Meet the Mentors

Your 2026-27 Mentors

Co-Coordinators

• Yeva Aleksandrova
• Kezia Tulalessy

Mentors

Get to Know the Mentors

Yeva Aleksandrova (she/her), Co-Coordinator

Place of Origin: Ukraine

Major: Biotechnology

Year: 3rd

Languages: English, Russian, Ukrainian

About Me: I'm originally from Ukraine and moved to the States only four years ago. I love trying new sports and hobbies, hanging out with my friends, and going on various trips. I like to be outdoors and just lie down on the grass to study or relax. Also, I love learning about new cultures and trying their food!

Fun Fact: My uncle is Spanish, and I try to learn Spanish so I can speak with him.

Goals: My goal for next year is to find a good summer internship, and my long-term goal is to contribute to significant research and find some solutions.

Message to International Students: Welcome to UC Davis! I hope your transition goes smoothly and that you have the chance to meet lots of wonderful people here. We are excited to meet all of you and will do our best to support you on this journey.

Kezia Tulalessy (she/her), Co-Coordinator

Place of Origin: Indonesia

Major: International Relations

Year: 3rd

Languages: English, Indonesian

About Me: I love trying new things and going on adventures. One of my favorite activities is hiking with my best friends almost every weekend. I'm also passionate about community service through organizations like Human-Kind Movement and Lambda Omicron Xi. When I was in high school, I studied abroad in Texas for a year. This experience helped me become more independent and sparked my interest in learning about different cultures. Since then, I've loved traveling, meeting new people, and exploring new places. 

Fun Fact: I love nature and hiking.

Goals: One of my short-term goals is to continue gaining meaningful leadership and volunteer experience through community service organizations and nonprofit work. I also hope to travel more and explore different cultures, as learning from people with diverse backgrounds is something I really enjoy.

Message to International Students: Welcome to your new journey! Moving to a new country can feel exciting, overwhelming, and sometimes a little scary, but remember that you are not alone.  

William Chen (he/him), Mentor

Place of Origin: China

Major: Biological Science

Year: 2nd

Languages: English, Mandarin

About Me: I enjoy road cycling and playing badminton in my free time. Recently, I’ve also been expanding my LEGO collection and have been having a lot of fun building different sets. I love going on road trips and exploring new places by car. I’m also a big animal lover and have several pets, including cats, a dog, a snake, a chinchilla, and a gecko.

Fun Fact: I have 9 pets in total, including 3 chinchillas.

Goals: My biggest short-term goal is to collect most of the LEGO Star Wars sets. In the long term, I hope to attend medical school.

Message to International Students: Welcome to UC Davis! Starting university can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time, but you are not alone. Be open to new experiences, ask for help when you need it, and take advantage of the many resources available on campus. Most importantly, give yourself time to adjust and enjoy the journey—you will learn and grow more than you expect. 

Savannah Cline (she/her), Mentor

Place of Origin: Sacramento, California, USA

Majors/Minor: Design, Communication/Global Studies

Year: 4th

Languages: English, Japanese (Intermediate), Spanish (Intermediate)

About Me: I hope to go into international business marketing one day! I have six cats back home. I am definitely a crafter and love to create just about anything -- whether it be drawing, painting, designing, sewing, crocheting. I also love video games such as Minecraft, Valorant, and Roblox. I built my own PC! I like to collect blind boxes and plushies! I love anime and manga, especially romance ones. My favorite anime is Dragon Ball! I also really like sitcoms. My favorites are The Office, Friends, and Modern Family. 

Fun Fact: I'm a transfer student! I went to Sierra Community College in Rocklin, CA, for one year after graduating high school early, and I came here to UC Davis to further my education!

Goals: One of my long-term goals is to improve my cross-cultural communication skills. In summer 2026, I participated in an internship in Japan through the UC Davis study abroad program. I'm excited to learn more about a different culture, especially work culture! Another long-term goal is to own my own marketing firm and work with international brands! I hope to create an environment in which brands successfully communicate across different cultures. 

