Summer Colleges Staff

Salaam everyone! My name is Abdelrahman, but I also go by Abdel. I'm a rising junior in Berkeley College, and a pre-med double majoring in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry and Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations. My family hails from Egypt, and I was born and raised in Newark, Delaware. My hobbies include enjoying nature, spending time with friends, and giving those same friends lethal crossovers on the basketball court.

Hey party people, I’m Kara (she/her)! I graduated in 2023 (Pauli Murray) with degrees in MCDB on the neurobiology track and E&EB on the organismal biology track. I've had the pleasure of calling New Haven and Yale my home for my whole life, and this will be my third summer as an RD and my first as (co-)Head RD. Master of the side quest, during the year I work for a neurodegenerative disease lab at the Med School, the undergraduate theater department, and YSS to help prepare things for the summer. Hit me up if you wanna know anything about the area, talk all things procedurals (trust me, I've seen them all), hear me drone on endlessly about theater lighting, or discuss various subgenres of rock and metal music!

Hello!! I'm Coby, a rising junior in Timothy Dwight College. I'm studying Psychology and Computer Science and will be doing some research this summer. I'll also be the photographer for YSS, so if any of you see me with my camera come get a picture, especially if I'm with Handsome Dan (my other boss). I look forward to meeting you all!

Hi everyone! My name is Steph Bittle (she/her)! I was born in South Korea but now I call Aiea, Hawai’i home. I am majoring in History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health and concentrating in Minds and Brains. In my free time, I enjoy running, thrifting for sweaters, jamming with friends, and seeking out the best chocolate chip cookie at local coffee shops. I'm looking forward to a fun New Haven summer with YSS!

Howdy! My name is Eric (he/him) and I am a rising junior in Hopper college from Fort Worth, Texas. I am studying Chemical Engineering with a certificate in German. I'm excited to be a summer counselor this year! You can find me talking to people or playing lacrosse and ultimate frisbee in my free time.

Hi!! My name is Kellina Brennan and I'm a rising senior in Pauli Murray majoring in Anthropology. This summer, I'll be working as a conservation intern at the Yale Peabody Museum. When I'm not in the conservation lab, I enjoy crocheting, watching TV, and reading fantasy books. During the school year, I'm also involved with different Yale Drama productions, Yale Dungeons & Dragons Club, and Yale Student Accessibility Services. I look forward to meeting you all!! :)

Hello! My name is Simon Britton, and I'm a rising senior (DC '26) from San Diego, California. I'm currently pursuing a chemistry degree, but for reasons unknown to both me and my peers, I also find myself in physics classes every semester. Outside of academics, I love to ice skate at Ingalls Rink (affectionately known as "The Whale" - you'll understand once you see it), but as it's closed over the summer, you might find me instead trying my best not to fall down while roller skating around campus. Here's to a lovely summer at YSS!

A little about me, I am a neuroscience major in Pierson College (also pre-med). Some of my main involvements on campus are with Cub running, Pals tutoring (where we meet with students from the New Haven area and help tutor them), and the Catholic Center on campus, Saint Thomas More. I have also done some statistical research on the effects of estrogen on psychosis and am currently working on a project to determine the altered protein-protein interactions that result in the development of neurological disorders. I also spent two weeks of my summer last year shadowing a pediatrician, and a family medicine doctor. 

Hey! My name is Aaron Chen, and I'm a rising junior in Franklin double majoring in Economics and Psychology studying behavioral economics and decision-making. This summer, you can probably find me studying for my summer classes, researching at the School of Management, or getting up early to play pickleball at Scantlebury Park. In my free time, I love playing Settlers of Catan, going on runs, and getting boba. I'm looking forward to a great summer with YSS!

Hi! My name is Mia (she/her), and I'm so exited to be your YSS Counselor. I'm a rising junior from New York City majoring in the History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health. In my free time, you can find me reading, baking, or taking a dance class. 

My name is Cat and I'm a rising junior in Hopper majoring in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology with a Spanish certificate. In addition to working as an SCA this summer, I'm excited to be conducting Alzheimer's research at the Arnsten lab and volunteering with HAVEN free clinic's longitudinal care department. If I'm not in the office, you can probably find me at Pedals or Tropical Smoothie!

