Meet our 2025 Orientation Ambassadors, a multidisciplinary team of graduate students who are working with The Graduate School to plan and implement the 2025 Graduate Orientation!
Our Orientation Ambassadors are working toward their master’s degree or Ph.D. and represent a variety of areas of study. Each ambassador brings their own life experience and backgrounds to Carolina and are a resource for you as you launch your graduate career. Feel free to contact them with questions.
Hometown: Christchurch, New Zealand
Email: yuleean@email.unc.edu
About Yu Lee: I am a final-year doctoral candidate in Information and Library Science at UNC-Chapel Hill. I am a lifelong learner and hold a doctorate in historical musicology and was previously ABD in digital humanities at the Australian National University. I have worked as an academic librarian in both Australia and the U.S. My current research uses Semantic Web technologies to model historical events, with a focus on temporal reasoning and modeling uncertainties in time. I look forward to welcoming new graduate students and helping them feel at home in the Carolina community.
Advice for incoming students: Don't limit yourself to just your department. Some of my most engaging and inspiring conversations have been with graduate students from other fields. I have consistently been impressed by the outstanding research and innovative work being done by my peers across campus. The Graduate School provides numerous resources to help you not only survive but truly thrive during your academic journey. So, get out there, make connections across different areas, and make the most of your time here!
Hometown: Jackson, Michigan
Email: berryna4@unc.edu
About Berry: Hello, and welcome to UNC! I am a rising sixth-year physics Ph.D. student under the direction of Dr. Chris Clemens. I earned my Bachelor of Science in astrophysics from Michigan State University (Go Green!) in 2020 before joining the Physics and Astronomy Department here at UNC. My research at UNC is focused on studying white dwarfs using facilities, like the SOAR 4.1m telescope, and data collected with Gaia. Outside of my research, you can find me assisting with several outreach groups like Astronomy on Tap — Triangle and Physics from the Ground Up. When I'm not manning the telescope or helping with outreach, you can find me outside playing Magic the Gathering, practicing guitar, reading, or spending time with my partner.
Advice for incoming students: I'll pass on the One Piece of advice I was given that has stuck with me: "Always make sure to incorporate one thing you enjoy/want to do into your day."
Hometown: Daegu, South Korea
Email: ianschoi@ad.unc.edu
About Ian: I conduct occupational toxicology research under the supervision of Dr. Nylander French at the North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Education and Research Center. Outside of the lab, I am passionate about building communities that foster interdisciplinary growth and career development. Which led me to serve as President of the Graduate Business Careers Club, sit on my departmental Student Success Committee, and lead regional outreach for the Johns Hopkins alumni network in the Triangle area.
Before coming to UNC, I earned two master’s degrees from King's College London and Johns Hopkins, as well as a bachelor’s degree from TAMU. I also spent four years conducting toxicological research at national institutes in South Korea and Germany. I have also been a competitive hip-hop dancer and choreographer, and I still carry that creative, goofy spirit into everything I do.
After roaming through four countries across three continents, I now call Chapel Hill home, especially after meeting my forever partner in crime. If you resonate with my story as an international, career-changing, non-traditional, and first-generation student, please don't hesitate to reach out. I would be more than happy to support your journey however I can.
Advice for incoming students: Show Carolina why you belong here beyond academics. Sign up for the campus events you are interested in, check out new vendors, and support your fellow Tar Heels with care and intention!
Hometown: Reisterstown, Maryland
Email: gobrooke@unc.edu
About Brooke: I am a first-year PhD student within UNC Hussman’s Media and Communication program. I recently graduated with my master’s from UNC and could not imagine continuing on anywhere else but Chapel Hill! My research interests involve examining the intersection of mental health and identity management on social media, with a particular focus on the collegiate athlete population. I also serve as a research assistant in the Communicating for Health Impact Lab and have engaged with various vaping prevention campaign projects. I love mentoring current student athletes as a tutor for the UNC Academic Support Program for Student Athletes. I graduated from Coastal Carolina University in 2023 and was a member of their Division I women’s lacrosse program. In my free time, you can find me at the gym, on long walks around the beautiful UNC campus, reffing lacrosse games, or watching reality TV.
Advice for incoming students: Immerse yourself in the culture here at UNC, beyond just your academic program. Fostering a connection to the broader Tar Heel community can really enhance your graduate school experience. Chapel Hill has so much to offer from exciting sporting events and amazing performances at the Playmakers Repertory Company, to live music on Franklin Street, local art galleries, and scenic walks by the Old Well. Taking time to engage with the campus and town helps you build a support system, recharge outside of your studies, and feel more at home. Graduate school can be challenging, but building a connection to the community around you makes it all worth it!
