2026-2027 Dietrich School Student Ambassadors
Dietrich Ambassadors share their academic, professional and personal experiences in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences with prospective students and their families through tours, information sessions, admission events, and individual meetings. Please email artsci@pitt.edu to ask about their academics, research, clubs, or general Pitt experience!
Medha Biradar (she/her)
Year: Junior
Major(s): Neuroscience
Minor(s): Chemistry and Information Science (School of Computing and Information)
Certificate: Conceptual Foundations of Medicine
Pre-professional track: Pre-medicine
Hi! My name is Medha, and I am from Canonsburg, PA, about 30 minutes south of Pittsburgh. I am a junior majoring in neuroscience on the pre-med track with minors in chemistry and information science and a Certificate in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. On campus, I serve as the Vice President of Service of the Beta Chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, a national service fraternity. I am also a member of Best Buddies and Street Medicine, tutor for Study Buddy, volunteer at the CHS food pantry, and work as a Provost Academy Leader (PAL). My favorite Pitt tradition is going to the football and volleyball games and singing “Sweet Caroline” together. I also enjoy exploring Pittsburgh with my friends and discovering the many hidden gems the city has to offer.
Kaitlyn Clougherty (she/her)
Year: Senior
Major(s): Music and Theatre Arts
Certificate: Musical Theatre
Hi everyone, my name is Kaitlyn. I’m a Pittsburgh native in my fifth year as a double major in music, on a vocal performance track, and theatre arts, with a design/tech/management focus, as well as a Certificate in Musical Theatre. On campus, my favorite activity is singing with the Treble Choral Ensemble (TCE), where I am the Student Director as well as Soprano 1 Section Leader. I also serve as the Associate Chair for the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) @PITT club, and am active in the Musical Theatre Club, Performance Collaborative, and Redeye Theatre Project. In addition to serving as a Dietrich Ambassador, I work for Pitt Stages as a House Manager, and in the First-Year Programs department as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant. Off campus, I sing in the Hamlisch-Page Student Choir in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Symphony, as well as with Belle Voci—an auditioned adult treble choir—and its a cappella subset, Solo Voci. In Pittsburgh, I love visiting all the different restaurants in Shadyside and Squirrel Hill and am always discovering someplace new to eat. My favorite Pitt tradition is attending Lantern Night, where I sing with TCE to welcome all the first-year students to campus!
Kai Cruz (she/her)
Year: Sophomore
Major(s): Political Science and Law, Criminal Justice and Society (Bachelor of Philosophy)
Minor(s): Creative Writing and Sociology
Certificate(s): Public and Professional Writing
Pre-professional track : Pre-law
Hi! My name is Kai Cruz, and I'm originally from the Boston, MA area. I am a sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Philosophy in political science with a dual major in law, criminal justice and society on a pre-law track through the Dietrich School and Frederick Honors College. I also have minors in creative writing and sociology, as well as a Certificate in Public & Professional Writing. Outside of being a Dietrich ambassador, I am the advocacy chair for Filipino Students Association, public relations manager for Policy & Political Review magazine, business manager for Public Interest Law Association at Pitt, and an editor for Pitt's Undergraduate Law Review. I am also a sister of Kappa Delta sorority. I love to spend my time off-campus trying new restaurants with my friends and going to live shows around the city. My favorite Pitt tradition is singing "Sweet Caroline" at football games, and one of my favorite things to do in Pittsburgh is explore the Phipps Botanical Garden exhibits!
Defne Dikec (she/her)
Year: Junior
Major(s): Psychology and Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies
Hi! My name is Defne and I am from Istanbul, Türkiye. I am currently a junior double majoring in psychology and gender, sexuality, and women’s studies. In addition to being a Dietrich School ambassador, I am also Co-President of the Turkish Language Table Club here at Pitt. Outside of academics, I love singing, going on walks, and discovering new coffee shops around the city with my friends. My favorite Pitt tradition is coming home from a game to see the victory lights!
Kiara Evans (she/her)
Year: Junior
Major(s): Biochemistry
Minor(s): Chemistry and History
Certificate(s): Conceptual Foundations of Medicine
Pre-professional track: Pre-medicine
Hello everyone! My name is Kiara Evans, and I am from the Atlanta area, but I also grew up in Chicagoland. I am majoring in biochemistry with a minor in chemistry and history, focused on the African diaspora, on the pre-medical track, and with a certificate in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. My involvement on campus includes serving as shadowing chair for the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students, diversity, equity, and inclusion chair of Phi Delta Epsilon (pre-medical fraternity), and social media chair for Some of God’s Children Gospel Choir. I have also had the opportunity to participate in clinical research at UPMC Magee-Women's Hospital in the gynecologic oncology department, as well as archival research in the Department of Africana Studies focused on advancing health equity and community well-being. Additionally, I volunteer at the Pitt Vaccination & Health Connection Hub on campus, promoting wellness. During my sophomore year, I participated in a study abroad experience in Ireland to learn more about the history of The Troubles. My favorite Pitt tradition is singing "Sweet Caroline" at a Pitt football game and seeing the victory lights after we win! In my free time, I love exploring various neighborhoods in Pittsburgh with my friends.
