STEM PEER MENTORS

Aaditya Khanal

Major: Data Science (Business Information Systems Track)

Minor: Applied Statistics

Year: Junior

Hometown: Bhaktapur, Nepal

About Me: I, Aaditya, am a student leader serving as Vice President for COI Ambassador and the Data Science Club, while also being a STEM peer mentor and First-Year Peer Coach. My professional experience includes data analytics at Beats by Dre and a software engineering fellowship. An outdoor enthusiast, I enjoy kayaking and adventure sports, balancing my technical pursuits with active hobbies like cooking and table tennis. I continuously seek new opportunities for growth, networking, and learning in both my academic and professional life.

Why I Chose NKU: Data Science program and location close to downtown Cincinnati.

Why I Chose My Major: Passionate towards learning about building AI/ML applications.

Career Goals: Become a better version of myself every day.

Interesting Fact: Everytime I go kayaking I flip and fall into the water.

Advice to Freshmen: Here's what you should know: Prioritize your health by eating well and staying active. Collaborate with peers and engage actively in your classes. Seek out opportunities to get involved on campus and in your field of study. Most importantly, embrace new experiences and create lasting memories that will shape your college journey.

Adrienne Quiroz

Major: Biological Sciences (Ecology/Evolution/Organismal Track)

Minor: 3D Digital Design & Visual Effects Minor

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio

About Me: I'm on the EEO track for Biology at NKU, in my second year of schooling. In my free time, I participate in Norse Film Society, animate, and draw!

Why I Chose NKU: NKU offered the classes I wanted while being affordable and attainable for me to attend.

Why I Chose My Major: I find learning about animals, conservation of animals, and ecology incredibly interesting!

Career Goals: I'd love to do something active with my job, such as field research or hands-on zoology, working with animals!

Interesting Fact: I animate and draw in my free time! A lot of stuff I learn about biology play into my stories and drawings.

Advice to Freshmen: Do not study last minute! It takes time for information to sink in. Additionally, make sure to take breaks between studying to prevent burnout.

Andrea Cárdenas Echavarría

Majors:

• Engineering Physics (Mechatronics Engineering Tech Track)
• Physics

Minor: Mathematics

Year: Sophomore  

Hometown: Medellín, Colombia

About Me: I'm an international student and I've lived most of my life in Colombia. I love listening to music and playing the guitar. My favorite bands are Foo Fighters and The Killers, and I can spend hours talking about my favorite songs. I love making things of any sort and I'm always looking up new things to knit or crochet. I'm a member of the Latin American Mentorship Program, and Vice-President of the Physics and Astronomy Club.

Why I Chose NKU: Not a lot of universities have the option to pursue Engineering Physics as an undergraduate. In addition to that, I love the small class sizes where I can get to know my peers and professors a lot better, and I love how passionate and willing to help my professors are. There's a lot of opportunities to learn outside of class within campus such as clubs and research and great communities to be a part of.

Why I Chose My Major: I've always been a very logical and curious person. I love learning about the world around us and why things work the way they do. In high school I joined my school's robotics team and that's where I fell in love with engineering. In addition, I've always loved math, chemistry and physics and have found a beauty and art in how they work together and make sense. I thought a blend of those would be perfect for me and that's why I chose to pursue a double major in Engineering Physics and Physics with minors in Math and Honors.

Career Goals: My goal after I graduate is to pursue a master's degree in either Medical Physics or Aerospace Engineering and then working in the industry. I want to work towards helping people through science and engineering and learning more about the universe surrounding us.

Interesting Fact: I have 5 dogs and 2 cats back home and am very happy to show pictures of them when asked (please ask).

Advice to Freshmen: This is your chance to discover yourself and what you like. Give yourself the chance to explore all the different opportunities present for you on and off campus and don't be scared to ask questions. No one expects you to know everything and people, like your professors and peer mentors, are here to help you.

Ashok Gaire

Major: Computer Science

Minors:

• Biological Sciences
• Data Science
• Mathematics
  

Year: Junior

Hometown: Butwal, Nepal

About Me: I am an international student from Nepal with a strong passion for harmonizing technology and nature. My goal is to explore ways in which these two vital aspects of our world can coexist and complement each other. On campus, I’m actively involved in several organizations, including NUKE Robotics and Norse IOT, and serve as a COI Ambassador. I have a profound passion for learning new things, embarking on exciting adventures, and immersing myself in the beauty of nature.

Why I Chose NKU: I chose NKU for its ideal suburban setting, conveniently close to Cincinnati. The university's size is just right, the surrounding community is vibrant, and the strong professor-student relationships foster a supportive learning environment. Additionally, NKU offers excellent research opportunities that enhance the academic experience.

