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.

Winnie Chen poses for photo.

Winnie Chen

Winnie Chen
Expected Graduation: May 2029
IMJR: International Governance and Sustainability Politics
Other Major: Marketing
Creating my individualized major has allowed me to pursue all of my interests from multiple disciplines and explore a diverse range of my dream careers. It has also opened up doors to many opportunities and experiences at UConn, including unique courses, organizations, and a community of like-minded peers. As an IMJR mentor, I hope to encourage other students that find themselves between multiple disciplines, and support them in building a major that encompasses their passions and aspirations.
Jaylyn Davis poses for photo.

Jaylyn Davis

Jaylyn Davis
Expected Graduation: May 2029
IMJR: Disability and Queer Activism
Other Major: English
The Individualized Major Program was a highly transformational experience. Through the program, I discovered my passions and what goals I wanted to accomplish in my UConn journey and in my post-graduate life. The program also gave me the freedom to do numerous things such as determining what disciplines I want to study and what classes I would like to take. I wanted to become an IMJR mentor because I know creating your own major can be a challenging process. I experienced challenges myself, with my biggest one being finding the appropriate advisors for my major. By being an IMJR mentor, I can help prospective individualized major students find their advisors, create their plans of study, and overcome any other challenges they might face. I also want to give back to the Individualized Major Program by helping future students design their own majors and succeed in their UConn journeys

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.

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.
Daniella Valerio poses for photo.

Daniella Valerio

Daniella Valerio 

Expected Graduation: May 2029

IMJR: Crime, Law, and Justice

Other Major: Political Science

zwg24005@uconn.edu

The individualized major program has made it possible for me to become fully educated in my undergraduate experience. The IMJR program allowed me to put every discipline that I am interested in my course work. As a pre-law student, I wanted to become an IMJR mentor because I know many other students are seeking similar individualized majors as I have, and I would love to help them achieve that. 

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.