Meet The Mentors

Olabisi Charity Adesanya

Lagos, Nigeria

Hello Peers! First, congrats on joining the Cougar family. I am a graduate student in the Apparel Merchandising, Design and Textiles (AMDT) department and an international student from Nigeria. I am excited to help you transition smoothly into the academic environment here at WSU. I look forward to providing you with useful information since I have gone through the phase you will soon be experiencing! I love meeting people and learning about new cultures, food and language. I look forward to meeting you and easing your worries by providing answers to your questions.

Samuel Aina

Kwara, Nigeria

I am a Ph.D. student in the Educational Psychology program. I am originally from Nigeria and I study how students and teachers can benefit from learning from multimedia. When I am not working on research, I love to spend time with my family. I am also the current President of the Nigerian Student and Scholars Organization (NSSO).

Eleanor Albrecht

Tacoma, Washington

Welcome to WSU! It is my fourth and final year here, and I am a triple major in history, art, and German, with a minor in exhibition studies. When I am not studying or working, I enjoy playing video games, reading fantasy books, and hanging out with my friends over dinner or just watching Netflix at home. I am also involved with the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art and the MASC here on campus. I am really excited to share the experiences I’ve had over the last three years from living in Pullman and being a Coug!

Elizabeth Amona

Ondo State, Nigeria

Hi, welcome to WSU! I am very excited to be your Peer Mentor and I am willing to help you anytime you need my help. Can’t wait to meet you guys! I am currently a PhD candidate in the Mathematics Department and my research interest is Mathematical Modeling (disease modeling). Current and Future Involvement: Mathematical Association of America (MAA) member, SLAM member, American Mathematical Society (AMS) member, ASA member and treasurer for the Nigerian Student and Scholars Organization.

Pruksapan Bantawtook

Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand

Welcome everyone to WSU! I am Pruksapan Bantawtook, or Pan, from Northeastern Thailand, which borders Laos. So, I can speak both Lao and Thai. I am pursuing a doctoral degree in language literacy, and technology at the College of Education. I am a Fulbright student with high energy coupled with enthusiasm and dedication to work with people from diverse backgrounds. I volunteer as a social ally for WSU ROAR program where I work with students with autism. I am also into cooking. If you ever want to have a Thai cooking lesson, you must let me know!

Elizabeth Nalbandian

Jerusalem, Israel

Hi everyone, welcome to Washington State University! Currently, I am a junior in both the Hospitality Business Management Program and Food Science. Originally, I am from the Middle East and speak four languages: Hebrew, Arabic, Armenian, and English. In my free time, I love baking, playing the violin, and going on adventures. A fun fact about myself: every time I visit a new country, I collect little porcelain dolls dressed in the tradition clothes of the region. Current Involvement: Professional Convention Management Association, Cru, and the food product development team.

Owen Canterbury

Roslyn, Washington

Hello! My name is Owen Canterbury and I am a biochemistry major entering my third year of studies at WSU. Apart from my quantitative courses, I enjoy taking German and honors curricula. In my spare time, you can find me working in a research lab on campus, out running and hiking, or at home cooking. I am also involved with the undergraduate research club and serve as a mentor for the honors college. I look forward to helping you integrate yourself into the community at WSU.

Doris Esmeralda Carbajal

Rock Island, Washington

Hi everyone! I am an Environmental Science major that wants to help create a better future for everyone around the world. I have lived in Washington my whole life. I like to go hiking whenever I can and listen to music. I am looking forward to passing on to you my knowledge of WSU and showing you around Pullman. So, please feel free to ask me any questions. I hope you make great memories here. Go Cougs!

Sushant Ciliveri

Bombay, India

Welcome to WSU! Hi, I am Sushant, an international student from Bombay, India. I am a Ph.D. student in Materials Science and Engineering Program, working on designing materials for orthopedic implants. Apart from the geek stuff I work on, I love playing my guitar (but I sing badly, very badly) and spend time playing FIFA with my friends. If you want to talk about books or movies or rock music (Pink Floyd and The Beatles are my all-time favorites), I am always up for it!I look forward to meeting you and making your transition into WSU as smooth as possible!

