Nursing

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.

Headshot of Haley Achs, '27

Haley Achs, '27

Hometown: Greenwood, Indiana

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because its location would give me a lot of opportunities to experience unique clinical and classroom learning experiences. I also felt so welcome as a prospective student and could see myself growing here.

What are your career goals?
I want to be a pediatric ICU nurse.

What are three words that describe you?
Outgoing, hardworking, dependable

What is a fun fact about you?
I lived through the middle of a hurricane while on vacation last year!


Headshot of Jordyn Bailey, '26

Jordyn Bailey, '26

Hometown: Toledo, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
I felt UC had all the necessary resources to support my growth academically, socially, mentally and spiritually.

What are your career goals?
I wish to continue my education by earning a master's and Doctor of Nursing Practice. Ultimately, I want to practice within my interest in maternal health.

What are three words that describe you?
Nurturing, vibrant and resilient

What is a fun fact about you?
I'm the oldest of three!


Headshot of Anna Balinski, '25

Anna Balinski, '25

Hometown: Wayne, New Jersey

Why did you choose UC?
I choose UC as the nursing program is well-known and offers with ample opportunities involving co-op and study abroad clinical. I also fell in love with the campus and the amount of hospitals within walking distance drew me in.  

What are your career goals?
I want to become a nurse practitioner.  

What are three words that describe you?
Calm, friendly and adventurous

What is a fun fact about you?
I played the piano for 12 years.


Headshot of Alexis Bende, '27

Alexis Bende, '27

Hometown: Downers Grove, Illinois

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because it has an amazing nursing program that gives me the opportunity to have clinical rotations at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. I also fell in love with the campus and the student environment when I toured UC!

What are your career goals?
I want to be a postpartum nurse after I graduate with my BSN.

What are three words that describe you?
Empathetic, hardworking, loving

What is a fun fact about you?
I have four younger siblings.


Headshot of Kevin Bittaker, '26

Kevin Bittaker, '26

Hometown: Seville, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because of the direct admission program and co-p opportunity, which is super beneficial for hands-on experience.

What are your career goals?
I want to work in the ICU, possibly CVICU.

What are three words that describe you?
Hardworking, driven, funny

What is a fun fact about you?
I have been to Hawaii five times.


Headshot of Rachel Booher, '26

Rachel Booher, '26

Hometown: Kent, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because of all the opportunities the College of Nursing would give me! I also loved UC’s atmosphere as soon as I stepped foot on campus.

What are your career goals?
I want to be a pediatric nurse and go back to school to become a nurse practitioner/

What are three words that describe you?
Loyal, considerate, authentic

What is a fun fact about you?
I have a twin sister!


Headshot of Ella Bowles, '27

Ella Bowles, '27

Hometown: Mainville, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
Both my older brothers went to UC so I already knew how great of a school it was and how many opportunities it had but, once I decided to do nursing, I knew it was the place for me. UC CON was the most impressive nursing school that I toured and I got direct admission, so my decision became easy!

What are your career goals?
I want to be a Labor and Delivery nurse.

What are three words that describe you?
Loyal, kind, hardworking

What is a fun fact about you?
I know how to surf!


Headshot of Gianna Casanta, '27

Gianna Casanta, '27

Hometown: Kings Mills, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because growing up I was always a Bearcats fan. My dad is an alum, so we have gone to lots of UC football games as a family and I was very familiar with the campus. When I decided I wanted to pursue nursing, I looked into UC’s nursing program and noticed all the opportunities the program provides you. I liked that UC offered direct admission and found the simulation labs to be really cool.

What are your career goals?
I plan to become a pediatric nurse.

What are three words that describe you?
Honest, determined and loyal

What is a fun fact about you?
I have three dogs!


Headshot of Caitlyn Choal '27

Caitlyn Choal '27

Hometown: Leawood, Kansas

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because it had everything I was looking in a school by being in a big city, having a beautiful campus and a great program for nursing.

What are your career goals?
I hope to work in the NICU.

