Student Ambassadors

Lead Ambassador

Jasmine Malhi

Major(s): Political Science HBA; History HBA

Expected Graduation Year: 2028

Hometown: Kaysville, UT

Fun fact: I have been vegetarian for 16 years

What inspires you to be the solution?

I think that there is power in people that care, and that should not ever be undermined! We live in a state where we constantly see our everyday lives negatively impacted by our very own legislature. Whether it be in regards to higher education, or the air we breathe, the impacts are evidently large, and change needs to be made now. I am most empowered after seeing student changemakers successfully alter the trajectory of the status quo. Continually surrounding myself with those impactful individuals has helped better shape me as a leader, and allow me to continue advocating for what I think is important. 

What is a recommendation you have for other students?

Be yourself, be a free thinker, and always advocate for what you believe in! 

Lead Ambassador

Sydney Franks

Major(s): Psychology BS; Criminology BS

Expected Graduation Year: 2027

Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ

Fun fact: I can fully operate and "captain" a boat

What inspires you to be the solution?

What inspires me to be the solution is seeing students get excited about learning again, and finding their passions, even just through simple conversations where they are seeing their opportunities to discover more.

What is a recommendation you have for other students?

Find fun classes to pair with your required/core classes to give yourself a little break, whether that be a workout class or just a fun gen ed, and do it for every semester, especially as you're getting close to the end.

Lead Ambassador

Tyson Guymon

Major(s): Economics HBA; Political Science HBS

Expected Graduation Year: 2028

Hometown: Roosevelt, UT

Fun fact: I’m fluent in Portuguese

What inspires you to be the solution?

Being from a rural area I have seen both problems and societal solutions to said problems. I aspire to be an advocate for change. My education here at the University of Utah gives me tools to find solutions.

What is a recommendation you have for other students?

Apply for everything you can, even if you are unsure whether you are qualified.

Lead Ambassador

Dua Khan

Major(s): Psychology BS
Minor(s): Pediatric Clinical Research; Human Development & Family Studies

Expected Graduation Year: 2027

Hometown: Sandy, UT

Fun fact: Broke my arm at Lagoon

What inspires you to be the solution?

Being able to help the greater majority through solution is what inspires me to be proactive and consistently problem solving!

What is a recommendation you have for other students?

To get involved!!!

Salem Hull

Major(s): Psychology HBA
Minor(s): Spanish, Entrepreneurship, French

Expected Graduation Year: 2028

Hometown: Park City, Utah

Fun fact: My favorite snack hands down is McDonald's French Fries.

What inspires you to be the solution?

My family is what inspires me to be the solution. They've taught me the core values that I carry with me in everything I do, including being compassionate, open-minded, and hardworking. Every effort I make is an extension of what they've given me. They've shown me the importance of contributing to making others feel like they belong, which is something I strive to bring into every space I'm a part of.

What is a recommendation you have for other students?

Your support system is one of your greatest tools going through college. Take the time to build it and invest in it, and don't be afraid to lean on it when you need help.

Sydney Lutterman

Major(s): HDFS BS with an emphasis in Child Health Care; HSP BS; BIOL BS
Minor(s): Chemistry; Certificate in Infant & Early Childhod Mental Health

Expected Graduation Year: 2027

Hometown: Sacramento, CA

Fun fact: I lived in Amsterdam for 6 months of Junior year! 

What inspires you to be the solution?

What inspires me to be the solution is the understanding that real change comes from people who choose to act rather than observe. Through my experiences in healthcare and research, I’ve seen problems that don’t have immediate answers, and that motivates me to step in, learn more, and contribute to meaningful solutions.

What is a recommendation you have for other students?

Work hard but don’t forget to have so much fun along the way! 

Grace Netski

Major(s): Economics HBS

Expected Graduation Year: 2029

Hometown: Las Vegas, NV

Fun fact: I've performed at Carnegie Hall!

What inspires you to be the solution?

I am inspired to be the solution because I know that hope and kindness are contagious. I have had the opportunity to see how a genuine compliment or a thoughtful gesture can turn somebody's day or even life around, and how it then inspires them to spread hope and kindness as well. In a world where hope can sometimes feel hard to come by, and the stress starts to pile up, hope and kindness are powerful tools we have to lift each other up and show others the beauty of life. I am so looking forward to being able to meet new people as a CSBS Student Ambassador and give them hope that everything will be all right! 

What is a recommendation you have for other students?

I would tell other students to start building their community in college, and that their community will never be too big. This can be made up of professors, people you met from a club, neighbors, a kind stranger - there is no limit! When you build this community, it makes a large campus feel smaller, and it helps to make sure you have support in all areas of your life, whether it's academic, professional, or personal.

Kiara Quispe

Major(s): Political Science BS, Spanish BA

Expected Graduation Year: 2028

Hometown: Sun Valley, Idaho

Fun fact: I am a 4 time, state champion, and national qualifier in Speech and Debate

What inspires you to be the solution?

What inspires me to be the solution is my mom and the way I was raised as an only child. Watching my mom handle everything on her own showed me what strength and resilience look like and it made m realize that if something needs to be done, you can't always wait for someone else. Being an only child also pushed me to become more independent and figure things out for myself, which hasn't always been easy, especially when it comes to finding my voice. But that that struggle is exactly what motivates me I want to speak up, take action, and make an impact instead of staying quiet. That's what drives me to try to be part of the solution. 

What is a recommendation you have for other students?

A recommendation I would have to other students would be not to procrastinate and to come into life with a positive attitude. Procrastination is easy and I have gone through it but the management of doing things on time becomes a better tool going more into college. Also the positive attitude is just to be optimistic when coming into a project, team meeting, or literally anything because coming into things with a positive attitude can completely change the outcome when it comes to daily tasks.