Hi! I'm Maryeva (she/her) and I am a rising junior in Saybrook, majoring in computer science. I am originally from Minnesota, and I'm super excited to be in New Haven this summer and meet all of you! In my free time, I will almost certainly be drinking coffee, listening to my summer playlist, or developing a project with the Yale video game development club.

Hi everyone! My name is Santiago, but most people just call me Go, and I'm a rising junior studying Mathematics and Computer Science. I'm from El Paso, Texas and when I'm not doing work this summer you'll probably catch me laying outside or going on walks around New Haven!

Hi, I'm Amanda (she/her), a rising Junior from Western New York. I love listening to music, walking around, and iced matcha lattes. Super excited to meet and share some sweet treats with you guys this summer!

Hey everyone! I'm Cameron (he/him) and I'm a rising senior in Ben Franklin. I'm from Greensboro, NC and I'm a philosophy major. In my free time, I enjoy reading, creative writing, finding new music, and wandering around New Haven. This is my third year at YSS and second as a residential staff member!

I’m Jaeyee, a rising junior in Berkeley from Raleigh, North Carolina, and I’m studying Neuroscience with a Data Science certificate. During the school year, find me sipping a London Fog in the Elm, practicing violin or piano in Hendrie Hall, or organizing events for YHHAP and Christian Union. Looking forward to exploring more of New Haven with everyone this summer!

Hello! I’m Jaspreet Kandola (she/her). I recently graduated from Yale College, where I majored in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, and I’m now in my final year at the Yale School of Public Health through the 5-year BS/MPH program. I’m originally from Hannibal, Missouri, but I was born in India and spent part of my childhood in Italy before moving to the U.S. Outside of academics, I love staying active—so this summer you’ll probably find me in the gym, doing research, or spending time outside.

Hi! I’m Celine (she/her), a rising junior in Pierson College majoring in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology on the neurobiology track. I’m originally from North Carolina, and this will be my first summer in New Haven! I’ll be taking Organic Chemistry (lecture + lab) as part of my pre-med coursework. Outside of class, you can find me volunteering at the HAVEN Free Clinic, studying for the MCAT, or exploring New Haven’s best food spots—always on the lookout for a new favorite. I’m excited to be part of the summer community and can’t wait to get to know you all!

Hey guys! I'm Grace (she/her), and I'm a rising Junior in Benjamin Franklin College majoring in Economics. This summer, you’ll probably find me soaking up the sun at Beinecke Plaza or sipping an iced chai at Steep Café. Outside of academics, I enjoy café crawling, taking evening walks, and listening to 2000s and 2010s throwbacks. I'm super excited to meet all of you joining Yale Summer Session 2025!

Hi! My name is Leo and I’m a rising sophomore in Pauli Murray, planning to major in Economics! I am from San Mateo, California and I love to play basketball, sing, and bike! Looking forward to a great summer with YSS.

Hi everyone! I’m Sammie (she/her), from Virginia. I am a rising junior in Berkeley majoring in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology with a certificate in Education Studies. This summer, I will be conducting research at a lab in the Department of Laboratory Medicine. In my free time, I like to play my ukulele, listening to Chinese pop music, and reading.

Hey all! My name is Paulo, and I’m a rising junior in Pierson College majoring in Biomedical Engineering. I am from Belo Horizonte, in Brazil, and I will be doing tissue engineering research at the Yale School of Medicine in my first summer in New Haven. Outside the lab, I love binge-watching medical and criminal-themed shows and movies, hanging out with my friends, playing tennis, and DJing. I can’t wait to welcome and meet you all on campus!

Hi. I am Daniel (YC '25.5) and I'm based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This summer I'll be trying to explore New Haven more before I graduate. Looking forward to meeting you all.

