Student Ambassadors

Luddy Ambassadors

Our Student Ambassadors are experts on what makes Luddy Indianapolis unique. When you visit our school, they will lead your tour of our state-of-the-art lab spaces and classrooms. As they show you our corner of campus, they’ll tell you why Luddy was right for them. You can meet our ambassadors whenever you schedule a one-on-one visit or when you come to one of our events.

Meet our Undergraduate Ambassadors

Roman Moreno

Lead Ambassador/Latino Outreach

Informatics / Informática

Hometown: Indianapolis, IN (Shortridge)

Career goal: Lawyer/politician

romamore@iu.edu

Hello! my name is Roman Moreno, and I am Sophomore at the School of Informatics and Computing. I am majoring in Informatics with a specialization in Legal Informatics and a minor in Political Science. I am also one of the new Latino Outreach Ambassadors! I’ve always had a fondness for technology and the legal system within the United States, and the program delivers many opportunities for students such as I to propel myself into important courses. Both of my parents immigrated to the United States from Mexico. So being a first-generation student at IUPUI means the world to me to showcase to myself that a Latino in STEM/Law is possible. I’m very excited to get to meet many of incoming students/families and help assist in any way possible ranging from resources to building tours!

Hola mi nombre es Román Moreno, y soy estudiante de segundo año en la Escuela de Informática y Computación. Estoy estudiando Informática con una especialización en Informática Jurídica y Ciencias Políticas. ¡Y también soy uno de los nuevos Embajadores de Alcance Latino!

Siempre me ha gustado la tecnología y el sistema legal dentro de los Estados Unidos, y el programa ofrece muchas oportunidades para que estudiantes como yo, se impulsen hacer cursos que son muy importantes.

Mis padres emigraron a los Estados Unidos desde México. Entonces, ser un estudiante de primera generación en IUPUI significa mucho para mí para demostrarme a mí mismo que un latino en STEM/leyes es posible. ¡Estoy muy emocionada de conocer a muchos de los nuevos estudiantes/familias y ayudar en todo lo posible!

Iyonna Brooks

Diversity Outreach

Informatics

Hometown: Indianapolis, IN (Providence Cristo Rey)

Career goal: Cybersecurity

I was born and raised in Indianapolis and am a sophomore at IUPUI, majoring in Informatics with a specialization in network and Information security.

I picked Luddy because I really enjoyed the iDEW program I took when I was in high school. I learned a lot about technology and coding, and that’s when my interest in tech started to grow.

I chose to be a Luddy ambassador because I wanted to help others transition from high school to college or transferring college students. I was a student ambassador at my high school and I want to continue helping others in my college years.

Zaydee Dominguez-Chang

Latino Outreach

Media Arts and Science / Informática y Artes Mediáticas en la Ciencia (Desarrollo de Pila Completa)

Hometown: Indianapolis, IN (Pike)

Career goal: Full stack developer

zadomin@iu.edu

Hello! I am Zaydee Dominguez Chang, a sophomore at the School of Informatics and Computing, double majoring in Informatics & Media Arts and Science with a specialization in Web Development and Design. I am also an iDEW Mentor at Pike High School.

I was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. My parents are from Veracruz, Mexico. I have one other sibling who is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, also at IUPUI.

I became one of the Latino Outreach Ambassadors to help students just like me gain insight and experience in the world of computing and help them understand that there is a community out there for them. I would love to help with whatever I can, so feel free to contact me or my partner, Roman Moreno, with any questions or concerns!

Hola! Mi nombre es Zaydee Dominguez-Chang; Soy una estudiante de segundo año aquí en la Escuela de Informática y Computación. Estoy estudiando Informatica y Artes & Ciencas de los Medios con una especialización en Desarollo y Diseño de la Pagina Web. También soy mentora de iDEW en Pike High School. Naci y creci en Indianapolis, Indiana. Mis padres son de Veracruz, Mexico. Tengo una hermana mayor que esta cursando su doctorado en Psicología Clínica, tambien en IUPUI.

Me converti en uno de los Embajadores de Alcance Latino para ayudar estudiantes como yo a adquirir conocimiento y experiencia en el mundo de la computación, y ayudarlos a comprender que existe una comunidad para ellos. Me encantaría ayudar con todo lo que pueda, así que no duden en ponerse en contacto conmigo o con mi compañero, Roman Moreno, si tienen alguna pregunta o inquietud.

