Honors Community Mentors

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.

Nkosazana Burke-Douglas (she/her) (HC '28) is an Honors College student at Rutgers University–New Brunswick majoring in Neuroscience and Korean, with aspirations of becoming a psychiatrist and advancing mental health equity in marginalized communities. Beyond her studies, Nkosazana serves as an Honors Community Mentor, conducts research on racial disparities in disaster response, and is reviving her nonprofit Smart Vision Kids to provide vision care to underserved youth. She is also passionate about Korean language and culture, photography, and exploring the intersection of storytelling, identity, and advocacy. In her free time, she enjoys traveling to different cities, learning new languages, and mentoring high school students on their path to college.

David Gregory (he/him) (HC '27) is an Honors College student specializing in Physics and Economics. His experience extends to management of over 30 student researchers, resulting in the publication of socioeconomic papers in the SSRN journal. He has a keen interest in community engagement, having connected over 50 students to leadership and volunteer opportunities as a Community Engagement Coordinator. In his free time, David enjoys traveling back home to New York and biking along the Raritan.

Schalen Taylor (she/her) (HC '27) is an Honors College student double majoring in Political Science and Journalism & Media Studies. She is passionate about advocacy, storytelling, and making sure underrepresented voices are heard. At Rutgers, Schalen serves as an Honors Community Mentor, is involved in student leadership through the Residence Hall Association, holds a leadership role in a club focused on service and empowerment, and she works at the House of Veterans and Military affairs. In her free time, she enjoys reading romance novels, watching TV shows, writing, and spending time with friends.

Maya Zarcone (she/her) (SASHP ‘27) is an Honors Program student in the Class of 2027 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 in the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Rutgers Art History Student Association (RAHSA), and robotics research in the Electrical Engineering Department. In her free time, Maya enjoys drawing, reading, and traveling.

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

Antoun Nakhla (he/him) (HC '27) is an Honors College student majoring in Cell Biology and Neuroscience with a minor in Arabic, on the premed track. Outside of being an Honors Community Mentor at the Honors College, Antoun is involved with a number of philosophy groups on campus. In his free time, Antoun enjoys reading, listening to (and playing) music, and watching films.

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 will work as a documentary filmmaker and journalist. When she’s not mentoring students at the Honors College, she photographs for the Daily Targum and the Honors College Media Team. In her spare time, Cecilia loves to watch and make movies with her friends. You can always find her with a camera in hand! She’s excited for this school year and can’t wait to form new friendships.

Lakim Williams (he/him) (HC ’27) is an Honors College student majoring in Supply Chain Management at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, with goals of excelling in operations and logistics and building a career in supply chain analytics. Besides serving as an Honors Community Mentor, Lakim volunteers with the THRIVE SSS Peer Mentor Program, leads wing events to foster connection among first-year Honors students, and is interning with Trulephased, where he develops strategic marketing plans, creates high-quality content, and manages each step of a new clothing drop from tech pack to sample production. In his free time, Lakim designs streetwear for his brand, experiments with Python projects, and collaborates on creative problem-solving.

Lily Rudd (she/her) (HC '26) is an Honors College student majoring in Psychology with minors in English and Spanish, with aspirations of becoming a clinical psychologist. Besides serving as an Honors Community Mentor at the Honors College, Lily volunteers as a Reform Community Co-Chair at Rutgers Hillel, works as a Research Assistant at the Rutgers Youth Anxiety and Depression Clinic (YAD-C), and is Head of the Community Outreach Branch at the mental health advocacy organization Hudson Origin. In her free time, Lily enjoys traveling, going to art museums, scrapbooking, and going on walks.

Prashasth Turaga (he/him) (HC ’28) is an Honors College student majoring in Cognitive Science and Computer Science. Besides serving as an Honors Community Mentor at the Honors College, Prashasth is the Assistant Music Director of Deep Treble, an acapella group at Rutgers. He also does research in the Center for Cognitive Science. In his free time, Prashasth loves listening to, playing, and writing music, as well as spending time with friends and family!

