Where's home?: Miami, FL

What are you concentrating in?: IAPA–Policy & Governance

I chose my concentration(s) because: I am passionate about how public policies impact community development, specifically in the areas of education and the arts.

On campus, I'm also: Co-founder and President of Blind@Brown, Brown's association for blind students.

My favorite place to study is...The John Hay Library; and my favorite place to relax is...: The hill on Ruth J. Simmons Quad.

The best classes I have taken at Brown are: Modern Hebrew with the legendary Professor Ruti Adler Ben-Yehuda; ECON 1000 Using Big Data to Solve Economic and Social Problems with Professor John Friedman; and MUSC 1905A Music and Cultural Policy with Professor Marc Perlman.

I like to advise about: all things DUGs! As the DUG-DUG, I am here to support and advise DUG Leaders to make the most of the resources available to them through the College and through their department. My job is to help advance academic, co-curricular, and pre-professional interests of all Brown undergraduate students across the College. In the spring, I work to produce the Theories in Action event showcasing Honors theses, capstones, and projects across the Brown community.

A formative college experience for me is/was: Freshman Year Spring Weekend

My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: to take advantage of Shopping Period and Open Curriculum! Take classes because you are interested and passionate about the subject matter.

My healthy strategies for for destressing is/are: sleeping and taking walks on the Quiet Green (maybe not at the same time).

Where's home?: Houston, Texas

What are you concentrating in?: Medical Humanities and Representation

I chose my concentration(s) because: I was interested in the intersection between tech and the markets, so this was a great balance between those two interests.

On campus, I'm also: A clinical researcher, volunteer at Hasbro, KD sister, Chattertock, and WiSE social media chair.

My favorite place to study is the 2nd floor of Blue Room; and my favorite place to relax is any nearby coffee shop.

One of my favorite classes was: Introduction to the Built Environment

I like to advise about:  Interdisciplinary studies and work-life balance.

A formative college experience for me is/was:  Going to the RISD Nature Lab with my Studio Foundations class.

My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is:  To be open to new experiences and talk to different people! Learn from those around you and explore all areas of study before rooting yourself in place.

My healthy strateg/(ies) for for destressing is/are: Going on long walks and talking with friends, baking, painting, and playing with dogs.

Where’s Home?  Edina, Minnesota

What are you concentrating in?   Biodesign and Entrepreneurship Certificate

I chose my concentration(s) because:  I have always had a deep love for nature, and I believe the way that nature synthesizes materials and structures its systems can inspire solutions across every industry. An IC in Biodesign allows me to study at the intersection of ecology, materials innovation, and design to imagine new, sustainable futures. With this in combination with the entrepreneurship certificate, I aim to bridge cutting-edge research with practical design and create solutions that are both sustainable and scalable!

On campus, I'm also:   A Brown Design Workshop monitor, Biomaterial Research and Innovation Community (BRIC) Co-President, Scientists for a Sustainable World (SSW) President, Market Shares volunteer, Chem researcher, BDH illustrator, and frequent vendor at maker markets!

My favorite place to study is a random classroom I’ve never been in before; 2. the main green/Ruth Simmons when it’s nice out, or anywhere my close friends are  

One of my favorite classes was:   ENVS 1879 Environmental Amnesia: How to navigate losses in nature by looking at the past

I like to advise about:  How to organize and most effectively present complex ideas that sometimes feel too big to explain. How to visualize ideas in pretty diagrams. How to (begin to) find yourself and carve out a space for your unique interests, abilities, and goals. 

