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

Brenna Freeman

Fairfield, IL/ Pre-Vet, Science, and Medical Concentration

I want to finish my Bachelor's degree here at UIUC, then go into a Master's program related to my interests in genetics and wildlife. I also believe I will pursue a Ph.D. in a related field. I plan to work in a lab setting, likely part of a program to conserve and study the genetics of endangered species for the future. I have always been invested in preserving our planet's biodiversity, and protecting it is more important now than ever.

Jessie Kim

Buffalo Grove, IL/ Pre-Vet, Science, and Medical

After graduating from UIUC with a bachelor of Animal Sciences degree, I hope to advance to veterinary school and complete the DVM program. I want to continue my studies and become a wildlife animal veterinarian. My goal is to become a veterinarian and contribute to wildlife conservation and improve the welfare of wildlife animals!

Vibha Iyengar

Cupertino, CA/ Pre-Vet, Science, and Medical

After graduating from the University of Illinois with a bachelor's in animal sciences and a minor in chemistry, I will be attending the Royal Veterinary College of London and specializing in companion animals. I am interested in neuroscience and internal medicine. I love being hands-on with animals, whether that is volunteering at the shelter or doing research.

Brooke Voelker

Forsyth, IL/ Pre-Vet, Science, and Medical

Upon graduating with my Animal Science degree, I plan to attend Veterinary School. I would like to concentrate in companion animal medicine and eventually own my own clinic. I am also very interested in anatomy and surgery. Because of this, I hope to one day become a board certified veterinary surgeon.

college male in Illinois hooded sweatshirt

Noah Gille

Rockford, IL/ Pre-Vet, Science and 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.

Carley Morrelli

Elgin, IL/ Pre-Vet, Science and 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!

Krescene Holscher

Palestine, IL/ Pre-Vet, Science and Medical

I am a transfer student from rural Southeastern Illinois majoring in Animal Sciences with a Pre-Vet concentration. Upon graduating with my Bachelor’s in May 2025, I hope to attend veterinary school at the University of Illinois with the intent to eventually return to my home county to practice large animal medicine and help on the family farm. The Department of Animal Science has a plethora of opportunities waiting for students to take advantage of them. Your experience at UIUC is what you make of it. Talk to me about the Meat Judging Team!

Emily Munoz

Chicago, IL/ Pre-Vet, Science and 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.

student posed outside animal science building

Zachary Zmuda

Kankakee, IL/ Pre-Vet, Science and 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.

Maggie Gaughan

Park Ridge, IL/ Pre-Vet, Science and 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.

Grace Ritzman

Burlington, IL/ Pre-Vet, Science and Medical

After graduating from the University of Illinois, I plan to continue my education at U of I’s School of Veterinary School of Medicine. If veterinary school does not work out for me, I will be applying to one of U of I’s master programs for either veterinary science or animal sciences. In the long run, I want to work somewhere within the animal medical field.

Alexis Hetzer

Wheeler, IL/ Pre-Vet, Science and 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.

girl in teal shirt for professional photo

Graziella DeFrenza

Elk Grove Village, IL/ Pre-Vet, Science and 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.

girl with long brunette hair, in black blazer

Zaida Villarreal

Glendale Heights, IL/ 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.

Robyn Flakus

Naperville, IL/ Pre-Vet, Science & 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.

guy in blue checked shirt with arms crossed

James Wagman

Crystal Lake, IL/ Pre-Vet, Science & 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!

brunette girl in offwhite colored sweater

Karina Jaime

Joliet, IL/ Pre-Vet, Science & 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!

brunette posed in Illinois blue sweatshirt

Kylee Hale

Naperville, IL/ Pre-Vet, Science & 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.

Erin McCluskey

Mount Prospect, IL/ Pre-Vet, Science & 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.

David Kim

Buffalo Grove, IL/ Pre-Vet, Science & 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.

blonde girl with glasses in blue pullover shirt

Samantha Moore

DeKalb, IL/ Pre-Vet, Science & 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.

girl in classes posed on university quad

Chloe Tam

Chicago, IL/ Pre-Vet, Science & 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.

Alexa Reavley

Glasford, IL/ Food Animal Production Management

After graduating with my bachelor’s in Animal Sciences, I plan to further my education by pursuing a master's and a PhD. My goal is to attend the University of Illinois and focus on dairy cattle nutrition and reproduction. After this, I want to work in the dairy industry and run my own cattle operation on the side.

Samantha Schnur

Chicago, IL/ Pre-Vet, Science & 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!

Katherine Holly

Charleston, IL/ Pre-Vet, Science & Medical

After graduating from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences, I plan to attend veterinary school and obtain my DVM. I would like to concentrate in companion animal medicine. Currently, I am interested in specializing in either emergency medicine or oncology.

Miriam Rojas-Ortega

Elgin, IL/ Pre-Vet, Science & Medical

Upon graduation, I plan to take a gap year to travel, live, and work. Afterward, I plan to attend an equestrian school in Mexico, focusing primarily on equine reproduction. Upon completion, I plan to return to the U.S. to pursue a master's degree in Equine Industry Management at Texas A&M.

girl with University of Illinois sweatshirt

Addy Allard

Canton, IL/ Pre-Vet, Science & Medical

After graduating from Illinois with my Bachelor’s in Animal Sciences, I plan to attend vet school. During vet school, I want to explore options for specializations, but my dream is to work with companion animals in a small general practice setting. I also have a passion for educating pet owners on preventative care, and for helping shelter animals in any way I can. Once I have an established career, I want to offer my services to animal shelters and other similar organizations in my community.