Peer Mentor Services

Bryn Mawr College

Mentors

Peer Mentor Team – Fall 2023 & Spring 2024

Brecon

Maya Mehta ’26

Pronouns: She/her

Major: Political Science

Minor: Data Science and English

Extracurriculars: Basketball, Bi-Co News, Carpenter/Collier Libraries, Art Club

Departments you can ask me about: Political Science, Data Science, Mathematics, French

Professors you can ask me about: Marissa Golden (Political Science), Aytug Sasmaz (Political Science), Pardis Dabashi (English), Lauren Restrepo (Data Science, Growth and Structure of Cities), Agnes Peysson-Zeiss (French)

Past Dorms: Denbigh

About me: Hi y’all I’m Maya and I’m one of your Peer Mentors. I’m originally from Oakland, California and I’m stoked to be helping you guys out this year! I’m a current sophomore and am planning on declaring as a Political Science major. Some fun facts about me: I’m an athlete, a Nicki Minaj fan, and I find great joy in collecting Garfield-related memorabilia (I have an Arlene stuffed animal that I love dearly). If you have any questions about class organization, study tips, or Bionic, feel free to contact me and we can figure it out together. You can also come to me to talk about Garfield or Nicki Minaj or any other obscure interest you may have, I’m always here for you through office hours, email, or text.

Contact Me: mmehta1@brynmawr.edu, (510)-610-8216

Lia Wong-Fodor ’26

Pronouns: She/her

Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Minor: French and Francophone Studies

Extracurriculars: Chamber Singers, Chemistry TA, Admissions Office

Departments you can ask me about: Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, French, Mathematics

Professors you can ask me about: Lisa Watkins (Chemistry), Jonas Goldsmith (Chemistry), Tamara Davis (Biology), Grace Armstrong (French), David Karen (Sociology), Daisy Sudparid (Math), Yan Kung (Chemistry), Jess Shollenberger (English)

Past Dorms: Rockefeller

About me: Hey everyone! I’m Lia, and I’m excited to be one of your peer mentors this year! I’m a prospective biochemistry major and French minor, and I went to high school in Bangkok, Thailand. When I’m not working in Park, I like to spend time with my family and friends or find new places to explore. I also love reading anything and everything, and am always open to recommendations! If you ever have any questions or just want to have a chat, please don’t hesitate to email, text, or stop by my office hours!

Contact Me: lwongfodor@brynmawr.edu or (610)-653-1551

Denbigh

Della Burke ’25

 

Pronouns: She/her

Majors: Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology & Growth and Structure of Cities

Minor: (Intended) German

Extracurriculars: Mock Trial, Fem-Co, Bi-Co Theater, Carpenter-Collier Libraries Supervisor and Circulation Assistant, & Study Skills Tutor/Peer Academic Coach

Departments you can ask me about: Archaeology, Cities, History, German, & Classics

Professors you can ask me about: Matt Ruben, Lauren Restrepo, Gary McDonogh, Astrid Lindenlauf, Evrydiki Tasopoulou, Jennie Bradbury, Margaret Strair, Qinna Shen, Dale Booth, Casey Barrier, & Maja Šešelj

Past Dorms: Pem West, Pem East

About me: Hi! I’m Della, and I hail from Connecticut. I’m excited to return to DLT this year, and work with new and familiar faces. A little bit about me: I love exploring Philly’s used bookstore scene, biking around Bryn Mawr, reading (mostly plays, fiction, & graphic novels), wiffle ball, and rewatching Greta Gerwig’s Little Women! When I’m not peer mentoring, you’re bound to find me studying or working in Carpenter, hanging in my hammock, or spending time with my friends in the cloisters. Please feel welcome to ask me questions about my fields of study, jobs, taking languages @ BMC, Philly, forming relationships with your professors, etc.!

Contact Me: dburke1@brynmawr.edu 

Paloma Sharangpani ’24

Pronouns: She/her

MajorEnglish

Extracurriculars: Spoonfed Sketch Comedy, South Asian Students Society, Dining Services, Peer Health and Wellness

Departments you can ask me about: English, Creative Writing, intro sciences

Professors you can ask me about: Dee Matthews (English), Kate Thomas (English), Stephen Finley (English), Jonas Goldsmith (Chem), Dr. Francl (Chem), Lindsay Reckson (Haverford English), Gail Hemmeter (English)

Past Dorms: Rock, Pem East, Radnor

About Me: Hi y’all, I’m Paloma and I’m one of Denbigh’s Peer Mentors! I’m a senior English major who loves reading, writing and going to random concerts. You’ll probably see me around campus napping in hammocks or studying with eight different beverages in New Dorm, so please come say hi! I’m here for you if you need help with registration, scheduling, reaching out to professors, time management and any other part of academic life!

