BAE Ambassadors
BAE faculty and staff select students for ambassadorship who exhibit leadership skills in and out of the classroom and because of their outstanding academic achievements. The student ambassadors represent the department at university-sponsored events such as open house, majors fairs, Women and Minorities in Engineering Programs events and Spend a Day at State visits.
Ambassadors also participate in the the first year engineering info session where freshman engineering students are invited into Weaver Labs to watch research demonstrations and engage with current BAE students, faculty and staff.
“They are all so impressive and represent BAE so well,” says student services coordinator Heather Austin, who also oversees the ambassador program.
The ambassadors are invited to remain in their role until graduation.
Shelby Reinhardt
Hometown: Wake Forest, NC
Major: Biological and Agricultural Engineering Ecological Concentration
Favorite place to hang out on campus? : Jordan library
What is a current goal you have for yourself? : “A goal for myself is to win a blue ribbon for my plants at the state fair this year!”
Bio: “I found out about BAE in high school through the engineering summer camp, I loved how diverse the major was so I knew I wanted to pursue it. I attended UNC Wilmington and Semester at Sea before coming to NC State in fall of 2022. I love horticulture and all things plants; I have over 50 plants in my apartment and counting. I plan to attend graduate school after graduation this spring!”
Grant Johnson
Hometown: Zebulon, NC
Major: Biological Engineering Bioprocessing Concentration
Favorite place to hang out on campus? : Talley
What is a current goal you have for yourself? : “Focus more on my mental wellness.”
Bio: “In highschool I had a strong interest in agriculture and the life sciences as well as engineering. When I discovered the BAE department at NC State during my college application process it was the perfect fit. I hope you use by BAE education and experiences to work in the life sciences manufacturing industry.”
Silver Hyatt
Hometown: Weaverville, NC
Major: Biological and Agricultural Engineering Agricultural Concentration
Favorite place to hang out on campus? : “Weaver is my second home, but if I must venture out you can usually find me in Talley.”
What is a current goal you have for yourself? : “Find a great internship for this summer, that I want to continue upon graduation.”
Bio: “Hey y’all! I’m Silver Hyatt, I’m currently a BAE junior with an Agricultural concentration. I’m originally from the mountains of WNC, near Asheville. I grew up rooted in agriculture, and even had goats throughout highschool. I knew I didn’t want to be a farmer, but wanted to positively impact the agricultural industry. When I found BAE I knew it was the perfect fit. I’m not exactly sure what I want to do after graduation, but I’m excited to see what the future holds! I’m the captain of the Pack Pullers 1/4-Scale Tractor team, so I spend a lot of free time designing and fabricating our tractor each year. Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my many pets, including my dog, Echo, bird, TG and hamster named Spork. If you see me around Weaver, I love the family culture that BAE has, so I’m always open to making a new friend!”
Khing Masaya-anon
Hometown: Bangkok, Thailand
Major: Biological Engineering with Bioprocessing Concentration
Favorite place to hang out on campus? : The Fish Bowl, Hill Library
What is a current goal you have for yourself? : “Improve mindfulness in work and life — exploring research and grad school opportunity — and definitely enjoy my senior year with friends in BAE!”
Bio: “Hello yall! My name is Khing Masaya-anon. I’m a senior in bioprocessing concentration and an international student from Thailand. My journey to the U.S. university started with the Royal Thai Scholarship Program which seeks the knowledge to transform our abundant agricultural residues and waste biomass into renewable and valuable products. From a person with strong passion but little knowledge in industry and agriculture, NC State’s BAE has given me so much learning opportunities, from the diverse research areas and collaboration beyond the department. The supportive community of BAE is definitely the best part that makes me feel like home away from home. My goal is to continue my research and innovation journey in grad schools and to apply what I have learned back home for the development of bio circular economy and a more sustainable future.”
Perry Berlin
Hometown: Asheville, NC
Major: Biological Engineering
Favorite place to hang out on campus? : Weaver! But if not weaver, then the plant sciences building
What is a current goal you have for yourself? : “Enjoy senior year to the fullest!”
Bio: “My name is Perry, and I am a senior in BAE with no concentration (I decided I like them all!). I am VP of ASABE, and am involved with Grand Challenges Scholars, Engineers’ Council, and am an undergrad assistant for the BUS Lab. After graduation, I will be moving to Bangor, Maine to work as an Agricultural Engineer for the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. I like to read, listen to music, and spend time with my friends.”
Jackson Evans
Hometown: Roxboro, NC
Major: Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Agriculture Concentration
Favorite place to hang out on campus? : PEER Garden (Weaver Labs)
What is a current goal you have for yourself? : “I want to travel to all 7 continents.”
Bio: “Hello! My name is Jackson Evans and I am a Biological and Agricultural Engineering senior with an Agriultural concentration. I love to help with various research projects around the department. If I am not doing research I am playing ping pong, growing plants, hanging out with friends, or planning ski trips that sometimes play out. I learned about BAE when I was a freshman at NC State and joined in the spring semester, now can’t leave. I plan to continue my education after graduation and work on a master’s degree.”
