First Year Learning Assistants
Hi! I’m Aabidah and I’ll be the LA for the Nason Dorm. In my free time, I like to cook, watch movies and listen to music. I’m here to help you get adjusted to college and help you have an awesome first year at RPI. If you ever need to chat, have questions, or want music recs, feel free to stop by!
Residence Hall: Nason
Major: Biological Neuroscience
Class Year: 2027
LA Office hours: Mondays 2 PM - 3 PM; Wednesdays 12 PM - 1 PM, 2nd Floor, Nason Lounge
Webex Link/E-mail: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/afzala2 , afzala@rpi.edu
Hi everyone! I'm Abby, the freshman LA for Hall Hall. I'm from Northern New Jersey, and when I'm not studying, I enjoy hiking and paddleboarding. I’m a big fan of working out—pilates and yoga are my go-tos. I’m excited to meet you all and help you navigate your first year at RPI. Please feel free to reach out, I’m always available for a chat!
Residence Hall: Hall Hall
Major: Industrial and Management Engineering
Class Year: 2025
LA Office Hours: Sundays 7PM-8PM, and Tuesdays 5PM-6PM, 2nd Floor, Hall Hall Lounge
Webex link/ email: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/coscia / coscia@rpi.edu
Hi my name is Alyssa Shin, and I’m a sophomore majoring in Biology. I listen to music and play board games in my free time. In terms of school subjects, I’m more interested in physics and chemistry. Feel free to reach out whenever you need help with studying skills, school, or anything else.
Residence Hall: Bray 215-A1
Major: Biological Sciences
Class year: 2027
LA Office hours: Mondays 6:30PM - 7:30PM; Thursdays 5PM - 6PM, First Floor, Bray Classroom
Webex Link/E-mail: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/shina6 , shina6@rpi.edu
Hello! My name is Ayanmo Adebajo, and I’m excited to be your Learning Assistant for Sharp Hall this year. I’m a junior majoring in Biomedical Engineering, and I love reading, painting, and crocheting. I’m really looking forward to this school year and hope to be a valuable resource for you all. I’m easy-going and understanding, so please don’t hesitate to reach out. Please remember, we’ve all been in your shoes before!
Residence Hall: Sharp LA
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Class year: 2026
LA Office hours: Mondays 10am-11am, Thursdays, 10am-11am, Basement Floor, Sharp Hall Lounge
Webex Link/E-mail: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/adebaa2/ adebaa2@rpi.edu
Hi! I’m Brian Stern, a Senior MechE student from Long Island, NY. I love D&D, videogames, reading, robotics, and music! This is my 2nd year as a freshman LA, and I’m looking forward to helping you all get acclimated to your time here at RPI. I’m always available if you have any questions, or just want to talk.
Residence Hall: Barton
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Class year: 2025
LA Office hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 4PM-5PM, 3rd Floor Study Room 3006, Barton Hall
Webex Link / Email: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/sternb / sternb@rpi.edu
Hi all, My name is Caleb, and I am one of the LAs for Warren Hall this fall. I am originally from East Greenwich, Rhode Island, but have really grown to like the Albany Area. When I’m not at my computer doing homework, I spend a lot of time biking, reading, going to the beach, and trying new recipes. I’m always open to talk, so feel free to reach out!
Residence Hall: Warren Hall
Major: Computer Science, ITWS
Class year: 2026
LA Office hours: Tuesdays 4PM-5PM, Thursdays 5PM-6PM, First Floor Warren lounge
Webex Link/E-mail: carrc4@rensselaer.webex.com / carrc4@rpi.edu
I'm Carla Perez Espina, the new LA for BARH-B hall. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, I later moved to Iowa, and I'm excited to bring my diverse background and experiences to our hall. This year, I'm looking forward to connecting with all of you and fostering a fun, inclusive community. When I'm not busy with LA duties, I enjoy staying active and pursuing my passion for photography. My door is always open, so please don't be shy if you need anything or just want to chat!
