Student Ambassadors
The mission of the Student Ambassadors is to recruit and retain students in Montana State University's College of Letters & Science (CLS), while fostering a sense of community and belonging among the diverse student body within CLS.
Program Overview
The purpose of the CLS Student Ambassadors is to:
- Assist with coordinating events for the current CLS student population with a focus on college/professional success
- Engage with and promote CLS to prospective students and their families
- Provide a voice for students in the college
- Strengthen connections between CLS students, faculty, and alumni
Meet Our 2024 - 2025 CLS Student Ambassadors
Bailey Mainolfi
Major: Biochemistry (Pre-Med)
Year in School: Senior
Biography
Hello! My name is Bailey Mainolfi, a senior at Montana State University. I am a pre-medicine student who is majoring in Biochemistry. My hometown is in Kalispell, Montana, where I began my college education in a community college setting. In the fall of 2024, I transferred to MSU from Flathead Valley Community College, where I earned an Associate of Science degree.
At my time at MSU, I’ve been involved in Pre-Med Club and undergraduate research with Dr. Mary Cloninger. When I am not in class, I enjoy going for walks in the nice weather and spending time with family during longer breaks.
I became a CLS Student Ambassador because I wanted to spread knowledge about the college, especially that of biochemistry! I am looking forward to meeting new people and representing the College of Letters & Science!
Cadence Murcray
Major: Data Science and Mathematics: Statistics
Year in School: Junior
Biography
Hello! My name is Cadence Murcray, and I am a junior at MSU majoring in Mathematics and Data Sciences. Although I am originally from Morgan Hill, California, my family moved to Bigfork, MT, in 2020, which I now associate with home. In addition to being a tutor at the Math and Stats Center on campus, I am also the President and Co-Founder of the club Women in Mathematics and Statistics. Outside of school, I love to read, do hot pilates/yoga, and play pickleball. I look forward to serving the CLS community as an ambassador!
Carmen Roman
Major: Anthropology
Minor: Museum Studies
Year in School: Senior
Biography
Hello! My name is Carmen Roman, and I am from Elizabeth, Colorado. I am an Anthropology major with a minor in Museum Studies. I am a senior set to graduate this December! I am involved in multiple clubs on campus and participate in various volunteer opportunities. I serve as the Vice President of Fuerza Latinx and am a member of the First Generation Student Association. Additionally, I act as a Service Saturday Leader for campus volunteering. I enjoy spending my time outdoors, whether that involves hiking or relaxing in a hammock. I also love reading, crafting, baking, and cooking!
Cedar Stellon O'Donnell
Major: Biochemistry (Pre-Med)
Year in School: Junior
Biography
Hello! My name is Cedar Stellon O'Donnell, and I am a junior majoring in Biochemistry on a pre-med track. I'm from Fairbanks, Alaska, and I chose Montana State University because of how at home the Montana State community made me feel when I visited.
I'm excited to be a part of the CLS Student Ambassador program and to have the opportunity to represent and support my fellow CLS students. My hope is to provide a bridge between the CLS student population and the great resources and events that our college provides.
I'm fairly involved on campus as a member of the Pre-Med Club, Cancer Support Community-University, MSU Fashion Club, and several other student organizations! When I'm not studying, sprinting to a club meeting, or hanging around the library, I enjoy running and fashion design.
Finley Shepard
Major: Fish and Wildlife Ecology Management and Liberal Studies: Quaternity
Year in School: Senior
Biography
My name is Finley Shepard, and I am a senior from Pound Ridge, NY with a degree in Liberal Studies and pursuing a second degree in Ecology. I spend my time at MSU teaching various botany and ecology labs, writing and reviewing student research, and pursuing an interdisciplinary education wherever I can. I have professional experience in finance, national security, engineering, field biology, and political policy. I'm interested in encouraging students to challenge themselves in and outside the classroom and improving student retention overall.
