CNAS Scholars Peer Programs | CNAS Scholars

Peer Mentoring Program

We are a team of highly successful CNAS students trained to assist our Learning Community students navigate undergraduate life. We're here to work with students through academics, developing success skills, exploring STEM careers, securing research opportunities, and enriching their time at UCR.

Each Peer Mentor (PM) is a CNAS student who successfully completed the CNAS Learning Community program. We are all involved in a diverse array of campus programs, student organizations, community groups, and research projects. We help students find solutions to their needs and guide them on how to make the most of their first-year by facilitating NASC091 in the fall, presenting at quarterly workshops, and meeting with first-year students one-on-one.

Scroll down to learn more about us and see what activities we're involved in!

Meet our CNAS Peer Mentor Co-Leads!

"Find peace in unexpected places, breathe deeper, and slow down. Everyone has their own timeline." - Sarah Sutjipto, Co-Lead '25-'26

"As peer mentors, we help students learn the many career and academic pathways possible and support them in finding community." - Maya Priestley, Co-Lead '25-26

Peer Mentors (2025-2026)

Sarah S

Sarah Sutjipto

Hi everyone! My name is Sarah Sutjipto and I am super passionate about the CNAS Student Success Program! This is my third teaching the NASC091 Freshman Seminar, and my second year as a CNAS Lead Peer Mentor. Through this program, I have had the wonderful opportunity to connect and mentor my amazing students, meet my best friends, and work with the most amazing team. As I enter my fourth year at UC Riverside, I have discovered my passion for mentoring and am so grateful for the ability to help my students unlock their potential. My goal is to become a general surgeon and continue teaching at medical schools. If you ever have any inquiries about my experiences, I would love to connect and help out! In my free time, I love watching anime, collecting blind boxes and squishies, and getting yummy food with my boyfriend and friends.

Activities:

- Behavior Frontiers Behavioral Technician
- Star Wars Club Event Coordinator
- Highlander EMS Education Officer
- UCR Hearts President
- CALLA Lab Research Assistant
- JIN Lab Research Assistant
- CNAS Lead Peer Mentor

Maya Priestley

Maya Priestley

Hi! My name is Maya and I am the First-Year Peer Mentor Co-Lead this year! On-campus, I am involved with Dr. Saltzman's neuroendocrinology research lab where I research neuroplasticity and behavioral changes in California Mice during their transition into parenthood. Off-campus, I volunteer with Inland Vineyard Free Clinic as the Pharmacy Co-Lead. In my free time I love cooking and art, mostly working with oil pastels and watercolors! I'm super excited to work with this year's first years!

Activities:

- CNAS Peer Mentors
- Saltzman Lab Research Assistant
- Inland Vineyard Free Clinic
- Former volunteer with COPE scholars
- Former Mini Medical School member

Siya Panchal

Siya Panchal

Hi! My name is Siya, and I’m a fourth year CMDB major! I’ve been involved in a variety of activities and organizations on and off campus including serving as the Vice President of the South Asian Federation last year, a Social Media and Recruitment Coordinator for COPE Health Scholars, and currently, a co-Events Coordinator for Global Medical Brigades. This is my second year as a CNAS Peer Mentor, and I’m super excited to pass along my experience and knowledge of UCR’s resources to my mentees. In my free time, I enjoy reading and occasionally dancing!

Activities:

- South Asian Federation Vice President (2024-2025)
- COPE Health Scholars (2023-2024)
- Global Medical Brigades Events Coordinator (2025-2026)
- CNAS Peer Mentor (2024-2026)

Snigdha Maddula

Snigdha Maddula

Hey everyone! I’m Snigdha Maddula, a fourth-year pre-med student pursuing a B.S. in Neuroscience. At UCR, I'm a CNAS Peer Mentor, PPAC Ambassador, Simulation Lab Intern with HCAP, and External Programming Chair for Phi Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity. I also volunteer at Loma Linda University Medical Center, within Global Medical Brigades, and serve as a Research Associate at the IEAACE and Research Intern at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. Outside of my passion for medicine and science, I am a dedicated dancer, choreographer, and singer. I love merging creativity with learning, often choreographing pieces around educational themes. In the future, I aspire to combine my two passions, medicine and the arts, by pursuing a career as both a surgeon and performer. Feel free to reach out if you ever need advice or just want to chat about your journey here at UCR!

