School of Nursing

Student Ambassador Program

Meet our Ambassadors

tavioncye riggins

Tavioncye' Riggins
Traditional BSN Senior II
triggi@lsuhsc.edu

Hello, my name is Tavioncye’ Riggins, but I go by Tae. I chose LSU School of Nursing because I knew it would provide me with a strong foundation and the tools I need to become a successful nurse. My journey through nursing school has been both challenging and rewarding, pushing me to grow not just academically but also personally. For prospective students, my advice is to stay focused, stay passionate, and don’t be afraid to ask for help—LSU has a great support system if you’re willing to use it.

jake hernandez

Jake Hernandez
Traditional BSN Junior I
jhern6@lsuhsc.edu

Hi, I’m Jake Hernandez, a nursing student at LSU Health Sciences Center. I came here because I wanted a program that would prepare me for the realities of nursing while still encouraging me to succeed. If I could give advice, it would be to stay curious and lean into learning — it makes everything less overwhelming.

oto

Oto Eduok
Post-Masters DNP with concentration in FNP (2nd Year)
ocoll1@lsuhsc.edu

Hello, my name is Oto. I am a New Orleanian, born and raised who now resides in Lafayette, LA. I chose LSU School of Nursing for graduate school because of its strong reputation for academic excellence, supportive faculty, and commitment to preparing leaders in advanced nursing practice. Being a part of a program that values innovation, research, and service has given me the tools to grow personally and professionally. My advice to prospective students is to stay open to mentorship, actively seek learning opportunities, and embrace the challenges that will help shape you.

daniellemccartney

Danielle McCartney
Traditional BSN Senior I
dmcc11@lsuhsc.edu

My name is Danielle McCartney, I am currently a senior at LSU School of Nursing. I chose LSU for its strong reputation and the opportunities it provides to grow both in and out of the classroom while staying connected to my hometown community. My advice to future students is to lean on your peers and faculty for support and embrace every learning opportunity, each experience brings you closer to the nurse you want to become.

marcelapedron

Marcela Pedron
Traditional BSN Junior II
mpedro@lsuhsc.edu

Hi, my name is Marcela Pedron! My journey into nursing began with a strong desire to make a difference in people’s lives through compassionate health care. I chose LSU because it is ranked among the top nursing schools in the nation and provides outstanding opportunities for hands-on learning and professional growth. My advice to prospective students is to never compare your journey to someone elses!

deontayshaw

Deontay L. Shaw
Traditional BSN Junior II
dshaw1@lsuhsc.edu

I’m Deontay Shaw, a BSN student at LSU Health Sciences Center School of Nursing. I chose LSU because of its strong reputation for academic excellence and opportunities to grow as a leader in nursing. My advice for prospective students is to stay resilient, lean on your peers, and embrace every learning opportunity. You’ll grow more than you expect.

ainsleyembley

Ainsley Embley
Traditional BSN Junior II
aemble@lsuhsc.edu

I’m Ainsley, a Junior 2 nursing student at LSUHSC. I have loved finding community and purpose through both the challenges and triumphs of nursing school. I chose LSU because I wanted a program that pushed me academically while surrounding me with people just as passionate about healthcare as I am. My best advice for prospective students is to stay open to growth; you’ll surprise yourself with how capable you really are!

emilychopin

Emily Chopin
Traditional BSN Junior II
echopi@lsuhsc.edu

Hi, my name is Emily Chopin and I'm from New Orleans! My advice to prospective students is to prioritize your mental health. Take the time to do the things you love with the people you love!

abbyweber

Abby Weber
Traditional BSN Senior I
awebe2@lsuhsc.edu

My name is Abby Weber and I am currently a Senior I at LSUHSC-SON. I graduated from Mount Carmel Academy in 2022 and completed my prerequisites at LSU Baton Rouge before starting nursing school in the fall of 2023. I chose LSUHSC-SON because it gives me the opportunity to learn from expert nurses in the classroom while applying those skills in local hospitals, giving me the confidence to succeed in my nursing career.

andrewdoan

Andrew Doan
Traditional BSN Senior I
adoan@lsuhsc.edu

Hello, my name is Andrew and I am from Houston Texas. I chose LSU School of Nursing to experience a new atmosphere and immerse myself in a different culture while pursing my nursing career. My advice for prospective students is to remain adaptable and open to new experiences, as they will help you grow both personally and professionally.

deziahrucker

De’Ziah A. Rucker
Traditional BSN Junior II
drucke@lsuhsc.edu

Hi, my name is De’Ziah Rucker, and I’m a nursing student at LSU School of Nursing. I’m actively involved in many student associations and love tutoring my peers along the way. Nursing school has been an exciting journey that continues to push me to grow and chase my goals!

emmamacmahon

Emma MacMahon
Traditional BSN Senior I
emacma@lsuhsc.edu

Hello! My name is Emma MacMahon, and I am senior 1 at LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing. If you are a prospective student, my best advice is to lean on your support system and get involved!

solianatewelde

Soliana Tewelde
Traditional BSN Junior I
stewel@lsuhsc.edu

Hi! My name is Soliana Tewelde, and I was born and raised in New Orleans. I chose LSU School of Nursing for its strong reputation and supportive learning environment, which has helped me grow both academically and personally while also building resilience and deepening my passion for patient care. My advice to future students is to stay organized, lean on your peers, and remember why you started—your "why" will carry you through the tough days.

stephendouglas

Stephen Douglass
Traditional BSN Senior I
sdoug5@lsuhsc.edu

I’m Stephen Douglass, a Senior I nursing student at LSU Health New Orleans and a Trauma ICU nurse tech, committed to pairing critical thinking with compassionate care. I chose LSU School of Nursing for its rigorous clinical training and strong culture of leadership and service. My advice: be curious, ask for help early, and build a support network—you won’t do this alone.

