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Meet the Ambassadors
Ensi Armacost
Major: Civil Engineering
Hi! I'm a civil engineering student with a focus on environmental engineering and water resources. Growing up in McCall, Idaho, I’ve always had a love for the outdoors, and I’m excited to use my studies to design infrastructure that supports the environment and works with natural processes. I chose civil engineering because there are so many different directions I can take, and I’m really looking forward to working on projects that will positively impact people’s lives. I also run an all-girls ski and snowboard club on campus called the Strand Collective, which is a big part of my life. For me, it’s important to balance studying with getting outside, and that's what I love about being in Utah. Go Utes!
Brendan Beckstrom
Major: Computer Science
I am a third year Computer Science student pursuing a minor in Mathematics. In high school I enjoyed playing video games and I figured coding must be a similar thing, so I took an introductory coding class. I quickly realized that coding wasn’t very similar, but I got hooked on the problem-solving nature and the trial-and-error aspect which is challenging in a way I enjoyed. From that moment, I knew I wanted to pursue it further. Nowadays, my passion for computer science continues to grow from the encouraging environment at the U and the ever-growing industry of computer science. I hope to inspire prospective students and show all opportunities available here at the University of Utah.
Sydney Bidix
Major: Biomedical Engineering
I am a third year Biomedical Engineering student. I have always wanted to be in the medical space but not as a surgeon or a doctor. This drew me to biomedical engineering. I love the idea of making an impact that can save millions of lives. I am currently involved in undergraduate research through the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Aside from being a College of Engineering ambassador I am also a University Ambassador for the Office of Admissions. I absolutely love the community I have found at the U within not only the College of Engineering, but as the University of Utah as a whole. Go Utes!
Chase Canning
Major: Computer Science
Ever since I was a kid, I've loved solving puzzles and finding the hidden patterns that others might have missed. I even used to dream of being a detective, until I was 15 when I had a crucial revelation – I'm not great with blood. Still, my love for solving problems didn't fade; it just led me to a different path, and that's how I landed in data science. Numbers aren't just numbers to me; they're like threads that weave stories and show trends. I'm all about using data to find out cool stuff that helps us understand the world better. I can't wait to see how the University of Utah will help me get better at this data thing and hone my skills as a date detective.
Meghan Carter
Major: Biomedical Engineering
I am a fourth-year student from Idaho studying biomedical engineering. My decision to pursue this major was a result of my interest in both medicine and engineering, as well as my desire to apply knowledge to real-world problems. As an ambassador, I hope to promote this curiosity and excitement for STEM in others. Studying engineering has given me the opportunity to learn new, exciting material and develop lasting connections. In the past few years, I’ve also had the privilege of working on foot and ankle research in the University’s Orthopedics Department. Outside of school, I enjoy hiking, skiing, and spending time with friends and family.
Midge Cook
Major: Electrical Engineering
I am a third-year ECE student. I chose ECE because circuits are like a sudoku puzzle, you need to finish each part before getting the whole picture. Additionally, I hope to work in clean energy to improve our future.
Kerrigan Denham
Lead Ambassador
Major: Mechanical Engineering
I graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering here at the University of Utah in May 2024. I am now a ME graduate student in the Laboratory of Head Injury and Vessel Biomechanics led by Dr. Ken Monson. My research focuses on characterizing the mechanical damage of preterm infants’ cerebral blood vessels in the hope of providing insight into the development of brain injuries in children. Outside of school/work, I love exploring new hiking spots in Utah!
Mollie Hoppe
Major: Civil Engineering
I am a second-year Civil Engineering student with a passion for building sustainable and resilient infrastructure. I am particularly interested in water resources and finding solutions to address water scarcity around the world. As a civil engineer, I love that the hard work we do results in something tangible and lasting, with the potential to impact hundreds or even thousands of people for generations. I was fortunate to be part of the Engineering Scholars program, which deepened my understanding of the field and allowed me to collaborate with a great team. Outside of academics, I enjoy skiing, soccer, and I'm an active member of the Chi Omega sorority and the MUSS. Go Utes!
