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International Orientation Leaders

International Orientation Leaders (IOLs)  are UMD undergraduate and graduate students who facilitate a support system for new international students. Each semester, IOLs join the ISSS team to welcome students from across the globe to campus and the greater College Park community. IOLs help new students transition into the new academic environment and play a critical role in creating an inclusive campus experience by hosting virtual pre-arrival engagements and leading some activities during the on-campus Welcome Events. 

Applications for Fall 2024 IOLs are now being accepted!   Apply by April 24th. 

Apply to be an IOL
 

Meet the Spring 2024 IOLS

This group of leaders from across disciplines and in different stages of their academic careers was selected to facilitate the smooth welcome and onboarding of new International Terps!


Bhamidipati

Abhinav Bhamidipati

Hey Guys! I'm Abhinav Bhamidipati, Robotics Graduate student. I completed my undergrad in Electronics and Telecommunications from Mumbai, India. I love drawing and sports. I'd be happy to share my experiences and provide support to new students. Looking forward to meeting you all, welcome to UMD!


IOL

Aryan S Mishra

I am a Robotics graduate student at the University of Maryland, College Park, specializing in the creation of innovative robotic solutions for diverse applications. Currently, I actively contribute to medical robotics research and a valued member of the Testudog and Cubo team of Robotics@Maryland. With proficiency in coding, adept writing skills, and a passion for soccer demonstrated both on and off the field. As a natural problem solver, I thrive on challenges, consistently pushing my boundaries to achieve excellence. Committed to exploration, I relish opportunities to meet new people and engage in travel. My contributions reflect a commitment to advancing the field of robotics and making impactful strides in research.


IOL

Chigozie Udeogu

I’m Chigozie Udeogu, a PhD student in Electrical and Computer Engineering. I am originally from Nigeria and had previously completed my master’s studies in South Korea where I worked on machine learning applications in electric vehicles. I enjoy meeting new people, exploring new places and cultures. I also enjoy singing and listening to music, watching movies, going to the gym and cooking. I look forward to meeting and welcoming you. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. Go Terps!!!


IOL

Chioma Ezeajughi

Hello! Meet Chioma Ezeajughi, a master's student in the department of kinesiology. I am from Nigeria and studied prosthetics and orthotics during my bachelor's degree in Nigeria. Academic transitioning from one country to another always comes with its initial challenges, and that is why I have volunteered to make you all feel welcomed at UMD. Feel free to reach out to me through https://www.linkedin.com/in/chioma-ezeajughi. I look forward to meeting you all.


IOL

David Chukwudi Nchekwub

I am a first Ph.D. student in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department. I am Nigerian. Before coming to UMD, I lived in Italy, where I completed my master’s degrees in Mechatronics and Biomedical Engineering. I have had the privilege of living in 4 countries and 3 continents. I have visited 26 countries. I have a good appreciation for culture. My one true hobby is soccer.


IOL

Dianthe Gordon

Hello! My name is Dianthe Gordon (she/her) and I am a junior International Business and Busines Management major with a minor in Korean Studies. My biggest hobbies are dancing 💃🏾 and reading online comics 📖. I love traveling and trying different foods. I look forward to learning about everyone's different cultures and helping you all through this transition! 😊


IOL

Ebenezer Akansah

Ebenezer Akansah is a thoughtful and adventurous man originally from Ghana's Upper East Region. He is currently pursuing his masters education in Public Administration in the School of Public Policy (SPP) at the University of Maryland (UMD) and doubles as a Teaching Assistant in SPP. He is also the Director of Mentorship for the Trust Care Foundation and a Policy Advisor for the Atimatim Community Development Foundation in his home country. He has an interest in educational policies, social policies, and international relations.
Before joining the School of Public Policy, he worked as a Research and Teaching assistant at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology where he was immersed in works on organizational behavior, education, child abuse, small-scale mining, and the impact on the environment, access to healthcare by the aged and employee satisfaction.
Ebenezer values truthfulness, honor, personal growth, and serving others. He has a deep respect for diverse perspectives. He is candid yet kind in his interactions. He cherishes his friends and eagerly contributes positivity to their lives. In his free time, Ebenezer enjoys traveling, eating delicious food, playing basketball and football, reading, writing, and conducting research. He loves exploring new and challenging areas that help him continue growing as a person. Overall, Ebenezer brings care, curiosity, and integrity to everything he does.


IOL

Elizabeth “Jwi” Brown

Hello hello!
My name is Jwi and I’m Korean American. I've moved 10 times between the USA, South Korea, and Singapore so you can say I’ve been around ٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و
I’m studying International Relations and Sociology. I love meeting new people and learning about their culture and life. I can’t wait to hear your stories :)
If you have any questions or want to chat please don’t be afraid to reach out ᕦ(ò_óˇ)ᕤ
See you around


IOL

Elyse MacCall

Hello! I am a Neurobiology and French double major. I am also the president of Lambda Pi Delta; UMD’s French professional fraternity. Reach out if you have any questions about the sciences or organizations on campus!


IOL

Hannah Darrow

Hello! My name is Hannah, and I'm from Maryland. I am a senior Computer Science and French double major. Outside of school, I love going to concerts, reading, and cooking/baking.


IOL

Jana Ognjanovska

My name is Jana and I am an international student coming from a small Eastern European country, Macedonia. I am a junior and I am double majoring in Finance and Information Systems and I enjoy playing tennis, working out, running and traveling.