Activities:

- UCR Pre-Professional Advising Center (PPAC) Ambassador
- Simulation Lab Intern, UCR Health Clinical & Administrative Program (HCAP)
- External Programming Chair, Phi Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity
- Volunteer, Loma Linda University Medical Center (Emergency Department)
- Volunteer, Global Medical Brigades
- Research Associate, Inland Empire Autism Assessment Center of Excellence (IEAACE)
- Research Intern, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center (Keck School of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology)

Kytan Tengkai

Kytan Guu

Hi everyone! My name is Kytan Guu, and I am a third-year neuroscience major from Orange County, California. I currently serve as a CNAS Science Ambassador, where I am involved in outreach efforts to promote the sciences in the Inland Empire. As part of the program, I am mostly involved in Delta SIFY and Little EINSTEINs. Additionally, I work as a research assistant in Dr. Ziaoping Hu's lab in BCOE, focusing on the effects of creatine and intranasal administration. In my free time, I enjoy playing classical music as a member of the UCR Orchestra, where you can often find me rehearsing. If anyone's interested, I play the violin and cello. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a career in medicine with a strong emphasis on teaching and fostering meaningful connections with others. I hope to see you around campus!

Bioengineering Research, CNAS Science Ambassadors, CNAS Scholars, Delta SIFY, Little EINSTEINs Co-Lead, Quartet, Scribing, Temple Volunteer, UCR Honors, UCR Orchestra Concertmaster

Samuel Alston

Samuel Alston

Hello! My name is Samuel Alston, and I’m a fourth-year Biochemistry major on the pre-med track. This is my second year as a CNAS Peer Mentor, and I am passionate about helping first-year students reach their academic and career goals while building a strong UCR community. I currently conduct research on Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) in Dr. Feng’s chemistry lab and stay involved on campus through organizations like Active Minds and UCR Health CAP. Off-campus, I support diverse communities through clinics and lead outreach initiatives. In my free time, I enjoy exploring museums, playing music, and trying new foods with friends. I look forward to meeting you all and supporting your journey at UCR!

Activities:

- Undergraduate Research Assistant in Dr. Feng Lab
- UCR Health Clinical & Administrative Program Community Outreach Intern
- Crystal Roses Secretary
- COPE Health Scholar
- The Well-Active Minds Volunteer
- Ronald McDonald House Charity Volunteer
- UCLA SHPEP Summer 2023

Mabel Tan

Mabel Tan

Hi, I'm Mabel! I'm a fourth-year biology major on the pre-medical track. Aside from mentoring, I am also a Chancellor's Research Fellow. I work in Dr. Karginov's lab where I study interactions between mRNA and proteins. More specifically, I research EndoU, a protein involved in the maturation of immune cells. I was a COPE Health Scholar at Riverside Community Hospital and the Labs and Training Officer of San Bernardino Free Clinic. In my free time, I work on my Etsy store, read, and garden!

Activities:

- Chancellor's Research Fellow
- Undergraduate research assistant in Karginov Lab
- RISE Summer 2023 Scholar
- COPE Health Scholar
- Owner of BelalaJewelry on Etsy
- Volunteer at Friends of the Pasadena Public Library bookstore

Aryan Kundapur

Aryan Kundapur

Hi everyone! My name is Aryan and I am a 4th year Neuroscience major on the pre-med track. This is currently my second year as a Peer Mentor and I am excited for the opportunity to meet new and familiar faces! Alongside my coursework, I’m involved in research as a RA in the DZMaC lab and in Professor Li Fan’s lab. I'm also the Fundraising Chair for Operation Smiles at UCR, where I help raise funds towards aiding children born with cleft lip and palate in underserved communities. Outside of academics, I love listening to music (rock has been my recent favorite), watching interesting YouTube videos, and spending time with friends, especially on trips to the beach. I look forward to connecting with you all, so don’t hesitate to reach out!