Gavin Thorson
Major: Chemistry
Minors: Economics and Global Studies
Year in School: Senior
Biography
My name's Gavin Thorson, and I'm a senior in Chemistry, with minors in Economics and Global Studies. I lived all my life in southeastern Minnesota until I came to MSU. I'm glad to serve as a College of Letters & Science student ambassador because of my diverse academic background -- I want our students to know that anything is possible inside CLS.
I entered MSU as a History major, but after one semester of general chemistry, I was smitten. After the first semester of organic chemistry, I was very confident my future after MSU would lie with a PhD in Chemistry. Now, I do research on the chemistry of the origin of life in the Fialho lab.
However, in addition to Chemistry, I have also been involved with the humanities during my time at MSU. In addition to taking multiple language classes, I served as co-director of the Honors Presents Lecture Series as a sophomore. It was during my time with Honors Presents that I had the idea to start the process of inviting Isabel Allende, who ended up visiting campus in late September 2024.
Liv Oberst
Major: Fish and Wildlife Ecology Management
Year in School: Junior
Biography
Hey, Bobcats! My name is Liv Oberst, and I am from Hillsboro, Oregon! I'm a junior studying Fish and Wildlife Management, and I am one of the student ambassadors in CLS representing the Department of Ecology! I'm passionate about Ecology and loved taking the classes associated with my major, such as Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy, General Ecology, and Intro to Fish & Wildlife! I hope that all incoming Fish & Wildlife majors enjoy them as much as I did.
You can usually find me in the Renne Library, either working at the front desk, studying for classes, or socializing with friends. On the weekends, I love to explore Bozeman or hike on sunny days!
My experience at MSU has been nothing but positive; all of the faculty and staff provide such a great environment to help students succeed in all their classes! The amount of school spirit during football games is infectious, and it's hard not to feel the energy in the stadium. It's easily one of my favorite parts of the fall semester! The rodeo in the spring is also amazing, and I highly recommend that students go at least once!
I look forward to serving our community! And as always, go Cats!
Lukas Kosel
Major: English: Writing and History
Minor: English: Literature
Year in School: Senior
Biography
My name is Lukas Kosel, and I was born in Washington state, but I've been in Montana since I was eight years old. I love research and writing, which is why I took on history as a double-major: the more I learn, the more I can write about! One of my favorite things is listening to what others are passionate about, especially in the context of research. I work as a Writing Center tutor as well, so I get to help with all genres and topics in writing, which I always enjoy! In addition to writing and research, my pastimes include a variety of sports/outdoor activities, sharing stories, and going to live theatre events whenever I can. Tangentially, one of my life goals is to learn the art of sailing (which has proven difficult in a landlocked state, but I'll get there someday haha).
Maya Holmes
Major: English: Teaching
Year in School: Senior
Biography
Hello! My name is Maya Holmes, and I am one of the CLS Student Ambassadors. My hometown is Eagle, ID, and I am an English teaching major in my third year of school at MSU with plans to become a high school English teacher after graduation. One of my favorite classes at MSU was Studies in World Literature. I'm passionate about storytelling, communication, and education, which has led me to get involved in a variety of activities on campus including writing for The MSU Exponent, our student newspaper. Being part of the CLS Student Ambassadors team is an exciting opportunity for me to connect with prospective students, share my experiences, and contribute to meaningful projects that showcase everything the College of Letters & Science has to offer. Outside of school, I love spending time outdoors and staying active. Hiking is one of my favorite ways to explore Bozeman, especially when I can bring my dog along for the adventure. Whether I'm out on the trail, casting a line while fishing, or just soaking up the quiet, being in nature helps me recharge. When I'm not outside, you can usually find me curled up with a good book. I'm always adding new titles to my reading list. Also, while on campus, you can find me anywhere near a campus coffee shop! I'm obsessed with the Gold Rush Lotus.
Contact
Sheridan Pena
Academic Services Manager
College of Letters & Science