College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Advisory Board

The purpose of The CALS Student Advisory Board is to be a group of dedicated undergraduates serving as student leaders and ambassadors for the CALS community. Working alongside faculty and staff through the Dean's Office, the board represents student voices, supports initiatives, and contributes to the overall undergraduate experience.

Advisory Board Executive Leadership Team

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President: Kennedy Connors
Vice-President: Alana Harty
Treasurer: Zafir Siddiqui
Secretary: Naveen Kothandaraman
Staff Advisor: Kate Fitzsimmons 

CALS Student Advisory Board Team Members

Amy Byler (she/her)

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My name is Amy and I'm from Southbury, Connecticut! I am a Community & International Development major, with minors in Psychological Science and Agroecology. I'm also a proud FFA Alumni and have spent many years working on farms in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Currently, I am a member of the UVM Synchronized Skating Team and travel to compete against other schools. I'm also involved in Beekeeping Club, Green Mountain Veggies, and Horticulture Club. In my free time, I love to read, cook, and crochet!

Contact Amy: albyler@uvm.edu

Kennedy Connors (she/her)

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I am a junior studying Public Communications with a minor in Law and Society. I am originally from Southern California, and have slowly but surely gotten accustomed to the weather here! Outside of my studies, I am lucky enough to be involved in several campus organizations, including the Student Government Association, The Vermont Cynic, and PIVOT (Preventing Interpersonal Violence via Outreach and Training). 

Contact Kennedy: kconnor8@uvm.edu

Scott Crutchfield (he/him)

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Hi all, my name is Scott Crutchfield a current Junior majoring in Animal Science with a minor in Biology. I am from Weston Massachusetts. I am currently envolved in the CREAM program, as well as a Veterinary Assistant at a local Veterinary practice. Outside of work and school I like to cook, hike, and thrift with my friends. 

Contact Scott: scott.crutchfield@uvm.edu

Lera Degteva (she/her)

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I am a sophomore majoring in Molecular Genetics and minoring in Computer Science. I am an international student from Astana, Kazakhstan who came to Vermont last year for college. Besides classes, I am involved in a research lab studying multiple sclerosis progression in mice. I also participate in Lawrence Debate Union's practices and go to the gym in my free time!

Contact Lera: vdegteva@uvm.edu

Emily Driscoll (she/her)

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My name is Emily Driscoll, and I am a member of the class of 2028, and a Molecular Genetics major, and I am from Braintree, Massachusetts! I am a member of the Alpine Ski Racing Club team and the Springboard Diving club, the Pre-Med club, and Camp Kesem, to name just a few! Outside of school, I love to ski, hike, workout, swim, or sail! One fun fact about me is that I ran my own home bakery business in high school, and bake when I can during the school year to relax, which my friends and teammates know as "Emily's stress baking"! 

Contact Emily: emily.driscoll@uvm.edu

Hannah Gallagher (she/her)

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Hannah is a Molecular Genetics Major and American Sign Language Minor from Wantage, NJ. She can frequently be found at the Gutterson Fieldhouse as a member of the UVM Figure Skating Team or enhancing the fan-experience at hockey games as a UVM Ice Cat! Outside of athletics, she is an Orientation Leader and serves as an EMT for her communities both here in Burlington and back home in NJ. She also conducts research as a part of the Emergency Medicine Research Associate Program (EMRAP) at the UVM Medical Center and is a member of various clubs on campus including Best Buddies, MMG Club, and UVMFirsts!

Contact Hannah: Hannah.L.Gallagher@uvm.edu

Alana Harty (she/her)

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Hi! I am a senior Nutrition and Food Science major with a minor in chemistry from Farmington, CT. I am a foodie at heart, and I'm passionate about equitable health care. I'm involved in various food-insecure initiatives in the Burlington area, and I currently work clinically as a medical assistant at a Community Health Center. My favorite club I'm in is the Bannagrams club. In my free time, you can find me cooking a new recipe, playing an instrument, dancing with friends, or finding a way to get outside. A fun fact about me is that I learned to alpine ski in college (not advisable). I plan to stay in Vermont after college and prepare to apply to medical school.

Contact Alana: alana.harty@uvm.edu

Mariel Hadjiliadis

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Information coming soon.

Taylor Iannacone (she/her)

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Hi! I’m an Animal Science major with a minor in psychology. I’m from Norwalk, Connecticut. I work in the mail room in Living and Learning. I love to bake even though I’m not really good at it and I’ve recently gotten into making everything in my room look aesthetically pleasing. 

Contact Taylor: taylor.iannacone@uvm.edu

Aidan Jones (he/him)

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I am a senior from New Jersey majoring in Molecular Genetics with minors in Bioinformatics and Microbiology. I have also been an undergraduate researcher in the Plant Biology department since the beginning of my sophomore year. Outside of school, I enjoy skateboarding, snowboarding, and hanging out with friends. 

Contact Aidan: ajones76@uvm.edu

Emily Kobus

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Information coming soon.

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I'm from Lexington, MA and I'm majoring in Microbiology & Molecular Genetics with a minor in Statistics. On campus, I am a member of the Chatterjee Lab in the UVM Cancer Center. I'm also in Viridescent, UVM's competitive a cappella group, as well as Club Tennis. Outside of school, I love to watch sports, bake, and read! 

Contact Naveen: nkothand@uvm.edu

Matt Rogers (he/him)

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I am a senior in CALS with a Plant Biology major with a minor in Molecular Genetics. I grew up in East Providence, RI. I love growing tomatoes, which is pretty much the only reason I chose Plant Biology when entering UVM. Turns out though that the PBIO department is full of fantastic people and opportunities, and I have been working in plant research since spring of my first year. Outside of work and school, I love making and eating soup. 

Contact Matt: mroger17@uvm.edu

Jackie Rucker

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Information coming soon.

Zafir Siddiqui

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I'm studying Biochemistry and Neuroscience. I have a passion for cooking and love meeting new people. When I'm not working, you’ll find me hiking new trails or listening to old Bollywood music with my hood up, but I promise I’m friendly! 

Contact Zafir: Zafir.siddiqui@uvm.edu

Bella Tirabassi (she/her)

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Hi! My name is Isabella Tirabassi! I am an animal science major on the pre-vet track! I am from Wilbraham Massachusetts. I am apart of Danceforce, the pre-vet club, and yoga club here at UVM. I enjoy hiking, shopping, and hanging out with friends!

Contact Bella: tirabassiisabella98@gmail.com