The Patrick Leahy Honors College

Patrick Leahy Honors College Peer Mentors

The Peer Mentor Program is designed to help students as they transition to college life and the Patrick Leahy Honors College.

PLHC Peer Mentors 

Incoming first-year PLHC students and sophomore admits are grouped with a PLHC Peer Mentor. Peer Mentors are a valuable resource; they offer the student perspective, share in experiences, guide first-year students through their transition to college, and aid sophomore admits as they join the PLHC community. Peer Mentors are hired from each of the undergraduate colleges at UVM and represent an array of disciplines and majors. Students are chosen based on their leadership experience and motivation to think deeply about what it means to be a member of the PLHC community.

Interested in learning more about becoming a Peer Mentor? We encourage you to connect with a current Peer Mentor to hear how this experience has helped our students develop leadership and organizational skills.

Mission Statement

The PLHC Peer Mentor Program supports students in achieving personal and academic success through meaningful peer mentorship and programming. Grounded in the PLHC pillars of leadership, service, wellbeing, research, and community, we foster connection, purpose, and growth throughout the college journey.

Programming

Peer Mentors plan creative programming and events centered around wellbeing, healthy social life, and academic curiosity and intellectual life. Past favorites include community wide pancake breakfasts, apple picking at Allenholm Farm in beautiful South Hero Island, and open mic nights. Some annual Peer Mentor events are “Wintering”, held in February when things get a little cold and grey outside, and the famous kickball tournament in May. Mentors also arrange many more activities during the year and serve as guides during registration and tutors with Chemist-TEA study sessions before general chemistry and organic chemistry exams. These are just a few of the events PMs host for the entire PLHC community. PMs also lead smaller events tailored to the needs of the mentee groups they serve.

Interested in becoming a PLHC Peer Mentor? 

We are hiring Peer Mentors to work with incoming first-year students for the upcoming academic year, 2026–2027. If you enjoy helping others and are passionate about the PLHC community, this position will afford an opportunity for you to gain valuable leadership skills, international mentor certification through the College Reading and Learning Association, and network with staff and faculty. 

Apply Now to be a PLHC Peer Mentor!

Peer Mentor Applications for the 2026-2027 Academic Year are due Sunday, March 29th, 2026, no later than 11:59pm.

Any questions about the application or program should be directed to Martha Lance at mblance@uvm.edu and Mary Casey at mary.casey@uvm.edu

 

Meet the Peer Mentors

Alyssana Lasek (Sana)

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Alyssana Lasek

Hi everyone! My name is Sana, and I’m a senior from Charlotte, VT, majoring in Biological Science in the College of Arts and Sciences with a minor in Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching. At UVM, I’m involved in the Premedical Club, Ski & Snowboard Club, PEP, and I serve as President of the AKRAIA Chapter of the Mortar Board Honor Society. I’m currently completing my honors thesis with Dr. Sigmon and assisting in her lab on a pilot study evaluating a meal delivery intervention designed to improve food security and psychosocial functioning among patients receiving buprenorphine or methadone for opioid use disorder. Outside of school, I work at CHC in Burlington as a medical assistant and volunteer as a birthing doula at UVMMC. In my free time, I like to spend time with friends and family, play volleyball, snowboard, travel, and spend as much time on the beach as possible! If you have any questions or just want to connect, feel free to reach out at alasek@uvm.edu. I’m excited to meet you all! 

Anni Oberg

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Anni Oberg

Hi everyone! My name is Anni Oberg (she/her) and I am a sophomore majoring in biological science in the College of Arts and Sciences. I am currently on a pre-med track, wanting to pursue a career in the health field. I grew up on the coast of Southern Maine and enjoy spending my time at or near the beach. In my free time I love to surf, rock climb, get outside, play games, and stay artsy! Look no further if you are looking to play a round of Uno or need suggestions on a fun new craft to try. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions regarding your academics or if you need a friend to lean on. I am looking forward to meeting you all! You can reach me at aeoberg@uvm.edu.  