Contact Me: psharangpa@brynmawr.edu 

Enid Cook Center ’31 (ECC)

Jazmin Osorio ’24

 

Pronouns: She/her

Major: Neuroscience

Minor: LAILS

Departments you can ask me about: Biology, Italian, LAILS, Psychology

Professors you can ask me about: Jennifer Harford Vargas, Monica Chander, Jennifer N. Skirkanich, Adam Williamson, Thimo Heisenberg, Daria Bozzato, Ariana Orvell, Joel Yurdin, Patricia “Peaches” Jones

Past Dorms: Rock, New Dorm and ECC 

About me: Hey y’all! I am super excited to be your peer mentor this school year. Fun Facts: I am a huge adrenaline junkie. Even though I am deathly afraid of heights, I love rollercoasters and I hope to go skydiving and bungee jumping someday. I am also a huge fan of haunted houses, horror movies, and just Halloween overall. Any and all questions are welcome. I would be so happy to have you during walk in hours to talk about literally anything

Contact Me: josoriorod@brynmawr.edu

Erdman

Yvo Sandjideh ’26

Pronouns: She/her

Major: Economics

Minor: Mathematics

Extracurriculars: Mock Trial, Climbing Club

Departments you can ask me about: Economics, German

Professors you can ask me about: Sebastian Anti (Econ), Margaret Strair (German), Arianna Orvell (Psychology), Daisy Sudparid (Math)

Past Dorms: Pem West

About me: Hello! I’m Yvo and I’m so excited to be a peer mentor this year! I’m from the south Bay Area in California. I love cooking, reading nonfiction books, and talking about how much I miss California weather (it’s better out there, I miss it). If you see me on campus say hi! I’d love to take a break from listening to Phoebe Bridgers on repeat to say hi back.

Contact Me: ysandjideh@brynmawr.edu 

Merion

Shriya Shivakumar ’25

Pronouns: She/her

Major: Biology

Minor: Data Science

Extracurriculars: S.TEAM SGA Committee, Study Skills Tutor, CHOP Research Intern, Health Center Advisory Board, Canaday Help DeskS.TEAM SGA Committee, Study Skills Tutor, CHOP Research Intern, Health Center Advisory Board, Canaday Help Desk

Departments you can ask me about: Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Data Science

Professors you can ask me about:  Rudy Le Mentheour, Daisy Sudparid, Lisa Watkins, Michelle Francl, Kayla Bernard, Lina Martinez Hernandez, Crystal Reynaga, Thomas Mozdzer, Jennifer Skiranich, Barabra Bitarello, Rudy Le Mentheour, Daisy Sudparid, Lisa Watkins, Michelle Francl, Kayla Bernard, Lina Martinez Hernandez, Crystal Reynaga, Thomas Mozdzer, Jennifer Skiranich, Barabra Bitarello

Past Dorms: Brecon, Denbigh

About me: Hey y’all! I’m a Junior from Overland Park, Kansas. I’m majoring in Biology and minoring in Data Science (interested in computational biology). If you have any questions or are interested in these or related fields (including pre health), I would love to answer any questions! I really enjoy cooking, baking, eating extremely spicy food, reading, and watching rom-coms. I am extremely passionate about Thai food, the chameleon from Tangled and helping YOU plan out ways to fulfill all your academic goals!  If you want to talk to anyone about how to plan your schedule, how to fulfill requirements, resources on campus, or just about anything, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Contact Me: sshivakuma@brynmawr.edu

New Dorm

Abriella Staggs ’25

Pronouns: She/her

Major: Neuroscience

Minor: Child and Family Studies

Extracurriculars: Posse, Mujeres, Sisterhood, BMCEMS

Departments you can ask me about: Chemistry, Biology, Spanish, Neuroscience

Professors you can ask me about: Dr. Michelle Francl, Dr. Lisa Watkins, Amanda Weidman, Peter G. Kasius, Dr. Patrese Robinson-Drummer, Dr. Bill Malachowski, Dr. Timothy D. Cook.

Past Dorms: Pembroke West, New Dorm

About me: Hello everyone! My name is Abriella Staggs and I am super excited to have a chance to work with you all as a Peer Mentor this year. I am from the Metro-Boston area. In my free time, I enjoy reading fantasy and psychological thriller novels, going on drives, attending concerts, drinking coffee, and spending time with family and friends! Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have. I look forward to chatting with you all and being a friendly face on campus! Hello everyone! My name is Abriella Staggs and I am super excited to have a chance to work with you all as a Peer Mentor this year. I am from the Metro-Boston area. In my free time, I enjoy reading fantasy and psychological thriller novels, going on drives, attending concerts, drinking coffee, and spending time with family and friends! Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have. I look forward to chatting with you all and being a friendly face on campus!

