Biology Student Ambassadors Profiles

Paul Arquilla is a Junior Global Health Biology major with a minor in Environmental Studies from Palos Park, Illinois. After graduation, Paul plans on entering the workforce to pursue his passion for water treatment, while keeping his options open in pursuing his dream of earning his PhD. In Fall 2025, Paul will start working in Matson Lab where he will be studying the genetic and developmental effects of environmentally detrimental chemicals on gulf killifish. Paul is a member of the Beta Beta Beta Biology Honors Society at Baylor University where he serves as the service chair. He also volunteers with the On Campus Mom foundation where he aids students who live outside of Texas. When Paul is home in the Chicagoland area, he is an active member of Our Lady of the Woods parish where he serves as a sacristan and as a Knight of Columbus. Paul is also an active member of Green Water Aquarist society that ensures safe and healthy homes for all aquarium fish. In his free time, Paul loves to spend time with his friends and family, keeping fish aquariums, and enjoying nature. Paul looks forward to being a Bio Ambassador for the upcoming school year!

Hailey Cline is a junior Cell and Molecular Biology major from Frederick, Maryland. She’s also a Baylor Interdisciplinary Core student in the Honors College and Pre-Medical student with goals of becoming a physician. Beginning her time at Baylor, Hailey lived within Earle Hall in the Science and Health LLC and participated in the Laparoscopy Program. In this program, she conducted research regarding the Effect of Odor Adjustments on Laparoscopic Surgical Simulation. During her sophomore year, Hailey joined Dr. Vichaya’s Psychoneuroimmunology Lab conducting research to further understand the mechanism that contributes to the onset and persistence of fatigue, depression, and cognitive impairment particularly in relation to diabetes. Recently on campus, Hailey is involved in the Hillis Scholars, Pre Health Mentors, Alpha Phi, and she is the Pre Health Symposium Chair of Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED). Through these organizations, she is able to pursue various opportunities to serve the Baylor and Waco community. Hailey not only enjoys serving her community but also traveling, choosing to study abroad in South Korea and serving on a medical mission trip in the Dominican Republic. Outside of school, Hailey enjoys reading, taking walks with her dog, and spending time with friends.

Jessica Fulcher is a sophomore Cell and Molecular Biology major on the Pre-Medical track from Grand Forks, North Dakota. She has participated in undergraduate research through Baylor’s Laparoscopy Program, where she studied the effects of temperature on laparoscopic performance during her first year and now serves as a research mentor. Jessica also conducted research in Dr. Harvill’s BIOL 1406 lab, investigating the effects of melatonin and caffeine on duckweed plants, and currently works as a Learning Assistant for the course. Additionally, she is pursuing a Certificate in Spanish for Health Professions and will be traveling on her second medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic with Baylor this spring. She is a member of the Tri Beta Biology Honor Society, the Multicultural Association for Pre-Health Students, and participates in a community group at Highland Baptist Church. Jessica aspires to become a pediatric physician and loves serving at her local hospital and children’s church in North Dakota. She is thrilled to serve as a Biology Ambassador!

Olivia Hayes is a junior Cell and Molecular Biology major with minors in Spanish and Biochemistry from Pleasant View, TN. She is on the Pre-Medical track and is an Honors Program student in the Honors College. Upon graduation, Olivia plans to apply to medical school with the hopes of becoming a physician. Olivia is involved with Pre-Health Mentors and Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED), where she serves as the chair for Loaves of Love. Loaves of Love is an on-campus service organization that works to make sandwiches intended for food-insecure populations in Waco. Additionally, Olivia serves as a Learning Assistant for Genetics, where she enjoys tutoring and getting to know other students. Through these involvements she is able to serve her community and regularly volunteers with Waco Family Medicine and the McLennan County Diaper Collective, in addition to Loaves of Love. She hopes to continue expanding her community involvement as she feels a large passion for service. Olivia enjoys reading, spending time with her cats and dogs, and watching movies with her roommates. She is honored to serve as a Biology Ambassador!

Mayukhi Katragadda is a sophomore Cellular and Molecular Biology major with minors in Biochemistry and Business Administration from San Ramon, CA. She is a pre-medical student, hoping to apply to medical schools after graduation. Mayukhi is also an undergraduate researcher at the Taube Lab where she studies natural compounds and their anti-cancer properties in combating breast cancer metastasis. Over this past summer, she continued her research in the lab, working as a B-TRUE fellow. In addition, Mayukhi is involved in the Earle Hall Leadership Council, where she works as the President of Communication and Engagement. As part of ELC, she helps organize and lead events for the hall, while also working as part of outreach. This next school year, she will also be a Learning Assistant for Dr. Demesa’s Chemistry 1300 and a pre-health mentor. Off-campus, Mayukhi enjoys volunteering around Waco and in California. She has volunteered at free-health clinics, hoping to make healthcare more accessible for her communities. Her other hobbies include listening to music, reading, and going on walks. She looks forward to being a Bio Ambassador this year! 

Piper Patterson is a junior Cell and Molecular Biology major on the Pre-Medical track from Houston, TX. Since her freshman year, Piper has been certified as a medical assistant, patient care technician, and phlebotomy technician through the AMCA. Over the last semester, Piper became a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta where she serves as a Networking Chair. She is also a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta honor society, the Crochet Club, Multicultural Association of Pre-Health Students, and Campus Kitchen. Piper really enjoys getting involved around campus and contributing to the Waco community through these organizations. In her free time, Piper likes to study with her friends, read, and knit. She also volunteers for Kids’ Meals Inc. in Houston, where she decorates and fills lunch bags for children in need. This upcoming year, Piper is looking forward to working as a Learning Assistant for Cell and Molecular Biology and serving as a Biology Student Ambassador for another great year!