Student Ambassadors
Meet our Admission Experience Champions (AECs)!
The University of Cincinnati Donald P. Klekamp College of Law AECs are current student volunteers available to provide guided tours, meet with prospective students, share insights about their experiences, and answer any student based questions you may have along the way. Each AEC is actively involved in the UC Klekamp Law community and can provide a unique perspective into the academic and student experience. Get to know more about each of our AECs below, and feel free to reach out anytime.
A'Maree Appling, 2L - She, Her, Hers
Email: applinae@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Undergrad: Xavier University
Field of Interest: Criminal Law
Student Organizations & Outside: Black Law Students Association. G.E.N.E.S.I.S.
Why UC Klekamp Law? The community and affordability.
Fun Fact: I love the color purple!
Lauren Baxter, 2L - She, Her, Hers
Email: baxterln@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Lima, Ohio
Undergrad: University of Cincinnati
Field of Interest: Corporate Law, Litigation, Criminal Law
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Human rights Quarterly, Criminal Law Society (1L Rep)
Why Cincinnati Law? I loved my undergraduate experience at UC and wanted to stay in a city I was familiar with. Additionally, it spoke volumes to me that most attorneys practicing in Cincinnati went to UC and stayed.
Fun Fact: I ran a marathon in South Dakota in 2023.
Katie Bell, 2L - She, Her, Hers
Email: bell2kj@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Undergrad: Cedarville University
Field of Interest: Immigration Law, Public Interest Law
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Public Interest Law Society, Bearcats for Immigration and Policy, Out and Allies, Ohio Innocence Policy Fellow, Student Legal Education Committee, Student Bar Association E-Board
Why Cincinnati Law? I was first drawn to UC Law because I love Cincinnati, and because of the affordability. Then after coming to an admitted students day, I was taken aback by the community here, and how kind and welcoming everyone was.
Fun Fact: I've seen over 150 artists in concert.
Robby Belt, 3L - He, Him, His
Email: beltge@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Evansville, IN
Undergrad: University of Southern Indiana
Field of Interest: Intellectual Property, Real Estate
Student Organizations & Outside: Student Bar Association (President), Intellectual Property and Computer Law Journal Publication (Editor), Bearcat Bands Wind Ensemble, G.E.N.E.S.I.S. Ambassador, Inn of Court, UCincyIP, Student Leadership Council.
Why UC Klekamp Law? I chose UC Law because of the overwhelming sense of community among professors, faculty, and students. Admitted student day was such an amazing experience and drew me to decide on UC Law. Without that sense of community throughout my two years at UC Law this far, I do not think it would have been as enjoyable and meaningful of an experience.
Fun Fact: I have perfect pitch and play the saxophone.
Torie Davis, 2L - She, Her,Hers
Email: davis5tr@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Sylvania, Ohio
Undergrad: University of Cincinnati
Field of Interest: Medical Malpractice
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Student Legal Education Committee (Vice Chair, Chort 3 Rep), Student Bar Association (2L Rep),Human Rights Quarterly (Editorial Staf), Federal Bar Association, Themis Rep, Women in Law, UC Law Out & Allies, Health Care and Public Health Law Society, Sports and Entertainment Law Society
Why Cincinnati Law? I chose UC Law due to being so familiar with the Cincinnati area as well as the affordability, at first. However, once I got to talk to the UC Law students and heard how community-based and genuinely supportive the environment was, I was sold!
Fun Fact: I sing opera! Originally, I thought that's what I would do as a career.
Breanna Dweik, 2L - She, Her, Hers
Email: dweikbj@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Centerville, Ohio
Undergrad: University of Cincinnati
Field of Interest: Immigration Law, Crimmigration, Personal Injury, Civil Litigation
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Bearcats or Immigration Law and Policy (BIP), Criminal Law Society, Trial Team
Why Cincinnati Law? I chose UC Law because I wanted to go to a school that valued using the law to help others. Ultimately, UC had many clinics and extracurriculars that other schools did not have - like the Ohio Innocence Project- that would allow me to experience different areas of law while pursing my education. After touring and hearing from other students, UC also had the school environment that I wanted - an environment where the goal is to make sure every student succeeds. That has only proven to be more true as I ended my 1L year.
Fun Fact: I would say 90% of my closet is thrifted!