Ashley Bush-Nickerson

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Ashley Bush-Nickerson

Welcome everyone! My name is Ashley Bush-Nickerson and I’m from Pawcatuck, Connecticut. I am a junior Molecular Genetics major in CALS with a minor in Chemistry. I conduct undergraduate research on the human immune response to Dengue Virus within the Diehl lab in the department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (MMG). At UVM, I am the publicist and perform for Jazbaa, our Bollywood dance team, and an on the board of MMG club. Beyond academics, you can often find me outdoors by the mountains or lake, creating art, and writing poetry. If you have any questions please reach out at abushnic@uvm.edu anytime. I am excited to meet you all!

Ava Lubash

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Ava Lubash

Hi everyone! My name is Ava Lubash and I am a sophomore here at UVM. I am currently studying psychology and hope to lean more into english as well! I love anything and everything outdoors, but one of my favorites is longbroarding! I am so stoked to be a peer mentor and can’t wait to make some new friends with you all! Please reach out if you have any questions. My email is alubash@uvm.edu. See you soon!

Avinabo Poddar (OV)

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OV Poddar

Hey everyone! My name is Avinabo Poddar, but I go by OV. I’m from West Grove, Pennsylvania, which is somewhere between Philly and Amish country. I am a senior in CAS majoring in Psychological Science with a Biology minor. On campus, I am a member of the varsity track team and I work at the tutoring center. Hit me up if you need any help with MATH 1212 or study skills! I am also part of a psychology research lab which studies how early childhood adversity affects brain development and mental health. Outside of school you’ll probably catch me fly fishing, cheffing it up, or pushing my side hustles (giving out fresh cuts, working on my mixtape, selling guppies, etc.). Whether you’ve got questions or just want to connect, don’t be afraid to reach out to me at apoddar@uvm.edu

Charlotte Dodds

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Charlotte Dodds

Hi, I'm Charlotte! I'm a junior with a double major in English and economics. I’m from Burlington, so if you need any recommendations on literally anything around here, I’m your person! As well as being a Peer Mentor, I am a writing tutor at the Undergraduate Writing Center, so you’ll be able to find me at Howe a lot. Outside of school, I love to knit, read, hike, cook good food, and go to the beach. Feel free to reach out to me anytime at cldodds@uvm.edu!

Chloe Kalp

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Chloe Kalp

Hi! My name is Chloe and I am a junior Public Health major on the pre-med track. I am from a small town in Central Massachusetts. On campus, I am the events coordinator for Chicks on Sticks, a club for female and non-binary skiers and snowboarders. I also volunteer at the medical center and do research in 2 labs focusing on serotonin signaling in the GI tract and health geography.  I also work off campus as a medical assistant at the Community Health Center! I love snowboarding, animals, hammocking, babysitting, and being outside. Feel free to ask me questions on any of the above (or anything else) at ckalp@uvm.edu

Ella Saccio

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Ella Saccio

Hi everyone! My name is Ella, and I am a PLHC Peer Mentor, as well as an environmental science major at Rubenstein School! My concentration is metagenomics and my minor is linguistics. I am originally from Bennington, Vermont, and I absolutely love most outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and forest bathing! Here at UVM, you might find me at Taekwondo club, VT wind ensemble, or YDSA! When I'm not in school, I love running, reading, playing video games, gardening, and spending time with my siblings and friends. I look forward to representing my fellow students in the Patrick Leahy Honors College and exploring the many opportunities UVM has to offer! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about UVM, ENSC Major stuff, PLHC, or if you just wanna chat! :)

Ella Sarama

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Ella Sarama

Hi everyone! I’m Ella Sarama, a junior neuroscience major with an EMS minor on the pre-med track. I’m originally from Leonia, NJ, and I’ve really loved making Vermont my second home! At UVM, I’ve been involved in the neuroscience club (where I’m currently co-president) and the pre-med club, and I also do research in the Salogiannis lab studying microtubule-binding proteins in neuronal development. This past summer I worked as a medical assistant at UVM Medical Center, and I’ll be continuing there during the school year. Outside of school, I love cooking, baking, and reading, and I’m also an EMT and volunteer with a local ambulance squad near UVM. I’m really excited to get to know all of you! Please feel free to reach out anytime, whether you have questions or just want to chat. You can email me at esarama@uvm.edu. See you all in the fall!