Hi! I’m Ella (she/her) and I will be graduating in December, majoring in History. I am originally from Huntsville, Alabama but have lived in New Haven for four years. I enjoy crafting, the NYT games, and taking the bus to Trader Joe’s for snacks. This summer you can find me in a hammock with a cup of Ashley’s ice cream. I look forward to meeting y’all! <3

Hi, all! My name is Dixon Miller (he/him/his), and I'm a rising junior in Timothy Dwight College studying electrical engineering. I'm super excited to be a YSS counselor! I participated in a pre-college program during high school with great counselors, so I'm happy to pay it forward. I'm also happy to talk with you about any of my passions: old music, jogging, and the Supreme Court. 

Hello! My name is Iyanu Nafiu and I'm a rising junior in Pierson studying Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. I like crocheting, singing with the Yale Gospel Choir, and learning new instruments!

Hi everyone! My name is Chi, and I’m a rising junior in Stiles majoring in Global Affairs. I was born and raised in Hanoi, Vietnam, and I’m a big fan of horoscopes and trying new food spots! Let me know if there are any hidden gems in New Haven I should check out.

Hi there! I'm a recent MCDB graduate on the Biotechnology track with a Global Health Certificate. I am also in the BS-MPH program here doing my MPH in Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases at YSPH. I spent my time at Yale involved with the Alpine Ski Racing Team, the Rural Students Alliance at Yale, and the Vogels Lab. I'm from Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and I'm a proud Trumbullian. I love live music, hiking, paddle boarding, and swimming! 

Hey y’all! My name is Misan (she/her) and I’m a graduating senior in Pierson College majoring in Ethnicity, Race, and Migration with an Advanced Language Certificate in French. When I’m not furiously writing essays, I can be found napping almost anywhere from my own bed to the nap room in The Good Life Center to the library (usually while needing to write aforementioned essays, unfortunately). I enjoy watching K-dramas, hosting poker nights with my friends, and performing as a member of Yale’s first, worst, best, and only musical improvisation troupe, Just Add Water.

Hello friends! I’m Alessandra Pappalardi, a rising junior in Trumbull College studying Political Science and the History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health, with a certificate in Italian Studies. I love public service—I volunteer with YaleBleeds, the Public Health Coalition, and a women’s social justice lab. I’ll also be serving as President of the Women’s Leadership Initiative and fall Chairwoman of the Party of the Left this year. In my off time, you can find me doing historical health research or hunting for the best cappuccino in New Haven! I’m so excited to be a YSS counselor this summer and can’t wait to meet you all! 

Hi there, I'm a rising junior in Trumbull College, majoring in Computer Science. I'm an international student from Nairobi, Kenya, and I'll be taking a summer class in Session B.  I'm excited to meet you all and help in any way!

Hey! My name is Aryana Ramos-Vazquez, and I am a rising-senior from Tuxedo Park, New York! I am pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering, with an interest in brain-machine interfaces! This summer, I will be working as a Summer College Aide, and I am beyond excited to meet all of you! Outside of the classroom (and the office), you will definitely find me crafting in the CEID, creatively writing in MOTW, and hopefully practicing my kickboxing or taking some East Rock Hikes <3

Hi! My name is Jinell (she/her), and I’m so excited to be serving as a Summer Counselor for Yale Summer Session (YSS). I am a rising junior in Grace Hopper. I’m from New Jersey and currently study Sociology with a concentration in Film and Media Perception at Yale. I’m passionate about building community, uplifting young voices, and creating spaces where everyone feels seen and supported. I love to eat, watch movies and TV, and I’m always down for a Wordle break or grabbing sweet treats together. Whether it’s a late-night dorm chat or cheering you on, I’m here to help make your YSS experience fun, welcoming, and unforgettable. Can’t wait to meet you!

Hi everyone! My name is Tiago, and I am a rising Junior in Ezra Stiles college from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I study Global Affairs and Economics, and this summer I am doing research in international trade and development with the Economics Department. I love journaling, philosophizing, and singing with friends! I am so excited to meet you all!!

