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; and 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
Contact: ore@vt.edu
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: Biomedical Engineering, Florida A&M University
Hobbies: Traveling, trying new restaurants, hiking, cooking, baking
Contact: audrab@vt.edu
Paul Charles Bigby Jr
Engineering Education, PhD
Graduating May 2027
“I love talking about Virgina Tech and especially what CEED does for the students here. Being an ambassador was a way to help CEED help more students, especially underrepresented ones.”
Hometown: Herndon, Virginia
Undergraduate Degree: Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech
Hobbies: cooking, traveling, and watching Hokie sports
Contact: pbigby@vt.edu
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.
Contact: jackieco@vt.edu
Justice Valentine Essuman
Electrical Engineering, PhD
Graduating May 2027
“To give back and inspire change.”
Hometown: Ghana
Undergraduate Degree: Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Ashesi University, Ghana
Hobbies: Swimming, Working out
Contact: justiceve@vt.edu
Anli Du Preez
Industrial and Systems Engineering, PhD
Graduating December 2024
“I would like to promote the inclusivity of VT as well as the wonderful opportunities offered to graduate students in the hopes of furthering their education and well being in life.”
Hometown: George, South Africa
Undergraduate Degree: Industrial and Systems Engineering, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
Hobbies: Rock Climbing, ultimate frisbee, Latin dancing, backpacking, hiking, camping, baking and the list goes on.
Contact: anlidupreez@vt.edu
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
Contact: deyanahines@vt.edu
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
Contact: lopezvic924@vt.edu
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
Contact: lluster2021@vt.edu
Thomas Nelson
Industrial and Systems Engineering, Master of Science
Graduating May 2025
“As an underrepresented demographic in STEM, it is important to me that students of similar positions and backgrounds understand the opportunities that are available to them through education, as well as knowledge of how they can best prepare themselves for their academic goals.”
Hometown: Fairfax, Virginia
Undergraduate Degree: Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Kentucky/Virginia State
Hobbies: Reading, writing, watching sports, old movies
Contact: tlnelson@vt.edu
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
Contact: jahshawnr@vt.edu
Karen Marie Solorzano Gonzalez
Industrial and Systems Engineering, PhD
Graduating Spring 2026
“I became a CEED ambassador because I want to help graduate students navigate the challenges that come with grad school. I hope that, through sharing my experience (the good and the bad) and offering my advice, they can find a safe place to turn to.”
Hometown: Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
Undergraduate Degree: Industrial Engineering, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Hobbies: Writing, reading, music, and traveling
Contact: karensg21@vt.edu
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
Contact: amirahw21@vt.edu