Academic Skills Peer Coaching

Meet Your Peer Coaches

Amelia Barfield

Hi! My name is Amelia (she/her), and I am a senior from Southern Illinois majoring in biochemistry and minoring in dance. In addition to my classes, I work in the Egervari Lab, studying the epigenetic effects of alcohol use, and participate in Washington University Dance Collective (or any other dance performance opportunity I can find).  When I’m not studying, working, or dancing, I enjoy beekeeping, playing board games, and trying new food with friends and family. As a Peer Coach, I look forward to providing advice and encouragement to students as they navigate new classes and experiences.

Athena Nguyen

Hello there! My name is Athena Nguyen (she/her) and I’m from San Jose, California. I am a senior majoring in Cognitive Neuroscience on the pre-dental track and I’m a part of WashU’s varsity golf team. In my free time, you can find me golfing, rock climbing, or trying a new restaurant! As a Peer Coach, I hope to help others adjust to college as smoothly as they can so that they can have the best experience here at WashU!

I can help you with time management and study strategies, especially for science, psychology, and East Asian language and culture courses!

Bella Gomez

Hi, my name is Bella Gomez (she/her), and I am from Miami, Florida! I am a senior at WashU studying Latin American Studies and Global Studies with a minor in Educational Studies. On campus, I serve as a Program Assistant for the College Prep Program, volunteer weekly with the Boys and Girls Club, and am a Danforth Scholar. I also work in admissions as a student ambassador, and am currently writing my thesis! In my free time, I enjoy running, exploring new coffee shops, and spending time with friends. I became a Peer Coach because I’m passionate about helping students feel confident and supported in their academic journey.

I can help with organizational skills, scheduling and planning, study strategies, note-taking, and test preparation, especially for writing-intensive, research-based, and global/public health courses.

Grace Tyau

Hi, I’m Grace (she/her) and I’m a senior from Springfield, Missouri! I am majoring in American Culture Studies and minoring in Psych and Spanish. On campus, I’m involved with Uncle Joe’s, Alpha Phi Omega, and animal advocacy. I also do research at the Brown School. At home, I love to read and try new recipes!

I’d love to help with notetaking, test anxiety, breaking down big essays and projects, planning out your workload for the week, and helping you find a healthy work/life balance.

Harlem Taylor

Howdy! I’m Harlem Taylor (he/him) and I am a sophomore interested in economics, statistics, and marketing. I am from Little Rock, AR and I’m a Danforth Scholar at WashU. On campus, I’m closely involved with Uncle Joe’s Peer Counseling and Resource center, both as a peer counselor and an outreach chair. I enjoy playing soccer and volleyball and making fun videos. I’m excited to hear your experiences and share my own as your Peer Coach!

I can help you get organized and develop best academic practices to succeed in any program or course, and I am especially familiar with foundational math and business courses.

Jacob Mathew

Hi! I’m Jacob Mathew (he/him) and I’m in the Business and Computer Science program at WashU. I’m originally from Austin, TX, and in my free time you can usually find me running at the rec or exploring Forest Park. On campus, I’m part of the McKelvey Fellowship and Olin Business Council.

I decided to become a Peer Coach because I am passionate about fostering lifelong learning, understanding instructor’s pedagogy, and teaching peers that they may need different study techniques for different types of classes. My goal is to help you develop the skills to succeed in your current courses and beyond.

Jennifer Hong

Hi! My name is Jennifer Hong (she/her). I am a chemistry major and I love pickles! I decided to become a peer coach because the support I received during my first year was so impactful. Time management, test stress, mental blocks, study strategies, and navigating the transition to college rigor are some of the skills I’d love to help with as a coach.

Kimberly Kimani

Jambo! I’m Kimberly Kimani (she/her), and I am a sophomore double majoring in Psychological & Brain Sciences and Political Science while minoring in Entrepreneurship. I am from St. Louis, MO, the 314. I am a Danforth and TRIO Scholar. Here on campus I’m involved in quite a few organizations and activities, a few are Uncle Joe’s, SU Treasury, Association of Black Students, African Student Association, and I’m a WUSA! I enjoy filling up my camera roll and phone storage with plenty of pictures and videos, watching anime, and adding to my sneaker collection.

