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Undergraduate Ambassadors

Ayan Agayeva

Hometown: Overland Park, KS
Majors: Computer Science
Favorite Place in KC: As someone who was born and raised in Kansas City, my favorite thing about the area is how diverse it is and that it never ceases to expand and grow. There are so many fun events, community engagements, and businesses to visit and continue to develop in the area. It is a perfect place to find and establish yourself with the perfect mix of both a city and suburban vibe.
Ask me about: Getting involved in SWE (Society of Women Engineers)

Abraham Ansari

Hometown: Olathe, KS
Majors: Biology
Favorite thing about UMKC: Coming down and narrowing my options for my college career, UMKC seemed to check off everything in my list. From the multitude of science programs to the resources it had to offer to students such as PAL or Success Services, I knew UMKC had everything I needed to succeed in my college endeavors. Greatest decision I made in my life.
Ask me about: Preparing to go to dental school!

Bhavana Ediga

Hometown: India
Majors: Computer Science
Favorite Place in KC: My favorite thing about Kansas City is definitely the BBQ! Whether it's Joe’s Kansas City or Jack Stack, the rich flavors and the warm, welcoming atmosphere make it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy great food with friends.
Ask me about: Software development

Ethan Ford

Hometown: Kansas City, MO
Majors: Mechanical Engineering
Favorite thing about UMKC: I'm a really big fan of the food. You can get anything you want in Kansas City and find a place that does it best. There's also a ton of things to do, whether you like going out or staying in, there's something for everyone.
Ask me about: Exploring aerospace engineering in the mechanical engineering program!

Adrija Ghosh

Hometown: West Bengal, India
Majors: Computer Science
Favorite Place in KC: The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, which is my all-time favorite, has a distinctly contemporary feel. The city's commitment to public art is evident in the numerous murals and installations that enhance its cultural appeal.

Hanan Jan

Hometown: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Majors: Mathematics and Statistics with minors in Actuarial Science and Data Analytics
Favorite Place in KC: I love that Kansas City has a great food and arts scene. It’s a large city with a friendly feel, which helps me feel more at home as an out of state student.
Ask me about: Becoming an actuary!

Z Kemp

Hometown: Blue Springs, MO
Majors: Civil Engineering
Favorite thing about UMKC: The vibrant and diverse community I saw on my campus tour.
Ask me about: Trustee Scholars!

Kayla McKnight

Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina
Majors: Physics and Studio Art
Favorite Place in KC: The way the city looks at night, as well as the architecture.

Cora Paddock

Hometown: Blue Springs, MO
Majors: Biology with a minor in Chemistry
Favorite thing about UMKC: The choice to return to school after being out of school for five years was tough, but UMKC made it easy. I felt supported through the application process, and found numerous resources for a smooth freshman year. From campus faculty, staff, and my peers I found a support system that allowed me to thrive.
Ask me about: Applying to veterinary school!

Elena Payne

Hometown: Kansas City, MO
Majors: Earth and Environmental Science with a minor in Business
Favorite Place in KC: My favorite thing about Kansas City is the diversity of arts and culture it offers. I think it’s incredible that there seems to be a plethora of opportunities regardless of your interest from farming to being a doctor-we got it!

Makayla Schulz

Hometown: Independence, MO
Majors: Architecture
Favorite thing about UMKC: UMKC is the first public school in Missouri to offer a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch).
Ask me about: Our new Bachelor of Architecture program!

Sierra Schulz

Hometown: Independence, MO
Majors: Biology
Favorite Place in KC: Parade of Hearts and finding local stores and restaurants I didn’t know about.
Ask me about: Being pre-med and planning to apply to medical school!

Shavelle Shaw

Hometown: Kingston, Jamaica
Majors: Computer Science and Finance
Favorite thing about UMKC: UMKC had a great balance of academics and athletics and was the most feasible financially.
Ask me about: Double majoring!

Mya Thomas

Majors: Columbia, MO
Favorite Place in KC: I adore the pride locals have for Kansas City. From the sports teams to locally owned shops and restaurants, there is no shortage of love and support for this city.
Ask me about: Being a part of Roo Racing, our Baja Buggy team!

Taylor Trudell

Hometown: Knob Noster, MO
Majors: Earth and Environmental Science
Favorite Place in KC: I love the wide variety of restaurants to try! As I am from a very small town, I was limited in choices when eating out. I make it a mission to try new foods with my friends as often as I can.
Ask me about: Getting involved with Concrete Canoe!

Graduate Ambassadors

Satya Machindra Gattu

Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Majors: Master of Science in Computer Science

I grew up in India in a middle-class family, where I developed a strong foundation in computer science. Before coming to UMKC, I completed my bachelor’s degree in computer science.

I chose to attend UMKC’s MS in Computer Science program because of its reputation for academic excellence and practical, hands-on teaching approach. The highly qualified professors and infrastructure at UMKC provide an ideal environment for learning and personal growth.

One of the highlights of my time at UMKC has been the opportunity to work on real-world projects that have enhanced my practical skills and prepared me for the industry. In addition to my technical skills, I have developed good leadership and communication skills and built meaningful connections and broadened my perspectives by serving as an events lead and Building Supervisor of Campus Recreation.

Payton Phipps

Hometown: Houston, TX
Majors: Master of Science in Civil Engineering

I grew up in Ozark, MO, and graduated high school in Houston, TX. I decided to attend UMKC for my undergraduate education, and I am currently pursuing my graduate degree there in Civil Engineering. I chose UMKC for its unique culture and community, as well as its proximity to numerous engineering firms, making it an ideal place to find a job after graduation. During my time as an undergraduate at UMKC, I was an active member of the UMKC Baja Racing Team and the SSE Student Council. Currently, I am a Graduate Research Assistant in the Environmental Applications Lab, where I am working on remedial technology for ‘forever chemicals’. I also work part-time at Black & Veatch with the structural water group. In my free time, I enjoy paddle boarding, playing video games, and spending time with my cats!