Message to International Students: Welcome to Davis!!! We're so glad to have you all here, and we are so excited to show you all the things UC Davis has to offer you! I can't wait to meet all of you and assist you with succeeding in furthering your education. Best of luck!

Chinemerem Elelleh (she/her), Mentor

Place of Origin: Nigeria

Major: Human Biology 

Year: 4th

Languages: English, Igbo 

About Me: I am someone who enjoys staying inside and watching dramas or movies. I don't have to be outside or partying to be happy; as long as I have an interesting drama to watch, I will be fine. I enjoy watching African dramas, K-dramas, C-dramas, etc. I haven't played a sport in my life, but I do like playing volleyball for fun, but apart from that, I do like watching people play sports. In my free time, I like drawing, reading, and I'm trying to get into embroidery. 

Fun Fact: A fun fact about me is that I have been to Europe (London, Paris, and Barcelona). 

Goals: My short-term goal is to graduate from college with my degree and have a graduation trip visiting at least 5 countries. My long-term goal is to go to medical school and get my medical degree. 

Message to International Students: Welcome to UC Davis!! I hope you're settling in and enjoying what the States has to offer. It must be so exciting yet overwhelming coming to UC Davis! Don't worry, we all have felt that way at some point, but we are always here to help. We are excited to have you on campus and can't wait to meet you all in person! 

Mariano Elizondo (he/him), Mentor

Place of Origin: Mexico City

Major: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems

Year: 3rd

Languages: English, French, Spanish

About Me:  I am an international student. I enjoy learning about different cultures, especially Asian. On campus, I have been involved in the badminton club (I used to compete in Mexico), Greek life, and the Student Farm. In my free time, I love dancing to Latin music, especially bachata—I'm probably not the best dancer, but I definitely enjoy it. I also like doing ricochets in lakes, trying new wines, and watching sunsets at Sol at West Village here in Davis.

Fun Fact: Ever since I was a baby, I've loved touching my ears, and I still do it today without even realizing it sometimes. They're also surprisingly flexible.

Goals: One of my short-term goals is to continue discovering more about myself, understanding what I am passionate about, and enjoying as much time as possible with my family over the summer. In the long term, I would love to create my own agricultural business and export products internationally. I am also interested in addressing challenges such as hunger, food waste, food distribution, and climate change, and I hope to make a meaningful impact in these areas. 

Message to International Students: You did it, welcome to UC Davis. Be proud of yourself, because moving to a different country and adapting to a different language is something that already sets you apart and shows how brave you are. Be proud of your roots, learn, make mistakes, explore, and most importantly, say YES to new experiences; the best memories often come from the most random plans. One day, you'll look back and be grateful for every challenge and adventure that helped build your journey. I can't wait to meet you and show you what Davis is all about.

Elizabeth Gayhart (she/her), Mentor

Place of Origin: USA

Major/Minor: Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior/Public Health 

Year: 4th

Languages: English, Spanish

About Me: I grew up both in the Bay Area and Lima, Peru and come from a mixed Peruvian-American family. I love traveling and am going on my third study abroad experience through UC Davis this year! On campus, I am involved in many pre-health organizations as well as Delta Delta Delta Sorority! I enjoy learning how to cook, playing racket sports, working out, and hanging out in general. 

Fun Fact: I have heterochromia (different colored eyes)!

Goals: In the long-term, I aspire to work in the health industry as a physician and eventually an educator. I hope to minimize inequities in access to healthcare globally and have started engaging in global health programs to do so. But for now, my goal is to be involved and enjoy my time as an undergraduate at UC Davis! 

Message to International Students: I'm looking forward to getting to know some Global Aggies! Please know that through all the nerves or feelings you may have, this experience will be undoubtedly worth it. I hope you make friends, discover new passions, and step out of your comfort zone! 