IOL

Michelle Lian

Hi Guys! My name is Michelle Lian and I am an international student from Myanmar, currently an undergraduate studying Information Systems specializing in business. Apart from being an international orientation leader, I work at the University Book Center and prior that, I used to work as a peer tutor and barista here in the US. I am always looking forward to involving in school, meeting new people and building new relationships. Feel free to reach out to me via LinkedIn or just say hi. Don’t worry I don’t bite!


IOL

Miracle Omoregbee

I am Miracle Omoregbee from Nigeria. It’s my first year at UMD and I’m in the Plant Sciences graduate program.


IOL

Mohamed Elnoor

My name is Mohamed Elnoor. I'm a PhD student majoring in Electrical Engineering. I'm originally from Sudan and I love travelling. I'm looking forward to meeting you :) Welcome to UMD!!


IOL

Opeyemi O. Ogedengbe

I am Opeyemi Ogedengbe, a Ph.D. student in Nutrition Sciences. I am from Nigeria and I love meeting people to unwind and have fun, as graduate school can be intense. I look forward to meeting and welcoming you all on the campus. Please feel free to connect with me via LinkedIn.


IOL

Raja Eiskandar Shah

Hi! My name is Raja, and I am an undergrad student majoring in Computer Science at UMD. I'm a big Formula 1 fan and I also enjoy watching football (soccer). I'm originally from Malaysia and the first few months when I arrived in the US was a bit challenging for me (mostly because I miss the food back home) but I really want to help other international students to feel at home at UMD so they can have a great start to their journey at UMD!


IOL

Rajashree Hazarika

Hi! I am Rajashree Hazarika, a Master’s of Engineering student at UMD studying Project Management. Having moved around a lot in India, I appreciate the importance of diversity and aim to create an inclusive environment for incoming students. I have a strong passion for literature, cinema, and Formula One racing! As a mechanical engineer transitioning into project management, I am committed to promoting sustainability and addressing global warming. My ultimate goal is to see a world where renewable energy sources power our cities, where carbon-neutral buildings are the norm, and where nature thrives alongside human development. Welcome to UMD and feel free to reach out to me (rajashre@umd.edu) if you have any questions!


IOL

Rincy Mariam Thomas

Greetings! I'm Rincy Mariam Thomas, currently undertaking my Master's in Cybersecurity. My undergraduate degree is in Computer Science, and I've gained valuable experience in the field of Cybersecurity. As an International Orientation Leader, my primary objective is to extend a warm welcome to new students joining the diverse UMD community. Throughout my time here, I've had the pleasure of making friends from various cultures and countries, contributing to the richness of our community. My aim is to ensure that all newcomers feel embraced and supported by this wonderful group of individuals. I'm dedicated to assisting you in your journey and would be delighted to meet each and every one of you at UMD!


IOL

Saleel Anthrathodiyil

Saleel Anthrathodiyil, an international Master's student from India, is currently pursuing his MS degree in Fire Protection Engineering at the A. James Clark School of Engineering. With a robust background in management at a Fortune 500 firm, Saleel brings with him a unique blend of corporate proficiency and academic curiosity. He serves as the VP for GSG and serve on University Senate committees and various technical advisory committees on campus. Saleel has consistently shown his commitment to fostering an inclusive campus culture by actively participating in several committees and boards. These include those centered on DEIJ, community development, and International Student Support


IOL

Shashank Pratap Singh

Hey there ! I'm Shashank, a rising-Junior Undergrad at the University of Maryland, College Park, pursuing Computer Science with a minor in Technology Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation. I'm thrilled at the prospect of helping you navigate this new chapter and ensuring a smooth transition into the vibrant UMD community. Whether you have questions, need guidance, or just want to connect, don't hesitate to reach out. You can find me on LinkedIn by searching "Shashank P Singh" or drop me an email at sps2026@terpmail.umd.edu. Looking forward to meeting you all and making your UMD experience unforgettable!


IOL

Shayana Saravanakumar

Hey Everyone ! I'm Shayana, a Grad student doing a PhD in Computational Biology. I did my Undergrad in Bangalore, India and joined UMD this Fall. Unlike what you usually hear about life in Grad school, there are plenty of fun things to do for Grad students !!
I'm very excited to meet you all and show you around campus. Welcome to UMD :)


IOL

Siddhi Umesh Shidruk

Hello Upcoming Terps, I am Siddhi Umesh Shidruk, the cybersecurity grad student. I joined UMD in Fall 2022, and it has been an exciting and fun journey until now :) Welcome to the TERP community, UMD has a lot to offer to you. Apart from that, I love cars, dogs, pizza, and driving around the beautiful UMD campus. Please feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn.


IOL

Thilak Mohan

Hey guys! I'm Thilak Mohan, a masters in machine learning student. I'm from Bangalore, India and I just graduated from VIT Vellore with ECE earlier this year. Some of my current interests are adulting (yes, I'm aware that sounds whack xD), cooking, biking in lake artmesia to recuperate, coding on Kaggle, playing TT, squash, frisbee and basketball! I'm pretty extroverted and I love helping people whenever I can. I'd love to help you guys with whatever questions you have with respect to coming to Maryland, UMD, resources on campus, etc. I got a lot of help from my IOL seniors and I wanted to help give back to you new students. I highly encourage y'all to reach out to any of us and shout out your questions we'll do our best to help you. sending lots of love and warm hugs, take care and I hope to see you soon!

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