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Peer Advisors

If you are looking for guidance about Athens or ºÚÁϳԹÏ, trying to find off campus housing, or have a question best answered by a current student, it might be a question for our peer advisors. Our team of peer advisors will support you and your fellow incoming international students during International Student Orientation. 

The peer advisors offer a contact for questions or concerns you may have, and support or guidance as you manage life in Athens, Ohio and begin to navigate your first semester at ºÚÁϳԹÏ. 

ISO Peer Advisor
James Annan

Country of Origin: Ghana

Languages I Speak:

What I Do: I am a doctoral student in the School of Communication Studies at ºÚÁϳԹÏ, specializing in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication. 

Email: ja588224@ohio.edu

About me: Originally from Ghana, I recently earned my Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree in Strategic Communication from the University of Education, Winneba.

Before beginning my doctoral journey, I gained extensive experience in Ghana’s public sector, where I developed a deep passion for communication, social advocacy, and cross-cultural engagement. I enjoy writing, connecting with people from diverse backgrounds, and exploring new learning opportunities.

My research focuses on communication within marginalized communities, particularly in the context of prisons. I am passionate about exploring how communication shapes inmates’ experiences, societal perceptions of incarceration, and the process of prisoner reintegration.

At the heart of my work is a commitment to service with humility. As I engage with others, I am guided by the values of mutual respect, cultural diversity, religious tolerance, and teamwork.
 

ISO Peer Advisor
Adejoke Areo

Country of Origin: Nigeria

Languages I Speak: English, and Yoruba

What I Do: I am currently a doctoral student in the chemistry and biochemistry department.

Email: aa616022@ohio.edu

About Me: I am a passionate and easygoing individual with a deep interest in analytical chemistry. A firm believer in God, I find joy in movies and helping others whenever possible. Whether it's through learning, sharing knowledge, or lending a hand, I strive to make a positive impact in the lives of those around me.

ISO Arrival Coordinator
Matarr Gaye

Country of Origin: The Gambia

Languages I Speak: English, Wolof

What I Do: I am a doctoral student at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ºÚÁϳԹÏ. 

Email: mg686620@ohio.edu

About Me: Outside the chemistry lab, I love sports (soccer). I am a family-man and believe in the power of negotiations/diplomacy.

ISO Email Manager
Penda Gaye

Country of Origin: The Gambia

Languages I speak: English, Wolof, Mandinka &Fulla

What I do: I am currently a second-year doctoral student in Higher Education and Student Affairs Program at Patton College of Education.

Email: pg264923@ohio.edu

About Me: I am a dedicated professional currently pursuing a PhD in Higher Education & Student Affairs at ºÚÁϳԹÏ. With extensive experience in university and medical education, I've held roles such as Executive Assistant to the Vice Chancellor at the University of The Gambia and Administrator for the Postgraduate Medical Training Program at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital. Currently, I serve as a Graduate Assistant at ºÚÁϳԹÏ.
I am deeply passionate about education and research, driven by a commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering inclusive learning environments that empower individuals and communities.

Beyond my professional roles, I am passionate about research, community service, advocating against sexual and gender-based violence, and empowering young people through training and advocacy. My communication and cross-cultural skills help me engage with diverse groups and foster inclusive environments.

Personal life philosophy: I see good in every person.
 

ISO Arrival Coordinator
Parwana Hamdam

Country of Origin: Afghanistan

Languages I Speak: I can speak Dari, Pashto, Hindi, Urdu, and English, and read and write Arabic.

What I Do: I am a first-year Ph.D. student focused on Health Communication at Scripps College of Communication.

Email: ph104922@ohio.edu

About Me: I believe in equality, respect, and diversity. I love street food, exploring the local market of different countries, and spending time and talking with Mobina Jan (My MOM).

ISO Off Campus Housing Coordinator
Salima Jallow

Country of Origin: The Gambia

Languages I Speak: I speak Pulaar, Wolof, Jola, Mandinka and English.

What I Do: I am a first-year doctoral student at the Patton College of Education,
Educational Leadership Program.

Email: sj019023@ohio.edu

About Me: I am a dedicated and compassionate person, driven by a sincere desire to assist others. Building meaningful, mutually exclusive relationships is my forte; I am distinguished by an unwavering dedication to integrity and inclusivity, which fosters environments where all individuals feel valued, empowered, and welcomed. I love spending my free time reading, being creative, or going on outdoor adventures.

