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Our students

Connect with a student admissions associate

Student admissions associates are URochester students who provide insight into the University of Rochester student experience. These Yellowjackets co-host info sessions and are available to answer questions about URochester.

 

 

Sam Baker (they/them)

Major: Brain and Cognitive Sciences
Minor: Music
Class year: 2027

Hello! Outside of the classroom I have a strong passion for the arts and I am involved in clubs such as the Meliora Figure Skating club, the Creative Arts club, and Trebellious A Cappella. Beyond clubs. I work as a tour guide for both the Meridian Society and our Hopeman Memorial Carillon, which is a 50 bell instrument housed atop of Rush Rhees Library. I also mentor current members of our Carillon class and give lessons to new students interested in Carillon.

Sonia Irakoze (she/her)

Major: Mechanical Engineering
Class year: 2028

 

Matthew Jones (he/him)

Majors: Computer Science and Economics
Class year: 2027

Hey everyone! When not sitting in class, you might find me racing with our club Alpine Ski Team, trying to make old and neglected computers work again with our Computer Interest Floor, or sampling Rochester’s plethora of coffee shops with our Coffee Club. Aside from that, I work as a tour guide and overnight program host for admissions and I also do work with our orientation team. I am currently conducting independent Economics research on collegiate club sports. I also do web development work for a research lab at the Warner School of Education and have worked as a TA for the Economics Department.

Anwita Kasar (she/her)

Major: Biomedical Engineering
Minors: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Class year: 2027

Hello! Outside of classes, I am a part of Rochester Bhangra, a competitive dance team here on campus. I’m also involved in research in the Baran Lab at the University of Rochester Medicine campus. I spent a semester abroad in Sydney, Australia, and this upcoming year, I’ll be serving as a Student Ambassador for the Center for Education Abroad!

Sarah Kideckel (she/her)

Major: Psychology
Minor(s): Legal Studies, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, and Jewish Studies 
Class year: 2027

Hello! Outside of the classroom, I am the President of Club Tennis and active in Mock Trial. Combining my interests in psychology and law, I am a Research Assistant in the Cognitive Development Lab, where we study how children think, and I am conducting my own study through the Psychology Honors Research Program. I serve as a Lead First-Year Fellow to help first-year students adjust to college academics. I also love connecting with prospective students as a tour guide and a blogger. For fun, I play the flute in the Wind Symphony and the Varsity Marching Pep Band. I am also involved in the Medallion Leadership Program, Hillel, and Chabad.

Dingxiang Lin (he/him)

Major: Japanese and Business: Entrepreneurship
Minor: Legal Studies
Class year: 2027
Master’s Degree: AI in Business at Simon Business School

Ava Memmelaar (she/her)

Major: Biochemistry
Minor(s): Theater & Psychology 
Class year: 2027

Hi! Outside of the classroom, I stay involved across campus as a member of the theater program, a research assistant at the School of Nursing & Health Sciences working on psychology and public health studies, a workshop leader for the Biology Department, and a tour guide with the Meridian Society. I also volunteer with Ronald McDonald House Charities and previously worked as a student office assistant in the NICU.

Kathalina Ramirez (she/her)

Major: Mechanical Engineering
Minor: Biomedical Engineering
Class year: 2027

Hi! Outside of classes, I have been involved in Adelante Juntos, a community service club centered on supporting the Hispanic and Latino community of Rochester, as well as the University of Rochester Rocketry team. I have also served as a research assistant in the Dalecki Lab, where I worked with ultrasound, and I currently serve as a Technical Assistant in the Welte Lab. Through my involvement in Greek life, I have served as the Vice President of Panhellenic Affairs. I am also part of the McNair Program, which supports first-generation students interested in pursuing graduate education, as well as the TRIO Program, which helps build a strong network and provide resources for first-generation students. Outside of the University of Rochester, I participated in a research project in Arizona at CXLS, where I worked with X-ray free-electron laser imaging.

Sammy Randle (he/him)

Majors: Politics, Philosophy, & Economics and Black Studies
Class year: 2027

Hi! I’m Sammy. I’m from Tampa, Florida, and I love creating spaces where people can connect, whether that’s through student leadership, campus events, or community projects in Rochester. I’ve helped run cultural celebrations and service initiatives, and I currently serve as a member of the 2027 Class Council. I’m always happy to share ways for students to get involved. Outside of school, I enjoy working out and reading comic books. If you’d like to make new connections or explore URochester, feel free to message me—I’d be happy to connect!

Zoe Stanley (she/her)

Majors: Cell & Developmental Biology and Spanish
Class year: 2027

Outside of classes, I am on the executive board for the UR Running Club, an active member of the Red Cross club, and I do research in the Welte Lab in the Department of Biology. I also work as a tour guide for admissions, and am a member of the Emergency Department Research Associates Program as well as working with the UR branch of SIREN, a national emergency medicine research network. I serve as a tutor for biology and chemistry classes. In the past, I’ve worked for the Chemistry Department as a workshop leader and in customer service off campus. I also had the opportunity to study abroad in Granada, Spain.

Mafatim Tall (he/him)

Majors: Financial Economics and Data Science
Class year: 2027

Hello! I am an international student from Senegal, a UWC Davis Scholar, and I studied abroad in Barcelona. My main passions are soccer, video games, and chatting/debating. On campus, I am mostly active in the Muslim Student Association, club rugby, and as a Resident Advisor. I also spend a lot of time exploring new hobbies: like knitting, dancing, cooking, and baking.

Roger Thoma (he/him)

Major: Biological Sciences and Spanish
Class year: 2027

Outside the classroom, I co-founded the University of Rochester’s Best Buddies chapter, and currently serve as the Secretary of the Bioethics Society, Co-Vice President of Mentorship for Project Level the Field, and work as a tour guide and student interviewer for the admissions team. I have also conducted Alzheimer’s research using C. elegans in the Nehrke Lab, participate in ongoing research through the Emergency Department Research Associate Program, studied abroad in Spain, and tutor local elementary school students through RocReading. In my free time, I enjoy running, exploring cafés in Rochester, reading, and spending time with friends!

Alex Wilks (he/him)

Major: Politics, Philosophy & Economics; Business: Entrepreneurship
Minor(s): Economics, Digital Media Studies
Class year: 2027

Hi! I’m from Fairfax, Virginia, just a quick ride from Washington, D.C., and I’m proud to be the seventh member of my family to attend the University of Rochester (you could say it runs in the family!). As a Student Admissions Associate, I love connecting with prospective students and sharing my URochester experience, which includes roles as a Marketing TA, tour guide with the Meridian Society, education abroad, and Club Operations Coordinator at the Simon Business School. I’ve also served in student government, worked as an EcoRep, and stay active in both Hillel and Chabad. Outside of Rochester, I recently interned in External Affairs at Comcast NBCUniversal and currently work as a Marketing Intern at Fizz Social.

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