Hello everyone! My name is Keelan and I am a junior in CAS with a major in Health and Society and a double minor in Anthropology with a Global Health focus and Behavioral Change Health Studies. I am also a part of the UVM Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching program and I am hoping to get my official federal license in the Spring. I love rock climbing, hiking, skiing, and pretty much any outdoor activity. I also love almost any type of music and spend way too much money on concert tickets! I am so excited to get to know everyone this upcoming year and for you all to join our UVM community! 

Hi everyone! My name is Fernanda, I am a sophomore computer science major in CEMS. I’m from Elizabeth, New Jersey, which is a 5ish hours from campus. At UVM I’m involved in SWICS, CS CREW, Book club, and Alianza Latinx. I’m so excited to be a Peer Mentor this year and I’m looking forward to meeting you all! If you ever need anything or just want to chat, you can reach me at fdeolive@uvm.edu .

Hi everyone! My name is Ben Hershey and I am a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences at UVM. I am majoring in Chemistry with a minor in French. I’m from Colchester, Vermont, about 15 minutes away from campus. At UVM, I am primarily involved with the Running Club and intramural sports, but I am hoping to find even more new interests to pursue this coming year on campus. In my free time, I enjoy running, hiking, skiing, playing guitar, and watching the Boston Red Sox. This is my first year as an HCOL peer mentor and I am excited to be a part of the team. I look forward to meeting everyone. Feel free to reach out to me at benjamin.hershey@uvm.edu with any questions!

Hi, my name is Kenny and I am a fourth year Biochemistry student in CAS. I’m originally from Massachusetts but over these last three years I have made Vermont and Burlington my home. I am currently working on my HCOL thesis in Dr. Sylvie Doublié’s lab in the department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics focusing on the crystallization and imaging of POL-theta proteins in T. cruzi microbes. Aside from science-ing I love to read, write, run, hike, eat good food and this year I’m really focusing on doing a lot of cooking and baking. I also just returned from a semester abroad in the Netherlands (which I highly, highly recommend) through HCOL’s direct exchange program with Maastricht University. If you have any questions about thesis work, getting involved with research, study abroad, or even just looking for a good restaurant in town my email is kmacken1@uvm.edu! Don’t be scared to reach out! 

Hi, everyone! My name is Sophie and I am a senior in CAS majoring in Psychological Sciences and minoring in Food and Nutrition Sciences. I am from Fayetteville, North Carolina but spend a lot of time in Maine. On campus, I do research at the CREST lab focusing on traumatic stress. In my free time, I like to listen to Noah Kahan, drink coffee, run, hike and listen to Emma Chamberlain podcasts. Feel free to reach out to me at smajersk@uvm.edu!!

Hi everyone! My name is Emily Mynar, and I’m a sophomore Microbiology major in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. I grew up in Boise, Idaho. On campus, I do research in the Thali lab, and I am involved in the Nat Phil, UVM’s science publication. In my free time, I love reading, playing volleyball, hiking, snowboarding, and doing anything else that gets me outside. This is my first year as a peer mentor, and I look forward to meeting you! Feel free to reach out to me anytime at emynar@uvm.edu!

Hi everyone! My name is Sophie O’Neil and I am a third year nursing major in CNHS, with a nutrition minor. I am from Richmond, Vermont, which is about 25 minutes away from campus. On campus I am primarily involved in the Alpine Ski Racing Club, Chicks on Sticks, and Summit Sisters. In Burlington I am a volunteer doula at the hospital, and I’m a director for an afterschool program at a local elementary and middle school. If you can’t find me, I’m likely outside, with kids (especially preschoolers and early elementary ages), or both. I am also the oldest of 4 and am very close with my family. In my free time I love skiing, hiking, traveling, and anything adventurous! As a born and raised Vermonter, I love showing off this beautiful state and I am familiar with surrounding areas and hidden gems, so don’t be afraid to reach out if you want to explore or just to chat! My email is sroneil@uvm.edu.

Hi everyone! My name is Elisabeth Roadcap, and I'm from Milford, New Hampshire. I am a junior Molecular Genetics major and Microbiology minor with a particular interest in studying infectious and zoonotic diseases. I’ve been involved in research both on campus in Dr. Barlow’s lab in the Animal Science department and at an NSF REU program in Maine during the summer. This is my second year as a peer mentor, and I also work at the tutoring center. In my free time, I love hiking, biking by the waterfront, and baking. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at eroadcap@uvm.edu. I'm looking forward to meeting you!

My name is Eli Smith, I am a Junior from Morrisville, Vermont, and I major in Computer Science in the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences. I’m a member of the UVM Running and Nordic Ski Club, which is a great way to stay in shape on campus while having tons of fun! I also represent UVM students in our Student Government Association. When I’m off campus, you’ll probably catch me jumping in the lake, shredding the slopes, hiking, or running around Burlington. I’m passionate about cooking and love to cook for a crowd. Feel free to reach out with any questions about UVM, or if you just want to chat! My email is Elijah.Smith@uvm.edu.

Hi everyone! My name is Allyson Turner. I am a sophomore Molecular Genetics major on a pre med track. I am from Nottingham, New Hampshire which is about a 3 hour drive from campus. On campus I am involved with MEDVIDA, rock climbing club, premedical club, and do research in the Weston Lab. In my free time you will find me in the mountains, hiking or skiing. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions. My email is aturne10@uvm.edu.

Hello everyone! My name is Wenzdae Wendling and I’m a Junior majoring in Animal Science on the pre-veterinary track with a minor in Molecular Genetics. I grew up in Wolcott, Vermont, and currently work at Burlington Emergency Veterinary Specialists as a Technician Assistant. On campus I am an officer in the Nordic Ski Club, swag coordinator of the shooting sports team, member of the chicks on sticks, pre vet and cycling clubs, an Illustrator for the Vermont Cynic and an undergraduate research assistant in the McKay Lab. In my free time I like to back country ski, hike, kayak, and spend as much time as possible outside! If you ever have any questions (or want to have a lively chat about the best ski mountains in VT) feel free to reach out to me anytime at wwendlin@uvm.edu.

Hello everybody! My name is Adam Zuchowski and I use he/him pronouns. I’m a junior studying biomedical engineering in CEMS, with minors in computer science and mathematics. I grew up in Williston, Vermont, about 15 minutes from campus. I work in a research lab in the College of Medicine studying SARS-CoV-2, but I’m also the Treasurer of our club Fencing team, and I am a member of our Biomedical Engineering Society and Engineers Without Borders. When I’m not hanging around on campus, I love hiking, backpacking, skiing, and working through my booklist. If you need recommendations for places to go hiking, have questions about anything HCOL or UVM, or just want to chat, please reach out to me at azuchows@uvm.edu anytime!