Meet The Mentors

Cheryl Aarnio

Kirkland, Washington

Hello! I’m a senior multimedia journalism major and French supplemental major. I’m part of the Honors College and am receiving a certificate of Global Competencies. I enjoy reading, hiking, photography, and singing. I’m excited to be a peer mentor this year! I studied abroad in France in spring 2020, so I understand the difficulties of adjusting to a new culture and way of life, and I can’t wait to help you get accustomed to life on the Palouse. I’m always open to any questions you may have and can’t wait to meet you!

Ibrahim Al Alawi

Muscat, Oman

Hello! My name is Ibrahim Al Alawi, and I am an international student from the Sultanate of Oman. Since I like dealing with numbers, the stock market, and technical analysis, I decided to major in accounting and hopefully be a double major in finance & accounting. However, I enjoy playing soccer as a defender and playing video games. I cannot wait to meet the new mentees and make new friends! I know and understand how it feels to be a new student in a different culture and environment, so please feel free to ask any questions without hesitation. Finally, I hope you enjoy the experience of being an international student and a part of the cougar family.

Scott Anderson

Washougal, Washington

Hello! I am Scott Anderson, and I am a senior at WSU. I am studying Spanish Education, as well as Teaching English as a Foreign Language. I have had the opportunity to work with students from all over the United States, and all over the world as a Resident Advisor, an Orientation Counselor, English Tutor, and Tennis Coach. In my free time I enjoy playing tennis, watching WSU sports events, and listening to music. I am very excited to introduce you to WSU, and I look forward to meeting you soon!

Jesse Bensinger

Pullman, Washington

Hey, welcome to the family! My name is Jesse Bensinger, and I am from Pullman. I’ve lived in Pullman for a good amount of my life and have always enjoyed coming back to a small yet beautiful place I call home. I am currently a junior majoring in Public Relations. I love to spend my free time listening to music, scary stories, and playing tennis. I know transitioning to a different place and different culture can be a lot, but I hope I can help you with that. My peers and I are always here to help!

Oieswarya Bhowmik

Kolkata, India

Firstly, a warm welcome to all of you to our Cougar family. Hi!! My name is Oieswarya Bhowmik and I am from Kolkata known as the “City of Joy” in India. I am a PhD student in computer science, specializing in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. I am very much intrigued by how technology can help the health system to be more efficient as, after all, algorithms are opinions embedded in code. When I am not studying, I love to spend my time listening to music and singing, and guilty of sometimes indulging in binge watching. I am also a decent cook and love to try new recipes. Being an international student myself I am aware how overwhelming this transition can be but lo and behold, we all are here to help you out in any way we can to make this experience as smooth as possible for you.

Derrick Bonney

Accra, Ghana

Welcome to WSU! I’m a PhD student at the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. I’m very happy to be your Peer Mentor and I’m ever ready to serve at anytime. I enjoy exploring new cultures, new places and going to tour. I’m very happy to show places in Pullman. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.

Allie Brich

Denver, Colorado

Hello! I am Allie Brich. I am currently working on a double degree in International Business and Chinese. I am from Denver, Colorado. I love to travel and learn more about other cultures. I enjoy reading and watching movies (I am always open to new movie recommendations). I am excited to be a peer mentor and to help out when I can. I look forward to meeting you!

Doris Carbajal

Rock Island, Washington

Hi everyone! I am an Environmental & Ecosystem Science major with a minor in Global Studies and this is my third year being a peer mentor! Since I have not had a lot of exposure to the many cultures the world has to offer, I thought joining this peer mentorship would help me learn about these things—and it certainly has. I like hiking, drawing occasionally, listening to music, and sleeping, but that won’t stop me from helping you out:) I look forward to another great year and providing support and resources to new students! I hope you make great memories at WSU. Go Cougs!

Martin Dewa

Bandung, Indonesia

Welcome to WSU! I am a 4th year Ph.D. student in the Mechanical Engineering program and also an international student from Indonesia. I’ve spent my whole life in Indonesia so studying abroad for the first time at WSU is a life-changing experience for me. I am pretty sure some of you are also in a similar situation, so that’s why I am so excited to be your mentor and help your transition as international students throughout the year. Currently, I am doing research in the renewable energy field. Other than doing research in the lab, I also love baking and playing video games during my free time.

Debomitra Dey

Mumbai, India

Hi! I am Debomitra Dey, a Ph.D. candidate in the School of Food Science almost reaching closer to graduation. I am from Mumbai, India. Firstly, welcome to WSU. I hope you have a fantastic grad school experience here. I can imagine and relate how difficult it is to transition to a new country and adapt to the new systems. It just reminds me of my time when I came to WSU. The Peer mentor program will ensure that your transition will be smooth and you blend sooner in our community. This is my third year working as a Peer mentor and had a great time and was fortunate to make many friends. I also work as a Senator with the Graduate and Professional Students Association (GPSA) and represent the grad and professional students. My hobbies include reading, hiking, and I discovered recently I enjoy cooking as well. 😀 I am looking forward to meeting you guys in person (maybe later this year, fingers crossed). Go Cougs!

