The Ambassadors of Letters and Science (ALAS) are distinguished scholars who represent the College of Letters and Science to diverse audiences, including prospective students, families, peers, campus leadership, and the wider community. Meet our Ambassadors for 2025-2026 below.
Learn more about our ambassadors such as why they chose UC Davis, any extracurriculars or hobbies that they like to do in their free time, as well as one piece of advice that they would like to share with new students.
Sydney Yacullo, Sophomore (she/her)
English
Auburn, California
Sydney chose Davis because of its small-town feel and incredible location--in close proximity to nature and major cities. She knew that Davis was the right place for me after interacting with the incredible English faculty on Aggie Day. She already felt so welcomed and supported by the department and campus as a whole, causing her to commit on the spot!
Sydney will be an Orientation Leader for the 2025-26 school year, which she is so excited about! In her free time she loves to read, spend time with friends and family, go to the Farmer's Market, and try new food downtown!
Sydney's advice to to new students is to take care of themselves! It is so easy to get wrapped up in the fast-paced nature of the quarter system, often neglecting your needs in the process. Being kind to yourself and practicing self-care will be immensely beneficial for your wellbeing and academics!
Marissa Yeh, Junior (she/her)
Psychology (Double Minor in Human Development and Sociology)
Houston, Texas
Marissa chose UC Davis as an out-of-state student because she was excited to step outside of her comfort zone and experience something new. She was drawn to the unique balance Davis offers, a college town with its own charm, yet it's just a short trip away from major cities, perfect for weekend getaways. What really stood out to her was the supportive campus environment, along with the wide range of academic resources and opportunities that help students grow both personally and professionally.
She is currently a Research Assistant in the "Sleep Architecture and Cognition in Focal Epilepsy" lab, as well as a member in mental health clubs and organizations such as SHARED and BBRC (Brain and Behavior Research Club). She enjoys baking, spending time with friends, going on matcha runs, and trying new restaurants!
Marissa's advice to new students at UC Davis is to step outside your comfort zone and explore all that campus life has to offer; whether that means joining clubs, attending events, or trying out new organizations. Take the time to explore different opportunities because you never know which one might become your community, your passion, or even your home away from home!
Renee Odoi, Senior (she/her)
Cognitive Science
Los Angeles, California
Renee chose UC Davis for the cows, the beautiful scenery, and the peaceful, welcoming campus environment. She was also drawn to its strong cognitive science program and the many opportunities to grow through research and leadership.
Renee is involved in Afro Vibes, serves as the Director of External Affairs for the AI Student Collective, and works as a Community Advisor. She loves to hang out with friends, go shopping, and try new recipes. She also loves listening to music.
Her advice to new students is don’t be nervous—people at UC Davis are friendly and welcoming. All you need to do is put yourself out there to build meaningful connections and lifelong friendships.
Christiana Jeter, Sophomore (she/her)
Psychology -- Biological; Spanish (Minor in Neuroscience)
Stockton, California
Christiana chose UC Davis because it was the perfect mix of safety, beauty, prestige, and community for her to feel right at home! Christiana felt that there were a lot of resources as a first generation college student to be supported and secure.
Christiana is the Team Manager for the UC Davis Indoor Volleyball Team and a member of Davis Christian Fellowship. She loves going downtown to taste chais from various coffee shops, photography, playing guitar and singing, thrifting, and making flower bouquets.
One piece of advice she would like to give to new students at UC Davis is to not be afraid of failure or rejection because through every "no," you learn to grow!
Madison Harris, Senior (she/her)
Psychology -- Biological
Fullerton, CA
Madison chose UC Davis because she was enticed by its vibrant community, proximity to nature, diverse student body, and academic reputation. As someone from Southern California, she also wanted to get away from home and explore a new part of the state, which has been a wonderful experience so far.
Madison is a part of the ICanGoToCollege campaign, where she participates in podcasts and as a panelist in webinars to provide students with resources (financial aid, scholarships, making the most in community college, the transfer process) that can help them in their journey to community college and get them where they want to be. She is also a big fan of music, and it's exciting to her that there are so many songs, artists, and albums that she has yet to explore! She loves going to concerts, going out to eat and trying weird foods, spending time in nature, going on picnics, and hiking.
Her advice to new students is to get involved! There are so many clubs and organizations on campus. Getting involved can completely change your on-campus experience, you can meet new friends, feel more connected to campus, or get exposed to something that can change the trajectory of your life for the better.
Leslie Diaz-Guerrero, Senior (she/her)
Political Science -- Public Service
Manteca, California
Leslie chose to go to UC Davis because of its beautiful campus and the unique opportunity it offers to be close to the state capital. As someone passionate about public service and policy, being near Sacramento allows her to access internships, networking events, and hands-on experiences that align with her career goals.