What are three words that describe you?
Ambitious, optimistic and personable

What is a fun fact about you?
I was born in Phoenix, Arizona!


Headshot of Alexis Clark, '27

Alexis Clark, '27

Hometown: Carmel, Indiana

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because of the co-op program and the amount of resources that I would have. I wanted a college that would be there for me through every semester and class, and UC has exactly that. I also loved how there are so many hospitals within walking distance from Procter Hall.

What are your career goals?
I want to work in pediatrics ICU, CVICU or ER.

What are three words that describe you?
Determined, passionate, driven

What is a fun fact about you?
I was born on Friday the 13th, which actually makes me very lucky!


Headshot of Rowan Clarke, '27

Rowan Clarke, '27

Hometown: Lebanon, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because it was the perfect distance from home and I was immediately drawn to the welcoming and student-pride filled campus.

What are your career goals?
I would like to become a Labor and Delivery nurse.

What are three words that describe you?
Positive, driven, encouraging

What is a fun fact about you?
I love concerts and have seen 26 different artists in concert this year!


Headshot of Gabrielle Cole, '25

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?
I hope to work as a pediatric nurse and possibly look into travel nursing. After gaining experience in the field, I would like to go back to school to become a nurse practitioner.

What are three words that describe you?
Determined, goal-oriented, reliable

What is a fun fact about you?
I transferred to UC my sophomore year!


Headshot of Kaitlyn Dallas, '26

Kaitlyn Dallas, '26

Hometown: Wadsworth, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because it was the best option for both my personal and professional goals. When I was touring UC, I fell in love with the campus and it instantly felt like home. UC also has a great nursing program with so many nearby hospitals and I couldn't have imagined going anywhere else for college.

What are your career goals?
I would love to work as a pediatric nurse for a few years, particularly in intensive care. I would also like to attend graduate school to become a CRNA.

What are three words that describe you?
Kind-hearted, driven, hardworking

What is a fun fact about you?
I have been to 31 out of 50 states!


Headshot of Heather DeForest, '25

Heather DeForest, '25

Hometown: Maineville, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because of how close it was from my home. It also offered me the opportunity to get into the nursing program as a sophomore student, since I wasn't a direct admit. I loved the community and support that UC provides and being supported towards my career goals.

What are your career goals?
I want to work in the ICU, then apply and go back to school to become a CRNA!

What are three words that describe you?
Supportive, determined, friendly

What is a fun fact about you?
I love spending time at the lake!


Headshot of Madison Didyk, '26

Madison Didyk, '26

Hometown: Uniontown, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
I chose to attend UC because of the amazing opportunities such as co-op, study abroad and the number one Children’s Hospital in the nation. I was also excited to go somewhere with a strong school spirit and immediately fell in love with Bearcat. My decision was confirmed when I was accepted as a member of the color guard in the UC Bearcat Marching Band!

What are your career goals?
I would love to be a pediatric ER nurse and possibly go back to become a CRNA.

What are three words that describe you?
Bubbly, compassionate, busy

What is a fun fact about you?
I have had four reconstructive knee surgeries.


Headshot of Clara Doyle, '26

Clara Doyle, '26

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because of the College of Nursing's incredible reputation, expansive opportunities, direct-admit program and commitment to our success.

What are your career goals?
After graduating, I hope to become a pediatric nurse and, within a few years, continue my education to become a nurse practitioner.

What are three words that describe you?
Hardworking, respectful, kind

What is a fun fact about you?
I am a middle child!


Headshot of Heather Esau, '26

Heather Esau, '26

Hometown: Monroe, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because of the direct admission to the nursing program, the many hospitals nearby and the amazing opportunities it offered such as the co-op and DEU programs. I also love UC for the location, there are always things to do around campus or in the city like grabbing coffee with friends at The 86 or visiting the Cincinnati Zoo.

What are your career goals?
I would like to work in women's health as a registered nurse and eventually become a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner.