I’m excited to be a Peer Coach because of the opportunity this position gives me to help you the same way I too received help. I look forward to helping you discover the little things that could be monumental to your success!

Mallorie Goodwin

Hi! My name is Mallorie Goodwin and I use she/her pronouns. I am a junior majoring in History and Sociology. In my free time, you can find me sewing, spending time with my friends, or working with Alpha Phi Omega, my service fraternity. I became a Peer Coach because the role combines two of my favorite things, learning and service. I am so excited to share my passion for these two pursuits with all of you through my time with the Learning Center!

Natalia Barajas

Hi! I’m Natalia Barajas (she/her), a junior at WashU studying Finance and Economics & Strategy. I’m originally from Chicago, IL, and in my free time you can usually find me at the rec doing Zumba or exploring new coffee shops around the city. On campus, I serve as President of Redefine Her Street and Head of Recruitment for Olin Peer Ambassadors.

I’m excited to share strategies for staying organized, managing time and stress, and making the most of your academic and professional experiences, as well as my favorite notion templates to stay organized! I can also offer insight into finance roles, the recruitment process, and navigating the full-time job search.

Tanisha Paul

Hello! My name is Tanisha Paul (she/her). I am a junior studying Biology with minors in both WGSS (Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies) and Medical Humanities. In my downtime, you can find me dancing in the studio with WashU Bhangra, at the gym, or at a coffee shop on the Loop. I am excited to help provide tailored support, encourage organizational skills, and meet you where you are on your academic journey. I am especially familiar with both pre-health classes and humanities (writing-heavy) courses.

Arianna Varela (Graduate Fellow)

Hello! My name is Arianna Varela (she/her), and I am a second-year graduate student at the Brown school studying social work with a concentration in mental health. As an undergraduate, I studied Latin American Studies at Carleton College and have used my academic background to advocate for the rights and wellbeing of immigrants. In my free time, I like attending Zumba classes, crocheting, and taking my cat on walks. I am excited to help my fellow students embrace their academic strengths as they navigate life here at WashU.

I can help you get organized and develop best academic practices to succeed in any program or course, and I am especially familiar with reading and writing-intensive courses such as those in the humanities, social sciences, languages, and social work.

Kotomi Yokokura (Graduate Fellow)

Hi! My name is Kotomi Yokokura (she/her) and I am a graduate student at the Brown School studying social work and social policy. For my undergraduate, I went to the University of Kentucky, where I founded a student and nonprofit organization around menstrual equity, worked with the Kentucky legislature, and conducted research around the experience of homelessness and houselessness. As a disabled student, I am passionate about increasing the accessibility of higher education and navigating these spaces with students. I am so excited to meet and learn more about all of you!

Oren McClain (Graduate Fellow)

Hello! My name is Oren McClain (he/him), and I am currently a second-year MBA student in the Olin Business School. I also hold a PhD in Education, with a concentration in mathematics, from the University of Virginia along with degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Old Dominion University. As an educator, I have expertise in mathematics teaching and learning, learning strategy, program design and management, and data-driven implementation. Broadly, I am passionate about bridging research, practice, and innovation to improve educational outcomes for all learners. Outside of school and work, you will find me quietly obsessing over the specialty coffee, minimalist design, and weekslong vacations in cities abroad. I look forward to connecting with you and collaborating to help you achieve your academic goals.

Zubeiru Mahama (Graduate Fellow)

Hello! My name is Zubeiru Mahama (he/him), and I am a PhD student in the Department of Education. I am also a McDonnell International Academy Scholar. My research investigates attention and retention in learning environments, with a particular focus on how students engage with and remember lecture materials. More broadly, I investigate the challenges posed by distractions such as multitasking and mind-wandering, as well as the benefits of strategies like note-taking and retrieval practice. I am passionate about bridging cognitive science and educational practice to design more effective and engaging learning experiences. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing soccer and relaxing with video games. I look forward to connecting and supporting you in reaching your academic goals.