Psychology Student Ambassadors
Student Ambassadors act as the primary liaison between students (incoming and current) and the Psychology department faculty and staff. Ambassadors spread information from faculty and staff to the student community about social events, academic planning, and more. They also vocalize feedback from the student body to the faculty and staff. They share their positive experiences as a psychology student and assist in departmental recruitment events. Student Ambassadors will have the opportunity to hone in on public speaking and networking skills and stand out to future graduate programs and employers.
Please email psycadvising@vt.edu if you are interested in meeting with a Psychology Student Ambassador when you visit campus.
2025-2026 Psychology Student Ambassadors
Alyssa An
My name is Alyssa An, and I’m from Centreville, Virginia. I plan on graduating in Spring 2026 with degrees in Psychology and Political Science and a minor in Adaptive Brain and Behavior. I served as undergraduate research assistant working in the Memory and Policy Lab my sophomore and junior years. I immediately knew I wanted to be a Hokie after visiting in high school. I was attracted to the overwhelming sense of community and school spirit! I love attending Virginia Tech sports events and cheering on my fellow Hokies! In my free time, I enjoy helping coach for New River Soccer. After graduation, I plan on pursuing a career in law.
James Bottiglieri
My name is James Bottiglieri and I'm from Cranbury, New Jersey! I am a senior here at Virginia Tech studying Psychology with minors in both Political Science and Adaptive Brain & Behavior. I chose Virginia Tech because of the electric athletic environment, beautiful campus, and welcoming community. I have enjoyed every second of my time here at Tech, and I am looking forward to giving back to my community and the Psychology Department this year as a Psychology Ambassador! The psychology department has done more than provide me with extensive knowledge and opportunities, but also connected me with friendly peers and helpful faculty and staff members along the way. After graduating from VT this spring, I plan on attending law school which I am very excited about! In my free time I love hanging out with friends, spending time outdoors, and watching sports.
Lily Jo
My name is Lily and I am from Vienna, Virginia! I major in Psychology, and I am minoring in Adaptive Brain & Behavior, Disabilities Studies, and Leadership & Social Change! I am set to graduate in Spring 2026. My favorite thing about VT is how welcoming the Psychology community is! One club I am involved in is the Sheep and Goat Club! After graduating, a goal of mine is to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology, and work to tear down the stigma behind mental health care in Asian communities.
Kyra Netting
Hi! My name is Kyra Netting and I'm from Salem, Virginia. I am a double major in Psychology & Biological Sciences with a minor in Spanish. I am planning on graduating in Spring of 2028. I chose Virginia Tech because I loved the general friendliness and school spirit of everyone I met when I toured, and it doesn't hurt that the campus is beautiful and it's less than an hour from my hometown. I also really love the STEM department at Virginia Tech, and I love being a part of the college of science. On campus, I am a WAJ apartment fellow, member of Snow club, Psychology ambassador, HELM leadership fellow, AWARE mentor, Student Conduct intern, and a part of Greek life! Outside of school I like to be outside, go to coffee shops, and spend time with my sorority sisters. After graduation, I'm still not sure what I want to do! I hope to attend graduate school to pursue either clinical psychology or higher education.
Karina Patel
My name is Karina and I’m a senior from North Brunswick, New Jersey. I’m majoring in Psychology and earning a minor in Disability Studies and Collaborative Discovery through the Honors College. I plan to graduate in Fall 2025! I chose Virginia Tech because the STEM department offers a wide range of opportunities and collaboration, and I instantly felt at home when I transferred. On campus, I am a part of the Psychology Student Ambassadors, Undergraduate Research, Delta Epsilon Mu, and Greek Life! Upon graduation, I plan to attend graduate school to obtain my Doctor of Occupational Therapy because I really enjoy the developmental function aspects of psychology. Outside of school, you can find me traveling or hiking!
Jason "Blaine" Pittman
I am Blaine Pittman, a junior majoring in psychology with minors in biological sciences and adaptive brain and behavior. I am from Bristol, Virginia, which is about two hours from Blacksburg. I planned to attend a far-away college, but after touring Virginia Tech I had no interest in other schools; I knew I wanted to be a Hokie and enjoy the vibrant campus life, a proud student section at any Hokie event, research opportunities, large array of clubs, and more. As soon as I got home, I began my application for early decision! I believe that Virginia Tech is a great place for me, as well as anyone else who enjoys well-taught courses, abundant social and academic opportunities, and an indomitable school spirit. In addition to being a psychology ambassador, I am a member of Snow Club, which is a social club for snowboarders and skiers at VT, as well as a CPR instructor for the Compress and Shock Foundation. I also organize and participate in intramural sports teams. In the past, I was a research assistant and notetaker for the psychology graduate school in Blacksburg, but I am now interning at VCOM. I intend to graduate from Tech in May 2027 and attend medical school the following semester, eventually fulfilling my long-held dream of becoming a psychiatrist. When I am not studying or participating in extracurriculars, I like to hike, cook, and lift weights.
Riley Santos
Hello everyone! My name is Riley Santos, and I’m from Stewartsville, New Jersey. I’m on track to graduate in Spring 2028 with a major in Psychology and minors in Data and Decisions, Organizational Leadership, and Strategic Communications. Currently, I work as an undergraduate research assistant in the Work Stress and Recovery Lab, where I’m developing a deeper understanding of workplace psychology. My career goal is to specialize in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, helping organizations improve employee well-being and productivity. I chose Virginia Tech because of the vibrant Hokie spirit, the wealth of career opportunities, and the welcoming, supportive community. This year, I’m honored to serve as a Psychology Department Ambassador. Beyond academics, I’m actively involved with the Student Alumni Associates, Hokie Ambassadors, Circle K International, and the Greek community, which allows me to connect with a diverse group of peers and contribute to campus life.
Cameryn Sierra
My name is Cameryn Sierra, and I am from Lorton, Virginia. I am a sophomore, double majoring in psychology and public health, with a plan on graduating in spring 2028. My field of interest for psychology is the industrial organizational route. My favorite thing about VT are the football games and how many different clubs and orgs we have to offer. I am also a MAOP student ambassador, and I am a research assistant for the Advancing Identity Management lab here at tech. I spend my free time dancing for a team here called Wahala!
Aiden Weiss
My name is Aiden Weiss, and I am from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I am majoring in psychology and criminology and plan on graduating in the spring of 2027. I am currently doing research with Dr. Robert Hodges in his Diplomacy Lab and also interning with the Virginia Tech Police Department. When I was deciding which school, I wanted to go to I was between Penn State and Virginia Tech. I toured Virginia Tech and as soon as I left my first tour, I knew it was the school for me. I loved the campus was and how nice people were here. After college I plan on using my degree to pursue a career in law enforcement, hopefully with the FBI.
