John and Marcia Price College of Engineering Ambassador Program
PCE Ambassadors serve as the official student representatives and Recognized Student Government of the John & Marcia Price College of Engineering.
As highly motivated and well-rounded individuals, ambassadors work directly with the Dean’s Office to represent the college at recruitment, outreach, alumni, and development events.
PCE Ambassadors take on roles that include:
- Leading engineering campus tours for prospective students and visiting groups
- Supporting on-campus and off-campus outreach initiatives
- Assisting with recruitment events and demonstrations
- Contributing to college-wide initiatives and programs
- Participating in specialized committee work
- Engaging with alumni, prospective students, and campus visitors
Every ambassador participates in one of four committees based on their interests and strengths. These committees collaborate on programming, outreach, mentorship, and college initiatives:
- Community Building & Student Engagement
- Mentorship
- Outreach & Recruitment
- Strategic Planning & Student Voice
Meet the Ambassadors
Want to learn more about the Price College of Engineering from a current student?
Submit your question below, and a PCE Ambassador will get back to you as soon as possible.
Meylin Al-Saleh
Major: Electrical Engineering
- Email: meylin.al-saleh@utah.edu
Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, Meylin is interested in automation, robotics, and hands-on engineering problem-solving. She is minoring in Philosophy, involved with SWE, and is a part of the Aerospace Scholars Program and SHPE community. Meylin has also programmed an Epson robot. Outside of academics, Meylin enjoys playing the cello, piano, and guitar, and loves cats.
Ensi Armacost
Major: Civil Engineering
- Email: ensi.armacost@utah.edu
Originally from McCall, Idaho, Ensi is interested in construction engineering and water resources. She leads the Strand Collective, an all-girls ski and snowboard club, and serves as the fundraising chair for the Associated General Contractors. Outside of academics, Ensi enjoys skiing, mountain biking, and working as a river guide.
Brendan Beckstrom
Major: Computer Science
- Email: brendan.b@utah.edu
Originally from Loudoun County, Virginia, Brendan is interested in software development and large-scale applications. He is minoring in Mathematics and is completing an ambitious capstone app in his final semester. Outside of academics, Brendan enjoys bowling, golfing, and working on personal side projects.
Sydney Biddix
Major: Biomedical Engineering
- Email: sydney.biddix@utah.edu
Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Sydney is interested in cell and tissue engineering. She is completing her MS program and conducting cell-engineering research. Outside of academics, Sydney enjoys going to concerts, finding new restaurants, and going up into the mountains to hike and snowboard.
Morgan Boring
Major: Chemical Engineering
- Email: morgan.boring@utah.edu
Originally from Mapleton, Utah, Morgan is interested in biochemical engineering. She is minoring in Biomedical Engineering, Mathematics, and Chemistry and is involved with the MUSS Board, Phi Sigma Rho, LDSSA, Campus Recreation, and ChemE Outreach. Outside of academics, Morgan enjoys piano, Latin dancing, and hiking.
Andrew Butler
Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Email: andrew.butler@utah.edu
Originally from Farmington, Utah, Andrew is interested in medical device design, biomedical engineering, and hands-on learning. He is a cheerleader on the University of Utah Spirit Team and loves sharing his U of U pride. Outside of academics, Andrew enjoys spending time in nature.
Norman Canning
Major: Data Science
- Email: norman.canning@utah.edu
Originally from Kent, Washington, Norman is interested in AI, mechanistic interpretability, and knowledge bases. He is completing his MS program in Computing, works as a software engineer part-time, and has been involved on campus as a teaching assistant, resident advisor, orientation leader, and the swim club. Outside of academics, Norman enjoys yoga, backpacking, and reading.
Giovanni Carter
Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Email: giovanni.c@utah.edu
Originally from Missouri, Giovanni is interested in sustainability and manufacturing. He is involved with the Honors College, SHPE, and ASME. Outside of academics, Giovanni enjoys climbing, fishing, yoga, and connecting with new people and experiences having lived in ten different places across the US and abroad.
Phoena Chirachanakul
Major: Biomedical Engineering
- Email: p.chirachanakul@utah.edu
Originally from Draper, Utah, Phoena is interested in biomedical applications and nuclear engineering. She is minoring in Nuclear Engineering and is involved with the Biomedical Engineering Society and Southeast Asian Student Association. Outside of academics, Phoena enjoys baking.