Jun Gesteland (he/him) (HC '28) is majoring in Psychology. He is passionate about social advocacy and has a strong interest in community organizing. His hobbies include learning how to dance with @verseonedt, reading, public speaking, bouldering, and going outdoors!

Rachel Philip (she/her) (HC '27) is an Honors College student majoring in Cell Biology and Neuroscience and minoring in Spanish. Besides serving as an Honors Community Mentor, Rachel volunteers as an Honors College Ambassador. Outside of the Honors College, Rachel volunteers with A4A, is a member of Rutgers ICF, volunteers as an EMT, and worked as a Medical Assistant and Physical Therapy Aide. She is also involved in neuroscience research at Rutgers and clinical research at a hospital. In her free time, Rachel enjoys running, traveling, reading, and playing cards and board games.

Sarah Usman (she/her) (SEBS/HC '27) is an Honors College student majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in African, Middle Eastern, and South Asian Languages and Literatures, on the pre-med track with aspirations to work in global health. Outside of class, she serves as a University Senator for SEBS Governing Council and Co-President of Friends of MSF, and conducts research in obesity medicine. She is also an EMT and enjoys learning languages, running, and spending time with her family.

Sarah Nicole Francis (she/her) (HC '27) is an Honors College junior majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a minor in Computer Science. She aspires to work in the engineering field and eventually become an attorney specializing in patent law. Besides serving as an Honors Community Mentor for First Year students at McCormick Suites, she is the Secretary of Rutgers’ Association of Philippine Students, a National Director for the Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue, Class Rep for the Engineering Governing Council, and an active member of the Society of Women Engineers. In her free time, you can usually find her listening to music, reading, sewing, or learning French.

Shaney (shuh-nay) Cadet (she/they) (HC '28) is an Honors College student majoring in Africana Studies with aspirations of working in curriculum development. Besides serving as an Honors Community Mentor at the Honors College, Shaney is an Institute for Women’s Leadership scholar and works as a Scarlet Ambassador. In their free time, Shaney enjoys reading, getting to knownew people, and watching video essays.

Sreenidhi Ravishankar ('27, SOE/HC) is an Honors College student majoring in Biomedical Engineering with hopes to develop better technology to improve diabetes management. Besides serving as an Honors Community Mentor at the Honors College, Sreenidhi is a member of the Society of Women Engineers where she served as Advocacy Chair and works to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the engineering space. In her free time, she is a Bharatanatyam dancer and enjoys crocheting, singing, and playing guitar.

Terrence Ho (he/him) (HC '26) is a Business Analytics and Information Technology major in the Honors College, with a passion for blending data-driven insights with a dream to work for the NBA. Terrence also serves as the social chair of Ascend, the Asian business club, where he fosters Asian representation in business through cultural, social, and professional events. He also led impactful initiatives through Enactus, including sustainability projects supporting local cat communities. Outside of academics, Terrence enjoys playing basketball, watching TV and movies, and listening to all types of music.

Chiara Giacomelli (she/her) (HC '28) is an Honors College student currently double majoring in Theater Arts and English and hoping to further pursue her interest in Theater and storytelling at the graduate level as well. Besides serving as an Honors Community Mentor at the Honors College, Chiara has two on campus jobs, serving both as a Scarlet Ambassador and a Writing Tutor. She is also involved with two of the university Theater companies, the Livingston Theatre Company and Cabaret Theatre, as well as the women's rugby team. In her free time, Chiara loves reading and watching movies, listening to music, and traveling.

Coming soon...

Coming soon...

Thomas Rotella (He/Him) (HC’28) is an Honors College student double majoring in Marketing and Leadership and Management and is pursuing a career in public relations for entertainment. Aside from being an Honors Community Mentor, Tommy serves as a member of the Rutgers Association of Marketing and Strategy and has been inducted into the Rutgers National Residence Hall Honorary. In his free time, Tommy enjoys listening to music, watching movies, and going on snack runs with friends.