Leslie is a member of Davis Pre-Law Society. She loves to play volleyball, go on walks, and spend quality time hanging out with friends and loved ones. These hobbies help her stay active, clear her mind, and stay connected to the people she cares about.
One piece of advice Leslie would give to new students at UC Davis is to take advantage of the many opportunities on campus as early as possible. Even if one is shy or unsure, students shouldn't be afraid to put themselves out there. After all, the staff and students are incredibly kind and welcoming. Building relationships and getting involved not only helps one grow professionally, but also on a personal level. The connections one makes at UC Davis can truly shape one's college experience and open doors that one may not have even expected!
Emily Ayala, Sophomore (she/her)
2025-2026 Ambassador Lead
Political Science and Chicana/Chicano Studies
Turlock, California
Emily chose UC Davis for the location, being extremely close to the capital aligns with her future career goals as well as the tranquil environment that the UC Davis campus has to offer. Being able to go home on the weekend was also a plus for her!
Her advice to new students is to ask questions, it could be extremely scary to ask but it needs to be done! Becoming your own advocate is the best thing you could do, and a perfect time to start is in college. The staff in all the different departments, whether that be the financial aid office, major departments etc., are extremely nice and there to help you!
In her free time, Emily can be seen eating good food around campus and working at the School of Law as a student assistant.
Kelly Chiang, Junior (she/her)
Political Science — Public Service (Minor in Technology Management)
Temple City, California
Kelly chose UC Davis because of the welcoming and tranquil environment. She loves that everyone here is extremely accepting and friendly.
Kelly participates in a program called Consult Your Community which does consulting for local businesses. She is also a part of Tzu Ching, a community service organization. In her free time, Kelly enjoys golfing, hiking, and trying new cuisine!
Kelly's advice for new students is to try anything you want and not let fear get in your way. She encourages all students to push themselves out of their comfort zone in college to experience more excitement and joy.
Katie Cohen, Sophomore (she/her)
2025-2026 Ambassador Lead
Sociology -- General (Minor in Medical Humanities)
Los Angeles, California
Katie chose UCD because of the incredibly warm and welcoming community that she found instantly once she stepped on campus. She wanted a school that she could truly call a second home, and she found that here at Davis. Katie is a peer advisor for the Sociology department, where she has the pleasure of advising other students in her major!
In her spare time, Katie loves to cook and bake! She is always trying out new recipes and playing with flavors. She also always loves to read and write. One piece of advice Katie would give to new students is not to feel pressured to have to do everything - there are many opportunities at UC Davis, but you should also do things at your own pace, and if you want to go slow, go slow.
Kyhara J. Crespin Choque, Sophomore (she/her)
Undeclared
Mountain View, California
Kyhara fell in love with UC Davis when her tour guide shared many fun facts about UC Davis. Perhaps it was because it was a lovely day, but as she walked through campus, she truly envisioned herself going there. Whether it was coming to class, having a picnic with friends on the Quad, getting a cup of coffee at the MU, or simply being a college student, it seemed like a community she wanted to be a part of. Aside from the stunning green campus, she chose UC Davis for its diversity. As a first-generation Latina student, she valued the opportunity to connect with other students from similar backgrounds.
Her advice for new students is to explore as much as they can and try new things. This is a new environment and there is lots to do at UC Davis, so students should never be afraid to put themselves out there. She wants students to know that they are never alone and there is a wide variety of resources and communities for every student plus academic and research opportunities. UC Davis has many student-run organizations and clubs, students are the ones making this campus great, so it’s really easy to get involved and of course, have fun!
In Kyhara’s free time, you can probably spot her on campus giving a tour in English or Spanish, as she is a Campus Tour Guide, at the ARC taking Martial Arts classes, or walking around the Farmer’s Market in Downtown Davis. She enjoys hanging out with her friends, listening to music, and watching K-dramas.
Xavier Gonzalez, Sophomore (he/him)
Computer Science and Cinema and Digital Media
Oakland, California
Xavier chose UC Davis because he wanted to be surrounded by people who are future drivers of change. As part of Special Transitional Enrichment Program (STEP), his introduction to Davis not only fostered a sense of belonging but also revealed the resilience of those who, despite challenges, made it into this esteemed institution. This ignited his desire to facilitate similar experiences for fellow students, helping them discover communities where they feel embraced and empowered.
Xavier's advice to new students is to get involved with a community they value as soon as possible and build a network of reliable peers and mentors. His passion involves developing small video games with Gameheads, a local youth tech training program, to spread important messages through art.