Maddie Croft
Major: Civil Engineering
- Email: maddie.croft@utah.edu
Originally from Morgan, Utah, Maddie is interested in structural and construction engineering. She serves on the leadership board for the Associated General Contractors Student Chapter. Outside of academics, Maddie enjoys skiing, mountain biking, and spending as much time outdoors as possible.
Madison Cuenco
Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Email: madison.cuenco@utah.edu
Originally from Oahu, Hawaii, Madison is interested in design and manufacturing. She serves as a resident advisor for University Housing and plays for the Utah Women’s Rugby team. Outside of academics, Madison enjoys camping, exploring new hikes, and trying new places with friends.
Kerrigan Denham
Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Email: kerrigan.denham@utah.edu
Originally from Vancouver, Washington, Kerrigan is interested in medical device R&D and accident reconstruction. She is pursuing her PhD and conducts research in the Head Injury and Vessel Biomechanics Laboratory and serves as a teaching assistant for ME EN 1010. Outside of academics, Kerrigan enjoys hiking, camping, and bouldering.
Bodie Gebhardt
Major: Computer Science
- Email: bodie.g@utah.edu
Originally from Medford, Oregon, Bodie is interested in software engineering, machine learning, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. He is minoring in Mathematics and serves as a teaching assistant where he enjoys helping fellow students build confidence in computing. Outside of academics, Bodie enjoys riding motorcycles, hiking, fishing, traveling, exploring new places, and spending time with friends.
Mollie Hoppe
Major: Civil Engineering
- Email: mollie.hoppe@utah.edu
Originally from Reno, Nevada, Mollie is interested in water resources and construction. She is involved with Chi Omega and the Associated General Contractors. Outside of academics, Mollie enjoys skiing, hiking, and spending time outside with friends and family.
Aubree Howe
Major: Biomedical Engineering
- Email: aubree.howe@utah.edu
Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, Aubree is interested in prosthetic research and biomedical innovation. She conducts research in the Sayu Lab at the University of Utah’s research hospital and performs with the Signers through the Institute of Religion. Outside of academics, Aubree enjoys making music, baking, and reading.
Carson Kawabata
Major: Computer Science
- Email: carson.kawabata@utah.edu
Originally from Holliday, Utah, Carson is interested in genetic research and artificial intelligence applications. He is minoring in Chemistry and serves as a CHEM 1210 teaching assistant. Outside of academics, Carson enjoys golfing, hiking, and martial arts.
Sebastian Klein-Clark
Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Email: sebastian.k@utah.edu
Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, Sebastian is interested in solving modern problems through engineering and research. He is a club volleyball player, run club co-founder, and undergraduate researcher in the STARS Lab. Outside of academics, Sebastian enjoys music, running, lifting, skiing, climbing, reading, and exploring.
Jesse Leyva Zavala
Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Email: jesse.zavala@utah.edu
Originally from San Diego, California, Jesse is interested in automation engineering and hands-on research. He serves as a University Ambassador, undergraduate researcher, SDL technician, and resident advisor. Outside of academics, Jesse enjoys golfing and spending time with friends.
Saloni Madkaikar
Major: Biomedical Engineering
- Email: saloni.madkaikar@utah.edu
Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Saloni is interested in medicine, biomedical research, and improving patient care through engineering. She is involved in undergraduate research, health care, and has served as an orientation leader and resident advisor. Outside of academics, Saloni enjoys painting, karate, climbing, and exploring Utah.
Dillan Mena
Major: Computer Science
- Email: dillan.mena@utah.edu
Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, Dillan is interested in artificial intelligence and data. He is working on a small team to build an AI powered medical education platform to help medical students build their clinical reasoning skills. Outside of academics, Dillan enjoys fishing, weightlifting, reading, and playing video games.
Daniel Mendez
Major: Civil Engineering
- Email: daniel.mendez@utah.edu
Originally from Spring Creek, Nevada, Daniel is interested in large infrastructure projects and nuclear engineering. He is minoring in Nuclear Engineering and is involved with the Fly Fishing Club and American Society of Civil Engineers. Outside of academics, Daniel enjoys fly fishing, skiing, and sharing his enthusiasm for the outdoors with fellow students.