A formative college experience for me was/is:   

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is:   Follow your heart—and keep checking in with it. Always be reflecting on your values, what excites you, how you learn and work best, and what kind of impact feels most fulfilling to you. Don’t beat yourself up every time you fail—instead, reflect: What did this reveal about how you operate, your strengths, your weaknesses, what your ideal learning/working experience would look like, what really matters to you, and how do you want to move forward given that information? Use that insight to find a balance between challenging yourself and playing to your strengths, having your goals in mind. Remember to give yourself grace. We only have so much time here, and your mental health and personal, non-academic development is important too. I believe there is no wasted time if you learn from it, and learning about who you are and what you want out of life is just as important as curricular learning. Some more classic advice: try new things! Browse events@brown regularly for unexpected lectures or workshops, and be open to meeting people outside your usual circles. Also, talk to your professors more—they want to hear from you. Shop freely and take cool classes, but don’t pressure yourself to fit in every interesting course. You can always learn things on your own time too! Talk to professors about their cool classes or even ask for their syllabi to do your own guided deep-dive/self-study :)

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: If I’m feeling off, I check-in to see if I’m lacking in any of the following: sunlight, food, sleep, exercise, or time with friends, and try to add that into my day. More often than not, my day will do a complete 180! Another favorite way to get out of a slump is doing something creative or hands-on. I also suggest writing yourself a love letter to remind yourself how great you are :) But if you can’t make yourself happy, try to brighten someone else’s day! Text those you love and tell them they’re on your mind. Lastly, if all else fails, a long, meditative walk to Blackstone Conservancy, India Point Park, the River Walk, or just wandering around Providence, exploring the cute neighborhoods (preferably while listening to good music) leaves me feeling grounded again.

Where's home?: Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania

What are you concentrating in?: Artificial Intelligence in Health Informatics

I chose my concentration(s) because: I wanted to rigorously understand the theory, design, integration, and related ethics of AI that can improve clinical decision-making and population health.

On campus, I'm also: Brown Barsaat (A Capella) Musical Director, Umeed Fundraising Chair, biomedical informatics researcher at the BCBI & RIH, editor in a healthcare journal, BIOL UTA.

My favorite place to study is Swearer Center or New Watson; and my favorite place to relax is anywhere with friends

One of my favorite classes was: ANTH 0300: Culture and Health, BIOL 1565/1535: Survey of Biomedical Informatics

I like to advise about:  Interdisciplinary studies, pre-med, Open Curriculum, vegetarianism at Brown/in PVD, work-life balance. 

A formative college experience for me is/was: Going to the RISD Nature Lab with my Studio Foundations class.

My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: You might feel like you want to pursue every new opportunity hoping it will take you to where you want to or “should” go in your career, whether that’s a job or further education. In reality, it’s better to give yourself enough time to focus on a few projects you are truly passionate about. That way, you can put in your full effort to truly make something substantial that you are proud of.

My healthy strateg/(ies) for for destressing is/are: Wandering around PVD and taking photos, singing, going to the gym, or calling friends & family back home.

Where’s Home? Central Vermont

What are you concentrating in? Design Engineering

I chose my concentration(s) because: Design engineering gives me the flexibility to explore a variety of fields of interest while pursuing a rigorous stem curriculum. It allows me to bridge a variety of passions like engineering, architecture, industrial design, and more and it helps me communicate ideas across these fields as well.

On campus, I'm also: A Brown Design Workshop monitor, a member of Brown Cooking Club, BRIC, Better World by Design, Engineers without Borders, and Entrepreneurship Program.

My favorite place to study is The rock 4th floor looking out onto PVD downtown, and my favorite place to relax is Fox Point.

One of my favorite classes at Brown is: ENGN620 Design Brief

I like to advise about: How to get the most out of the Brown open curriculum, how to get involved in clubs, where to eat in Providence, also simply attentively listening.

A formative college experience for me was/is: Teaching a GISP on biodesign in my spring semester of my sophomore year. It opened my eyes to working in interdisciplinary groups and how to work through that. I loved getting to explore a subject with a group of curious and passionate students; learning from your peers who are all so brilliant feels like the essence of Brown to me.

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: First year seminars are awesome, take advantage while you can. Don't rush concentration decisions, take the time you need, that is a gift of Brown, pursue different passions and curiosities by going to random lectures and getting involved in clubs. Take advantage of the endless opportunities at Brown but never be too hard on yourself for not doing everything; there is always more we can do, but all we can do is our best.

