OUR Ambassadors
The OUR Ambassadors assist the Office of Undergraduate Research with promoting research to undergraduate students.
Undergraduate Students: If you have questions about research on campus, where to start or how research may work in your schedule, please contact our office to receive additional information and we can put you in touch with one of the Ambassadors.
First Year Experience Instructors: Email undergradresearch@southalabama.edu to schedule an Ambassador to come speak with your class about how to join research opportunities on campus.
Jonathan Mason
Major: Chemistry
I am a junior majoring in chemistry with a minor in French from Spanish Fort, Alabama. After graduation, I plan to attend medical school. I am actively involved in SGA, the Running Club, Alpha Epsilon Delta, ASBMB, and undergraduate research. In addition, I serve as a chemistry teaching assistant, work as a tech at University Hospital, and volunteer with Wilmer Hall, Victory Health, and PASSAGE USA. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends, working out, running, and reading.
Madison Peters
Major: Biomedical Science
I am a senior Biomedical Sciences major with a concentration in Biotechnology and a minor in Gerontology. I have been researching in the Biomedical Sciences Department under Dr. Padmamalini Thulasiraman for two years, studying the effects of hydroxytyrosol on apoptotic pathways in breast cancer cells. I have completed the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) in 2025 and attended the Alabama Academy of Sciences (AAS) Conference 2026 to present my research. On campus, I am involved in several organizations such as Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED), Mega Musical Chairs (MMC), Mortar Board, Yarn Quest Club, and Run Club. Outside of campus, I assist in bread-making classes and work at the USA Rec Center as a yoga instructor and personal trainer. I plan to go to medical school to one day become a doctor. Research has given me specific interests in medicine, such as lifestyle and preventative medicine.
Mary Helene Marmande
Major: Chemistry
I am a Chemistry major with a minor in music. My career goal is to become a physician-scientist who treats patients while also pursuing research to find even better ways to serve them. I’ve been playing the piano for 15 years, so I chose to become a music minor as a creative outlet to contrast with my science-heavy curriculum. I got involved in research early as a freshman, and I work with Dr. Forbes in the Department of Chemistry and Dr. Honkanen in the College of Medicine synthesizing and testing potential cancer therapeutics. Since research has opened so many doors for me, I love sharing about how to get involved with other students. Research is even taking me to work in Japan as part of my honors thesis! On top of being involved in many campus organizations like Mortar Board, ASBMB, and PASSAGE USA, I enjoy reading, painting, and doing yoga in my spare time.
Maya Toomey
Major: Biomedical Sciences
I am a junior Biomedical Sciences major with a concentration in Public and Global Health at USA. Originally from Guatemala and raised in Millry, Alabama, I plan to pursue graduate and medical school after graduation. I am actively involved in campus organizations, including the Honors College, ASBMB, Women’s Pre-Health, South for St. Jude, and the Native American Student Association, where I serve as president. Outside of academics, I work at a children’s boutique, volunteer with Circle of Friends and St. Joseph’s Hospice. In my free time, I enjoy thrift shopping, crafting, and spending time with friends and family.
Taylor Merry
Major: Mechanical Engineering
I am a Mechanical Engineering student with an interest in project management and using engineering to solve real-world problems. During the summer of 2026, I participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), where I studied microplastic pollution in aquatic environments and used FTIR spectroscopy to identify different types of plastics. Getting involved in research gave me the opportunity to experience a side of engineering outside of the classroom and showed me just how many opportunities undergraduate research can open.
I love being involved on campus and currently serve as an OUR Ambassador, College of Engineering Ambassador, NCEES FE Ambassador, and Supplemental Instruction Leader for Circuits. As someone who returned to college to pursue engineering, I have a special appreciation for making the most of every opportunity available. As an OUR Ambassador, I hope to help other students see that research is for everyone and encourage them to step outside their comfort zone and get involved.