Cade Feller, 2L
Email: fellercn@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Marysville, Ohio
Undergrad: Ohio State University
Field of Interest: Tax, Corporate
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Federal Bar Association, First Generation Law Students, Legal Ballers Society, Intramural Sports
Why Cincinnati Law? I chose UC Law because it's a massive powerhouse for the regional market, and you honestly can't beat the practical experience you get from the local network and clinics here
Fun Fact: I am scuba dive certified
Layla Fuller, 2L - She, Her, Hers
Email: fullerlc@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Undergrad: Miami University
Field of Interest: Criminal Law, Family Law, Employment Law
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Black Law Students Association, National Lawyers Guild
Why Cincinnati Law? I chose UC Law because I wanted to attend an institution that champions learning and helping people.
Fun Fact: I love to read! If you need a book recommendation, please ask!
Kaitlyn Hogden, 2L - She, Her, Hers
Email: hogdenkr@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Undergrad: Miami University
Field of Interest: Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate Law
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Women in Law, Human Rights Quarterly, Entrepreneurship and Community Development Clinic, Domestic Violence Clinic
Why Cincinnati Law? I chose UC Law mainly because I love Cincinnati and plan to stay and practice here. UC Law was the best option for me because of its affordability and the promise of an excellent education. As I started my time at UC, I have gained a deeper appreciation for all that is offered to students, particularly through its experiential learning opportunities.
Fun Fact: A fun fact about me is that I have had over 10 cats throughout my life!
Madeline Howard, 2L - She, Her, Hers
Email: howar3mi@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Nicholasville, Kentucky
Undergrad: Asbury University
Field of Interest: Equine Law, Human Rights/Social Justice, Immigration Law, Labor and Employment Law
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Trial Advocacy Team, Executive Board of Bearcats for Immigration and Policy
Why Cincinnati Law? UC Law's commitment to preparing students for public interest and human rights work was what initially drew me to UC Law! When I visited, the faculty and students I interacted with were so intentional and caring-- I loved the supportive atmosphere!
Fun Fact: I studied Equine Studies as an undergraduate major! Horse girl for life!
Emerson Krause, 2L - She, Her, Hers
Email: krauseen@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
Undergrad: Miami University
Field of Interest: General Litigation, Labor & Employment
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Women in Law (Vice President), Labor & Employment Law Club (Secretary); Adventure JDs (Treasurer), Rod & Gun Club (Vice President)
Why UC Klekamp Law? I chose UC for a variety of reasons. For one, the school is well-regarded in the legal community within the region and beyond. Additionally, I was impressed with the school's focus on social justice, as evidenced by the variety of clinics offered during your time as a student. Beyond the more academic reasons, Cincinnati is a city that has it all - it is an artsy city with a great food scene, a fun sports culture, midwestern charm, and plentiful job opportunities, all while remaining affordable. Overall, I felt that the school and the city offered exactly what I needed to be a successful and happy young professional.
Fun Fact: I love to hike and travel with my dog, Ranger. My current goal is to see all 50 states - I have visited 36/50 so far. I am also slowly but surely making my way through the US National Parks. Additionally, I love to read (thrillers are my genre of choice), paddleboard/kayak, go to country/folk concerts, and attend professional sports games.
Margaret Lekan, 2L - She, Her, Hers
Email: lekanmr@mail.uc.edu
Hometown:Bay Village, OH
Undergrad: University of Cincinnati
Field of Interest: Corporate, Securities, M&A
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Women in Law, Education Law Association, Juvenile & Family Law Club
Why UC Klekamp Law? I chose UC Law because of the supportive staff, faculty, and student body!
Fun Fact: I was an AmeriCorps VISTA before attending law school!
Gabrielle Long, 3L - She, Her, Hers
Email: longg9@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Kokomo, IN
Undergrad: Holy Cross College at Notre Dame
Field of Interest: Criminal law, Public Interest.
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Student Bar Association (3L Rep), Criminal Law Society (Former VP), Ohio Innocence Policy Fellow.
Why UC Klekamp Law? Costs and God guided me to which school. When I got here I knew I chose the right law school, as it was very easy to make friends and mental health is very important here at UC.
Fun Fact: I have lost 60lbs since Feburary of 2025, and now am training to run 5ks.
Michelle Lopez, 2L - She, Her, Hers
Email: lopez2ml@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky
Undergrad: Morehead State University
Field of Interest: Immigration Law
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Urban Morgan Institute, Human Rights Quarterly, Latino/a Law Student Association
Why UC Klekamp Law? I chose UC Law because of the atmosphere, which is filled with both fun and support.
