SEASSPAN

SEAS Student Peer Advisory Network (SEASSPAN)

The School of Engineering and Applied Science Student Peer Advisory Network (SEASSPAN) is a student leadership organization comprised of approximately 30 carefully selected mentors who help incoming first year students to SEAS. The mentors come from various backgrounds and have unique interests that help to complement the diversity of the first year class. They act as liaisons to the SEAS administration, are part of the SEAS Summer Orientation program, help to coordinate the New Student Experience and Getaway, and support the integration of new students into the SEAS community. Additionally, the mentors assist new students moving into their residence halls, help answer questions about SEAS, plan engaging programs throughout the year, and introduce new students to the GW campus.

SEASSPAN Executive Board

The SEASSPAN executive board for the 2026-2027 academic year is:

President: Maddie W
Vice President: Jake S
Secretary: 
Marketing and Social Media Coordinator: 
Event Committee Leaders: 
Events Committee Members: 

First Year Mentors

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor program is a student leadership organization comprised of carefully selected current first years, sophomores, and juniors who help incoming first year students transition to SEAS. They act as liaisons to the SEAS administration, are part of the SEAS Summer Orientation program, help coordinate the SEAS New Student Experience, and support the integration of new students into the SEAS community. Additionally, the mentors plan engaging programs throughout the year, answer questions about SEAS, and introduce first year students to the GW campus.

Meet the Mentors

 

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Abril

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Mechanical Engineering - Junior

Hola! My name is Abril yeah like the month April but in Spanish, but you can call me A.B. (she/her/hers). I am an international student from Argentina and I'm studying Mechanical Engineering with Aerospace concentration. Outside of SEASSPAN, I am a part of the GWU Cheerleader Team, GW Aviators (we flight planes kinda cool) and I am part of the Argentine Student Association Club. In my free time, I like hanging out with my friends, crocheting, and finding cute bakeries with good treats. You could easily find me in the library or in SEH 3rd floor. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone soon!

 

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Addison

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Mechanical Engineering - Sophomore

Hi!! My name is Addison Dooley and I’m from Doylestown, Pennsylvania. I’m majoring in Mechanical Engineering and am currently involved in EWB, SWE, and the sigma kappa sorority on campus. Outside of studying in SEH, I’m always grabbing food with my friends,running to work, or getting a coffee. I can’t wait to meet everyone, I’m always down to chat!!

 

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Aidan

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Mechanical Engineering - Sophomore

Hello friends! I am Aidan Willett (he/him), a sophomore in Mechanical Engineering with an Aerospace concentration. Hailing from a military family, I am from all over, but I like to call Anchorage, Alaska, my home. Besides SEASSPAN, I am also on the GW Rocket team and a part of the University Honors Program. When I am not studying in Gelman or SEH, you can find me playing all sorts of board games, baking, playing soccer, or getting lost in a museum. If you see me around, don’t be afraid to say hi. I am really looking forward to meeting you all!

 

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Alexander

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Electrical Engineering - Sophomore

Hi everyone! I’m Alex, originally from the Philadelphia suburbs. I’m studying electrical engineering with a focus on energy and power systems. Outside of class, I enjoy biking around DC and working on GW Rocket. Looking forward to getting to know you all!

 

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Alexandra

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Biomedical Engineering - Junior

Hi! My name is Alexandra (she/her) and I’m from North Potomac, Maryland.  I’m a junior studying Electrical Engineering. When I’m not studying in the SEH, I enjoy reading, playing tennis, journaling, eating popcorn (the best snack ever btw), playing video games or hanging out at a cute café with my friends! On campus, I’m involved in Alpha Omega Epsilon, The ADAM Lab, IEEE, and the GW Rocket team. I can’t wait to meet you all and welcome to GW Engineering!!

 

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Anya

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Mechanical Engineering - Senior

Hi! My name is Anya Spevacek (She/Her) and I am from Chicago, IL! I am majoring in mechanical engineering with a medical concentration. Here at GW I am on the GW rocket team and the president of GW Irish Dance club. You’ll normally find me getting my Peet's coffee and studying in SEH! Outside of school and clubs I love to read, go for walks on the mall, and try new coffee shops! I can’t wait to meet you all!

