Meet Our Undergraduate Peer Mentors of 2023-2024!
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Ilham Abdelkadir (she/her) |
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Major: MCDB with Global Health Certificate I was an FSY counselor this past summer and would love to continue helping others in navigating their academic and personal journey at Yale! I am currently a research assistant at the Yale School of Public Health, and am heavily involved in volunteering through RISE (Refugee and Immigrant Student Education) and HAVEN Free Clinic. If you have any questions at all on how to get involved in these types of extracurriculars or just want to chat, definitely reach out! |
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Inssia Ahmed (she/her) |
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Major: Computer Science and Comparative Literature I’m a member of Jooksongs (spoken word poetry group at the AACC) and a lover of all things literature! And, as an FGLI and international (well, Canadian :D) woc, I’m very passionate about diversity and equity in computer science, so feel free to ask me about work I’ve done related to that. In my free time, I love doing puzzle hunts, learning new languages (currently Italian), and adding to my commonplace book! |
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Major: Comparative Literature I just finished a year-long leave of absence touring 30 international cities with the Yale Whiffenpoofs. During that gap year, I also worked as an intern for West Wing Writers, a communications firm founded by Clinton and Obama speechwriters. Before this year, I founded the Asian American Collective of Theatermakers (AACT), performed with the Yale Glee Club, and gave tours at the Yale University Art Gallery. |
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Ashley Ake (she/her) |
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Major: Ethnicity, Race, and Migration I am involved with Mecha de Yale, the Davenport College Office, and now the Academic Strategies Program! In my free time, I usually am trying out new coffee/tea recipes, watching tv or listening to music. I’m excited to be joining the ASP team and supporting the FGLI community. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want to talk about anything random! |
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Vanessa Anaya (she/her) |
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Major: Psychology with Spanish Certificate I am from a small rural town in Northern California. I am particularly drawn to clinical psychology and providing more resources to immigrant communities. As a proud first-generation low-income Chicana with roots in Jalisco, Mexico, I am actively involved in the Berkeley College Council, Ballet Folklorico, and serve as a Peer Liaison for La Casa. Some of my favorite experiences at Yale include receiving funding to study abroad in Barcelona in 2023 and joining a Psychology lab. In my free time, you can find me taking pictures around campus, dancing to bachata, and exploring new coffee shops. |
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Major: Computer Science I am passionate about tech innovation and its potential impact, especially on the African continent. I am passionate about tech projects, tech education, and mentoring roles. Beyond technology, I’m an avid anime enthusiast and I have a particular fondness for Nigerian movies. My interests include African politics and I dedicate time to practice French and Shona. I strongly identify with my African heritage and I value cross-cultural understanding. |
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Major: Chemical Engineering I am a member of AIChE and ChemE Car, as well as the Kim research group on campus. I am also affiliated with YASA. I’m passionate about finding a healthy balance between my professional development (i.e. clubs and research) and my hobbies (music and long distance running). As a peer mentor, I especially enjoy having conversations around balance and time management. |
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Nix Nova Beistle (he/she/they) |
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Major: Humanities I’m a first-generation, low-income neurodivergent student dedicated to encouraging others to have fun with their education. I’ve studied things such as knick-knacks, household goods, and visions, and I am considering pursuing food studies through the lens of my major. One of my main extracurricular commitments includes acting as the president of Y2YNH, a group of New Haven college students dedicated to empowering youth facing homelessness in Greater New Haven. I also work as a manager in Library Information Technology. I love playing rugby and the kazoo and doodling whenever I can. |
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Major: History of Medicine, Science, and Public Health I am a senior and I have dedicated myself to building communities at Yale to ensure that students feel, believe, and thrive in environments that historically have not prioritized them. I am a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and am heavily involved in student life at the Afam House and Saybrook Residential College. Please feel free to reach out to talk about my experiences at Yale and how I can possibly support you. |
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Sean Brady (he/they) |
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Major: Political Science I am an Eli Whitney Scholar. Currently, I am an undergraduate researcher studying how people change their political opinions over time. Before reenrolling in school, I was active in political campaigns, working as an outreach director for city council and senate campaigns throughout the country, and was an organizer on the Clinton Presidential campaign in Nevada. Currently, I am a Coehlo Disability Law Fellow, work with the Democratic National Committee’s Disability Caucus, and am the Centerhead of the Yale Policy Institute’s Misinformation in Public Health Center. |
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Abigail Carpenter (she/her) |