Fun Fact: I love to travel!
Jake Lynn, 3L - He, Him, His
Email: lynnj2@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Otway, OH
Undergrad: Shawnee State University
Field of Interest: Labor and Employment Law, Public Interest Law, Civil Rights Litigation.
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Nathaniel R. Jones Center for Race, Gender, and Social Justice, Student Bar Association, Student Legal Education Committee, Out & Allies, Public Interest Law Society,Teaching Assistant; G.E.N.E.S.I.S. Ambassador.
Why UC Klekamp Law? I chose UC Law because of the Nathaniel R. Jones Center for Race, Gender, and Social Justice Fellowship. As a Social Justice Fellow, I have utilized the Jones Center’s resources to participate in unique research opportunities affiliated with the United Nations and the American Civil Liberties Union. Additionally, the Jones Center has allowed me to channel my areas of interest into educational programming to benefit the UC community. These wonderful opportunities are some of the many reasons why I chose UC Law!
Fun Fact: I come from a small village of only 90 people. This surprises many people because I am a bit of a social butterfly!
Armani Macqueen, 3L - She, Her, Hers
Email: macqueai@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Undergrad/Major: Alabama State University
Field of Interest: Business, Acquisitions and Securities.
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Intellectual Property and Computer Law Journal, Black Law Students Association.
Why UC Klekamp Law? I chose UC Law because it allowed me to return home to Cincinnati while pursuing my legal education. As a first-generation law student, I was drawn to the school's supportive community, strong professional network, and commitment to developing attorneys who make a meaningful impact in their communities. UC Law has given me the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally while staying connected to the city that raised me.
Fun Fact: I love to bake.
Chloe McCord, 2L - She, Her, Hers
Email: mccordco@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Knoxville, TN
Undergrad/Major: University of Cincinnati
Field of Interest: Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions, Health Law, Corporate Litigation
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Health Law (President), Student Legal Education Committee, Federal Bar Association
Why UC Klekamp Law? I chose UC because I love everything about the Immense of Cincinnati, and have an immense pride for being a bearcat as I graduated undergrad here as a student athlete. The community at UC law is so welcoming, the professors are the most uplifting, and the people are what make this place so amazing. Cincinnati’s legal world is a small but amazing community, and I really want to be apart of it after graduation.
Fun Fact: I am a competitive dancer, and danced at UC. I also am a Pilates instructor right off campus!
Cameron McDonald, 3L - He, Him, His
Email: mcdoncn@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Defiance, OH
Undergrad: Roanoke College
Field of Interest: International Law
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Immigration and Human Rights Law Review (Edito-in-Chief), Student Legal Education Committee, intramural sports.
Why UC Klekamp Law? I chose UC Law because of its location in Cincinnati and its price relative to other law schools. However, I have also found community and an amazing academic curriculum here.
Fun Fact: I have traveled to over 20 countries!
Sydney Minick, 2L - She, Her, Hers
Email: minickse@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Mason, Ohio
Undergrad: Miami University
Field of Interest: Civil Rights Litigation, Public Interest, Family Law
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Human Rights Quarterly, Juvenile and Family Law Club, Trial Advocacy Team, Ohio Innocence Project Litigation Clinic.
Why UC Klekamp Law? I chose UC Law for the clinics and externships, professional opportunities, and its unwavering commitment to student success. All faculty members want the students to excel, and the students want that for their peers as well. The welcoming and supportive environment was clear before I came to UC Law, and it has been true in practice. At UC Law, success is attainable and help is given whenever asked.
Fun Fact: I am a high school women’s lacrosse official!
Rebecca Morford, 2L - She, Her, Hers
Email: morforra@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Toledo, OH
Undergrad: Ohio State University
Field of Interest: Human Rights Law, Criminal Law, Family Law, Sports Law, Contract Law
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Human Rights Quarterly
Why UC Klekamp Law? I liked the sense of camaraderie when I toured the school, and I liked the emphasis on human rights law.
Fun Fact: I have two cats - Petal and Blossom.
De'Onna Nixson, 3L - She, Her, Hers
Email: nixsondl@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Undergrad: Howard University
Field of Interest: Entertainment Law, Business Law.
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Immigration and Human Rights Law Review, Black Law Students Association, Sports and Entertainment Law Society.
