Meet The Ambassadors
Ashley Lee
Major: Biology
Hometown: Angleton, TX
High School: Angleton High School
Why I chose UH: I chose UH because of the diversity of the school and the proximity to home and the medical center. UH has a great science program, and they were more than happy to welcome me with open arms.
Favorite thing about NSM: My favorite thing about NSM would have to be the research opportunities. I also love the great atmosphere and how friendly everyone is. I did not have a problem finding a place to fit in.
Melanie Lindorfer
Major: Mathematical Biology
Hometown: Plano, TX
High School: Plano East Senior High School
Why I chose UH: I chose the University of Houston, not only because of its close proximity to the Texas Medical Center, but also because of the very large and diverse student body, which is something that I feel builds a stronger community. Additionally, there are a vast amount of student organizations and other resources on campus that are available for free use to everyone, such as undergraduate tutoring centers and more.
Favorite thing about NSM: My favorite thing about NSM is how much the faculty and staff care about undergraduate student success. All the professors and advisors are extremely friendly and available to help you achieve your goals. The Freshman Interest Group (FIG) program especially helped me navigate through my first year of college. Throughout my undergraduate career, it has provided me with ample opportunities in NSM and at UH.
Taylor Lirette
Major: Chemistry
Hometown: Alvin, TX
High School: Alvin High School
Why I chose UH: I chose the University of Houston based on its strong commitments to diversity and inclusion among the student body, innovation, research, and student success. Scholarship opportunities and financial programs, such as grants, work-study, and UH in 4, are accessible to those in need and those willing to work hard toward their goals. Also, the school’s location has allowed me to visit my family frequently, while granting me liberty to experience all that UH and Houston have to offer.
Favorite thing about NSM: My favorite thing about NSM is the amazing collaborative that exists among the students! Building study groups, tackling problems, and helping with tough concepts, students at UH bring the phrase “all in this together” to a whole new level!
Andrew Mai
Major: Biochemical and Biophysical Sciences
Hometown: Friendswood, TX
High School: Friendswood High School
Why I chose UH: The University of Houston is a vibrant, diverse community with outstanding academics, affordable tuition, resilient pre-health programs, and as a plus factor, it is located next to the largest medical center in the world. Scholarship opportunities are abundant and undergraduate research is one of the best.
Favorite thing about NSM: The dedicated, award-winning faculty are fantastic instructors in the classroom and knowledgeable mentors in the lab. The faculty members are passionate about their career and strive to prepare successful students for the competitive, professional world.
Sabrina Martinez
Major: Geology
Hometown: Beaumont, TX
High School: West Brook Senior High School
Why I chose UH: I chose UH because I wanted to be in an environment that promoted diversity and growth. The university’s recent expansions, not only in number of students but success, were indicative of an environment that would motivate and inspire students to be their best. So far, this has been proven to be true, and I have had an amazing experience at UH!
Favorite thing about NSM: My favorite thing about NSM is all of my amazing peers and the incredibly helpful and caring professors! I'm always surrounded by ambitious, passionate and motivated students and professors that inspire me to better myself.
Tony Moore
Major: Biochemistry
Hometown: Alief, TX
High School: DeBakey High School for Health Professions
Why I chose UH: UH has a multitude of research opportunities and is near the best medial center in the world.
Favorite thing about NSM: Four words: SPACE VACUUM EPITAXY CENTER.
Hang Nguyen
Major: Mathematics
Hometown: Binh Dinh, Vietnam
High School: American International School, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Why I chose UH: Texas colleges provide out-of-state tuition waivers for international students, and UH is even more affordable compared to other colleges. I also came here because of the highly ranked Mathematics major. As a pre-medical student, UH is great because it is close to the medical center, where I can find excellent volunteering, shadowing, and research opportunities.
Favorite thing about NSM: I love NSM faculty and students. Science is not easy. However, NSM faculty members always break down big concepts into easier pieces for students to understand. Additionally, the peer interactions in NSM are awesome. While competition can exist between peers, it is friendly competition because everyone is always helping each other out.
Kevin Portillo
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Channelview, TX
High School: Channelview High School
Why I chose UH: I knew I wanted to attend UH ever since I toured the campus with my brother during my junior year of high school. I found myself comfortable walking through the buildings. There was also the perk of it being right in my backyard.
Favorite thing about NSM: My favorite thing about NSM is the people here. No matter what major you are in, you can always relate somehow to someone else within the college.
Melody Silva
Major: Biology
Hometown: McAllen, TX
High School: Rowe High School
Why I chose UH: I chose to attend UH because I knew it would provide me with a great education and help me become the person I wanted to be.
Favorite thing about NSM: My favorite thing about NSM is getting to be around faculty who are constantly encouraging and students who selflessly help one another succeed.
Ethan Smith
Major: Biology and Anthropology
Hometown: Katy, TX
High School: Morton Ranch High School
Why I chose UH: I chose UH originally because of the city. I’m from the Houston area, and I love Houston. I’ve stayed because of the type of people that are here. This is an extremely diverse campus with people from all different types of backgrounds. Whether they are from different countries or nontraditional students, this is the type of place for someone to grow their mind.
Favorite thing about NSM: I love the community in NSM. Everyone understands the challenges of the majors, and they’re all willing to help one another. Combine that with the great variety of organizations in the college, NSM is a great place to be.
Keziah Thomas
Major: Mathematical Biology
Hometown: Houston, TX
High School: Ernakulam, India/Galveston, TX
Why I chose UH: I decided to be a Cougar because of the diverse student body and close proximity to the Texas Medical Center and home. Being part of a diverse student body will allow me to experience different cultures as well as share my own cultures and traditions. I want to pursue a career in medicine and having the largest medical center in the nation minutes away from campus is a huge bonus. I am also a very family-oriented person. UH allowed me to be close to my family but still be independent.
Favorite thing about NSM: One of my favorite things is how much NSM reaches out for our students. Students are provided with numerous resources, such as career fairs, that help them advance in their career goals. At these career fairs, they can find volunteering and internship opportunities and possibly future jobs. Another favorite thing is our wonderful faculty. Our faculty always goes above and beyond to help their students.
Michelle Tran
Major: Computer Science and Mathematics
Hometown: Houston, TX
High School: Clear Brook High School
Why I chose UH: I went to a diverse high school, and so by the time I was applying for college, I couldn't imagine going anywhere else. I love how I can take a seat in any class at UH and the person sitting to my left will likely not look like me, talk like me, or think the same way as I do. And, the person to my right will be different as well. We might be in different stages of our lives, come from different cultures, share different beliefs. What a miracle it is that we are given the opportunity to meet one another, learn from each other, and grow together.
Favorite thing about NSM: I love how intellectually curious everyone is. I love the fact that I can have a sit-down with practically anyone, and he or she has this passion in their eyes when they tell me what they're studying or what their hopes and dreams are.