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Major: EVST, certificate in energy Hey y’all, I am a proud FGLI student, and the first person from my small town to get admitted to an Ivy League! Growing up in rural Appalachia, I spent a lot of time outside. I am very passionate about environmental justice, which lead to my decision to major in Environmental Studies. Outside of class, I am a Danceworks member, and the chair of the Yale Progressive Party. I also work in a plant research lab here at Yale! My love to plants extends to my dorm room, where I have 15 houseplants. I also love hiking, cooking, reading, cats, and bluegrass! |
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Major: Mathematics and Computer Science As a Yale student, I have a deep personal interest in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for underrepresented students in STEM. Through my involvement in mentoring programs and organizations like the Yale Prison Education Initiative, I strive to help others access the resources and encouragement they need to succeed. My passion for inclusivity and community-building extends beyond academics, driving my commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to excel in STEM fields. |
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Major: Ethics, Politics, and Economics & Statistics and Data Science I work with the Yale Policy Institute, ONEXYS, Matriculate, and the Yale College Democrats, pursuing my main passion, educational equity. I am a huge sports fan and spend much of my free time watching hockey or playing basketball. I love country music and was even a DJ at a country music radio station before coming to Yale. I am always open to chat and answer questions! |
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Major: Statistics and Data Science I am a member of Danceworks; I do research; and I work with the Student Technology Collaborative and Yale Athletics. As a first-generation student, I am also deeply passionate about expanding access to higher education. I support this cause through my work with the Yale Prison Education Initiative and Freedom Reads, and by spending the last three summers as an FSY counselor. In my free time, you’ll find me taking photos of squirrels, playing tennis, or blasting hip-hop, R&B, and house music through my AirPods |
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Deja Dunlap (she/her) |
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Major: Applied Mathematics, CS Concentration Hi! I’m a first generation/low-income student (shout-out Questbridge) that enjoys mentoring freshman when she can. I also work as a STARS Peer Mentor, a Mock Technical Interviewer for the OEO, and I’m a Mellon May/Edward A Bouchet Fellow. You can also find me as my role as Co-President of the National Society of Black Engineers and volunteer with the Yale Prison Education Initiative. When I’m not working you can find me on a run or hanging out with friends. |
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Major: Anthropology (Archaeology Concentration) During my time at Yale, I have taken a broad range of classes (French, ER&M, Music), worked with communities at the AACC (Wellness and Mental Health team, Asian-ish, Kasama, Queer and Asian), sampled many musical organizations (choral and operatic groups, A cappella, theatre, marching band), and have recently fallen in love with Yale Climbing Team (YCT) and Outdoor Climbers at Yale (OCAY). During the summer, you can find me working doing field work in French Polynesia, and I am passionate about connecting students with fellowships, funding, and opportunities abroad. As a low income student and active member in cultural communities on campus, my aim is to make Yale and university life as accessible as possible. |
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Britney Gramajo Barrios (she/her) |
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Major: EP&E and Latin American Studies Hi! I am a first-generation Latina student and I am interested in educational equity and human rights. On campus, I work as a JE college aide, volunteer for YULAA, and am an advising fellow for Matriculate. I love reading novels, going on scenic walks, and listening to music! |
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Alex Guzman Caceres (she/her/ella) |
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Major: Ethnicity, Race, and Migration Hola hola! I’m an FGLI student a proud Guatemalteca. At Yale, I’m president of ¡Oye! Spoken Word and love all things poetry, one of the founders of Yale Lawtinas, and have done reproductive rights work with Planned Parenthood. I’m also one of the Head Student Coordinators of La Casa and heavily involved with the La Casa community! I’m always excited to yap about any of my interests and involvements :) |
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Major: Computer Science and Economics I am an international student from South Korea and I am also part of the FGLI community and Yale’s Korean International Society (Hanppuri). I work for the Amoriem Game Development Lab as a story writer and programmer. On campus, I work as a Peer Liaison for Visiting International Students (Y-VISP), and I am very involved with Yale’s study abroad, fellowships, and international initiatives. I enjoy backpacking trips, video gaming (Tears of the Kingdom!), photography, and wall climbing. I am excited to meet you all and welcome you to campus. |
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Major: Economics and Psychology In addition to being an Academic Strategies Mentor, I am a member of the Varsity Swim & Dive team. Come talk to me about my summer abroad at the London School of Economics, my summer internship at Mvnifest, my cross country road trip, and more! I love puzzles, trashy TV shows, true crime podcasts, and the oxford comma. I am so honored and excited to be part of the Academic Strategies team! |
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Nida Khan (any pronouns) |
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Major: Urban Studies I am involved with the Office of Educational Opportunity as a Disability Peer Mentor. Outside of that wonderful community, I spend my time thinking about all things urban and napping in the B stairwell in Rudolph Hall.
