Graduate Ambassadors
The Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED) Graduate Ambassadors program is a prestigious group of highly motivated, dedicated, and spirited graduate students who assist with recruiting efforts for underrepresented students. They represent a variety of academic fields and serve as official student representatives for the CEED Office. Our CEED Ambassadors support potential graduate students to Virginia Tech by providing information and participating in recruitment activities that include:serving on a student panel to answer questions from prospective students (A Step to the Doctorate Institute); assisting the College of Engineering with Yield Events; hosting individuals and groups by talking about campus life and the resources available to College of Engineering graduate students; promoting and supporting the Torgersen Awards.
Oreoluwa Alabi
Engineering Mechanics, PhD
Graduating Spring 2025
"I wanted to become a CEED ambassador so I could be a source of encouragement and community to underrepresented students as they navigated graduate school."
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Undergraduate Degree: Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech
Hobbies: Soccer, Reading
Audra Barnes
Biomedical Engineering, PhD
Graduating Spring 2025
"I became a CEED grad ambassador to help support and form community with other underrepresented students. Also, to share my story on my transition to grad school.”
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
Undergraduate Degree: Florida A&M University, Biomedical Engineering
Hobbies: Traveling, trying new restaurants, hiking, cooking, baking
Odunayo Bolarinwa
Industrial Engineering, PhD
Graduating Spring 2026
“As a Black female Engineering student at Virginia Tech, I became a Graduate Ambassador for CEED because I wanted to contribute by offering support and guidance to other students from similar backgrounds. By sharing my experiences as a member of an underrepresented group in engineering, I aimed to be a mentor and a role model for other students who might have been facing similar challenges or barriers to success”
Hometown: Oyo State, Nigeria
Undergraduate Degree: Industrial and Production Engineering, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Hobbies: Dance, organize events and help people
Jacqueline Chavez Orellana
Industrial and Systems Engineering, PhD
Graduating May 2025
“Representation matters. I want to encourage and help other first generation students like me, to find and fill up spaces to lift up our voices.”
Hometown: San Miguel, El Salvador
Undergraduate Degree: Biomedical Engineering , Virginia Commonwealth University
Hobbies: Walks with my two dogs and exercise.
De'Yana Hines
Biomedical Engineering, PhD
Graduating Spring 2026
“I became an ambassador because I wanted to meet people outside of my department. It's been great building relationships with students from different walks of life. ”
Hometown: Dublin, Georgia
Undergraduate Degree: Biological Engineering, University of Georgia
Hobbies: Escape rooms, cosplay, video games, pickleball, dancing, and karaoke
Victor Lopez
Biomedical Engineering, PhD
Graduating Spring 2025
“Being the first in my family to pursue a PhD, there was a lot I didn’t know and wish I would have known going into grad school. CEED has been a tremendous help in helping me navigate my PhD journey. I wanted to provide that same support for new students so that they don’t make my same mistakes.”
Hometown: Miami, Florida
Undergraduate Degree: University of Florida, Biomedical Engineering
Hobbies: Anything outdoorsy (kayaking, hiking, etc.), running, intramural sports, board games
Larry Luster
Chemical Engineering, PhD
Graduating Spring 2026
“I wanted to become a graduate ambassador to provide much needed representation for students with similar backgrounds to me. I am a firm believer that "in order to be one, they must see one", and wanted to take this opportunity to make the path easier for someone else. ”
Hometown: Montgomery, Alabama, United States
Undergraduate Degree: Chemical Engineering, Hampton University
Hobbies: Disc golf, cooking, playing piano, records/CDs, cigars, video games
Amarachi Madu
Computer Science and Applications, PhD
Graduating Fall 2024
“I assumed the role of a CEED ambassador with the intention of using my distinct experiences as a means of motivating underrepresented groups to triumph in their academic journeys. My objective is not only to offer encouragement but also to actively contribute to diversity and inclusion initiatives at VT by actively engaging in the recruitment of underrepresented individuals. Becoming a CEED ambassador serves as a platform for extending mentorship to these students, providing them with guidance and support. Ultimately, my involvement is a meaningful way for me to give back to the community that has shaped me.”
Hometown: Imo State, Nigeria
Undergraduate Degree: Mathematics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
Hobbies: Reading, writing, traveling, baking and mentoring.
Angello Murekye
Civil Engineering, PhD
Graduating Spring 2025
“Having received my bachelor's degree in 2010 and master's degree in 2016, I wanted to encourage already practicing professionals from underrepresented groups to return to graduate school and complete their education because it is never too late.”
Hometown: Kampala, Uganda
Undergraduate Degree: Civil Engineering, Kyambogo University, Kampala-Uganda
Hobbies: Reading history, watching news, traveling to new places, and spending time with family
Tolulope Odimayomi
Civil & Environmental Engineering, PhD
Graduating Spring 2024
"I was excited to become a CEED grad ambassador to support underrepresented students in their unique graduate school experience and help foster a Virginia Tech community that feels like home."
Hometown: Westfield, Indiana
Undergraduate Degree: Purdue University, Chemical Engineering
Hobbies: Puzzles, Sewing, Hiking, Sand Volleyball, Watching live theater
Jah'Shawn Ross
Electrical Engineering, Master of Science
Graduating Fall 2024
“I became a CEED Ambassador because when I was growing up, I did not know any Engineers, let alone anyone pursuing a graduate education. I would like to be an example to others who come from similar situations and people who are passionate about engineering.”
Hometown: Durham, NC, United States
Undergraduate Degree: Physics, North Carolina Central University
Hobbies: Playing Basketball, Gym, Gaming
Juan Diego Shiraishi Lombard
Materials Science and Engineering, PhD
Graduating Fall 2023
“I want to support students in accessing and making the most out of their time in graduate education. It can be a transformative experience if you make it one!”
Hometown: Denver, CO, USA
Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Science - Materials Science and Engineering, Lehigh University
Hobbies: I DJ, workout at the boxing gym, dance salsa, play soccer, watch anime, make food (mostly desserts), and hang out with friends.
Sunday Ubur
Computer Science, PhD
Graduating Spring 2026
“I was inspired to join CEED to network with faculty and students, and more importantly, to contribute towards improving diversity at Virginia Tech.”
Hometown: Benue, Nigeria
Undergraduate Degree: Computer Science, University of Abuja, Nigeria
Hobbies: Biking, Reading, and Watching Soccer
Amirah Wright
Biomedical Engineering, PhD
Graduating Fall 2024
“I wanted to show people of color that they can attend grad school too and that people that look like them exist in these spaces. I also wanted them to see that there is a community here built for them to succeed.”
Hometown: Gainesville, VA, United States
Undergraduate Degree: Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami
Hobbies: Reading, Traveling, Cooking, Listening to Music