Why UC Klekamp Law? I chose the UC Law because it offered an affordable legal education, a strong sense of community, and faculty who are genuinely invested in their students’ success. Being in Cincinnati also allowed me to stay close to my family while building connections in a city where I hope to continue growing professionally.
Fun Fact: I love to paint.
Julia Parrey, 3L - She, Her, Hers
Email: parreyja@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Hershey, PA
Undergrad: University of Cincinnati
Field of Interest: Healthcare Law, Personal Injury, Public Interest, Human Rights.
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Moot Court Honor Board, Immigration and Human Rights Law Review, Student Legal Education Committee, Human Rights Quarterly, Student Bar Association, If/When/How, Women in Law, Out and Allies, Healthcare and Public Health Law Society, Arthur Russel Urban Morgan Fellow.
Why Cincinnati Law? The academic programs, location, and financial accessibility were the perfect combination of factors that made Cincinnati right for me. I came to UC for Undergrad and loved it, and had the opportunity to take some classes through the law school which helped me decide I was interested in law even though that was not my original plan. I took advantage of the Double Bearcat program, and the rest is history!
Fun Fact: I absolutely love live music and concerts, and will camp out for my favorite artists!
Drew Ransom, 3L - He, Him, His
Email: ransomde@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Akron, OH
Undergrad: Hillsdale College
Field of Interest: Real Estate, Land Use and Development, Corporate.
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Black Law Students Association, American Constitution Society, Legal Ballers Society, Entrepreneurship and Community Development Clinic, Moot Court Honor Board, G.E.N.E.S.I.S Ambassador, Student Legal Education Committee.
Why Cincinnati Law? I was for sure drawn to the value and the opportunities for experiential learning, but the people were my #1 reason. The community is incredible. Law school can be a competitive and stressful environment, but this school seeks and attracts the most collaborative and caring people in the legal community to make the environment a lot more positive.
Fun Fact: I have a twin sister who also plans to attend grad school soon, making us both the first in our entire family to attend graduate school.
Olivia Riggs, 3L - She, Her, Hers
Email: riggsom@ucmail.uc.edu
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Undergrad: University of Cincinnati
Field of Interest: Public Interest, Non-Profit, Academia, Contracts, Entertainment Law.
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Black Law Student Association, National Lawyer's Guild, Juvenile and Family Law Club.
Why Cincinnati Law? Affordability and the access to the large legal network.
Fun Fact: I collect vinyls.
Sydney Ring, 3L - She, Her, Hers
Email: ringsz@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Fairfield, Ohio
Undergrad: Miami University
Field of Interest: Criminal Law, Family Law
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Asian Pacific American Law Student Association, American Constitution Society
Why Cincinnati Law? I choose UC Law because it has the Ohio Innocence Project Clinic that I dreamed of participating in and it was the most affordable.
Fun Fact: I was adopted on Pi day.
Trey Rutledge, 3L - He, Him, His
Email: rutledty@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH/Lexington, TX
Undergrad: Texas A&M University
Field of Interest: Criminal Law
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Law Review (Editor), Student Bar Association (Alumni Chair)
Why Cincinnati Law? I chose it for the location and culture. I have a lot of family here and wanted to raise my kids in Cincinnati. I also fell in love with the student culture during my Admitted Student Day in 2024.
Fun Fact: I have been to 29 MLB Stadiums.
Erin Roberts, 2L - She, Her, Hers
Email: rober2ei@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Hurricane, WV
Undergrad: Marshall University
Field of Interest: Litigation, Criminal Law, Business Law, Personal Injury
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Student Bar Association, Federal Bar Association, Human Rights Quarterly
Why Cincinnati Law? Location, pricing, and because of a great experience I had when touring!
Fun Fact: I can name every country in the world and locate most of them on a map.
Emma Shaffer, 2L - She, Her, Hers
Email: shaffeem@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Ontario, Ohio
Undergrad: Miami University
Field of Interest: Criminal Law, Employment Law, Family Law
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Trial Advocacy, Women in Law, Federal Bar Association, First Generation Law Students, Juvenile & Family Law Club
Why Cincinnati Law? I chose UC Law because of its supportive staff, collaborative environment, and the strong externship and clinical opportunities it offers.
Fun Fact: I was on the Miami University Shakerettes Dance Team and got to perform at the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl!