 

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Boaz

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Computer Engineering -Sophomore

Hello all! My name is Boaz Dauber, and I'm a sophomore Computer Engineering student! I'm from our very own Washington DC, and live just off of the Metro's Red-line. When I'm not in SEH, you can find me going climbing, playing volleyball, spending time with friends, or sleeping. When I am in SEH, you will probably find me in an ECE lab doing homework! Can’t wait to meet you all!

 

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Brody

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Computer Science - Senior

Hi everyone! My name is Brody, and I’m from a suburb of Denver, Colorado. I’m currently double majoring in Computer Science (BA program) and Political Science. When I’m not busy studying in SEH or learning trivia with the GW Quiz Bowl Team, you can usually find me hanging out with friends, watching sci-fi shows, going down Wikipedia rabbit holes, or walking around DC. I can’t wait to meet you all this fall!

 

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Carley

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Electrical Engineering - Senior

Hi!! My name is Carley (she/her), I am majoring in Electrical Engineering, and I’m from South Philly. Outside of SEASSPAN, I am invovled with the GW Rocket team and IEEE. I love playing games on my switch, trying new foods, playing guitar, and reading whenever I get the chance. I also love listening to all types of music, but my favorite band is the Beatles, however I’m always down for new recommendations. I can’t wait to welcome everyone to SEAS!

 

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Eden

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Biomedical Engineering – Junior

Hi everyone! My name is Eden (she/her) and I am from a small town in Pennsylvania. I am currently majoring in Biomedical Engineering and am on the pre-med track. I usually am found studying in Gelman 4th floor, or in a cafe near campus. In my free time I enjoy watching soccer and football, spending time with my friends and family, and trying out new foods! Along with being a SEAS mentor, I am a member of GW Baja and am also a student in the UHP. If you ever see me around campus, don’t be afraid to say hi and chat. I can’t wait to meet you all in the Fall and welcome to SEAS!

 

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Elena

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Civil and Environmental Engineering – Sophomore

Hi! My name is Elena and I’m from Annapolis, Maryland. I am a part of Navy ROTC here at GW and am involved in the American Society of Civil Engineers. I love running around the city, baking cookies, playing bananagrams, and spending time outside! Super excited to meet everyone and don’t be afraid to say hi!

 

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Grace

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Biomedical Engineering - Senior

Hi!! My name is Grace (she/her), and I am a senior biomedical engineering major from central Massachusetts. While at GW, I studied abroad in Dublin and have been involved in many orgs including Engineers Without Borders, Alpha Omega Epsilon, and BMES. Outside of school, I love exploring DC, going on runs, and spending time with friends. I can’t wait to meet you all!

 

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Ismael

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Mechanical Engineering - Senior 

Hey y’all! My name is Ismael Ponce (he/him), and I’m from Tulsa, OK. I’m majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Robotics. I’m currently on the GW Rocket team, but when I’m not working on that, I spend most of my time studying in SEH. Outside of work, I love playing soccer (Join the intramural leagues in Lerner!!) or hanging out with my friends, watching movies or going on walks! Can’t wait to get to know y’all!

 

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Jacob (Jake)

SEASSPAN Vice President
Systems Engineering - Senior

Hi everyone! My name is Jacob (he/him), but I've always gone by Jake. I was born in New Hampshire and moved to Maine when I was six. I am a Systems Engineering major with a minor in Entrepreneurship. When I am not studying in the SEH, you can often find me watching either motorsports or hockey or just hanging out with friends. Some other things I love doing in D.C. are traveling to Virginia on the metro, going to the gym, and walking along the Potomac. I'm heavily involved in both Theta Tau and INCOSE on campus, so feel free to reach out if you're interested in either! Welcome to GWU; I'm sure you'll love it here!

 

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Jillian

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Biomedical Engineering - Senior

Hi! I’m Jillian (she/her) from Northern New Jersey. I’m a senior majoring in biomedical engineering, a member of BMES, and I am involved in undergraduate research. Outside of academics, I love cooking, exploring new coffee shops, and always have music playing in the background. My go-to study spot is the upper floors of SEH, always accompanied by a Dr. Pepper to get me through assignments. I can't wait to welcome everyone to SEAS!

