Student Alumni Ambassadors 2024-25

Using his own experiences as a first-generation college student, Adrian Bernal Canales is dedicated to supporting and uplifting struggling students new to higher education. Majoring in biohealth sciences with a psychology minor, Adrian is the president of Out in STEM, a campus organization that supports the success of LGBTQ+ students in science, technology, engineering and math. He previously served on the ASOSU executive branch as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director and looks forward to continuing to build student experiences through transformative learning and positive social change while working within OSU’s Diversity & Cultural Engagement.

For Genavieve Elli, hearing from alumni who used to be in her shoes serves as inspiration for her future that she doesn’t take for granted. As a marketing major, Genavieve works for the Orange Media Network as a marketing associate and is a member of the Marketing Club. A member of the OSU Greek Life community, she serves as the vice president of education and diversity for the Panhellenic Council and participates in the Order of Omega honor society. During her free time, Genavieve enjoys reading, exploring cafés, spending time outdoors and exercising.

Committed to incorporating social sciences into effective conservation strategies for the Pacific Northwest, Grace Hunt is majoring in zoology with minors in indigenous studies and natural resources. She is actively involved with on-campus research projects, including presenting her studies on Juga plicifera, a freshwater snail known to host parasites responsible for salmon poisoning in dogs. In addition to her studies, Grace is a TOUR ambassador at the OSU Welcome Center and enjoys walks on the Irish bend covered bridge, listening to audiobooks and spending time with friends.

Kaylani Kam uses her enthusiasm for community building and inclusivity to make a difference on campus and amongst engineering students. A mechanical and manufacturing engineering major, Kaylani is focused on increasing morale in the College of Engineering. Through her work on the Engineering Student Council events team, she organizes fairs and activities to boost involvement in the college. Serving as an officer and member of the Society of Women Engineers at OSU allows Kaylani to mentor and work alongside women in her chosen field. Kaylani enjoys studying Spanish, fishing, meals with friends and playing Pokémon in her free time.

Bioresource research and toxicology student Zachary Kowash takes a deeply involved approach to student life. A lab assistant in the Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology and at Hatfield Marine Science Center, his research has spanned topics from the effects of environmental contaminants on child development to oyster aquaculture. He has served as the vice president of ASOSU, vice president of scholarship and leadership for the Interfraternity Council and ambassador for the College of Agricultural Sciences. He was accepted into the Accelerated Master’s Platform and will earn a Master of Public Health in Environmental and Occupational Health. You’ll find Zachary hiking, fishing or line dancing during his free time.

As a first-generation Hispanic student, advocating for and sharing the experiences of those in his community is especially important to Johan Martinez. Pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, he is an active leader in the College of Engineering, conducting prospective student tours, planning events and hiring new ambassadors. Johan also serves as a Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering senator on the Engineering Student Council; mentors high-need, high-achieving students through the Catalyst Scholars program; and conducts research in the Design Engineering Lab. When not studying or volunteering, Johan enjoys running and flexes his creativity through photography, music collecting, video games and movies.

Named the 2023 Interfraternity Council Underclassman of the Year, J.J. Mitchell, is truly a servant leader in the OSU community. As the Phi Gamma Delta philanthropy chair, J.J. encouraged the chapter to raise over $10,000 for Jackson Street Youth Services, earning the fraternity the “Outstanding Emerging Philanthropist” award from the Benton Community Foundation. To supplement his chemical engineering studies, he is conducting research on lithium-ion battery recycling with Professor Zhenxing Feng. He has worked on the Materials Management Outreach Team to promote campus sustainability and was awarded an internship through the competitive Multiple Engineering Cooperative Program.

Leaning into her passions for environmental sustainability, food insecurity and global food systems, Sophia Nowers majors in agricultural sciences with an agroecology focus while also seeking a geographic information systems certificate. As the ASOSU Student Fee Committee chair, Sophia is responsible for overseeing allocation of $35 million in student incidental fees. A 2023 recipient of the Oregon Consular Corps scholarship recognizing exceptional undergraduate students in international studies, she is active in the Corvallis-Albany community as a member of the OSU Organic Growers club and the Ten Rivers Food Web board. During her free time, she likes hiking, playing intramural soccer, reading and working on her French language skills.