What are three words that describe you?
Kind-hearted, motivated, reliable

What is a fun fact about you?
I have a Goldador (Golden + Labrador Retriever) named Finn!


Headshot of Fardus Faqi, '26

Fardus Faqi, '26

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because the College of Nursing showed a commitment to fostering a supportive environment that works to allow students to grow as people and future nurses.

What are your career goals?
I want tp be a pediatric RN. Beyond that, I'm open to becoming a CRNA or nurse practitioner—who knows what the future holds!

What are three words that describe you?
Ambitious, generous, humorous

What is a fun fact about you?
I have a permanent eyebrow scar from my childhood.


Headshot of Anna Funge, '25

Anna Funge, '25

Hometown: Upper Arlington, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC for one word: opportunity. Whether it's the opportunity for personal growth as a student, leader and future nurse, or the clinical experiences at nationally ranked hospitals. I admired the nursing program at UC for it's commitment to view students as leaders and provide diverse experiences.

What are your career goals?
I hope to be a Labor and Delivery nurse. I have always been passionate about women's health and working with newborns.

What are three words that describe you?
Optimistic, compassionate, innovative

What is a fun fact about you?
I am training for a marathon.


Headshot of Grace Germano, '27

Grace Germano, '27

Hometown: Loveland, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because I wanted to have a close-to-home but big-city feel at the same time. The direct admission nursing program was a large part of my decision and the co-op program was also a huge selling point for me since I anticipate staying in Cincinnati post-graduation.

What are your career goals?
I want to be either a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner or work in Labor & Delivery.

What are three words that describe you?
Kind, determined, loyal

What is a fun fact about you?
My family owns their own pasta sauce and olive oil brand!


Headshot of Larissa Hemker, '27

Larissa Hemker, '27

Hometown: Marysville, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because of the feeling of home I got when stepping onto both main and medical campus and the opportunities UC CoN would offer me.

What are your career goals?
I hope to work as a pediatric oncology nurse with plans to return to school to earn a DNP.

What are three words that describe you?
Adventurous, determined, emphatic

What is a fun fact about you?
I have been to 30 National Parks.


Headshot of Sarah Holdread, '27

Sarah Holdread, '27

Hometown: Fishers, Indiana

Why did you choose UC?
I love that UC has a great nursing program and there are so many new experiences and ways to get involved on campus!

What are your career goals?
I either want to be a Labor and Delivery or pediatric nurse.

What are three words that describe you?
Determined, caring, funny

What is a fun fact about you?
I love cats and have five of them!


Headshot of Megan Klimkowski, '26

Megan Klimkowski, '26

Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because, along with being a direct-admit and high-ranked program, UC focuses on student success. With the No. 1 children’s hospital in the nation and close proximity to many amazing hospitals, UC is also an excellent place to receive clinical experience and walk out of school with job opportunities.

What are your career goals?
After graduation, I hope to become either a pediatric oncology and hematology nurse at Cincinnati Children’s while also eventually going back to school to become a nurse practitioner.

What are three words that describe you?
Determined, compassionate, trustworthy

What is a fun fact about you?
I am a twin!


Headshot of Sophia Marsala, '26

Sophia Marsala, '26

Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because it's close to home while still having a big-city feel! I love UC's campus and the excitement of staff and students.

What are your career goals?
I would like to become a nurse practitioner and possibly get my doctorate to teach nursing classes.

What are three words that describe you?
Energetic, determined, empathetic

What is a fun fact about you?
I was in a movie!


Headshot of Elisse Martin, '25

Elisse Martin, '25

Hometown: Downers Grove, Illinois

Why did you choose UC?
I fell in love with UC’s campus and one-on-one student nurse experiences like Dedicated Education Unit clinicals and co-op.  

What are your career goals?
I want to work in a critical care setting and eventually go back to school for my Doctor of Nursing Practice.

What are three words that describe you?
Energetic, dedicated, compassionate

What is a fun fact about you?
I speak fluent French!