Martinus Dewa

Bandung, Indonesia

Welcome to WSU! I am a 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. I love cooking, playing music, and some other geeky stuff such as reading comic books and playing video games. Currently, I am doing research in the renewable energy field. Aside from research, I also involved in Indonesian Students Association and Fulbright Students Association.

Debomitra Dey

Mumbai, India

So glad to have you at WSU! I am an international student from India, so I can totally understand what you must be going through before coming to WSU. Here at WSU, I am a Ph.D. student majoring in Food Science, on my way to become a Food Scientist. On campus, I am involved with the Food Science Club and I am a member of the Indian Students Association (ISA). Off-campus you’ll find me eating out, traveling, involved in adventure sports, and writing blogs.

Chioma Ezeh

Anambara, Nigeria

Welcome to WSU!!! I am a Ph.D. student in the Language, Literacy and Technology program. My experience at WSU has been terrific. In my free time, I love looking for new recipes on Pinterest, cooking, and researching fun things to do with my family. I love culture and appreciate diversity and that is why I love the Peer Mentor program. I look forward to meeting my mentees and learning from all of your unique experiences. I am excited to contribute to your journey to and at WSU and help you explore the Palouse.

Jake Gray

Spokane, Washington

Welcome to the Palouse! I am a PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering and a third-generation post-graduate Coug. When I am not working, you can find me writing my thesis (mostly kidding), hiking, playing board games, or trying out a crazy new craft idea. I try to keep involved in the community through a number of projects. In my time at WSU, I have worked to engage high school students in science through the Imagine Tomorrow competition, the ACS Project SEED program, the Science Olympiad, and by creating my own hands-on outreach and activities in the classroom. I also run the annual ChEBE Food Drive each summer to benefit the Whitman County Community Action Center.

Erin Harrah

Vashon Island, Washington

Welcome to the Coug family! I am a Marketing major with a heart for the world! I have been to 22 countries and 32 U.S. states, including Ireland where I studied abroad last summer. I like to watch Netflix and YouTube, try new things, volunteer, find new coffee shops, run, crochet, and scrapbook. I am also a fan of all things aviation and current events. On campus, I am involved in the Marketing Club and as a Cougar Kids Camp Counselor. I look forward to meeting you all and helping you during this next exciting part of your life. GO COUGS!

Rebecca Hsieh

Olympia, Washington

Hello! I am originally from Taiwan and am currently pursuing a Bioengineering major and Computer Science and Math minors. I also play the violin with the WSU Symphony Orchestra and am a research assistant in Institute of Biological Chemistry. Outside of academia, I enjoy playing all types of video games, reading anything by Stephen King, and indulging in a slight obsession with bunnies. I look forward to helping all of you make WSU your home away from home.

Kris Kha

Welcome to WSU! I am an Animal Science major on the Pre-Vet track. When I am not studying, I like to read classic novels like Pride and Prejudice. I also like to go see movies brought by SEB and theatrical performances on campus. Current and Future Involvement: WSU Raptor Club, Student Swine Cooperative, Team Mentoring Program, and Astrix Table Project.

Eunjeong Kim

Busan, South Korea

Welcome to the Cougar family! I am very excited to meet you all and help you to have a great start at Washington State University. I am an international student from South Korea. I am from a city called Busan and I went to high school on the West coast of the United States. I am currently a senior majoring in Hospitality Business Management. I am currently working at Starbucks in the Spark building, which is located on the South side of the campus. I am the Vice President of the Korean Student Association. If you would like to see me, these places will be great places to come and find me! Can’t wait to meet you all! Oh, by the way, you can call me Ellissa!

