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?: Moscow, Russia and Genoa, Italy

What are you concentrating in?: IAPA and Economics

I chose my concentration(s) because: I chose IAPA because I wanted to stay up to date with the world and understand how to logically analyze anything, and I then also committed to Economics because I realized I miss math.

On campus, I'm also: Fashion@Brown Co-President, Researcher, and a TA.

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

One of my favorite classes was: URBN 0210: The City: An Introduction to Urban Studies, ECON 1000 Using Big Data to Solve Economic and Social Problems, POLS 1420 Money, Power in International Political Economy, IAPA 1701V Democratization, IAPA 1800D Law and Public Policy, MPA 2735 Women and Nations.

I like to advise about: Course recommendations, finding mentors, time management and organization, getting involved in clubs and activities (and why it's important!), navigating Brown as an international student.

A formative college experience for me is/was: Assisting in developing and teaching a masters seminar with the best professor I ever worked with!

My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: Take those random classes in a topic you never studied before and allow yourself to explore and question what major is for you and what you want to do - don't settle in a major too early! Get involved in clubs and explore Providence, make friends and have social life.

My healthy strategies for for destressing is/are: Biking, hiking, bouldering, anything outdoors really; exploring thrift shops and bookstores around the campus, running, having a meal with a friend.

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?: Houston, Texas

What are you concentrating in?: Empathy in Practice

I chose my concentration(s) because: I am deeply interested in how our perceptions of other people and society influence our life experiences and how we can manipulate those perceptions to help (or harm) others.

 On campus, I'm also: A Bruno Leader, ceramicist, and avid Hay enjoyer

My favorite place to study is the third floor of the Rock, and my favorite place to relax is on the floor of my room.

One of my favorite classes was: Egypt in the Amarna Era, Suffering and Compassion, Blame and Punishment.

I like to advise about: How to pursue passions that don't neatly align with a 4-year plan or are complicated to tackle. I also, am happy to discuss what it means to be pre-med while using the open curriculum to the fullest extent possible.

A formative college experience for me is/was: Taking an elective with a friend and being able to share that deep, shared interest with someone I cared about a lot.

My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: If there is any part of you that wants to take the path-less-traveled, do it. Brown is fundamentally structured to support that type of growth and learning and you may not get another opportunity for a number of years. 

My healthy strategies for for destressing is/are: Turning off the lights in my room, lying down, and listening to classical music for an hour.

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?: Chicago, IL

What are you concentrating in?: Archaeology and the Ancient World; Egyptology and Assyriology.

I chose my concentration(s) because: I've always been fascinated by the study of the past and figuring out what objects, texts, or words meant for people living then and how those meanings influence our lives today. Because of this fascination, I studied Latin in middle and high school, and then read the Epic of Gilgamesh which brought me to my more Near Eastern-focused interests today.

On campus, I'm also: A Meiklejohn Peer Advisor, a Community Coordinator in First Year Experience, a DUG leader for E+A and the DigDUG, and UCS Academic Affairs Chair. I also research with various Archaeology faculty.

My favorite place to study is the John Hay Library, and my favorite place to relax is outside on the greens.

The best classes I have taken at Brown are: "Lost Languages: The Decipherment and Study of Ancient Writing Systems," "Borderlands: Art and Culture Between Rome and Iran," and "Cities, Colonies and Global Networks in the Western Mediterranean."

I like to advise about: My official role is as an Independent Studies Co-Coordinator and so I love talking about (G)(L)ISPs/AIs, but I am excited to advise with general course selection/concentration progression -- particularly for humanities concentrations -- or with navigating Brown's academic ecosystem more generally.

A formative college experience for me is/was: Going to random talks on campus! Brown invites tons of amazingly intelligent, passionate, and dedicated people from both inside and outside the university to give talks, and going to those (related or unrelated to my main interests) has been incredibly rewarding.

My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: Get sleep and try to follow healthy habits. It can be very easy to run yourself ragged in the name of FOMO, but prioritize your well-being before anything else, including school.

My healthy strategies for for destressing is/are: I really like taking myself out for a nice dinner once in a while and enjoying some good food while having some time to myself.

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? Providence, Rhode Island

What are you concentrating in? ENVS and ECON

I chose my concentration(s) because: I think they’re super interesting and pertinent to the real world! There’s also a lot of overlap between them.

On campus, I'm also: A researcher for the CDL, a reporter for Possibly, a Meiklejohn, an IBES peer advisor and DUG leader.

My favorite place to study is Rhode Island Hall, and my favorite place to relax is the UEL.

The best classes I have taken at Brown are: Environmental Podcasting for the Common Good

I like to advise about: Places to explore in Providence, work-life balance, and research!

