Meet the 2008-2009 Ambassadors

Andrea Andrews
Andrea Andrews is a senior, from Lake Butler, Florida. She is majoring in Family, Youth and Community Sciences and seeking minors in Leadership, Education and Non Profits. Currently Andrea serves as the Finance and Fundraising Committee Chair for Florida Farm Bureau Collegiate Chapter at the University of Florida, as well as an active Union County Farm Bureau board member. Andrea also served as the 2005-2006 Florida FFA Area II State Vice-President.  After graduation Andrea plans on working in public relations within the agriculture industry.

Simara Ayala
Simara Ayala is a senior from Atlanta, Georgis, majoring in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences with concentrations in African American Studies and Organizational Leadership for Non-Profits.She aspires to effect change among the youth of America through effective communication, counseling, and education. Simara is the Chapter Liaison and Chaplain for the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., The treasurer for the Christian Student Association, on the planning committee for the 2009 Black Student Leadership Conference, a member of SISTUHS, Inc., and volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters. After graduating, she intends on volunteering with Hope Worldwide Youth Corps or Americorps prior to graduate school.

Lillie Emmelhainz
Lillie Emmelhainz is a Junior from Lake Butler, Florida and a recent transfer student from Lake City Community College where she received her Associates of Arts degree as a high school student. She is majoring in Biology and hopes to one day attend medical school to fulfill her dream of becoming a surgeon. Lillie enjoys mission work in her community, has recently attended a mission trip to Jamaica, and would love to complete medical missions abroad after completing medical school. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, has represented her community as the Strawberry Princess, and plays the piano. For three years Lillie served on an advisory council to the office of the Governor on the issue concerning drug and alcohol consumption among teenagers.

Kenny Etienne
Kenny Etienne is a 21 year old junior majoring in Family, Youth and Community Sciences. Kenny is from Coral Springs, Florida and is a transfer student from Santa Fe Community College.  While at SFCC Kenny served as Student Body President for the 07-08 academic school year. Before SFCC Kenny spent two years volunteering with maximum risk juvenile inmates in the IMPACT program; in which inmates were taught to train Seeing Eye dogs for the blind. After graduation Kenny plans to go to law school and eventually become a youth counselor. Kenny loves to meet new people and helping others is his passion.

Katie Faber
Katie is a senior from Orlando, Florida, majoring in Food Science and Human Nutrition, with a specialization in Dietetics. She is actively involved in her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, where she currently serves as the chapter’s VP Pan-Hellenic Delegate. She is also an active member of Order of Omega Honor Society. In the fall, she plans to work as a patient care assistant at Shands, which she hopes will prepare her for Physician’s Assistant school. After obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree, she will complete an internship to receive a Registered Dietician license, then go on to pursue her career as a PA.


Andrew Fells
Andrew John Fells is currently a senior from Sebring, Florida, majoring in Agricultural Operations Management with a specialization in Technical Sales.  Andrew is actively involved in the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, Florida Citrus Growers Association and Grace Bible Church of Sebring.  In recent years, Andrew has been involved with the Senate Page program, and a member of the Judicial Committee for Florida Gulf Coast University.  Andrew is serving his second term as a CALS Ambassador.



Stephanie Floyd
Stephanie Floyd is a junior from Lake Butler, Florida, majoring in Animal Sciences with specialization in Animal Biology. After completing undergraduate studies, she plans to attend Dental School and later focus on Oral Surgery.  Before transferring to the University of Florida, Stephanie completed her Associates Degree at Lake City Community College as a dual-enrolled student.  Stephanie is actively involved in her church, Harmony Freewill Baptist Church, where she leads Junior's Church and contributes to special music. Stephanie also works part-time at the Union County Public Library in Lake Butler, where she entertains the opportunity to serve others on a daily basis.

Crystal Hale
Crystal Hale is a Junior and transfer student from Santa Fe Community College. Crystal is from Alachua, Florida, majoring in Animal Sciences with a minor in Agricultural Communications, with hopes of attending veterinary school. Crystal served the Florida Cattlemen's Association as the 2006-2007 FCA Sweetheart. She is actively involved in the Alachua County Cattlemen's Association, Block and Bridle, Florida Cattlemen's Association, and the Alachua County Youth Fair and Livestock Show.  Also as co-owner of a Commercial Cow-Calf Operation in North Alachua County, she works to help maintain the operations.


