BA Art Ambassadors

Returning Ambassador 2025-2026

BA Art + BA Biology

Hi! I'm Gillian Kinder, she/her. I'm a third-year BA art major and Biology dual major with a minor in chemistry. I've been obsessed with the arts and sciences, especially combinations of the two, since I've been sentient! Late in high school, I realized that I don't have to sacrifice one for the pursuit of the other career-wise, so here I am!

My goal is to be a Biological/Medical Illustrator. In addition to being an ambassador, I'm an officer for UF's printmaking club, Alagarto, and am involved in a few other clubs as a member. In my free time, I love to read and spend time outdoors! I love the sense of community within the College of the Arts at UF and am so excited to be more involved this year.

Feel free to contact my Instagram: @gillian.kinder

New Ambassador 2025-2026

BA Art

Heyya! I'm Jessica Merisier, and I am a second-year Studio Art major. I am also pursuing Information Systems. I dabble in digital arts, animation, and various traditional mediums. Although I knew exactly where I wanted to be when I got here, it can feel really scary sticking to one thing. I went through my fair share of exploration—and while some things did change—I still stuck with art! I was lucky enough to know where my passions lie, but I know not everyone is like that! I hope to make everyone feel comfortable and secure during their time with SA+AH, so making art can feel just a little less scary! The art community can be a powerful tool to many, so take advantage and have fun! 

New Ambassador 2025-2026

Art History + BA Art

Hi!! My name is Julianne Mooney, but feel free to call me Julie. I am a third-year Art and Art History major from Miami, Florida, with interests in all types of experimental practices and mediums, but my favorites by far are photography, mixed-media, and sculpture. I plan on pursuing postgraduate degree(s) in the hopes of one day teaching and curating in the fields of African and Latin American contemporary art!!

To put it simply, art breathes life into everything I do. I am enthralled by the entire process of artmaking – from an idea’s original conception to how it is exhibited in museum/gallery spaces – and I am at my happiest when I get to talk about different movements and artists. Outside of class, you can usually find me trying out new coffee places, collecting trinkets and grandmotherly ephemera, haggling at vintage markets, exploring different parts of Gainesville, or referencing chronically online things to my friends, even though I swear I’m going to unplug and get a flip phone.

Being in the SA+AH has changed my college experience for the better, and the tight-knit community of our college has allowed me to build meaningful connections with peers and professors alike. Yet, the single thing I am most grateful for is the encouragement I got from the SA+AH to explore interests I never would have imagined pursuing. As someone who didn't come from a studio art background, I was always extremely anxious about pursuing visual art on any level other than as a hobby. I loved being an Art History student, but deep down I knew I wanted to create as well. After I took my first studio class sophomore year, I was met with insightful, honest feedback and a great amount of support that led me to add on the Art BA the following semester.

Ever since then, I knew I wanted to instill the same confidence that the SA+AH faculty and students gave me in others, and as a SAAH Ambassador, I’m honored I have the chance to give back to the community that made UF feel like a home. I want everyone in here to feel like they have someone who wholeheartedly believes in their ability to achieve their goals, so please never ever hesitate to reach out to me about absolutely anything. I am also the Historian for the Hispanic Student Association, so if you have questions about getting involved in cultural organizations, I am always happy to answer. :D

Email: juliannemooney@ufl.edu
Instagram: @jooleeeanne

Returning Ambassador 2025-2026

BA Art

Hi! My name is Reed Mann, and I’m a senior Studio Art major with a certificate in Graphic Design. I grew up in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, and am from a family full of gators! My two greatest passions are music and design, and being in the BA Art program at UF has helped me realize the different ways in which I can pursue both through my degree. Initially from a painting background, I have redirected my course towards graphic design, and intend to focus my design in the music industry after graduating. 

I’m so excited to be an SA+AH Ambassador because the College of the Arts at UF has been an incredible community to lean on when navigating through the vast student population of UF. Being in UF COTA has opened my eyes to the multitude of possibilities that lie within the broad category of art. Having encouragement to pursue my interests has given me a sense of direction, and I am excited for the opportunity to help other art students define their path at UF!

For any words of advice or just someone to hang with, please send me an email at reedmann@ufl.edu!