Hunter Holoubek

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Hunter Holoubek

Hi everyone! My name is Hunter Holoubek. I’m a senior with a major in Psychological Science and a minor in Neuroscience in the College of Arts and Sciences. I’m from Cumberland, Rhode Island and I’m always excited to meet other Rhode Islanders - there aren’t a lot of us! I love connecting with people and providing help/info wherever I can. If you ever have any questions you think I could help with (psych/research/SAS/honors college/etc.), please don’t hesitate to reach out! At UVM, I am the Vice President of the Psychology club and Vice President of UVM’s Neuroscience Honor Society. I am also a member of two research labs: one focusing on habit-formation and the other on the dentate gyrus. You can also catch me participating in various activities around campus, such as recreational volleyball or bouldering. In my free time, I enjoy playing guitar, skiing, and finding spots to go hiking near campus. If you have any questions at all or even just want to chat, feel free to reach out at hunter.holoubek@uvm.edu.

Kiki Ruddy

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Kiki Ruddy

Hey all! My name is Kiki! I am sophomore in the College of Engineering and Mathematics with a major in Biomedical Engineering Major. I am from Saint Paul Minnesota! Last summer I got the opportunity to work in a biophysics lab working on cancer research. At UVM I am involved in SWE (Society of Women Engineers) and plan to get involved in research this year. In my free time I like to go to the gym, play guitar, hike, and bike. I love traveling, being outside and staying active! Please reach out to me if you have any questions about HCOL, CEMS, UVM or if you need any recommendations of things to do or places to eat in Burlington! You can reach me at aruddy@uvm.edu. I can’t wait to connect with everyone! 

Laird KrodelSmith

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Laird KrodelSmith

Hi y’all! My name is Laird KrodelSmith, and I come from beautiful Boulder, Colorado. I am a sophomore majoring in Business Administration within the Grossman School of Business, and Environmental Policy at the Rubenstein School. I am also a Trek leader for incoming freshman, meaning I get paid to go backpacking! Outside of academics and school programs I love snowboarding, playing disc golf, and just getting active. It’s a pleasure to be a peer mentor, and I’m here for you, so please reach out to me about any and all of your needs! You can reach me at lkrodels@uvm.edu anytime, anywhere.

Lindsey Earle

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Lindsey Earle

Hi everyone! I’m Lindsey Earle, a senior neuroscience major with a health and society minor on the pre-med track. I’ve been a Peer Mentor since sophomore year and launched our service initiative, organizing monthly trips to the Hope Lodge to cook dinners for patients at UVMMC’s Cancer Center. Service has been central to my UVM experience—volunteering with the Larner College of Medicine’s Here to Help Clinic, fundraising for STEPs to End Domestic Violence, and during my summers leading international youth peace education programs with CISV USA. I also work as a medical assistant at UVMMC’s Hematology and Oncology clinic. Beyond mentoring, I research how internal signaling and metabolism shape taste and food preference in the Stanley Lab and am currently writing my thesis. I’m also Vice President for Chapter Relations and Standards for Alpha Chi Omega and a member of the Premedical Club. Outside of work and academics, I love to travel, exercise, and be outside! It’s on my bucket list to visit all 7 continents (2 more to go!). Excited to meet you all! 

Maddie Guyette

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Maddie Guyette

Hello hello! My name is Maddie and I am a junior from Swanton, VT. I am majoring in Molecular Genetics in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences with a minor in Chemistry. I am involved in undergraduate research surrounding the translesion synthesis pathway within the Chatterjee lab in the Cancer Center and I am also the President of the Microbiology and Molecular Genetics club here at UVM. Outside of academics, I love anything involving art, playing intramurals with my friends (especially hockey), and going to the waterfront to watch the sunsets. If you have any questions please reach out and I am happy to help in any way that I can! My email is madison.guyette@uvm.edu and I am so excited to meet and get to know you all better!

Nona Stislow

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Nona Stislow

Hi! My name is Nona Stislow (she/her), and I’m a sophomore majoring in Biological Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences with a minor in Neuroscience. I hope to attend medical school and pursue a career as a pediatric hospitalist. On campus, I work in the Ballif Lab researching genetic and proteomic interactions, and I also volunteer at UVMMC in the pediatric unit. Beyond academics, I love traveling, trying new things, and finding adventure in new experiences. I also enjoy baking, cooking, running, and spending time outdoors in nature. As a peer mentor, I’m excited to support you—whether that’s through academic guidance, emotional support, advice, or just being someone you can connect with during your time at UVM!