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Iz Klemmer (they/them) |
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Major: History I transferred to Yale as a sophomore from Georgetown University and would love to chat about transfer life. I also have experience dealing with chronic illness and navigating dean’s extensions—I learned a lot and want to help you avoid the mistakes I made! On campus, I work as an archives assistant at Haas Arts Library and have worked with the Yale Undergraduate Prison Project, Yale Prison Education Initiative, and student organizing. If you’re a history major, need to do archival research, or are writing a history/humanities paper, make an appointment with me! |
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Calista Krass (she/they) |
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Major: Chemical Engineering On campus I am involved with GREEN and some engineering build projects. I am passionate about helping minority students succeed in STEM, particularly in engineering, as well as supporting international students in their transition to the US education system. My free time is spent engaging with Eastern European politics, learning about feminist and queer history, as well as looking for the best matcha in New Haven. |
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Sushant Kunwar (he/him) |
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Major: Computer Science I’m a junior studying Computer Science and interested in exploring its intersections with various disciplines. In my free time I enjoy drawing and watch soccer. I’m a Co-President of the Nepali Students Society at Yale as well as a programmer for the Yale Computer Society. As a FGLI student I look forward to helping students feel more welcome on campus! |
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Gina Lee (she/her) |
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Major: MCDB with a certificate in Data Science on the pre-med track On campus, I’m involved with research at the Yale Stem Cell Center and volunteer at HAVEN Free Clinic. I also work as a barista at the Silliman Acorn, the best student-run cafe on campus! In my free time, I love to spend time baking with friends, going on walks and runs around New Haven, and exploring local coffee shops or restaurants. I’m excited to support you as an ASP mentor and am always happy to chat more! |
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Major: MCDB with a certificate in Education Studies I am a part of the Lab Safety Team in the organic chemistry labs and am excited to be working as an Academic Strategies peer mentor! I’m a big horror movie fan and I love spending time with friends and family. I enjoy sunbathing and listening to Lana Del Rey. I’m also involved in Camp Kesem and am an active board member of Amnesty International at Yale. |
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Katie Marshall (she/her) |
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Major: Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations College: Timothy Dwight Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico As a nontraditional undergrad, I’m passionate about discovering new ways to make learning more accessible to the neurodivergent community. I’m a member of the Yale Collegiate Figure Skating Club and advocate for everyone to start skating (or at least try it once)! Fun fact: I own a dance studio (kjamstudios.com) in Albuquerque, NM, and am a certified choreographer/coach through the United States Figure Skating Association. If you want to chat about dance, skating, memes, ADHD, or Egyptian Hieroglyphs, I’m ready! P.S. Stress less, do your best, but most of all, prioritize your rest. You can do it!
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Major: English with a certificate in Education Studies Hi! I’m Alicia! I love supporting students with anything from talking about time management to discussing different opportunities for those interested in teaching. During my time at Yale, I’ve tutored ESL, been a part of Jook Songs (Yale’s Asian & Asian American Spoken Word Group), and worked various on campus jobs from a daycare to Marsh Botanical Gardens. |
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Nareg Minassian (he/him) |
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Major: Chemistry Hey guys! I’m a swimmer on the Yale Men’s Swim and Dive team. I’m a member of the Yale Armenian Network. I’m a first generation Armenian-American and am dedicated to giving back to my communities. I love traveling to unique countries, hiking up to nice views, hanging out with friends, cliff jumping, and swimming. |
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Derek Pancratz (he/him) |
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Major: Electrical Engineering My name is Derek, and I’m a rising junior in Trumbull College. In my free time, I enjoy working out, watching movies, and reading. I’m also involved in the Yale Undergraduate Aerospace Association and was on the rocket team, where we launch high-altitude rockets. I also serve as a peer mentor for the STARS I program, helping students navigate their stem coursework and campus life. In the future, I hope to work in clean energy tech. I’m very excited to be an OEO mentor this year!
