Student Ambassadors
Meet UC College of Nursing's student ambassadors. This select group of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students represent the college at various events and in other ways throughout the academic year.
Marc Albesa, '23
Hometown: Manila, Philippines
Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because I found that it has a great nursing program. In addition, I fell in love with the school environment during my first tour of the university. The students and staff here are awesome!
What are your career goals?
I plan to work in a med-surge or intensive care unit for a couple years before I start working as a travel nurse. Then, I would like to become a nurse practitioner and open my own practice.
What are three words that describe you?
Charismatic, kind, encouraging
What is a fun fact about you?
I didn't eat pizza until I was 18.
Jordyn Bailey, '26
Hometown: Toledo, Ohio
Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because they affirmed that they would collaborate with me to achieve my academic, personal, and career goals.
What are your career goals?
I am planning on working in a hospital's ICU or emergency room following college, pursue travel nursing for a little bit, and then go back to school to become a Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
What are three words that describe you?
Genuine, conscientious, open-minded
What is a fun fact about you?
I'm left-handed!
Elise Baughman, '24
Hometown: Munroe Falls, Ohio
Why did you choose UC?
I choose UC because I loved their commitment to seeing nurses as leaders. Throughout high school, my leadership roles shaped who I was and I wanted that to continue into college. Also, I want to work in pediatrics, so going to clinical at the No. 3 children's hospital in the nation is very exciting to me! Additionally, having so many of my clinical sites near campus made getting to clinical more convenient.
What are your career goals?
I am still figuring out what floor I want to work on through my ongoing clinical experience; however, I want to work at a pediatric hospital where I can get to know my patients and see them through their ups and downs. Later on, I really want to earn my DNP.
What are three words that describe you?
Loving, reliable, hardworking
What is a fun fact about you?
I competed in two dance competitions again the "Dance Moms" and was seen in some of the background shots for those episodes!
Sydney Berberick, '24
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because I felt so confident in the nursing program and its ability to develop me into the best nurse I can be. After touring the college and meeting a few of the faculty members, I felt that I would be supported and cared for throughout my time in the program. UC has given me so many experiences and opportunities; I know I made the perfect choice.
What are your career goals?
My career goals after graduation include working in an intensive care unit at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, being a travel nurse and, further down the road, being an orthopedic intensive care unit nurse at Shriners Hospitals for Children.
What are three words that describe you?
Encouraging, kind, motivated
What is a fun fact about you?
I love to crochet!
Sarah Bussard, '24
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because the nursing program is one of the best in the country.
What are your career goals?
I would like to be a travel nurse and, later, attend graduate school to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
What are three words that describe you?
Supportive, determined, goal-oriented
What is a fun fact about you?
I traveled to Greece and Italy with my best friend.
Danielle Cheff, '24
Hometown: Wadsworth, Ohio
Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because the College of Nursing offers so many amazing opportunities that other nursing schools cannot provide. Between the high-quality classes, numerous hospitals near campus and the direct-admission process, the choice was clear!
What are your career goals?
After graduation, I would love to work in pediatrics and I plan on becoming a traveling pediatric nurse after gaining a few years of experience. Eventually, I want to go back to school to become a pediatric nurse practitioner.
What are three words that describe you?
Determined, kind-hearted, ambitious
What is a fun fact about you?
I have family members who went to UC!
Gabrielle Cole, '25
Hometown: Cheshire, Connecticut
Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because of the College of Nursing, location, and atmosphere. The school is able to offer various opportunities to help me excel as a student and prepare me for my future!
What are your career goals?
My future career goals include working in intensive care, travel nursing, and eventually going back to school to become a nurse practitioner!
What are three words that describe you?
Trustworthy, kind, reliable
What is a fun fact about you?
I transferred to UC my sophomore year!
Kate Falkner, '24
Hometown: Columbus, Indiana
Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because it is a big school with a small-school feel. It isn't too far from home and the nursing program is top ranked in the nation with a ton of resources to help me become successful as a nurse.
What are your career goals?
After graduation, I hope to become a travel nurse and then potentially go back to school to become a nurse practitioner.
What are three words that describe you?
Outgoing, passionate, dependable
What is a fun fact about you?