Jocelyn Guzman (she/her), Mentor

Place of Origin: USA

Major: International Relations

Year: 4th

Languages: English, Spanish

About Me: I am an outgoing and optimistic person who enjoys trying new things and spending time with others. I love spontaneous plans, hiking, road trips, movie nights, and going on new adventures. I have always loved traveling and learning about different cultures. Over the years, I have been able to visit Spain, Mexico, Japan, China, and different parts of the U.S., which has helped me become more curious and open-minded.

Fun Fact: I love cherry tomatoes and will eat them as a snack!

Goals: One of my goals is to create meaningful connections at UC Davis and contribute positively to the community around me. I hope to support others whenever I can while also learning more about myself and the type of life I want to build. I want to continue staying curious about the world, gaining new perspectives, and making choices that lead to a happy and fulfilling future.

Message to International Students: Welcome to UC Davis! I hope you feel excited about all the fun and meaningful experiences ahead. There are so many people to meet, opportunities to explore, and new things to try. I would love to support you in any way I can, and can't wait to create so many memories together!  

Jay Holmes (he/him), Mentor

Place of Origin: USA

Major: Human Biology

Year: 2nd

Languages: English

About Me: I was born and raised in Southern California. I am a huge basketball, Star Wars, and Lego fan. I am learning French with the goal of becoming fluent, and I am hoping to minor in it as well. I had the chance to study abroad in my first quarter of college in Siracusa, Sicily. I also volunteer and take classes at the UC Davis Craft Center.

Fun Fact: My dad has a bearded dragon named Boogee, which is pronounced exactly how it's spelled.

Goals: My short-term goals include taking weekend/road trips around California and the surrounding areas and to make the most out of my time as a college student. In the future, I would like to pursue a career in health and am currently on a pre-med track.

Message to International Students: All of the people in this program and the campus as a whole are super welcoming. I hope that everything is as exciting and fun as you hope, but if you ever do get overwhelmed, we are all here to support you. Please don't be afraid to ask for help or even reach out for any reason!

Homare Kawahara (she/her), Mentor

Place of Origin: Japan

Majors: Communication, Managerial Economics

Year: 3rd

Languages: English, Japanese

About Me: I was born and raised in Tokyo. I have been abroad since my freshman year of high school in San Diego, so it will be my 7th year abroad this year. My hobbies are crocheting, traveling, watching movies, and going to the gym. Until high school, I went to an international school in Tokyo, and I am fluent in Japanese and English. I used to play soccer and volleyball back in middle school and high school, but now I am mainly into going to the gym. 

Fun Fact: I used to go to farm camp in San Diego every summer, so I know how to take care of livestock animals, ride horses and do vaulting.

Goals: Some of my short-term goals are to eat healthier and stay consistent with my schoolwork. My long-term goals are to secure an internship and eventually find a job that aligns with my future career. Achieving these goals will help me build a strong foundation for success after graduation.

Message to International Students: My first year abroad, I got really homesick, which is completely normal. I think the most important thing is to make the most of your experience and enjoy every opportunity that comes your way. It's okay to miss home, but it's also important to embrace being abroad and fully experience everything your new environment has to offer.

Salma Mahmodi (she/her), Mentor

Place of Origin: USA

Major: Political Science - Public Service

Year: 2nd

Languages: Dari, English, Farsi

About Me: Although I was born and raised in the United States, I am Afghan. During my free time, I love trying out new things and hanging out with friends! I have a knack for fashion and upcycling, mainly due to the fact that I love being resourceful and turning boring old material into new wearable pieces! I enjoy meeting new people and learning new things about everyone's culture! 

Fun Fact: I'm a fraternal twin! Although we don't look alike, people still mix up our names! 

Goals: One of my short-term goals are to meet new people and try to put myself out there as much as I can! I want to expand my intercultural knowledge, and I hope to do this by interacting with many people from different backgrounds and engaging in meaningful conversations that would enrich my understanding of diverse cultures. One of my long-term goals is to succeed as a pre-law student by networking with professionals and taking advantage of any opportunity that would equip me with the skills essential for law school.  

