Office of Undergraduate Research Student Assistants

The Office of Undergraduate Research's student assistants assist in the day-to-day operations of our unit. The Office of Undergraduate Research is a vibrant unit with a great deal of programming to support undergraduate researchers and faculty mentors.  This is an excellent opportunity for motivated and hardworking students to gain valuable experience in research, writing/editing, marketing, event planning, and more. 

Our research student assistants continue the tradition of excellence set by previous assistants, who have contributed significantly to research and professional communities within and beyond Kennesaw State University's community!

2025-2026 Student Assistants

  • Student Amelia Baker siting in a chair with her laptop

    Amelia Baker

    Amelia is currently a Senior at Kennesaw State University working towards a degree in Industrial Engineering Technology. She was previously in the First Year Scholars Program where she worked with Dr. Roneisha Worthy on “Exploring the Use of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase to Enhance Compost Nitrogen Content”, which was then shown at the Symposium of Student Scholars (2022). She is also entering her fourth year of being a Research Peer Ambassador for the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology. Since starting at Kennesaw State University, she has been able to gain undergraduate research experience and familiarize herself with the Office of Undergraduate Research. She now works with Dr. Amy Buddie on several research projects including "The Relationship Between Undergraduate Research Participation and Educational Outcomes", which was presented at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (2025) and at the Symposium of Student Scholars (2025), and "Enhancing Undergraduate Research Opportunities". Amelia is passionate about helping students get involved in research, making sure they feel supported, confident, and excited throughout their research journey.
  • Mikkell Cullen headshot photo

    Mikkel Cullen

    Mikkel is currently a Junior at Kennesaw State University working through a degree in Music Theory and a minor in Ancient and Modern Classics. They have completed the First Year Scholars Program, the Sophomore Scholars Program, and the Summer Undergraduate Research Program. Mikkel presented at the Symposium of Student Scholars in the Spring and Fall of 2024. They have also presented at NCUR and two international music conferences. In their spare time, Mikkel enjoys reading, gaming, and finding new music.
  • Student image, Kiara O'neal

    Kiara O'Neal

    Kiara is currently a Junior majoring in Computer Science. As a freshman, she participated in the First Year Scholars Program, where she collaborated with Dr. Hu on a project titled “Enhancing Bridge Inspections Using Drone Technology and Computer Vision.” This work was presented at both the 2024 Symposium and NCUR 2024. She then continued the project through the Sophomore Scholars Program, presenting her research at the IEEE SoutheastCon 2025 conference, the Spring Symposium 2025, and NCUR 2025. She also serves as a student assistant for the Office of Undergraduate Research, where she conducts research on Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences at KSU under the mentorship of Dr. Buddie. In her free time, she enjoys reading and competing for the KSU club gymnastics team.

Meet Previous OUR Student Assistants

  • Amelia Baker.

    Amelia Baker

    Amelia is currently a Junior at Kennesaw State University working towards a degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering. She was previously in the First Year Scholars Program where she worked with Dr. Roneisha Worthy on “Exploring the Use of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase to Enhance Compost Nitrogen Content”, which was then shown at the Symposium of Student Scholars in the spring of 2022. She is also entering her second year of being a Peer Mentor. Since starting at Kennesaw State University, she has been able to gain undergraduate research experience and familiarize herself with the Office of Undergraduate Research. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, and baking.

    Victoria Grace Tucker

    Victoria Grace Tucker graduated in 2025 with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Emerging Media Interest and a minor in Professional Writing. She has been published in Abiding Love Charities, HG101, ThinkChristian, and more online publications and brings her experience with journalistic and creative writing to the Office of Undergraduate Research. She is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and the KSU Journey Honors College. In her free time, she enjoys sculpting, cosplaying, drinking bubble tea, and hiking.
    Victoria Tucker.
    Jetta Whitehurst.

