First Year Learning Assistants
Howdy! My name is David, and I am from Wayne, NJ. I am a senior (class of 2023), and this is my first time as a Learning Assistant. I am part of Duly Noted A Capella, UPE (computing honor society), and PME (math honor society). I am also a mentor for Foundations of Computer Science. Fun fact: I was an RA during Fall 2021 and was a lifeguard at the Robinson Pool during Fall 2019!
Hall: Church VI (Quad)
Major: Computer Science & Math; Music Minor
Hobbies: Singing, ice skating, swimming, contract bridge
Office Hours: Wednesdays 9 - 10 PM; Saturdays 2 - 3 PM
Webex: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/qiand
Hello! My name is Eli, and I am a sophomore doing my first year as a Learning Assistant. I am part of student government, SASE, and Partial Credit A Capella.
Hall: Davison
Major: Business Management
Hobbies: Reading, singing, gushing over people’s pets
Office Hours: Tuesday and Friday, 6-7pm
Webex: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/chaie
HI!!! My name is Sarvesh, and I am a Sophomore Learning Assistant. I am a Computer Science and Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences (GSAS) Major. Feel free to reach out if you need help with anything, whether it be adjusting to college, academic assistance, wanting to learn more about RPI’s resources, etc.
Webex Link: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/sundas9
Hobbies: I love to draw and animate, and watch cartoons, like old animated shorts from the early and mid 1900s, Gumball, Regular Show, Ninjago, Owl House, etc.!!! I am also a huge superhero and comic book nerd. I read old 1960s Marvel comics, Calvin and Hobbes, Peanuts, Mickey Mouse, etc.
Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 3-4:30pm
Hall: Barton, Room 3308
Hey y’all, I’m LA Maya! I’m from a tiny hamlet called Brooktondale, NY, near Cornell University. I’m back from my arch away co-op for my final year. I spent 7 months taking care of yeast and programming robots for an antibody discovery company. I’m around campus playing classical music a lot of the time. I’ve also written for the Poly and helped my advisor come out with his new textbook for MAU. I transferred into RPI from community college and never had an LA to help me, so I’ll do my best to make everything smoother for you. I’m enjoying getting to meet everyone, so I hope you’ll drop by!
Hall: Bray
Major(s): Biomedical Engineering
Hobbies/Interests: Violin, writing, swimming, Star Trek, knitting, being outside
Office Hours: Tuesdays 6-7 PM; Fridays 10-11 AM; or by appointment
Webex Link: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/johnsm22
Hi everyone! My name is Madeline and I’m from Clifton Park, NY (super close to Troy!) On campus, I am also a Chemistry Mentor and officer of Toast Rensselaer. This is my third semester as an LA and I’m super excited to meet you all. Please reach out with any questions!
Hall: Sharp
Major: Chemical Engineering
Hobbies: Hiking, Crocheting, watching movies, listening to podcasts
Office hours:
Webex: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/schanm
Hi everyone! My name is Jacob (he/him) and I am a sophomore. I’m from northern New Jersey (Morris County for anyone wondering) but I am a Steelers fan. In between classes and working on campus for the Union Show Techs, I enjoy helping and supporting students as a First Year LA and as a member of different professional organizations. Feel free to reach out with any questions or anything at all! I’m looking forward to helping y’all!
Hall: Nason Hall
Major: Chemical Engineering and Business Management dual major
Hobbies: Fencing, Union Show Techs, D&D, rewatching The West Wing
Office Hours: Wednesdays 2 - 3 PM, Thursdays 4 - 5 PM, or by appointment
Webex Link: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/fuhrj
Hello everyone! My name is Shashank Garg and I’m from Latham, NY (right across the river!). I am a sophomore CS major and this is my first year being a first-year LA. I’m very excited to help all of you navigate the transition from high school to college because we’ve all been there. In my free time, I like playing and watching soccer (HUGE Arsenal fan), watching cricket, and meeting new people! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or if you just want to talk.