 

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Joshua

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Electrical Engineering – Senior

Hi everyone! My name is Josh and I'm excited to help welcome you all to Washington DC! I'm a senior electrical engineering student, and I try to stay active on campus. In addition to serving as Chair of IEEE-GWU, a technical/professional engineering organization, I am on the student Board of ChabadGW. Reach out to me if you need an album recommendation, want to play basketball or tennis, or need somewhere to go to Shabbat dinner.

 

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Kamran

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Computer Science - Junior

Hi everyone! My name is Kamran, and I am from Arlington, Virginia. I’m majoring in Computer Science, and I’m involved with GW Rocket and I’m a member of Revolutionaries Tech. In my free time, I’m usually tinkering with new tech, watching movies, or playing video games. I’m also a huge car enthusiast, if it’s fast, exotic, or both, I’m all in. I love anything related to tech and can talk about it all day. You can almost always find me studying in SEH and if I’m not studying, I’m probably eating somewhere. Looking forward to meeting you all this Fall!

 

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Katherine B (Kat)

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Mechanical Engineering - Junior

Hi everyone! My name is Kat (she/her) and I’m from MetroWest Boston. I am a sophomore majoring in Mechanical Engineering and I’m involved in ASME, SWE, and intramural sports. When I’m not in class or studying in Gelman, I am probably binging a new show, exploring the museums, or just soaking in Vitamin D if it’s nice out–I love that DC is warmer for much longer than Massachusetts! I can’t wait to meet you all and welcome to GW Engineering!

 

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Katherine H (Kate)

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Electrical Engineering - Junior

Hi! My name is Kate Heesters and I am from Hockessin, Delaware. At school, I am involved in the ADAM Lab, IEEE, and the GW Rocket team. Outside of school, I like hanging out with my friends, reading, shopping, going to the beach, and exploring new places in DC. I am so excited to meet all of you!

 

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Kaylee

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Electrical Engineering – Junior

Hi! My name is Kaylee (she/her) and I’m from Fredericksburg, Virginia.I am currently majoring in electrical engineering with a minor in computer science and have had involvement with a bunch of different campus orgs. You can typically find me with my dog Scout, at the gym, or off campus exploring new areas of the city. I’m super excited to welcome everyone to GW Engineering this Fall!

 

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Lily C

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Biomedical Engineering - Senior

Hi! My name is Lily (she/her), and I am from Rhode Island. I am a member of the Clark Scholars program and major in Biomedical Engineering. I play on the Club Women’s Ice Hockey team, serving as a captain and the treasurer. I love exploring DC, making stained glass art, knitting, and running. I can’t wait to meet you all!

 

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Lily G

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Civil and Environmental Engineering - Senior

Hi, I’m Lily Giasi and I am a junior civil engineering major. This is my second year as a first year mentor and I can’t wait to see everyone at engineering orientation and around campus. This past semester (Spring 2026) I studied abroad in Dublin at UCD alongside a bunch of my other engineering friends. I got to travel all over, and it was a blast. Outside of SEASSPAN I am a part of ASCE, Engineers without Borders, and Women’s Club Lacrosse. 

 

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Maddie W

SEASSPAN President
Systems Engineering - Senior

Hey, y'all! My name is Maddie Wilson, and I am so excited to be the President of SEASSPAN this year. GW Engineering is a special place that I have been lucky to call home for the past four years, and I am so excited to help you love it as much as I do! I am a senior in Systems Engineering from College Station, Texas, and I love getting new students involved in GW Engineering. In my limited free time, you can find me walking the National Mall, visiting the National Gallery of Art, or taking marketing classes at the business school for my minor. Welcome to GW Engineering, and get ready for an incredible 4 years!!