Hi summer sessioners! I’m Julia, a rising junior in Morse hailing from the far-away city of New Haven, Connecticut. I’m studying anthropology and pursuing a Chinese language certificate. During the school year, I’m involved with women’s club water polo and am hoping to spend a lot of time in the pool this summer. Outside of classes and the water, I enjoy taking walks, playing video games, thrifting, and hanging out. 

Hi! My name is Ayana Salahuddin and I am a rising Sophomore in Branford College. I am narrowing my academic interests to studying African American Studies, Political Science, or the History of Science and Medicine. As a New Haven native, I am proud to hail from the great state of Connecticut. In my free time, you can catch me listening to R&B, Pop, Soca, Reggae– really anything that keeps my head bopping and feet tapping. On campus, you’ll find me dancing with the hottest Latin group, Sabrosura, or playing violin in the Davenport Pops Orchestra (DPops). I look forward to meeting you all and having a fun-filled summer!

Hi beautiful people! My name is Lyah Tabu (she/her). I am a rising junior majoring in History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health on the pre-med track. In my free time I love to dance (I am a member of Yale's one and only afro-fusion dance team: Dzana), listening to late 90s RnB, and having good conversations with friends! So excited to meet you all :)

Hello everyone! My name is Abigail (she/her), and I've just graduated with a double major in English and Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. Originally from near Boston, I've been in Pauli Murray College during my time on campus. I'm so excited to be back for my third summer with YSS, this time as one of your Residential Directors! I'm always down to discuss all things related to plants, books, and knitting.

Hello! I’m Bryant Valladares Turcios, and I’m one of the RDs this summer! It’s my 6th year with yale in the summer, and I’m so excited to get to come back and help direct things. I just graduated with a degree in Computing and the Arts (Music), was super involved with our Latin dance team, and worked in sexual misconduct prevention. New Haven has become my home, but I’m originally from Houston, TX. See you around!! 

Hi, my name is Anthony and I am a rising junior in Morse College from Long Island, NY. I am studying Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry along with a certificate in Spanish. In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball and practicing the violin.

Hi! I'm Matthew Verich, a rising senior in Branford College majoring in Neuroscience with a certificate in Spanish. I mostly grew up in Alexandria, Virginia, but currently reside in Naples, Italy. When I'm not in the Branford library studying, I am often practicing trumpet or piano in either a jazz, orchestra, or mariachi band setting. This summer you can find me volunteering at a variety of health centers. Looking forward to meeting you all!

Hi everyone! Welcome to Yale Summer Session! My name is Wren (she/her) and I teach high school English. I graduated from Yale in 2024 with a degree in English and Education Studies, and I am so excited to take a break from grading and return to New Haven as one of the Head Residential Directors this summer. When I'm not speed walking around campus, you can almost certainly find me in a cafe (please ask me about my favorite coffee spots in New Haven). I'm looking forward to reading, wandering, playing ping pong, and hosting trivia nights and Just Dance sessions throughout the summer. 

Hi everyone! My name is Samson Wong, and I’m a rising junior in Morse, majoring in Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry and pursuing a certificate in Global Health. I’m excited to meet you all and looking forward to a great summer!

Hello! My name is David, and I am a rising senior in Timothy Dwight College. I'm from southwestern Kentucky and am majoring in Environmental Studies and Philosophy. This summer, you'll find me exploring Beinecke's eclectic Spanish poetry collection while daydreaming about being immersed in a vast body of seemingly luminescent water. 

Hello! My name is Jingqi (she/they), and I’m a rising senior in Grace Hopper College majoring in Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry. I’m an international student from Beijing, China, and I’m super excited to spend my second summer in New Haven as a summer counselor! Outside of YSS, you can find me doing RNA research in the lab or tackling boulder problems in climbing gyms. I can’t wait to meet you all!! :) 

Hey everyone! My name is Michael and I'm a rising senior studying Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. I'm originally from Olympia, Washington, and in my free time I enjoy reading, running, and exploring the food scene in New Haven. 

Hello! My name is Carolina, and I am a senior in Davenport College. I'm from just outside of Washington, D.C. and am majoring in Computer Science and Neuroscience. In my free time, I love reading, exploring nature, and watching good movies. I can't wait to meet everyone this summer!