Hall: Sharp
Major: CS
Hobbies: Cricket, Soccer, Watching Movies & Shows
Office Hours: Mondays: 5-6pm & Thursdays: 3-4pm
Webex: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/gargs2
Hello all! My name is James (Jamie) Hoffmeister, and I am a sophomore CSCI/COGS dual major. I am from a town called Clarksville in Central Maryland, but my parents are from Albany (Latham) and Buffalo, NY. During summers, I work as an early childhood and environmental educator, as well as a seasoned ropes course instructor/guide. I am a musician, vocalist, and comedic improviser with Sheer Idiocy Comedy Improv at RPI. This is my first semester as a first-year Learning Assistant here to help students adjust to the rigorous academic life of Rensselaer. I am always here to help you navigate the “alphabet soup” (ALAC, SLL, DSS, FYE, etc) of resources at RPI!
Hall: Warren Hall
Major: CSCI/COGS Dual
Hobbies: Comedy Improv, DnD, music, writing, tarot, biking
Office Hours: Tuesdays 2:30pm-3:30pm, Thursdays 7:00pm-8:00pm, and online by appointment
Hello! My name is Aimee Shepard and I am from Cheshire, Connecticut. This is my first year as a learning assistant but I am also involved with Toast Rensselaer which is a public speaking pre-law club. I am very excited to meet everyone and can’t wait to help answer any questions you may have!
Hall: Hall
Major: Aeronautical Engineering
Hobbies: traveling, watching movies and cooking
Office Hours: Tuesdays 3:30-4:30, Wednesdays 7:30-8:30
Webex Link: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/shepaa
Hi everyone! My name is Amanda Santos and I’m from Puerto Rico. I’m a part of the Union Executive Board(student government), Pi Beta Phi(greek life), AED (pre-health honor society) and undergraduate research. This is my first year as LA but I have previously been a Chemistry Mentor. I love meeting and helping new people so don’t be afraid to reach out!
Hall: Barh
Major: Biochemistry and Biophysics
Hobbies: working out, hanging out with friends, watching movies, reading
Office Hours: Monday and Thursday 5- 6 PM
Webex: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/santoa3
Hi! My name is Karishma Desai and I’m from Los Angeles, California. I am the captain of an Indian folk dance team on campus called “Gajjde Sher Bhangra” and love to chat about anything dance, anime, or music related! This is my first time as an LA, however I have experience being an RA last year so I am happy to help with any questions you may face!
Hall: Crockett Hall
Major: Biology (Minor: Astrobiology)
Hobbies: Watching anime, drawing, dancing
Office Hours: Monday 4-6 PM & Wednesdays 4-6 PM (or by appointment)
Webex Link: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/desaik3
Hello everyone! My name is Eleanor and I am a sophomore chemical engineering major. I really enjoy singing and baking, and I’ve spent the last couple of summers working as a sailing instructor. This is my first year as an LA and I am really looking forward to getting to know everyone and helping with the transition to RPI. Please don’t hesitate to reach out! :)
Hall: Cary Hall
Major: Chemical Engineering
Hobbies: Sailing, cooking, singing, & reading
Office Hours: Tuesdays 4-5 PM & Thursdays 5-6 PM (or by appointment)
Webex Link: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/tynere
Hi all! My name is Huy and I’m a Sophomore Computer Science major. This is my first year being an LA and I’m very excited to meet all of you and help you make the most out of your first year at RPI! I am also tutoring CS1 through ALAC this semester if you ever want to drop by my office hours. Outside of classes I love rock climbing, skiing and I’ve been doing quite a bit of photography lately.
Hall: BARH
Major: CS
Hobbies: Rock climbing, skiing, photography
Office Hours: Friday & Saturday - 8-9pm
Webex: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/chuh4
Hi! My name is Maddie and I’m from Ithaca, NY. I’m a Building Science and DIS dual, so if I’m not stuck in studio I love to go to the Farmer’s Markets on the weekend. I love exploring Troy and going off campus. Reach out with any questions!
Hall: E Complex
Major: Building Sciences and Design, Innovation and Society dual
Hobbies: Cooking, Baking, Pottery, Arts
Office Hours: Tuesdays noon - 1 PM & Wednesdays 6-7 PM (or by appointment)
Webex Link: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/mcnaim
Greetings! I’m Nana Baafi Agyekum, a senior from Newark, NJ. I am a member of the African Student Association and the Rensselaer Christian Association.