Aldo Hanel

Campo Mourão, Paraná, Brazil

Oh hi! First of all, congratulations and welcome to WSU! I am international PhD student at the Department of Entomology in Pullman/WA, and the USDA-ARS lab in Wapato/WA. I’ll be working on the role of earwigs on orchards in the Pacific Northwest, which is kinda awesome (for me)! As someone who just moved from Brazil to the United States amidst a global pandemic, I surely understand the challenges ahead of you, but also that together we can overcome anything! I’m very easy going, curious, and a generally upbeat person. Also, I’m an avid music fan, from death metal to hip-hop, from tuvan throat-singing to random pop music, hit me up! Hopefully, I will be able to make you feel a bit at home here in Pullman, making this transition as smooth as possible! You’re about to become a proud Coug! #GoCougs

Deep Inamdar

Pune, Maharashtra, India

I come from India, and we all sail in the same boat. Welcome you all to the WSU family. I fill my free time mostly singing and playing chess. In recent times trying my hands on poetry and piano. Let’s connect to share stories and make this journey more joyful. I am excited to be your mentor and guide you smoothly through this transition period. I look forward to helping you with all your questions or needs, or just to simply have a friend. I am very comfortable to talk to so feel free to ask anything anytime.

Gajanan Kothawade

Maharashtra, India

Hello! I would say Namaskar! A way to great each other in India…! Welcome to WSU! I’m an international Student from Maharashtra, India and a graduate student at the Department of Biological Systems Engineering, working in the field of Agricultural Automation and Engineering. Back in India, I was working in the Geospatial Data Science domain. Here on campus, I’m involved with the American Society of Agricultural & Biological Engineers as well as the Agricultural Automation & Engineering Club. Apart from the technical aspect, I like to talk a lot 🙂 … If you want to talk, I’ll be always happy to connect. Also, a big fan of Indian Classical Music. Looking forward to meeting and helping you Cougs!

Xuejiao Li

Dalian, China

Hi folks! Welcome to WSU! My name is Xuejiao, you can also call me Judy. I am from Dalian which is a small coastal city in China. Currently, I am a graduate student majoring in Language, Literacy, and Technology. In the future, I will become a teacher and my teaching pet peeve is wanting students to have fun in class, becoming a life-long learner. In addition to my study, I am interested in swimming, reading, painting, listening to music, dancing, playing video games, and cooking. I would like to help you at any time; feel free to reach out to me. Go Cougs!!!

Stephen Onayemi

Lagos, Nigeria

Hello friend! Welcome to WSU. I am glad to answer your questions and support you in your new transition to WSU. I am a graduate student in the Department of Entomology and working on saving honey bees from Varroa mites. I am also an international student from Nigeria and a member of the Nigerian Students and Scholars Organization (NSSO). I enjoy listening to music, traveling, and interacting with people. Feel free to reach out to me on whatever inquiries you have and I look forward to meeting you.

Lucy Perera-Romero

Caracas, Venezuela

Welcome to Pullman, everyone!  I am very happy to part of the Peer Mentor Program and help make your transition to WSU easier. I am a conservation biologist originally from Venezuela and a Ph.D. candidate in the School of the Environment. My research focuses on understanding the impacts of human disturbances on the populations of jaguars and the integrity of wildlife communities. During my free time, I love to explore new landscapes and hiking trails. I am looking forward to meeting you all!!

Anh Phan

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Howdy!! My name is Anh Phan, I’m from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and I’m a sophomore. I major in Civil Engineering, although I have a strong interest in biology. I went to a small high school in Rochester, New York, 2 years ago, and it was an interesting time. I hope that with my help, your transition to WSU would be even easier and smoother. I am excited to meet you guys!

Truc Phuong (Jade) Phan

Can Tho, Vietnam

Hello, I am Truc Phuong, I also go by Jade here. I am a junior majoring in advertising at the Murrow College of Communication here at WSU. I moved to Washington 2 years ago from Vietnam to attend college. I understand how challenging it can be adapting to a new life and a new environment here in the U.S as an international student. So I am very happy to become a Peer Mentor to help you with any challenges or difficulties when studying here. My goals are to help you have the best experience at WSU and integrate yourself into the amazing community here. My hobbies are cooking, listening to music and going on picnics, so if you want to have a cooking buddy and play some music after class, I might be a good one. I am having a great time here at WSU and I hope you will too, welcome to the WSU family and GO COUGS!

