About

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.

Students holding animal

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

Meet the Ambassadors

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Josh Athmer

Highland, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

After graduating from UIUC with my bachelor's degree in 2029, I plan to attend veterinary school in the Midwest and obtain my DVM. Once I am licensed, I want to pursue a career in food animal veterinary medicine based in Southern Illinois to help serve the rural communities that have shaped me into the person I am today! It is my goal to provide reliable, cost-effective care to local producers and fulfill the need for farm vets in rural areas, doing my part to preserve the agricultural industry and educate individuals on the importance of food animal care.

A smiling person with long, wavy light brown hair wearing a black off-the-shoulder top poses for a professional portrait against a gray studio background.

Reece Bertelsen

Monmouth, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

After graduating undergrad in 2028, I plan to attend veterinary school in the Midwest area and obtain my DVM. I plan to pursue a career as a mixed animal veterinarian, working with both small and large animals. Following veterinary school, I hope to return to the rural community that raised me and provide veterinary care to local farmers, families, and their animals.

"A smiling person with long dark hair wearing a black blazer and necklace stands in front of a large stone staircase leading up to a building with blue columns and glass doors."

Karime Beltran Gutierrez

Chicago, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

After graduating in 2027, I plan to attend veterinary school with the goal of opening my own mixed-practice clinic in an underrepresented area of Chicago. I hope to serve the community I grew up loving by providing affordable, effective, and bilingual veterinary care for animals of all kinds. My vision includes supporting local farmers who currently have to travel long distances for services, as well as ensuring that quality veterinary care is accessible to people from all communities and backgrounds.

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Angelina Biedak

St. Charles, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

After graduating in 2027, I plan to attend veterinary school and pursue a career in small animal medicine. My experiences at the University of Illinois have also sparked a strong interest in large animal medicine, so I’m open to exploring a mixed animal practice in the future. As a veterinarian, I hope to give back to my community and make a positive difference for both animals and their owners.

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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. 

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Kaylee Blackford

Potomac, IL

Concentration: Food Animal Production & Management

After graduating in 2027, I plan to pursue a career in the livestock industry, with a focus on animal nutrition or reproduction. Growing up on a show cattle operation in east-central Illinois sparked my passion for working with both animals and people. I look forward to working with producers and showmen, helping them achieve their goals while supporting the continued success of the industry. 

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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.

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Mia Fraterrigo

Chicago, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

After graduation in 2028, I hope to either pursue a master’s degree in Animal Sciences or attend veterinary school at the University of Illinois. I came to Illinois with a strong interest and background in companion animals, however through different experiences and exposure to large animals, I have become passionate about mixed-animal medicine, therefore I hope to work with both large and small animals in my future career. Beyond clincal practice I am interested in further contributing to innovative research that improves health outcomes and advancements across the field of animal sciences! 

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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.

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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.

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Davis Howell

Clinton, IL

Concentration: Food Animal Production & Management

After graduating in 2028 I plan to work in Animal Reproduction or Animal Nutrition. I grew up on my family’s showpig operation in Central Illinois. Growing up showing pigs I found my passion for agriculture and the livestock industry. After finishing my undergraduate degree I plan to get an advanced degree and pursue a career in the livestock industry. 

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Avery Knieriemen

Gilberts, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

After graduating in 2027, I plan to attend veterinary school. While my goals involve owning a small animal practice, I have strong interests in animal ophthalmology and internal medicine. I look forward to the client education aspect of veterinary medicine with hopes to improve the welfare of pets through preventative care.

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Kelly Kurka

Arlington Heights, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

After graduating in 2028 with my B.S in Animal Sciences, I plan to attend veterinary school. I plan to concentrate in equine medicine with the goal of becoming an equine vet. I’m also interested in learning more about animal behavior and psychology and possibly incorporating it into my future career. I want to be able to help offer more affordable and accessible care to animals worldwide and inspire future generations

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.

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Kylie LaMonto

Frankfort, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

I plan to graduate in 2028 and attend veterinary school in the Midwest to earn my DVM. My goal is to become a large animal veterinarian serving rural communities throughout the Midwest. I am passionate about improving access to veterinary care for livestock owners and agricultural producers in areas where veterinary services can be difficult to obtain. 

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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. 

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Meghan Panek

Naperville, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

After graduating in 2027 with my B.S. in Animal Science, I plan to attend veterinary school. I hope to attend the University of Illinois to obtain my DVM and practice small animal medicine. I have a special interest in shelter medicine and hope to provide outreach to lower-income communities. I also have an interest in laboratory animal medicine and wish to potentially pursue research. My goal is to be able to provide the best of care to as many pets and communities as possible.  

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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.

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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. 

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Lauren Reynolds

Aurora, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

After graduating with my B.S. in Animal Sciences in 2027, I plan to attend veterinary school (ideally here at UIUC). I hope to focus on companion or exotic animal medicine and go into general practice! My goal is to connect with my community as a veterinarian and build lasting connections throughout my career. 

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Andi Salto Pastor

Mexico City, Libertyville, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

After graduating in 2029, I plan to continue my studies in Vet School to earn my DVM. I plan on becoming a wildlife exotics veterinarian and travel to different countries to work on conservation projects in different ecosystems. In the future I would also like to work in the Australia Zoo as a General Zoo Vet and live in Australia. I am very passionate about conservation and especially helping endangered animals in any way I can and can't wait to learn more about animals and conservation in my time at UIUC!

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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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Avery Tschampion

Pingree Grove, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

After graduating from UIUC in 2029, I hope to continue my studies by going on to veterinary school. While I have always loved working with all animals, equine and exotics have become my passion through my experiences so far as an Animal Science student at UIUC! It is my goal to make medicine more accessible to animals in need by becoming a mobile emergency veterinarian.

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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!

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Rylee Williams

Wonder Lake, IL

Concentration: Science, Pre-Vet & Medical

After graduating from the University of Illinois with a B.S in Animal Sciences and a minor in Spanish, I plan on attending veterinary school and obtaining a DVM. My goal is to attend the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine to pursue small animal medicine and potentially become specialized in Theriogenology; however, I am open to exploring new specialties such as surgery or cardiology. My future goal is to one day own my own low-cost veterinary practice to provide the public with high-quality care for their loved ones. 

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.