Honors College Ambassadors
About the Honors College Student Ambassadors
Honors College Ambassadors are current Honors students from a variety of years and majors. They serve as community builders and resources for prospective and current students through admissions events, student programming, one-on-one conversations, and more. Read more about our Ambassadors and their experiences in the Honors College and UMaine below, and watch a video about some of their favorite places on campus. We encourage you to reach out to them with questions about Honors or UMaine, and especially recommend contacting an Ambassador in your college or major, and/or one that has similar interests to you.
Myles Harrison (he/him) Finance, 1st Year
Welcome to the Honors College! My name is Myles, I am a first-year student, and I study finance and economics. Aside from my role as an ambassador, I am currently involved in the Student Portfolio Investment Fund (SPIFFY), and I play on the club soccer team! In my spare time, I enjoy playing basketball, spending time outdoors, and running on the trails with friends. For any questions about Honors, finance, or UMaine life, feel free to reach out at myles.harrison@maine.edu!
Jon Genrich (he/him) Biology, 3rd Year
Hello! My name is Jon, and I am a 3rd-year Biology major from Bar Harbor, Maine. My favorite hobby is rock climbing, and you can often find me at the Maine Bound Adventure Center on campus. I also enjoy being outdoors and hanging out with my friends. If you have any questions about Honors or anything else, please reach out to me at jonathan.genrich@maine.edu.
Jordan Ramos (she/her) Environmental Science and Studio Art, 3rd Year
Hello! I am a junior double majoring in environmental science and studio art. I’m from Rhode Island and I enjoy exploring Maine’s beautiful trails and coast. I also run cross country and track for UMaine and play club tennis.
If you have any questions about UMaine or the honors college, reach out to me! jordan.ramos@maine.edu
Sam Robinson (he/him) Civil/Environmental Engineering, 2nd Year
I am a second year Civil/Environmental Engineering student here at UMaine. I enjoy riding my bike around Orono, going for runs, and swimming in the Stillwater River. Have questions about Honors? Email me! samuel.robinson2@maine.edu.
Abe Grunwald (they/them) Zoology, 4th Year
Hello! I am a fourth year zoology major with a concentration in ecology and a minor in dance. I enjoy doing crafts, taking my dog on long walks and snuggling with my kittens! I think pets make the best study buddies. Have questions about Honors? Email me! abigail.grunwald@maine.edu
Renn Poirier (she/they) Zoology, 4th Year
Welcome to UMaine and a hearty Maine hello to you! My name is Renn Poirier, and I am a fourth year student from Londonderry, New Hampshire. I am studying as a Zoology B.A. and a Film and Video Studies minor! I’m often found at the University’s Witter Farm, working with the horses there. I like attending University or RA hosted events as well! I love spending free time exploring the woods around campus, going for hikes, or writing in one of the many cozy spots around campus. I’m excited to get to know you! My email is brenna.poirier@maine.edu and I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have about UMaine life- however small they may be!
Luke Valleli (He/Him) Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 2nd Year
Hello! I am a second year Ecology and Environmental Sciences major, with a minor in Environmental Ethics and a concentration in Marine Ecology, Conservation, and Policy. I am also a Peer Facilitator for Honors 170: Currents and Contexts. I love spending time in Maine’s beautiful outdoors, from field labs or weekends at Acadia National Park to unwinding on campus with UMaine’s Hammock Club. Have questions about Honors? Email me! Luke.Valleli@maine.edu.
Madie deBest (she/her) Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 2nd year
Hello, I’m a 2nd-year from Michigan studying Ecology and Environmental Science as my major with a concentration in Marine Ecology. I am the Secretary of the Marine Science Club, the Vice President of the Aquaculture Club, the Treasurer of Sophomore Eagles, and I’m a member of Alpha Lambda Delta. In the fall of 2023, I participated in a Field Research course that took place in Acadia National Park. I love reading, writing, making art (specifically with charcoal), and enjoying time spent with my friends. You can usually find me in the library writing papers, sending emails, and working on club projects. If you have any questions about the Honors college, please contact me through my email: madelynn.debest@maine.edu
Madeline Howorth (she/they/he) Political Science, 2nd Year
Hello, and welcome to the University of Maine Honors College! I’m Mads Howorth, and I am a second-year Political Science and International Affairs major with a minor in Pre-Law. I have lived in Orono, Maine for the past five years, but I have also lived in New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Great Britain, and China! On campus, I’m involved in the Pre-Law Society, Student Government, Honors Student Activity Board, and several different research projects in collaboration with my professors. I’m also working to start up a Debate Club on campus! In my free time, I enjoy walking my pug, Daisy, painting, and watching spooky movies. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions about Honors life, academics, research opportunities, or fun things to do around Orono! I’d love to chat with you about your goals and
interests. Email me at madeline.howorth@maine.edu!
