Class of 2029, Meet Your OIS Counselors!

Head Counselors

Alba Quintas Núñez, MY '28, Spain

¡Hola a tod@s! My name is Alba Quintas and I am a junior from Spain double majoring in Computer Science and Political Science. I moved to New Haven two years ago knowing only a few people from Yale and with a lot of questions about the university, how to open a bank account, which mobile phone company is the best... However, my time in OIS helped me navigate a completely different continent and, most importantly, introduced me to some of my best friends on campus.

At Yale, I am very involved in WGiCS (Women and Gender Minorities in Computer Science) and the current President of Yale ColorStack. I am also part of the Model UN team at Yale (MUNTY) and I am part of the theatre scene on campus, having acted in and produced two multilingual plays. I have also organised the Computer Science Career Fair 2025. In additon, I work as a student tech in the Student Technology Collaborative!

This university can be challenging, but the community and opportunities you will find here will provide you with great stories, funny anecdotes, and truly inspiring friendships.

I can't wait to meet you all this August and share my tips on classes, clubs, life outside the classroom, and campus jobs. Congratulations on coming to Yale! Safe travels from wherever you are and, as we say in my regional language (Galician), biquiños ("warm greetings").

Email Alba

Counselors

Kerem Babaoglu, TD '29, Turkey

Hey everyone, I'm Kerem Babaoglu and I'm from Alanya, Turkey! I'm a rising sophomore ('29) in Timothy Dwight College. If you see a floating smiley face in the campus, that's me! I'm majoring in Cognitive Science. I enjoy theater, reading novels and watching TV series. I'm passionate about Eurovision songs, cooking for my loved ones and drinking Turkish coffee.

In addition to my studies, I work as a Turkish Peer Tutor. I am fond of learning languages and listening to songs in languages that I don't even know of, so if you have a song in any language that you want to share, please do so! I'm also acting in various productions at Yale, and I love playing board games as well.

Ever since I came here, Yale has been the space where I could freely be myself and find those who would vibe with me. There is always someone that shares your niche interest or would be willing to do any activity you want to do with you, which makes this entire journey so much more fun.

We are so excited to welcome you to Yale, and please feel free to reach out with anything. See you in New Haven!

Email Kerem

Christopher Cho, MY '29, Thailand

Hi everyone, I’m Christopher! I’m half Thai and half Korean, and I was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand. I’m a rising sophomore ('29) in Pauli Murray College studying Mechanical Engineering.

Outside the classroom, I’m involved in project teams like Bulldogs Racing, Yale’s Formula SAE team, where we build an electric race car, and Yale Assistive Innovation Design, where we design and 3D-print prosthetics. I’m also part of the Undergraduate Research Mentorship Initiative. For fun, I sing in an a cappella group and serve on board for the Students’ Association of Thais At Yale.

I’ve really enjoyed my time at Yale so far, and OIS has been a meaningful part of that experience. I’m looking forward to meeting you all and sharing more once you’re on campus. Congratulations and welcome to Yale!

Email Christopher

Nevin Dabrah, BR '29, Ghana

Hi everyone! My name is Nevin Dabrah, and I am a rising sophomore in Branford College. I am from Ghana and grew up there but was born in Nairobi, and I'm planning to major in Computer Science and Economics.

Outside of class, I love sports — I play basketball and football (soccer), and I am a proud Arsenal fan (you have been warned). When I am not on the court or the pitch, you will find me at the Afro-American Cultural Center, where I work, or with the Yale African Students Association. These are two places some of you will become very familiar with.

Feel free to reach out to me with any questions. I am happy to help!

Email Nevin

Juliano Dantas Portela, TD '27, Brazil

Hey everyone! I'm Juliano Portela, a rising senior in Timothy Dwight College from Manaus, Brazil, majoring in Computing & Linguistics.

I'm super involved in research at the Linguistics and Cognitive Science Departments, where I’ve been working on some exciting projects! I love learning new languages (so please teach me a few phrases in yours), drawing, playing Brazilian music, reading poetry, coding, and traveling.

