Get advice on the Informatics program from current students (see the Advising & Support page for current hours). 2024-25 peer advisors include:

Aarushi Buddhavarapu (she/her)

Thursday, noon-3 p.m.

Informatics classes taken: INFO 200, 201, 270, 290, 300, 330, 340, 352, 360, 370, 380

Favorite non-INFO courses: BH 311, MUSEN 307, BIOL 354

Extracurricular involvement: Game Research Lab @ iSchool, Speech and Hearing Department Research, Recital Choir

Why did you decide to become a peer advisor? "Navigating the tech world is difficult! As a previous Biochemistry major, I found it difficult to balance my interest in health science with technology at first. However, reflecting on my own experiences as an iSchool student, I realized how invaluable the support and guidance from my peers and mentors was. I really hope to provide perspective, point my peers towards opportunities and resources, and lend a listening ear."

What advice would you offer to a new INFO student? "Don't be intimidated to try new things! Informatics is such a wide field, and there is bound to be something that piques your interest!" 

Cole Elsasser (he/him)

Monday, 10-11 a.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m.-noon

Informatics classes taken: INFO 101, 200, 201, 330, 331, 340, 351, 360, 380

Favorite non-INFO courses: Cognitive Psychology (PSYCH 355), Intermediate Data Programming (CSE 163), Social Psychology (PSYCH 345), Marine Biology (BIOL 250)

Extracurricular involvement: Outside of school, I love getting outside and hiking around WA state. I also enjoy playing tennis and bingeing TV shows. I've been spending time outside of classes improving my web development skills and am working on improving my data analysis skills.

Why did you decide to become a peer advisor? "I became a peer advisor because I understand how overwhelming registration and navigating your major can be. I wanted to help other students navigate through those processes and help them to understand their options. I really love helping others find out what they enjoy and working with them to make sure they have a great college experience!"

What advice would you offer to a new INFO student? "Enjoy your time at UW and make sure to actively spend time making connections and friendships with other students. Study hard, but make sure you take the time to enjoy all of the fun parts of being a college student!"  

Niranjanaa Kannan (she/her)

Monday, noon-2 p.m.; Friday, noon-2 p.m.

Informatics classes taken: INFO 200, 201, 300, 331, 340, 350, 380

Favorite non-INFO courses: CSE 373

Extracurricular involvement: Choreo director and singer for UW Awaaz, a competitive desi acapella team on campus!

Why did you decide to become a peer advisor? "I decided to become a peer advisor because I enjoy helping students navigate their academic journey and the challenges of college life. I am excited to leverage my experiences and knowledge to support and empower my peers, and ensure that every student has the resources they need to succeed!"

What advice would you offer to a new INFO student? "As a peer advisor, my advice to a new INFO student would be to get involved in extracurricular activities, seek support when needed, explore different interests within the field, and stay curious about new developments in technology and Informatics."  

Sheamin Kim (she/her)

Monday, 11 a.m-1 p.m.; Wednesday, noon-2 p.m.

Informatics classes taken: INFO 200, 201, 290, 300, 330, 340, 351, 360, 380, 468

Favorite non-INFO courses: BIME 435, Bioethics courses

Extracurricular involvement: current IUGA President, past iQueeries Creative Director, Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles business member, bioengineering research student assistant, data programming teaching assistant

What advice would you offer to a new INFO student? "Don't be afraid to try new things or things you think you might not be interested in. College is a journey and you'll find opportunities for growth and experiences in the most unexpected places!" 

Nobel Menghis (he/him)

Tuesday, 1-2 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-noon

Informatics classes taken: INFO 200, 201, 300, 360, 353, 355, 380, 340, 442 and 330.

Favorite non-INFO courses: CSE 373: Data Structures and Algorithms

Extracurricular involvement: A member of the National Society of Black Engineers, a member of ColorStack, Takeoff Institute Fellow.

Why did you decide to become a peer advisor? "I chose to become a peer advisor because I love helping students through their academic and professional journeys. I want to guide students through the challenges of navigating the Informatics program. I aim to share my experiences and hope to offer advice to others, providing support and resources for any issues they may have."

What advice would you offer to a new INFO student? "My advice for new INFO students would be to connect with your professors and TAs! Drop by during office hours or chat in class. They're not only great supports academically but can also open doors to exciting opportunities for your career." 

Jonathan Ortiz-Candelaria (he/him)

Tuesday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Informatics classes taken: INFO 200, 201, 290, 300, 330, 340, 360, 370, 380, 441

Favorite non-INFO courses: CSE 142, FIN 205, CHSTU 200, SPAN 321

Extracurricular involvement: IUGA Director of Diversity Efforts, ColorStack at UW Co-President, Judo at UW President

Why did you decide to become a peer advisor? "I already have experience with peer advising through OMA&D ACS and wanted to further support students. Through this position, I am able to give students more direct help and a tailored experience. I am excited to get more involved with the iSchool and mentor students to make the most out of their time at UW."

What advice would you offer to a new INFO student? "Make sure to be as organized as possible, with a set schedule and calendar as it gets hard to balance all of your responsibilities."