Student Ambassador Program

​Janiaya Anderson
​Hello! I am Janiaya Anderson and I am a part of the Fall 2019 ABSN cohort. I graduated from North Carolina State University in the Spring of 2018 with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. I was also born and raised in Charlotte, NC. I chose to come to Duke because it seemed like an opportunity for an education and clinical experiences that would only come once in a lifetime and from studying here so far, I have confirmed that. In my free time, I love to work out and binge watch Netflix.

 

Mary Leibold
Hello, my name is Mary a proud Duke student in the ABSN program. I did my undergraduate studies at Emory University with a major in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology. I am excited to be a student ambassador and am here to answer any of your questions. In my free time, I love exploring the outdoors, white water rafting, playing volleyball, and watching live music!

 

Shema Gordon
Greetings! My name is Shema Gordon, and I am currently a part of the Fall 2018 ABSN cohort. I'm from Miami, FL and a recent graduate of the University of Florida. I received my Bachelors of Science in Health Education and Behaviors. I am honored to expand my contributions to DUSON. I enjoy daily meditations and alone time so that I can separate myself from my responsibilities and the outside world.

 

Erica Richmond
Hi everyone! My name is Erica Richmond and I am a member of the Fall 2018 ABSN cohort. I am from Burlington, NC and I'm a recent graduate of Elon University with a public health studies degree. I chose to come to Duke because of the endless opportunities that the school and community present to the students. In particular, the wide array of research opportunities drew me to this program. I have a special interest in research around maternal mortality and hope to become a certified nurse midwife and researcher in the future.

 

Shelby Strockbine
Hello! My name is Shelby Strockbine and I am in the Spring 2019 ABSN cohort. I am originally from San Diego, California. I completed by undergraduate degree at Oregon State (Go Beavs!) where I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a double minor in Psychology and Public Health. During my time there, I worked alongside athletic trainers during sporting events to provide emergency care to athletes on the field. I also am a long-time summer camp counselor and love working with kids. I m involved with the Duke Emergency Nurses Student club and absolutely love going to all the basketball games! When I first experienced DUSON's campus and culture at Duke Days, I knew it was the place for me to reach my goals!

 

Meera Narayanan
My name is Meera Narayanan and I am a Spring 2019 ABSN cohort student. I come to Duke from California with a degree in Business. After I left my life in corporate America, I worked as a behavior therapist for children with autism while I did my prerequisites for the program. I loved my time with those kiddos and hope to work with children in my future career as a nurse. I am excited to be a student ambassador and looking forward to being involved wherever I can.

 

Lindsay Duvernoy
Welcome! I'm Lindsay Duvernoy and I'm from New York City. I have achieved two degrees in Art History from Binghamton University and Accessories Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology. In my previous career, I worked as a Fashion Designer in Midtown, NYC within different specialties. I have also collaborated with scientific research. I want to devote my life to helping others and nursing plays such a positive, important and intimate role in touching lives. In my free time, I love to read, exercise in parks and spend time with friends and family. I chose Duke University School of Nursing because it is my dream school! DUSON offers many opportunities and support for all of their students, and it is an excellent community to be a part of. If you have questions, feel free to email me about my experience as a DUSON student. I am excited to help. Go Blue Devils!

 

Stephanie Asher
Hello! I am currently a member of the Fall 2018 ABSN cohort. I was born and raised in Maryland and completed my undergraduate degree in exercise science at Elon University! I chose Duke because I felt confident that Duke would provide me with the education and skills needed to become an exceptional nurse. In my free time, I enjoy working out, hiking, reading, and attending Duke basketball games of course!

 

Edward Stene
My name is Edward Stene. I began my career as a student-athlete at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I studied Animal Behavior with a concentration on Apex Predators. Next, I pursued my ABSN at the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) in Baltimore, Maryland. I was involved in student government at a state and national level. I was also a teaching assistant through the student success center at UMSON. I began my nursing career on the Multi-Trauma ICU at R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Here I became heavily involved in research specifically in advanced critical care pathophysiology with Trauma Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) patient population. I am currently an MSN – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner student here at DUSON. I am currently working on portable ultrasound research in austere Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit environments on a local and global scale. I am involved in committee positions in the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) and American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN). I work full time as a Flight Nurse here at Duke Life Flight and currently serve as a First Lieutenant (Trauma Critical Care Nurse) in the 629th Forward Surgical Team in the United States Army Nurse Corps.