At Yale, I used to be the president of both the Brazil Club and the Yale Brazilian Music Collective. I was also an OIS counselor in 2024 and 2025, which were such fun and meaningful experiences that I just had to do it one last time this year. Additionally, I also work as a Hardware Specialist at the Student Technology Collaborative, so let me know if you need any help with tech!

Yale is truly indescribable—the people you meet, the things you experience, and everything in between make it a place like no other. One of my favorite parts of being here has been getting involved in the international community, and I hope to help spread that beautiful spirit of “internationality” even more across campus this year!

Email Juliano

Zander Jeinthanuttkanont, BR '28, Thailand

Hi everyone!

My name is Zander, and I am a rising junior (’28) from Bangkok, Thailand. I am in Branford College and plan on majoring in Economics and Mathematics, with a Certificate in Chinese.

Outside of classes, I coach the Yale Debate Association and do research at the School of Management. I also love traveling, making music, and hunting for the best restaurants in New Haven—always happy to share recommendations!

Yale is a great place, with even better people. I met some of my closest friends during OIS, and I can’t wait to meet you all in the fall!

Please feel free to reach out with any questions. Safe travels to New Haven!

Email Zander

Dut Phillip Jool Joh, TC '28, South Sudan

Congratulations, Class of 2029, and welcome to Yale! I'm Dut Phillip, a rising sophomore at Trumbull College, originally from South Sudan. But for the past decade, I've called the Ayilo I Refugee Settlement in northern Uganda home as a refugee since the outbreak of the civil war in my country.

At Yale, I plan to major in Ethics, Politics, and Economics (EPE), a perfect blend of my interests in governance, economic development, and global affairs.
On campus, I serve as the Russian Civil War Department co-chair at Yale Model United Nations and am an active member of the Running Club, where I enjoy pushing my limits as a cross-country runner.

When I'm not diving into Adam Smith's works or John Maynard Keynes' theories, you'll probably find me reading finance-related books, playing the piano, or watching South Sudanese wrestling reviews (yes, it's a thing, and it's fascinating!).

I'd love to chat with you if you want a conversation on philosophical ideas, global politics, economic policies, or just great book recommendations! I'm so excited to meet you all and be part of this incredible journey together.

Email Dut Phillip Jool

Hildana Kassa, BF '29, Ethiopia

Selam everyone! Congratulations and welcome to Yale! My name is Hildana Kassa and I am a first year student from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I am at Benjamin Franklin college (aka the best college) studying Biomedical Engineering.

Outside of class, I am part of Yale African Innovation Symposium and Yale Healthcare consulting collective. I am also a dancer in DESTA, and super involved in the Yale Eritrean and Ethiopians student association. You will always find me and my fellow habeshas studying at Tsai city:)

I am really honored to be an OIS counselor this year, and can’t wait to meet all of you! OIS was an amazing experience for me, where I felt very welcomed and met so many friends. It really gave me a space to adjust and get settled amidst the first year chaos. We are all here to make your transition to college much smoother and give you the best camp yale experience! Please feel free to reach out for any questions, advice or just to chat!

Email Hildana

Kenda Kenda, TC '28, Kenya

Hi everyone! My name is Kenda, a sophomore studying Biomedical Engineering and Global Health Studies. I was born and raised in Kenya, a beautiful country in East Africa.

Outside of classes, I’m involved in outreach and recruitment for conferences like the Yale Model African Union and the Yale Africa Innovation Symposium. I also work as a research assistant and serve as a Swahili language tutor with the Center for Language Studies—so feel free to reach out if you’re interested in learning the language! I love traveling and am always thinking about my next trip, so if that’s your vibe and you want a travel buddy, I’d love to connect :)

Congratulations and welcome to Yale—I’m really excited to meet you all soon!

Email Kenda

Sarvenaz Mohaghegh, GH '27, Iran

Hi everyone!

I’m Sarvenaz Mohaghegh, a rising senior in Grace Hopper College double majoring in Economics and Global Affairs. I’m originally from Iran and have also lived in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, where I attended United World College in Mostar (UWCiM). On campus, I’m involved with the Yale Student Investment Group, the Yale International Relations Association, and the Yale Persian Student Association. I’m also a campus tour guide!