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: I love a good walk if I am feeling overwhelmed and going out to India Point Park. Additionally, if there is no deadline that I am trying to meet, I like to give myself a 2 day grace period on my stress and other intense emotions and if I am still feeling overwhelmed by a feeling, I will address it.

Where's home?: São Paulo, Brazil

What are you concentrating in?: Chemical Engineering

I chose my concentration(s) because: I love chemistry and found in ChemE a way to apply chemistry to create innovative solutions for a more sustainable and just world. 

On campus, I'm also: President of the Alt Protein Project, Undergraduate Researcher in Chemistry.

My favorite place to study is the Rock Library; and my favorite place to relax is the Main Green.

One of my favorite classes was: Introduction to Chemical Engineering, Happiness and the Pursuit of the Good Life, Politics and Nature

I like to advise about: GISP Programs, creating your own curriculum, creating a tailor-made course for your interests and passions.

A formative college experience for me is/was: One formative experience during college was creating and leading a Group Independent Study Project (GISP) on alternative proteins and sustainable food systems, an opportunity that challenged me to design a course from the ground up and truly take ownership of my education.

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: The four years of college will pass with lightning speed, especially if you spend them chasing one deadline or goal after another. Take time to intentionally savor the process, even if it means slowing down a little. 

My healthy strateg/(ies) for for destressing is/are: Attending fun club meetings (my favorites are SnailMail & Loving Him was Brown) and going out for coffee and walks with friends! 

Where’s Home?  Reading, Pennsylvania

What are you concentrating in? Computer Science

I chose my concentration(s) because: I liked computers and I wanted to know more about how to use them and program.

On campus, I'm also: a Klezmer Bass player and a Fiction For Kids writer  

My favorite place to study is  my room ... and my favorite place to relax is The Kitchen.

One of my favorite classes was: Voice Over for the Actor.

I like to advise about: Leavetaking and Exploring the Open Curriculum.

A formative college experience for me was/is: Learning how to take the bus was a formative experience for me. I got to see many amazing parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts by accidently taking the wrong bus.

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: The grades on your transcript is only one part of your education. Take some time to breathe without any distraction and envision who you actually want to be in the next year, 10 years, 20 years and so on. You may not figure it out right away, but if you keep expanding and diversifying your education you will start to see a clearer picture.

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: There's nothing that a good meal and a hot shower can't help make better.

Where’s Home?  South Africa, South Korea

What are you concentrating in?  Computational Neuroscience

I chose my concentration(s) because:  I initially started as a pure Neuroscience major, but everything changed after a summer course in AI Robotics. That experience sparked a genuine curiosity in Computer Science (CS), and thanks to Brown’s open curriculum, I was able to explore it further by taking more CS courses. Over time, I discovered how much I loved the intersection of Neuroscience and CS, which ultimately led me to declare Computational Neuroscience as my concentration. It felt like the perfect blend of my interests and passions.

On campus, I'm also:  I’m a part of the Student Government Class Coordinating Board (CCB), the Brown Union of Global Students, and the Neuroscience Department of Undergraduate Students Board. I also have the privilege of being the Viral Epidemics Writing Course Teaching Assistant and the former Design Chair of KISA. Beyond academics, I work as a video editor for societies and student businesses, enjoy skateboarding at Brown and playing the electric drums in a band.