Jorge Pires

Chubut, Argentina

Hello there! And welcome to WSU! My name is Jorge and I’m from Argentina. I’m doing a PhD in electrical engineering because I love understanding how things work, and I also enjoy learning. When not working, I enjoy going outdoors for a hike (there’s plenty of nature to see in the Palouse). Practicing landscape photography is very relaxing! If I’m indoors, then you’ll probably find me watching a movie (sci-fi my favorites!), gaming a bit, or reading random Wikipedia pages. But it’s also fun to hang out with friends and meeting new people. I’m sure you’ll find WSU very welcoming!  See you around!

Jarely Aragón Ramírez

Los Angeles, California and Yakima, Washington

Hi, welcome to WSU! I am an undergraduate majoring in Spanish for teaching and minoring in Japanese. I love cats, playing tennis, walking, and reading. While I am not an international student myself, I do have experience with moving states, adjusting to an unfamiliar environment, and making completely new friends. It is my goal to help you feel welcomed, comfortable, and supported. I am so excited to get to know you, help you with any questions you may have, and listen to your needs! Don’t hesitate to ask me any questions because my dream is to see you succeed academically, professionally, and personally.

Jana Richter

Warendorf, Germany

Welcome to WSU everyone! I am Jana from Germany doing my Ph.D. in Food Science here in Pullman. Coming from a relatively highly populated area in Germany, I am very aware of how hard the transition from your home country to Pullman can be, but I am sure you will have a great time! I love traveling, painting, outdoor activities, and meeting friends. I am very exciting get to know you and make some unforgettable memories together!

Aminder Sekhon

Punjab, India

Welcome to WSU!  I am a Ph.D. student at WSU, Pullman. My Ph.D. research work is focused on novel technology called hyperspectral imaging for rapid detection of foodborne pathogens in dairy foods. I like reading, hiking and playing volleyball. As an international student from India, I fully understand the challenges and transition phase that a new student may experience during early phase at WSU. Please feel free to contact me if you need any help. I am looking forward to assisting you as a peer mentor.

Arshdeep Singh

Punjab, India

Hello! I am Arshdeep, a PhD student at the School of Food Science. I am an international student from Punjab, India. I am excited to be a peer mentor and welcome you all! I will be serving as a senator for the Graduate and Professional Students Association (GPSA) for academic year of 2021-22. Beside my studies, I like to play volleyball, table tennis and football. I enjoy painting or traveling in my free time. I am looking forward to seeing you guys!

Oluwafemi Sunday

Lagos, Nigeria

Welcome to the Cougar family! I am a Ph.D. student in the Department of Educational Psychology. My research focuses on multimedia instructional design, learning strategies, and STEM education. I love to provide an inclusive environment that promotes cognitive learning and students’ well-being. Besides my academic pursuit, I like to spend quality time with my cute family. Music is something I do for fun and always listen to classical and country-side music – I love to sing. I am happy to meet with you, and it’s going to be fun to have you here in Pullman.

Kennedy Tisdel

Kenmore, Washington

Hey guys! My name is Kennedy and I’m a senior studying Biochemistry. I am a premed and love the field of science—especially organic chemistry! I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and enjoy finding new places to explore the beautiful state of Washington. I love helping people and getting to know their stories, so I’m excited to be an International Peer Mentor this year! I enjoy getting involved in the community through volunteering and youth mentoring, and am passionate about public service. In my free time I like to play music, hike, eat yummy food, and watch baking shows.

Xander Walker

Calgary, Canada and Hansville, Washington

Welcome to WSU! I’m Xander! I am a college junior studying Construction Management, I’m originally from Canada but more recently the western side of Washington. I’ve lived in Pullman for just under 3 years and over that time I’ve come to love the area and community. Some of my favorites things to do are hikes around Moscow mountain, going down to the Snake River on a hot day, or just catching up with a friend on the patio. As for personal hobbies, I am an avid board gamer, vintage automotive enthusiast, and amateur photographer. I love to travel and so far have been to parts of Southeast Asia, quite a bit of Western Europe, and most of the U.S. and Canada. I always enjoy a good conversation about anything (but especially history) and I cannot wait to meet new people! Go Cougs!

Xutu Wang

Beijing, China

Hi everyone, and welcome to the cougar family at WSU! I am a Ph.D. candidate in the Chemical Engineering Department, and I am also an international student from Beijing, China! I am so excited to meet you all and to start our new semester together. I believe international students are a big and important part of university education, and it is great to make friends in different cultures. I love my biomedical research work, and I like to do all kinds of sports and outdoor activities like boxing, hiking, and camping. Pullman is a great place, and I am sure you will have lots of fun here! Go Cougs!

Waddhanabot (Bot) Yi

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Welcome to the Cougs family! I’m Bot, an international student from Cambodia and I’m currently majoring in Software Engineering and minoring in Interior Design. This is my second year at WSU, and I’ve had a wonderful experience so far. Outside of my academic interests, I enjoy exercising and participating in outdoor activities. I wish you the best of luck with your transition to WSU, and I hope to see you soon! Oh, and please don’t hesitate to ask me questions!