IMJR Mentors

John Asobayire

John Asobayire

Expected Graduation: May 2027

IMJR: Human-Computer Interaction & Design

john-abraham.asobayire@uconn.edu    

The Individualized Major Program has allowed me to navigate my diverse academic and career goals through mentorship, intentional course planning, and the freedom to pursue interdisciplinary interests.

I’m excited to support upcoming IMJR students by sharing insights from my own experience, offering guidance through the application process, and helping them feel empowered to take ownership of their educational journeys. My goal is to be a resource and a source of encouragement as they build majors that are as unique as their ambitions.

Katharine Batchelar

Katharine Batchelar

Expected Graduation: May 2026

IMJR: International Studies and Global Sustainability

Minor: Political Science

katharine.batchelar@uconn.edu

The individualized major program has transformed my undergraduate experience. It has allowed me to pursue every discipline that I am interested in instead of focusing on one area. I wanted to become an IMJR mentor so that I can help other students feel fulfilled with a pathway perfect for their goals and interests. I hope to help others navigate building schedules, answer questions for planning a thesis, and share pre-law and study abroad tips!

Zachary Demanche

Zachary Demanche

Expected Graduation: May 2025

IMJR: Cybersecurity, Crime and Justice 

Minor: Computer Science    

Zachary.demanche@uconn.edu

I want to become an IMJR mentor because I deeply enjoy helping the younger generation and believe in the importance of giving back to the UConn community. This mentorship opportunity is particularly meaningful to me because it allows me to support and guide students in areas, I am passionate about, such as the Information Technology and computer science. I am excited to share my knowledge, experiences, and resources to help others navigate their academic and professional journeys while contributing to a community that has shaped my own growth.

Seth Friedeman

Seth Friedeman

Expected Graduation: May 2027

IMJR: Nutritional Psychology and Disordered Eating 

Other Major: Molecular and Cell Biology

seth.friedeman@uconn.edu

I want to become an IMJR Mentor because I want to support others who choose to take a passion, interest, or project and transform it into a unique plan of study. Through creating my Individualized Major Plan of Study, I learned about the multitude of unique and exciting courses that UConn has to offer, many of which I wouldn't be able to take without finding out about the IMJR Program! I want to help others combine their diverse interests, and take their first steps towards one of UConn's most rewarding opportunities!

Sanjana Gade

Sanjana Gade  

Expected Graduation: May 2027 

IMJR:Healthcare Policy, Law, and Immigration

sanjana.gade@uconn.edu

I want to be an IMJR mentor because I find it extremely empowering and rewarding for students to create their own, personalized academic journey to their unique interests; therefore, I would love to support them in the process. Exploring an IMJR opens up tremendous opportunities to network and seek diverse experiences, reinforcing existing and creating new passions. Ultimately, I hope to give back to the program what it has given me, sharing my resources and advice to ensure students become successful in their educational and professional careers within and beyond the program.

Suheera Haq

Suheera Haq 

Expected Graduation: May 2026

IMJR: Social Determinants of Reproductive Health

Other Major: Molecular and Cell Biology

suheera.haq@uconn.edu

I chose to become an IMJR mentor to give back to a program that has profoundly shaped my undergraduate journey. During my time in the IMJR program, I have discovered and participated in numerous opportunities I never knew existed as a freshman. I hope to guide and support others who are following a similar path!

Medha Illindala

Medha Illindala

Expected Graduation: May 2025

IMJR: Sociocultural Politics of Medicine

medha.illindala@uconn.edu

I want to be an IMJR mentor to highlight the benefits of doing an individualized major and share that the process does not need to be very complicated! Creating my own major was really fun and I am very happy with the outcome. I'm really excited to receive my diploma with a degree that's unique to me and my interests, and I want to be able to help others do the same and dive into their passions! 

Natasha Khetan

Natasha Khetan

Expected Graduation: May 2027

IMJR: Disability Studies

natasha.khetan@uconn.edu

I am so excited to be an IMJR program mentor! When I was in the process of developing my individualized major, I personally faced challenges with the process, such as having difficulty finding advisors and deciding which classes to take. I want to support other aspiring IMJRs as they develop their majors.
The IMJR program has given me the opportunity to delve into topics that I find both important and interesting, and I want to give back to the program by helping other students craft their own unique educational journeys.

Ryan Krishna

Ryan Krisha

Expected Graduation: May 2027

IMJR: Neuroscience of Language

ryan.krishna@uconn.edu

I want to be an IMJR mentor because I want to provide advice and guidance that can help others successfully design their own individualized majors. By sharing my experiences and offering support in any way I can, I hope to help my peers create majors that truly reflect their unique interests and passions.

Alexsia Newman

Alexsia Newman

Expected Graduation: May 2026

IMJR: Developmental Neuroscience

alexsia.newman@uconn.edu

When I was looking into being an individualized major, I was unsure what it was and how I could achieve my goal. I always wanted to learn about the connection between mind and body but there was no major to help me explore this. I worked to get into the IMJR univ course and my future started to make sense. I want to be able to be a helping hand for each part of the IMJR application process. An extra set of eyes on the essay and plan of study would have been helpful during the time that I applied. I also had no idea how to pick classes or find advisors. As someone who already went through this experience, I believe I can make it a less stressful process!

Mukrim Rahman

Mukrim Rahman

Expected Graduation: May 2026

IMJR: Behavioral and Developmental Neuroscience

mukrim.rahman@uconn.edu

I am super excited to be an IMJR Mentor as I want to be a pillar of support to those applying for the program. I understand that it may difficult to navigate class selection and the application process, therefore I want to be able to offer my advice and guide students who share similar academic and career aspirations

Christopher Torres

Christopher Torres

Expected Graduation: May 2026

IMJR: Visual Design & Advertising

Christopher.Torres@uconn.edu

I want to be an IMJR mentor because I would like to give back to the program and aid in anyway I can so the next person can find their own specialized major.

Kathleen Whisler

Kathleen Whisler

Expected Graduation: May 2027

IMJR: Global Health and Youth Development

Kew23009@uconn.edu

I am so excited to be participating in the IMJR Mentor Program! As an IMJR student who recently completed the application process, I am familiar with the steps and strategies needed to create a strong plan of study and succeed in the program. As a biology tutor and a UNIV 1789 facilitator, I have a deep passion for helping students reach their academic and personal goals. I am thrilled to be adding IMJR Mentor to that list and to support others in shaping a major that truly fits their interests. I look forward to working with prospective IMJR students and helping them bring their unique visions to life.