Contact Me: astaggs@brynmawr.edu

Pembroke East

Liz Zegarowicz ’24

 

 

Pronouns: She/her

Major: Neuroscience

Minor: Growth and Structures of Cities, Biology

Extracurriculars: Art Club, Baking Club, Knitting Club

Departments you can ask me about: Neuroscience, Biology, Growth and Structures of Cities

Professors you can ask me about: Joni Baumgarten (Biology), Jennifer Skirkanich (Biology)

Past Dorms: Denbigh, Pembroke West, Brecon

About me: Hi everyone! I’m Liz and I am from New Jersey! I am studying neuroscience but I love science in general. I also love architecture and spend my time at home volunteering with my local historical society. Outside of my academic interests, I love to crochet, explore Philadelphia, and cook or bake with friends. When I am not in Pem East you can find me studying at Park Science Center or hanging out with my friends in Taft Garden! If you have any questions or just want to talk, send me an email at ezegarowic@brynmawr.edu :)!

Contact Me: ezegarowic@brynmawr.edu

Pembroke West

Gargi Nigam ‘25

Pronouns: She/her

Major: Neuroscience

Extracurriculars: Bryn Mawr EMS, SGA Health Center Advisory Board, Adelante

Departments you can ask me about: Chemistry, Neuroscience, Psychology, Mathematics

Professors you can ask me about: Dr. Francl, Dr. Watkins, Dr. Malachowski, Dr. Karagiaridi, Dr. Plummer-Medeiros

Past dorms: Pem West

About me: Hi!! I’m Gargi and I’m from the Bay Area. I’m a junior Neuroscience major and am on the pre-med track. When I’m not in class, I’m usually reading, walking around campus, or in a spin class. I also love skiing and hiking–I’ve been to all the national parks in California! My strengths are four year planning, study skills, and anything pre-med related. Feel free to email me at gnigam@brynmawr.edu if you have any questions or just want to chat!

Contact me: gnigam@brynmawr.edu

Sarah Mayer ’25

Pronouns: She/her

Major: Biology (Pre-med)

Minor: Health Studies 

Extracurriculars: TA for Biology, certified EMT, Pre-health, and DLT (I’ve held multiple positions)

Departments you can ask me about: Biology, Chemistry, and Health Studies

Professors you can ask me about: Adam Williamson, Jennifer N. Skirkanich, Daria Bazzato, Ariana Orvell, Greg Davis, Tamara Davis, Michelle Francl, Lisa Watkins, and Tom Mozdzer

Past Dorms: Radnor, Pem West, and Merion

About me: Hi everyone my name is Sarah and I’m so excited to be your peer mentor this school year. Fun facts: I’m an EMT which means that if you call 911 you might see me (lets hope I never see you that way hehe) or if you see an ambulance I might be driving so watch out and say hi! I absolutely adore reading and I’m always open to new recommendations! Don’t hesitate to ask me any questions at all. I would be so happy to have you during walk in hours to chat about literally anything.

Contact Me: sbmayer@brynmawr.edu, 267-245-4076 

Radnor

Kylie McCombs ’26

 

Pronouns: Any

Major: Computer Science (Undeclared)

Minor: Film Studies (Undeclared)

Extracurriculars: Posse, Uncommon Grounds, FemCo, Mujeres*, Zami+, Choom Boom

Departments you can ask me about: Film Studies, Computer Science, UPenn Korean

Professors you can ask me about: Adam Poliak, Elenaor Stanford

Past Dorms: Pembroke East, Denbigh

About me: Hi! My name is Kylie McCombs, and I am thrilled to be a Peer Mentor this year. I am from Houston, Texas, apart of the Houston Posse 10! I love movies, music, and animation. I am always down for any recommendations in either of those topics. Do not be afraid to reach out with any pestering thoughts because I am very happy to help! I wish the best of luck to everyone, and I hope to see you on campus!

Contact me: kmccombs@brynmawr.edu

Rhoads North

Kris Pasia ’25

Pronouns: She/her

Major: Mathematics

Extracurriculars: Basketball Team, Filipino Students Association

Departments you can ask me about: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry

Professors you can ask me about: Leslie Cheng (Math), Victor Donnay (Math), Amy Myers (Math), Monica Chander (Biology), Jennifer Skirkanich (Biology), Bárbara Bitarello (Biology), Tom Mozdzer (Biology), Michelle Francl (Chemistry), Lisa Watkins (Chemistry), Selby Hearth (Geology)

Past Dorms: Brecon, Pem East

About me: Hey y’all! I’m Kris (she/her) from just outside of Houston, Texas. I’ll be a junior studying math. Last summer, I worked as a camp counselor for a second summer so I love anything outdoors and working with kids. I love eating ice cream, reading books, watching the Astros, playing/watching basketball and drinking coffee. I’m also on the Bryn Mawr Basketball team. If you need help balancing your schedules or just wanna chat- feel free to shoot me an email!