Alexander Morrissette (he/him) Wildlife Ecology, 3rd year
Morgan Shiber (she/her) Exercise Science, 3rd year
My name is Morgan Shiber and I am a third-year Exercise Science major with a minor in Human Nutrition. I am working towards becoming a physical therapist. At the University of Maine, I am a
tutor for the Trio SSS Tutoring program here on campus. I enjoy going to the gym, reading on the mall, and hanging out with my friends in my spare time. If you have any questions about honors or anything else please feel free to contact me at morgan.shiber@maine.edu.
Aaron Williams (he/him) Zoology, 2nd year
What’s Up! I am a second year Zoology major with a minor in Animal & Veterinary Science. My plan is to become a licensed DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) with a concentration in treating large and small domestic animals. This has been my dream for as long as I can remember. On campus, you can always find me in the library studying with my friends or at the rec center working out. Have questions about Honors? Email me! aaron.a.williams@maine.edu
Ava Ardito (she/her) Biology, 4th year
Hello! I am Ava Ardito, a fourth year Biology major with a concentration in Ecology and a Minor in Environmental Ethics. I am currently working on my Honors thesis “Effects and ethics of a range shifting species on competition and facilitation in freshwater ecosystems”, which I started this summer at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in Gothic, CO. I am super passionate about research and UMaine has so many great opportunities! I also spend my time as a peer facilitator for the Honors Hurricane Island Research Learning Experience, as an ambassador for the School of Biology and Ecology, and as a member of the Women’s Club Softball team. If you have any questions about Honors, SBE, research opportunities, or life on campus, please feel free to reach out! ava.ardito@maine.edu
Emily Stockman, Political Science and French, 3rd year
I am Emily Stockman, a third year Political Science and French double major. I am currently Vice President of New Member Education for my sorority, Delta Zeta, and I am also the treasurer of UMaine’s Model United Nations Team! Within the Honors college, I was a recipient of the Rezendes Global Volunteering Scholarship, which allowed me to volunteer teaching English in Nepal. I also do research with the Servant Heart Research Collaborative, and I am planning on studying abroad with the Honors college in Bulgaria this spring!
Natalie Curry (she/her) Secondary Education, 2nd Year
Hello! My name is Natalie Curry and I am a second year student with a double major in Spanish and secondary education. I am from Belfast, ME. Outside of academics I am involved in the Spanish club and a few other campus organizations. I also love reading, journaling, and enjoying the outdoors in Maine. If you have any questions about Honors, feel free to reach out! natalie.curry@maine.edu
Mia Corradi (she/her) Biology, 3rd Year
Hello! My name is Mia Corradi and I’m a third-year biology major with a molecular and cellular biology minor. I’m currently researching neuromuscular diseases in the Henry Lab by using zebrafish as a model organism. Outside of academics, I’m a member of various clubs and enjoy hanging out with friends! If you have any questions about UMaine or Honors, email me! mia.corradi@maine.edu
Katherine Gross (she/they) Mechanical Engineering, 2nd Year
I am a 2nd year mechanical engineering major. I was a fellow in the Innovate for Maine program this summer, working with my host company, Ocean Farm Supply, as an intern. During the school year, I am involved on campus as a co-secretary for the Black Bear Beekeepers and a climbing club member. When I am not doing that I am probably working out at the rec center or hanging out with my friends. I am also a TA for MEE 120 for the Fall 2023 semester. Have questions about Honors? Email me! katherine.gross@maine.edu
Brandon Cummings (he/him) Political Science, 3rd Year
Hello everyone! I am a third-year Political Science major, with minors in Legal Studies and Criminal Justice. Along with being an Honors Ambassador, I am also a Peer Facilitator for Honors 170: Currents and Contexts, a current events-based course that focuses on engaging in important conversations and media literacy. During my time at UMaine as an Honors student, I have been inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa and Beta Gamma Sigma academic honor societies. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, playing games, and hanging out with friends. I am always eager to talk about the Honors experience! Email me: brandon.g.cummings@maine.edu