    Jetta Whitehurst

    Jetta Whitehurst is a first semester senior double majoring in Journalism and Emerging Media and Theatre and Performance Studies. Jetta is on her third year of working at the KSU Writing Center as a writing assistant. In addition to serving as a tutor, Jetta leads a poetry club at the Writing Center. In the theatre department, Jetta has a concentration in acting and is currently writing a one-act play to be performed as a staged reading at the end of Spring 2024. She has also taught theatre as a summer camp teaching assistant at the Alliance Theatre. Jetta is interning at both the Kennesaw Journal of Undergraduate Research for editorial and marketing and the KSU's Museum of History and Holocaust Education for social media marketing and digital communications. Jetta has presented at the Office of Undergraduate Research's Symposium of Student Scholars on multiple occasions and plans to continue developing her own research. In her spare time, Jetta can be caught reading, painting, dancing, or hiking. 
  • Tania Farhoudi.

    Fall 2023 - Tania Farhoudi

    Undergraduate Student Assistant

    Tania Farhoudi was a Kennesaw State University working towards a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. With a strong passion for graphic design, Tania has been utilizing her skills to create visuals for the Office of Undergraduate Research as a Student Assistant as well as for small businesses through her work with private clients. She is also a member of the Undergraduate Research Club and Kennesaw Marketing Association, and she hopes to join the KMA Agency to continue honing her skills and contribute to the dynamic organization. When she is not focusing on her academic and professional pursuits, Tania enjoys expressing her creativity through various artistic mediums. She is a self-taught dancer who is skilled in a range of genres, and she loves to play various instruments and draw.


    Victoria Tucker.

    Fall 2023 - Victoria Grace Tucker

    Undergraduate Student Assistant and Kennesaw Journal of Undergraduate Research (KJUR) Intern

    Victoria Grace Tucker graduated in 2025 with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Emerging Media Interest and a minor in Professional Writing. She has been published in Abiding Love Charities, HG101, ThinkChristian, and more online publications and brings her experience with journalistic and creative writing to the Office of Undergraduate Research. She is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and the KSU Journey Honors College. In her free time, she enjoys sculpting, cosplaying, drinking bubble tea, and hiking.


    Madeline Hipp.

    Summer 2023 - Madeline Hipp

    Undergraduate Student Intern

    Madeline Hipp graduated from Kennesaw State University in Fall of 2023 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism and Emerging Media and a minor in Professional Writing. Madeline interned for the Kennesaw Journal of Undergraduate Research. Previously, she interned for Fresh Take Georgia as a local news reporter. She also served as a peer mentor for the KSU Journey Honors College for the 2022-2023 school year. In her spare time Madeline enjoys reading, hiking with her dog, and spending time with friends and family. After graduation, Madeline hopes to work in the publishing industry as an editor.


    Tania Farhoudi.

    Spring 2023 - Tania Farhoudi

    Undergraduate Student Assistant

    Tania Farhoudi will graduate from Kennesaw State University in Spring of 2026 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. With a strong passion for graphic design, Tania has been utilizing her skills to create visuals for the Office of Undergraduate Research as the Student Assistant as well as for small businesses through her work with private clients. She is also a member of the Undergraduate Research Club and Kennesaw Marketing Association, and she hopes to join the KMA Agency to continue honing her skills and contribute to the dynamic organization. When she is not focusing on her academic and professional pursuits, Tania enjoys expressing her creativity through various artistic mediums. She is a self-taught dancer who is skilled in a range of genres, and she loves to play various instruments and draw.


    Victoria Tucker.

    Spring 2023 - Victoria Grace Tucker

    Undergraduate Student Assistant

    Victoria Grace Tucker graduated with Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Emerging Media Interest and a minor in Professional Writing. She has been published in Abiding Love Charities, HG101, ThinkChristian, and more online publications and brings her experience with journalistic and creative writing to the Office of Undergraduate Research. She is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and the KSU Journey Honors College. In her free time, she enjoys sculpting, cosplaying, drinking bubble tea, and hiking.


    Jaime Blei.

    Spring 2023 - Jaime Blei

    Graduate Student Intern

    Jaime was a graduate student at Kennesaw State University pursuing a master’s degree in professional writing with a focus on applied and creative writing. Jaime’s professional experience includes editing a special issue of the Geographic Bulletin and writing articles for the KSU Sentinel. She has also received writing credits for a coming-of-age film entitled When We Were.


