CAS Champions are student ambassadors who serve as leaders within the College and are selected to represent the various disciplines within CAS. Champions support the College’s initiatives in connecting students to the university and to the community, and also participate in the College's recruitment efforts and messaging, including answering questions from prospective students and creating content for the College’s social media.
Meet the 2026-27 CAS Champions team:
Anshika Prasad
Immunology
Hello! My name is Anshika Prasad, and I am excited to serve as a CAS Champion. I am pursuing a B.S. in Immunology while also working toward a Master of Public Health, both of which brought me specifically to UAB from out of state. I chose these fields because I have always been curious about the details behind how diseases affect communities and how science can improve people’s lives! I grew up in a suburb of Nashville, Tennessee, and I am grateful to now be part of the UAB community here in Birmingham.
One of my favorite places to spend time on campus is outside University Hall, where I enjoy studying, relaxing between classes and spending time with friends!
I am excited to be a CAS Champion because I want prospective students to see how much UAB and the College of Arts and Sciences have to offer. CAS provides opportunities to explore a wide range of majors, build meaningful relationships with faculty and peers and receive support throughout your academic journey, all while participating in fun events.
I want future students to know that CAS is a place where they can discover their niche interests, grow academically and personally and find a supportive community. If you see me around campus, please feel free to say hello!
Dillon Jackson
Psychology & English
Hello everyone! My name is Dillon Jackson. I am a junior from Huntsville, Alabama majoring in Psychology and English here at UAB! With my dual majors, I hope to go on to get my doctorate degree to pursue a career in higher education, whether that involves teaching, research or operating in student affairs.
What I love most about the College of Arts and Sciences is that our majors truly help to build a strong foundation for a world of opportunities. A great way that CAS has helped me jumpstart this profession is by working at the University Writing Center where I get to tutor and educate students.
I am so excited to be a CAS Champion and help students, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or just say “hi,” because I am always here to chat.
Go Blazers!
Keith Da La Roza
Physics
Hi! My name is Keith De La Rosa Gonzalez, and I am excited to serve as a CAS Champion! I grew up in Hoover, Alabama, which is right down the road from UAB. I am currently working toward my bachelor’s degree in advanced physics with a minor in mathematics. I chose physics because I like solving puzzles, and nature has plenty of puzzles that are still waiting to be solved.
One of my favorite experiences at UAB has been getting involved in undergraduate research. I currently conduct research in condensed matter physics, where I study quantum materials and their electronic properties. Research has given me the opportunity to take ideas I learn in the classroom and use them to explore real scientific questions alongside professors and other researchers. It has also encouraged me to continue pursuing research in the future.
I am excited to be a CAS Champion because I have had the chance to discover opportunities at UAB that have helped me grow both academically and personally, and I would like to help other students do the same. I especially enjoy talking with students who are interested in STEM, research, medicine or who are still trying to figure out where their interests might lead them. One thing I have learned through CAS is that you do not have to have everything figured out right away—there are many ways to explore your interests and find what excites you.
Outside of academics, I am someone who enjoys staying active and learning random things just for fun. You can usually find me working out at the Recreation Center or putting my random knowledge to use with trivia. I am always happy to meet new people, so if you see me around campus, feel free to say hello!
Leah Harris
Theatre
Hello! I’m Leah Harris and I am a CAS Champion! I’m studying Theatre with a minor in Film and a concentration in Performance. I chose my major because I have always loved performing/acting and, post-college, I hope to go into film acting.
I chose to be a CAS Champion because I want to be able to guide prospective students with my experience at UAB.
Last summer, I was an Orientation Leader preparing students to come to college. I loved being able to meet incoming students and help them feel comfortable and happy at this university. This experience pushed me to branch out and become a CAS Champion in hopes of helping more students see what UAB can offer.
Go Blazers!
Nairit Jeethandran
Neuroscience
Hello! My name is Nairit Jeethandran, and I am excited to be a CAS Champion! I am a neuroscience major on the pre-med track. I chose neuroscience because I have always been interested in how the brain works and how it connects to medicine. I hope to eventually take what I learn at UAB and apply it to a career in medicine.
I was born in Nebraska before moving to Vestavia Hills, Alabama, where I grew up. My favorite place to hang out on campus is the Hill Student Center. Whether I am grabbing food, meeting up with friends or getting some work done between classes, it is usually my go-to spot.
I am excited to be a CAS Champion because I get to represent the College of Arts and Sciences and help other students find their place at UAB. I want people to know that at CAS there are so many opportunities to explore your interests, meet new people and get involved outside of the classroom.
A fun fact about me is that I have traveled to all 50 states! When you see me around CAS, please say hello!
Go Blazers!
