Honors Community Mentors

Alejandra Afanador (she/her) (HC ‘27) is an Honors College student double-majoring in Political Science and Psychology with a minor in Philosophy, Politics, & Economics (PPE), aspiring to pursue a career in law. In addition to serving as a Lead Honors Community Mentor at the Honors College, Alejandra is the Founding President of BridgeRutgers alongside dedicated leadership of the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) and Latino Student Council (LSC). She also has a history of involvement in student government. Passionate about civic engagement, Alejandra is a strong advocate for student leadership, community building, and professional development. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, and connecting with others.

Nkosazana Burke-Douglas (she/her) (HC '28) is an Honors College student at Rutgers University-New Brunswick majoring in Clinical Psychology and Korean, with aspirations of becoming a physician-scientist specializing in Psychiatry. Beyond her studies, Nkosazana serves as an Honors Community Mentor, conducts research as a McNair Scholar, and is an College Advising Fellow for Matriculate where she advises high school students with their college applications. She recently was the recipient of the Critical Language Scholarship, a fully funded scholarship from the United States Department of State to study Korean for the summer of 2026.

Jerry DeBlois (he/him) (HC '27) is an Honors College student majoring in Biological Sciences, seeking to become a physician with a focus on public healthcare education. Jerry also works with Digital Classroom Services as a Digital Support Specialist, assists in oncological research, and is the president of Perfect Pair Rutgers, alongside serving as a Lead Honors Community Mentor. When he has free time, Jerry loves to play soccer, explore nature, DJ, and hang with his friends!

Lakim Williams (he/him) (HC '27) is an Honors College student majoring in Supply Chain Management, driven by a deep belief that the way you build something is just as important as what you build. Lakim works across operations and strategy, from interning with BMW Group to running his own fashion brand, Trulephased, where he manages everything from vendor sourcing to the final product drop. He also serves as an Honors Community Mentor and Peer Mentor with THRIVE, walking alongside continuing students as they navigate their path. When he's not in work mode, Lakim is designing streetwear, hooping, or finding new ways to turn creative ideas into something real.

Maya Zarcone (she/her) (HC ‘27) is an Honors College student double majoring in Computer Science and Classics. In the future, she hopes to pursue a graduate degree in computer science and work as a software engineer. On campus, Maya is involved with the Aresty Research Center as a Peer Instructor, Learning Assistant Program, Society of Women Engineers (SWE), and Rutgers Art History Student Association (RAHSA). In her free time, Maya enjoys drawing, reading, and traveling.

Dylan Adamo (HC ’28) is an Honors College Student majoring in Music Performance on Bassoon and Applied Physics. At Rutgers, Dylan studies with Professor Nye, a bassoonist for the New York Philharmonic. Outside of music performance, he has volunteered to teach music in his community’s summer programs and has experience teaching one-on-one. In his free time, Dylan enjoys playing video games, hiking, cooking, traveling, connecting with others

Tania Alvarado Che (she/her) (HC '28) is an Honors College student majoring in Public Health with minors in Developmental Psychology and Political Science, with aspirations of pursuing an MD/MPP. In addition to serving as an Honors Community Mentor at the Honors College, Tania holds leadership roles across various organizations including the First Generation Student Union (FGSU), LMSA Pre-Health Latino Undergraduate Society (LMSA PLUS), and Celebrating Latinx Arts & Works (CLAW). In her free time, Tania enjoys volunteering, gardening, photography, and coding!

Jaden Booth (he/him) (HC’ 28) is an Honors College dual-degree student majoring in Leadership & Management and Sport Management, with aspirations of pursuing a career in the front office of a professional sports organization. Besides serving as an Honors Community Mentor at the Honors College, Jaden is the Vice President of the Sport Management Club, volunteers as a Kinesiology & Health Ambassador, and is a member of Future Business Leaders of America. In his free time, Jaden enjoys watching sports, spending time with friends and family, listening to music, and cooking.

Rachel Clerk (she/her) (HC' 29) is an Honors College student majoring in Biological Sciences and Public Health, aspiring to pursue a career in medicine while advocating for public health measures. Besides working as an Honors Community mentor, Rachel does research on the human microbiome at the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, volunteers at her local hospital, and takes classes to become a certified EMT. In her free time, Rachel enjoys exercising, cooking new dishes, spending time with friends and family, and watching TV shows.

Eina Dizon (she/her) (HC *29) is majoring in economics and data science with a concentration in statistics, and is excited to highlight the importance of learning from diverse perspectives. Besides being a community mentor on campus, she is involved in the Rutgers Campus Programs department, the Southeast Asians of Rutgers, the Master of Business and Science externship program, the Douglass Residential Community, and dabbles in many more! Eina finds that life gains more meaning when experiencing new things, be it food, horror movies, or people.

Anushka Gaidhani (she/her) (HC '29) is an Honors College student majoring in Cell Biology & Neuroscience and Psychology, with aspirations of becoming a doctor. She is involved in the Douglass community and serves on Prevent Suicide New Jersey's Youth Planning Committee, where she works on a social media campaign focused on mental health awareness. Outside of academics, Anushka enjoys spending time with friends, reading, and crocheting.

Radha Ghate (she/her) (HC '28) is an Honors College student majoring in Computer Science and Math, with aspirations of becoming a Software Engineer. Besides serving as an Honors Community Mentor at the Honors College, Radha is involved on campus as a Global Ambassador and HC Ambassador, and is heavily involved with various clubs such as Rutgers WiCS and BITS. In her free time, Radha enjoys traveling, photography, and playing pickleball.