Roberta Koku

Accra, Ghana

Hello everyone, I am Roberta, an international student in the Veterinary and Microbiology program. I am so glad to be involved in the Peer Mentor program. I love to dance and I do a lot of Zumba. I love listening to music, reading, and singing. However, I do not love cooking! I also love traveling and shopping. I am happy to help you become acquainted with WSU and Pullman. I am fun to talk to, and I am always here for you. Please feel free to reach out, any day, anytime.

Eunice Kwon

Seoul, Korea

Hello! Welcome to Washington State University. I am a graduate student in Chemical Engineering. I am happy to assist you as your Peer Mentor during your transition to life at WSU. I love to travel and learn about different cultures. I’m so excited to hear about your countries and experiences. I am look forward to meeting you!

Allison Lorphanpaibul

Battle Ground, Washington

Welcome to WSU! I am a junior studying Computer Science and Japanese. At school, I work with the academic enrichment center as a tutor, so if you need any help with Computer Science, let me know! Pullman is a wonderful town, and I am sure you all will love it. I am super excited to be your mentor this year, let’s make it a great year!

Michelle Mendoza

Clackamas, Oregon

Hello! My name is Michelle Mendoza and I am a Neuroscience Major and German Minor. I was born in Nezahualcoyotl, Mexico and came to the USA when I was 7 years old. I like listening to music, learning new languages and I enjoy being involved in different multicultural student groups on campus.

Indranath Mitra

Kolkata, India

Welcome to WSU! I am excited to be a part of your transition, and I am even more excited to meet you. I am a current Ph.D. candidate in the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture, majoring in Materials Science and Engineering. When I am not working in the lab, however fun that is, I like experimenting with cooking food, or I am watching TV. Back in India, I was involved with non-profit organizations working for the LGBTQ+ community where I learned a lot about acceptance and human interactions, which helped me when I started out here. I will be your peer, friend, and family. So, talk to me and let’s make this fun.

Adnan Mohamed

Tala-Moon, Libya

Hi everyone! I hope you are doing well. Welcome to wonderful WSU and our great Peer Mentor program. I am Adnan Mohamed. You can call me Ad. It is my pleasure to work with awesome people in the Peer Mentor program and it is my honor to be your Peer Mentor. I am still a student like you. I would happily share what I know in order to make your transition as smooth as possible. I am excited to know you and I am looking forward to meeting you.

Oluwasola Oni

Lagos, Nigeria

I am a Nigerian-born international student. I am a Teaching Assistant in the Human Development department at Washington State University, where I am currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Psychology. My area of research is increasing underrepresented groups in STEM fields. Over the last several years, I have worked in a wide variety of professional capacities in the private sector. In 2018, I obtained a M.S. in Sociology at Morgan State University in Maryland. In 2009, I received my bachelors in Sociology at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. My sociology background and personal experiences motivated me to join the Peer Mentor program, and I look forward to helping you adjust to a new culture as an international student. I am married with three children, and I love music and playing the piano/organ.

Aidan Royal Patterson

Maple Valley, Washington

Hello, my full name is Aidan Royal Patterson but you may call me Aidan, Royal if you wish to fuel my Ego. I am a sophomore here at Washington State University. I am a Chemical Engineering major as of half way through freshman year. I love anything science-related, so feel free to talk to me about anything from a STEM field. Chances are I might know a little about it! I am also extremely active; I participated in college sports all through high school including Discus and Cross Country Running. Places you might find me are the University Recreation Center, library, or the Chemical Engineering building. I look forward to a wonderful 2019-2020 school year!

Kaushik Kapu Raghavendra

Bengaluru, India

Welcome to Washington State! Go Cougs! I am an international student from India doing my masters at Washington State in the field of Computer Science. I am really looking forward to meeting all of you and helping make your transition to college as smooth as possible. I am involved with the Indian Student Association, Cricket club, and Dance at WSU on campus. I enjoy playing cricket, volleyball, and badminton. Dancing and cardistry are some of my hobbies (these keep changing from time to time!). Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.