Chelsea Allanigue

Biomedical Informatics

Hometown: Fishers, IN (Hamilton Southeastern)

Career goal: Master's degree at IUPUI

I am a sophomore studying Biomedical Informatics with a minor in Public Health and Epidemiology. My interest in computer science and biology led me to IUPUI and this program.

As a first-generation Filipino American, navigating my first year of college was difficult. My parents studied overseas and were not aware of the different systems in American education, especially college education. It was a big adjustment for my family, since my siblings and I also grew up in the Philippines. Fortunately, there were people like student ambassadors and academic advisors who helped educate me about academic planning. As a student ambassador, I want the students and families I meet to be knowledgeable about the many different programs and opportunities available in IUPUI and SoIC. I will prioritize and make sure that every student can start the school year confidently and excited for what is to come.

Throughout the year, I am finding more opportunities to be involved on campus. Last year, I was an Undergraduate Representative for the Informatics and Computing Student Council. Now, I am becoming more involved in the Biomedical Informatics Club and learning about the different opportunities and skillsets they offer.

Saloni Dixon

Biomedical Informatics

Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN (Bishop Dwenger)

Career goal: PhD in Immunology (Immunoinformatics)

I am a third year at IUPUI, pursuing a bachelor’s in Biomedical Informatics. I will be applying for the 4+1 Accelerated Master’s Degree Program this fall, and I hope to receive my Master’s in Biomedical Informatics after my senior year. Afterwards, I will be chasing my dream of obtaining a PhD in Immunology.

With these degrees, I hope to use it towards developing innovative research in all aspects of immunoinformatics. This interface between computational biology and experimental immunology is a passion I have been chasing since I was diagnosed as a kid. I battle with a disease called Mixed-Connective Tissue Disease. This is a combination of Lupus, Reynaud’s, and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Despite limited research in this field, it is my dearest hope to further expand biomedical understanding in both immunology research and clinical data, so new and preventable measures for autoimmune diseases similar to mine may be set in motion.

Prior to my experience at Eli Lilly & Company, I imagined a life of basic-level programming. However, I gained a piece of myself that I never realized was missing. Research wedged itself into my life, and I could not be happier. At an early age, I was told that a little person like me could never make a difference. I have come to understand that change is not simply born into existence, but it’s something fought for, dreamt for, and worked for until that gap no longer exists.

I will be the President of the Filipinx Student Association (FSA) for the second time this upcoming academic year, as well as a Social Justice Scholar (SJS) and a School of Informatics and Computing (SOIC) Student Ambassador. I strongly value community involvement in multicultural organizations, social justice programs, and mentorship. In addition, I will be working as a Stem Cell Lab Assistant at IU School of Medicine with the Medical & Molecular Genetics Department. I hope for this opportunity to further cultivate my passion for research in genetic and genomic mechanisms, translational research in disease models, and clinical trials in rare and common genetic diseases.

Nimra Durrani

Biomedical Informatics

Hometown: Avon, IN (Avon)

Career goal: Biomedical Data Scientist

I am a sophomore at IUPUI studying Biomedical Informatics with a specialization in Health Informatics. I have always had a strong passion for Biology. In high school, I was also involved in a program that taught young students different programming languages which then sparked my interest in programming. Coming into college, I was unsure of what career path I wanted to take until I did further research of the different programs IUPUI offered. Once I came across Biomedical Informatics, I knew it was the one. Biomedical Informatics allows me to pursue my interests in both Biology and programming. Although many people have never heard of it, it excites me to educate others about what Biomedical Informatics is and further explain the different things I learn being in this program.

Aside from academics, I am currently a member of OTeam. OTeam is an undergraduate leadership group that focuses on engaging incoming students at IUPUI. Branching from that, I served the role as a leader during Bridge Week and this fall, and I am a peer mentor for first year students in their first-year seminar sections.

Catherin Molina

Biomedical Informatics

Hometown: Lafayette, IN (Jefferson)

Career goal: General surgeon

Hi! I’m Catherin Molina. I’m a sophomore here at the School of Informatics and Computing majoring in Biomedical Informatics with a specialization in Premedical.

I was born and raised in Lafayette, Indiana. Both of my parents are from El Salvador. I will hopefully get into medical school and become the first family to become a general surgeon.

I was initially going to be a nursing major, but I heard a teacher talking about SoIC. After the campus tour, I decided to change my major quickly to Biomedical Informatics and afterwards, did some of my research about the program. I have no regrets about changing my major.