I was born in Cincinnati.
Theresa Ferdiny, '23
Hometown: Dayton, Ohio
Why did you choose UC?
I loved all the opportunities that UC offered, not only in the College of Nursing, but also outside of the classroom with the beautiful campus and amazing extracurriculars!
What are your career goals?
My ultimate goal is to deliver health care to those in underpriviledged communities throughout the world! I really want to travel and help in places where it's needed.
What are three words that describe you?
Loving, helpful, cheerful
What is a fun fact about you?
I'm left-handed! For some reason, that always shocks people when they find out.
Ashley Gabhart, '23
Hometown: Loogootee, Indiana
Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC for their direct admit program and the certainty it provided in achieving my career goals of becoming a nurse. UC was my top choice because of how well-ranked the College of Nursing is nationally. I knew this university would provide me with a well-rounded and immersive education that would stand out on a resume.
What are your career goals?
Following graduation, I plan to work in a NICU to acquire the minimum mandatory experience to then apply to graduate school. I plan to get my Master of Science in Nursing through an Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) program to become a practitioner in either in a NICU or skin aesthetics.
What are three words that describe you?
Strong-willed, passionate, ambitious
What is a fun fact about you?
I have an interest in real estate. I am currently managing two house flips in the Northern Kentucky area. I am also currently enrolled in a real estate program to get my real estate license!
Ashley Gilliland, '24
Hometown: Mason, Ohio
Why did you choose UC?
UC's nursing program really impressed me. I trust UC to prepare me the best for my future career in nursing because of how much the professors prioritize student learning and success.
What are your career goals?
After graduation, I want to continue school to become a nurse practitioner.
What are three words that describe you?
Dedicated, compassionate, strong
What is a fun fact about you?
I am training for a triathlon.
Zoë Hardaway, '23
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana
Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because I loved the atmosphere when I first stepped foot on this campus! The staff and students were incredibly friendly and helpful.
What are your career goals?
I want to work in an emergency department and eventually become a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP).
What are three words that describe you?
Zealous, motivated, open-minded
What is a fun fact about you?
I have eaten crickets before. (P.S., They are good.)
Gabrielle Iordache, '24
Hometown: Princeton, New Jersey
Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because I wanted to experience a different environment than what I was used to.
What are your career goals?
After graduation, I want to go to graduate school to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
What are three words that describe you?
Hard-working, positive, generous
What is a fun fact about you?
I am a nationally certified EMT.
Anna Judy, '24
Hometown: Noblesville, Indiana
Why did you choose UC?
UC felt like home as soon as I stepped on campus for my tour. I love the urban setting with so much to do, the nursing program, and the close community that UC has.
What are your career goals?
I would like to work in a surgical ICU and then go back to school to become a CRNA.
What are three words that describe you?
Outgoing, ambitious, caring
What is a fun fact about you?
I am a triplet!
Kursten Jones, '23
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because it was close to home and had so many opportunities in regards to local hospitals.
What are your career goals?
I am not sure which nursing specialty I am interested in, but I know I would like to spend time at the bedside in an inner-city hospital.
What are three words that describe you?
Patient, kind, smart
What is a fun fact about you?
I traveled to Atlanta and visited the Coca-Cola museum where I tried different sodas from all over the world.
Allie Klimkowski, '23
Hometown: Centerville, Ohio
Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because of the amazing network of hospitals that are in our own backyard! UC's academics are some of the best and the city atmosphere makes it an amazing place to go to college!
What are your career goals?
I plan to be a labor and delivery nurse and then eventually go back to school to get my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree!
What are three words that describe you?
Kind, hard-working, energetic
What is a fun fact about you?
I used to play D1 soccer at Xavier University!
Zion Kyle Lascano, '23
Hometown: St. Mary's, Ohio
Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because of its location. Growing up, I was always immersed in the bustling milieu of Manila, Philippines, but after moving to the U.S., I lived in the rural areas of Ohio. I longed for the urban jungles that I was familiar with, so when I chose my college, I chose to attend one located in the Queen City: University of Cincinnati.
What are your career goals?
After graduation, I plan on entering the field as a registered nurse to gather knowledge and experience. Once I feel confident enough in my skills, I plan on exploring the U.S. as a travel nurse.