Message to International Students: Welcome to Davis! The next few years of your life will be amazing! There are many opportunities to get involved at UC Davis, including within clubs and leadership positions. I encourage you to make the most of your time by finding a balance between academic work and your social life! You belong here and you have a support community that is one call away! 

Riri Murakoshi (she/her), Mentor

Place of Origin: Japan

Major: International Relations

Year: 2nd

Languages: English, Japanese

About Me: I grew up in Tokyo, Japan, and now study at UC Davis as an international student! I speak Japanese and English fluently and am currently learning French as my third language. I enjoy exploring different foods, watching movies and TV shows, and listening to all kinds of music! 

Fun Fact: I have two huge cats!! 

Goals: In the short term, I want to connect with more people and learn about both others and myself. In the long term, I aspire to contribute to creating meaningful social impact through cross-sector collaboration.

Message to International Students: Welcome to UC Davis! I know from my own experience that adjusting to a new environment can sometimes feel overwhelming, but there are also many wonderful things waiting for you! Please be kind to yourself, trust your journey, and remember that you are not alone here. I am so excited to meet you and be a part of your UC Davis experience!

Samantha Sherbrooke (she/her), Mentor

Place of Origin: USA

Major: International Relations

Year: 2nd

Languages: English, Japanese (Intermediate), Spanish (Intermediate); Chinese (Elementary)

About Me: I come from a tiny town in Southern California, so being in Northern California is exciting to me! I do miss the SoCal weather, though. I’m the youngest of three siblings, and I love anime, movies, Manhwa, gaming, and writing. I also really enjoy singing, but I’m not very good at it. I’m an avid language learner, so if you’d like, please teach me some fun phrases in any language!

Fun Fact: I’ve dyed my hair in a bunch of colors! I’ve done mixes of red, pink, blue, and green.

Goals: I want to work out regularly, get good grades, and improve my language skills while I’m at UC Davis. After I graduate, I hope to pursue a career in diplomacy and work abroad throughout the year! I also want to learn how to do makeup, so if you have any tips, let me know!

Message to International Students: Welcome to UC Davis, Aggie! Always remember: You are not alone. If you need anything at all, from academic assistance to recommendations on where to eat to a friend to talk to, we are here for you! We are one of the many resources available at Davis, so don’t be afraid to ask us anything! 

Aniruddh Sekar Sivaram Sekar, Mentor

Place of Origin: Tamil Nadu, India

Major/Minor: Civil Engineering/Business, Construction Management

Year: 4th

Languages: English, Tamil

About Me: I am very involved on campus and previously served as the President of the Indian Student Association (ISA), where I help plan events and build community for students. I enjoy meeting new people, learning about different cultures, and creating meaningful connections through leadership and mentorship. Outside of academics, I love to drive, attend social events, travel, try new food spots, and spend time with friends. I also speak Tamil and enjoy staying connected to my culture while learning from others’ experiences and backgrounds.

Fun Fact: I can watch romcoms in any language and still love it!

Goals: One of my short-term goals is to become a better mentor and leader by improving my communication and intercultural skills. I also want to focus on building stronger connections with people and creating spaces where others feel welcomed and comfortable. Long term, I hope to grow into a career where I can combine leadership, creativity, and problem-solving while making a positive impact on the people and communities around me.

Message to International Students: Moving to a new country and starting university can feel exciting, overwhelming, and unfamiliar all at once, but you are not alone in this experience. UC Davis has a diverse and welcoming community, and there are so many people here who want to support you and help you feel at home. Be open to trying new things, meeting new people, and sharing your own culture and experiences too, those connections will make your journey here even more meaningful. Welcome to UC Davis! You're going to have a great time! 

Ava Tang (she/her), Mentor

Place of Origin: China

Major: Animal Science

Year: 2nd

Languages: English, Mandarin

About Me: I was born in China and raised between China and Singapore. I love traveling, watching dramas, and listening to music. Before coming to UC Davis, I attended a summer pre-college program at Columbia University, giving me an amazing global learning experience and the chance to make friends from across the world.

