Animal Sciences Ambassadors | Animal Sciences

The animal sciences ambassadors are a diverse group of students who represent our department to future students, aid and design activities for our current students, and provide student representation to our alumni and guests.

Check out the animal sciences ambassador channel on YouTube to get a taste of what this group does!

Meet the Ambassadors

John Bierman

Newton, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

After completing my undergraduate here in the college of ACES in 2028, I plan to attend veterinary school. I plan to first join the HPSP program with the US Army in to serve as a veterinarian for the military for a couple of years after graduation. After this I plan to work as a Large animal veterinarian in rural areas in the Midwest! I have always loved animals and had a passion for working with them, whether that was my own flock of chickens, grandpas' cattle, or neighbors' pets, they were a joy to me. This is why I came to the University of Illinois for my education because I knew I would get hands on experience, and top-notch knowledge and experience. Agriculture is my passion, and I am glad I can use my skills and passions for the betterment of Agriculture and of the world, and I am super excited to serve this department as an Animal Sciences Ambassador.

girl in teal shirt for professional photo

Graziella DeFrenza

Elk Grove Village, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical, Minor: Chemistry

After graduating in 2026, my plan is to attend veterinary school. With my DVM degree, I want to be a companion animal veterinarian. I want to also explore ER medicine, low-cost medicine, and also wildlife care. I plan to continue exploring all of my interests while attending veterinary school.

Robyn Flakus

Naperville, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

After graduating, I plan on attending veterinary school and specializing in veterinary surgery or emergency medicine. My goal is to eventually own my own practice and advocate for animal health and welfare to the public.

Maggie Gaughan

Park Ridge, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

After Graduating from the University of Illinois, I plan to attend veterinary school. I would like to concentrate in companion animal medicine with the goal of becoming a general practice veterinarian or to work within emergency medicine.

college male in Illinois hooded sweatshirt

Noah Gille

Rockford, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

After graduating from the University of Illinois in 2026, I plan to attend veterinary school. I would like to attend the UIUC School of Veterinary Medicine, but I am open to other schools. I am interested in working with shelter animals, specifically cats, but I am interested in specialists such as pathology and anesthesiology as well. I plan on being active in my community’s veterinary and public health and I would like to be involved with my local shelter and rescue organizations.

brunette posed in Illinois blue sweatshirt

Kylee Hale

Naperville, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

After graduating in 2026, I plan to attend veterinary school to continue my studies. I hope to attend the University of Illinois to get my DVM and pursue small animal medicine. I want to pursue ways to make veterinary care more accessible to cost concerned pet owners.

Alexis Hetzer

Wheeler, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

After graduating from the University of Illinois, I plan on attending veterinary school. I also plan to complete a dual PhD + DVM program, so I can also do research. After I complete my degrees, I want to be a mixed practice veterinarian with a focus in reproduction.

brunette girl in offwhite colored sweater

Karina Jaime

Joliet, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

After graduating from the University of Illinois with a B.S. in Animal Sciences, I plan on attending the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Growing up as a first-generation Mexican American in Joliet, Illinois, my community does not have many resources in regard to veterinary services, specifically bilingual veterinary services. With the goal of becoming an emergency veterinarian, I aspire to one day have my own practice in my hometown and give both owners and pets the veterinary care they deserve!

David Kim

Buffalo Grove, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

Upon graduation from UIUC with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, I aim to pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. My current interests lie in becoming a small animal or wildlife veterinarian, though I remain open to exploring various fields within veterinary medicine throughout my studies. Additionally, I hope to specialize in animal dentistry after completing my DVM, as I find this area particularly intriguing.

Erin McCluskey

Mount Prospect, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

After graduating from the Animal Sciences program, I would like to continue on to veterinary school and earn my DVM. I would like to work with companion animals for the most part, but I would like to continue to explore interests in wildlife medicine as well as gain experience with a variety of animals.

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Samantha Moore

DeKalb, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

After graduating in 2026, I plan to further my education and gaining experience through a non-thesis master's program at the University of Illinois before applying to veterinary school. I am interested in focusing on large animals, improving cost effect veterinary care, and providing veterinary medicine to those around the world that do not have easy access to veterinary care.