Coming to Yale was my first time in the U.S., so I didn’t know much about things like opening a bank account, getting a SIM card, or just settling in. OISS was the perfect opportunity to meet other international students and take the time to adjust, get settled, and learn how to thrive at Yale. I know all of this can feel super overwhelming. I did OISS my freshman year and was also a counselor last year, so I’m really excited to be back again!

Feel free to ask any questions. I’m happy to give advice about packing, U.S. culture, or anything else. Just shoot me an email!

Email Sarvenaz

Selinam Mortey, MC '29, Ghana

Hey everyone! I’m Selinam Mortey, and I’m a first-year in Morse College. I grew up in Accra, Ghana, and I’m planning to study Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Outside of classes, I’m involved with the Yale Assistive Innovation and Design (Y-AID) club, where we design 3D-printed prosthetic limbs for New Haven residents. I also work at the Bass and Sterling Memorial Libraries. In my free time, you’ll find me playing football with friends, playing video games, or at events with the Yale African Students Association.

I’m so excited to be a counselor for OIS this year! OIS was one of the highlights of my first year, and I met most of my closest friends at Yale during that week. I hope it’s just as special for you all, hopefully even better. Enjoy your summer, and I'm looking forward to meeting you in the fall.

Email Selinam

Thabile Moyo, BR '29, Zimbabwe

Hi everyone! Congratulations and welcome to Yale! My name is Thabile, and I’m a rising sophomore from Zimbabwe studying Biomedical Engineering. Outside of class, you’ll usually find me in Branford, working on Mock Trial cases, or just hanging out with friends and finding new spots around campus.

One of the things that makes Yale so special is how quickly it can start to feel like home, even when you’re far from it. As an international student, that transition can be a lot at first, but the community I found—especially through OIS—made all the difference for me. I’m really excited to be part of that for you. As a Counselor, I’m looking forward to meeting you during Camp OIS and beyond, and helping you find your place here. Feel free to reach out anytime—whether you have questions, need advice, or just want to talk!

Email Thabile

Marina Papalexopoulos, SM '28, Greece

Hi everyone! My name is Marina and I’m a rising junior (‘28) from Athens, Greece! I’m in Silliman College and I’m majoring in History. I’m involved in lots of creative projects on campus, from theater to film, and I love to write, sing, dance, explore new places, and meet new people. I’m also a campus tour guide! Yale is an incredible place with incredible people and I’m sure you’ll feel that way in no time too. I am so looking forward to meeting everyone – feel free to reach out about anything!

Email Marina

Tiago Rocha Nogueira, ES '27, Brazil

Hey everyone! My name is Tiago, I am a rising senior in Ezra Stiles college from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and I am super excited to meet you all in August!

I study Economics & Math, but I've also explored plenty of coursework in philosophy, sociology, and political science, and I'm interested in navigating a career between economic policy, consulting, and academia. If you ever feel indecisive about what to major in and what to do with your life, know that you are not alone, and please don't hesitate to bring me your life dilemmas!

Outside of class, I've been involved with music (leading the Brazilian Music Ensemble as well as a band formed with my suitemates called Quite Coyote), ushering for the Yale School of Music, economics research & peer tutoring, acting with Teatro de Yale (the Latin American theater club), plenty of counselor jobs, the Brazil Club at Yale, and I'll be co-president of Yale's undergraduate development economics club -- the Salus Populi Foundation -- this upcoming year.

I'm a big proponent that first-year is a time to have fun and learn to be kind to ourselves, and I'm very much looking forward to sharing these first few days of Yale with you all!

Any questions or thoughts, no matter how small, I'm always just an email away :)

Email Tiago

Sofia Sato, DC '28, Japan

Hi class of 2030 & welcome to Yale :)

My name is Sofia (she/her), and I am a rising junior ('28) in Davenport College from Tokyo, Japan! I'm double majoring in Neuroscience and History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health (HSHM) and pursuing a Global Health Certificate.

