Meet The Mentors

Valerie Achziger

Eastvale, California

Hello, my name is Valerie and I am a first-generation student studying Animal Science on a Pre-Vet track. I hope to one day travel the world and provide no- to low-cost veterinarian care to those in need. I love meeting new people and learning about their cultures and sharing mine! I also love cooking, the ocean, my two dogs, and I can talk about Marvel movies all day long. I am also always here to help in anyway that I can so never hesitate to ask!

Deola Naomi Adetunji

Ondo city, Nigeria

My name is Deola Naomi Adetunji. I’m a transfer student at WSU studying criminal justice with psychology as my minor. I am currently in my senior year and I will be graduating next year. I love exploring different places and hanging out on campus, love movies night, and enjoy the Pullman atmosphere.

Mary Aina

Oye-Ekiti, NIgeria

Ekaabo! A way to say Welcome in Yoruba language. Ekaabo si Washington State University 😊. I am an international student from Ekiti, popularly known as the fountain of knowledge in Nigeria. I’m a graduate student in the department of Teaching and Learning in the Curriculum and Instruction program. I’m studying strategies that support STEM learning for underserved student populations. I enjoy visiting new places and meeting people. I look forward to meeting you all. Go Cougs!

Al-Waleed Al-Adawi

Al Batinah, Oman

Hi! I am Al Waleed, but you can just call me Walid. I am an Omani international student at WSU. I am majoring in Data Analytics, for I have always been into math and cs. I enjoy working out, playing video games, reading books, and playing the guitar. I have had the opportunity to be in several multicultural environments as a student and a supervisor here and back home, so out of my experience I wanted to be a mentor to help international students adapt to such a new environment, make new friends, and introduce them to WSU. I am very excited and cannot wait to meet you guys!

James Asare

Accra, Ghana

James comes from Ghana and is a student in the Math and Science Education program in Pullman. He has a background in pure, applied, and computational mathematics, which fuels his interest in the experiences of math education in the classroom. James is an avid reader who likes to write poetry when he is not engaged with math.

Oieswarya Bhowmik

Kolkata, India

Firstly, a warm welcome to all of you to our Cougar family. Hi!! My name is Oieswarya Bhowmik and this is my 2nd year acting as an International peer mentor. I am from Kolkata known as the “City of Joy” in India. I am a Ph.D. student in computer science, specializing in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. I am very much intrigued by how technology can help the health system 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 am 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.

Hector Botello

Colombia

Hello everyone! My fellow Cougs! My name is Hector and I’m from Colombia. I’m a second year Ph.D. student in Economics. My hobbies are practice outdoors activities (hiking, camping, rafting, etc.) and sports like tennis, soccer and a lot more. Practicing outdoor photography is also fun! In my home, I like to cook, play videogames and watch old movies. I really enjoy learning from another cultures and sharing experiences. I hope you like your time in the Palouse.

Doris Carbajal

Rock Island, Washington

Hello! I am an Environmental and Ecosystem Science major with a minor in Global Studies. I will be graduating this fall 2022! I hope to one day learn and explore all kinds of ecosystems and environments around the world. I have been an international student peer mentor since 2019, and really enjoy being a part of the program! I really like meeting people from all around the world and learning from them:). I have also enjoyed the opportunity to help out students with their first experience at WSU. I hope all the new international students in the program will enjoy their time here at WSU!

Michael Chavez

Hi everyone! First, I would like to welcome you to WSU and to the Coug family! My name is Michael, and I am a transfer student in my final semester here at WSU! I am an undergrad student in the Edward R Murrow College of Communication and am working toward a double major in Advertising and Broadcast Production to go with a minor in Hospitality Business Management. My goal is to at least get my master’s degree in the Communications field. I love learning new things, especially about investing or anything real estate related, and I love meeting new people. My free time usually consists of more learning, gym, and video games. I work in the wine industry back home during the summers, but I love to travel to new places whenever I get the chance. I look forward to meeting you all and if anybody has any questions about anything, feel free to reach out anytime!

