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 a sophomore at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing & Engineering at IU Indianapolis. 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 IU Indianapolis 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 IU Indianapolis 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, Indiana. I am a sophomore at IU Indianapolis majoring in Informatics and Computing with a specialization in Network Security and Information Security.

I picked Luddy because I really enjoyed the iDEW program that I took when I was in high school. I learned a lot about technology and coding and that is when my interest grew for technology.

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 wanted 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 Luddy school, 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 IU Indianapolis. 

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 IU Indianapolis. 

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 IU Indianapolis

I am a sophomore studying Biomedical Informatics with a minor in Public Health and Epidemiology. My interest in computer science and biology has led me to IU Indianapolis 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 at IU Indianapolis and Luddy. 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 fourth year at IU Indianapolis, pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Biomedical Informatics and a minor in creative writing. I will be applying for the Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program (iPREP) this fall, and I hope to spend a year working with the Microbiology and Immunology Department.

With these degrees, I hope to use it towards developing cutting-edge 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 like 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 a young 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 a second year Social Justice Education Scholar (SJS) this year, as well as the Outreach Chair for the Midwest Association of Filipino Americans and a Luddy Indianapolis Student Ambassador. I strongly value community involvement in multicultural organizations, social justice programs, and mentorship.

Nimra Durrani

Biomedical Informatics

Hometown: Avon, IN (Avon)

Career goal: Biomedical Data Scientist

I am a sophomore at IU Indianapolis 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 IU Indianapolis 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 IU Indianapolis. Branching off of that, I served the role as a leader during Bridge Week and this fall, 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 am a junior at Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. I am majoring in Biomedical Informatics with a specialization in Premed. I always knew I wanted to study something with biomedical but I didn’t know what. Until I came across the Biomedical Informatics program. That is when I knew this was the one. I choose the specialization of premed because I always knew I wanted to get into medical school to become a general surgeon. 

I was born and raised in Lafayette, Indiana. Both of my parents are from El Salvador. Being a first-generation student means so much to me. It showed myself and my family we can all become someone and have a better education. Hopefully being the first in my family to get into medical school to become a General Surgeon. 

Ethan Plagge

Media Arts and Science

Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio (Elder)

Career goal: 3D animator

My name is Ethan Plagge, and 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 IU Indianapolis.

What originally drew me to IU Indianapolis was the wonderful and innovative media arts program we have and the number of amazing resources and facilities on campus. But what really separated IU Indianapolis from other colleges was the amazing community in the college of informatics. The relationship between the faculty and the students and the sense of unity among the students were what really made me choose to come to IU Indianapolis.

As a student, I’m currently involved as a tutor and am involved in my residence hall’s student government. I also plan on joining the IU Indianapolis Jagband, a pep band that attends IU Indianapolis athletic events. I am also involved with the first ever Luddy 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: Anywhere I have a passion.

I’m Jonathan, but everyone calls me Jojo. I’m a first-year majoring in Artificial Intelligence. As a kid, I’ve been in love with technology; having a Super Nintendo and the first iPod as a kid really made me grow. When I saw Iron Man, Jarvis really brought to my attention: how does a computer act so humanly? Then it was a big dream to create a Jarvis in real life.

In the IU Luddy summer tech workshop, I found the brand-new program IU Indianapolis was bringing, AI Informatics. 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 Luddy building. I’ve never felt more welcomed; they made me feel like family. Though IU Indianapolis is big, it is more like a family.

I want people to learn what Luddy Indianapolis has to offer. Not only with resources to help you be successful and the opportunities students have, but also to 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 Shepard

Media Arts and Science

Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana (Franklin Central)

Career goal: Concept Artist/Scriptwriter

I am in my fourth and final year as a student here at Luddy Indianapolis. I am majoring in Media Arts and Science, specializing in Digital Storytelling with a heavy focus on concept art, and minoring in Creative Writing.

I have been creating art and drawing ever since I was little. What drew me to Luddy Indianapolis was how inclusive their programs were, providing a lot of opportunities and a major I felt comfortable with. Luddy Indianapolis 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.

Outside of the ambassador program, I am involved in the Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma honor societies.