Contact Me: kpasia@brynmawr.edu

Rhoads South

Esénia Bañuelos ’26

Pronouns: She/her

Major: English

Extracurriculars: EnAble, Access Services, SGA, Shakespeare Performance Troupe, Hypotheticals and Co, Honor Board, Phebe Anna Thorne Preschool, STEMLA, Breaking Barriers, Puentes de Salud 

Professors you can ask me about: Maria Cristina Quintero (Spanish), Linda Caruso Haviland (English), Edwin Porras (Ethnomusicology), Sam Fortin (Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience), Reggie Jones (Metacognition), Adam Poliak (Computer Science), David Wilson (Linguistics), AJ Vargas (Calculus I), Aytug Sasmaz (Political Science), Syd Zolf (UPenn Creative Writing), Noga Newberg (UPenn Educational Studies), Manar Darwish (Arabic), Amanda Payne (Linguistics)

Past Dorms: Brecon, Pem West, Batten

About me: Hey! My name is Esénia Bañuelos and I’m the Rhoads South Peer Mentor! I’m an intended Linguistics and Educational Studies double-major who may or may not minor in Creative Writing. I run a TikTok where I publish digital art and poetry, and in the process of becoming published. I am the Co-President for EnAble and Social Media Head / Assistant Stage Manager for the Hypotheticals and Co Hurricane Diane production. Additionally, I am extremely passionate about urban education and disability justice, so you might hear my name in campaigns across campus and in the city. In my free-time, I collect mugs and physical music, free-travel in Philadelphia, and work at the Showcase Comics and Games bookstore on Lancaster Avenue! I am extremely passionate about your academic success, and am always willing to schedule a chat about making your time at Bryn Mawr College an incredibly fulfilling period of your life!

Contact Me: ebanuelos@brynmawr.edu 

Rockefeller

Camille Franklin ’24

Pronouns: She/her

Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Pre-med)

Extracurriculars: Lacrosse team, Athletics Announcer

Departments you can ask me about: Biology & Chemistry

Professors you can ask me about: Dr. Malachowski, Dr. Melvin, Dr. Donnay, Dr. Skirkanich, Dr. Hall, Dr. Plummer, Dr. Burgmayer, Dr. Watkins

Past dorms: Erdman, Rockefeller, Rhoads North

About me: Hey y’all! My name is Camille Franklin (she/her) and I am a junior from Austin, Texas. I am super excited to be a peer mentor this year and see everyone on campus! A few things about me: I love harry styles, 80’s rock, and I used to be an avid equestrian. If I am not in my room I’m probably in Park or down at the field. If you ever see me around campus don’t hesitate to say hi or wave! If you ever have a question don’t hesitate to email, text, or come to my office hours!

Contact me: cfranklin@brynmawr.edu, (512)-608-3565

Spencer Smith ’25

Pronouns: She/her

Major: Chemistry

Minor: Health Studies

Extracurriculars: Career & Civic Engagement Center, Malachowski Lab

Departments you can ask me about: Chemistry, Health Studies, French, Biology

Professors you can ask me about: Michelle Francl, Corine Ragueneau, Yan Kung, Edwige Crucifix, Bill Malachowski, Arianna Hall, Lisa Watkins, Olga Karagiaridi, Amanda Barrett Cox, Tim Cook, Peter Kasius, Jonas Goldsmith

Past Dorms: Pem West and Rock

About me: Hi! My name is Spencer Smith and I’m one of Rock’s Peer Mentors. I’m a junior chemistry major from Boise, Idaho. When I’m not on campus, I love exploring the area around Bryn Mawr and Philly. I’m a big fan of trying new coffee shops and am on a quest  to find the best breakfast sandwich in the area. My favorite spot on campus is Rhoads Beach, but you’ll most likely find me in Park. If you ever want to know how to get involved with research on campus, or any other scheduling or academic questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Contact Me: spsmith@brynmawr.edu, (208) 972-6143

Director of Academic Support & Assistant Dean of the College

Rachel Heiser

Rachel Heiser received her Bachelors from James Madison University before she moved back to her roots in Pennsylvania to receive her Masters in Counseling Psychology at Temple University.  She began work at Drexel University and served as a counselor, advisor, and Assistant Director for the Center for Academic Success.  Now at Bryn Mawr College, she works closely with students, staff, and faculty to assist students in reaching their personal definition of academic success and college life balance.  When she is not immersed in the Owl community, she enjoys seeing live music and theater, traveling, having outdoor adventures, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.