What are three words that describe you?
Adventurous, open-minded, curious
What is a fun fact about you?
I can shape my tongue into a three-leaf clover.
Elisse Martin, '25
Hometown: Downers Grove, Illinois
Why did you choose UC?
I love the bearcat school spirit that UC fosters and the amazing nursing program!
What are your career goals?
After I graduate with my BSN, I want to become a pediatric ER nurse and go back to school for my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
What are three words that describe you?
Bubbly, energetic, kind-hearted
What is a fun fact about you?
I speak fluent French!
Kate McCauley, '24
Hometown: Lewis Center, Ohio
Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because of its direct-admit nursing program. I liked how close this school is to my hometown. I love the atmosphere of this school and fell in love with all the opportunities this school provides.
What are your career goals?
I hope to become a pediatric or neonatal nurse practitioner. I also hope to explore the opportunities that travel nursing provides.
What are three words that describe you?
Determined, goal-oriented, outgoing
What is a fun fact about you?
I have two different colored eyes.
Addie Masters, '24
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because I love the campus and being close to the city. I also love the nursing program and how many opportunities they have. I think it is a great place especially for nursing!
What are your career goals?
My career goals are to graduate with my BSN and then work in an ICU for a couple years to establish myself as a nurse. I then want to return to school to become a CRNA!
What are three words that describe you?
Driven, caring, compassionate
What is a fun fact about you?
I am the first in my family to go to UC and the first to go into nursing!
Emily Mechley, '25
Hometown: West Chester, Ohio
Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because it is close to home and their highly-ranked nursing program was hard to pass up!
What are your career goals?
My goal is to graduate with my BSN and eventually work on the antepartum/postpartum floor or in the NICU!
What are three words that describe you?
Spontaneous, ambitious, compassionate
What is a fun fact about you?
I have two different colored eyes!
Megan Morgan, '25
Hometown: Lewis Center, Ohio
Why did you choose UC?
UC campus was a perfect size and aesthetic for me, it has always felt comfortable to me. I also love how proud every student here is to be a bearcat.
What are your career goals?
My career goals are to become a travel nurse followed by being a labor and delivery, or surgical nurse. I would potentially love to become a NP in one of those specialties.
What are three words that describe you?
Resilient, determined, intentional
What is a fun fact about you?
I am a soon-to-be certified yoga instructor and I have three dogs!
Julia Munday, '26
Hometown: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Why did you choose UC?
UC has an incredible nursing program, and there are so many career-based opportunities for me here!
What are your career goals?
I would love to have my DNP with a NICU or PICU specialization in the future!
What are three words that describe you?
Outgoing, inclusive, friendly
What is a fun fact about you?
I once sneezed nine times in a row!
Olivia Olivero, '24
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Why did you choose UC?
II choose UC because the College of Nursing is ranked as one of the top in the nation. It also offers amazing opportunities such as the direct admission program, the numerous hospitals within walking distance and the lively environment on campus.
What are your career goals?
After I graduate in 2024, I plan to work on an Intensive Care Unit for two years and then go back to school to get my DNP in Nurse Anesthesia.
What are three words that describe you?
Hard-working, organized, approachable
What is a fun fact about you?
I hate cheese!
Anne Patel, '25
Hometown: Sandusky, Ohio
Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because I was a direct admit. Also, chose UC because the nursing program is one of the best in the state and offers opportunities like co-op.
What are your career goals?
I want to earn my Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and become a nurse practitioner.
What are three words that describe you?
Caring, hardworking, thoughtful
What is a fun fact about you?
I used to be a Starbucks barista!
Emily Plummer, '23
Hometown: Mason, Ohio
Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because I love how inclusive the College of Nursing is and the great hospitals I can learn at for my clinicals!
What are your career goals?
I would like to pursue critical care and eventually become a nurse practitioner.
What are three words that describe you?
Friendly, open-minded, adventurous
What is a fun fact about you?
My favorite animal is the snail!
Parker Rabe, '23
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Why did you choose UC?
UC is the perfect fit for me. I love the feeling of it being a larger campus and having sporting events to attend. Also that UC has the direct-admit nursing program was a was a big reason.