Stacey Halse
Stacey is a senior from Coconut Creek, Florida, majoring in Animal Sciences with a specialization in Animal Biology. Stacey serves as the Chancellor of Alpha Zeta and is also a member of the pre-veterinary medicine club. She works part time as a pharmacy technician at the UF Veterinary Hospital and as a lab associate on a project related to glycogen storage disease. Stacey is a volunteer at the Equine Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at UF's Large Animal Hospital. She plans to one day pursue a career in veterinary medicine internationally or in equine medicine.



Becca Hamilton
Becca Hamilton is a junior from Riverview, Florida, majoring in Food and Resource Economics. Becca is actively involved in Collegiate Farm Bureau, Gator Collegiate Cattlewomen, Ag Econ Club and Block & Bridle. Prior to attending college, Becca served as the 2005-2006 State FFA Vice President. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in Agricultural Policy or International trade with the ultimate goal of serving as a state legislator.

Mindy Hanson
Mindy Nichole Hanson is a senior from Bonifay, Florida, majoring in Food Science and Human Nutrition, with plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a Pediatrician. Mindy is actively involved in the American Medical Student Association, and is employed at Shands Hospital, where she hopes to gain the experience needed in patient services that will aid her with her future plans. The past two summers, Mindy has traveled to Honduras with her church on medical mission trips where she has had the opportunity to work hand in hand with many different physicians and experience different cultures.


Kristen Kovalsky
Kristen Kovalsky is a junior from Winter Springs, Florida majoring in Food and Resource Economics with a specialization in Agribusiness Marketing and Management and a minor in Agricultural Communication.  She is actively involved in the National Student Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) Team, Alpha Zeta, American Agricultural Economics Association Quiz Bowl, and the Agricultural Economics Club.  Kristin recently participated in the National NAMA Competition and returned with the group as the National Champions.  As a CALS Ambassador, Kristen enjoys helping students find a field of study they are passionate about.


Maggie Lanigan
Maggie Lanigan is a senior from Inverness, Florida, majoring in Agricultural and Biological Engineering with a minor in Plant Sciences.  Maggie is the President of the student branch of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) and a second year member of ASABE’s Fountain Wars engineering design team.  She is also a sister and the Immediate Past President of Phi Sigma Rho Social Engineering Sorority, a distinguished member of Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, and a member and scholarship recipient of Gamma Sigma Delta Agricultural Honor Society.  Upon graduation Maggie would like to become a field engineer for the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service where is she is currently employed as an engineering technician. 

Bernie Lefils
Bernie LeFils is a sophomore from Deltona, Florida, majoring in Agricultural Education.  Bernie is the Vice Noble Ruler of Recruitment for his fraternity, Alpha Gamma Rho.  He serves as president of the Block and Bridle Club and Collegiate Florida Farm Bureau.  He is also an active member of Collegiate FFA, the Florida Cattleman’s Association and Golden Key International Honors Society. Bernie plans on increasing awareness of agriculture as well as opportunities available to students in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

Venessa Longobardi
Venessa Longobardi is a senior from Clearwater, Florida, majoring in Animal Sciences with a specialization in Animal Biology and a minor in Leadership.  Venessa is actively involved in The Pre-Veterinary Medicine Club. She is a volunteer in the Equine Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the University of Florida’s Large Animal Hospital. She also volunteers at Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary and the Swine Teaching Unit.  Venessa has participated in a study abroad program in Italy where she studied food agriculture and learned more about her family's culture. After completing her bachelor degree this spring, Venessa will begin working on her Master's of Public Health and complete it while she attends Veterinary School. She hopes to one day travel the world practicing veterinary medicine on zoological and large animals.

Megan Magee
Megan Magee is a senior from Palm City, Florida, majoring in Entomology and Nematology. Megan is an active officer for the undergraduate Entomology Club and plays on the University of Florida's Women's Club Ultimate Frisbee team. During the summer months Megan participates in various public outreach programs through the entomology department, as well as, a rapid species identification project at one of Alachua County’s newest land acquirements. In the fall, Megan will also be participating in "Women Build", a Habitat for Humanity program.

Averial McKenzie
Averial McKenzie is currently a junior and recent transfer student from Santa Fe Community College, from Ft. Lauderdale, majoring in Food and Resource Economics with a specialization in Marketing and Management.  Averial served as Santa Fe 2007-2008 Student Body Judicial Secretary and Black Student Union President.