Aurelia Cromwell

Eastern Washington

Hi I’m Aurelia, Ari for short, welcome to WSU. I am studying Mathematics and Environmental Sciences going into my fourth-ish year. I attended college then worked in a career and am back to finish. When I am not in school I enjoy doing anything in the outdoors and meeting new people. I love learning new things and sharing different perspectives. I look forward to having great chats with you and answering any questions you have. Also in my free time I enjoy finding quiet places to nap and enjoy nature. I look forward to being of help. Welcome to WSU, Go Cougs!

Martinus 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/board games and guitar during my free time.

Taylor Hunt

California

Hello, my name Is Taylor Hunt. I am originally from California before I moved to Pullman for school. I am a senior in the Agricultural Technology and Production Management program. When I am not working on school, I can be found hiking in the area, swimming in the river and climbing at the Recreation center on campus.

Anna Ivanova

Russia

My name is Anna Ivanova and I’m a Ph.D. student and a teaching assistant in School of Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs. I am passionate about Environmental Policy and our environment in general. My second degree is Environmental Science. The other side of my background is my unconditional love for the Chinese language. I spent a lot of time in China studying, working, and traveling. Apart from my academic interests, I am an avid fitness lover and you will probably see me in UREC from time to time; I also play piano, so if you are good at ukulele or guitar we can play a couple of songs together.

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!

Callie Kuykendall

Golden, Colorado

Hello, my name is Callie Kuykendall, this fall will be my second year at WSU, and I will be a junior. I am majoring in organic and sustainable agriculture and minoring in Spanish. Although my career plans are foggy, I do know that I want to help encourage agricultural practices that are simultaneously productive and provide benefits to the soil, insect, and overall ecosystem health. I am from Golden, Colorado, which is a town nestled between the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and the big city of Denver. I am passionate about environmental preservation and learning about other cultures. During my free time I like to be outdoors, be with friends and family, read, write, draw, or watch tv shows (especially comedies or Korean shows).

Leslie Lemus

Hello and welcome to WSU! My name is Leslie Lemus I am a first-gen student studying Biology and Spanish on a Pre-Med track. I hope one day to become a surgeon and help those in need. I enjoy listening to music especially Bad Bunny, watching shows like Grey’s Anatomy, and eating tacos! 🙂 I’m excited to get to meet new Cougs and help them transition into WSU. 🙂

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 life-long learners. 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!!!

Ali Maleki

Karaj, Iran

Hello everyone! Welcome to WSU. I am Ali, and I’m from Iran. Currently, I’m doing a Ph.D. in electrical engineering (my research area is on using renewable energy sources, so let’s save the world). I also got my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering, so I’m a little familiar with engineering topics. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, hiking, meeting friends, watching movies, going to the gym, and swimming. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. Hope to see you around.

Federico Mellani

Milan, Italy

Hello everyone, my name is Federico Mellani (don’t worry if you can’t spell it 100% the Italian way), I am a second-year international student studying at WSU for a degree in Basic Medical Sciences with the hope of, in the future, to go to medical school here in the United States. As a peer mentor, I am here to answer any questions that you might have in your academic life and not only. Plus as the Italian I am, I am always down to go get a coffee whenever you want :).

Quyen Nguyen

Da Lat, Vietnam

Dear Incoming Cougars, welcome to the WSU family! My name is Quyen Nguyen and I am an international student from Da Lat, a small but gorgeous city in Vietnam. I have just finished my first semester at WSU as a transfer student and I love everything about this community, so I hope you will too! Besides my huge passion for marketing, I also love to read or just stay at home and watch Korean movies. I am not a huge fan of outdoor activities, but I do love to go hiking or walking around when the weather is nice (spring in Pullman is stunning). As an international student, I deeply understand how hard it is for you to adapt to a new environment, but that is why we are here as peer mentors to be your companions on this journey. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with questions! Until next time, go Cougs!

