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, sophomore, and transfer students transition to SEAS. The mentors come from various backgrounds and have unique interests that help to complement the diversity of the first year and sophomore 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 2023-2024 academic year is:

President: Mikayla
Vice President: Thomas
Lead Ambassador: Sameen
Secretary: Maddie
Marketing and Social Media Coordinator: Nora
Event Committee Leaders: Donovan and Sophia 
Events Committee Members: Dania and James

Undergraduate ambassadors

SEASSPAN Undergraduate Ambassadors program is a student leadership opportunity for current sophomores and juniors. The program supports the development of the SEAS community through participation in admissions events, community outreach activities, and special programming for sophomores within their respective majors as well as a peer mentor for a small cohort of first year and transfer students. The Ambassadors are representatives of SEAS and their respective departments while gaining valuable leadership experience, communication skills, public speaking, and mentoring skills.

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

 

Aidan

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Biomedical Engineering - Sophomore

Hello world! My name is Aidan (he/him) and I am from Northern New Jersey (next to the GW bridge) but you’ll never guess where I call home. I am studying Biomedical Engineering and on the Pre-med track, with the goal of pursuing an MD/PhD. Outside of class, I am involved with Engineer’s Philanthropic Society (EPS), the American Medical Physiology Club (AMPC), and Jewish life on campus (Come to shabbat dinner!). Beyond school, I like to go for runs, write short stories, and jam with my band. I am always on the run but if you ever see me, come say hi because I’d love to chat about anything.

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Akshar

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Biomedical Engineering - Sophomore

Wassup everyone! My name is Akshar. I am currently a sophomore with a major in Biomedical Engineering and a minor in Electrical Engineering. I was born in India and was raised and brought up in suburban Pennsylvania near Lansdale. In my free time, you will probably find me studying or sleeping during the day. I am an avid hiker and traveler who has been to wild places like Alaska! Reach out to me for anything related to school or even just life! I have taken many of the introductory classes here so please reach out if you need anything!

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Amartya

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Computer Science - Junior

Hi guys! My name is Amartya (he/him), and I’m from eastern Massachusetts. As a Computer Science major, I can often be found working in SEH (or anywhere I don’t mind parking myself), but given the right time and weather, I enjoy going for a nice run outside. Otherwise, I’m more than happy to relax and watch a Pats game. I am currently a member of revolutionaries Tech and the Engineers’ Philanthropic Society, and I have also been a counselor for Kesem at GW. I’m always down to meet anyone, so if we cross paths anytime around campus, definitely introduce yourself!

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Amy

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Computer Science - Junior

Hi! My name is Amy, and I’m from Sherrills Ford, North Carolina, but I lived most of my life in Daytona, Florida. I’m involved in a few different organizations on campus, but the main ones are Alpha Omega Epsilon, ACM, and WiCS. If I'm not studying in SEH, I’m either out monumenting, exploring new places with friends, binging a new show, or taking a nap with my cat Chester (feel free to ask for pictures, I love showing him off). Welcome to GW, and I can't wait to get to know all of you!

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Arsema

SEASSPAN Undergraduate Ambassador
Systems Engineering - Senior

Hi everyone, my name is Arsema and I’m a senior studying Systems Engineering. I’m originally from Ethiopia but was raised in DC and I just recently returned from studying abroad in South Korea. Besides being involved in school organizations like EESA, BPHSN, and SEAS Together, I enjoy staying active. I love running, dancing, hiking, and biking. Two things I can’t live without are nature and a strong cup of black coffee. I’m very excited to spend my final year with you all!

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Brody

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Computer Science - Sophomore

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, playing video games, going down Wikipedia rabbit holes, or walking around DC. I can’t wait to meet you all this fall!

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Calum

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Computer Science - Sophomore

Hello everyone! My name is Calum (he/him), and I am from San Francisco. I'm currently majoring in Computer Science with a potential minor in mathematics. In my free time, I usually watch basketball and soccer or play some sports. I almost always study in SEH, but If I am not in the main building, I'll most likely be involved in a Revtech project or assembling machinery in the highbay with the Baja team. I'm always up to talk about history and especially enjoy DC's delicious restaurants! I hope I can make all your transitions into college as easy as possible, and I can't wait to meet you all!