Activities:

- DZMaC Lab RA
- Li Fan Lab RA
- Event Coordinator for Operation Smiles at UCR
- EMT
- COPE Health Scholar
- Former Chief of Staff for the Office of the Executive VP of ASUCR
- Former Behavior Technician

Leyla Karatahan

Leyla Karatahan

My name is Leyla, and I am a fourth-year biology major. I want first years to know that they are not alone in their undergraduate journey, and they can find support systems anywhere on campus, whether it's through the friends they meet in their LC, in clubs that they join, in UCR resources, and even in their peer mentors! If you ever see me walking around campus, feel free to say hi and ask any questions that you may have!

Activities:

- Riverside Free Clinic
- Latino Medical Student Association + Co-President
- CNAS Science Ambassadors
- CNAS Scholars
- Lab assistant

Maylin Reyes

Maylin Reyes

My name is Maylin Reyes! I'm a first-generation Latina student. I would like first years to know that the CNAS First Year Success program is amazing. It gives you an opportunity to network with people in a similar major, while giving you access to endless opportunity by the end of the program. I had an amazing experience with my peer mentor, and I hope to aid in building the legacy she left behind. Please feel free to reach out!

Activities:

- Research Assistant

Samantha Thayer-Pham

Samantha Thayer-Pham

Hi, I'm Samantha! As a 4th year on the pre-med track, I am beyond excited to help guide the new cohort of CNAS students. I came to UCR my first year and lived in Pentland in the Student in Math and Science Living Learning Community (SiMS LLC). Currently, I am a CNAS Science Ambassador and serve as the face of the college at official functions, organizing science outreach and communication events to K-12 schools. I am involved in research with Dr. Zlebnik's lab, studying neural circuits related to drug addiction. I participated in RISE as a research scholar & as a Peer Mentor. Besides my pre-health interests, I am involved in Alpha Chi Omega sorority, which promotes a strong female community, and our main philanthropy is educating and informing our community on domestic violence awareness and prevention! I am here for anything pre-med, campus involvement, or even just lending a hand to plan your future goals. Together, we can make UCR become your new home away from home.

Activities:

- UCR SOM Dr. Zlebnik Lab Research Assistant
- CNAS Science Ambassador
- UCR SOM Facilities Services Student Assistant
- Cope Health Scholars
- EMT Certified
- Project Leader- Mini Med School

Eugenia Lee

Eugenia Lee

Hello everyone! My name is Eugenia Lee, and I am a 3rd year CMDB major. I am currently on the pre-optometry track. This will be my second year as a CNAS Peer Mentor and I look forward to meeting both familiar and new faces. I'm also the Co-President of the 3E Club at UCR, the Publicity Chair of the UCR PFV Club, and a Research Assistant in a Cardiometabolic Health Lab! During my free time, I love to hangout with family and friends, listen to music, make pottery, explore outdoors, and read. Can't wait to see you around campus! Reach out if you have any questions!

Activities:

- UCR 3E Club Co-President
- UCR PFV Publicity Chair
- Cardiometabolic Health Research
- Medical Assistant
- California Lions FS Volunteer

Adrian Martinez

Adrian Martinez

Hey! My name is Adrian Martinez, a 2nd year CMDB major and I'm so excited to be a peer mentor! I'm currently applying to internships and medical assistant positions for the following summer to gain more experience in the medical field. I plan on getting my masters in public health to then go to med school to become a neonatal physician! I love listening to music and camping out for concerts for way to long. I hope that I can be someone that you can trust and confide in.

CNAS First Year Program

Mary Ogbogu

Mary Ogbogu

Hi everyone! My name is Mary Ogbogu and I am a second year neuroscience major at UCR! On campus, I'm involved in Navigators, Citrus Free Care, Debate Society, and Medical Scholars Program! In my free time I love playing tennis, watching movies (especially if they're free on Youtube or Tubi), and listening to Nigerian/African gospel music!