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Major: MCDB on the pre-med track I’m a senior on the pre-med track and am involved in translational research with rare muscular disorders at the Anlyan Center. On campus, I’m involved with Bridges ESL and volunteer work at Yale New Haven Hospital. As a first-gen student, I’m committed to improving accessibility on campus and would love to chat about it! I’ve studied abroad to Switzerland, Taiwan, and Bhutan during my time here so I would also love to chat about opportunities abroad. In my spare time, I enjoy journaling, running, and going on foodie adventures. |
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Major: History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health on the pre-med track I am a senior born and raised in Miami and I am of Haitian descent! Outside of being an Academic Strategies Mentor, I am the President of The Pi Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated here at Yale! I am also the Student Resource Officer for Black Pre-Health at Yale, a dancer with Dzana (Yale’s first West African dance team), an undergraduate research assistant under Professor Carolyn Roberts’s mentorship, and interpret for Yale Interpretation Network. |
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Major: Statistics & Data Science I am a first generation, low income student ambassador. On campus, I do research with Professor Doherty at the Yale Law School on sentencing convictions. I have formally been involved with the LILY lab on NLP research as well in the Yale School of Public Health. On the weekends, I spend my time in the Branford pottery studio, playing Nintendo games, or playing with my cat. |
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Major: Ethnicity, Race and Migration I am a senior on the “pre-law” track. As an FGLI student and proud Mexican-American, I am passionate about mentorship and advocacy work. On campus, I am a Davenport Froco and an Advising Fellow with Matriculate. I have been involved with Mecha de Yale where I find ways to empower the Latine community in New Haven. I am also heavily involved in the Davenport community where I work as a College Aide. In my free time, I love to binge-watch tv shows and grab a cup of coffee with friends. I am excited to return to the ASP mentorship team and am always willing to talk about anything, academic or not. Don’t hesitate to reach out! |
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Major: Architecture I’m a first-gen student from Phoenix, Arizona. On campus, I work with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions as an Ambassador. In my free time I like to watch youtube videos, go to coffee shops and I also love miniature things like trinkets, mini legos, etc. You can send me a message to ask about anything! |
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Lakxshanna Raveendran (she/her) |
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Major: Computer Science and ER&M Hi! I’m interested in photography, social activism, and tech. I’m a member of the Yale Photo Society, YUPP, Y4P and I also work for the South Asian Studies Department on campus. I’m happy to talk about any of those extracurriculars or my experience as an FGLI STEM student! |
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Madison Reynolds (she/her) |
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Major: Economics As I finish my Bachelor’s degree in Economics this year, this fall I am also beginning my Master of Public Health degree in Health Policy at the Yale School of Public Health. On campus, I work as the Student Assistant to the Director at the Yale Center for British Art and as a Research Assistant at the Yale School of Public Health. Aside from academics and work, I am involved in extracurricular activities such as Yale Undergraduate Prison Project, Yale Undergraduate Legal Aid Association, and the Lowenstein Human Rights Project. This past summer I was a Herb Scarf fellow for the Yale Department of Economics and a counselor for the First-Year Scholars at Yale (FSY) program. I am excited to meet you all and learn about your interests! |
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Jessica Sánchez (she/her) |
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Major: Urban Studies I’m a designer with The New Journal and co-host of a WYBC radio show (Sound Bites!). In past years, I have worked as a co-coordinator with First-years in Support of New Haven and as a peer liaison with La Casa. I’m a first-gen Latina dedicated to helping students navigate humanities (and more!) at Yale. I love bouldering, horror movies, and coffee-shop hopping :) |
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Sarah Shapiro (she/her) |
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Major: American Studies, Intensive Certificate in Education Studies I am passionate about disability justice and excited to mentor fellow students in the DPMP! Currently, I am writing my M.A. thesis on IEPs and creating a disability studies class curriculum for my Ed Studies capstone. I love singing and am Business Manager of Whim ‘n Rhythm, the soprano-alto all-senior a cappella group. In past years, I sang in Something Extra, served as Internal President of the Yale Undergraduate Legal Aid Association, and taught after-school classes to local students as Co-President of the Environmental Education Collaborative. In my free time, I enjoy writing poetry for lit mags and baking cupcakes for my friends! |
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Mason Shipp (he/him) |