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Carley

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Electrical and Computer Engineering - Sophomore

Hi!! My name is Carley (she/her) and I’m from South Philadelphia. I’m a member of the GW Rocket team and majoring in electrical engineering! I love playing animal crossing, trying new foods, and crocheting whenever I get the chance. I also love listening to all types of music, so I’m always down for new recommendations. I can’t wait to welcome everyone to SEAS!

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Dania

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Biomedical Engineering - Sophomore

Hi! My name is Dania (she/her), and I’m from Egypt, but I’ve lived in Westchester, NY for a while. People often compare me to an indoor cat, so with that being said, you won’t find me out and about in the woods or exercising much. Instead, I’m probably getting cozy in bed with a ball of yarn or two (to crochet!) after a long day of studying at SEH. I also love cooking, playing the cello and piano, chilling with friends, and discovering new music. Can’t wait to meet you all this Fall!

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Dominic

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Mechanical & Aerospace - Senior

Hi everyone! My name is Dominic (or Dom, he/him/his) and I am a senior studying Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering and Mathematics. Outside of SEASSPAN, I am a part of the Clark Scholars Program, GW Rocket, and undergraduate research. I also work with the Office for Study Abroad to help students see the world while getting their degree. In my free time, I like watching tennis and basketball, listening to new music, and trying new food spots in the DMV with my friends. My favorite places on campus are Bullfrog Bagels and our glorious SEH. I’m super excited to meet everyone in DC this fall!

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Donovan

SEASSPAN Undergraduate Ambassador
Biomedical Engineering - Junior

Hey guys! I’m Donovan (He/Him/His) from Wilmington, Delaware (YES, that’s where Joe Biden is from). You can typically find me somewhere random in D.C., on a walk, kicking a soccer ball, or (most of the time) holed up on the 5th floor of SEH. I am also a huge weeb and will adamantly debate that One Piece (Yes, I watched all 1100 episodes) is the greatest piece of fiction you will ever see and will do the same for my favorite artist J Cole. I’m involved in Theta Tau, an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Kay Cardiology lab, and a part of the University Honors Program. I am looking forward to welcoming you all to GW this Fall!

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Dylan

SEASSPAN Undergraduate Ambassador
Computer Science - Junior

What’s up? I’m Dylan and I’m originally from Perth, Australia. If I’m not grinding out the latest homeworks at Gelman Library, I’m definitely getting food around campus. Some of my hobbies include playing and making video games, and working on old computers and game consoles. I’m looking forward to a great year ahead with you guys!

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Emma

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Civil Engineering - Senior

Hey y’all! I’m Emma, and I use she/her pronouns. I’m from Austin, TX (the cool part of Texas), and I love reading, traveling, and watching TV/movies with my cats. I’m a Civil Engineering major with a Classical Studies minor! I am involved in the Engineers’ Council, Alpha Omega Epsilon, ASCE, Steel Bridge, GW Shakespeare Company, and the Clark Scholars Program. My favorite thing about being in D.C. is casually walking past famous organizations/buildings, and my favorite thing about GW is the SEAS community. I can’t wait to meet you all, and please reach out if you have any questions or ever want an adventuring partner!

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Georgette

SEASSPAN Undergraduate Ambassador
Civil Engineering - Senior

Hi! My name is Georgette Encinas (She/Her)! My friends call me Geo and I am from a small town named San Luis, which borders Mexico and Arizona. I am half Lebanese, half Mexican (I like saying I have the best food (‘cause I do :) )), I am in the Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Program, and orgs like SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Not Hispanic? Don’t Panic!) and the Engineers’ Council! In my free time, I love trying out new restaurants, going on sunset walks, and dancing.I'm really looking forward to meeting you all. If you ever see me around, please don't hesitate to say hi! And if you have any questions or just want to chat, I'm always here. Feel free to reach out anytime!

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Gianluca

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Civil Engineering - Sophomore

Hi there! My name is Gianluca (he/him). I have a pretty complex background, coming from the beautiful West-African country of Côte d’Ivoire, with an Italian father and a mom from Long Island. I am a huge martial arts fanatic and love watching UFC on Saturday nights. You can usually catch me in the gym basement practicing jiu-jitsu or in Tompkins Hall Room 405 doing my homework (that room is a vibe). I am excited and cannot wait to help this year’s incoming students integrate into our wonderful SEAS community!

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Grace N.