Activities:

- CNAS Peer First Year Peer Mentors
- CNAS Intake Peer Advisor
- RA at Social Neuroscience Lab
- Navigators at UCR
- Citrus Free Care Volunteer
- Volunteer Crisis Counselor at Crisis Text Line

Sarah Fan

Sarah Fan

Hi! I'm Sarah! This will be my second year as a peer mentor. :) I am super excited to meet you all! I also work as a CNAS Science Ambassador and an RA. Just this past summer, I was part of the RISE program. Feel free to ask me any questions about these! In my free time, I love to watch movies/TV shows and read. Please give me some recommendations! You might be able to find me at cafes either studying or scrapbooking. Feel free to say hi to me on-campus and or let me know if there is anything you need! :D

Activities:

- MARC Program Scholar
- CNAS Science Ambassador
- UCR Health Brand Ambassador
- Ostevik Lab Research Assistant
- SOM Hypoxia Lab Research Assistant
- Professor Jiamin Zhang Research Assistant
- Residential Assistant for Glen Mor

Derrick Rodrigo

Derrick Rodrigo

Hello everyone! I'm Derrick, a third-year Biology Pre-Med student from the Inland Empire, and I am excited to return as a CNAS Peer Mentor this year! I'm very passionate about supporting and guiding my students. Outside of my school and professional life, I love listening to Matt Maltese & EDM, eating dry spicy sesame mix malatang at Yin Tang with lots of lamb and quail egg, and collecting blind box figures (mostly Dimoos, Hironos, and Smiskis).

Activities:

- DZMaC Research Assistant
- Highlander EMS
- UCR Health Brand Ambassador
- UCR Health Clinical and Administrative Program (HCAP); Commnity Liaison Intern
- UCR SOM Probe Scholar
- Stop the Bleed Instructor
- EMT for Inland Empire Street Medicine

Allison M

Allison Matthews

Hello! My name is Allison Matthews and I'm a third year Biology major with a minor in Feminist Studies. My current career goal is to pursue a PhD someday. On campus I'm involved in research with the Maduro lab, where I study gut specification in the nematode C. elegans. In my free time I love to dance and perform with the Dancesport Club and off campus on my winterguard team! I also enjoy baking and adding to my earring collection. I'm so excited to meet all of my mentees and help navigate through their first year!

Activities:

- RISE 2024
- Dancesport at UCR President
- Maduro Lab
- Vox Artium Winterguard
- Cheese Club member
- Salsa Club member

Marri-Ann Pham

Marri-Ann Pham

Hi! I'm Merri-Ann Pham and I'm a third-year Biology major with a minor in Medical Health and Humanities, and I'm currently on the Pre-PA track. This will be my first year as a peer mentor and I'm so excited to get to know everyone! I'm from San Diego, I love reading, surfing (even though I'm not very good at it), painting, and getting matcha with my friends. My favorite foods are bagels and when I have the time, I love competing in pageants. Fun fact: I played lead guitar in a band in high school.

Activities:

- Director of recruitment for Beta Psi Omega (BPO)
- Public Relations Officer for Physicians Associates of Tomorrow (PAT)
- PPAC Ambassador
- Vietnamese Student Association (VSA)
- Healthcare Navigators (HCN)
- Volunteer for Arrowhead Regional Medical Center
- Vista Strawberry Pageant First Princess

Aliza Alibhai

Aliza Alibhai

Hi everyone! My name is Aliza Alibhai, and I’m a third-year neuroscience major. I’m interning with the School of Medicine’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and working as a Health Coach at a clinic in Lake Elsinore. In Summer 2023, I was a RISE Scholar, where I explored agricultural plant biology as part of the Dynamic Genome Summer Scholars. Outside of academics, I like to keep busy! I serve on the boars of the Pakistani Student Association. In my free time, you’ll probably find me cross-stitching, painting, or cooking —all while fueling my serious coffee addiction. If you have any questions, need advice or just wanna chat, come say hi - I love meeting new people!

Activities:

- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Intern at the School of Medicine, UCR Health Clinical and Administration Program (HCAP)
- Health Coach, School of Medicine Pathway Program
- Director of Events, UCR Pakistani Student Association
- Former RISE Scholar with the Dynamic Genome Summer Scholars (2024)
- CNAS First year Peer Mentor
- Inland Empire Street Medicine Free Clinic; Women’s Reproductive and Health Committee

Manya Srivastav

Manya Srivastav

Hi everyone, my name is Manya Srivastav and I am a third-year neuroscience student. I'm incredibly honored to serve as one of your CNAS Peer Mentors! I'm interested in the intersection between neuroscience, technology, and medicine with a special passion for advancing stroke rehabilitation and women's reproductive health. With my various research experiences, I'm gearing towards working in a collaborative environment to push forward new therapies and imaging techniques that improve patients’ lives! Aside from mentoring, you can find me in a stationery store trying to narrow down my options, rewatching a sitcom, or eating chocolate-covered strawberries. I'm also an avid hip-hop dancer and compete with 909 Dance Troupe!