Ethan Plagge

Media Arts and Science

Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio (Elder)

Career goal: 3D animator

I am majoring in Media Arts and Science, with a specialization in 3D Graphics and Animation. I’m originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, and am a sophomore at IUPUI.

What originally drew me to IUPUI was the wonderful and innovative Media Arts and Science program we have, and the number of amazing resources and facilities on campus. But what really separated IUPUI from other colleges was the amazing community in Luddy Indianapolis. The relationship between the faculty and the students, and the sense of unity among the students, was what really made me choose to come to IUPUI.

As a student, I’m currently involved at IUPUI as a tutor, and am involved in my residence hall’s student government. I also plan on joining the IUPUI JagBand, a pep band that attends IUPUI athletic events. I also am involved with the first-ever Luddy Indianapolis podcast, “Coffee and Computers” which you can check out on Spotify or other major streaming platforms!

Jonathan (Jojo) Rendon-Lazo

Artificial Intelligence

Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana (Ben Davis)

Career goal: Undecided

I’m Jonathan, but everyone calls me Jojo. I’m a first-year majoring in Artificial Intelligence. As a kid, I was in love with technology, having a Super Nintendo and the first iPod as a kid really made me interested in how they worked. When I saw Iron Man’s J.A.R.V.I.S., it really made me wonder, how does a computer act so human-like? It’s been a big dream of mine to create a J.A.R.V.I.S. in real life.

In the SoIC Summer Tech Workshop, I found out about the brand-new program IUPUI was bringing on: Artificial Intelligence. I instantly fell in love with it because that’s what I’ve always wanted to do. I had a great time learning and having a better understanding of it through the workshop. After that, I toured the SoIC and have never felt more welcomed. They made me feel like family. Though IUPUI is big, SoIC is more like a family.

I want people to learn what SoIC has to offer. Not only with resources to help you be successful, opportunities students have, but to also make you feel like family. That’s the main reason I became an ambassador. In my free time I like listening to music, working out, going to church, and spending time with friends.

Alexys Shepherd

Media Arts and Science

Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana (Franklin Central)

Career goal: Concept Artist/Scriptwriter

I am a second-year student here at Luddy Indianapolis. I am majoring in Media Arts and Science and specializing in Concept Art and Digital Storytelling, and plan on minoring in Creative Writing and possibly American Sign Language (ASL).

I have been creating art and drawing ever since I was little. Originally I thought I would pursue an art-centered career and would attend Herron, since I attended a few summer classes there. But with my passion for gaming, I felt conflicted. I found that Luddy Indianapolis included a lot of opportunities and a major I felt comfortable with. Luddy gave me the chance to build myself up and improve so I can earn my way toward my goals of working somewhere within a video game company.

I can comfortably say being a Student Ambassador will definitely get me out of my shell. I am also apart of two honor societies (ALDPES) and plan on finding my way into a club or two.



Sahiti Somalraju

Biomedical Informatics

Hometown: Naperville, Illinois (Metea Valley)

Career goal: Bioinformatician

I am currently a sophomore studying Biomedical Informatics. I have always enjoyed learning about genetics and computer science but was not sure how to blend these two passions into a career. IUPUI is currently one of the few universities that offers bioinformatics to undergraduates. With outstanding facilities and faculty, I knew the program would provide the foundation for me.

I am currently an active member of the Biomedical Informatics Club. Being a part of a close-knit community made it easier for me to connect with people who share my passion. I am also an undergraduate researcher in the Janga Research Lab.

Kavin Thakkar

Informatics

Hometown: South Elgin, Illinois (St. Charles North)

Career goal: User experience professional

I am a sophomore studying informatics. I wanted to go to college in an urban environment, so that’s why I chose IUPUI. And I wanted to pursue user experience (UX) as a career, so that’s why I came to SoIC.

I serve as the Bulletin Editor and Electronic Publicist (BEEP), managing social media and communications, of the Circle K International (CKI) club here at IUPUI, which is dedicated to service and volunteering. I serve as a USG Senator representing CKI in our student government, working to improve the lives of my fellow students. And I serve as the president of the Coffee and Computers podcast, an SoIC-centric podcast that explores a wide range of topics. 

I’m also in the Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma honor societies.

I am from the suburbs of Chicago, and am cross-dominant, which means I use either of my hands for various tasks—but more left-handed (not to be confused with ambidexterity).