Class of 2028, Meet Your OIS Peer Liaisons!

Head Peer Liaison

Yana Tucker's picture

Yana Tucker, SM '25, Russia and United States of America

Hello everyone! My name is Yana, and I am the Head OISS PL for the 2024-25 school year. I am a rising senior in Silliman majoring in Global Affairs with a certificate in French, and I am originally from Moscow, Russia. Outside of class, I play violin for the Berkeley College Orchestra and swim for the Yale Club Swim Team. You can also often find me hiking East Rock, picnic-ing in the Silliman courtyard, or taking care of my houseplants. I was a Peer Liaison in the 2022-23 school year, and I am so excited to be back working with the international community and helping support you all through your first experiences at Yale. If you have any questions for me, feel free to reach out to me at yana.tucker@yale.edu. I look forward to meeting you all soon!!

Peer Liaisons

Sabina Babaieva's picture

Sabina Babaieva, SM '27, Ukraine

Welcome to Yale, Class of 2028! I am Sabina, from Kupyansk, Ukraine. I plan on studying global affairs and cognitive science, focusing on the study of peace and conflict at Yale and after I graduate. Being an international student here might only be a curse in the beginning, but it definitely is a blessing once you get yourself acquainted with the system. I and other peer liaisons are glad to guide you through this process.

Pempem Dorji's picture

Pempem Dorji, BF '26,

Getrude Jeruto's picture

Getrude Jeruto, TD '26, Kenya

WELCOME TO YALE CLASS OF 2028!!

My name is Getrude Jeruto. I am a rising junior in TD and my home country is Kenya! I am super excited to be one of your PLs and to meet you all during Fall 2024 for OIS. I am a Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry major but please feel free to reach out if you're feeling stressed out about being undecided! On campus, you will find me singing with the amazing Yale Gospel Choir(YGC) or in social events with Christian Union (CU) or Yale African Students Association(YASA). I also work as a front-desk receptionist at the OISS office so if you drop by the office or call, you will probably find me :) When I am not studying or working, you'll find me napping at the GoodLife center or playing basketball with friends in Payne Whitney. Again CONGRATULATIONS and feel free to reach out. I am happy to answer any questions or just chat about anything:) I can't wait to meet y'all this fall!!! Be safe.

Merat Semma's picture

Merat Semma, DC '26, Ethiopia

Hello my internationals, this is Merat Semma (DC '26). I am Studying Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry (MB&B) and doing a certificate in Global Health. I am from the vibrant Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. On campus and outside of OISS, I serve as a special events coordinator for Yale women's center and Yale Ethiopian and Eritrean Students Association. You can also catch me in the chemistry department working as a lab safety staff, doing research at Yale School of Medicine or volunteering at Yale New Haven Hospital. When I am not sciencing, I am all about cozy movie nights and lighthearted debates with my suitemates. I can’t wait to meet you all and connect over pre-med adventures, cultural exchanges, or a meal and a stroll through New Haven.

Lisa Tauch's picture

Lisa Tauch, BF '27, Cambodia

Hey, Class of 2028! First of all, Congratulations, you made it, woohoo! My name is Lisa, and I am from Phnom Penh, Cambodia! I’m currently planning on majoring in Global Affairs, with possible certificates in Data Science and Human Rights.

Coming all the way from your home to a new country for college can be exciting and overwhelming at once! If you ever feel stressed out or starting to find this whole transition overwhelming, please know that you can always send me an email and I would love to talk it through with you! And, if you ever just wanted to ask questions about Yale, or simply want to know what to pack for New Haven (especially if you're not familiar with the winter here), I would be so happy to answer all of your questions!

We’re so excited to welcoming to you to Yale, and New Haven very soon! I hope you’re getting excited about this amazing college experience! We're already preparing for your arrival here in August! I can’t wait to meet and support all of you as you go through your first year here at Yale! Have a safe flight here, and enjoy the rest of your senior high school year!