentially teaching biology. If you have any questions, I'd be excited to answer!
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Email: sbarr079@ucr.edu
If you would like to meet an Honors Ambassador please fill out the following form.
Please note that all first year students are required to attend an ambassador hangout with any Honors Ambassador in fall quarter (only available weeks 2-8). Hangouts will take place via Zoom and the link to access each ambassador's meeting room is included in the form. Ambassador Hangouts are only open to First Year students.
Academic | Extra-Curricular |
---|---|
Major: Biology |
On-Campus: Internship in Kate Ostevik's Lab |
Year in Honors: Fourth Year | Off-Campus: N/A |
Research: Evolutionary aspects in sunflower species | Interests: Walking, watching cartoons, jewelry shopping, and Halloween stores |
Career Goals: Researcher | Hometown: Chino Hills, CA |
Gennalyn Bongolan
View More ►
Hello! I'm Gennalyn, a second-year biology student and proud Filipino-American. My goal is to work in healthcare and make a positive impact in underserved and underrepresented communities. Outside of academics, I love playing video games, singing, playing the piano, and watching paranormal videos on YouTube. I'm also a big coffee enthusiast! I'm excited to share my experiences and support fellow students in navigating their college journey and discovering all the fantastic opportunities and resources UCR has to offer.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Email: gbong001@ucr.edu
If you would like to meet an Honors Ambassador please fill out the following form.
Please note that all first year students are required to attend an ambassador hangout with any Honors Ambassador in Fall quarter (only available weeks 2-8). Hangouts will take place via Zoom and the link to access each ambassador's meeting room is included in the form. Ambassador Hangouts are only open to First Year students.
Academic | Extra-Curricular |
---|---|
Major: Biology | On-Campus: Volunteer with Active Minds, Orientation Leader, Katipunan club member |
Year in Honors: Second Year | Off-Campus: N/A |
Research: Interested in ethnic and racial socialization |
Interests: Drawing, painting old furniture, listening to music, playing video games, trying new food spots, playing piano, karaoke for fun |
Career Goals: Offer direct, positive support to underserved communities and ethnic groups | Hometown: San Diego, CA |
Devang Deshpande
View More ►
My name is Devang, I am a 4th-year biology major, and I aspire to pursue a career in medicine. I enjoy the outdoors, playing sports, and reading in my free time. As an Honors Ambassador, I hope to be able to serve as a support system and guide student in subject areas related to University Honors.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Email: ddesh005@ucr.edu
If you would like to meet an Honors Ambassador please fill out the following form.
Please note that all first year students are required to attend an ambassador hangout with any Honors Ambassador in fall quarter (only available weeks 2-8). Hangouts will take place via Zoom and the link to access each ambassador's meeting room is included in the form. Ambassador Hangouts are only open to First Year students.
Academic | Extra-Curricular |
---|---|
Major: Biology | On-Campus: Research lab, healthcare oriented clubs |
Year in Honors: Third Year | Off-Campus: Volunteering/service organizations |
Research: Biomedical Science | Interests: Sports, outdoors, reading |
Career Goals: Healthcare or research | Hometown: Pleasanton, CA |
Jaylynn Lopez
View More ►
Greetings! My name is Jaylynn. I am in my third, and final, year of my undergraduate studies. This past summer, I began exploring the different avenues of majoring in political science, participating in UCCS and interning at CalGovOps. Over the course of this upcoming year, I will be involved in other opportunities related to my major and serving others. In my free time, I enjoy watching baseball games and spending time outdoors. I also love reading books in English and Spanish. I am looking forward to meeting my fellow Honors students and supporting them as their undergraduate journeys begin this year!
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Email: jlope698@ucr.edu
If you would like to meet an Honors Ambassador please fill out the following form.
Please note that all first year students are required to attend an ambassador hangout with any Honors Ambassador in fall quarter (only available weeks 2-8). Hangouts will take place via Zoom and the link to access each ambassador's meeting room is included in the form. Ambassador Hangouts are only open to First Year students.
Academic | Extra-Curricular |
---|---|
Major: Political Science/Public Service | On-Campus: MSIRA Fellow, McNair Scholar |
Year in Honors: Fourth Year | Off-Campus: UCCS alumna, CalGovOps internship, ICLS intership |
Research: A Document Analysis of Mental Health Programming in Public County and District Settings | Interests: Watching baseball, reading, clarinet, trying new recipes |
Career Goals: As I continue my education, my interests remain in expanding my knowledge and experience about the intersection of politics, policy, and education. Career-wise, I aim to pursue my passion: positively impacting children's lives. | Hometown: San Gabriel, CA |
Ally Phan
View More ►
Hi y'all! I'm Ally Phan, and I'm a current third-year student. I major in CMDB and have a minor in philosophy. I'm a fan of metaphysics. I'm a pre-med student, and I hope to go into psychiatry one day. Feel free to reach out to me about whatever you want, whether it's about pre-med stuff, getting into research, balancing school/personal life, or just to chat about life. I don't bite. In my free time, I like to thrift, read manga, and explore. My dream travel destination is Antarctica! Excited to meet you all!