My favorite place to study is Hay Library or the Scili basement/2nd floor  and my favorite place to relax is Joes (after a night out with friends) - a weirdly wholesome vibe

One of my favorite classes was:  BIOL0940 Viral Epidemics (Sophomore Seminar), CSCI0150 Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming and Computer Science, ARTS1003 Arts Leadership, MATH0520 Linear Algebra

I like to advise about:  Leavetaking and everything Brown-related: from choosing a career path and getting involved in clubs and societies, to navigating the challenges of being an international student and making the most out of the Open Curriculum.
I’m also happy to be a listening ear for more personal challenges (leavetaking-related or not) - whether it’s dealing with anxiety from college life, overcoming academic hurdles, resolving roommate conflicts, or adjusting to life in the U.S. Sometimes, you just need someone to talk to without making a "big deal" or committing to consistent time slots - and I’d love to be that someone.
Lastly, if you’re considering leavetaking for any reason, please feel comfortable reaching out to me. Supporting you through that process is the very reason I wanted this coordinator position. I promise to provide realistic, practical advice - or even just a supportive hug in silence if that’s what you need.

A formative college experience for me was/is:  The spring semester after my gap was truly life-changing. I returned to Brown just in time to declare my concentration as the first-ever official Computational Neuroscience concentrator at Brown University, following the concentration’s inauguration. It felt incredibly special to be part of something so new and groundbreaking.
An unexpected and happy surprise from the same semester was meeting some amazing underclassmen who have now become my closest friends. They’ve been such a meaningful part of my journey, and I can’t imagine my college experience without them.

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is:  Everyone’s journey through college is unique, and that’s what makes it special. It’s important to remember that the same environment can feel very different to each person, and there’s no “right” way to experience it. Adjusting to college can take time, and if you’re finding it harder than others, it doesn’t mean you’re weaker - it just means you’re still discovering your own pace.

Here’s the thing: once you find your rhythm, you may thrive in ways you didn’t expect. Think of it like solving a geometry problem in an exam - those who take more time to analyze the problem before finding the right calculations/methods, often come to solutions faster and more confidently than those who panic and rush in. Life works the same way. There’s no race. Take a breath, explore what works for you, and focus on what truly makes you happy.

If you ever feel like you’re struggling - mentally, emotionally, or even academically - remember that you’re not alone, even if it feels that way. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. There are people who care about your success and well-being, and it’s okay to lean on them when you need to.

Be kind to yourself, take your time, and trust that your journey is unfolding exactly as it should.

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: I enjoy taking long walks alone at night around campus, headphones on and music at full volume - it’s my way of clearing my head and re-centering myself. 
Another strategy I rely on is giving myself a full day with no commitments. I’ll clear my schedule completely to take a step back, focus on myself, and recharge by doing whatever I feel like in the moment. After that, I return to everything feeling more grounded and stronger than before.

Where’s Home?  Jackson, TN

What are you concentrating in?  Neuroscience

I chose my concentration(s) because: I chose neuroscience because I was interested in finding an interdisciplinary field that would allow me to explore all areas of STEM and beyond. Neuroscience encompasses aspects of nearly every subject! 

On campus, I'm also:  NEUR 10 TA, Desrochers Lab RA, Alhusaini Lab RA, DEI Coordinator of Women's Health Advocacy Group (WHAG), Treasurer of American Medical Women's Association (AMWA), Secretary of Nigerian Student Association (NSA), Connect4Health Volunteer

My favorite place to study is Scili 12th or 13 floor hopefully by the big window! ... and my favorite place to relax is 195 District Park.

One of my favorite classes was: Simple Art of Murder.

I like to advise about: Work–life balance, Brown extracurriculars, research, pre-health, imposter syndrome, soft skills and professionalism, adaptive strategies

A formative college experience for me was/is: Meeting my randomized freshman roommate, who I’ve now lived with for four years!

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: Take advantage of the freedom of college and work toward creating a healthy work–life balance to support both your personal and professional goals. It is easy to feel like you are behind, but life is not a race and you are right on time. Every experience holds a lesson, so take the time to reflect on what you go through and learn from it. Most importantly, enjoy the uniqueness and slight quirkiness of Brown while you can. This is such a special and rare environment!

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: hanging out with my friends, exploring Providence, Brown club events, FaceTiming my family, watching stand-up comedy, and self-care nights.