What are your career goals?
After graduation, I hope to work in critical care for two years and then go back to school to become a nurse anesthetist.
What are three words that describe you?
Kind, hardworking, compassionate
What is a fun fact about you?
I absolutely love pumpkin anything.
Sylvia Reynolds, '24
Hometown: Wadsworth, Ohio
Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because I loved the campus and the College of Nursing. The fact that the program directly admits students and the college's close proximity to hospitals are what made UC stand out to me.
What are your career goals?
In the future, I hope to work as an RN in an emergency department. After a couple years, I want to become a travel nurse.
What are three worlds that describe you?
Hard-working, positive, gregarious
What is a fun fact about you?
I am going on a cross-country trip this upcoming summer.
Rey Riggins, '23
Hometown: West Chester, Ohio
Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because it's close to home and it's a place with which I was familiar. I love the atmosphere of the campus.
What are your career goals?
My goal is to become a psychiatric nurse and eventually go back to school to become a nurse practitioner.
What are three words that describe you?
Creative, easy-going, introverted
What is a fun fact about you?
I don't have a middle name.
Libby Rismiller, '23
Hometown: Westfield, Indiana
Why did you choose UC?
I chose to go to UC because I loved everything it has to offer. The variety of hospitals within walking distance is incredible and I fell in love with the city as a whole.
What are your career goals?
After graduation, I want to become a pediatric oncology nurse and maybe move out west.
What are three words that describe you?
Energetic, optimistic, compassionate
What is a fun fact about you?
I currently have chickens in my backyard at home.
Alicia Shepard, '23
Hometown: Wadsworth, Ohio
Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because I liked how nationally known the program is and the great hospitals nearby.
What are your career goals?
I hope to become a pediatric nurse and work in an emergency department or operating room. Eventually, I want to become a nurse practitioner.
What are three words that describe you?
Compassionate, hardworking, intelligent
What is a fun fact about you?
I have dual citizenship.
Ashton Smith, '25
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Why did you choose UC?
I choose UC to pursue an education in nursing for the value UC's College of Nursing places on diversity, the extremely high quality of education and national ranking in its undergrad nursing program, the vast opportunities UC's College of Nursing offers in furthering education through the multiple graduate programs that run alongside its undergrad program, and for its vision statement that I strongly agree with: "Through the creative leveraging of technology, innovation and inclusive excellence, we will lead and impact the transformation of health care through strategic partnerships."
What are your career goals?
So far, I plan to finish my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a minor in public health, and a certificate in Spanish for social work and health care services to then go onto CRNA. Once finishing a doctorate in nurse anesthesia, I plan to leverage the autonomy and advanced nursing skills of a CRNA to make the positive impact and change I would like to see in modern day American healthcare for LGBTQIA+ persons, underserved communities and minority groups, and to put up the good fight for patients who truly need a good advocate.
What are three words that describe you?
Ambitious, calculated, diligent
What is a fun fact about you?
I love learning languages and after — hopefully — becoming fluent in Spanish, I plan to learn French.
Michael Smith, '26
Hometown: Zanesville, Ohio
Why did you choose UC?
It a known thing that many nursing students graduate without really learning how to be a functioning nurse in real world applications. I believe the program at UC will actually give me real-world experience working in some of the top facilities in the region.
What are your career goals?
I hope to work as an ICU travel nurse for a few years before going back to grad school and becoming a CRNA.
What are three words that describe you?
Passionate, spontaneous, funny
What is a fun fact about you?
I have a twin sister.
Maddy Strawser, '25
Hometown: Jackson, Ohio
Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because of the highly ranked nursing program and the energetic campus atmosphere. Becoming a Bearcat is easily one of my best decisions!
What are your career goals?
I plan on becoming a Hospice nurse.
What are three words that describe you?
Driven, clever, enthusiastic
What is a fun fact about you?
I can do a standing back tuck!
Roselyn Torkornoo, '24
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because I was offered direct admission to the BSN program! I also loved the campus and how compact it is.
What are your career goals?
After graduation, my career goals are to become a travel nurse and, hopefully, make a difference in the nursing field.
What are three words that describe you?
Kind, determined, hardworking
What is a fun fact about you?
I love to sketch!