Raylee Smith, 2L - She, Her, Hers
Email: smith6r8@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Canton, OH
Undergrad: The Ohio State University
Field of Interest: Civil Litigation
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Phi Alpha Delta, LL.M. Welcome Committee, Federal Bar Association, International Law Society
Why Cincinnati Law? I chose UC Law because of the sense of community. Both the faculty and students are extremely welcoming, and I immediately felt at home the first time I stepped into the building.
Fun Fact: I love reading leisurely, especially anything by Emily Henry.
Matthew Sprenger, 2L - He, Him, His
Email: stantza@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Grayslake, IL
Undergrad: Knox College
Field of Interest: Criminal Law, Political Science, German, Psychology
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Criminal Law Society, Trial Advocacy Team, Student Bar Association
Why Cincinnati Law? UC Law offers a great sense of community, and this was clear even during the touring/open house experiences.
Fun Fact: I play Ultimate Frisbee.
Zane Stant, 2L - He, Him, His
Email: stantza@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Circleville, OH
Undergrad: University of Cincinnati
Field of Interest: Immigration Law, Criminal Law, Employment Law
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: UC Law Out and Allies
Why Cincinnati Law? Became a local after graduation & affordability
Fun Fact: I can make a fire using a bow drill.
Gretchen Stevens, 2L - She, Her, Hers
Email: stevengh@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Troy, Ohio
Undergrad: Ohio University
Field of Interest: Public Interest Law, Social Justice Law
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Jones Center Fellow, Phi Alpha Delta (Vice Justice), If/When/How (Secretary), Student Bar Association (Executive Council), Federal Bar Association
Why Cincinnati Law? I chose UC Law because of the focus on Public Interest and Social Justice that UC Law carries. I also chose UC Law because of the non-competitive and supportive environment at UC Law.
Fun Fact: I love to play golf!
Phoebe Uttermohlen, 2L - She, Her, Hers
Email: uttermpe@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Hilliard, Ohio
Undergrad: The Ohio State University
Field of Interest: Corporate Compliance, Data Privacy
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Women in Law (President), Federal Bar Association (Secretary), LLM Welcome Committee, Corporate Law Fellow, Student Bar Association (Networking Co-Director)
Why Cincinnati Law? I chose UC Law because I knew I wanted to go into corporate law and the Corporate Fellowship felt like a good way to get on the right track. The new building, friendly faculty, and the school’s focus on experiential learning were all major factors as well.
Fun Fact: I know American Sign Language!
Corey Virag, 2L - He, Him, His
Email: viragcy@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Akron, OH
Undergrad: The Ohio State University
Field of Interest: Family Law, Labor/Employment Law
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, Labor & Employment Law Club, Adventure JDs, BARBRI Student Representative
Why Cincinnati Law? UC has a great reputation for having a happy student body with a great school-life balance. I picked up on this on my visit before I committed; UC was one of the few schools where the students around the building seemed to enjoy being there! With that, as well as the location in a big city and great faculty, UC was a done deal.
Fun Fact: I like to travel the country/world to visit amusement parks, and I've ridden nearly 200 different roller coasters!
Julian Wagner, 3L - He, Him, His
Email: wagne2ju@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Undergrad: Miami University
Field of Interest: Civil Litigation
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Student Bar Association (Community Chair), Black Law Students Association
Why Cincinnati Law? I chose UC law because of the culture. The people here are some of the most generous, loving people I have ever met. Beginning with the faculty, there hasn’t been a time where I’ve felt unsupported. The professors go the extra mile to meet and help you if you’re struggling. The deans always make time for you to talk with them if you need an outlet. These are the moments when you feel like you need someone there for you, and they fill that role perfectly. I’ve made some of the closest friendships I’ve had from my classmates, and memories that we’ll share for decades. All law schools offer a legal education, but not all law schools offer an all around great quality legal education with a phenomenal legal community.
Fun Fact: I ran college track, and I’m an avid motorcycle enthusiast.
Olivia Wagoner, 2L - She, Her, Hers
Email: wagoneoa@mail.uc.edu
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Undergrad: University of Kentucky
Field of Interest: Corporate and Business Law
Student Organizations & Outside Involvement: Corporate Law Center Fellow, American Constitution Society (President)
Why Cincinnati Law? I knew from the moment I met the students and staff while interning for the Ohio Innocence Project that UC Law was the school for me. The amount of support and guidance our school gives is unlike any other! This is a place where you can grow academically, professionally, and personally, while also being surrounded by classmates who get you through all the difficult moments.
Fun Fact: I knit and crochet in my free time!