Viviana Medina
Viviana Medina is a junior from Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, majoring in Environmental Sciences with a minor in Agricultural and Natural Resources Law as well as Agriculture and Natural Resource Law Ethics and Policy. Viviana has also participated in many student organizations such as Sabor Latino Dance Team, UEPA (Union de Estudiantes Puertorriqueos Activos) and is an active member of the Honors Agricultural Fraternity Alpha Zeta. Last year, she visited Honduras where she worked closely with locals in several agricultural and environmental activities sponsored by Zamorano University. She has also studied abroad in a ten week program hosted by the Zamorano University at Honduras.  During the summer Viviana worked as a research assistant to Dr. Wang at the Boyle Thompson Research University at Cornell University.   After graduation she plans to join the Peace Corps and make a difference in any developing community she is placed.

Keri Milligan
Keri Milligan is a junior from Middleburg, Florida, majoring in Agricultural Education and Communication with a minor in Horticulture. She is on the Baptist Collegiate Ministries Leadership Team and is the Co-Leader of the Baptist Collegiate Ministries drama team. Keri is actively involved in Collegiate FFA and Alpha Tau Alpha.  After graduation she hopes to become an Agricultural Educator in North Florida. As a CALS ambassador, Keri plans to inform future gators, as well as current CALS students about the opportunities the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences has to offer.

Kelly Monahan
Kelly Monaghan is a senior from New Port Richey, FL, majoring in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences with minors in Education, Organizational Leadership, and Working with Non-Profit Organizations. Kelly is currently involved in the Family, Youth and Community Sciences Club serving as president and spends time tutoring at PACE Center for Girls each week. This past summer Kelly participated in a study abroad program to Nicaragua where she volunteered for various non-profit organizations.



Jena Newsom
Jena Newsom is a senior from Ponce de Leon, Florida, majoring in Animal Biology with a minor in Entrepreneurship. Jena is involved in the Pre-Vet Club.  Jena gained most of her animal experience while working as a Veterinary Technician with veterinarians from her hometown.  She assisted in several surgical and emergency situations along with daily routine situations, which fueled her desire to become more active in the Animal Sciences field.  She enjoys doing volunteer work as often as possible.  After graduating, Jena hopes to open her own Veterinary clinic as well as an adoption/rehabilitation center for homeless pets.


Brady Revels
Brady Revels is a junior from Bushnell, Florida, majoring in Agricultural Education and Communication with a minor in Leadership and Agricultural Law.  Brady is actively involved in Collegiate FFA, Dairy Science Club and Alpha Tau Alpha.  Before coming to UF, Brady served as the 2005-2006 Florida FFA State President, and is currently the 2007-2008 Southern Region Vice President National FFA Officer.  Brady plans on being involved in increasing awareness of the agricultural industry as well as opportunities available to students in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.  His career goal is to serve as an advocate for the agricultural industry in the areas of government and policy.


Hank Rieder
Hank Rieder is a senior from Key Largo, Florida, majoring in Animal Sciences with a specialization in Animal Biology.  He plans to attend veterinary school after completion of his undergraduate studies.  Hank is actively involved with the Alpha Zeta Honorary Fraternity, the Pre-Veterinary Medicine Club, the Dean of Students Office’s First-Year Florida Program, and the Trianon Chapter of the Mortar Board National College Senior Honor Society.  He volunteers frequently at the American Cancer Society’s Winn-Dixie Hope Lodge. Hank serves as the Monkey/Primate Care Technician for the College of Pharmacy/Department of Medicinal Chemistry research laboratory studying iron overload diseases.  You can also find him over at the College Veterinary Medicine working as a student aid in the Glycogen Storage Disease Program.  As an Ambassador, Hank hopes to become a true asset to the College by serving as an effective resource and advocate to all audiences across the state and nation.

Melissa Short
Melissa Short is a sophomore from Alachua, Florida majoring in Food and Resource Economics with a specialization in Agribusiness Marketing and Management.  She plans to minor in Agriculture and Natural Resource Law.  Melissa currently maintains a 4.0 GPA.  She is also the parliamentarian of the Agricultural Economics Club and works part time for her family business.

Sabrina Solorzano
Sabrina is a senior from Miami, Florida, majoring in biology, planning to attend medical school upon completion of her undergraduate studies. She is a member of Friends For Life, Premedical AMSA, and is also actively involved in Catholic Student Fellowship at St. Augustine's Catholic Church. Sabrina takes pride in contributing her time to research at an otolaryngology research lab at Shands and looks forward to assuming her own study project this year.