Natalia Nin

Hello, my name is Natalia Nin. I am a third year student at WSU working towards an English major and a minor in Philosophy. I will be studying abroad in the spring and I am looking forward to traveling again! I love learning about new cultures and meeting new people. I love all different types of art mediums and can talk about music for hours!

Fatima Obe

Ilara-mokin, Nigeria

I am Fatima Olayemi Obe. Many people know me as Ola. I obtained my first degree in Industrial Chemistry from Federal University of Technology located in Akure, Nigeria, in 2016. I came to the United States in 2018 to pursue a master’s program in Chemistry (with major research in organic synthesis) at Illinois State University, from where I graduated in the summer of 2020. In pursuit of my career goals, I came to WSU in the fall semester of 2020 and have since been working toward getting a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry. I am steadily making progress, taking one day at a time. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, singing, and watching movies. My ideology is “if you can conceive it, you can achieve it.” 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 pest management strategies to control grape mealybugs in wine grapes. 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 with whatever inquiries you have, and I look forward to meeting you.

Oluwasola Oni

Lagos, Nigeria

Welcome to the Cougar family! I am a Ph.D. student in the Department of Educational Psychology. My research focuses on conceptual change, culturally responsive education, concept mapping, contextual factors, learning and instruction strategies in STEM. I love to share resources on how new students can adjust to the Pullman academic community and weather. I spend time with my wife and three lovely kids. I will be glad to meet you.

Taylor Perry

Hello and welcome to WSU! My name is Taylor I am currently going into my second year for my undergraduate. I am majoring in elementary education and minoring in human development. I’m very school, family and friend oriented. I’m currently in a sorority and love to get involved with anything I can. I like to stay in and enjoy personal time but also to go and hang out with my friends. I grew up really into sports watching and playing. I love everything outdoors and am always down to try different things. I would like to help you at any time; so feel free to reach out to me. Go Cougs!!!

Jorge Pires

Comodoro Rivadavia, Argentina

Hello there! And welcome to WSU! My name is Jorge and I’m from Argentina. I’m doing a Ph.D. 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!

Jana Katharina 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 – especially skiing and biking, and meeting friends. I am very excited to get to know you and make some unforgettable memories together!

Audrey Snedecor

Hello and welcome to WSU! My name is Audrey and I am a senior majoring in Animal Sciences on the pre-veterinary track. When I am not at home reading a book, watching movies, or cuddling with my cat, I enjoy taking long walks or going for a run around Pullman. I am also super passionate about music and play the piccolo in the Cougar Marching Band. Sharing new experiences and learning about different cultures is very important to me and I look forward to meeting you soon! Go Cougs! 🙂

Zengran Sun

China

Welcome to WSU! I am a graduate student in the department of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering. I was born and raised in China and moved to the States in 2014. It has been a fun 8-year experience living in the States, and I am sure you will find your enjoyment as well. Let’s work together and make many beautiful memories!!!

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.

Karisma Yumnam

Imphal, India

Hi peeps! I am Karisma Yumnam pursuing a Ph.D. at Biological Systems Engineering. I am from Manipur, a valley surrounded by 9 mountain ranges, a small northeastern state in India. I live at the Prosser campus and am passionate about the emerging technologies in agriculture. I have diverse hobbies and interest. I love painting, watching movies, Korean dramas, coffee, and tennis among others. Happy to be a peer mentor!

Johana Thomas Zapata

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Hi everyone, welcome to WSU! My name is Johana Thomas Zapata. I am a Fulbright Scholar mathematics educator studying Math & Science Education (Ph.D. program). I am bilingual in English and Spanish :-). My roots are on the Caribbean coasts of Honduras, so I love the sun, warm weather, and outdoor activities – spring and summer are my favorite seasons. Being a peer mentor is something I am eager to do to support new WSU students on their transition to campus by learning about new resources and making the most of their college experience.