Pravar Mukkala

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Prover Mukkala

Hey guys! My name is Pravar Mukkala and I’m a sophomore from Westford, Massachusetts. I’m double majoring in Political Science and Linguistics with a minor in European Studies, all within the College of Arts and Sciences. On campus I’m also a student admissions ambassador within the AdvoCats program, giving tours to and helping lead prospective students and their families through the college admissions process. Outside of school, I’m a member of the Political Science Club but also love to go to cafes, lift, read, listen to music, and go on long walks. If you’ve got any questions about the social sciences or CAS in general (grad requirements/what classes to take + why/how CAS programs are structured), never hesitate to reach out! My email is pmukkala@uvm.edu – I’m super excited to meet everyone!

Rebecca Vernaglia

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Rebecca Vernaglia

Hi! My name is Rebecca (she/her) and I’m from Winchester, Massachusetts. I am a sophomore Biological Science major, likely pre-medical, in the College of Arts and Sciences. I am a member of Dance Force, Alternative Spring Break, and Pre-Med Club. This summer, I worked as a medical assistant and scribe at a pediatric clinic and biked the Pan Mass Challenge to raise money for Dana Farber. At school, some of my favorite things to do are go to contra dances, bike on the Burlington bike path, play guitar at open mic nights, eat bagel sandwiches at the Marché, and attend stargazing events. Please reach out if you’re looking for ways to get involved with campus life, recommendations for food and thrift stores nearby, or guidance about work, school, or life! My email is rvernagl@uvm.edu.

Samantha Holoubek

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Samantha Holoubek

Hi everyone! My name is Samantha Holoubek. I am a sophomore from Cumberland, Rhode Island. I am majoring in Biological Science with a minor in Chemistry on a pre-med track in the College of Arts and Sciences! I am also a Basic EMT, with plans to volunteer at a local fire station. In my free time, I enjoy cafe-hopping, singing, hiking, thrifting, live music, and building Legos. If you have any questions about anything at all (UVM related or otherwise), feel free to reach out at Samantha.Holoubek@uvm.edu!!  

Sarah O'Leary

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Sarah O'Leary

Hey everyone! My name is Sarah O'Leary (she/her), and I am from West Hartford, Connecticut. I am a senior majoring in Environmental Science in RSENR with a minor in Health and Society and a self-designed Planetary Health concentration. At UVM, I’m involved in the Eco-Reps Program as Waste Team Lead, Sustainable Solutions Lab as the Planetary Health Initiative Intern, and a few more clubs. I’m currently working on my honors thesis that focuses on outdoor recreational participants’ susceptibility to tick-borne pathogen exposure in UVM Natural Areas. In my free time, I love to hike with my friends and dogs, travel, cook/bake, stargaze, and thrift. Back home, I volunteer at a local dog rescue, specifically with dog behavior. I love being a part of this community and am excited to meet you all. If you have any questions or just want to chat, feel free to reach out at sarah.oleary@uvm.edu.  

Sarah Tilley

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Hi everyone! I’m Sarah Tilley, I’m a sophomore Biological Science major (in CAS) with a
Chemistry minor. I’m originally from Alaska but I’ve spent most of my life in Southern Vermont
and I’m loving Burlington. On campus I’m involved with the mountain bike club, tele ski club, and
futsal club, and I can’t wait to keep checking out more. This year I plan on studying abroad
second semester and getting involved with some research. Outside of school I love to
backpack, travel, and any/all kinds of biking and skiing! I’m so stoked to join this team and for
the year ahead. My email is sarah.tilley@uvm.edu if you have any questions or want to reach
out!

Tovahn Vitols (Tov)

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Tov Vitols

Hey all, my name is Tov and I’m from central VT! I am a Junior majoring in Linguistics (CAS), Computer Science, and Mathematics (CEMS). Around campus, I am part of the UVM Salsa Team, the Historical Fencing club, and the Contra & Folk Dance society. In my free time you can probably find me outside, baking, or being a nerd. Feel free to email me at tvitols@uvm.edu if you have any questions, or if you just want to chat!