Residence Hall: BARH-B
Major: Industrial and Systems Engineering
Class year: 2027
LA Office hours: Mondays and Thursdays 7 PM - 8 PM, Entrance Level Floor, BARH C and D Wing Lounge
Webex Link/E-mail: perezc10@rensselaer.webex.com / perezc10@rpi.edu
Hi, I’m Chris, and I’ll be looking over Cary to help all of you have the best first semester possible! I grew up only about 20 minutes from here and have been enthralled by the capital district’s hiking trails. I’m passionate for all things physics, have been playing violin professionally for years, and am going for my fifteenth platinum Playstation trophy. I’m here to help you continue to do the things you love, all while earning academic honors, so please stop by or message me online. You. Can. Do. This!
Residence Hall: Cary
Major: Electrical Engineering and Computer Systems Engineering
Class Year: 2026
LA Office Hours: Wednesdays 4:30PM-5:30PM; Sundays 12:00PM-1:00PM, First Floor, Cary Classroom
Webex link/ email: Meeting link: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/kurbic , kurbic@rpi.edu
Hi, I’m Erik, an LA for BARH Hall this year. I am a passionate learner and want to help you grow your skills for learning and managing life in college. Studying gets stressful, so feel free to stop by even just to chat or play a board game. I’m here for your questions too, and want to support you for an amazing first year at RPI.
Residence Hall: BARH
Major: Computer Systems Engineering & Computer Science
Class year: 2027
Hobbies: hiking, bird photography, strategy games
LA Office hours (BARH): Mondays 8PM - 9PM; Wednesdays 8PM - 9PM, Entrance Level Floor, BARH C and D Wing Lounge
Webex Link/E-mail: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/umblee / umblee@rpi.edu
Hi! My name is Julia Beninati, and I am from Bergen County, New Jersey. I am a sophomore, so it is my first year being an LA and I am super excited to meet you all! I spend my free time lifting, rock climbing, listening to music, and spending time with friends. I am excited to help you all get adjusted to college and have a great first year at RPI. I am always free to answer any questions you may have or just talk about anything.
Residence Hall: Nugent Hall
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Class Year: 2027
La Office Hours: Mondays 10AM-11AM, Thursdays 10AM-11AM, Nugent Lounge
Webex link/ E-mail: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/beninj2 / beninj2@rpi.edu
Hello hello hello! I’m Lune, a sophomore GSAS student who will be one of Barton’s LAs this year. I’m from a few places around North/non-existent Central NJ originally. My hobbies include games of all kinds (of course), spending time with our college’s radio station, reading, cooking/baking, and hiking. I’m always available if you have any questions, so please feel free to reach out to me with anything!
Residence Hall: Barton
Major: GSAS
Class year: 2027
LA Office hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4-5PM, 2nd Floor, Barton Lounge
Webex Link / Email: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/difulm / difulm@rpi.edu
Hello! My name is Pearl Davis and I will be one of the LAs for Warren Hall. I am a sophomore majoring in Biochemistry/ Biophysics (BCBP). I am from New Jersey and I like to bake and learn about other cultures in my freetime, mostly through shows and music. I look forward to meeting everyone and working to make your first year experience unforgettable!
Residence Hall: Warren Hall
Major: Biochemistry/ Biophysics
Class year: 2027
LA Office hours: Mondays 6PM - 7PM; Thursday 5PM - 6PM, FIrst Floor Lounge of Warren Hall
Webex Link/E-mail: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/davisp / davisp@rpi.edu
Hi! My name is Rebecca Shaw, and I am an LA for Crockett Hall. I’m a junior majoring in Biomedical Engineering, and originally from South Florida. In my free time, I like finding ways to stay active and enjoy the outdoors, like hiking, fishing, climbing, etc. I’m looking forward to working with everyone this year! Feel free to reach out!
Residence Hall: Crockett
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Class Year: 2026
LA Office Hours: Wednesdays 2-3PM, Fridays 2-3PM, Crockett Lounge - Floor 1 or 2 (depending on availability)
Webex Link/Email: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/shawr3, shawr3@rpi.edu
Hello! My name is Rumeysa Kara, and I am an LA for BARH. I grew up in Türkiye, but I have been living in the US for the past 5 years. In my free time, I love to go to the gym, develop mobile games, play rugby and soccer, and enjoy video games. I'm thrilled to meet you this year and I'm here to help you adjust to campus life and thrive at RPI! I am pursuing a dual major in Computer Science and Cognitive Science. Please feel free to stop by to see me if you ever need guidance, support, or just want to chat!