Activities:

- CNAS Peer Mentor
- Undergraduate Research Assistant @ Stroke NeuroRecovery Lab with Dr. Shahab Vahdat
- Summer Research Intern @ UCSF Weill Institute of Neurosciences with Dr. Vikaas Sohal
- Undergraduate Research Assistant @ Brain Game Center with Dr. Aaron Seitz (Former)
- 909 Dance Troupe Member
- NeuroTechnology Society Outreach Chair
- Women in Neuroendocrinology Public Relations

Joseph N

Joseph Nguyen

What's good everyone, my name is Joseph and I am a 3rd year bio major! Besides being your peer mentor, studying too much, and commuting 45+ minutes from OC everyday, I do a lot of activities on campus, such as being the BROTHERs Project Lead for the CNAS Science Ambassadors and volunteering as an EMT at Highlander EMS. Additionally, I am very involved in the Dynamic Genome Program, as I am an Undergraduate Learning Assistant (ULA) for the lecture class as well as the Director of Training for the Outreach Group. I also participate in research in Dr. Dillman's lab, where we work with small parasites called nematodes to develop a more natural pesticide.

Outside of UCR, I work as an EMT for Cal-Med Ambulance in LA county and volunteer as a catechist at my local Catholic Church. I love watching anime, reading mangas and manhwas, gaming, hiking, and even playing chess at UCR's own chess club. Most of all, I am a huge foodie, so if you need some food recommendations around UCR, I gotchu!

Activities:

- Science Ambassador: BROTHERs Project Lead
- Dynamic Genome Outreach Group: Director of Training
- Dynamic Genome: Undergraduate Learning Assistant (ULA)
- Dillman Lab Research Assistant
- Highlander Emergency Medical Services (HEMS): General Member
- Cal-Med Ambulance: Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- St. Joseph Catholic Church Faith Formation Catechist

Valentina Yonemoto

Valentina Yonemoto

Hi! My name is Valentina Yonemoto and I am a third-year student here at UCR. I am majoring in Biology and am on the pre-med track. I am so excited to be a CNAS Peer Mentor this year! I am currently in the MAC research lab with Dr. Gene Brewer and in the Nematology Lab with Dr. Bao-Lam Huynh. Beyond research, I serve as a Delta SIFY Science Olympiad Coach, CVFC Volunteer, and a Kaiser Emergency Room Volunteer. Aside from school activities, I enjoy dancing and am currently a dance teacher at my local studio. I also enjoy traveling and my favorite place I have been to is Japan. I can’t wait to meet everyone and support you this year!

Activities:

- Undergraduate Research Assistant-The MAC Lab with Dr. Gene Brewer
- Undergraduate Research Assistant- Nematology Lab with Dr. Bao-Lam Huynh
- Delta SIFY Science Olympiad Coach
- Dance Teacher
- CVFC Volunteer
- Kaiser Permanente Emergency Room Volunteer

Ryan Dang

Ryan Dang

Hi everyone! I'm Ryan Dang, a sophomore CMDB major on the pre-med track. This will be my first year as a CNAS scholar peer mentor, and I'm ecstatic to meet you all! As for a little bit about me, I'm from San Diego and am a natural beach lover. I enjoy playing volleyball (both indoor and beach), drawing, cooking, and am a HUGE Pokémon fan. If you ever see me around campus, feel free to say hi! I always enjoy meeting new people.

Activities:

- Phi Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity Public Relations Chair
- LabLink Vice President of Internal Affairs
- RISE 2025 scholar
- CNAS Scholars Peer Mentor
- Dr. DiPatrizio's Endocannabinoid research lab
- Dr. Maduro's developmental biology & genetics lab
- RCH volunteer