Fun Fact: I've never broken a bone.

Goals: My short-term goal is to eat more healthily. In the long term, I plan to attend vet school after earning my bachelor's degree here at UC Davis.

Message to International Students: Welcome to UC Davis! As an international student myself, I understand that moving to a new country is a huge step, but you are joining a truly wonderful community. I hope you absolutely love your time here, and I am so excited to help you navigate this journey.

MacKenzi Tasem (she/her), Mentor

Place of Origin: USA

Major: Anthropology

Year: 2nd

Languages: English

About Me: I am a high-energy and fiercely loyal UC Davis student with a deep passion for film, forensics, and community service. Outside of my classes, you can usually find me volunteering at the animal shelter, hunting for unique vintage pieces while thrifting, or exploring local hiking trails. I am an absolute film geek who loves everything from classic cinema to horror movies, and I am currently working on mastering the art of crochet. I love connecting with people from all walks of life and am always eager to learn about new cultures and perspectives.

Fun Fact: I grew up doing hula dancing, but I also have a surprisingly intense injury history—I have both torn my ACL and broken my knee!

Goals: My short-term goals are to successfully graduate from college and finally adopt a pet dog of my own to take on hiking adventures. Looking further ahead, I am determined to build a meaningful career in the field of forensics where I can apply my love for puzzle-solving and science. Ultimately, I want to travel the world to experience different cultures, explore international cinema, and expand my global perspective.

Message to International Students: Welcome to our vibrant campus community! Moving to a new country is an incredible adventure, and we are so excited to have your unique voice, culture, and perspective here with us. Please know that this is a safe, welcoming space where you are supported, and I look forward to helping you feel right at home as you navigate this amazing journey! 

Kexin Tian, Mentor

Place of Origin: China

Major: Environmental science and management

Year: 2nd

Languages: English, Mandarin

About Me: I'm an international student from China. My hobbies are painting and listening to podcasts. Occasionally, I swim. I have a yellow Dutch dwarf rabbit. I enjoy daydreaming and chatting with others, especially on rainy days.

Fun Fact: I have raised many bunnies, and the oldest one lived to be seven and a half years old.

Goals: I hope to successfully complete my four years of college and explore every corner of Davis before the end of my sophomore year! I want to try some local delicacies in Davis and observe the hares in the wilderness (hares are seen in Davis at night), and try to make friends with the squirrels at the entrance of the dining hall.

Message to International Students: Welcome to Davis! Davis is a very warm and international place where life is convenient and the locals are very kind. College life is somewhat challenging, but it's easy to adapt to.

Phyu Phyu Tun (she/her), Mentor

Place of Origin: Myanmar

Major: International Relations

Year: 2nd

Languages: Burmese, English

About Me: I grew up in Myanmar, but spent most of my summers in the U.S. in the past. I love fashion, thrifting, traveling, photography, and of course, food. Whether it is debating over geopolitics or a midnight drive to San Francisco, I am always down for anything.

Fun Fact: I can write with both hands!

Goals: My goal is to meet as many new people as possible and make lifelong friends in university. I love learning about different people and their stories. Academically, I hope to maintain my GPA and intern in Washington D.C next summer.

Message to International Students: Welcome to UC Davis! I am so excited to be able to meet you in the coming months! I hope you'll find Davis to be a great home away from home. I always look forward to chatting with you so feel free to call, text or just throw a pebble at my room anytime you feel like it.

Lynn Weber (she/her), Mentor

Place of Origin: USA

Major: Economics

Year: 2nd

Languages: English, Italian (elementary)

About Me: Some of my hobbies are playing guitar and cello, baking, crocheting, reading, watching movies, and playing badminton! I am only fluent in English, but I am also learning Italian and Dutch. I spent my first year fall quarter studying abroad in Sicily through the Global Start Program, and I plan to study abroad again in the Netherlands. 