Audrey Ferdinand (she/her)
Year of Study: Senior
Major(s): Economics-Statistics
Minor(s): Studio Arts
Hi, everyone! My name is Audrey Ferdinand, and I am a senior at Pitt studying Economics-Statistics with a minor in Studio Arts. Despite my hometown being outside of Philly, I've found a second home here in Pittsburgh. On campus, I serve as a Resident Assistant, Harvey S. Cohen Fellow in the economics department, Logistics Committee Member on the Signature Days of Service Committee, and a Lead Dietrich School ambassador. I am also involved in Women in Economics and Omicron Delta Kappa. Off campus, I work at the Duquesne Club as a Food Runner. I love singing "Sweet Caroline" at the end of the third quarter of the football games. In my spare time, you can find me walking to Trader Joes, catching the sunset on Flagstaff Hill, or partaking in one of my hobbies!
Oishee Ghosh (she/her)
Year: Junior
Major(s): Computational Biology
Minor(s): Film and Media Studies
Certificate(s): Global Health
Hey! My name is Oishee Sanyal Ghosh! I'm from Bethesda, MD and I'm a junior studying Computational Biology with minors in computer science, economics, and film and media studies and a Certificate in Global Health. I am a student intern for @PittOfficial on Instagram and TikTok and a peer educator for Prevention at Pitt! On campus, I’m also involved in clubs such as Pitt Program Council, Dhirana (Indian classical dance), and was a part of Nrityamala (Indian classical dance). My favorite Pitt tradition is rubbing the panther statue's nose for good luck before any major exam or event. My favorite thing in Pittsburgh is going to see $8 movies at Manor Theatre in Squirrel Hill and then going to grab some good food!
Morgan Hammond (she/her)
Year: Junior
Major(s): English Literature
Minor(s): Law, Criminal Justice and Society and Social Work
Certificate(s): Health Humanities and Public and Professional Writing
Pre-professional track: Pre-law
Hi! My name is Morgan, and I am a junior from Bucks County, PA in the Greater Philadelphia area. At Pitt, I am studying English literature with minors in law, criminal justice, and society and social work on a pre-law track. I am also pursuing a Certificate in Health Humanities and a Certificate in Public and Professional Writing. I hope to become a medical lawyer and victim advocate for survivors of violence. On campus, I am a Sexual Agency Facilitation and Education (SAFE) Leader and Peer Educator with Prevention at Pitt, a member of the Women in Law club, and a Panther Peer Mentor through the Disability Resources & Services office. Outside of campus, I am a volunteer-in-training with Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR) and their 24-hour helpline. In the Summer of 2026, I had the opportunity to intern under the Community Empowerment team at the Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia, where I conducted research on local non-profit organizations and supported their public outreach events. In my free time, I enjoy exploring Schenley Park and all the green spaces in Pittsburgh with a good book. My favorite Pitt tradition is singing "Sweet Caroline" during football games!
Heather Helwick (she/her)
Year: Sophomore
Major(s): Psychology and Human Resources (School of Business)
Certificate(s): Leadership
My name is Heather Helwick, and I am from Pittsburgh, PA! I am pursuing a dual degree in Psychology and Human Resources (School of Business) with a Certificate in Leadership. On campus, I am involved in Tonal Disruption A Capella, the Crafting Change club, the Kessler Scholars program, and the Frederick Honors College ambassadors. My favorite Pitt Tradition is Lantern Night, and my favorite thing to do in Pittsburgh is to go to the Strip District, which is only walking distance from my home!
Isabella Hodkinson (she/her)
Year: Sophomore
Major(s): Sociology and Applied Developmental Psychology (School of Education)
Certificate(s): Disability Studies
Pre-Professional Track: Pre-law
Hi! My name is Izzie Hodkinson, and I am from Hunterdon County, New Jersey. I am pursuing a dual degree, earning a B.A. in sociology and a Certificate in Disability Studies in the Dietrich School, as well as a B.S. in Applied Developmental Psychology through Pitt’s School of Education. I am also on the pre-law track. On campus, I serve as the Housing Chair for the Theta Phi Alpha social sorority. Additionally, I am an active member of the Women in Law club and the Sociology Student Association. I also completed a global experience in Sicily at the end of my first year as part of the A&S First-Year Global Program. Outside of classes, I love attending concerts at various music venues around Pittsburgh, going on long walks through Schenley Park, and discovering new restaurants throughout the city. My favorite Pitt tradition is singing “Sweet Caroline” at the end of the third quarter during Pitt football games!