 

Elizabeth Clare Maffett
Hello, my name is Elizabeth Clare Maffett, but I go by Clare. It took me a little while to find my path to nursing, but I am so happy I finally did! I am enjoying my time in this career so much, and I really love what I get to do every day! I was an elementary school teacher for a few years, teaching fifth grade science primarily. I enjoyed the children, but just did not see a career in it. I went back to school and completed my ABSN at the University of South Florida, so I totally understand the demands of a shortened version of nursing school. I recently relocated to the Durham area for a job where I am an RN on a Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, and I learn so much each day on the job! I am also working on my MSN here at Duke in the PNP-AC program. I am still early on in this degree program, working towards graduation in December 2020. I chose Duke because I was very inspired by the enthusiasm of the professors, and I wanted to learn from people who are passionate about what they do, and graduating from a respected institution like Duke is just a bonus! Outside of working full time and schooling full time, I like to hike in the woods (which we did not have in Florida), I enjoy photography and baking, and I love to snuggle with my little fur babies.

 

Miranda Crouse
Hi, my name is Miranda! I am a student in the Spring 2019 ABSN cohort. I received my BS in Animal Science with a minor in Nutrition from North Carolina State University (Go Pack!) in December of 2018. I am from North Carolina and have lived here my whole life. My original plan was to attend vet school but after thinking more of what I wanted to do in life I decided that nursing would be a better fit. My current plan after I graduate is to be a pediatric oncology nurse. As of May 2019, I will be the President of the Neonatal and Pediatric Student Organization. I chose DUSON because I wanted to get into the field as soon as I could after graduating from NCSU and Duke was one of the few schools that allowed that. I also chose it because of the professors truly caring for their students and wanting to help us succeed. I also love the Triangle area and if you have any questions about what to see or where to eat let me know! In my free time, I enjoy running, riding my horse, and hiking!

 

Marcell Rengifo
Hello! I am currently a member of the Spring 2019 ABSN cohort. I first obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Mary Washington. It was after graduation that I realized the “9 to 5” cubicle lifestyle was not for me, and I discovered my passion for health care and nursing. I chose the Duke ABSN program because they understand career changers like myself. I needed a program that recognizes and practices different learning techniques which help me master complex topics. This summer I will have the opportunity to practice my new knowledge in Tanzania, Africa; a type of experience that is only possible through a unique institution like Duke.

 

Sara Greene
Hi! I am a member of the Spring 2019 ABSN cohort. Prior to coming to DUSON, I was an audiologist in the Raleigh-Durham area at a medical device company. I earned degrees at the University of Florida and Gallaudet University in hearing & speech and music. I am thrilled to be a member of the DUSON community to begin my second career in nursing! In my spare time, I enjoy trying new restaurants, spending time with my family, friends, and dogs.

 

Cate MacQueen
Hello! My name is Cate MacQueen. I’m a student in the Spring 2019 ABSN cohort. For my undergraduate studies, I attended the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, where I was born and raised. I majored in Health & Societies and minored in Hispanic Studies. I am a huge Philly sports fan (love the Eagles and Phillies) and have quite enjoyed watching Duke Basketball games in the time I’ve been here. In my free time, when I’m not watching sporting events, I like to spend time outside, go for bike rides and runs, and cook new recipes.

 

Kayleigh Hennessey
I am a proud member of the Spring 2020 ABSN cohort, and excited to be an ambassador for the Duke University School of Nursing! I am originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina! I obtained both my Bachelor's degree in Rehabilitation Services and a Masters Degree in Clinical Counseling with an emphasis on addiction from East Carolina University. I chose DUSON because of the unique clinical experiences I would gain through the hospitals in the area, the amazing faculty and of course the beautiful Duke Campus! Since beginning the program I have made the best of friends, grown as a leader and person, and have made the best of memories (like cheering on the Blue Devils in Cameron!) In my free time I enjoy traveling, exploring food in the Raleigh-Durham area, hot yoga, hanging out with my fiance and two dogs, and wedding planning!

