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.
Natalie Hadad
Major: Chemical Engineering
I am a senior Chemical Engineering major and am from Spanish Fort, Alabama. My research focuses on biomedical imaging applications for colorectal cancer detection. I am actively involved on campus in organizations like Omega Chi Epsilon, Tau Beta, Pi, the Student Government Association, Mortar Board, and the Muslim Student Association. Outside of school, I enjoy teaching Arabic at a local Sunday school, and spending time with my two cats, Mila and Crusty (who is tailless)! I will be starting medical school in the fall and plan to pursue a career as a physician.
Priscilla Foster
Major: Biomedical Science
I am a senior Biomedical Sciences major with a Biology minor. I was born in Biloxi, Mississippi, and for my Honors thesis, I am researching how specific proteins interact in breast cancer cells and how those interactions may influence cancer growth and treatment response. I participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) in the summer of 2025 and had the opportunity to present my findings at the undergraduate research symposium, the first ASBMB Student Chapter meeting, and the National Collegiate Honors Council Conference. I am actively involved in campus leadership, serving as secretary for both Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) and the Honors Community Association (HCA). I also serve as a student Vice President for Phi Kappa Phi, and I am a member of Mortar Board, Tri-Beta, and ASBMB. I previously served on the student engagement committee for Mega Musical Chairs, where we donated $18,000 to Operation KARE. Outside of academics, I am a black belt in Judo and a blue belt in Jiu-Jitsu, and I train and teach students weekly. I also love to sing, read, and cook. My long-term goal is to become a physician and contribute to meaningful clinical research.
Laith Alqudah
Major: Biomedical Science and Philosophy
I am a junior double major in Biomedical Sciences and Philosophy at the University of South Alabama. I grew up in Amman, Jordan, and later moved to Gulf Breeze, Florida before attending USA.I am currently conducting undergraduate research under the mentorship of Dr. Thiago Bruder in the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology at the Whiddon College of Medicine. My research focuses on cardiovascular diseases, including Kawasaki Disease and hypertension, and my long-term goal is to attend medical school and pursue a career in medicine. Outside of research and academics, I am heavily involved on campus through student organizations and leadership, including tutoring at the Center of Academic Excellence, participation in student government, and involvement with USA Southerners. In my free time, I enjoy reading, working out, and playing soccer. I also recently participated in a study abroad program in Kenya, which was a meaningful and eye-opening experience.
Mary Helene Marmande
Major: Chemistry
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.