Chanelle Strammer
Chanelle is a senior from Nokomis, Florida majoring in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences with minors in Leadership, Nonprofit Organization, and Teaching English as a Second Language.  Last academic year she was a founding member and leader of two new student organizations on campus, Gators for HIV Education (GHIVE) and Camp Kesem at UF.  Chanelle is looking forward to taking part in VISA (Volunteers for International Student Affairs) and GatorMUN (Gator Model United Nations) as well as continuing to tutor international students in English.  She is actively involved at UF's English Language Institute.  After graduating, Chanelle anticipates pursuing her interests in foreign diplomacy and Middle Eastern relations.


Amie Taylor
Amie Taylor is a senior from Alachua, Florida, dual-majoring in Agricultural Education and Communication and Animal Science with a specialization in the Beef Cattle Industry. Amie serves as the President of Collegiate FFA, and is actively involved in the Alachua County Cattlewoman's Association, the Alachua County Youth Fair and Livestock Show Association, and volunteers for the School Board of Alachua County. Additionally, Amie currently co-owns and manages her family’s small registered Angus herd of cattle outside of Alachua. Amie hopes to raise agricultural awareness as an Ambassador as well as show how IFAS and CALS work to educate and serve the citizens of Florida.  Amie will be student teaching in the spring at Williston High School.

Morgan Taylor
Morgan Taylor is a junior from Sebring, Florida, majoring in Agricultural Education and Communication with a specialization in Communications.  Morgan has served as the Alumni Relations Chair and New Member Educator for her sorority, Sigma Alpha.  She has also served as Treasurer for Agricultural Communicators and Leaders of Tomorrow (ACLT).  She currently serves as the President for ACLT, is a member of Alpha Tau Alpha honor society, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  Morgan served as a summer intern in Congressman Adam Putnam’s Washington D.C. office and upon graduation plans to continue to work promoting Agriculture.

Brett Thomas
Brett Thomas is a senior from Tallahassee, Florida, majoring in Food Science and Human Nutrition with a specialization in Nutritional Sciences and a minor in Spanish.  Brett is currently the Lab Manager of the Behavioral Medicine Research under Principle Investigator and Distinguished Alumni Professor, Dr. Carolyn Tucker.  In this capacity he investigates cultural sensitivity in health care. He is also actively involved in Minority Association of Pre-Health Students, the Greek Judicial Board through the Dean of Students Office, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. This past summer Brett studied abroad in Seville, Spain where he improved his proficiency in the Spanish Language and had the opportunity to examine the health care system there. His short and long term goals include enlightening future students about the immense services CALS encompasses and also become a pediatrician.

Matthew Vann
Matthew Vann is a senior from Mayo, Florida majoring in Environmental Management in Agriculture and Natural Resources with a minor in Soil and Water Science.   Matthew is currently a member of the Agronomy and Soils Club where he is the student agricultural gardens manager and a member of the Quiz Bowl team.  Matthew is also in the CALS Honors Program and a Golden Opportunity Scholar with the Students of Agronomy, Soils, and Environmental Sciences organization. He also serves as the Agronomy and Soils Club's representatiove to the Agirultural and Life Sceinces College Council. He plans to persue a master's degree in Agronmy and would eventually like to farm and work to help shape agriculture policy as an elected official. Matthew is an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Mayo.

AuVian Williams
AuVián Williams is a senior from Lawrenceville, Georgia majoring in Animal Sciences with a specialization in Animal Biology and a minor in Zoology and aspires to become a veterinarian. AuVián is currently involved in the Pre-Veterinary Medicine Club, Beta Eta Sigma Honors Society, and the service chair of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Over the summer, AuVián participated in a study abroad program in San Ignacio, Belize where she studied health and disease in large and exotic animals. In the fall, AuVián plans to volunteer with the Chemistry Outreach Program to help facilitate an interest in science among elementary students of Alachua County. 

ArNelle Wright
ArNelle Wright is a senior from Winter Haven, Florida majoring in Food Science and Human nutrition with a specialization in Nutritional sciences and aspires to become a dentist. ArNelle currently serves as the Parliamentarian of the Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and she is also actively involved in the Pre-Dental American Student Dental Association and church activities. ArNelle enjoys singing, dancing, listening to music, and playing sports. Over the summer ArNelle participated in the Summer of Learning Program sponsored by the UF College of Dentistry, and plans to help out with the program in the future.