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Civil Engineering - Junior

Hi! My name is Grace and I’m an army brat so I’m from all over but right now I live in West Point, NY. I am a junior majoring in Civil Engineering. I love baking, singing, reading, hanging out with friends and family, playing board games, and being outside! I love exploring DC and taking sunset walks to the monuments. You can probably find me studying somewhere outside on a nice day! Feel free to say hi anytime you see me! I’m so excited to meet you and welcome to SEAS!!

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Grace W.

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering - Junior

Hi everyone! My name is Grace (she/her), and I'm from north of Boston. I’m majoring in mechanical engineering with a concentration in aerospace engineering. I love going for walks, listening to music, and being outside during my free time (when the weather is nice). If it’s raining, I’m probably building some new Lego project. I can’t wait to meet everyone!

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James

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Computer Science - Sophomore

I'm James, I'm from the suburbs in Minnesota. Being from Minnesota, I love winter sports! I love all kinds of sports and activities, I ran XC in high school, and am currently on the GW club boxing team. I'm also a member of the Delta Tau Delta chapter here at GW. I absolutely love cars and shoes, and I can talk all day about that if you let me haha. I'm a sophomore in computer science, and I plan to pursue a master's in cybersecurity and a minor in mathematics. Looking forward to meeting you all!

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Kidist

SEASSPAN Undergraduate Ambassador
Systems Engineering - Senior

Hi, my name is Kidist (she/her/hers). I am originally from Ethiopia, and I grew up in Alexandria, VA. I am a senior majoring in Systems Engineering and minoring in Data Analytics. I have been involved in EESA and NSBE on campus. When I am not in class or studying, I am probably watching a movie, hanging out with my friends, listening to music, or reading. I look forward to meeting everyone!

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Lean

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Mechanical & Aerospace - Junior

Hi! My name is Lean and I am an international student from Saudi Arabia. I’m majoring in Mechanical Engineering! I love to travel the world and learn about other cultures. Whenever I have time, I like to volunteer at Miriam’s Kitchen, bike, and explore the city!

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Lydia

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Systems Engineering - Sophomore

Hi! My name is Lydia, and I’m from the Northern Virginia area. I am a Systems Engineering major, and you can usually find me on the grind at SEH second floor by the window. Outside of academic life, I love watching soccer, going to a cute cafe, shopping, and trying new food! I am beyond excited to welcome and meet each and every one of you.

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Maddy C.

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Biomedical Engineering – Sophomore

Hi my name is Maddy! I am from the Southside of Chicago and I am majoring in biomedical engineering. I love playing sports, working out, running, and all sorts of exploring in the DMV. I am involved in Engineers without Borders, EPS, and I am the co-chair of philanthropy for BMES. 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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Maddie W.

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Systems Engineering - Sophomore

Hey y’all! My name is Maddie Wilson, and I am a Systems Engineering major from College Station, Texas. Outside of the classroom, I am on the GW Rocket Team and a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. In my free time, you can find me studying with my best friends, grabbing a Diet Dr. Pepper from CVS, or listening to country music. I’m so excited to meet all of you— welcome to GW Engineering!

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Marc -Andre

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Mechanical and Aerospace - Junior

Hello everyone! My name is Marc-Andre, but you guys can call me Marc. I am originally from Alexandria, Virginia, but I have lived abroad in Latin America for a lot of my life. I am a Junior Mechanical Engineer concentrating in Aerospace. In my free time, I love watching football and soccer, as well as traveling the world. You can find me studying in Milken or SEH, but if I am not, I am working in the Micropropulsion and Nanotechnology Lab or working in the CubeSat Lab as part of their Integration team. I love walking around the national mall, especially when the cherry blossoms start blooming and finding new museums to explore. I can't wait to meet you guys soon, and welcome to SEAS!

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Mikayla

SEASSPAN President
Biomedical Engineering - Senior

Hi! I’m Mikayla (she/her), and I’m a senior majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a concentration in Patent Law. My hometown is Doylestown, PA – a small town just less than an hour north of Philadelphia. If I’m not in SEH studying, you can find me doing something for the many orgs I’m involved with (SEASSPAN of course, AOE, BMES, and SWE, just to name a few), kickboxing, or playing my cello for Generic Theater Company. A few other things I love to do include reading, songwriting, exploring Washington D.C., and hanging out with my friends. If you ever want to talk about music, books, cool places throughout the city, or literally anything else, feel free to reach out to me. On behalf of all the 2024-2025 mentors, welcome to GWU and we can’t wait to meet y’all!