Kamal Imaya (he/him)
Year: Senior
Major(s): Biological Sciences
Minor(s): Chemistry
Certificate: Conceptual Foundations of Medicine
Pre-professional track: Pre-dental
Hello, my name is Kamal Imaya, and I am from Chester County, PA, right outside of Philadelphia. I am a biological sciences major with a chemistry minor and a Certificate in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine on the pre-dental track. On campus, I am vice president of Project RISHI at Pitt and Iota Nu Delta fraternity, and I partake in the Dental Assistantship program at Pitt’s School of Dental Medicine. I conduct research in the School of Dental Medicine on dental anxiety in pre-pubescents and how it can lead to general anxiety. Outside of campus, I am an EMT and teach tennis to kids. My favorite Pitt tradition is attending football games! I also love studying at Hillman Library and Scaife Hall. When I am not studying, you can find me biking, taking in scenic views, exploring with friends, and listening to music. Off campus, I often take the Duquesne Incline and explore many of Pittsburgh’s trails. I am excited to represent Dietrich and its incredible body of students!
Nishita Jakkam (she/her)
Year: Senior
Major(s): Computational Social Science
Minor(s): Chemistry, Swedish
Certificate(s): Conceptual Foundations of Medicine
Pre-professional track: Pre-dental
Hi! My name is Nishita Jakkam, and I am from West Chester, PA, right outside of Philadelphia. I am a computational social science major with minors in chemistry and Swedish and a Certificate in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine on the pre-dental track. On campus, I work as a Peer Educator at the Stress-Free Zone, and as a Policy Analyst on the Housing Committee for the Pittsburgh Policy Initiative (PPI), the first student-run, nonpartisan think tank at the University of Pittsburgh. I previously worked as an Undergraduate Research Assistant for the Political Science Department, and I am also a proud member of Delta Epsilon Mu, a professional pre-health fraternity, and the Fencing Club at Pitt. My favorite Pitt tradition is singing “Sweet Caroline” with my friends at Pitt football games at the end of the third quarter. Off campus, you can find me exploring Pittsburgh’s wonderful food scene, going to concerts, watching hockey games at PPG Paints Arena, and hanging out with my friends all around the city!
Audrey Maize (she/her)
Year : Senior
Major(s) : Arabic, Latin American Studies, and Political Science
Minor(s): Linguistics and Public Policy
Certificate: Mediterranean Studies
Pre-professional track: Pre-law
My name is Audrey Maize, and I'm from Beaver, PA. At Pitt, I study political science, Arabic, and Latin American studies. I'm a section leader in the Pitt Band, president of the Arabic Club, and a student ambassador for the Center for Latin American Studies. I'm also involved in the CREAR Lab as an undergraduate research assistant, which means I work in the lab on all research projects, including tasks like translation, data entry, social media, and more. I enjoy the opportunity to get experience in research related to Latin America. Even though it’s a psychology lab, I’m able to bring my political science background to contextualize the findings. Outside of class and extracurriculars, I love exploring thrift stores and bookstores around the city. My favorite Pitt tradition is the Pitt Band’s “Snake” for homecoming!
Max Thomas (he/him)
Year: Sophomore
Major(s): Mathematics
Minor(s): Physics
Pre-professional track: Pre-law
Hi, my name is Max Thomas and I'm from Moon Township, PA. I major in mathematics and minor in physics on the pre-law track. On campus, I'm involved with the Pitt Disc Golf club, the Pitt Symphonic Band, and plan to get involved in WPTS radio. Outside of campus, I take piano lessons, umpire baseball games, and spend time with friends. My favorite Pitt tradition is singing "Sweet Caroline" at football games and seeing the victory lights. My favorite thing to do in Pittsburgh is to venture through the Strip District, Shadyside, and Squirrel Hill to enjoy food from different cultures.
Emily Wickham (she/her)
Year: Senior
Major(s): Communication Rhetoric and Film and Media Studies
Certificate(s): TV and Broadcast Arts and Fundamentals of Business Management
Hi! My name is Emily Wickham, and I am from Washington, PA. I am currently a senior majoring in both film and media studies (production track) and communication rhetoric with Certificates in Television and Broadcasting Arts and Fundamentals of Business Management. At Pitt, I am a member of Steel City Networking Entity (SCENE), Music & Entertainment Business Association, and Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society. Also, I studied abroad in London through the Pittsburgh-London Film Program during the spring 2025 semester. My favorite Pitt traditions include going to volleyball games and singing "Sweet Caroline," even though I am usually off-key. When I am not on campus, I will most likely be spending all my money at Dave and Andy's Ice Cream or shopping in Shadyside.