  • Vernesha Brown.

    Fall 2022 - Vernesha Brown

    Undergraduate Student Intern

    Vernesha Brown graduated from Kennesaw State University in Fall 2022 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations with a minor in Political Science. In addition to her internship with the Kennesaw Journal of Undergraduate Research in the Office of Undergraduate Research, she also served as Vice President of Kennesaw’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter and a writer for Her Campus Kennesaw. In her spare time, Vernesha enjoys cooking and spending time with family and friends. Following graduation, Vernesha hopes to pursue a career in public relations.


    Hannah Watson.

    Summer 2022 - Hannah Watson

    Undergraduate Student Intern

    Hannah was an undergraduate student at Kennesaw State University who graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism and Emerging Media with a minor in leadership studies. While focusing on news writing and editorial work, Hannah interned for the Kennesaw Journal of Undergraduate Research. She also served as a staff writer for Her Campus Kennesaw and the editor of the bulletin for Cornerstone of Faith Christian Ministries Inc. Aside from being a full-time student, Hannah is also a creative writer, bookworm and lover of music. She enjoys writing on all topics.


    Rachel Schrauben Yeates.

    Spring 2022 - Rachel Schrauben Yeates

    Graduate Student Intern

    Rachel Schrauben Yeates graduated from Berry College in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and creative writing. She is the Institutional Repository Specialist for the KSU Library System and is currently pursuing a professional writing master’s degree at KSU. Before transitioning to libraries, she worked in journalism and newspaper design. Her creative writing has been featured in Chicago Reader, Ramifications, and From Glasgow to Saturn, and recognized at the Southern Literary Festival.


    Renee Hudson.

    Spring 2022 - Renee Hudson

    Undergraduate Student Assistant

    Renee Hudson will graduate from Kennesaw State University in Spring 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Emerging Media and a minor in Professional Writing. In addition to her role as a Student Assistant in the Office of Undergraduate Research, Renee was also a Writing Assistant with KSU’s Writing Center and a contributor of photography for KSU’s The Peak. As an active opinion writer for The Sentinel, Renee plans to continue her journey in journalism with Fresh Take upon graduation. 


    Dreanna Simmons.

    Spring 2022 - Dreanna Simmons

    Undergraduate Student Assistant

    Dreanna Simmons will graduate from Kennesaw State University in the Spring of 2025 with a bachelor's degree in Nursing. She served as a Student Assistant in the Office of Undergraduate Research as well as being a member of KSU’s American Medical Women’s Association and the future marketing officer for KSU’s Human Services Club (Fall 2022). In her spare time, Dreanna is a violinist and enjoys volleyball. Following graduation, Dreanna hopes to earn her master’s degree in nursing to pursue her passion for healthcare.


  • Madison Kemp.

    Fall 2021 - Madison Kemp

    Undergraduate Student Intern

    Madison graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Kennesaw State University in Fall 2021. Following graduation, Madison aspires to earn a master’s degree in social work due to her passions for mental healthcare, family systems, and culture. Madison’s work at the Zuckerman Museum of Art, the Department of Psychological Science, and Peacefully prepared her for interning at the Kennesaw Journal of Undergraduate Research. You can find Madison on campus practicing Korean in the Language Lab, reading fantasy books at the Sturgis Library, or indulging at the Commons.


    Marielena Zajac.

    Summer 2021 - Marielena Zajac

    Graduate Student Intern

    Marielena (Mari) Zajac graduated from Kennesaw State University in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in communications – public relations. She completed a master’s of professional writing degree with a dual concentration of rhetoric/composition and applied writing at KSU in 2022. In addition to serving as an intern for the Kennesaw Journal of Undergraduate Research, Mari also served as a graduate teaching assistant in the Department of English, where she taught ENGL 1101 and 1102 classes for the 2021-2022 academic year. Upon graduation, Mari hopes to continue working in editing and publishing, particularly for children’s books.