Residence Hall: BARH LA
Major: Computer Science and Cognitive Science
Class year: 2027
LA Office hours: Wednesdays 12 PM - 2 PM, Thursdays 3 PM-4PM, Entrance Level Floor, BARH C and D Wing Lounge
Webex Link/E-mail: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/karar / karar@rpi.edu
Hello everyone! My name is Shashank Garg and I’m from Latham, NY.This is my third 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, watching cricket, and meeting new people! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or if you just want to talk.
Residence Hall: Sharp
Major: Computer Science
Class year: 2025
LA Office hours: Wednesdays 5PM-6PM, Thursdays 5PM-6PM, Basement Floor, Sharp Lounge
Webex Link/E-mail: gargs2.rensselaer@webex.com/gargs2@rpi.edu
Sophomore Year Learning Assistants
Hey everyone, my name is Bennard and I’m the LA for Quad this year! I’m from Southbridge, a small city in central Massachusetts. I’m currently a masters student and got my undergrad degree in Civil Engineering and now I am getting my masters in Structural Engineering. On campus, I play rugby and I’m really involved in ASCE. You can also catch me at NSBE & BSA events as well. I love to talk so reach out whenever and I look forward to a great school year with yall!
Residence Hall: Quad
Major: M.S. Structural Engineering
Class year: 2025
LA Office hours: - Sundays 6PM-7PM & Thursdays 6PM-7PM
Webex Link/E-mail: Meeting link: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/amponb | amponb@rpi.edu
Hi friends! I’m Diya Thapa, and I'll be your learning assistant for Blitman this academic year. Originally from Nepal, I’ve been calling Boston home since I was 5. I’m a biomedical engineer on the pre-med track, with a minor in chemistry and public health. I’m also a chemistry i-persist mentor, so I’m passionate about helping with questions about classes, academics, and general advice—don’t hesitate to reach out! Having been a first-year LA for the past three semesters, I’m really excited to dive into the sophomore scene this year.
Residence Hall: Blitman Hall
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Class year: 2025
LA Office hours: - Wednesdays 4PM-5PM and Thursdays 4PM-5PM Blitman Lounge
Webex Link/E-mail: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/thapad / thapad@rpi.edu
Hey everyone! My name is Haley Gonnella and I am a sophomore LA for E-Complex. I am excited to meet you this year! I am a senior physics major, and minor in both astrophysics and philosophy. I also spend a lot of time at RPI’s CCPD office where I work as a Peer Career Advisor. Please feel free to stop by to see me if you ever need me!
Residence Hall: E-Complex LA
Major: Physics
Class year: 2025
LA Office hours: Mondays 7PM-8PM and Tuesdays 10AM-11AM (WEBEX)
Webex Link/E-mail: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/gonneh / gonneh@rpi.edu
Hi everyone! My name is Jaiden and I am a sophomore LA. I am currently studying for my Masters degree in electrical engineering, concentrating in robotics and control systems. In my free time I enjoy spending time at WRPI (the campus radio station), doing audio engineering work for the RPI Players, and playing guitar.
Residence Hall: Davison
Major: M.S. Electrical Engineering
Class Year: 2025
LA Office Hours: Wednesdays 12PM-1PM and Friday 10AM-11AM
Webex Link/E-mail: Meeting link: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/lemmj / lemmj@rpi.edu
Hey everyone, my name is Jun and I’m excited to be a sophomore LA this year. Im a CS major with a big passion for performing and visual arts. Im heavily involved in music in the orchestra and chamber groups. I also am passionate about helping others academically and professionally, and am always happy to chat for any reason!
Residence Hall: North
Major: B.S. Computer Science
Class year: 2026
LA Office hours: - Tuesdays 2PM-3PM, Wednesdays 2PM-3PM
Webex Link/E-mail: Meeting link: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/simonj11
simonj11@rpi.edu
Hello! My name is Nic Roscioli-Barran. I’m a senior architecture student from Stowe, Vermont. Along with my passion for home design I enjoy getting outside and experiencing the beauty of nature, exploring the artistic side of parametric design, and cars from the 80’s - 10’s. I’m always a text away so feel free to reach out!
Residence Hall: Colvin
Major: Architecture
Class year: 2025
LA Office hours: Tuesdays 4PM-5PM, Fridays 4PM-5PM
Webex Link/E-mail: Meeting link: https://rensselaer.webex.com/meet/ Roscin@rpi.edu