A formative college experience for me was/is: Definitely Brown Spring Weekend during freshmen year. I love Remi Wolf, and seeing her live with all my friends as awesome!!!

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: Say yes! You never know where one choice may lead you.

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Going on long walks and eating ice cream!

Where's home?: Fort Lee, New Jersey

What are you concentrating in?: Behavioral Decision Sciences and Economics - Public Policy

I chose my concentration(s) because: Every day, we each make up to 35,000 decisions. With the increasing inter-connectedness of our world, I wanted to understand the decision-making processes and implications of such outcomes on both an individual and macroeconomic level.

On campus, I'm also: A Community Coordinator, board member of the Food Recovery Network, and data analyst for Brown Advancement.

My favorite place to study is Becker Library, and my favorite place to relax is India Point Park! 

One of my favorite classes is: URBN 1870M: Urban Regimes in the American Republic.

I like to advise about: Leveraging Brown’s many resources, and even looking beyond what our University offers!

A formative college experience for me is/was: Singing karaoke to “I Want It That Way” in front of my freshman class during our First Year Fest.

My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: Apply yourself to various academic, extracurricular, and professional opportunities (even those that remotely interest you!) and reflecting on those experiences (e.g. journaling/creating a list of your likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses).

My healthy strateg/(ies) for for destressing is/are: Venturing off College Hill (with friends or solo!), e.g. walking along the Providence River or biking the East Bay Bike Path.

Where's home?: Oviedo, FL

What are you concentrating in?: Computer Science and Economics

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: President of Brown Finance Club, Treasurer of Coffee Club, and member of the Golf Team.

My favorite place to study is my dorm; and my favorite place to relax is on a golf course.

One of my favorite classes was: Race, Crime, and Punishment in the US.

I like to advise about: Navigating Brown's academic ecosystem, choosing classes, and professional goals..

A formative college experience for me is/was: Drinking tea on top of Cadillac Mountain with my boys during Spring Break.

My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: Keep an open mind, but explore with a purpose. Brown is the perfect place to experiment with your academic, social, and professional interests, so take advantage of the open curriculum, student groups, and all of Brown's resources to find what you are truly interested in.

My healthy strateg/(ies) for for destressing is/are: Sharing a cup of tea with some friends or calling up my best friend from high school.

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?: Moscow, Russia and Genoa, Italy

What are you concentrating in?: IAPA and Economics

I chose my concentration(s) because: I chose IAPA because I wanted to stay up to date with the world and understand how to logically analyze anything, and I then also committed to Economics because I realized I miss math.

On campus, I'm also: Fashion@Brown Co-President, Researcher, and a TA.

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

One of my favorite classes was: URBN 0210: The City: An Introduction to Urban Studies, ECON 1000 Using Big Data to Solve Economic and Social Problems, POLS 1420 Money, Power in International Political Economy, IAPA 1701V Democratization, IAPA 1800D Law and Public Policy, MPA 2735 Women and Nations.

I like to advise about: Course recommendations, finding mentors, time management and organization, getting involved in clubs and activities (and why it's important!), navigating Brown as an international student.

A formative college experience for me is/was: Assisting in developing and teaching a masters seminar with the best professor I ever worked with!

My advice for first-year students and and sophomores is: Take those random classes in a topic you never studied before and allow yourself to explore and question what major is for you and what you want to do - don't settle in a major too early! Get involved in clubs and explore Providence, make friends and have social life.

My healthy strategies for for destressing is/are: Biking, hiking, bouldering, anything outdoors really; exploring thrift shops and bookstores around the campus, running, having a meal with a friend.

Where's Home?: Livingston, New Jersey

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

I chose my concentration(s) because: I am interested in learning and knowledge production. How do we learn new information? Who chooses what information we should learn about? Education Studies allows me to look at formal structures of learning, while STS allows me to explore both the scientific and philosophical aspects of how information spreads.

On campus, I'm also: a co-president of Challah for Hunger, a volunteer with PAL and Best Buddies, and an Education Studies DUG Leader

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, and EDUC 1665 Reimagining Humanities Education

I like to advise about: Finding ways to approach your interests from interdisciplinary academic angles, a healthy work-life balance, and humanities research

A formative college experience for me was/is: Picnicking with my friends on the Main Green and enjoying the warm weather 

My advice for first-year students and sophomores is: Try elective classes from many different departments! Elective classes are a great way to learn about an in-depth focus rather than just a surface-level survey of the field. Also, check out new places on campus! Visiting identity centers, joining clubs, and attending performances are all amazing ways to learn about others and yourself.

My healthy strategy/ies for destressing is/are: Listening to podcasts on walks, playing board games with friends, and drinking tea.