Honors College 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.
You can learn more about our current mentors below.
We encourage you to reach out to any Ambassador with questions about Honors or UMaine, and we especially recommend contacting an Ambassador in your college or major, and/or one that has similar interests to you. You can also request to shadow an Ambassador! Simply send your preferred Ambassador an email requesting what day and time period you’d like to shadow, and they will respond with their availability and details about the visit.
Learn more about the Honors College Ambassadors Below!
I’m a senior undergraduate student from Michigan studying Ecology and Environmental Science
as my major with a concentration in Marine Ecology. In summer 2024, I interned in animal care
at the Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend, Indiana, where I worked hands-on with a range of speciesfrom poison dart frogs to giraffes. For my 2025 summer, I completed an internship at Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (FAU HBOI), where I contributed to research on using bioacoustics to study shell-crushing predators foraging behaviors. For my Honors thesis, I’m writing and illustrating a Field Guide to Intertidal Species of Maine, combining scientific research with art and science communication to highlight the region’s coastal biodiversity. I love reading, writing, making art (specifically with charcoal), and enjoying time spent with my friends. If you have any questions about the Honors college, please contact me through my email: madelynn.debest@maine.edu
Hello, I am a third-year double majoring in Ecology and Environmental Sciences and Economics. I am involved with research about PFAS with the School of Economics. I am also an EES ambassador and work for Team Maine where I give tours of campus and work other admissions events. In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym, rock climbing, or playing volleyball. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions at carissa.furtado@maine.edu.
I am a 4th-year mechanical engineering major. I was a fellow in the Innovate for Maine program in 2023. During the school year, I am involved on campus as the President for the Black Bear Beekeepers, a general member of the 3D printing club, and an undergraduate research assistant. 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 second fall semester in a row. Have questions about Honors? Email me! katherine.gross@maine.edu
Welcome to the Honors College! My name is Myles, I am a third-year student, and I study finance and financial economics. Aside from my role as an ambassador, I am currently involved in the Student Portfolio Investment Fund (SPIFFY), and I play on Maine’s club soccer team! In my spare time, I enjoy playing tennis, 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!
Hello, and welcome to the University of Maine Honors College! I’m Mads Howorth, and I am a fourth-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!
My name is Lilia, and I am a second-year student studying Parks, Recreation, and Tourism with a minor in Ecology and Environmental Science. I am an honors mentor, Knack Tutor, a member of the Horticulture Club, and I am frequently at Maine Bound. In my spare time, I love to make jewelry, hike, watch movies, and explore new places. If you have any questions about UMaine or the Honors College, feel free to reach out at lilia.lambert@maine.edu!
Welcome to the University of Maine Honors College! I’m Sophie Lauritano (They/Them), a third-year student double majoring in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGS) and Sociology. I grew up just down the road in Bangor, Maine. I am the treasurer of Triota, a WGS honor society and service organization. I love whitewater club, ASL club, and going on rock climbing trips that Maine Bound offers!
Hello and welcome to the Honors College!
I am a second-year student at UMaine, studying Communication Sciences and Disorders, with a minor in Psychology.
In my free time, I enjoy playing club soccer, supporting UMaine athletics, and spending time outside. I am also a member of the UMaine Chapter of the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association, secretary of the Sophomore Eagles, and a TRIO SSS Peer Coach!
Questions about Honors, or other UMaine resources? Feel free to reach out at lily.nadeau@maine.edu!
Hi there! I am a senior double majoring in Environmental Science and Studio Art. I grew up in Rhode Island and I enjoy exploring Maine’s beautiful trails along the coast and in the forests. I’ve been a student-athlete running cross country and track for UMaine as well as play club tennis. The focus for my Honors thesis project has been about illustrating the wild blueberry harvest in Maine and the past two summer seasons I’ve enjoyed venturing around colorful wild blueberry fields for fieldwork research!
If you have any questions about the Honors College program, what it’s like being a student-athlete, or about student research I have lots to share about! You can reach out to me @ jordan.ramos@maine.edu.
I am a fourth-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.
My name is Brygid, and I am a fourth-year biology major and sustainable agriculture minor. When I’m not working in the haploid genomics lab as an undergraduate research assistant, I love watching hockey at the Alfond, running on the trails behind campus, wandering through the Orono Bog, or chilling in my hammock with friends.
Hello! I am a fourth-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 101: Foundations of Inquiry. I love spending time in Maine’s beautiful outdoors, from time at UMaine’s Darling Marine Center or weekends at Acadia National Park to unwinding on campus with the Hammock Club. Have questions about Honors? Email me at Luke.Valleli@maine.edu.
Hi! I am a second-year student double majoring in Communication and International Affairs, with a concentration in International Security. Around campus, I serve as the Volunteer Chair for the women’s club soccer team, work at the Maine Bound Adventure Center, and I am a Peer Facilitator for HON 170. I am also a coach for the Honors Cup and the Chair of the planning committee for it! In my free time, I love to read, go for long hikes, and just spend time outdoors. If you have any questions about the Honors College or general UMaine life, feel free to reach me at alexa.yong@maine.edu!