Hobbies: Singing, watching anime and playing video games
Major: Computer Science, Cognitive Science
Hall: North Hall
Office Hours: Mondays and Thursdays 7 PM - 8 PM
WebEx Room: rensselaer.webex.com/meet/agyekn
Hello all! My name is Nicolas Barran. I am a sophomore Architecture student from Siesta Key, Florida. I am the Vice President of the Waterpolo club as well as a member of AIAS. This will be my first year as an LA and I’m excited to assist incoming students in any way I can!
Hall: Barton
Major: B.Arch
Hobbies: All forms of art and exercise
Office Hours: Mondays 11-1pm, Wednesdays 8-10pm
Hi :) Im Vic and I'm from San Diego, California. I’m a sophomore Architecture student and freshman year LA. Here on campus I’m involved in SHPE, Alianza Latina, and AIAS, so feel free to message me about any of those if you're interested! This is my first year as an LA and I look forward to meeting and helping any way i can :)
Hall: BARH
Major: B. Architecture
Hobbies: Anything and Everything Music, Crochet, Video Games, Cooking, Reading
Office Hours: Thursdays 8pm - 9pm, Fridays 8pm - 9pm
Sophomore Year Learning Assistants
Hello everyone!! My name is Anya and I’m a senior ITWS & COGS student. I am involved with several clubs on campus, primarily ACM-W, and HackRPI. I am also a member of Gamma Nu Eta - the ITWS honors society. This is my third year as an LA. I love helping people and I’m super excited to be a part of your success here at RPI. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need help, advice, or even if you just want to chat!
Hall: RAHP A
Major/Minor(s): Information Technology and Web Science & Cognitive Science, Minor in Computer Science
Hobbies: Hiking, Tennis, & Traveling
Office Hours: Tuesdays 8:00-9:00 PM and Thursdays 9:00-10:00 PM
Webex Link: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/tralsa
Hi everyone! My name is Adam. I’m a senior studying computer science and applied physics. On campus, I’m involved with the Outing Club and have participated in HackRPI several times! Fall 2022 will be my fourth semester as a Learning Assistant and my third semester working with the Sophomore class. I’m looking forward to helping students in professional and academic settings.
Hall: Blitman
Major/Minor(s): Computer Science & Applied Physics
Hobbies: Hiking, Paddleboarding, Working out
Office Hours: Tuesday 11:00 - 12:00 PM & Thursday 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Webex Link: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/mortea2
Hello everyone! I am LA Saiyam and a co-terminal student from Nutley, NJ. At RPI, I have been involved in Alpha Pi Mu, Tau Beta Pi, The National Society of Leadership and Success, Indian Students Association, and the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers. This will be my second year as an LA and I am really looking forward to helping students!
Hall: Colonie
Major/Minor(s): M.S. Business Analytics, B.S. Industrial and Management Engineering
Hobbies: Playing tennis, Watching movies/tv shows, Watching sports, Playing video games, and Traveling
Office Hours: Tuesdays 9-10 pm and Thursdays 6-7 pm
Webex Link: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/roys29
Hi everyone, my name is Fiona and I am a senior originally from San Francisco, California! On campus, I have been apart of several identity-based clubs, professional organizations and student activities including an Admissions Ambassador, a member of the National Society of Black Engineers and the Rensselaer Outing Club. I am currently the President of the Black Student Alliance and of course, a Sophomore LA!
Hall: Colvin (RHAPS A)
Major: Business Management and Design, Innovation & Society Dual
Hobbies: I enjoy swimming, painting, and exploring the outdoors when the weather is nice out!
Office Hours: Wednesdays 3-4pm and Thursdays 4-5pm
Webex Link: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/clarkf2
Hello everyone, my name is Riya Acharya and I was born in Nepal and grew up in New York City. My on campus involvement includes Global Medical Brigades, RPI ambulance, I-PRISIST Chemistry mentoring. Previously, I have been the TA for classes like Physics 1 & 2, Cell biology and Chemistry 1. I also have been an RA over my summer arch and I am currently a Sophomore LA!
Hall: Thompson (Stacwyck)
Major/Minor(s): Biology, minor Psychology
Hobbies: Painting, hiking, watersports and teaching.
Office Hours: Tuesday 6-7 pm and Friday 2-3pm
Webex Link: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/acharr