Meet Your Peer Orientation Leaders

Syntyche Ahinakwah

My name is Syntyche Ahinakwah. I’m a rising senior majoring in Microbiology/Pre PA. I’m from Accra, Ghana. My most memorable moment as a student at Miami is leading my first class presentation. I’m also an executive member of the African Student Union and a model for Miami University Fashion and Design. I joined these two organizations because it takes me back to my roots in Ghana and I get to enjoy what I did back then here at Miami.

One thing I always had at the back of my mind is that, there will be challenges along the way while here but always remember the main reason and purpose for your coming here. Stay focused, feel at home, enjoy every moment here and before you know it you will be on your way to be coming whoever you have dreamt of becoming.

Tanaya Bhatkar

Hi! My name is Tanaya Bhatkar. I am from Pune, India. I am a senior studying Biochemistry and Individualized Studies with a focus on the Pre-PA path. This will be my third year serving as an IPOL. On campus, I am involved as the Co-President of the Minority Association of Pre-Health Students. I am also involved in undergraduate research in studying CRC mice models.

My advice to incoming freshmen would be to use the resources available to you and develop a growth mindset. While everything can seem overwhelming at first, it takes a lot of trial and error to figure out what works for you. Don't feel scared to explore that!

Hayoung Cho

Hi everyone! My name is Hayoung Cho, and I’m a junior majoring in Primary Education at Miami University. I’m originally from South Korea, and I recently returned to campus after taking a gap year to teach English and do mission work. One of the most memorable moments for me at Miami was joining student organizations like ISAC (International Student Advisory Council) and KASA (Korean American Student Association), where I got to meet amazing people who truly made campus feel like home.

One of my biggest goals coming to college was to grow—not just academically, but also spiritually and personally—and I’ve found that through community, faith, and self-reflection. To any international student making the brave decision to fly across the world to Miami, my advice is this: Don’t be afraid to ask for help and get involved—you’ll be surprised how many people are excited to support you and walk with you on this journey.

Michelle Ebu

Hi, my name is Michelle Ebu and I’m from Akwa Ibom, Nigeria. I’m a senior majoring in Biomedical Engineering. I am very involved with the international student office. I work as a Student Assistant at the International Undergraduate Admissions office, an International Peer Orientation Leader (iPOL), a Global Ambassador and an incoming Admissions Ambassador. I enjoy supporting international students in any way I can. I understand because I’ve been there. I know how hard it is and I wish I could have had someone to help me the way I needed. I want to be that person for you! So if you have any questions or are confused about anything, don’t hesitate to ask me!

A piece of advice I would give to incoming international students is don’t be shy. It’s easy to feel like you’re not welcome or you don’t belong, but you do!! You absolutely do. So get out there, talk to people, ask questions, network and make the most of your Miami experience!

Vadita Lathar

Hello and welcome to Miami! I’m Vadita Lathar, a sophomore majoring in Software Engineering. I’m originally from India, and I’m thrilled that you will soon be joining our campus community! One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had at Miami has been working as a Teaching Assistant in the CSE Department. At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I quickly realized how much I enjoy supporting students. Helping others understand challenging material and cheering them on during tough moments has been truly fulfilling. This role has not only deepened my own knowledge but also showed me the impact of offering encouragement and guidance along the way. I am also about to start working as an Event Services Specialist at the Armstrong Student Center, where I will help bring events to life and create a welcoming atmosphere on campus. When I began college, my goal was to push myself beyond my comfort zone, and participating in these experiences has truly helped me achieve that.

If I could offer one piece of advice to international students traveling thousands of miles to Miami, it would be this: don’t wait to get involved. The sooner you start meeting people and trying new things, the quicker this place will begin to feel like home.

Isa Viggiano Souza

Hi! My name is Isaura Souza, but I go by Isa. I come from a city called Florianópolis in the south of Brazil, and I am entering my third year studying Psychology and Individualized Studies. One of my most memorable moments at Miami was the Alternative Spring Break trip this past semester (the ASB is a club that organizes service trips during spring break!). One of the nice things is that the participants usually come from a variety of backgrounds. I’ve done it two years and both years had people from 5 different countries. It is a really good opportunity to connect with new people, explore a new city, and contribute to a community with service. I really love it!

Once piece of advice I have is to both try things out and go slow during your first semester. It may seem contradictory, but what I mean is you shouldn’t go 8 or 80. The first semester can be overwhelming, and it is also the best time to find which clubs you like, make friends, etc. So make sure to get active, do check the events on campus, do show up to different clubs, even if you are not sure you are going to like them. Yet, don’t try to get everything done at the same time. Give yourself time to breathe and to be quiet.

Khushi Shah

I am Khushi Shah, finance major with an accountancy minor at Miami. My hometown is India. I absolutely love Miami whether it’s the beautiful campus or the academic rigor and countless opportunities I have gotten here. Few things I love doing are yapping, new experiences, and making new friends. I hope you all enjoy your Miami experience and may this be the best experience of your life.

