Research Peer Ambassadors - Office of Research

Undergraduate Research Peer Ambassadors

The Undergraduate Research Peer Ambassadors are experienced student researchers representing each college at Kennesaw State University. They take active roles representing the Office of Undergraduate Research at on-campus recruitment and student support events.

Additionally, Peer Ambassadors conduct workshops on various undergraduate research topics, such as how to get involved, how to write an abstract, how to navigate conferences, how to make a poster, how to present, and much more. They are also available for one-on-one appointments, meeting with students in-person or virtually, to provide peer mentoring on undergraduate research specific topics.

View Current Workshops Here Make An Appointment Here

Are you an undergraduate research student who does not see your college represented?
Are you interested in becoming a Peer Ambassador?
Learn how you can apply to be an Undergraduate Peer Ambassador!

2025-2026 Peer Ambassadors

Amelia Baker, Peer Ambassador for SPCEET

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 entering her fourth year of being an Undergraduate 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.

Email: abake143@students.kennesaw.edu

Navaeh Branham, Peer Ambassador for CCSE

Navaeh is a senior majoring in Information Technology at Kennesaw State University. She is currently involved in research with Futra Labs, where she contributes to the development of the user interface for the Atlanta Energy and Emission Modeling and Analysis Tool (AEEMAT). She is also a member of the Brain Augmented Technology team and recently presented her work at the VIP Consortium. In addition to her research roles, Nevaeh is a new inductee of Upsilon Pi Epsilon, the international honor society for computing, and enjoys weightlifting as a way to stay focused and balanced.

Nevaeh joined the Undergraduate Research Peer Ambassadors to help guide fellow students—especially those from underrepresented groups—as they navigate the world of research and discover their potential within it.

Email: nbranha1@students.kennesaw.edu

Aichel Candanedo, Peer Ambassador for CSM

Hello, my name is Aichel Candanedo! I am currently a junior Biology major on the Pre-med track here at KSU. I was previously a First-Year Scholar working with Dr. Cyril Okhio on “Brain Augmented Technology (BAT) and STEM-Peer Augmented Success & Support (STEM-PASS).” I presented the project at the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) in the spring of 2024 and at the Symposium of Student Scholars in the spring of 2024. I am entering my second year as an Undergraduate Research Peer Ambassador.

Outside of school, you can catch me participating in 5k’s as I love to run, as well as studying, cooking, going to concerts, and volunteering. I look forward to working with everyone! Please do not hesitate to reach out to me!

Email: fherrer3@students.kennesaw.edu

Abeer Kayser, Peer Ambassador for CCOB

Abeer is currently a junior working towards a degree in Economics along with the President's Emerging Global Scholars minor. She was previously involved in the First Year Scholars program in which she worked under Professor Melih Madanoglu on "Corporate Governance Factors and Financial Performance of Restaurant Companies". Outside of research, she is also involved in the KSU Journey Honors College through the PEGS Program and PEGS RSO.

Abeer believes that the opportunities provided by the Office of Undergraduate Research at Kennesaw have helped inculcate a deep-seated interest in research within her and she hopes to be able to impart the insights she gained through the First-Year Scholars program to incoming freshmen! This is her second year as a Peer Ambassador.

Email: akayser1@students.kennesaw.edu

Eric Miller, Peer Ambassador for SPCEET

Eric Miller is an honors student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering at Kennesaw State University. He began research in the First-Year Scholars Program, where he worked on the project: Testing and Simulation of Effects of Raster Angle and Infill Density of Specimens Created Using Additive Manufacturing. On this project, he was involved in verifying the tolerances of parts and testing for tensile strength. He is currently continuing this work as a Sophomore Scholar.

In addition, he participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Program, where he conducted thermal and fluid dynamics modeling on novel fuel structures for nuclear reactors. Outside of school and research, he enjoys reading, playing chess, cooking, and rockhounding.

Email: emill135@students.kennesaw.edu

Coraima Perez, Peer Ambassador for CACM

Coraima is a fifth-year student majoring in Architecture at Kennesaw State University. This is her second year being a peer ambassador and she is excited to get to know students and their projects for the year. She has previously participated in the Symposium of Student Scholars (2024), showing her research titled “The Ideals of Two Men” with her professor Dr. Ehsan Sheikholharam.

You can find her on the Marietta campus in the Architecture building or around the Atrium. In her free time, she enjoys watching horror films, cooking, or working on her next architecture project.

Email: cperez55@students.kennesaw.edu

Braden Smith, Peer Ambassador for RCHSS

Braden is currently a sophomore working towards a degree in International Affairs with a minor in Economics. He was previously involved in the First Year Scholars Program, in which he worked under Professor Zaplatosch on "Identifying Psychosocial Factors Influencing Fluid Intake in Underhydrated College Students to Inform a Targeted Intervention". Outside of research, he is also involved in the KSU Journey Honors College.

Braden thinks that the opportunities provided by the Undergraduate Research Office help students prepare for further academic studies and success within their respective fields. Outside of academics, Braden plays pickleball, baseball, tennis, and enjoys golfing with his friends.

Email: bsmit650@students.kennesaw.edu