Headshot of Carlyanne Mayer, '26

Carlyanne Mayer, '26

Hometown: Granville, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC for the numerous hospital connections they have and the experience I would gain from that.

What are your career goals?
I want to work on a trauma unit.

What are three words that describe you?
Ambitious, caring, energetic

What is a fun fact about you?
I'm teaching myself American Sign Language!


Headshot of Megan Morgan, '25

Megan Morgan, '25

Hometown: Lewis Center, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because I knew I wouldn’t feel like a number here, instead I’d be taken care of and supported. I’m so glad I chose the Univeristy of Cincinnati to accomplish this degree, I wouldn’t have it any other way!

What are your career goals?
I want to be many things including being a travel nurse, pediatric nurse and women's health nurse/

What are three words that describe you?
Mindful, outgoing, friendly

What is a fun fact about you?
My family and I love to foster dogs, we've kept three already!


Headshot of Julia Munday, '26

Julia Munday, '26

Hometowen: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because of the many opportunities outside of the classroom that I would have the chance to be part of! Not many schools have international study tours, 1:1 clinicals, or co-op programs like UC does. I feel like all of these extra opportunities to grow as a student will help me to the be the best nurse I possibly can in the future!

What are your career goals?
I have considered working in pediatric psychiatry with an emphasis on behavioral health. I have also thought about going back to school to become a nurse practitioner and potentially a PhD!

What are three words that describe you?
Patient, friendly, kind-hearted

What is a fun fact about you?
I love super spicy food!


Headshot of Serenity Murphy, '25

Serenity Murphy, '25

Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because of the amazing nursing program. UC is very close to multiple hospitals and they offer great clinical site locations. I also really loved their co-op program.

What are your career goals?
I would like to be a women's health NP.

What are three words that describe you?
Dedicated, loyal, hardworking

What is a fun fact about you?
I like to draw and paint in my free time.


Headshot of Tesleemah Oyewale, '25

Tesleemah Oyewale, '25

Hometown: New Albany, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
It was the perfect distance from home—far enough to be independent and close enough to see family often.

What are your career goals?
I aspire to be a midwife, especially one who serves women in vulnerable situations/communities and their babies.

What are three words that describe you?
Caring, funny, hardworking

What is a fun fact about you?
I speak Yoruba (a Nigerian dialect) fluently.


Headshot of Anne Patel, '25

Anne Patel, '25

Hometown: Sandusky, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC for the experiences it offers. I loved the opportunities like the co-op program and DEU units and also liked that clinicals take place at close by hospitals that are top of the nation, like UCMC and Cincinnati Children’s.

What are your career goals?
I want to become a pediatric RN then a nurse practitioner after earning my MSN.

What are three words that describe you?
Kind, respectful, hardworking

What is a fun fact about you?
I have donated my hair four times!


Headshot of Mark Pennington, '26

Mark Pennington, '26

Hometown: Lebanon, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
UC offers a great nursing program that provides students with opportunities to work with local hospitals and build their nursing skills before graduation.

What are your career goals?
I would love to work in the ICU and one day become a CRNA.

What are three worlds that describe you?
Cheerful, energetic, adventurous

What is a fun fact about you?
I work as a content review leader for the Learning Commons at UC.


Headshot of Alexis Rose, '27

Alexis Rose, '27

Hometown: Ypsilanti, Michigan

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because their nursing program is one of the best in the country and the amount of career opportunities they provide is amazing! I also love the urban setting!

What are your career goals?
I hope to become a nurse practitioner.

What are three words that describe you?
Confident, optimistic, fun

What is a fun fact about you?
The beach is my favorite place to vacation!


Headshot of Maile Schalm, '26

Maile Schalm, '26

Hometown: Dayton, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
I initially liked UC because a bigger school offers lots of opportunities to get involved. During my very first visit, I was so impressed with the nursing program that it immediately became my top choice. Between the amazing hospitals in Cincinnati, the direct-admit program and the incredible community within nursing, I became confident that UC was where I belonged.

What are your career goals?
I hope to work in the ICU and eventually become a nurse practitioner.