sarahsauvage

Sarah Sauvage
Traditional BSN Senior I
ssauva@lsuhsc.edu

My name is Sarah Sauvage, and I am currently in my Senior year of nursing school here at LSU. Through my time here I have been involved in SGA, SNA, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society Member, and now Student Ambassadors! I am so excited to meet everyone and can’t wait to help guide others as they proceed through their nursing journey. I chose LSU Nursing because it feels like a home when you are here, with the best students and friends you could ever imagine. Being a part of a family while going through this challenging program is something everyone should experience, and that is why I am so passionate about this school. Not only do you get the support you need, but you also learn so much from great faculty and great local resources and hospitals. My biggest advice for anyone in the program would be to get involved. Once you put yourself out there, the possibilities are endless, and I truly believe that doing extracurriculars makes all of the long hours of studying worth it in the long run. Don’t forget to stay true to yourself and be positive! And as always, GEAUX TIGERS!

teresalai

Teresa Lai
Traditional BSN Senior I
tlai1@lsuhsc.edu

I'm Teresa Lai, a senior nursing student. On campus I stay actively engaged, serving in leadership roles with the Student Nurses Association (SNA), Student Engagement Association (SEA), and Student Veterans Association (SVA). I chose LSUHSC SON because its strong clinical partnerships across New Orleans hospitals offering unmatched hands-on experience and exposure to diverse patient populations. My advice to you: get involved early, ask questions, and give yourself time to enjoy life outside of class!

lancebrooks

Lance Brooks
Traditional BSN Junior II
lbro48@lsuhsc.edu

I am a 21-year-old Junior II (Jr II) Traditional BSN student from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and I am currently the Membership Developmental Chair of Men in Nursing (MNO) at LSUHSC. I completed all of my pre-nursing classes at LSU in Baton Rouge, and I chose LSU School of Nursing because of the diversity and opportunities it has to further pursue my career and education. I enjoy meeting new people and helping in any way I can!

isabelapearce

Isabela Pearce
Traditional BSN Junior
ipearc@lsuhsc.edu

I am a nursing student at LSU School of Nursing, and I chose this program because of the amazing learning opportunities and supportive environment. Nursing school has been a challenging but rewarding journey that’s taught me a lot about resilience and teamwork. My best advice for future students is to stay positive, ask questions, and always believe in yourself!

lamarsmith

Lamar Smith III
Traditional BSN Junior I
lsmi50@lsuhsc.edu

I’m Lamar Smith III, a Junior 1 nursing student at LSUHSC School of Nursing. I chose nursing because I want to make a meaningful difference in patients lives. My advice for prospective nursing students is to master time management, ask for help when needed, and don’t be afraid to get to know all of your classmates.

leahgill

Leah Gill
Traditional BSN Junior II
lgill4@lsuhsc.edu

I chose LSU nursing because I wanted to attend a program where I knew I would be supported and pushed to grow. I have enjoyed all of my clinical rotations so far, but I would love to work in critical care in the future. My best advice for prospective students is to start studying early- the amount of material can creep up on you if you procrastinate!

emberlynnspring

Emberlynn Spring
Traditional BSN Senior II
espri1@lsuhsc.edu

I was initially drawn to the nursing profession due to the wide variety of career options. Through clinical rotations I have found my passion and can’t wait to be an ICU nurse.

alexisjones

Alexis Jones
Traditional BSN Senior II
ajon43@lsuhsc.edu

Hi! Im in my last semester, and I’ve had such an enjoyable experience at LSUHSC-SON. I’m excited to share advice or answer any questions.

shakeilasamuels

Shakeila Samuels
Traditional BSN Senior II
ssamu3@lsuhsc.edu

I’m an international Tiger eager to share my wonderful journey here with prospective students. I chose LSU School of Nursing because of its proven excellence, and I have had a very enriched learning experience!

sashaharris

Sasha Harris
CARE BSN Junior I (OCIS Shreveport)
shar24@lsuhsc.edu

My name is Sasha Harris, and I’m an undergraduate nursing student at LSU School of Nursing. I chose LSU because of its strong clinical training, supportive faculty, and reputation for preparing students to thrive in diverse healthcare settings. If you're considering nursing school, look for a program that challenges you academically while also offering mentorship and real-world experience—LSU has been that place for me.

saphyrepounds

Saphyre Pounds
Traditional BSN Senior II
spoun2@lsuhsc.edu

Hi, my name is Saphyre and I’m a Senior II nursing student! I chose LSUHSC because of the many great opportunities they offer, which has allowed me to have grown a lot both professionally and academically over the years. I look forward to sharing my journey and answering any questions you may have about nursing school and life here at our New Orleans campus!

hopevoneberstein

Hope Von Eberstein
Traditional BSN Senior II
hvoneb@lsuhsc.edu

I’m a senior nursing student at LSU Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, and it’s been such a rewarding experience. I chose LSU because of the welcoming environment and the strong clinical learning opportunities. My advice for future students is to stay curious, ask questions, and enjoy the journey. It goes by fast!

 

Jack Lewy
Traditional BSN Senior I
jlewy1@lsuhsc.edu

 

Spencer Protti
Traditional BSN Senior I
sprott@lsuhsc.edu

 

Jazlynn Taylor
CARE BSN Junior II
jtay20@lsuhsc.edu

 

Jazmine Ross
CARE BSN Junior II
jros11@lsuhsc.edu

 

Lauren Granger
Traditional BSN Senior I
lgran4@lsuhsc.edu

 

Morgan Senat
Traditional BSN Senior I
msenat@lsuhsc.edu