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Major: Political Science Hi! I am a Senior Student-Athlete on the Yale Football Team (for any football fans, I am a wide receiver). Outside of football, I am very involved in student organizations on campus. I am the Co-President of the Black Student-Athlete Coalition, Chair of Yale Bulldogs for Change (A group that is home to all of Yale’s student-athlete affinity groups), as well as a member of the Ivy League Executive Team for student-athletes. I enjoy giving back to the community around me as well as finding fun and creative ways to do so. Also super interested in business and entrepreneurial ideas. In my free time, I love watching sports and playing video games. |
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Helen Tan (she/her) |
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Major: MB&B I’m a MB&B major pursuing a concentration in medicine with hopes of going to dental school. I’m on the Varsity Fencing Team and am the President of Yale Athletics’ Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). I’m happy to help with all things STEM, pre-health, and tips on navigating Yale as a student-athlete! I also volunteer with HAVEN Free Clinic, Yale New Haven Hospital, and Sanctuary Kitchen. I love to write, make (and drink) matcha lattes, and play board games with friends. |
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Vivian Tong (she/her) |
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Major: MCDB At Yale, I study neurodevelopmental disorders in the Brennand Lab. I also volunteer at the HAVEN Free Clinic and serve on the coordinator board for Camp Kesem. As a former First-Year Scholars at Yale (FSY) residential counselor, I am enthusiastic about supporting students from similar FGLI backgrounds - particularly those of Fuzhou descent! Prior to college, I worked extensively in the food service industry. For these reasons, I strongly value equity and accessibility to nutrition, education, and healthcare. I love listening to podcasts, playing pickleball, and collecting magnets from state parks. I am happy to discuss being FGLI in STEM or adjusting to New England winters! |
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Major: History with a focus in Asian American and immigration studies I am originally from China but i’ve lived in New York City since I was 12. In my free time, I love learning new languages, dancing, and theater. As an FGLI student myself, I am thrilled to be on the ASP Mentors team and looks forward to supporting fellow students as they navigate through Yale! |
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Kalisa Vasquez-Minas (they/she) |
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Major: Earth in Planetary Sciences I am an FGLI student still learning to navigate Yale with the help of groups like Ballet Folklorico, the Morse College Aides, and the Paleoarchaeology Lab. I am a lover of all things music and culture and am currently trying to pick up on K’iche’ and (super complicated) music theory. You can find me hanging around Morse with friends, thrifting for the cutest pieces, or watching anime. |
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Major: Biomedical Engineering with a certificate in Education Studies I am a proud FGLI and Asian-American student and am excited to be involved with the Academic Strategies Program. Outside of classes, I am passionate about menstrual equity and am the president of YaleBleeds as well as the project chair for GREEN’s Sustainable Menstrual Products project. I am also involved with the Society of Women Engineers and Danceworks. When I have free time, I work on decorating my postcard collection and taking new book recommendations. Please send any my way! |
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Major: WGSS and Psychology I am originally from Snow Camp, North Carolina, a small town outside of Chapel Hill. At Yale, I am a Trumbull Froco and am also involved with the Yale Undergraduate Prison Project, Matriculate, and Broad Recognition, in addition to being heavily involved with the FGLI community. In my free time, I enjoy grabbing coffee with friends, reading sapphic romance novels on Cross Campus, and repeating words of affirmation to my many plants. |
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Arrow Zhang (she/her) |
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Major: Comparative Literature and Economics I’m involved with the Accent Multilingual Magazine, the Asian American Cultural Center, the Yale Review, the Archery Club, and Yale Undergraduate Production, where you might see me house managing shows throughout the semester. I was a Harvest and Yale Reserved first-year orientation leader, and was recently selected as a 2024 United Nations Millennium Fellow. I’d be happy to talk about all of the above, choosing courses, how to get involved in clubs, time management / study habits, and anything else :D |
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Abby Zheng (she/her) |
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Major: Architecture and Urban Studies I’m a student deacon at UCY (University Church in Yale) and am involved with graphic design and branding for various organizations! I’m also a first-generation low-income student pursuing a degree in social science. You’ll always find me either at the Architecture school or the JE dining hall! |
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Major: Computer Science On campus, I am a social chair and former co-president of the most fun orchestra, the Davenport Pops Orchestra (DPops)! I have also conducted human-robot interaction research with the Interactive Machines Group and worked as a ULA for algorithms last spring. Outside of Yale, I enjoy running, reading, baking, and have recently gotten into writing and climbing :) |
Questions? We’d love to be in touch with you! Just send a note to academicstrategies@yale.edu.
You can also follow us at: ASP Facebook Group, ASP Instagram(@academicstrategies)