 

Olufunke Oshinuga
Hi all, my name is Olufunke Oshinuga also known as Id and I am a Spring 2020 ABSN student. I am from California and studied Human Biology during my undergrad. I chose DUSON to not only be apart of a program that makes excellent leaders in this great profession but to also be apart of a program that makes a difference. My goal is to become an EDNP with my DNP. On my free time, I love to cook, sleep and spend time with family and friends.

 

Kara Connelly
Hi, my name is Kara Connelly and I am from Denver, Colorado. I have lived in Raleigh for three years and love the area. I received a BA in Psychology from the University of Colorado and my BSN from Metropolitan State University of Denver. Currently, I work in the ICU at Duke Raleigh Hospital and I am very excited to be in the Family Nurse Practitioner program at DUSON. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time at the beach with family and friends.

 

Dominic Castro-Wehr
Hello, my name is Dominic Castro-Wehr. I grew up in a small town in northern California and later moved to Pennsylvania to complete a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science at Swarthmore College. I chose to attend Duke largely due to the much-admired academic and clinical quality of the school, and I have not been disappointed. My path to the field of nursing was certainly roundabout (ask me about it some time!), but I’m happy to be here and grateful for the opportunity to represent this fantastic nursing program!

 

Ellie Kawa
My name is Ellie Kawa, and I am a student in the Spring 2019 ABSN cohort. I am from Mansfield, MA, and I graduated from Providence College with a BS in biology and a minor in Spanish in 2017. After undergrad, I participated in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Scranton, PA, working with individuals with profound disabilities. For fun, I like to cook, run, read, and watch New Girl.

 

Kaylin Wilson
Hey everyone! My name is Kaylin Wilson and I am in the Spring 2020 ABSN cohort at DUSON. I am originally from Kirkland, Washington, a suburb outside Seattle. I attended the University of Washington where I got my undergraduate degree in Psychology in 2015. After undergraduate, I worked for a few years doing behavioral therapy with children and adolescents with developmental disabilities. I chose Duke because of the dynamic faculty and the endless resources provided to ensure each student's success. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, reading and spending time outdoors.

 

Holly Skinner
Hello! My name is Holly (pronouns: they, them, theirs). I am a member of the Spring 2019 ABSN cohort. I received a BS in Psychology from Appalachian State University in 2017 and began medical school in Virginia. Through a whirlwind of events, I realized that the holistic nature of nursing was more my style than becoming an MD, and I ended up at Duke. I am happy to be back in North Carolina, my home state, and I am excited to take advantage of the multitude of opportunities Duke offers. Outside of class, I enjoy volunteering with Girls Rock NC, playing RPGs with friends, and spooning my cat.

 

Jessica Dalmeida
Hello! My name is Jessica Dalmeida, I am a student ambassador for the Spring 2020 ABSN cohort. I am excited to serve you all! I am here to do what I can to make everyone's experience at Duke School Of Nursing as pleasant and enjoyable as possible.

 

Yunah Kang
Hi there! My name is Yunah, and I am a student in the Spring 2019 ABSN cohort from south of Seattle, WA. After graduating from Cornell University, I had the chance to work with a community health non-profit than a private ophthalmology practice before venturing back across the country to end up here at Duke! Nursing was a relatively new professional interest of mine at the time of application, but I was and continue to be especially drawn to this field for its strong values and the endless opportunities it can lead to across all sectors of healthcare. I chose to invest in my education at this particular institution to be surrounded by like-minded, ambitious, and passionate individuals and to be shaped and prepared to be a leader in this field. Beyond my interests in healthcare and nursing, I love hiking, cooking, watching the Daily Show with Trevor Noah, exploring new places, and learning new things. Please reach out if you have any questions!