    Sarah Scott

    Spring 2021 - Sarah Scott

    Undergraduate Student Intern

    Sarah Scott graduated from Kennesaw State University in the Spring of 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Media and Entertainment and a minor in International Affairs. Sarah served as a student intern with the Kennesaw Journal of Undergraduate Research as well as serving as a writer and editor of the blog Communication Investigation. While doing editorial work and school, Sarah also pursues other communication-related hobbies such as doing live event production work, learning foreign languages (Mandarin, Korean, and ASL), choreographing dances, and writing and producing her own original songs.


  • Landon Mion.

    Fall 2020 - Landon Mion

    Undergraduate Student Intern

    Landon graduated from Kennesaw State University in the fall of 2020 with a bachelor's degree in journalism and emerging media and a minor in sociology. In addition to interning for the Kennesaw Journal of Undergraduate Research, he also served as an intern for The Daily Caller, a student reporter for The College Fix, a campus correspondent for Campus Reform, a contributor for Lone Conservative, a journalism intern for Pulp Magazine, a student assistant for the Office of Research at KSU, and a staff writer for The Sentinel. He has previously been a contributor at 71 Republic.


    Tiffany Davis.

    Summer 2020 - Tiffany Davis

    Graduate Student Intern

    Tiffany Davis graduated from Kennesaw State University in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in English and a minor in professional writing. During her pursuit of the bachelor's degree, Tiffany worked on the Atlanta Student Movement Project, which focuses on turning the oral histories of the 1960's movement into a digital medium.  Currently she is pursuing her master's degree in professional writing at Kennesaw State University with a concentration in applied writing, while also continuing to work on her creative writing.  She interned for the Kennesaw Journal of Undergraduate Research as an editorial assistant over the summer 2020 semester. 


    Jackie Morgan.

    Spring 2020 - Jackie Morgan

    Undergraduate Student Intern

    Jackie was an undergraduate student at Kennesaw State University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English as well as history and professional writing minors. She interned for  the Kennesaw Journal of Undergraduate Research in spring 2020 and graduated in 2022 While also working at a part-time job outside of school, Jackie pursues other interests such as creating art, poetry, and creative writing. 


  • Emily Jobe.

    Fall 2019 - Emily Jobe

    Undergraduate Student Intern

    Emily is a 2019 graduate of Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a professional writing minor focused on creative writing and editing. She was an intern and then gravitated to a student editor for the Kennesaw Journal of Undergraduate Research (KJUR) during her time as an undergraduate. Emily volunteered as the Associate Editor for the journal and is a full-time freelance editor. She has also pursued other areas that have included being a published academic in KJUR, and a published poet with her work featured in two issues of Waymark and one with Aberration Labyrinth.


  • Kaelyn Ireland.

    Kaelyn Ireland

    Undergraduate Student Assistant

    Kaelyn graduated from Kennesaw State University in May 2020 with a B.S. degree in Psychology, a B.A. degree in Modern Language & Culture, and a minor in Latin American/Latinx Studies. Kaelyn’s work with the Office of Undergraduate Research included serving as a student editor of the Kennesaw Journal of Undergraduate Research (KJUR) and planning for research-related events on campus, including the Symposium of Student Scholars and the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) hosted by KSU in spring 2019. Kaelyn also informed KSU undergraduate students across all disciplines about research opportunities through the university. Kaelyn was the Vice President of the Undergraduate Research Club (URC) in 2019-2020.


    Emily Deibler.

    Emily Deibler

    Graduate Student Intern

    Emily graduated with a master's degree in professional writing at Kennesaw State University in 2020 after earning a bachelor's degree in English at KSU in 2017. While working as a social media intern and coordinator for the KSU Writing Center, Emily began research on the health benefits of reflective writing in academia, presenting the findings at the Southeastern Writing Center Association Conference and the KSU Symposium of Student Scholars. Emily worked as an editor for the English Department’s newsletter The English Broadside and has interned as an editor for the Kennesaw Journal of Undergraduate Research.