Learning Assistant Coordinators for 2025-26
Success starts with support. Our Learning Assistants (LAs) support RPI's orientation experiences and host interactive first-year and sophomore workshops and programs throughout the year to help students thrive academically, socially, and personally. Meet the entire LA team, and check out the success workshops they have planned for the semester.
Ayanmo Adebajo
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Hello Everyone! My name is Ayanmo Adebajo, and I will be one of your Learning Assistants for this year! I am a senior and some of my favorite hobbies are painting, crocheting, and reading. I look forward to meeting you all this year!
Fun Facts:
- I played violin for 10 years
- I am afraid of butterflies
- I have over 20 cousins
Carla Perez-Espina (Spring LAC)
Major: Industrial & Systems Engineer
Fun Facts:
- I helped build an RV-12 plane
- I can speak Spanish
- I was part of a bowling league
Jun Simons
Major: Computer Science
Fun Facts:
- I have reviewed over 500 restaurants
- I love playing and listening to music
- I used to be a ballet dancer
Learning Assistants for 2025-26
Marcus Brown
Major: Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering
Fun Facts:
- I visited 10 countries last year
- I can solve a Rubik's Cube
- I was a lifeguard in high school
Ben Chaput
Major: Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering
Fun Facts:
- I have been on more aircraft in production than in service
- I have a twin
- I have visited every state on the East Coast
Hana Chong
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Fun Facts:
- I sang the U.S. Anthem at a Mets game
- I can knit and crochet
- I have a cat named Chicken
Pearl Davis
Major: Biochemistry/Biophysics
Fun Fact:
- I have 3 brothers
- I like watching TV
- I am the VP of the African Student Association
Lune DiFulco
Major: Gaming Simulation Arts & Sciences/Communications
Fun Facts:
- I am a DJ for WRPI (my show is Wednesdays at 10PM)
- I love the ocean
- I am a three time former world record holder
Dhruv Girish
Major: Biology (BS/MD) & Health Economics and Biotech
Fun Facts:
- I love cooking International cuisines
- I can speak 5 languages
- I watched all of Grey's Anatomy 5 times
Riya Janakiraman
Major: Biology
Fun Facts:
- I live in Georgia
- I am an Indian Classic Dancer
- I picked up a bit of guitar this summer!
Ishneet Kaur (Spring LA)
Major: Computer Science and Information Technology Web Science
Fun Facts:
- I am a lifeguard on campus
- I am studying abroad this year in Italy
- I love reality shows and my favorite is Survivor
Grace Killeen
Major: Biochemistry/Biophysics
Fun Facts:
- I have a cat named Archie
- I grew up in China
- I love trying new foods
Chris Kurbiel
Major: Electrical, Computer Systems Engineering
Fun Facts:
- I am an FRC Game Announcer
- I have never lost a staring contest
- I rode 100+ roller coasters this summer
Xinyan Li
Major: Electrical Engineering
Fun Facts:
- I have a cat named Simba
- I am obsessed with financial independence and early retirement strategies
- I was born on St. Patrick's Day, which is why Green is my favorite color
Camille Lombardi
Major: Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering
Fun Facts:
- I am from Massachusetts
- I am scared of butterflies
- I love Films!
Toby McDonald
Major: Computer Science/Information Technology & Web Sciences Dual
Fun Facts:
- I volunteer as an EMT
- I have a German Shepard name Chief
- I am part of the crew that broadcasts RPI Hockey to ESPN
Nyati Misra
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Fun Facts
- I have 2 dogs (a sheltie and a corgi)
- My favorite movie is The Mummy (1989)
- I was a competitive speech and debate captain in high school
Gabe Moore
Major: Mathematics & Business Analytics
Fun Facts:
- I am from Michigan
- I love Chicken Parmesan
- I love cars
Dan Pankiv
Major: Electrical Engineering
Fun Facts:
- I can speak Ukrainian
- I am a part-time beekeeper
- I officiate and play ice hockey
Austin Porter
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Fun Facts:
- I have travelled to 60 cities on my bike
- Writing is my favorite hobby
- My top speed in a car is 160 mph
Chris Russell
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Fun Facts:
- I can speak Spanish
- I work on automotives
- I like to play Basketball
Erik Umble
Major: Computer Science & Computer and Systems Engineering
Fun Facts:
- I take over 10,000 pictures per year
- Python & C are my favorite languages
- I am Ecuadorian (Dual Citizen)
Victoria Vazquez
Major: Pre-Med Biomedical Engineering
Fun Facts:
- I built a Prosthetic arm
- I am certified in Dental Radiology
- I can play the guitar & piano
Jacob Walker
Major: Electrical & Computer Systems Engineering
Fun Facts:
- My favorite food is a Milanesa Torta
- I like to run and rock climb
- I am from San Diego, California
Mila Zlatkovic
Major: Computer Science
Fun Facts:
- I am from Massachusetts
- I love to explore new music
- Deer are my favorite animal