Anna Davis
Hometown: Clayton, NC
Major: Biological and Agricultural Engineering
Favorite place to hang out on campus? : Carmichael Gym
What is a current goal you have for yourself? : “Do a pull up!”
Bio: “My name is Anna Davis, and I’m a senior in BAE. I love to cook and be outside, especially to take my labradoodle Jasper on walks. I came to BAE because I wanted to make a difference in the environment by using math and science! After graduation I plan to move from Raleigh and work as a stormwater engineering consultant!”
Anisha Sivayogan
Hometown: Nelliady, Sri Lanka
Major: Biological Engineering
Favorite place to hang out on campus? : “Any where outside next to an interesting view!”
What is a current goal you have for yourself? : “I love making short films, and a current goal I have is to make 3 shorts by the end of the calendar year!”
Bio: “I am a Biological Engineering junior with an Enviornmental Engineering Concentration and Film Studies minor. I fell in love with BAE after coming to a workshop freshmen year and learning about what biological engineering is and seeing how it aligned more with my goal of eventually getting into developing sustainable technology. After gradution, I’m still unsure of what I want to do, but in my undergraduate career, I want to focus on trying a range of different things to hopefully find the one that resonates with me! Outside of BAE, I am incredibly passionate about film and media studies, and am always eager to discuss and learn about movies and TV shows that others enjoy! I also enjoy learning and picking up any skill that someone is willing to teach, so if you have a niche interest you want to spread, I’m your girl!”
Akieliah Robinson
Hometown: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Major: Biological and Agricultural Engineering
Favorite place to hang out on campus? : “The lawn in front of Weaver”
What is a current goal you have for yourself? : “I wanna run a 8 minute mile.”
Bio: “Hello. I’m Akieliah Robinson, a senior in Biological Engineering with a concentration in Bioprocessing. I’m also pursuing two minors in Biomanufacturing and Graphic Communications. In my free time, I enjoy playing video games and hiking. I joined the BAE department because I wanted to focus on Engineering Biological Processes with a small department feel to have a closer relationship with my instructors. After graduation, I plan on pursuing a master’s in biochemistry and then going into the industry to do research and development for biopharmaceuticals.”
Kristen Hall
Hometown: Polk County, NC
Major: Biological Engineering: Bioprocessing with a minor in Science, Technology, and Society
Favorite place to hang out on campus? : Hunt Library Study Room
What is a current goal you have for yourself? : “I’m working towards completing certifications related to engineering and sustainability for my internship as well as the Fundamentals of Engineering and Professional Engineering exams.”
Bio: “My journey in Biological and Agricultural Engineering (BAE) has been driven by a passion for sustainability and interdisciplinary learning. Starting with dual degrees in CALS and CHASS, I explored the intersection of science, technology, and society, which deepened my commitment to sustainable innovation. My involvement in the ASABE bioprocessing start-up competition team, which won the 2023 AIM competition, and leadership roles within the Thomas Jefferson Scholars program and ASABE have allowed me to grow as a leader and team player. My academic journey also includes undergraduate research focused on the impact of biochar on composting, as well as global experiences through an internship at the microbrewery, Dva Kohouti, in Prague. Currently, I am working at Agri-Waste Technology, verifying carbon credit projects. After graduation, I plan to combine my passion for sustainability with practical applications, aiming to eventually own a homestead with self-sustaining infrastructure.”
Taj Hewitt
Hometown: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Major: Biological Agricultural Engineering Technology
Favorite place to hang out on campus? : Goodnight Lounge or Weaver Ping Pong Room
What is a current goal you have for yourself? : “To stay as healthy as possible.”
Bio: “My name is Taj Hewitt and I’m a junior in BAET. I came from Jamaica to Wake Tech, then transferred to NCSU. Some things I enjoy are soccer and other sports, listening to music, exploring new places and hanging out with cool people. My dad is a farmer in Jamaica, and so BAE was an easy choice for me, as I’ve always been fascinated by and exposed to both engineering and agriculture. That being said, when I graduate I plan to return home to implement the skills and knowledge I’ve gained while here at NCSU.”
Caroline Keenan
Hometown: Kinston, NC
Major: Biological Agricultural Engineering Technology
Favorite place to hang out on campus? : BAE Teaching Shop
What is a current goal you have for yourself? : “A current goal would be to maintain all A’s this semester!”
Bio: “I am a Junior in BAET with a minor in Crop Science. I found the BAE department on accident at an open house for NC State my senior year of high school. I’ve always known I wanted to be an engineer, but then I realized they just look at computers all day, whereas I wanted to build things. By the grace of God, I found this department and am very lucky to have found a home here! After I graduate, I plan to work in ag machinery production.”