Christina Pak

Major(s): Sociology HBA; HSP HBS
Minor(s): Biology

Expected Graduation Year: 2027

Hometown: Famington, UT

Fun fact: I have two adorable cats.

What inspires you to be the solution?

I want to be able to be the person that I would have wanted when I first came to the U and was trying to figure out where I belonged. I had to go through that journey mostly alone, but things were much easier and connected when I had people that I knew who had the resources and knowledge that could help me. I love this college, and I would choose to do this again if I had the chance. I want to be able to advocate for people to enjoy and indulge in their interests, and continue to develop their skills and ideas in a productive and acknowledging manner. I may not be the perfect solution, but alongside other people, we can become something much better.

What is a recommendation you have for other students?

 I recommend talking and making friends with your professors! Choose topics to learn that you genuinely enjoy and that you would indulge in inside and outside of school. Take breaks and sleep whenever you can. Your health is important, and should be first priority. Alongside having your own time, build you time management skills so that you have the best of both worlds. It doesn't have to be perfect, and even I am still learning how to balance things out!

Teani Kauffman

Major(s): Human Development & Family Studies BS

Expected Graduation Year: 2027

Hometown: Kailua, O'ahu

Fun fact: I've danced hula for 12 years! 

What inspires you to be the solution?

My community in Hawai'i motivates me to #bethesolution by influencing how I perceive and relate to other people. I have a distinct perspective and a strong appreciation for inclusion and cultural awareness. By putting others before myself and treating everyone with respect, I try to bring that sense of aloha with me wherever I go. This way of thinking motivates me to create environments where people feel appreciated and encouraged, and I hope to foster a strong sense of community that genuinely embodies the spirit of #bethesolution. 

What is a recommendation you have for other students?

I would advise other students to make the most of their college experience by putting themselves out there. Putting yourself into unusual situations is where you will meet new people, form strong friendships, and understand yourself fully. You can truly grow as a person and develop your identity by stepping out of your comfort zone. 

Ella Phillips

Major(s): ENVST BS with an emphasis in Air, Water & Health; HSP BS
Minor(s): Atmospheric Sciences; Strategic Communication; Psychology

Expected Graduation Year: 2028

Hometown: Jackson Hole, WY

Fun fact: I can fly a plane 

What inspires you to be the solution?

The opportunity to help people and the environment at the same time and promote global change. 

What is a recommendation you have for other students?

You don’t need to have everything planned out, things will fall into place if you’re learning what you love!

Indiana Plant

Major(s): Anthropology HBS; Quantitative Analysis of Markets & Orgs BS

Expected Graduation Year: 2028

Hometown: Ogden, UT

Fun fact: I’m named after Indiana Jones, which feels a little too on-the-nose now that I'm an Anthropology major.

What inspires you to be the solution?

The world and the people in it are endlessly interesting to me. I think if we let ourselves be more curious and more fascinated by each other, we have a better chance of enjoying this beautiful world, and each other, more deeply and for longer.

What is a recommendation you have for other students?

Stay curious and search for uncommon connections. Don't be afraid to contain multitudes.

Kayla Flores Alas

Major(s): Political Science BS; Criminology BS

Expected Graduation Year: 2027

Hometown: Springville, UT

Fun fact: I was obsessed with the Titanic when I was a little kid. Not the movie, but the event itself. I read so many non-fiction books about it from ages 8-12. 

What inspires you to be the solution?

 I'm inspired to be the solution because of my family and friends! They are so important to me and have been so encouraging throughout my education. My family's immigrant background has also heavily contributed to my interest in further understanding the unique challenges faced by underrepresented communities. Having the opportunity to travel growing up also garnered my passion for learning about different cultures and experiences, leading me to chose a field in CSBS.

What is a recommendation you have for other students?

One of my favorite pieces of advice I've been given is that there's no success without risk. To me, this means getting out of my comfort zone and trying something even if I know it might not work out. This is my recommendation for other students, to allow yourself to try something new even if there's a chance it might not go how you want/expect.

Helena Nurre

Major(s): Criminiology BS; Psychology BS; Sociology BS

Expected Graduation Year: 2027

Hometown: Reno, Nevada

Fun fact: Broke my arm at Lagoon

What inspires you to be the solution?

I am inspired to be the solution because the College of Social and Behavioral Science at the U has offered me so many amazing opportunities. Whether it be internships, research labs, or even this position as an ambassador. There I would like to help other students access these opportunities as well, which is what inspires me to be the solution.

What is a recommendation you have for other students?

One recommendation that I have for other students is to take every opportunity that you get and to say yes to any event or invitation that you receive. College is such a unique time in your life, therefore it is so important to capitalize on the opportunities and invitations that fall into your hands as best you can.

Tenison Fernelius

Major(s): ENVST HBS with an emphasis in Air, Water & Health

Expected Graduation Year: 2029

Hometown: Layton, Utah

Fun fact: I've lived in six different states and three different countries.

What inspires you to be the solution?

I love making new friends, especially with people who I was initially at odds with. There is something really satisfying about overcoming differences and learning how to work with people who see things differently. The more I make new connections with others, the more it motivates me to see the good in people and understand different perspectives. Studying at the U is very rewarding because there are plenty of opportunities to meet people from diverse backgrounds and collaborate towards finding solutions. 

What is a recommendation you have for other students?

Try not to schedule classes on Fridays if possible! Having a day set aside to work on assignments or even just to decompress a little helps a lot with managing workload and stress.