Sofia Sun

Hi! My name is Sofia! I'm a rising sophomore at Miami and I'm currently undecided on my major. One memorable moment from my first year at Miami was when someone helped me find my way after I got lost on campus. It made me feel how kind and welcoming all the people are around me. A goal I had coming into college was to step out of my comfort zone and make new friends! By talking to people around me, I've met some of the sweetest people that I can call my best friends. Whether you need a study buddy, going out to grab a quick lunch, or just having someone to hangout will make everything so much better! So my advice to you all is to not be afraid to put yourself out there. Make new friends and enjoy Miami!

Bhuwan Bist

I’m Bhuwan Singh Bist, a third-year Ph.D. student in Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology at Miami University in Ohio, within the Department of Biology. Originally from Nepal, I have a deep appreciation for forests and a passion for learning innovative skills. I enjoy engaging in conversations about life, philosophy, sports, and geography with people from all walks of life.

Srishti Jha

Hey everyone! My name is Srishti Jha (she/her), and I am a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in the department of English at Miami University. I completed my BA and MA in English Literature from Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India. Having been raised and lived in Kolkata before coming to Oxford, I can speak English, Hindi, and Bengali fluently, while dabbling with elementary Maithili and Spanish. Currently, I am preparing to officially start working on my dissertation, which is something I have dreamed of long before I decided to be in academia. As a graduate student at Miami, some of my favorite moments here are related to my campus explorations over the course of the last three years. My favorite part of campus is the western campus. This is reflected in my life outside of Miami, as I love to travel and meet people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Essentially, I am always looking to expand my understanding of the world around me, and that would be my most important advice for all of you, as we welcome you to join the Miami life!

Mehrnaz Khalkhali

Hi everyone! My name is Mehrnaz Khalkhali. I’m a Ph.D. student in Geology, focusing on seismology. I’m originally from Iran, and this is my third year here at Miami. This is my first time working as an iPOL, and I’m so excited to meet you all! I always dreamed of studying abroad, especially because earthquakes are a serious issue in Iran, and I wanted to become an expert in this field. Miami gave me that opportunity. Working with my amazing advisor, being part of a supportive and friendly department, and having access to great resources have all helped me move closer to my goals. Outside of academics, I love hiking, ice skating, and baking cookies and pastries, especially when I can share them with friends. As someone who came from a very different part of the world, I know it can feel overwhelming at first, but you are not alone.

My advice is: step out of your comfort zone, be curious, make friends, try new things, and don’t give up. You’ll grow more than you can imagine, and you’ll find your place here.

Younus Bin Abdun Noor

My name is Younus Bin Abdun Noor, and I’m from Sylhet, Bangladesh. I’m currently a Ph.D. student in Chemistry here at Miami. I know moving to a new country can feel overwhelming—but take time to explore and gather the information you need. It really helps make your transition smoother.

One of my best experiences at Miami has been the amazing synchronization among students, faculty, and staff. Everyone works together in such a supportive and respectful way—it truly creates a welcoming and collaborative environment for learning and growing. I’m excited for you to start this journey.

If I could give one piece of advice, it would be: don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek help. You’ll find so many people here ready to support you.

Oluwaseun (Seun) Olubodun

I am Oluwaseun Olubodun, a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology program. I am from Ondo State, Nigeria. I am the president of the Ambassador Fellowship, the campus fellowship of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) here on the Miami Oxford campus. I enjoy playing host and welcoming people, I enjoy having people around me, and I am interested in changing the narrative and creating a welcoming environment for all new international students. I am a part of a community that can hold hands while you settle into your new environment.

The most important piece of advice I would like to give to international students who travel thousands of miles to Miami is to become part of a community. Being in isolation would not help you at all. It would be better if you found people you can get along with and can relate to, people who can understand you and help you understand the new terrain, especially people who have passed through the same hurdles themselves.

Nanci Reyes

I'm Nanci Reyes, a Ph.D. student from Mexico with a passion for volcanoes, I study them in different parts of the world. When I'm not doing science, I love being active outdoors, especially hiking and biking, and dancing. I also enjoy cooking and, of course, eating!

I've spent several years working as an iPOL and truly enjoy helping students settle in when they first arrive in Oxford. It's always great to meet the future of Miami and share any tips I've picked up after living here for a few years.

Onisha Thapa

My name is Onisha Thapa, an international student from Nepal. I’m currently a first-year Ph.D. student in Chemistry at Miami University. One of the most memorable parts of my journey here has been the incredible friendships I’ve built with fellow international students. Being far from home, we naturally become each other’s family, and that bond is something truly special. Ever since I was young, I’ve been fascinated by Chemistry and how it can be used to make meaningful contributions to human health. That passion brought me to Miami, where I’m now conducting research on membrane proteins—a field with profound implications in drug design and disease treatment. Outside of academics, I love dancing—it brings me so much joy and helps me express myself creatively. Last year, I had the opportunity to perform a traditional Nepali dance at the Asian American Fusion event on campus, which was an unforgettable experience.

To any international student preparing to study here: Give yourself time. Adjusting to a new culture, language, and academic environment takes patience, but with time and persistence, you can thrive and achieve anything you set your mind to.