Student Ambassadors

Student Ambassadors at the University of Rochester School of Nursing serve as representatives of the student body, acting as a bridge between prospective students and the nursing school community. Their role is to provide an authentic perspective on what it’s like to be a nursing student, and to create a welcoming environment for future members of the nursing program.

As current students, our ambassadors understand the excitement, challenges, and questions that come with pursuing a nursing degree. They’re eager to share their journeys, including what drew them to the profession and the School of Nursing, their experiences in the classroom and clinical settings, and how the program is shaping their future careers. Their firsthand knowledge and passion for nursing make them an excellent resource for anyone considering a path in healthcare. Our Student Ambassadors also play a key role in fostering connections within the our community and are committed to helping prospective students feel confident and supported. Their stories reflect the unique opportunities and personalized approach to education that set the School of Nursing apart.

Whether you’re curious about our programs, campus culture, or simply want to hear what it’s like to be part of our nursing community, our ambassadors are here to guide and inspire you on your journey.

Meet our student ambassadors

Gia Chaney

Student Ambassador

My name is Gia Chaney, and I am from Rochester. New York. I earned my first bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and audiology in Knoxville, Tennessee. Entering my senior year, I realized I wanted a career that aligned more with my goals of combining patient care and medicine. After graduation, I moved back to Rochester and worked as a medical assistant to gain hands-on experience. I quickly learned the value and impact nurses have on patients, and decided to pursue a career in nursing.

As a student ambassador, I’m excited to be able to bridge the gap between faculty and prospective students. This role allows me to share my love for the program with the realities of balancing schoolwork and life. My favorite restaurant in Rochester is Basha, which has the best Mediterranean food! Rochester always has great events such as the Lilac Festival, Purple Painted Lady Festival, or the Lucky Flea Market.

Fallon Hinz

Student Ambassador

Hi! My name is Fallon Hinz, and I am from San Jose, California. I graduated from Stonehill College in 2024 with a degree in health science. Before coming to URochester, I spent over five years working at Starbucks and gained valuable clinical experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in both skilled nursing and hospital settings. While exploring various healthcare fields in undergrad, shadowing my sister in a Boston ICU solidified my passion for nursing. I love working closely with people, thinking fast on my feet, and combining hands-on patient care with medicine.

As a student ambassador, I am incredibly excited to connect with prospective students, share my experience, and support them as they begin their own journeys to nursing and discover why URochester is such a special place. Some of my favorite activities include checking out local libraries, grabbing coffee with friends at Pearson’s, and exploring beautiful outdoor spots like Highland Park, Letchworth, and Watkins Glen.

Uriah Tyshea Huffman

Student Ambassador

Jahan, Nusrat

Student Ambassador

My name is Jahan (they/them), and I am from Brooklyn, New York. Before coming to the University of Rochester, I earned a bachelor’s degree from CUNY Hunter College, where I majored in Astrophysics and Studio Art with minors in computer science and mathematics. During that time, I worked as a home care assistant and volunteered in a variety of healthcare settings — experiences that ultimately inspired me to pursue nursing. Transitioning from studying exoplanets to learning pharmacology and pathophysiology has been an exciting and rewarding journey. I have enjoyed combining my passion for science with the opportunity to make a direct impact on patients’ lives.

As an ambassador, I am able to connect and support prospective and new students. Starting a new program can feel overwhelming, and I find it rewarding to be a resource. One of my favorite places is Lake Ontario Beach Park, especially when the auroras are strong enough to be visible.

Denise Kenyon

Student Ambassador

Hi! My name is Denise Kenyon (she/her) and I am from Rochester. It is a fun place to live and offers a lot of nature with its many parks, trails, beaches, and proximity to the Finger Lakes region. All four seasons here are beautiful in their own way — you just have to know how to dress to enjoy the weather.

After receiving my first bachelor’s in biology, I moved around the country before settling back home, and spent the next 24 years working at a local medical device company, primarily in transfusion medicine. I decided to pursue nursing because I want to be part of a field that focuses on humanity. I'm very excited to apply my life experiences and therapeutic communication to help people be seen and heard, especially during illness and chronic disease.

Being a student in the ABSN program has been life-changing for me, and I hope it is for you too! I'm happy to support your journey and answer any questions you may have.

Sambridhi Shrestha

Student Ambassador

Hi! My name is Sambridhi (she/her), and I'm originally from Nepal but now proudly call Rochester home. Before pursuing nursing, I earned a bachelor's degree in sociology and a Master of Public Health. I had the opportunity to work in both social work and public health, including supporting children and families at Golisano Children's and working with the CDC on cancer prevention initiatives. These experiences reinforced the importance of meeting people where they are and inspired me to pursue nursing, where I can combine compassionate, hands-on care with patient education, advocacy, and health promotion.

One of the most rewarding parts of being a Student Ambassador is connecting with prospective students and helping them feel excited and confident about joining the School. I remember how overwhelming it felt to start an accelerated nursing program, and I love being able to share my experiences, answer questions, and help others feel like they belong. Outside of nursing, I love exploring Highland Park, visiting the Public Market, walking along the Erie Canal, and trying Rochester's local restaurants. Every now and then, you'll also find me at the Strong Museum of Play — it truly is one of my favorite places in Rochester!