Gianna Munoz
Major: Chemical Engineering
- Email: gianna.munoz@utah.edu
Originally from Stansbury Park, Utah, Gianna is interested in manufacturing, process engineering, and materials. She is minoring in Chemistry, serves as a teaching assistant, and participates in the ChemE Outreach Team. Outside of academics, Gianna enjoys playing and watching sports, attending concerns, trying new coffee shops, hiking, and watching movies.
Hedyeh Nazarinia
Major: Computer Science
- Email: hedyeh.nazarinia@utah.edu
Originally from Draper, Utah, Hedyeh is interested in software engineering, artificial intelligence, and fintech. She is involved in the TeK Club, the Society of Women Engineers, and has served as an Associate Director for the Union Programming Council. Outside of academics, Hedyeh enjoys spending time in nature, going to the gym, and practicing her art skills.
Kara Nelson
Major: Biomedical Engineering
- Email: kara.nelson@utah.edu
Originally from Pleasant Grove, Utah, Kara is interested in biointerfaces, hydrogels, and drug-delivery systems. She is minoring in Medical Laboratory Sciences and is involved in undergraduate research that connects biomaterials with improved health outcomes. Outside of academics, Kara enjoys reading, photography, and going on new adventures.
Isabella Nestel
Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Email: isabella.nestel@utah.edu
Originally from Ogden, Utah, Isabella is interested in biomechanics and biomedical devices. She serves as the marketing director for the Student Alumni Board, volunteers with the FeedU Pantry, and is involved in undergraduate research. Outside of academics, Isabella enjoys skiing, hiking, biking, running, and spending time with dogs.
Grace Newton
Major: Biomedical Engineering
- Email: grace.mead@utah.edu
Originally from Draper, Utah, Grace is interested in biomaterials and tissue engineering. She is completing her MS program and is researching 3D-printed blood vessels to advance vascular graft development. Outside of academics, Grace enjoys skiing, baking, running, and spending time outdoors.
Karla Pasillas
Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Email: karlap@utah.edu
Originally from West Valley City, Utah, Karla is interested in biomechanics and medical device innovation. She is currently working on a small team to develop an abrasion device for dental schools to evaluate composite materials and has received valuable hands-on experience in healthcare technology and the medical device industry through her internships. Outside of academics, Karla enjoys all forms of art, scrapbooking, traveling, attending concerts, and shopping.
Nathan Pruetting
Major: Computer Engineering
- Email: nathan.pruetting@utah.edu
Originally from San Diego, California, Nathan is interested in embedded systems. He is minoring in Jazz Guitar, is involved with the Honors College, and leads campus tours as a University Ambassador. Outside of academics, Nathan enjoys skiing, intramural sports, and staying active with friends.
Nandhini Ramanathan
Major: Computer Science
- Email: nandhini.ramanathan@utah.edu
Originally from Australia, Nandhini is interested in computer graphics, animation, and the intersection of art and technology. She is involved with the Honors College, engaged in undergraduate research with a focus on creative technical work, and has study abroad experience. Outside of academics, Nandhini enjoys drawing, traveling, filmmaking, and yoga.
Dylan Ramirez
Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Email: dylan.ramirez@utah.edu
Originally from Austin, Texas, Dylan is interested in nuclear reactor design and sustainable energy engineering. He is minoring in Nuclear Engineering and pursuing an Honors Degree. He is involved as a resident advisor in Epicenter and works as a lab assistant at the University of Utah’s nuclear reactor. Outside of academics, Dylan enjoys running, reading, and playing beach volleyball.
Regan Simmers
Major: Chemical Engineering
- Email: regan.simmers@utah.edu
Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Regan is interested in the cosmetic and fragrance industry. She is minoring in Business and is involved in the Society of Women Engineers, French Club, and participates in undergraduate research through the Science Research Institute. Outside of academics, Regan enjoys cooking, yoga, and skiing.
Hazel Wilde
Major: Data Science
- Email: hazel.wilde@utah.edu
Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, Hazel is interested in all things data. She is minoring in Fintech, serves as a resident advisor, and loves participating in clubs. She is the VP of the Society of Women Engineers’ Social Committee and the President of the Roasting Club. Outside of academics, Hazel enjoys reading, crafting, and breakdancing.