Hongda Ren

Lianyungang, China

Welcome to WSU Pullman! I am an international student from China, and currently a graduate student in the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture. I am very excited to be part of this program to learn about diverse cultures and meet new Cougars. My interests include basketball, hiking, Taekwondo, pool and learning about other activities. If you would like to join a student organization to expand your network, for example the Graduate Student Association, my experience may be helpful. I look forward to helping you as you transition to life at WSU as well as having a great time with you!

David Segoh

Surabaya, Indonesia

Hi! Welcome to WSU Pullman! I am really excited to meet all of my mentees and all of the other new international students in Pullman. I hope you will enjoy your studies and experience here. I also hope that I can help you with anything that you would like to know. As an international student coming from the tropical, archipelagic country of Indonesia, I know how it feels to come to a new place with a different climate, food, environment, and people. I hope I can help you transition nicely to WSU and Pullman. Fall 2019 will mark the beginning of my third year at WSU. I am pursuing my Ph.D in Language, Literacy, and Technology, an exciting field that seeks to investigate the impacts of technology on language learning and education. I am also involved in several organizations, such as the Muslim Student Association (MSA), Indonesian Student Association in USA (Permias), and Pullman Islamic Association.

Chia Ying (JenJen) Teoh

Penang, Malaysia

Welcome to Washington State University! I am excited that you will be a part of the Coug Family. My name is JenJen, and I am a Senior studying Hospitality Business Management. I enjoy sleeping, reading, K-pop, memes, and DOGSSSSSSSSS!!!!!! I am currently involved in the Association of Pacific and Asian Women, Cougar Safe Rides (as a Volunteer), Eta Sigma Delta (Hospitality Business Management Honor Society), and I am a School of Hospitality Business Management Ambassador. As your Peer Mentor, I cannot wait to share my experience and wisdom. I look forward to meeting you all!

Quynh Thai

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Welcome to WSU! I am so glad that you chose WSU as your next destination on your academic journey. My name is Quynh Thai and I am a senior majoring in Finance. I am also an international student from Vietnam. With all of my experience studying abroad, I will do my best as your Peer Mentor to help you have a smooth and interesting transition to your college life here at WSU. I can’t wait to meet you all in person and get to know all of you better. See you soon and GO COUGS!

Thanh Tran

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Welcome to the Cougar family! I am an international student from Vietnam. My major is Biochemistry with an emphasis in Molecular Biology. As your Peer Mentor, I am looking forward to helping you acclimate to the U.S. in general, and specifically, to our supportive community here at WSU. My goal is to make your transition into college as smooth as possible. I am excited to share my academic experience and my first experiences of Pullman life with all of you! Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. I am currently involved with the School of Biological Sciences as an undergraduate research assistant and the International Programs department at WSU as a Peer Mentor.

Linh Vuong

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

My name is Linh Vuong and I am a sophomore, majoring in Biomedical, specifically the Pre-Pharmacy route. I came to the United States in 2016 as an exchange student in Missouri, and I spent two years studying at Central High School in Springfield, MO. I was born and raised in Ho Chi Minh city in Southern Vietnam. With the experience I have, I seek to be a good representative of my culture to make WSU a more diverse community.

Jasmine Wang

Zhengzhou, China

Hi everyone! My name is Jasmine Wang. I am a sophomore at WSU and I am majoring in Hospitality Hotel Management. This is my first year being a Peer Mentor and I am very excited about this job. In my free time, I like to watch Netflix and hang out with friends. It is very nice to meet you!

Kuirong Zhu

Nanning, China

Welcome to the Cougar family as a global citizen! My name is Quilla, and I am from southern China. I am studying International Business and Psychology, and also obtaining a Global Leadership Certificate at WSU. In addition to my work as a Peer Mentor, I am also a Global Learning Ambassador and an intern at the International Center. I care about mental health issues and campus engagement for international students. I can’t wait to chat, have fun, and explore opportunities with you in Pullman!