Cecilia Kolenich (she/they) (HC/MGSA ‘28) is an Honors College student studying Filmmaking at Mason Gross and minoring in Spanish and Arts Management at SAS. In the future, she aspires to be a documentary filmmaker and journalist. When she’s not mentoring students at the Honors College, she produces videos for the Daily Targum and the Honors College Media Team. In her free time, Cecilia loves to watch movies, go out with friends, and take photos in nature. You can always find her with a camera in hand! She’s excited for this school year and can’t wait to meet new people.

Sabrina Lewis (she/her) (HC ‘29) is an Honors College student majoring in Biological Sciences, with aspirations of becoming a physician who bridges her passion for sports with medicine. Besides serving as an Honors Community Mentor, Sabrina spends much time as a devoted manager for the Rutgers Women’s Basketball team, where she contributes to a high-performance environment centered on collaboration, excellence, and discipline. She is also passionate about creating spaces that elevate minority voices and reflect the importance of cultural identity, while celebrating her Jamaican heritage. In her free time, Sabrina enjoys watching and analyzing basketball, listening to and interpreting music, painting, and haircare.

Samantha Liu (she/her) (HC '29) is an Honors College student double-majoring in Cell Biology and Neuroscience and Economics. She hopes to be a doctor and specialize in neurosurgery. In addition to serving as an Honors Community Mentor, Samantha works as an EMT, volunteers at the hospital, tutors formerly incarcerated people, and works with children at the local library. In her free time, Samantha enjoys watching movies, playing piano, and hanging out with friends.

Maansi Mallapuram (she/her) (HC '29) is an honors college student on the pre-law track majoring in economics with a minor in culinary nutrition. On campus, she works closely with the Asian American Cultural Center while working as a student nutrition worker at the RWJBarnabas Health Athletic Performance Center. Passionate about food security and economic development, she hopes to pursue a career in food law & policy. In her free time, Maansi loves to read, eat delicious food, and meet new people!

Alex Michelman (he/him) (HC’29) is an Honors College student at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, majoring in Animal Science on the Pre-Vet track and minoring in Public Health, seeking to become a Veterinarian. Alex is an honors community mentor for first-year students. Alex is also a veterinary assistant during the summer and a certified lifeguard. Outside of academics, Alex enjoys playing volleyball, hanging out with friends, working out, watching movies, and listening to most types of music.

Aleksandra Mondrzik (she/her) (HC '27) is a first generation student at Rutgers Honors College majoring in Civil Engineering. Besides serving as a Honors Community Mentor at the Honors College, Aleksandra is part of the Aresty Research Assistant Program as a Peer Instructor, works with the School of Engineering as an Ambassador, and is a member of the Society of Women Engineers and American Society of Civil Engineers. Aleksandra finds joy in listening to music, immersing herself in books, and trying new things.

Yashvi Raole (she/her) (HC °28) is an Honors College student at Rutgers University Honors College with aspirations of pursuing a career in medicine and healthcare leadership. In addition to serving the Rutgers community through her work at the Rutgers Veterans House, Yashvi has gained hands-on healthcare experience through combat medic training, EMT work, hospital volunteering, shadowing physicians, and working in a physical therapy office. She is passionate about mentorship, building supportive communities, and helping others feel welcomed and connected. In her free time, Yashvi enjoys painting, baking, traveling, and meeting new people.

Sreenidhi Ravishankar ('27, SOE/HC) is an Honors College student majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Business Administration, with hopes to develop better healthcare technology. Besides serving as an Honors Community Mentor at the Honors College, Sreenidhi serves as Treasurer for the Biomedical Engineering Honors Society (Alpha Eta Mu Beta) and is a member of the Society of Women Engineers. In her free time, she is a Bharatanatyam dancer and enjoys crocheting, singing, and playing guitar.

Shivonicea Saravanan (she/her) (HC '29) is an Honors College student majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Economics, with aspirations of working in fintech and software development. Besides serving as an Honors Community Mentor at the Honors College, Shivonicea acts as an Honors College Peer Mentor, does research on Artificial Intelligence within the Aresty Program, and is a member of RUAIR and Rutgers Dynamics. In her free time, Shivonicca enjoys hanging out with her friends, graphic design, reading, and playing video games.

Shreeja Sinha (she/her) (HC '29) is an Honors College student majoring in Biochemical Engineering, with aspirations of working in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry. Besides serving as an Honors Community Mentor at the Honors College, Shreeja is involved in the Society of Women Engineers, American Institute of Chemical Engineering, and HARU. In her free time, Shreeja enjoys playing tennis, going to the beach, and watching TV shows.

Jude Smith (29, SAS/HC) is an Honors College student majoring in history and data science, and is interested in pursuing a MPA or JD after graduation. Besides serving as an Honors Community Mentor at the Honors College, Jude serves as Treasurer for both the Rutgers Undergraduate Society of History, and the Rutgers Reach Out and Read Club. Jude is also a volunteer for the Youth Empowerment Club’s Reading Buddies Program. In their free time, Jude enjoys reading, going on walks, and connecting with others.

Rachit Surve (he/him) (HC '29) is an Honors College student studying Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics, with aspirations of becoming an aviation engineer and working in the defense sector. Besides serving as an Honors Community Mentor at the Honors College, Rachit is a member of Rutgers Formula Racing, works part-time as an SAT tutor, and has conducted research at NJIT. In his free time, Rachit enjoys playing chess, video games, badminton, and spikeball.

Leanna You (she/her) (HC *29) is an Honors College student majoring in Mathematics on the Actuarial Path, with aspirations to continue her career path as an Actuary. Besides serving as Honors Community Mentor at the Honors College, Leanna also works at the OneStop Accounting Office as a work study student and participates in various cultural clubs and activities. In her free time, Leanna enjoys spending time with friends and family, learning new things, binge watching drama series, and meeting new people.