Get advice on the Informatics program from current students (see the Advising & Support page for current hours). 2025-26 peer advisors include:

Ornela Amouzou-Adoun (she/her)

Informatics classes taken: INFO 200, 290, 220, 370, 380, 201, 340, 330, 360

Favorite non-INFO courses: Tpsych 101 and HSTAA 235

Extracurricular involvement: Beyond my coursework, I’m deeply involved in organizations that fuel my passion for STEM and community engagement. I serve as Treasurer for the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), teach elementary students coding and other STEM concepts as a Kodely educator, and contribute as an active member of Binfo.

Why did you decide to become a peer advisor? "Becoming a peer adviser was an easy choice for me! I love helping others discover our major and guiding them through the unique path it offers. When I first joined the program, a friend guided me through the unique quirks of UW, and I want to offer the same support to others that my friend gave me."

What advice would you offer to a new INFO student? "Dive in and get involved! Joining clubs and activities is how I met most of my friends, and I wouldn’t trade those friendships for anything. Also, make sure to run your degree audit and go to office hours!! Those two things definitely helped me during my first year and took a lot of stress off my shoulders." 

Alison Chua (she/her)

Informatics classes taken: INFO 290, 200, 201, 300, 330, 340, 351, 360

Favorite non-INFO courses: SOC 230, CSE 163, ACCTG 219

Extracurricular involvement: Students for Global Health, Resident Adviser 

Why did you decide to become a peer advisor? "Having navigated the iSchool curriculum and registration processes myself, I understand the challenges that students face and the value of one-on-one guidance and advising. I want to help students face those challenges and have a meaningful experience at the iSchool and UW"

What advice would you offer to a new INFO student? "Reach out to people in your classes, join new RSOs, and enjoy your time at UW."

Diego Licea (he/him)

Informatics classes taken: INFO 200, 201, 340, 360, 380

Favorite non-INFO courses: CSE 373, CSE 414, HONORS 232 w/ Janes (is now INFO 357)

Extracurricular involvement: Previously served as a RCSA senator for ASUW, as well as served on Willow (now Oliver) hall council.

Why did you decide to become a peer advisor? "My first year and a half at the UW was filled with challenges. I was a pre-major, first generation student from an immigrant family in central Washington who often felt lost, isolated, and lacking purpose. My goal as a peer advisor is to make other's experience at UW easier, regardless of where you're at. Everyone deserves to feel like someone's in their corner, and I hope I can fill that role for anyone that needs it."

What advice would you offer to a new INFO student? "Reach out to new people in any way you can. Whether it's in class or in RSO's, Informatics is first and foremost a collaborative experience. We have such a diverse group of people with interests that may be different from yours, so there's always opportunities to learn something new and make lasting bonds."

Lomash Sharma (they/he)

Informatics classes taken: INFO 290, 200, 201, 300, 330, 340, 360, 376, 380, 478, 498, 499

Favorite non-INFO courses: NUTR 390, HCDE 315, PSYCH 210, PUBPOL 400

Extracurricular involvement: iQueeries, IUGA (Informatics Undergraduate Association), H4SG (Hack for Social Good), NextGen Civic Leader Corps, Student Impact Council 2024, CSEED Buildspace Fellow, QMPP (Mentorship & Peer Program)

Why did you decide to become a peer advisor? "To work with INFO students navigating their academic journeys, drawing on my own experiences in the major and student leadership to help them feel like they belong at the iSchool."

What advice would you offer to a new INFO student? "It's okay to not have your entire academic journey figured out on day 1, there's a beauty in finding one's academic voice over time." 

Akash Shrestha (he/him)

Informatics classes taken: INFO 104, 200, 201, 290, 300, 330, 340, 351, 353, 360, 380, 415, 481, 497, 499

Favorite non-INFO courses: ART H 201, ASTR 101, POL S 407, SCAND 100

Extracurricular involvement: IUGA First-Year Representative & Vice President (Former), Mentor for MPFS (Former), Committee Member of the Product, Program, and Project Management Association (Former), Player for the UW Club Ultimate Frisbee Team

Why did you decide to become a peer advisor? "I became a peer advisor to help students navigate college within the iSchool and to support their academic and professional growth. I hope to use the knowledge I've gained from the iSchool, as well as my own personal experiences, to help students succeed and become the best versions of themselves."

What advice would you offer to a new INFO student? "Be curious! Your time at college is finite and many take it for granted. Push yourself outside your comfort zone to develop skills, meet people you'd usually never talk to, and learn as much as possible. Trust me, they'll all be useful for the future!"