Where’s Home?  Barquisimeto, Venezuela

What are you concentrating in?  Engineering and Economics

I chose my concentration(s) because: I came to Brown set on studying pure Mathematics and Computer Science. I love math for its problem-solving aspect, but I realized I also enjoy collaborating and working on tangible projects, which is the aspect I liked about Engineering. I chose Economics as my other concentration since I’m interested in developmental economics and the role of policy in shaping Latin America’s future.

On campus, I'm also:  a TA for Economics and an Assistant Researcher in Engineering and Physics. Club-wise, I have been a Co-Chair for a couple of committees in Brown WiCS and am also a member of WiB.

My favorite place to study is  the Athenaeum or the Hay ... and my favorite place to relax is the Quiet Green with friends during the spring and summer times.

One of my favorite classes was: PHIL0640 Logic

I like to advise about: the Open Curriculum, double concentrating, gap years/semesters, research and funding opportunities.

A formative college experience for me was/is: Having my friends teach me how to drive around Brown’s campus during the summer after my sophomore year!

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: Take your time to explore your interests and don’t compare your trajectory to that of others (especially when some seem to have very clear goals from the start). Brown is the perfect place to experiment: there are so many opportunities, so be sure to try new things, connect with professors, collaborate and discuss with friends. Remember you are here, above all, to learn: 

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Taking long walks with no music or phone, reading a great book on the grass (or in a cozy library during the winter), and setting aside time throughout the week, whether for a long run, a coffee by myself, or meeting a close friend.

Where's home?: Bowling Green, KY

What are you concentrating in?: Computer Science and English

I chose my concentration(s) because: I'm passionate about both of them and can't imagine my life without either!

On campus, I'm also: A member of the Brown Ballroom Dance Team, Ivy Film Festival, and Madrigals  A capella group!

My favorite place to study is RISD Fleet Library; and my favorite place to relax is at boba shops :).

One of my favorite classes was: Brain Damage and the Mind with Professor Heindel (CPSY 0450)

I like to advise about: Academics, extra-curricular activities, adjusting to college, or anything that people have questions about!

A formative college experience for me is/was: Meeting friends that make Brown feel like home more than just a place to live and study <3

My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: Be open to exploring new opportunities, even if it seems scary! You might decide that something isn't for you after trying it, but every new experience can still teach you and help you grow.

My healthy strateg/(ies) for for destressing is/are: I'm trying to read more often, especially when I need a break from doing schoolwork all the time. One of my favorite book genres is fantasy!

Where's Home?: Livingston, New Jersey

Concentration: Education Studies; Science, Technology, Society (STS)

I chose my concentration(s) because: I am interested in how we create knowledge and how that knowledge is dispersed and understood. Who chooses what (mis)information we should learn about? Education Studies allows me to explore explicit and implicit lessons in formal education environments, while STS allows me to explore how scientific information in particular is distributed and distorted.

On campus, I'm also: TA for Data and Evidence in Education; volunteer with PAL; Education Studies DUG Leader; and Head of Outreach and Communication for Havurah.

My favorite place to study... ... and my favorite place to relax is … My favorite place to study is the Rock and my favorite place to relax is the Main Green

The best classes I have taken at Brown are: EDUC 1675 Psychology of Teaching and Learning; STS 0702 Invisible Labor in the Making of Science; PHP 1695 Effective Communication in Networked Information Ecosystems

I like to advise about: Balancing interdisciplinary interests, archival research, navigating institutional resources, and on-campus jobs

A formative college experience for me was/is: My summer as the Brown University History Fellow at the John Hay Library! Learning more about Brown's history allowed me to feel connected to a rich legacy of learning and community. Spending time in the archives revolutionized my understanding of research as a discipline beyond scientific lab work.

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: Talk to people! Adjusting to a new environment can be difficult. Speaking with peers, upperclassmen, faculty, and staff will help you feel more apart of a community. Plus, this will allow you to learn more about opportunities and resources at Brown.

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Knitting and other crafts, dancing with friends, and lounging in the sunshine