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Email: aphan089@ucr.edu
If you would like to meet an Honors Ambassador please fill out the following form.
Please note that all first year students are required to attend an ambassador hangout with any Honors Ambassador in fall quarter (only available weeks 2-8). Hangouts will take place via Zoom and the link to access each ambassador's meeting room is included in the form. Ambassador Hangouts are only open to First Year students.
Academic | Extra-Curricular |
---|---|
Major: Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Biology | On-Campus: A Friend in Me president, Delta SIFY study events coordinator, Heinrich lab research volunteer |
Year in Honors: Third Year | Off-Campus: Hospice volunteering, Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement youth leader, 3rd-grade bible studies teacher |
Research: Epigenetic regulation (via methylation) of the VCAM-1 gene in Andean Highlanders | Interests: Philosophy, digital art, manga, thrifting, CD collecting |
Career Goals: Physician | Hometown: Orange, CA |
Tejal Prabhu
View More ►
My name is Tejal Prabhu, and I'm an incoming sophomore at UCR. I am pursuing a degree in psychology, a minor in law and society, and a pre-law pathway. I find fulfillment through volunteering (usually a tutor) and surrounding myself with the arts (painting and dance). I also enjoy collaborating and traveling with my teammates as a member of the UCR Mock Trial team. When I'm not attending club meetings or studying with friends, you can often find me at a local boba shop looking to try a new drink!
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Email: tprab006@ucr.edu
If you would like to meet an Honors Ambassador please fill out the following form.
Please note that all first year students are required to attend an ambassador hangout with any Honors Ambassador in fall quarter (only available weeks 2-8). Hangouts will take place via Zoom and the link to access each ambassador's meeting room is included in the form. Ambassador Hangouts are only open to First Year students.
Academic | Extra-Curricular |
---|---|
Major: Psychology | On-Campus: Mock Trial Executive board member and Civic Engagement Committee board member |
Year in Honors: Second Year | Off-Campus: Working as a boba barista! |
Research: Interested in researching patterns within the criminal justice system | Interests: Acrylic/oil painting |
Career Goals: Criminal defense lawyer | Hometown: Fremont, CA |
Alexandra Rochin
View More ►
Hi! I am Alexandra Rochin, I'm a double-major in education and political science, with a concentration in community leadership, policy, and social justice. I am interested in curriculum and instruction design and education policy. After graduation, I plan to get my master's degree and teaching credential, as I plan on becoming a middle school history teacher. After this experience, I am also interested in getting back into research and working in administration. Since I have always wanted to be a teacher, what motivates me to continue this path is having the opportunity to help students and families through education. A fun fact about me is if I didn't want to work in education, I would want to work in fashion as a costume designer.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Email: aroch040@ucr.edu
If you would like to meet an Honors Ambassador please fill out the following form.
Please note that all first year students are required to attend an ambassador hangout with any Honors Ambassador in fall quarter (only available weeks 2-8). Hangouts will take place via Zoom and the link to access each ambassador's meeting room is included in the form. Ambassador Hangouts are only open to First Year students.
Academic | Extra-Curricular |
---|---|
Major: Education, Political Science | On-Campus: Research, FIERCE fellow |
Year in Honors: Fourth Year | Off-Campus: Tutoring |
Research: A content analysis on the California Public High School History/Social Studies Curriculum development and themes. | Interests: Thrifting, sewing, journaling, volunteer, going to concerts |
Career Goals: Teaching, school administration | Hometown: San Bernardino, CA |
Rebecca Seanez
View More ►
Hello! I'm Rebecca Seanez, and I'm a third-year anthropology major. I enjoy learning about different cultures and backgrounds. In my free time, I love hanging out with my cats and I like to watch anime with my sister. I also like to bake and try new recipes. I hope to answer any questions you have about Honors and UCR.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Email: rsean002@ucr.edu
If you would like to meet an Honors Ambassador please fill out the following form.
Please note that all first year students are required to attend an ambassador hangout with any Honors Ambassador in fall quarter (only available weeks 2-8). Hangouts will take place via Zoom and the link to access each ambassador's meeting room is included in the form. Ambassador Hangouts are only open to First Year students.
Academic | Extra-Curricular |
---|---|
Major: Anthropology | On-Campus: N/A |
Year in Honors: Third Year | Off-Campus: Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor |
Research: Interested in forensic anthropology | Interests: Baking, watching anime, reading |
Career Goals: To find a career that interests me | Hometown: Victorville, CA |
Amanda Tafoya
View More ►
Hi! My name is Amanda Tafoya, but I go by just Tafoya. I am a second-year psychology major. I am currently looking into research labs I can participate in and minoring in medical and health humanities. I am Latina and from the LA area, where I lived my whole life. During my free time, I enjoy watching sports, exercising, hanging out with friends and family, trying new coffee orders, reading, and listening to music. After getting my bachelor's degree at UCR, I plan to enroll in a graduate program for a Ph.D. in clinical Psychology and work as a clinical psychologist in a hospital.