Hometown: Fallston, MD
Email: nhondrogiannis@unc.edu
About Nicole: My name is Nicole Hondrogiannis and I am a 4th year Ph.D. student in UNC's Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program (BBSP). My research focuses on neuronal apoptosis, neuronal resiliency, and axon pruning. During college, I was a student researcher and a Cross Country athlete at Towson University, in Maryland. I moved to North Carolina the summer after college graduation and began my Ph.D. at UNC that fall. The community and people here at UNC have made the past 4 years of my studies more fun and enjoyable than I could have ever imagined. I love attending our UNC sporting events, exploring new coffee shops, doing anything outdoors, listening to live music at our local farmers markets, cooking and traveling the world.
Advice for incoming students: Continue to find joy in all the little things in life. Your time here at UNC will be filled with so many small moments that are so easy to overlook when working towards a challenging degree. Enjoy the ride and remember that every day is a new day.
Hometown: Thakurgaon, Bangladesh
Email: sislam@unc.edu
About Anjerul: I am a PhD candidate at Environmental Science and Engineering at Gillings. I completed my undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from BUET (Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology) and master’s degree from Tufts University at sustainable water management. I have consistently focused on understanding the public health risks associated with environmental exposures (water, soil and air) on a global scale and evaluating interventions aimed at reducing the risks, particularly among children. Outside work, you may find me at the gym or playing sports like cricket, soccer, ultimate frisbee, etc. I also love travelling and hiking.
Advice for incoming students: My one piece of advice would be to embrace patience. Every step, whether a revision, a challenge, or a pause, strengthens your resilience and enhances your growth. Stay consistent and trust that your dedication and persistence are shaping something remarkable, for sure.
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Email: eliyah@unc.edu
About Eli: Hello Beautiful People, My name is Eliyah James. I am 2nd year Masters of Social Work Graduate student. I am from Raleigh North Carolina and know a few beautiful places around the RDU area for different interests and leisure activities. My career aspirations are to become a therapist working with individuals with Mental Health Disparities, Veterans, and Trauma. When I want to have fun I try new activities, places to eat, working out, dancing, and being creative.
Advice for incoming students: Be able to advocate for yourself, get in the habit of a routine, make time to study but also make time for yourself.
Hometown: Fayetteville, North Carolina
Email: shaun.jones@unc.edu
About Shaun: I am a third year PhD student in the Department of Epidemiology at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health and earned my MPH in Applied Epidemiology from there in May 2023. I am a pre-doctoral fellow with UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the co-chair of the Community Advisory Council with the Duke Cancer Institute Community Outreach and Engagement Office. I previously earned my Bachelor's in Cultural Anthropology and Biology from Duke University in 2017 before working in the Duke University School of Medicine's Psychiatry Department as a clinical researcher. My passions include tobacco cessation, Black and LGBTQ+ health, and eliminating health disparities in several areas including, but not limited to, cancer and nutrition. I ultimately plan to utilize mixed method approaches through epidemiologic data analysis and health education programming to combat issues affecting marginalized communities as it relates to prostate cancer. I currently serve as a co-President of the Black Graduate and Professional Student Association at UNC. In my downtime, you can find me working out, watching basketball, and trying new restaurants.
Advice for incoming students: Take a deep breath and enjoy the ride. You deserve to be here! Take every opportunity to learn from your professors, peers, and in other departments.
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
Email: mlee3@unc.edu
About Michelle: I'm originally from South Korea and this will be my 5th year in North Carolina and as a graduate student in the Physics and Astronomy Department. My hobbies include, but are certainly not limited to, working out, exploring new restaurants in the triangle area, finding the best waterfalls in the state, and going to concerts!
Advice for incoming students: Chances are, if you’re interested in something, others are too. Discovering a community built around your interest may be far easier than you think! Check out the local bulletin boards or campus organization websites to find communities you could join.
Hometown: Columbus, OH
Email: jmackessy1@unc.edu
About Julia: Hi there! My name is Julia and I'm in my fifth year as a PhD student in the anthropology department. I got my undergraduate degree in anthropology from Notre Dame in 2019 and worked as a doula (a type of birth assistant) before starting grad school here in 2021. My research interests come mostly from my work as a doula, and so I'm interested in looking at how the birth experience affects parent and infant health outcomes in the Appalachia region of Ohio. I'm a big believer in work-life balance so you can usually find me trail running, biking, climbing, or contra dancing when I'm not doing grad school!