 

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Madeleine C (Maddy)

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Biomedical Engineering - Senior

Hi my name is Maddy! I am from the Southside of Chicago and I am majoring in biomedical engineering with a minor in mechanical engineering. I love playing sports, working out, running, and all sorts of exploring in the DMV. I am always hanging out in SEH doing homework or trying to find a good coffee in the area. I cannot wait to meet all of you and feel free to reach out!

 

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Maggie

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Mechanical Engineering - Senior

Hi! My name is Maggie and I am studying mechanical engineering with a concentration in aerospace and I am from New Jersey! I am on the GW Rocket Team, the marketing chair for Society of Women Engineers, a part of the GW Balance Dance Organization, and a member of Kappa Delta! If I am not hanging out in SEH you can find me taking walks around DC (especially during Cherry Blossom Season), reading, or finding my next concert - DC is an amazing place to see so many musicians. I cannot wait to meet you! Welcome to GW Engineering! 

 

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Matheo

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Mechanical Engineering - Sophomore

Hi! My name is Matheo (he/him) and I’m from Springfield, Virginia. I am studying Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Aerospace and have involvement in several engineering orgs! I enjoy going to the gym and playing sports (especially soccer and basketball), spending time with friends and family, and eating good food. I’d love to share my experiences and help others so always feel free to reach out! Can’t wait to meet you guys!

 

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Mostafa

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Computer Science - Senior

Hey everyone! My name is Mostafa, but you can call me Saba! (and yes, like Mufasa…don't worry, you're not the first!) I was born in Virginia, grew up between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and made my way back to the US for GW, so I'm someone who's always been up for a new adventure. I love trying everything, pickleball, spikeball, volleyball, soccer at the Vern, hockey games, basketball games, car meets, eating ice cream at 3 am. If it sounds fun, I'm in. I am also a risk-taker (No, literally!), took a gap year to bet on myself and ended up working on Griffin Mission 1, Astrobotic's lunar lander delivering NASA payloads to the Moon! Outside of all that, I taught myself piano, and some of my favorite moments at GW have just been sitting with friends talking about philosophy, history, or whatever rabbit hole we fall into. I became a SEASSPAN mentor because the people here have meant everything to me, and I can't wait to help you feel at home too!

 

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Oluwatobiloba (Tobi)

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Biomedical Engineering - Junior

Hey! My name is Tobi (he/him) and I am from a small county in Maryland (you wouldn’t know it). I am studying biomedical engineering with the goal of eventually becoming a professor. I am involved in a few orgs at GW including the Engineer’s Philanthropic Society, BMES, NSBE, and the ASA and I’ve also done research at GW. In my free time, I like singing, playing piano, modeling, working out, eating, and exploring D.C. I am always down to talk so don’t be scared to strike up a conversation. Can’t wait to meet all of you!!

 

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Otto

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Mechanical Engineering - Sophomore

Hello, My name is Otto Erhart. I am a Mechanical engineer here at GW and am originally from Seattle. Inside SEAS I am a part of the rocket team, as well as engineers without borders. Outside of SEAS I am a member of the GW XC/Track team, and I volunteer for Grassroots Health. Looking forward to helping kickstart your college journey.

 

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Ryan O

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Biomedical Engineering - Sophomore 

Hey! My name is Ryan and I’m from Long Island. I’m a biomedical engineering major on the pre-med track and I’m currently involved with the GW Rocket team. I enjoy baking, taking long walks around the National Mall, exploring new places, and hanging out with friends. If I’m not running to my next class, you can usually find me studying in SEH, Gelman, or Lerner. Always feel free to reach out, I can’t wait to meet you all!

 

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Ryan R

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Computer Science - Junior

Hey! My name is Ryan (he/him) and I am currently a junior studying computer science! I’m from Austin, Texas, so I’m usually spending a lot of time outdoors with friends, especially at the lake! I love visiting the monuments while listening to music and finding new spots to eat. Please say hello if you ever see me on campus and I’m looking forward to meeting all of you and showing you everything GW and DC have to offer!

 

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Serena

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Biomedical Engineering - Junior

Hi everyone! My name is Serena and I'm from Northern Virginia. I’m majoring in biomedical engineering with a minor in electrical engineering. I love going for walks, listening to music, and exploring different cafes in DC. I can’t wait to meet everyone!