Will Leonard
Major: Electrical Engineering
I am a second-year electrical engineering student from South Weber, Utah. I am fascinated by what I can’t see, which led me to choose electrical. I am particularly interested in wireless communications and the power grid, and one day I hope to make a difference in one of these two fields, or wherever my degree takes me. Outside of the classroom, I love skiing, backpacking, and playing video games. I wasn’t always sure I wanted to do engineering, especially electrical, but after my first few electrical engineering classes, I know I made the right choice. I hope I can convince you to make a similar decision!
Topher Lloyd
Major: Electrical Engineering
I’m Topher Lloyd, a senior studying Electrical Engineering on the Optics track here at the U. I didn’t start as an EE major because I thought it might be too challenging, but I decided to push myself and pursue it because it’s always incited interest. I'm really glad I did because I’ve received incredible support along the way and have had exciting opportunities in the College of Engineering, such as being an Engineering Ambassador and a Grand Challenges Scholar. I like to fill my time with activities I’m passionate about, including volunteering, research, and community-building and these positions allow that and push me to learn and grow even more. Additionally, I love spending time at the City Library or Liberty Park, or enjoying the nice view from Ensign Peak. When I’m enjoying a chill night in, though, you’d likely find me watching TV while crocheting or working on a jigsaw puzzle. Some of my favorite shows are The West Wing, Industry, and The White Lotus. I’m happy to connect on anything related to engineering or other interests!
Saloni Madkaikar
Major: Biomedical Engineering
I am a second-year student majoring in biomedical engineering, and I am on the pre-med track. I am from Mumbai, India. I have a great fascination for the medical field, a deep passion for science and mathematics, and a curiosity about the complex workings of the human body. Watching medical dramas and YouTube videos about surgeries during my growing up years, I noticed that advancement in the medical field relies heavily on technology. Biomedical Engineering helps me develop a problem-solving approach and I hope to innovate and contribute to new developments to make a difference. I have also worked as a New Student Orientation leader during the summer, and currently, I am an RA at Epicenter. I was also a part of the Engineering Scholar Program where I got the opportunity to observe senior students working on their capstone projects. As an Engineering Ambassador, I have a platform to reach out to students and show them the exciting possibilities within the field. I am excited about inspiring others and making a meaningful impact in the engineering community. In my leisure time, I love painting, playing basketball, practicing karate, climbing, and exploring the beautiful Utah outdoors!
Faith Magda
Major: Chemical Engineering
I am a third-year student majoring in Chemical Engineering. Currently, I work for the Industrial Assessment Center, an energy consulting program within the Chemical Engineering Department, and have actively participated in research projects within the department. My passion for STEM led me to engineering, driven by my desire to apply classroom knowledge to solve real-world problems. I am still debating what specific industries I want to pursue a career in because there are many choices as a chemical engineer. As an ambassador, I hope to ignite the same passion and excitement for engineering and STEM in others as I felt when I was a child. While school takes up a majority of my life, outside of it I enjoy cooking, hitting the gym, and tennis.
Grace Mead
Major: Biomedical Engineering
I am a third year Honors Biomedical Engineering student emphasizing in Biomaterials and minoring in Mandarin Chinese. This is my second year as a College of Engineering Ambassador, and I love sharing the countless opportunities available to Price College of Engineering students. I am currently conducting research through the University of Utah’s Material Science and Engineering Department working on a new diagnostic method for Cystic Fibrosis. As a first-year student, I assisted in research at the University of Utah's Department of Surgery, specifically within the Otolaryngology Division. During the summer of 2023, I worked as a New Student Orientation Leader, helping new students transition to college. Dance has been a significant part of my life since the age of 3, and I was a member of the Corner Canyon Dance Company. Alongside dance and other hobbies, community service has always been integral to my identity. Over the past few years, I have dedicated approximately 300 hours to serving my community, initially as Miss Teen Draper 2018, then as Miss Draper 2021, and now as a member of the Miss Draper Committee. My personal passion is helping students develop their interest and confidence in STEM fields. In 2018, I initiated a social media campaign and website called “Bright Futures Begin With STEM,” which provides valuable resources for parents, teachers, and administrators to inspire students' interest in STEM subjects. In recognition of this work, I received the STEM Innovation Award from CenturyLink and the NBA in 2019. As an Engineering Ambassador, I am excited about the opportunity to further my mission of encouraging students to pursue a STEM education.