ISO Peer Advisor
Allan K'oyoo

Country of Origin: Kenya

Languages I Speak: Luo(my local language), Kiswahili (East and Central African language) and English

What I Do: I am a masters degree student studying Geography.

Email: ao525124@ohio.edu

About me: I am interested in the urban development-urban conservation nexus and the application of Geographical Information Systems in exploring and addressing this interaction. I am a firm believer in Ubuntu's core principle "I am because we are" which guides my pursuit for belonging and strong cross-cultural connections. When indoors, I love listening to music, watching documentaries. Outdoors, I love bike riding and photography.

ISO Peer Advisor
Christiana Lansana

Country of Origin: Sierra Leone

Languages I Speak: 

What I Do: I am currently a master's student in Communication and Development Studies. 

Email: cl680723@ohio.edu

About me: I am a leader and an activist, passionate about social change. I believe in equal opportunity for all. My aim is to improve the world in the best way possible. Let love lead. I take pleasure in supporting and working with others and being impactful. I love music and enjoy dancing a lot. 
 

ISO On Campus Housing Coordinator
Nathan Malz

Country of Origin: United States

Languages I Speak: English

What I Do: I am an undergraduate student at ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï majoring in History and Anthropology, as well as seeking a minor in German. My intellectual interests focus upon early-modern European history. 

Email: pn968923@ohio.edu

About me: I have a passion for community service and meeting new people. My ultimate goal in academia is to provide meaningful scholarship to the field while promoting diverse interests in the environment.

ISO Peer Advisor
Felice Munroe

Country of Origin: Guyana, South America

Languages I Speak: English, Spanish and conversational Portuguese

What I Do: I am currently a master's student in Latin American Studies.

Email: fm968822@ohio.edu

About Me: I am a modern languages educator. I love socializing, exploring new cultures, listening to Spanish and Portuguese gospel music. I enjoy singing at karaoke even if my skills aren't top-notch. I'm also unafraid to hit the dance floor, despite lacking in dance prowess. However, I'm most passionate about is teaching and advocating for women and girls.

ISO Front Desk Coordinator
Peace Nwachukwu

Country of Origin: Nigeria

Languages I Speak: Igbo and English

What I Do: I am a PhD student at the Scripps college of communication, and I am also a graduate student representative for Ohio Communication Association.

Email: pn968923@ohio.edu

About Me: I value community and helping others grow. I enjoy learning new things and exploring different ways and how technology can make life better. When I’m not busy, you’ll find me spending quality time with family. I am driven by curiosity, compassion, and a love for connecting with people.

ISO Arrival Coordinator
Michael Oyedokun

Country of Origin: Nigeria

Languages I Speak: English (Expert), Yoruba (Expert)

What I Do: I am currently a doctoral student at the School of Communication Studies

Email: mo468923@ohio.edu

About Me: A young academician, fueled by a profound passion for both teaching and research, driven by the belief in the transformative power of communication, and guided by a commitment to fostering understanding and connection across diverse cultures. I firmly believe that effective cross-cultural communication serves as the cornerstone for bridging divides and nurturing harmony in our global community. I am constantly engaged in the pursuit of knowledge, exploring innovative avenues to unravel the intricacies of media dynamics and communication phenomena.  

Beyond academia, I am excited to leverage my expertise in communication to effectively connect with our community, disseminate valuable information, and cultivate a vibrant online presence. I am committed to providing prompt and attentive support to students' inquiries and messages. Recognizing the importance of timely communication in fostering a supportive academic environment, I prioritize efficiency and responsiveness in addressing queries. 

ISO Peer Advisor
Tasrifur Rahman

Country of Origin: Bangladesh

Languages I Speak: 

What I Do: 

Email: tr317324@ohio.edu

About me: 

ISO Peer Advisor
Nesa Rasouli

Country of Origin: Iran

Languages I Speak: Farsi, Kurdish and English

What I Do: I am a Ph.D. student in the School of Interdisciplinary Arts, focused on Film Studies/Film making.

Email: nr461522@ohio.edu

About me: I'm deeply passionate about cinema, whether I’m watching movies, analyzing them, or even making my own films! Film is not just my academic interest; it's my favorite way of seeing and sharing stories about the world. When I'm not lost in films, you can find me making friends, having great conversations, or exploring delicious foods. Oh, and tea is my absolute lifeline - I can’t imagine a day without it! Above all, I truly care about building friendships, spreading kindness, and raising awareness on how we can all better support each other.