2024-2025 Ambassadors
Sydney Bowne
I am a third year Animal Sciences major with a Biohealth/Pre-professional option. I am from the small town of Central Point located in Southern Oregon. I was very involved with my High School’s FFA chapter and that is where my love for agriculture and leadership began. I knew the College of Agricultural Sciences at OSU was the perfect place to achieve my goals of having a career in veterinary medicine while advocating for agriculture. In my time here at OSU I have had the opportunity to have multiple hands-on experiences pertaining to my major, meet so many new people with similar interests as me, and get involved in some of the many clubs offered within the college. I am excited to serve the College of Agricultural Sciences for the 2024-2025 school year! As an ambassador, I look forward to connecting and sharing my passion for agriculture with peers and prospective students in the College of Agricultural Sciences!
David Bugarin Renteria
I am a current Senior majoring in BioResource Research with an option in Toxicology in the College of Agriculture. My passion for agriculture occurred while I was in college, where I started learning about the toxins that were present in our daily lives. Reflecting on the working conditions my entire family has been exposed to while working in construction, I became aware of how a lot of exposure can be averted if people are properly educated and protected. This realization made me want to study toxicology at the College of Agriculture to help research solutions for people working in hazardous environments. I look forward to helping students realize they can make it into college and succeed while they are here.
Makaela Carter
I was born and raised in Roseburg, OR, an agriculturally diverse community. This led me to be very involved in FFA during my time at Roseburg High School which is where I ultimately discovered my passion for the agriculture industry. I was able to gain experience with industry professionals and develop my leadership skills. I knew that I wanted to carry this passion for agriculture further and into my future career by continuing to advocate for the agriculture and natural resource industries. I hope to attend law school after earning my Bachelor’s of Science in Agricultural and Food Business Management, so that I can begin my journey in supporting those who feed, clothe and house the world. I have already experienced so many incredible opportunities in the College of Ag by joining clubs and connecting with students who share similar interests to me. I am extremely excited to be an ambassador this year and show students all that The College of Agricultural Sciences has to offer!
Carissa Catterall
5th year Senior majoring in Horticulture option Therapeutic Horticulture. Living with a large family, moving around the United States, and spending all the time I could venturing outside, I enjoyed caring for the people and nature around me. I had difficulty transitioning to college and found gardening and taking care of plants to be a way to manage my stress. I am passionate about helping others, and I started school majoring in social work at Portland State University. However, I learned about Oregon State University offering a program in therapeutic horticulture and transferred here after I completed an associate’s in psychology at Klamath Falls Community College. By studying therapeutic horticulture, I can combine my desire to help people through counseling with my love for nature. As an ambassador, I am looking forward to welcoming new and prospective students and sharing the amazing resources and opportunities Oregon State has to offer.
Andrew Crawford
I am entering my second year at Oregon State University studying Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences. The outdoors meant a lot to me growing up and I care a lot about wildlife. I am committed to preserving our planet and through studying FWCS in Oregon State's College of Agricultural Sciences, my knowledge and care for the environment has been nourished and strengthened through excellent classes, many hands-on opportunities, and useful career resources. As an ambassador, I hope to welcome students to this great source of education and help others with a passion for agriculture and conservation attain their career dreams.
Emilie Etchart
While I did not grow up in an agricultural community, I remember the excitement of visiting my relatives’ farms each year where I interacted with cattle and sheep. My options for my future were vast, ranging from medicine to engineering to history, but I knew I wanted to connect back to agriculture and ultimately learn how to branch the gap between science and rural communities. After touring OSU, the school just “felt right” and I decided to enroll in the College of Agricultural Sciences! I am now a third-year senior pursuing my B.S. in Food Science and Sustainable Technologies and my M.S. (through the Accelerated Masters Platform) in Toxicology. Ultimately, my journey through OSU has led me to develop a deep appreciation for scientific communication with rural communities where I have learned how I can work to help develop a safer, more sustainable food system. As a 2024-2025 CAS ambassador, I hope to share my excitement for OSU’s campus, opportunities, and the college’s numerous resources that build students and set them up for success. For example, the Leadership Academy program provided me with the necessary soft skills to feel comfortable with taking charge in a professional setting. Undergraduate research helped me understand the many moving parts that make up science. Amazing clubs, such as the Food and Fermentation Science Club and the Organic Growers Club, have shown me unique perspectives into the realm of agriculture. CAS builds future leaders, and I look forward to sharing this with prospective students!
Elena Ferraiuolo
3rd year majoring in Agriculture and Food Business Management and enrolled in the Sustainability double-degree program. My hometown is Elk Grove, California located in the heart of the Sacramento valley. This region of California is known for its focus and celebration of the farm to fork movement. This inspired me to want to learn more about sustainable agriculture and the importance of supporting farmers while still supporting our environment. Through my time at OSU, I have discovered the college of Ag has an extremely large support system that helps students find their passions through unique experiences. Through the college of Ag I have been lucky enough to attend an international conference as well as participate in a study abroad program. I look forward to helping other students discover what OSU has to offer and how to best support their passions and goals.
Camille Peters
Growing up in a small town in rural Oregon I was always surrounded by agriculture but was not involved in it myself until I became an FFA member in middle school. Throughout middle school and high school, I became extremely involved in the organization and it gave me the opportunity to explore a variety of fields within the industry. I developed a deep love for agriculture and the community surrounding it. This experience led me to pursue a college degree in animal science and seek a career where I can advocate for the agricultural industry. Outside of being an ambassador I am also a part of multiple clubs, such as Steer a Year, and a member of the TriDelta Sorority. While serving as a College of Agricultural Sciences Ambassador, I hope to help prospective students connect with agriculture and find their passion!
Jenna Tompkins
Currently I am a Senior with a major in Animal Science, Pre-Veterinary and a minor in Chemistry. I am from a small rural community in the Willamette Valley. Growing up, my family and I raised meat goats, which is where my love for animals began. In high school, I became involved in FFA where I took on leadership positions and developed my passion for all things agriculture, and recently received my American Degree. During my time here at Oregon State I have been engaged in a variety of activities and organizations on campus, including being the President of the Pre-Veterinary Scholars. Additionally, I work in a research lab focused on Veterinary immunology. Outside of academics I really enjoy hiking, volunteering, and playing my guitar. As a 2024-2025 College of Agricultural Science Student Ambassador, I am excited to share my love for agriculture and all things OSU with current and prospective students!
Brenda Trujillo
2nd year BioResource Research options in food quality and biotechnology. I am currently a second-year majoring in Bioresource Research with options in food quality and biotechnology. I am from a small town in Eastern Oregon called Boardman. During high school I was involved in FFA where I grew to appreciate agriculture and discovered my passion for food safety and quality. At Oregon state I have been able participate in research opportunities which have expanded my horizons. As a CAS ambassador I am looking forward to sharing the amazing opportunities available in the College of Agricultural Sciences and helping current and prospective students find resources to succeed at OSU.