Pronouns: She/They
Email: atafo010@ucr.edu
If you would like to meet an Honors Ambassador please fill out the following form.
Please note that all first year students are required to attend an ambassador hangout with any Honors Ambassador in fall quarter (only available weeks 2-8). Hangouts will take place via Zoom and the link to access each ambassador's meeting room is included in the form. Ambassador Hangouts are only open to First Year students.
Academic | Extra-Curricular |
---|---|
Major: Psychology | On-Campus: Fight for Autism and Psi Chi club member and Contract Service Representative at UCR Housing Services |
Year in Honors: Second Year | Off-Campus: Project L.E.A.D leader |
Research: Interested in psychology research | Interests: Watching sports, exercising, hanging out with friends and family, trying new coffee orders, reading and listening to music |
Career Goals: Clinical psychologist | Hometown: Santa Fe Springs, CA |
Anabelle Tran
View More ►
Hi! My name is Anabelle, and I'm a second-year psychology major. I hope to go to graduate school and become a clinical psychologist with a focus in both teens and young adults. Outside of school, I spend time reading, baking, and knitting. I am also a huge 49ers fan!
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Email: atran478@ucr.edu
If you would like to meet an Honors Ambassador please fill out the following form.
Please note that all first year students are required to attend an ambassador hangout with any Honors Ambassador in fall quarter (only available weeks 2-8). Hangouts will take place via Zoom and the link to access each ambassador's meeting room is included in the form. Ambassador Hangouts are only open to First Year students.
Academic | Extra-Curricular |
---|---|
Major: Psychology | On-Campus: Mentor for Psi Chi |
Year in Honors: Second Year | Off-Campus: N/A |
Research: Interested in the effects of technology on children's development | Interests: Baking, knitting, reading, 49ers fan |
Career Goals: Clinical psychologist | Hometown: San Jose, CA |
Alexa Zelaya
View More ►
Hi everyone! My name is Alexa Zelaya, and I am a third-year psychology major. I aim to receive a Ph.D. in developmental psychology and pursue a career in research. I am involved in research on campus, as well as clubs that align with my interests! As an Ambassador, my goal is to support you through University Honors and the beginning of a degree at UCR! I want to help you take advantage of as many opportunities as you can on campus and around the community and I hope to be an accessible resource for you, as well. I can't wait to meet you all.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Email: azela009@ucr.edu
If you would like to meet an Honors Ambassador please fill out the following form.
Please note that all first year students are required to attend an ambassador hangout with any Honors Ambassador in fall quarter (only available weeks 2-8). Hangouts will take place via Zoom and the link to access each ambassador's meeting room is included in the form. Ambassador Hangouts are only open to First Year students.
Academic | Extra-Curricular |
---|---|
Major: Psychology | On-Campus: RA in the KIND Lab, Ad Lab, & the RSSC Lab. Psi Chi Co-Coordinator/Mentor, R'Brains & Behavior Social Media Committee, PERIOD@UCR Service Committee, Peer Educator @ CHASS F1RST, Academic Affairs @ ASUCR, CRF, MentorCollective |
Year in Honors: Third Year | Off-Campus: Crisis Text Line counselor |
Research: Does proximity to warehouses influence Latinx children's emotions and perceptions of climate change? | Interests: Video games, collecting stickers/plushies, music, reading |
Career Goals: Research in developmental psychology | Hometown: Fontana, CA |
Christina Zhu
View More ►
Hi! I'm Christina Zhu, and I'm a fourth-year biology major. I aspire to be a physician and researcher, and I'm passionate about treatments that improve the quality of life for individuals. I love spending time with my family and friends, drawing, listening to music, and going to the gym. As an Ambassador, I look forward to helping you navigate and make the most of UCR and University Honors. I can't wait to meet you all!
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Email: czhu053@ucr.edu
If you would like to meet an Honors Ambassador please fill out the following form.
Please note that all first year students are required to attend an ambassador hangout with any Honors Ambassador in fall quarter (only available weeks 2-8). Hangouts will take place via Zoom and the link to access each ambassador's meeting room is included in the form. Ambassador Hangouts are only open to First Year students.
Academic | Extra-Curricular |
---|---|
Major: Biology | On-Campus: University Honors Co-Chief Ambassador, Student Assistant and Research Paper Editor for UCR professor, Dr. Keogh |
Year in Honors: Fourth Year | Off-Campus: Research Assistant at Feng Lab and Ferrero Lab at UCSF, Medical Assistant at Dr. Wu's Clinic, UCSF Pediatric Stroke Research Group Volunteer, Crisis Text Line Counselor |
Research: Investigating neonatal hypoxia-ischemia; investigating gene expression mechanisms in bladder and prostate cancer using animal models | Interests: Drawing, violin/piano, reading, listening to music, going to the gym |
Career Goals: Physician | Hometown: San Francisco, CA |