 

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Sidney B 

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Biomedical Engineering - Senior

Hi, my name is Sidney Brutscher, I'm from West Chester, Pennsylvania, and I am a sophomore majoring in biomedical engineering. At GW I am part of the Biomedical Engineer Society as well as Engineers Without Borders. I also play on the women's club rugby team. I love exploring DC and exploring all the local coffee shops!

 

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Sydney T

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Biomedical Engineering - Sophomore

Hi, my name is Sydney! I’m from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and I am a sophomore majoring in Biomedical Engineering. In addition to being a SEASSPAN mentor, I’m involved in EPS, EWB, iSTEM, and the Clark Scholars Program. You’ll usually find me in SEH doing work or outside enjoying the sun whenever I can. I love spending time with friends, exploring DC, and all things outdoors. I’m always down to chat, so don’t hesitate to say hi if you see me around! I’m so excited to welcome you to GW and can’t wait to get to know all of you!

 

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Talar

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Civil and Environmental Engineering - Junior

Hey everyone! My name is Talar (she/her/hers) and I’m from Philadelphia, PA. You can almost always find me laying out on the National Mall, thrifting, at a concert, or exploring the DC area. When I’m not locked in on the third floor of Gelman, I love listening to music, watching the sunset, being active, watching sports, and making new friends. I am always down to chat, so if you see me feel free to say hi!

 

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Tamara

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Civil and Environmental Engineering - Sophomore

Hi everyone! My name is Tamara (She/Her)! I’m Peruvian-American, born and raised in Maryland. I’m a Civil Engineering Major, and outside of SEASSPAN I am in The American Society of Civil Engineers and Steel Bridge. You’ll likely find me studying in SEH, or when it's warm lounging in U-Yard. If I’m in neither of those places I'm probably wandering around DC sightseeing. I’m a big music lover, my favorite artists currently are Noah Kahan and Renee Rapp. I love cooking and baking, and as a Peruvian I’m naturally obligated to tell you our food is the best, if you don’t believe me let me prove it to you! If you see me around campus, don’t be afraid to say hi! I can’t wait to meet you all this fall! 

 

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Theodore (Theo)

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Computer Science - Sophomore

Hi everyone! I'm Theo Chisala from Montgomery County, Maryland, majoring in Computer Science. I'm involved in IEEE, BMI, and GWU Club Soccer on campus. When I'm not studying at a coffee shop, you can find me at the gym, playing soccer, taking photos, or trying to solve a new Rubik’s Cube. I'm a very physically active person, but I also enjoy binge-watching shows like Suits or Arrow. Feel free to talk to me about anything sports-related (or just to say hi)! I look forward to meeting you all this fall.

 

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Thomas

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Civil and Environmental Engineering - Senior

Hi! My name is Thomas Murphy (he/him) and I’m from South Shore Massachusetts. I’m studying Civil Engineering with a concentration in Environmental Engineering. You can either find me studying on the first floor of SEH or cheering on the GW basketball teams at The Smith Center. Outside of school I love watching and playing basketball and baseball (Go Sox and C’s), I also enjoy South Indian food and memorizing random geography facts. I’m excited to meet you all and welcome to GW Engineering!!!!

 

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Violet

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Computer Science - Junior

Hi! My name is Violet (she/her), and I am from the Philadelphia suburbs but went to school in Wilmington, Delaware. Most of my time is spent in SEH, but I love going on walks/runs around DC. I also love baking and going to the gym. On campus, I am involved in AOE, the Engineers’ Council, and the Women’s Club Volleyball team. Can’t wait for a great year with you all!

 

Become a SEASSPAN Mentor

Each year SEASSPAN recruits, selects, and trains new peer mentors for the upcoming year. The recruitment process begins late in the fall semester and includes an application and an interview.

Please view the eligibility requirements for SEASSPAN (see attached PDF for eligibility requirements) to apply to be a SEASSPAN mentor and click here to begin the application.

If you have any questions about SEASSPAN, please email seasthedaygwu [dot] edu (seastheday[at]gwu[dot]edu).