Dillan Mena
Major: Computer Science
I am a third-year undergraduate student born and raised here in SLC, Utah. I initially didn’t think I’d be choosing any sort of degree that had to do with engineering and started out my college journey studying biology. That was a short-lived decision as I realized that I was more inspired by problem solving and innovative technologies rather than the powerhouse of a cell, shoutout mitochondria. In retrospect, I should’ve known I would like CS more since I loved math as a kid and would also spend hours studying algorithms to get faster at solving my Rubik's cubes. Nonetheless, switching to this major has proved to be a great decision and I greatly appreciate the resources that the U has to offer. I hope to inspire other students who are intimidated by engineering to join and be thrilled by all the opportunities it brings. Most of the time you’ll find me coding around campus but outside of school you’ll find me reading, watching movies, playing video games, or being outdoors. I’m excited to meet you all!
Daniel Mendez
Major: Mechanical Engineering
I am Daniel Mendez, I’m a second year Mechanical Engineering student here at the U. I’m from the Northeast corner of Nevada, and I love to make (sometimes break) and fix things. I have spent most of my past 4-5 summers working as a ranch hand, where I learned the art of “jerry rigging”. I find it fun to approach a problem and fix it with materials on hand, even if that means it may look a little wonky. I figured that making a career out of professionally making and fixing things would be a great match for me. Outside of school I love to fly fish, ski, and play sports.
Aubree Mullins
Major: Biomedical Engineering
I'm a second-year Biomedical Engineering student. I have always loved learning about healthcare and engineering, and even more importantly I've always wanted to make an impact. My current interest is in becoming a prosthetist. I feel that I will be able to help others in a way that's important to me. Outside of engineering, I participate in campus organizations like a community performance choir and the country swing club.
Hedyeh Nazarinia
Major: Computer Science
I’m a third-year Computer Science major with a Math minor. My interest in CS stems from my love for math, which led me to explore careers involving problem-solving and complex thinking. Software engineering stood out to me as the most exciting path within engineering because it allows me to apply mathematical concepts to solve real-world problems. The ability to solve problems by building solutions is truly rewarding. In addition to being an Engineering Ambassador, I also serve as an Associate Director for the Union Programming Council, where I mentor incoming freshmen. I enjoy staying active on campus and building a strong, supportive community!
Karla Pasillas
Major: Mechanical Engineering
I am a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering! Ever since I was a little girl, I have always loved helping my dad build things and put things together, whether it was assembling a new grill he purchased or designing a whole new shed. Helping him assemble different things is why I chose mechanical engineering. I have also enjoyed math, so I figured this was the route for me! Being a woman of color majoring in a male-dominated field, I am extremely passionate about bringing awareness to inspire other women to join in STEM-related fields. As a first-generation Latina myself, anytime I would picture what an engineer would look like, it was someone who never looked like me. The lack of representation is what motivates me to this day. I aspire to be the representation that I needed growing up, so that other young women, and specifically, women of color can be inspired. I am also minoring in math, and I love all math and coding jokes! In my spare time I love to bake and go to concerts; my favorites from this year are Pitbull and Bad Bunny.
Zachary Rasmussen
Major: Chemical Engineering
I am a third year in the Chemical Engineering program where I’m a part of a research lab that’s developing a rapid low-cost tuberculosis sensor, and I lead the Chemical Engineering Car team to build a car that runs on chemical reactions. I’ve known I’d be going into chemical engineering since 10th grade after googling “highest paying college majors”, but it wasn’t until my first year that I learned why I wanted to be a Chemical Engineer. I love the problem-solving aspect of it, and the satisfaction that comes with applying the things I learn in school into real life problems. Outside of school I enjoy having game nights and playing pickleball with friends.
Alex Venezie
Major: Mechanical Engineering
I am a 3rd year mechanical engineering student with a passion for all things related to engineering and the human body. Here at the U, I am a club founder of 3D4E, and a proud member of ChemE Car. Currently, I participate in research in a field of biomechanics aimed at the classification of mechanical properties in cerebral blood vessels. On the side, I work along a group of engineers to design a medical head wearable for an entrepreneurship competition called Bench to Bedside. Previously, I've worked as an intern for both Bloom Surgical and Sego Innovations. Outside of school, you will find me playing soccer, cooking, or hanging out with friends!