What are three words that describe you?
Personable, self-motivated, reliable

What is a fun fact about you?
I am terrified of squirrels!


Headshot of Ashton Smith, '25

Ashton Smith, '25

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC for the proximity of the clinical sites to the university, for the co-op program and because I was given a direct admission to the program!

What are your career goals?
I hope to become a CVICU nurse.  

What are three words that describe you?
Funny, studious, social

What is a fun fact about you?
I speak Spanish conversationally as a second language.


Headshot of Michael Smith, '26

Michael Smith, '26

Hometown: Zanesville, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
The oo-op program offers the opportunity to truly experience what life as a nurse would be like. Most nurses graduate have no concept of nursing in its actual context but UC offers a different path for future nurses.

What are your career goals?
I hope to work as an ICU travel nurse.

What are three words that describe you?
Spontaneous, compassionate, excited

What is a fun fact about you?
I have had seven concussions.


Headshot of Rylie Spencer, '27

Rylie Spencer, '27

Hometown: Normal, Illinois

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because of the direct admit nursing program! I was also attracted to the city and the opportunities it would offer me.

What are your career goals?
I want to work in oncology and eventually go back to school for my master's.

What are three words that describe you?
Passionate, driven, empathetic

What is a fun fact about you?
I have been able to waterski since I was 5 years old!


Headshot of Maddy Strawser, '25

Maddy Strawser, '25

Hometown: Jackson, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because of the awesome hospitals around campus and the direct admission program!

What are your career goals?
I plan on becoming a hospice nurse.

What are three words that describe you?
Caring, passionate, happy

What is a fun fact about you?
I was the Apple Festival Queen in my hometown when I was 16!


Headshot of Harsha Suresh, '26

Harsha Suresh, '26

Hometown: Mason, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
I loved how straight forward my career track was at UC, it made my life so much easier and I could focus on things truly important for me.

What are your career goals?
I would like to become a CRNA or a nurse practitioner.  

What are three words that describe you?
Trustworthy, dependent, meticulous

What is a fun fact about you?
I have a diploma in dance!


Headshot of Emma Turner, '27

Emma Turner, '27

Hometown: Burlington, Kentucky

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because the CoN offers so many opportunities to learn and grow. It felt like home the minute I stepped foot into Procter Hall.

What are your career goals?
I want to be a PICU nurse and eventually a Peditatric Nurse Practitioner.

What are three words that describe you?
Independent, ambitious, kind

What is a fun fact about you?
I was a competitive dancer for 15 years!


Headshot of Jordan Webb, '27

Jordan Webb, '27

Hometown: Cleves, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
I chose UC because of the many opportunities it provides. I love how close the college is to various hospitals such as UC Medical Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, VA Hospital, and Good Samaritan Hospital.

What are your career goals?
I want to be a CRNA aftre working in the ICU for a couple of years.

What are three words that describe you?
Hardworking, open-minded, goal-oriented

What is a fun fact about you?
I have two dogs, a Beagle-Corgi mix named Todd and an English Bulldog-Beagle mix named Nova.


Headshot of Casey Wise, '27

Casey Wise, '27

Hometown: West Chester, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
Since I grew up in the Cincinnati area, I chose UC because it felt like home. It combines an urban setting with a consolidated campus where there’s something for everyone.

What are your career goals?
I want to be Peditatric CRNA.

What are three words that describe you?
Spirited, honest, pragmatic

What is a fun fact about you?
I have a picture with Travis Kelce!


Headshot of Sumedha Wundavalli, '27

Sumedha Wundavalli, '27

Hometown: Troy, Ohio

Why did you choose UC?
I loved all the opportunities UC's nursing program offered and the campus atmosphere. Transferring schools was of of the easiest decisions of my college career, thanks to UC!

What are your career goals?
I want to work at in the CVICU and go back to school to become a CRNA.

What are three words that describe you?
Outgoing, passionate, determined

What is a fun fact about you?
I have never broken a bone (knock on wood!).