Sahiti Somalraju

Biomedical Informatics

Hometown: Naperville, Illinois (Metea Valley)

Career goal: Bioinformatician

I am currently a junior studying Biomedical Informatics with a specialization in Bioinformatics. I have always enjoyed learning about genetics and computer science, but I was not sure how to blend these two passions into a career. Back in high school, I participated in the Genome Hackers summer camp, an event hosted by the University of Washington. This experience introduced me to the field of bioinformatics and highlighted the role of coding in driving genomic research. As a result, my academic journey guided me to Luddy Indianapolis, which offers a biomedical informatics program tailored for undergraduates.

Currently, I am an active member of the Biomedical Informatics Club, where I enjoy learning and growing (and having fun!) with my peers in this close-knit community. Furthermore, I am a research assistant in the Janga Research Lab, providing me with an invaluable opportunity to engage directly in the research process. I am also a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Eta Sigma honor societies.

Austin Clement

Informatics

Hometown: Crown Point, IN

Career goal:Wear a suit

Hello! My name is Austin Clement, and I am a senior here at Luddy Indianapolis. I am majoring in Informatics, graduating in May 2024, after which I will be going to grad school at the Kelley School of Business in Bloomington and will be studying Information Systems! I’ve always had a passion for business and technology. I am looking forward to my future studies and combining my skills to make an impact for my future employers in my professional career. I was born and raised in the region and did some high school there and in Bloomington. I love Chicagoland and the city’s sports teams (Cubs, Bears, and Bulls). I am a major geek for sports! I cannot wait to meet incoming students and their families and provide any support I can to make their time at Luddy Indianapolis a success!

Canaan Sellers

Media Arts and Science

Hometown: Terre Haute, IN

Career goal: To shoot video professionally. I want to work on a production team in some way, but ideally in a leading role.

Welcome to my bio! I am a student at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. I am aiming to hone my video and photography skills and use them to build a small production studio one day. I am the president of the MacGuffin Media Club, a place for videographers, filmmakers, and creatives who want to be a part of film production one day! Email me at cpseller@iu.edu for info regarding the club! I also work at Luddy, doing graphic design and sometimes photo and video work at events.

The reason I came to IU Indianapolis is that Luddy seemed to be very focused on making sure their media arts students get plenty of high-quality equipment and teachers to learn from. I’ve learned so much through the hands-on experience here, and I am happy incoming students will get to have that same experience.

Before college, I went to Terre Haute South Vigo for high school. I worked on yearbooks back then and developed a love for photography. Over time, it turned into a passion for video, especially storytelling. I have been lucky enough to find like-minded people here at Luddy who also want to create and share stories!

Denisse Henriquez

Full-Stack Development

Hometown: McCordsville, IN

Career goal: Become a Full-Stack Developer

Hello! I’m Denisse Henriquez Dubon. I’m currently a junior at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. I am majoring in Informatics and Media Arts and Science with a specialization in Web Design and Development. 

During my freshman and sophomore years, I was able to be a peer mentor, where I got to engage with high school students that were involved with Upward Bound. This year, I will be doing an internship at Riley Hospital for Children.

I was originally a neuroscience student, but after doing some research and reaching out to people, I decided to switch my major. While talking to them, it made me realize that I enjoy creating new things!

John Gaynor

Full-Stack Development

Hometown: Mishawaka, IN

Career goal: Become an industry leader in the tech world by creating software that helps optimize people's lives.

Hello, I am a junior studying Full-Stack Development here at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. I came to this school with a passion for optimization and was curious to learn about how I could optimize things using computers.

I developed this passion through my background in competitive Rubik’s cube solving, in which someone had programmed an application to learn algorithms and track how long it took you to solve it. I had passed it off as too complicated—some students started learning programming in middle school; how could I start in college and keep up?

The combination of professors, classes, and other resources at Luddy gave me the confidence to pursue web development. Through studying and the opportunities found here at Luddy, I’ve come to love programming and am excited for a future in this field. As an ambassador, I strive to share those same opportunities with prospective students and inspire them to pursue their passions and turn them into meaningful careers.

Mohammed Hossain

Applied Data Science

Hometown: Fishers, IN

Career goal: Work as a Data Scientist

Hi! I’m Mohammed Ahsan Hossain. I am a junior studying Applied Data and Information Science with a specialization in Applied Data Science and I will be applying for the 4+1 accelerated master’s degree program this fall. 

I chose to pursue a degree in Applied Data and Information Science at Luddy because it perfectly aligns with my career aspirations and personal interests. What impressed me the most about the program is its focus on providing hands-on experience and real-world applications, which I believe will equip me with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this field.

