Emma Mutz, Resident Director
Hi everyone!! My name is Emma Mutz, and I am this year’s Resident Director. I attended GSSE in 2018, and this will be my 4th year working in the GSSE program. I recently graduated from Emory University with a degree in Psychology and Nutrition. After GSSE, I plan to pursue a career in sports with the Atlanta Hawks! I spend my free time working out, reading, + spending time with friends. I am so excited to meet each of you; see you on Rocky Top soon!
Andrew Goode, Assistant Resident Director
Hello, my name is Andrew Goode, and I am this year’s Assistant Resident Director. I was previously an RA for this program during the summer of 2021, so this will be my second year working at GSSE. I am a rising senior at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas. I am currently majoring in Biology and have a minor in Chemistry. I plan to attend medical school after completing my undergraduate degree since I aspire to become a physician. A few things that I am currently involved in include research that focuses on studying essential genes in an oral tooth decay pathogen and being the President of the Honors College Association at my school. On top of this, I foster many hobbies, such as fishing as well as bodybuilding/ fitness. I am incredibly excited about GSSE this upcoming year and look forward to learning all the new faces!
Keaundra Allen, Resident Assistant
Hi! My name is Keaundra Allen, and I am a Resident Assistant for the GSSE this year. I recently graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a bachelor’s in Anthropology and a minor in Political Science. I am also preparing to apply for law school in the fall. I love dogs, relaxing, and reading. I am so excited to be here with you all this summer!
Rethika Ambalam, Assistant Resident
Rethika Ambalam (she/her/hers) is a rising sophomore studying Computer Science at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. At UTK, she is involved in the Society of Women Engineers, the Honors and Scholars Engagement Committee, and the Club Tennis Team. In her free time, she enjoys watching TV, reading books, and traveling. Rethika is originally from Chattanooga, TN and attended GSSE in 2021. She is excited to be back and meet the new scholars this year!
Emery Stair, Resident Assistant
Hi! My name is Emery Stair! I am from Knoxville, Tennessee and am a rising sophomore at Clemson University. I am a Chemistry major on a pre-pharmacy track, and I attended Governor’s School as a student in 2021. At Clemson, I am involved in Greek life, biochemistry and genetics club, and FCA. In my free time, I enjoy reading, traveling, going on long walks, and being with friends. I study hard but am also very social and spontaneous. I am looking forward to coming back to Governor’s School and meeting everyone this summer!
Katerina Scott, Resident Assistant
Hi, y’all! My name is Katerina Scott, and this is my second year as a GSSE Resident Assistant! I had a fantastic experience last June and look forward to working in this role again. I attend UT in Knoxville, studying Geology and Environmental Studies and pursuing a Master’s in PreK-3 Elementary Education. As a rising fifth-year graduating undergrad in May 2024, I plan to complete my teaching internship/licensure in May 2025. I’ve worked as an RA in a freshman community-style residence hall for the past two academic years. I am working on earth and planetary science research funded by the NASA Space Grant at the UTK Isotope Laboratory. I am passionate about the environment and spending time outdoors. I cannot wait for this year’s GSSE! Go Vols 🧡🤍🍊
Bryse Vrolijk, Assistant Resident
Hi everyone! My name is Bryse Vrolijk (He/Him). I’m a rising senior at the University of Tennessee Knoxville studying Food and Agriculture Business with a focus on Risk Management and a minor in Agricultural Leadership. On campus, I’m a Resident Assistant in Fred Brown Hall, President of the National Residence Hall Association, and Vice President of Herbert College of Agriculture Ambassadors. I love going on hikes, walks, or just hanging out with my friends in my free time. I can’t wait to meet everyone and work with all the GSSE residents this summer! Go Vols!
Himesh Patel, Resident Assistant
Howdy! My name is Himesh Patel, and I will be this year’s Resident Assistant! This is my second time working with GSSE after attending back in 2021. I am a rising sophomore at Texas A&M University studying Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Robotics. I am part of the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M; a student-led military organization focused on leadership development. I am a big sports nerd in football, baseball, and basketball. I can’t wait to meet everyone at GSSE and the fun memories we will create together.
Stephanie Nnaji, Assistant Resident
Hi guys!! My name is Stephanie Nnaji, and I am RA this year! This is my first year being an RA for GSSE, and I attended GSSE in 2021. I am a rising sophomore at Columbia University majoring in Political Science with a concentration in Chemistry on the pre-med track. On campus, I am part of Free the Facts, Columbia’s Political Union, and Charles Drew Pre-medical society. I love reading, fitness, exploring new cities, and taking long walks. I am so excited to meet everyone!
Blythe Clippinger, Assistant Resident
Hi! My name is Blythe Clippinger, and I am a Resident Assistant! This is my first year with GSSE, and I could not be more excited! I’m a rising junior at UT, and I’m studying Speech Pathology and Audiology. I love hiking, swimming, and anything crafty! I cannot wait for the session to start and get to know everyone!
Brandon Meadows, Assistant Resident
Hello! My name is Brandon Meadows, and I will be a Resident Assistant and a Teaching Assistant with Dr. Holt this year. This is my 2nd year working with GSSE. I’m a Junior at the University of Tennessee majoring in Aerospace Engineering and minoring in Mathematics. I’m a member of UTK’s AIAA club, the Safety Officer for the Student Space Technology Association, and a member of the PaintVols, UTK’s paintball team.
Stephen Hay, Assistant Resident
Hello! My name is Stephen Hay! I am a rising senior at UT Knoxville majoring in English literature and religious studies with a minor in women, gender, and sexuality. I have been an RA at UT for three semesters and will be returning for one more year. I also march in the Pride of the Southland marching band, and I work as a writing tutor at UT’s writing center. I love meeting new people and getting to know them better, so I am so excited for GSSE!