Why I Chose My Major: I chose my major as a Computer Science because I am fascinated by modern technology and its vast potential in various fields. My long-term goal is to become a bioinformatician, combining my passions for biology and informatics to make significant contributions to the field.

Career Goals: After graduation, I plan to work as a software developer to gain valuable industry experience. Following that, I aim to pursue a master's or Ph.D. in bioinformatics, build a network of connections, and eventually establish my own startup.

Interesting Fact: I speak four languages and enjoy traveling and watching anime.

Advice to Freshmen: Embrace college with curiosity and enthusiasm. Make the most of opportunities—join organizations, explore academic paths, and engage in campus events. Seek support from professors, advisors, and peers when needed, and use campus resources as much as you can. Stay organized, manage your time well, and prioritize self-care. Challenges will arise, but they are key to growth.

Danika Maki

Majors:

• Chemistry (Biochemistry Track)
• Biochemistry Pre-Medicine

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Batavia, Ohio

About Me: I am part of a sorority, Theta Phi Alpha, and a research lab. I like to read and watch YouTube in my free time. I enjoy playing tennis.

Why I Chose NKU: I chose NKU because of the small school environment. I come from a small high school and find comfort in the idea of knowing most people on campus. I also chose NKU because of how affordable it is for me.

Why I Chose My Major: Ever since middle school I enjoyed the sciences rather than the any other subject. I picked chemistry because I like the content in chemistry more than any other science. Also, I got a better grade in it in high school than biology.

Career Goals: My goal is to go to medical school.

Interesting Fact: I am adopted from China. I had a heart surgery. I have four dogs.

Advice to Freshmen: As a freshman, it is okay to feel overwhelmed. It is normal to want to do everything and anything but at some point, you need to be able to prioritize. Also, try not to compare yourself to others. Some competition is nice for motivation but do not get caught up in other people's business and worry about yourself. Everybody works differently and that is normal.

Joshua Osakwe

Majors:

• Mathematics (General Mathematics Track)
  
• Statistics
  

Minor: Data Science

Year: Junior

Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria

About Me: I'm Joshua Osakwe, an international student and sophomore, double majoring in Mathematics and Statistics alongside a minor in Data Science. Beyond numbers, I find my creative outlet in playing the piano and the thrill of solving puzzles and riddles. Campus life is important to me; I'm an Orientation Leader, warmly welcoming new students, a Global Ambassador, fostering cultural exchange, and an active member of the Math and Statistics Club, where we dive deep into the captivating world of mathematical concepts and practical applications.

Why I Chose NKU: NKU’s commitment to academic excellence and it’s welcoming, inclusive community made it the perfect choice for me, even all the way from Nigeria. I knew I could pursue my passion here.

Why I Chose My Major:  I am passionate about both Mathematics and Statistics because of how they reveal hidden patterns in everything around us, from predicting trends to understanding the world at deeper level. Additionally, I’m delving into the world of Data Science to make most of our data, using it to create practical solutions to improve our everyday living.

Career Goals: To establish a prominent data science firm on every continent worldwide.

Interesting Fact: I play 7 instruments.

Advice to Freshmen: Embrace every opportunity for growth, both inside and outside the classroom. College is a transformative journey, so don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, meet new people, explore different subjects, and discover what truly inspires you.

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Majors:

• Biological Sciences (Cellular/Molecular/Genetics Track)
• Pre-Medicine Pre-Professional

Minors:

• Chemistry
• Neuroscience

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Pendleton, Indiana

About Me: I am involved in Tri-Beta and Health Professions Club.

Why I Chose NKU: I chose NKU for the small school environment because I saw it as a way to get a more intimate learning experience.

Why I Chose My Major: I chose Biology because I love learning about organisms all the way down to the cellular level.

Career Goals: My career goal is to work as a primary care physician in the NKY area.

Interesting Fact: My favorite interesting fact is that the human brain weighs about 3 lbs.

Advice to Freshmen: My advice to freshmen would be to go to class, go to office hours, go to supplemental instruction, and to work hard.

Megan McElhaney

Major: Integrated Studies (Pre-Dentistry)

Year: Senior

About Me: My passion and career focus are in dentistry! I’ve been working as an expanded dental assistant at a pediatric dental office for nearly three years, and I absolutely love the role. Outside of academics, I also work as a swim instructor, specializing in teaching kids with special needs. In my free time, I enjoy practicing Pilates and spending time with family and friends.

