Graduate School Graduate Student Ambassadors


Have questions about a specific program? Please feel free to contact any graduate school student ambassador with any questions you may have regarding graduate study at the University of Louisville


The graduate student ambassador program provides current graduate students an opportunity to become involved in graduate student recruitment and retention efforts, while providing them networking and professional development skills. Ambassadors assist with graduate student orientation, visitation day, the doctoral hooding ceremony and many other programs and receptions. 


Official 2023-2024 Graduate Student Ambassadors:

Alisa Zanetti

Name: 

Major: Sustainability

Hometown: Shepherdsville, KY

Undergraduate Institution: University of Louisville 1998 

Graduate Institution: University of Louisville 

Favorite Aspect of Studying at UofL: One of my favorite aspects of studying at the University of Louisville has been the nostalgic feeling I experienced since returning to campus for my master's program. The best part has been the opportunity to connect and bond with classmates from diverse backgrounds. The university's emphasis on hands-on learning has made a significant impact on me, specifically the GIS lab where you can collaborate with like-minded students and use tools like the Hydro Lab. I have also benefited from the exposure to real-world business experiences through case studies and seminar speakers, who often represent local businesses like Brown-Forman and Louisville Water, as well as national companies. Having Louisville as my home and being a double alumnus fills me with pride. Go Cards!

Fun Fact: I attended my first KY Derby 30 years ago in the infield and walked from the University of Louisville. 

Smriti Maskey

Name:

Major: PhD in Epidemiology and Population Health

Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal

Undergraduate Institution: Pokhara University, Nepal

Graduate Institution: The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Texas, and the University of Louisville

Favorite Aspect of Studying at UofL: Students at UofL have access to various resources designed to help them succeed academically and reach their future goals. The faculty and staff are incredibly supportive and easy to approach.

Fun Fact: I can communicate in four different languages. 

Belen Zamudio Aguirre

Name: 

Major: Doctor of Nursing Practice, Acute Care Track

Hometown: Shelbyville, KY

Undergraduate Institution: Jefferson Community and Technical College (ADN) & Northern Kentucky University

Graduate Institution: University of Louisville Graduate School of Nursing

Favorite Aspect of Studying at UofL: There's so much inclusivity in all aspects, from social events to academic performance. Everyone I have encountered is so nice and genuinely interested in helping the students succeed in their academic and overall careers.

Fun Fact: I am a first generation college student, I am originally from Mexico and Spanish was my first language. 

Mifleh Al Araydeh

Name: 

Major: PhD Nursing

Hometown: Irbid, Jordan

Undergraduate Institution: Jordan University of Science and Technology

Graduate Institution: University of Louisville

Favorite Aspect of Studying at UofL: The supportive community and faculty.

Fun Fact: Alongside my passion for nursing research, I thoroughly enjoy attending events and engaging with the vibrant community at UofL. 

Patricia Nyalwal

Name:

Major: Counselling, College Student Personnel

Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya

Undergraduate Institution: Catholic University of Eastern Africa

Graduate Institution: University of Louisville

Favorite Aspect of Studying at UofL: Meeting students from diverse backgrounds and learning new skills.

Fun Fact: I'm a self-published author!

 

Emily Zoernig

Name: Emily Zoernig

Major: PhD Counseling Psychology

Hometown: St. Louis, MO

Undergraduate Institution: Saint Louis University

Graduate Institution: University of Louisville

Favorite Aspect of studying at UofL: My community of friends and supportive faculty.

Fun Fact: I do saber fencing!

Faith Fisher

Name: Faith Fisher

Major: Master of Public Administration, Nonprofit Management concentration

Hometown: Louisville, KY

Undergraduate Institution: University of Louisville

Graduate Institution: University of Louisville

Favorite Aspect of studying at UofL: I love how kind all faculty members are; they truly do care about students’ success here. I also love how welcoming everyone is, there is a place for everyone at UofL.

Fun Fact: My favorite musical artist is Taylor Swift. I have seen her in concert twice, one of which was my first concert ever!

Olufunmilayo "Funmi" Babarinde

Name: Olufunmilayo "Funmi" Babarinde

Major: Epidemiology and Population Health

Hometown: Ibadan, Nigeria

Undergraduate Institution: University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria

Graduate Institution: University of Louisville School of Public Health and Information Sciences

Favorite Aspect of studying at UofL: Abundant resources to ensure excellence in academic career and life beyond. In addition, I like that it's a friendly community of diverse people and there is a great deal of volunteering opportunities.

Julia Kachanova

Name: Julia Kachanova

Major: PhD in Biology

Hometown: St. Petersburg, Russia

Undergraduate Institution: St. Petersburg State Forest Engineering University

Graduate Institution(s): University of Padua (Italy), University of Louisville

Favorite Aspect of studying at UofL: The diversity of events and options to get involved, high academic standards, beautiful campus, supportive and inclusive staff and environment.

Lisa Washington

Name: Lisa Washington

Major: Art Therapy

Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky

Undergraduate Institution: University of Louisville

Graduate Institution: University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

Favorite Aspect of studying at UofL: I am enjoying the opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills and to be engaged with the university as a non-traditional student.