Fun Fact: During the pandemic I raised 9 chickens in my backyard.

Goals: My goals are to join more clubs/organizations on campus whether than be economics related clubs or just fun clubs related to my hobbies. I also would like to do more creative projects/hobbies and some day become fluent in another language. 

Message to International Students: Welcome! I hope you all will enjoy your time here at Davis and explore all the many things the school/area has to offer. It's normal to be nervous about entering a new environment but don't let that stop you from putting yourself out there and taking every opportunity you can!

Ty Yoshiyama (he/him), Mentor

Place of Origin: USA

Major/Minor: International Relations, Japanese/Education

Year: Junior

Languages: Chinese (elementary), English, Japanese

About Me: I grew up in Southern California. I am from Japanese and Chinese ancestry, but I didn't grow up speaking either Japanese or Chinese. It wasn't until high school when I studied abroad in Japan that I started to take an interest in my roots. Now, I'm involved a lot with the Japanese department at Davis, and I appreciate it when someone helps me practice speaking Mandarin Chinese. This summer, I am interning in Thailand as an assistant English teacher in Chiang Mai. I mostly hang out with my dog 24/7, and she loves exploring outdoors and meeting new people.

Fun Fact: I really love dogs. Here in Davis, I have a German Shepherd puppy named Aki, who I got from a wagon outside of Crepeville (a restaurant in downtown Davis). My dog back at home is from India, where she got ran over by a train and had to get one of her legs amputated--but don't feel bad, because now she gets spoiled every day by my parents.

Goals: My short-term goals are to go abroad to teach English, or go to graduate school and study something I'm passionate about. A long-term goal of mine would be to try living in a different country and have a couple dogs and cats. But ultimately, I want to take life one step at a time and enjoy the moment. 

Message to International Students: Congratulations and welcome to UC Davis! Coming to a new country and learning in a new environment takes guts. I look forward to meeting you, and always remember that you have a lot of people who are here for you at Davis if you ever need them. 

Lam Kei Yu (she/her), Mentor

Place of Origin: China

Major: Communication

Year: 3rd

Languages: English, Mandarin 

About Me: My hometown is in SoCal (Southern California!), and some of my hobbies and interests are going to the gym, taking nature walks, listening to music and watching 90s-2000s romcom movies! I also love doing Costco runs and reading during summer/winter breaks :)  I can speak Mandarin and English, and I am also a part of The Pantry team here on campus. 

Fun Fact: I can do a Mickey Mouse impression 

Goals: My short-term goals are to go abroad to teach English, or go to graduate school and study something I'm passionate about. A long-term goal of mine would be to try living in a different country and have a couple dogs and cats. But ultimately, I want to take life one step at a time and enjoy the moment. 

Message to International Students: Hello and welcome to UC Davis! We are very excited to have you here with us, and we are looking forward to the amazing year ahead!  I know studying abroad can be scary sometimes, but we are here to help. Never hesitate to reach out if there's any questions, concerns or just wanting to hang out! 

Amelia Zheng (she/her), Mentor

Place of Origin: China

Majors: Communication, Economics

Year: 3rd

Languages: Chinese, English

About Me: I'm an international student from Beijing, China, majoring in Communication and Economic. I enjoy traveling, meeting new people, and learning about different cultures. On campus, I am involved in Chinese Students and Scholars Associations , work as a Chinese tutor, and work in Tecero Dining Commons. I speak both Mandarin and English, and I love watching college-themed shows. I'm excited to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and learn from their experiences.

Fun Fact: I have been performing on stage and appearing on television since I was a child.

Goals: My short-term goals is to become more involved on campus and continue building meaningful friendships and professional connections. In the long term, I hope to pursue a career in marketing or public relations and make a positive impact through effective communication and cross-cultural understanding.

Message to International Students: Welcome to UC Davis! As an international student myself, I understand that adjusting to a new environment can be challenging at first. Remember that everyone is learning and growing, so don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. I hope you find a supportive community, make great memories, and enjoy your campus life here.