In his leisure time, he enjoy cooking, running, and, a big surprise, playing video games! Xavier encourages people to find an overlap between their hobbies and passions because that is key to identifying their future careers.
Jasmine Khdrlaryan, Sophomore (she/her)
Political Science
Los Angeles, California
Jasmine chose UC Davis because of its excellence in various disciplines and ideal location. The campus itself is a hub of activity that brings people together, and the town offers a rich array of experiences. Jasmine works at the UC Davis Mabie Law Library, is involved in the Davis College Democrats and Armenian Students Association, and has had the opportunity to work on multiple political campaigns for candidates.
Her advice to new students is to expand your network as much as possible by joining clubs, attending events, and applying for new positions. The more you put yourself out there and get involved, the more doors to new opportunities will arise. She recommends finding nice study spots like the Shields Library, taking strolls in the Arboretum, and exercising at the ARC.
In her free time, Jasmine likes to check out new coffee and food shops downtown and walk around the Farmer’s Market.
Sarah Marin, Junior (she/her)
2025-2026 Ambassador Lead
Chicanx Studies and International Relations (Minor in Human Rights)
Tracy, California
Sarah knew UC Davis was the place for her during Aggie Day. It was her first time visiting campus and she and her parents got lost. A lady approached them asking if they needed help and she went out of her way to show them to the building they were looking for. As they chatted, they found out that she was a professor and she answered questions they had about campus, academics, and school life. Interacting with her along with other people around campus that day made Sarah realize that UC Davis not only has a beautiful campus, but it also has many lovely, caring, and friendly people.
Sarah is involved as an active sister of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated. She also likes to cook new recipes, hang out with her roommates, and walk around cute paths around Davis. In Sarah's free time, she likes to watch movies with her friends or go to events held by different organizations around campus to get free merch! Sarah also enjoys cooking and water coloring.
Talk to everybody! Make friends wherever you go, always offer a smile, and you will see how the good energy you put out comes back to you.
Prati Mehta, Sophomore (she/her)
Computational Cognitive Science and Applied Statistics (Minor in Tech Management)
San Jose, California
Prati chose to go to Davis because the people here are genuinely kind—it’s easy to make new friends and quickly feel like part of a community. It’s also a place where you can explore new interests and paths without feeling overwhelmed, thanks to the supportive atmosphere. She loves the small-town vibe too; it makes everything feel a bit more personal and connected.
Her advice to new students is to make the most of your time in college! You only get to live this era of your life once, so take advantage of all the opportunities around you and don't forget to have fun!
In her free time, Prati enjoys reading, swimming, and watching rom-coms!
Josie Peinemann, Sophomore (she/her)
2025-2026 Ambassador Lead
Cognitive Science and Communication
Culver City, California
Josie was drawn to UC Davis by the high achieving yet friendly and supportive atmosphere. She applied "Undeclared" and has greatly appreciated the many opportunities for major and career exploration. Josie enjoys working with other people and is very involved in campus activities.
She is a Tutor for the UC Davis Academic Assistance and Tutoring Centers (AATC), the President of the Regents Scholars Society, a member of the University Honors Program, and a member of Studio 301 Productions, a theater organization on campus. She is also the Peer Mentor for Aggie Explorers, which is an L&S First-Year seminar focused on major, career, and research exploration. In her free time, you can find her connecting to her cultures through cooking and baking, enjoying a lavender flavored drink from the UC Davis Coffee House or downtown, listening to music, and taking walks around campus!
Josie’s advice for new students is to not be afraid of being undeclared, changing your major, or not knowing exactly what you want to do yet. Use GEs to your advantage in exploring your interests, step out of your comfort zone in trying new experiences and meeting new people, and familiarize yourself with and utilize campus resources, which can be extremely helpful both academically and personally. There are so many ways to find or create your niche and feel connected to UC Davis!
In her free time, you can find her connecting to her cultures through cooking and baking, enjoying a lavender flavored drink from the UC Davis Coffee House or downtown, listening to music, and taking walks around campus!
Jessica Zhou, Sophomore (she/her)
Psychology
Irvine, California
Jessica chose UCD because of its reputable academics, particularly in the psychology and research department. She was overjoyed to find out upon coming here that there is a welcoming community of peers and professors who are collaborative and all willing to help. Furthermore, the nature-filled scenery that surrounds the college makes it convenient for students to relax and have a quiet place to study.
Jessica would advise new students to not be afraid to reach out and ask for help when needed. The people here are genuine, funny, and generous.
During her time in my Cuarto residential hall, Jessica became involved in the Cuarto Community Council. She had the opportunity of organizing events for our building's residents. During her free time, she loves to go to the gym for a run on the treadmill. Jessica also loves to listen to music, watch Youtube videos, and draw.