Advice for incoming students: I have so many thoughts on this, but probably the best advice I got early on was to treat grad school like a 9-5 job (most days). The flexibility of grad school is awesome, but I've found it's most sustainable to still maintain a bit of structure.
Hometown: Dorset, United Kingdom
Email: newberyr@unc.edu
About Rory: I'm a second-year Global Studies master’s student at UNC and a Rotary Peace Fellow at the Duke-UNC Rotary Peace Center, returning to school after years developing international exchange programs and youth policy across Europe. My research focuses on cultural and civic exchange programs in Europe, with a particular interest in the challenges they face and future funding opportunities. I’m making the most of my time in North Carolina by exploring the state and visiting new regions of the U.S.
Advice for incoming students: Don't be afraid to reach out to staff and students across UNC for help and advice (once you've read through all the welcome documents!)
Hometown: Ejura, Ghana
Email: ckosei@unc.edu
About Christian: I am a PhD student within the Department of Public Policy. My research areas span through development and international economics. Specifically, my focus is on social protection, and health economics. Prior to joining the PhD program in 2023, I worked for almost five years on various developmental research projects aimed at informing policy. On my free days, I love to explore new places around the Triangle, watch some movies and participate in various community engagements.
Advice for incoming students: Enjoy the beauty and the abundant resources the university provides, places, and potential future collaborations.
Hometown: Shreveport, Louisiana
Email: reblrice@email.unc.edu
About Becca: I am a sixth year graduate student in Environmental Sciences and Engineering at Gillings. I have been in the Research Triangle since 2015 and completed an M.S. in Global Health at Duke in 2017. My research investigates the ways natural sources are connected to climate change and may contribute to human health impacts. In my spare time, I enjoy tending my garden, making quilts and taking dance classes.
Advice for incoming students: My tip for incoming graduate students is to keep in touch with your support system. Some days you will need a cheerleader to remind you where you started and how far you have come. You ARE supposed to be here.
Hometown: Elgin, SC
Email: katielr@unc.edu
About Katie: I am a rising second year student in the Clinical Psychology PhD program. My research focuses on moderators to intervention outcomes for autistic teenagers and aging across the autism spectrum. Prior to coming to UNC, I completed a bachelor's degree and a post-baccalaureate coordinator job at the University of South Carolina. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, collecting rare houseplants, and exploring local nature trails.
Advice for incoming students: Remember to ask for help when you need it! The first year can be difficult, especially if you have moved away from your support systems. UNC is filled with wonderful resources for graduate students. Do not be afraid to reach out and talk to someone!
Hometown: Bengaluru, India
Email: sanch@unc.edu
About Sanchit: Hi! I'm Sanchit, a 4th year Chemistry PhD student. In my research, I study antibiotics: how bacteria synthesize them, their modes of action, and mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance in pathogens. When I'm not in the lab, I enjoy reading mystery novels, listening to heavy metal, and riding my motorcycle!
Advice for incoming students: Make sure you tackle grad school at your own pace! It may feel like you're falling behind at times compared to those around you, but the only person you need to be ahead of is your past self.
Hometown: Panigaon, Assam, India
Email: paragjs@live.unc.edu
About Parag: Hello, Welcome to UNC! I am Parag, a doctoral candidate in Socio-Cultural Anthropology at UNC Chapel Hill. My doctoral project explores the construction of a hydropower dam in India to understand how infrastructures in-the-making shape everyday life, environment, and geopolitics. My research is supported by the Wenner-Gren Foundation, Social Science Research Council, UNC Graduate School, and Carolina Asia Center. I have also been awarded Public Scholars Training Fellowship from SAPIENS magazine for my public-engaged scholarship.
I am passionate about cooking, watching anime, and running is a hobby that I developed during Graduate School. I am fluent in three South Asian languages – Assamese (my mother tongue), Bengali, and Hindi and would love to hop onto a chat in any one of them.
Advice for incoming students: Everyone’s journey is unique. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Believe in yourself and in your journey through graduate school.
Hometown: Flint, Michigan
Email: spwils@email.unc.edu
About Simone: I am a rising fifth-year, doctoral candidate in the School of Education on the Culture, Curriculum, and Teacher Education track. I utilize critical theories and methodologies to investigate the mechanisms that create and/or sustain racial inequities within the university as an organization as well as highlight practices and policies that may disrupt these patterns. I am also the current co-president of the Black Graduate and Professional Student Association.
Advice for incoming students: Find your community and your favorite food places immediately!
The following resources were created for new students by your Orientation Ambassadors team to help you make connections, explore the community, and find support during your graduate school journey.