Why I Chose NKU: I chose Northern Kentucky University because it offered the best of both worlds - close enough to home to enjoy family dinners, but far enough to create my own path. Being local also meant I could keep working at my pediatric dental office, where I've gained valuable hands-on experience while earning my degree. NKU felt like the perfect fit, offering not just a strong education but also the chance to grow in the dental field that I’m truly passionate about.

Career Goals: My career goal is to become a skilled and compassionate dentist, specializing in pediatric care. I aim to use my experience and passion to provide high-quality dental care to children, helping to create positive experiences. I’ve had the honor of working with the top-rated pediatric dentist in Northern Kentucky, which has further motivated me to pursue my aspirations in this field.

Interesting Facts:

• I graduated high school early with two associate degrees.
• I am the youngest of three.
• I have the cutest pug named Geno!
  

Advice to Freshmen: My advice to freshmen is to start by finding a routine that works for you. Establish a schedule that includes time for studying, attending classes, and taking care of yourself. Staying organized is key—keep track of assignments, deadlines, and events using a planner or digital calendar. Prioritize what's most important and tackle tasks one step at a time, so you don't feel overwhelmed. Get involved on campus by joining clubs or organizations that interest you, but make sure you don't spread yourself too thin. Balance is essential, so focus on quality over quantity when it comes to your commitments.

Pheo Ward

Major: Computer Information Technology (Network and System Administration Track)

Minor: Electronics Technology

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Leitchfield, Kentucky

About Me: A couple of interesting things about me are that I did band throughout high school and continuing it at NKU. Also, I like playing video games and reading books.

Why I Chose NKU: I chose NKU because it was one of the safest campuses and I would get more opportunities here. I have met wonderful people who have helped my journey when I started here.

Why I Chose My Major: I chose my major because I always liked working with computers and figuring out what's wrong with them. I liked fixing things, and I thought this may be my opportunity to work with computers more. I'm still new to technology but I love learning new things about technology to open my knowledge more.

Career Goals: My career goals are still a little unsure, but I want to learn more about the rapid growth of technology and how to work with it.

Interesting Fact: Interesting facts about myself are I love the color purple, and I can play the clarinet.

Advice to Freshmen: My advice for freshmen is to go out there and make friends on campus. What made my first year at college better was making friends on campus and being involved with activities. It was hard being hours away from home and what made it better was trying out different clubs and getting involved.

Sachin Darji

Major: Computer Information Technology (Cybersecurity Track)

Minors:

• Information Systems
• Information Security
  

Year: Junior

Hometown: Butwal, Nepal

About Me: I am an International Student from Nepal. I am a Facility Manager at NKU Campus Rec. I served as a Wellness Ambassador for the Student Wellness Department for a year. I like meeting with new people.

Why I Chose NKU: To be honest, I chose Northern Kentucky University because I like friendly people and the safe environment which I found here at NKU. Also, it offered me great opportunities for my personal, academic, and professional growth.

Why I Chose My Major: I chose Computer Science as my major when I first came here to NKU. But I realized that I was interested more in Cybersecurity and Computer Networking. Thus, I chose CIT with Cybersecurity Track so that I could gain deeper understanding in these fields.

Career Goals: My career goal is to be a Security Analyst.

Interesting Fact: I love traveling and cooking. I like spending time out in nature. Recently, I did horseback ride for the first time in my life, and it was so fun.

Advice to Freshmen: College is a time of discovery and growth, and it's never too late to start something new. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination.

Sierra Simon

Major: Cybersecurity

Minors:

• Computer Forensics
• Computer Science

Year: Junior

Hometown: Grant's Lick / Alexandria, Kentucky

About Me: I am a first-generation college student and currently the Vice President of the ACM@NKU Club. This is my second time being a peer mentor; I was a peer mentor in fall 2023. I have also worked on two research projects at NKU during the summer of 2023.

Why I Chose NKU: NKU is close to home and provided me with numerous scholarships.

Why I Chose My Major: Technology is constantly evolving, so there’s always something new to learn.

Career Goals: My career goal is to find happiness in my job, which includes a positive workplace environment and doing something that I enjoy. I have always been advised to find something that I love doing - something that I would willingly do even if I wasn't getting paid for it.

Interesting Fact: I enjoy being outside, whether it's riding my horses, spending time with my dogs, or fishing. My favorite vacation spot is Natural Bridge, KY.

Advice to Freshmen: Get involved, attend class, start assignments early, and stay organized. Don't be afraid to meet new people, especially in your major, as you'll likely have classes with them throughout your college career.