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Milan

SEASSPAN Undergraduate Ambassador
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering - Senior

Hey everyone! My name is Milan, and I’m from New Jersey. I love spending time with my cat, Dumpling, roller skating, and taking care of my plants. I sing and play the guitar, bass, drums, and piano. I’m also a member of GW VIBES!!! (acapella). I love live music, record shopping, and DJing. You can find me in SEH or running around campus, going to all my club meetings and campus events. I look forward to meeting everyone!

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Nora

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Biomedical Engineering - Senior

Hello! My name is Nora Elena (she/her) and I am from Mentor, Ohio. I am a member of GW Baja, BMES, and SWE. In my free time, I really enjoy walking to the monuments with my friends, reading, watching Netflix, or shopping in Georgetown. If you ever need someone to talk to or vibe with while studying, I’ll be in SEH. I can’t wait to meet everybody and welcome to SEAS!

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Sameen

SEASSPAN Undergraduate Ambassador Lead
Computer Science - Senior

Hi everyone! My name is Sameen (she/her). I am a senior majoring in Computer Science with a technical track in Cybersecurity and a minor in Criminal Justice. I’m from the DMV area (Arlington, VA). You will usually find me in SEH <3. At GW, I’m involved in several organizations: I am the Executive Secretary of Undergraduate Academic Affairs of The Student Government Association - Executive Cabinet; Committee Member of the GW Computer Science Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee; Chair and Student Coordinator of the SEAS Together Committee; SEASSPAN Undergraduate Ambassador Mentor; Recruitment & Mentorship Director of Women in Computer Science (WiCS); Council Member of the University Integrity and Conduct Council; member of the University Grievance Committee; sit on the Morton A. Bender Award Committee; and sit on the Oscar and Shoshana Trachtenberg Teaching Award Committee. I am also an Undergraduate Artificial Intelligence Researcher and Undergraduate Teaching Assistant! I absolutely love coffee (literally did my database project about a coffee shop in Spain). I also love spending time with my family, exploring new restaurants, shopping, and hanging out with my friends. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. I’m SOO excited to meet you all

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Sasha

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Systems Engineering - Sophomore

Hi, I’m Sasha. I’m from a small beach town in Massachusetts called Hull. I could tell you about how I’m always locked in at SEH like everyone else, but really I enjoy thrifting, playing music, and classic cars among other things. I always love meeting and talking to new people, so if you see me feel free to stop me and chat.

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Shapari

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Biomedical Engineering - Sophomore

Hi! My name is Shapari, and I am a freshman biomedical engineering student from Richmond, VA. Although I haven't declared a minor yet, I hope to minor in dance! Additonally, I serve as the Records and Publication Chair in the GW Biomedical Engineering Society. I am involved in other organizations on campus, including GW Balance, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Iranian Student Association. In my free time, I like to watch movies, travel with my family, hiking, and explore DC with friends. I am always looking for the best study spots in DC, so if you have any recommendations, please let me know!

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Sherif

SEASSPAN Undergraduate Ambassador
Biomedical Engineering - Junior

Hi! My name is Sherif, I’m from Newton, MA. I am a rising Junior pursuing a degree in Biomedical Engineering with minors in Electrical Engineering and Biophysics. I love exploring LSPA activities and classes - I love kickboxing and adventures around DC. I also read a lot of science fiction. It's going to be fun to meet all of you!

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Sidney

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Biomedical Engineering - Sophomore

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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Sophia

SEASSPAN First Year Mentor
Civil Engineering - Junior

Hi! My name is Sophia and I am from Los Angeles, California. I am part of the tight-knit Civil Engineering family and absolutely love it! At GW, I am also part of the ASCE, the Steel Bridge team, and am the Director of Events of my sorority, Alpha Phi. When I’m not studying in SEH, I like to hang out with my friends and explore DC. I can’t wait to meet you all, and I hope you all fall in love with DC and the family of SEAS!

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Thomas

SEASSPAN Vice President
Computer Science - Junior

Hey guys! My name is Thomas (he/him) and I’m a junior studying Computer Science from Northern New Jersey. I enjoy spending time with my friends, whether that’s hanging around, going out, or even just getting some work done. I’m involved in few SEAS clubs/programs, and additionally, I’m a member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. I also do research in the Systems and Securities Lab, so you can always find me in the SEH. My goal is to get my masters in Cybersecurity at GW, so I’m planning on sticking around for quite a while. I can’t wait to see you all on campus and if you see me, don’t be afraid to say hi!

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).