Carley Morrelli

Elgin, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

After graduating from the University of Illinois with a bachelor's in animal sciences, I plan on attending veterinary school and obtaining my DVM. My goal is to attend the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. I am interested in zoo animals and the reproduction systems of many different animal species. I hope to one day be able to educate others about the care and medicine required for animals. I am very excited to continue to acquire skills and see what lessons I learn within veterinary medicine!

Emily Munoz

Chicago, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

After graduation, I plan on attending vet school. Although I would prefer to stay in Illinois, I am open to out-of-state opportunities. I came to UIUC with a strong interest to work with small companion animals; however, recent exposure to diverse experiences allowed me to develop an interest for both exotic and farm animals. In the future, I would love to see myself either back in my hometown, giving back to my community as a small animal vet; or working as an exotic animal vet in a zoo that encourages wildlife conservation and rehabilitation.

Catherine Park

Gainesville, FL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

After graduating in 2027, I plan to continue my education in veterinary school to earn my DVM. I want to focus on companion animals/exotics to improve husbandry issues and address this gap by providing compassionate care and educating owners. I am fascinated in the hands-on aspect of surgery and the investigative aspect of pathology. But, I'm excited to keep learning and exploring different areas that I can contribute in vet med as I get more experience.

Emma Rauch

Newton, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

After graduating from the University of Illinois with a bachelor's in Animal Sciences, I plan on attending the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. After I complete my degree, I want to become a mixed or large animal veterinarian. I am passionate about keeping animals healthy and teaching youth about the livestock they exhibit at county fairs.

Samantha Schnur

Chicago, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

After graduating in 2026, I plan to attend veterinary school at Colorado State University. I intend to specialize in emergency or shelter medicine as a way to give back to my community. I’m excited to continue learning about veterinary medicine and all the species it encompasses!

girl in classes posed on university quad

Chloe Tam

Chicago, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

After graduating with a bachelor's in Animal Sciences in 2027, I plan to pursue my career through completion of veterinary school and find a specialization that I am passionate about. Currently, I am interested in companion animal care because of the deep bond between pets and their families. As I continue my education at UIUC, I look forward to exploring other specializations to discover where I can make the greatest impact. Long-term, I hope to combine my skills in animal care and communication to improve the health and well-being of pets and their owners.

Madison Taylor

Champaign, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

I am currently a Parkland Pathways student and plan to transfer to the University of Illinois full time my Junior year. After graduating from the University of Illinois in 2028 with a bachelor's in animal science, I plan to attend veterinary school. My goal is to attend the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. I am interested in companion animals but am starting to have a growing love for goats! I am also interested in radiology and emergency medicine, but I am open to exploring new interests!

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Zaida Villarreal

Glendale Heights, IL

Concentration: Companion Animal & Equine Sciences

After completing my bachelor's degree, I plan to attend veterinary school with a focus on pursuing a career in equine medicine. I am interested in working with athletic horses and specializing in equine sports medicine and rehabilitation. My goal is not only to excel in my field but also to give back to my Latino community which has motivated me to continue my education.

guy in blue checked shirt with arms crossed

James Wagman

Crystal Lake, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

After I receive my B.S from UIUC in 2027 in Animal Sciences with a minor in chemistry. I plan on attending Veterinary School here at UIUC and pursuing the dual PhD/DVM program offered here. Not every school offers this unique opportunity, so it would be nice to stay here in Urbana-Champaign. I want to work with Swine and Poultry, but I am open to a mixed practice. I want to specialize in Orthopedic Surgery. If you are interested in poultry, I am a good person to talk to!

student posed outside animal science building

Zachary Zmuda

Kankakee, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

Upon graduating from UIUC with a B.S. in Animal Sciences, my plan is to attend veterinary school, with the possible option of the dual PhD & DVM program. My goal is to become a large animal veterinarian specializing in both bovine and swine health. I’m grateful for all agricultural animals and passionate for working with them, as I believe in one of the important roles they play, which is feeding the world.