On campus, I sing in the Yale Glee Club and Proof of the Pudding (jazz & swing a capella); and I'm involved in the Japanese American Student Union, the Brennand Lab, and Yale Club Running. In my free time you'll also find me playing the piano, making calligraphy art, and hanging out with friends!

Please feel free to reach out about any questions - from being pre-med to joining singing groups at Yale or anything at all - I'd love to chat:) Safe travels to New Haven and super excited to meet you soon!

Email Sofia

Moe Shimizu, DC '27, Japan

Hi everyone, and welcome to Yale :)

My name is Moe and I'm a rising senior in Davenport College from Tokyo, Japan. I'm studying Cultural Anthropology with a Certificate in Data Science, and do a lot of creative writing and journalism on and off campus. I also love photography and taking walks.

Coming into Yale as an international student can be somewhat terrifying, but the wonderful thing about OIS is that it brings you closer to a group of people that shares and understands your experience. The international community has been such a grounding presence throughout my time at Yale, and has also brought me some of my closest friends -- I hope that we can be a small part of providing that sense of guidance and belonging for you.

Please feel free to reach out about anything from campus publications and creative writing classes, study abroad (I spent my junior spring semester in Copenhagen), or homesickness. Safe travels, and see you soon!

Email Moe

Swetha Sivakumar, BF '29, Singapore

Hey gang! I’m Swetha, a rising sophomore in Benjamin Franklin College double majoring in Computer Science and Philosophy. I’m always down to explore—whether that’s new places, new ideas, or spontaneous plans with the group, and I am exceedingly excited to get to know you all! I was a national athlete, so teamwork, resilience, and energy are a big part of who I am. At the same time, I love philosophy so I’m always up for a good philosophical conversation that could ultimately end up nowhere. Most importantly, I’m here to make sure we all have fun, feel comfortable, and really enjoy the experience together. Don’t hesitate to come chat anytime!

Email Swetha

Proud Ua-arak, SM '27, Thailand

Hi everyone - a huge congratulations to you all and welcome to Yale! My name is Proud Ua-arak, and I’m a rising senior from Bangkok, Thailand, studying biomedical engineering with a certificate in Chinese. Outside of classes, you'll usually find me playing basketball at the Silligym, meditating at the Yale Buddhist Shrine, and hunting for New Haven culinary delights with friends (always happy to share my Beli recs), among other things!

If you ask any Yalie what their favorite thing about Yale is, “community” is a word you won’t fail to hear, and you'll quickly see why. The people I met at OIS as a freshman instantly became a loving home away from home for me when I first arrived, which is so valuable for us internationals who are adjusting to not just university life, but to a completely new country. As both a Counselor and PL, I'm so so excited to meet you all during Camp OISS and throughout the year. to welcome you into this vibrant community with open arms. Please don’t hesitate to reach out about anything at all!

Email Proud

Kayla Wright, MY '29, Jamaica

Hi everyone! My name is Kayla and I’m a rising sophomore from Kingston, Jamaica! I’m in Pauli Murray College and am planning to major in Biomedical Engineering on a pre-med track. On campus, I am an event aide for Pauli Murray and a student research assistant. I am also a member of the Yale Modern Dance Collective and Chi Alpha. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, I’d be happy to help! Congratulations on your acceptance to Yale and I am looking forward to meeting you soon!

Email Kayla

Hebe Xu, BK '29, China

Hi everyone! My name is Hebe, and I’m a rising sophomore in Berkeley College. I was born in China but raised in Hawaiʻi, and my multicultural background has inspired my interests to pursue Global Affairs and Statistics & Data Science, along with a certificate in Japanese.

At Yale, I serve as a cultural chair for the Chinese American Student Association, write for The Globalist—a student publication focused on contemporary affairs, and do outreach for the Chinese Language and Career Initiative. I’m also a part of Asian Receipts at Yale, where I’m always excited to explore new Asian cuisines.

Outside the classroom, you’ll usually find me “studying” with friends in Bass Library, wandering around Berkeley, or grabbing boba somewhere nearby.

Feel free to reach out anytime! I look forward to meeting you all soon :)

Email Hebe