After finishing my education, I have developed a keen interest in pursuing a career as a data scientist. This field resonates with my passion for technology and problem-solving, and I am enthusiastic about utilizing my skills to make a meaningful contribution in the world of data.

Also, I am an active member of the Biomedical Informatics Club. Being a part of this club has enabled me to build valuable connections and find more opportunities to be involved on campus.

Mohsin Siddiqui

Media Arts and Science

Hometown: Brownsburg, IN

Career goal: Become a Video Game Designer

Salutations! I am Mohsin Siddiqui, studying Media Arts and Science with two specializations: Game Design and Development, and Digital Storytelling. It has been a dream of mine to be a Video Game Designer since I was in the 6th grade, and I want to put some of the ideas I have in my mind out into the real world so everyone can enjoy them. One of my biggest dreams in the world is to inspire people like me to be who they are while also maintaining four concepts I don’t see much of in the modern world: ethics, morals, values, and virtues. I also have a knack for storytelling because I feel like if it doesn’t have a good story, it wouldn’t be good overall.

I always wanted to go to IUPUI, now IU Indianapolis, because most of my family are alumni or are currently going with me. My family is very important to me because they have taught me most, and I can’t help but be thankful to them. If you chose IU Indianapolis, you chose correctly because this place will feel like a secondary home.

I remember Bridge Week at IU Indianapolis, and the one thing I realized was how many people were like me or had the same interests as me. Down to video games, TV shows, comics, anime, and even WWE, which I don’t talk about with my friends at home because nobody watches them. My worry about fitting in went away as I made a lot of friends that I now consider family, and if things pan out properly, even business partners. I remember feeling the scariest feeling about whether I chose the wrong place. Then came the first week of class, where my professor Thomas Lewis invited a speaker to talk about his life, and a certain name popped up. Someone whose name I never thought I would ever hear in a college lecture. One of my favorite musical artists, Kid Cudi. I even had Cudi shoes on that day! I remember seeing that and realizing, “Mohsin, not only have you chosen the right college, but you’ve also chosen the right home as well.” I knew that by choosing IU Indianapolis, I not only made everyone supporting me happy, but I have also made my dreams come true.

Savanna Stewart

Media Arts and Science

Hometown: Indianapolis, IN

Career goal: Work on major motion pictures through the company Framestore in London.

In 2020, I graduated from Vincennes University with an Associate of Science Degree in Product Design and Production Processes. I learned skills in drafting, Creo, and 3D printing.  I love learning, and I hope to expand techniques and skills for the future by merging both 3D printing and VFX. I am getting a dual degree majoring in Media Arts and Science and specializing in 3D Graphics and Animation. I am also majoring in Japanese Studies with a minor in Graphic Design.

I love to travel. I got my passport when I was nine years old and went to Europe in a group of six. I started learning Japanese in 2014. In my junior summer in high school, I spent two months in the Japanese IU Honors Program in the Foreign Languages Program.I was unable to speak English for eight weeks to improve my Japanese speaking ability and conversational comprehension. I grew very close with my host family, and I fell in love with Japan.

I have my own art business. I started by selling prints of my art at all three Jockamos' Pizza locations. I have since been commissioned for individual pieces and private murals. I am currently working on 3D-printed frames and bases for my artwork to go into my first exhibition. My artistic style tends toward using all colors in the rainbow to create colorful and vibrant work. I often get inspired by artists like Salvador Dalí, Jasmine Becket-Griffith, and Camilla d'Errico. Both for their use of color and exaggeration of the unexpected. I find taking new art classes and workshops sparks creativity and helps to stretch your brain into seeing things from a different perspective.

Sydney Wingfield

Media Arts and Science

Hometown: Indianapolis, IN

Career goal: Become a Creative Director

Hello! My name is Sydney. I am from the east side of Indianapolis. I am entering my junior year at IU Indianapolis. I am majoring in Media Arts and Science with a specialization in Digital Storytelling and a minor in Graphic Design. I transferred last year from Ivy Tech. I am currently a Student Ambassador for Luddy!

I enjoy creating content, creative directing, videography, and social media management. Outside of campus, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, being a dog mom to my puppy, crafting, and cooking. Being an ambassador for Luddy was important to me because I love my school and I want to share my experience with other possible students thinking about joining the Luddy community!