HLA Ambassadors
HLA Ambassadors are the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture's lead prospective student recruiters.
HLA Ambassadors are student volunteers who represent the department in a variety of ways. They:
- Lead department tours for parents, visitors, and prospective students.
- Give presentations about careers in horticulture, landscape architecture, turfgrass science and management, sustainable food and farming systems and college life.
- Represent HLA at information fairs.
- Host alumni and dignitaries at department events.
Meet Your 2025-2026 HLA Ambassadors
Katelyn Rockey
Hi! My name is Katelyn Rockey, and I am this year’s HLA Ambassadors President! I am a junior in Landscape Architecture, and am very passionate about sharing all things HLA. In my time at Purdue, I have been a PASLA member, HORT club member, HLA Ambassador, a Student Services Clerical, and worked as an Undergraduate Design Assistant for a summer on national park work! I am happy to answer any questions, whether that is regarding department-specific details or general student life inquiries! Please feel free to reach out anytime!
Erika Grams
Hello! I am a Junior in the Landscape Architecture program, minoring in Natural Resources and Environmental Science. Here at Purdue, I am the Vice President of HLA Ambassadors, President/Co-founder of the Invasive Removal and Environmental Restoration Organization (IRERO), and the PASLA Junior Class Representative. As a LA Junior, I’m preparing for my co-op and for studying abroad in Ireland! Feel free to reach out with any questions about student life, my activities, or HLA!
Natalie Nenneker
Hi! I am a sophomore in Sustainable Food and Farming Systems and seeking a certificate in Entrepreneurship. I am involved with cooperative living, Unhurried Club, and work at the Purdue Student Farm to get hands-on experience. I appreciate all the opportunities Purdue has to offer and hope to help other students discover and take advantage of these experiences.
Ryan Leuck
Hi! I am a junior majoring in Turf Management and Science while also pursuing a certificate in Entrepreneurship. I have had the opportunity to travel the country with the Purdue Turf club to go to conventions and competitions, work for the Sports Turf Crew on campus on all the athletic fields, and be a part of the HLA’s Ambassadors program to be involved in the outreach to current and future students. I am looking forward to answering any questions about HLA, Turf, or Purdue in general. Feel free to reach out!
Savannah Gunderson
Hi! I am a Senior in the Landscape Architecture program here at Purdue University. In addition to HLA Ambassadors, I am a member of PASLA, have been a BGR Team Leader for three years, and danced with the Higher Ground Dance Company for two years. As a senior in the program, I recently completed co-op at HDLA in Nashville during the past year.
Alison Sapp
Hi, my name is Alison Sapp, and I’m a senior in Horticulture with a concentration in Plant Science. I also have a minor in Spanish. I’m an officer as well as a bike mechanic in the Purdue Cycling Club, I sing in the Gregorian Chant Choir at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, and I’m of course in the HLA Ambassadors! I’m currently doing research on corn in the agronomy department with the Rocheford Lab, as well as extension research with Miranda Purcell, our viticulture extension specialist.
Layne Krug
Hi, my name is Layne Krug, and I am a sophomore studying Horticulture with a concentration in Plant Science. I am also minoring in Plant Biology! I love to be involved on campus as an HLA Ambassador, Horticulture Society Officer, and Club Tennis member. I am very passionate about plants and would be happy to answer any questions you may have!
Braden Rogers
I am a sophomore majoring in Turf Management and Science and a member of the HLA Ambassadors. I am also involved in several clubs and organizations on campus, including Turf Club, Cycling Club, Bass Fishing Club, and Salt Company. Through my time at Purdue, I have had the opportunity to connect with Purdue graduates working in the turf industry, and I am currently on the Purdue Sports Turf team, helping care for Ross-Ade Stadium, Alexander Field, Bittinger Stadium, and Folk Field. Please reach out to me or any of our other ambassadors if you have any questions about Purdue, clubs, or the HLA department. We would love to talk to you!
Cy Wolheter
Hi! I’m a junior studying Horticulture with a concentration in Public Horticulture. Outside of HLA Ambassadors, I serve on the committee for the Art of Bonsai Club, have been a member of the Purdue Waterski Team, and enjoy participating in intramural sports. I love traveling, meeting new people, and sharing my passion for plants. Please feel free to reach out with any questions you might have!
Gavin Meyers
I am a student in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, majoring in Sustainable Food and Farming Systems with a concentration in Agronomy. I am passionate about advancing sustainable agriculture and soil health through research, currently working in a soil and water conservation lab focused on improving management practices for long-term environmental resilience. I am also deeply interested in international agriculture, and I hope to contribute to global efforts that promote sustainable food and farming practices. As a School Ambassador, I strive to connect students, faculty, and industry professionals while encouraging others to explore opportunities within horticulture and agricultural sciences.
Issac Damer
Hello all! I am a Senior in Horticulture, concentrating in Plant Science. I have spent the last three years exploring all of the opportunities Horticulture has to offer, from working as a lab assistant in the Sustainable Farming Systems lab, to Greenhouse technical assistant for the HLA Greenhouses, and as of late, hydroponic assistant at the Overbeck Controlled Environment Ag facility at the Purdue Student Farm. I am currently completing my capstone project exploring the propagation of strawberries in a controlled environment. Outside of class and work, I am a member of the Purdue Outing Club, and I enjoy going on trips and getting outside!
Brayden Bates
Hi! My name is Brayden Bates and I am a junior here at Purdue University, majoring in Turf Management and Science with a minor in Crop Science. I am from Alexandria, Indiana, where I participated in student government for all four years of high school, and class president my senior year. In 2022, I joined the Indiana Army National Guard, where I am a financial management technician. Coming to Purdue, I wasn't sure what I wanted to study. After a few exploratory classes, I found the Turf Management program, and I figured that I could still be around the sports that I grew up playing. Now, I am focused on athletic field management, preferably football or baseball. In previous summers, I have interned with the Indianapolis Colts, the Indianapolis Indians, and here at Purdue, managing the different athletic fields. One thing that I like about Turf Management is the different opportunities that are out there! Whether it's football, golf, or lawn care, there is a job opportunity anywhere!
Lillie Fronek
Howdy! I am a junior in the Horticulture program with a concentration in Public Horticulture and minors in Plant Biology and Weed Science. I am a part of the Horticulture Society as well, and I enjoy embroidery and crocheting in my free time in addition to tending to my collection of houseplants. I’m passionate about sharing the world of plants with others and showing people all the benefits that horticulture has to offer!
Emma Decker
Hi! I am a Junior in Sustainable Food & Farming System (SFS). Along with being an HLA Ambassador, I am the Vice President of the Student Concert Committee (SCC) here on campus along with being an active member in both Sewing Club and the Fashion & Retail Org on campus! Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about SFS, clubs, or Purdue as a whole!
Otto Hoehl
Hello! I am a Senior double majoring in Turf Management and Science & Horticulture Productions and marketing. I am earning minors in Sustainable Food and Farming Systems, Crop Production, and Food and Agribusiness Management. I am a member of the Purdue Turf Club where I have received paid-for trips to Orlando, Phoenix, San Diego, and Palm Springs to participate in national conferences for turf managers. I have had the opportunity to intern at golf courses in Utah and Chicago. I enjoy reaching out to prospective students and I look forward to answering any questions about, Turf, Horticulture, or SFS!