Peer Mentor Program
Steinbright's Peer Mentor Program is a community focused on connecting prospective and current students with a peer expert on everything co-op!
A Peer Mentor is experienced in the recruitment process and can provide support in topics like career exploration, industry insight, and job search preparation and strategies. A Mentor can also provide support to students on co-op by sharing insights on navigating the professional environment, setting goals, time management, and how to make the most of a co-op experience.
Peer Mentors also support the Steinbright Career Development Center and the university at large by attending events and engaging with prospective and current students, sharing their lived experience of the co-op program.
Questions About the Program?
Contact the Peer Mentor Advising team at: scdcpeer@drexel.edu
Looking for Peer Mentor support?
Check out the list below to connect with a Peer Mentor today.
Arya Gopikrishnan
Class Year: Class of 2026Major: BS/MS Electrical Engineering & Robotics
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Why did you want to become a Peer Mentor?
I became a peer mentor to guide students through their co-op application process and share personal insights from my own co-op experiences. I want to help my peers leverage Drexel's resources effectively and feel confident in their co-op journey.
Where was your previous co-op(s)?
My recent co-ops were at RoboChef, where I worked as a robotics and AI engineer and at Bergische Universität Wuppertal in Germany as an AI researcher, where I researched Emergent language through Deep Reinforcement Learning. For my first co-op, I worked at Cerami & Associates as a Technology Systems Engineer.
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
I don't watch any TV shows.
David Siguenza
Class Year: Class of 2026Major: Economics and Business, Finance Minor
Hometown: Malvern, PA
Why did you want to become a Peer Mentor?
When I transferred to Drexel from community college, I found myself overwhelmed and lost with the co-op process. I became a peer mentor to help guide students to feel comfortable through the process and make the most of their experiences.
Where was your previous co-op?
My previous co-op I was a financial planning/wealth management co-op at myCIO Wealth Partners located in Philadelphia.
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Durando Angiulo
Class Year: Class of 2025Major: User Experience & Interaction Design
Hometown: Abington, Pennsylvania
Why did you want to become a Peer Mentor?
Drexel has truly comprised some of the best years of my life. However, so much of the successes I’ve had over the course of my college experience, only happened because I had help. Whether it was a professor who took an interest in me, an upperclassman who gave me advice, or my friends who supported me, these individuals’ positive impact stretched far, and I largely have them to thank for many of my greatest successes today. As I begin my senior year at Drexel, I want to pay things forward and do my best to give back and help students whose undergraduate journey is still just beginning.
College is exciting and amazing, but it also can be scary. The choices you make over four to five short years can have large ripples across your future and it’s sometimes nerve-racking trying to chart the best path forward. I became a peer mentor to ultimately make sure any ripples made catapult you in a positive way, toward greater heights and success. Nice to meet you :)
Where was your previous co-op?
Co-op 1: Rajant Corporation, Marketing Design Co-op (I still work here part time as a web content manager!)
Co-op 2: Nuix Corporation, Front End Web Developer
Co-op 3: PECO, Consumer Business Analyst
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
This is a tough one, my most recent binge probably was The Boys, but the show that was my longest most concentrated binge was Game of Thrones (didn’t start watching till they were in season 7 so I had a lot of work to do).
Fahima Liza
Class Year: Class of 2025
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Why did you want to become a Peer Mentor?
Becoming a Peer Mentor was a chance for me to contribute by sharing the knowledge and experience I had gained through my own academic and co-op experiences. I really wanted to help others overcome their challenges by offering guidance on crafting impactful résumés and excelling in interviews. This role enabled me to facilitate their professional growth. I hoped to make things a bit easier for my peers. It was about helping each other out and ensuring that everyone could make the best choices for their careers.
My first co-op was at Holman as a Developer Analyst. My second co-op was at Macquarie as a software engineer, and my final, third co-op was at Vanguard, also as a software engineer
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
One Piece, JJK, Business Proposal, and Schitt’s Creek, to name a few.
Hannah Pittenturf
Class Year: Class of 2027
Major: Psychology, Climate Change Minot
Why did you want to become a Peer Mentor?
I wanted to be a peer counselor because I know how difficult it can be to sit with uncertainty of not getting a co-op and having all odds against you. I want to remind everyone that it's okay and everything does work out in the end.
Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia.
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
Currently, my favorite TV show has been Sweet Magnolias on Netflix. It's such a great comfort show!
Maria-Louisa Ching
Class Year: Class of 2027
Major: User Experience and Interaction Design (UXID)
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Why did you want to become a Peer Mentor?
I became a Peer Mentor because I want to offer the same support and encouragement that I wished I had during my own Dragon journey. Having experienced the challenges firsthand, I am passionate about helping others navigate through the beginning steps of their adulthood and ensuring they feel supported every step of the way.
First co-op: DE&I Public Policy at Comcast Corporation
Second co-op: Communications & Website Development at Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
My favorite tv show to binge watch is Parks and Recreation!
Michael Le
Class Year: Class of 2025
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Why did you want to become a Peer Mentor?
For me, I would like to be able to give aspiring students my experience through the co-op program as if I was giving myself advice when I started. The co-op process can be daunting to navigate, and many students may not know what they are looking for in terms of opportunities or even to prepare for an interview as I had faced.
First co-op: Information Security Analyst, Berkley Technology Services, Wilmington, DE
Second co-op: Software Engineer, Susquehanna International Group (SIG), Bala Cynwyd, PA
Third co-op: Software Engineer, Apollo Global Management, New York, NY
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
All of Us are Dead
Milind Sangani
Class Year: Class of 2027
Major: Biological Sciences
Hometown: Chester Springs, PA
Why did you want to become a Peer Mentor?
I became a peer mentor because I had an extremely positive first co-op. I learned
a lot from my friends about navigating the co-op experience and the advice I was given allowed me to attain a great first co-op. I wanted to contribute to shaping the co-op experiences of others so that they could share experiences similar to my own!
My previous co-op was at Merck Pharmaceuticals where I worked in the CTSF (Clinical Trial Slide Files) group within the publication department
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
Game of Thrones
Neha Menon
Class Year: Class of 2026
Major: Public Health
Hometown: North Brunswick, NJ
Why did you want to become a Peer Mentor?
I became a peer mentor to share my experiences and knowledge of my co-op experience, helping others navigate their co-op journey successfully. By offering guidance and support, I aim to foster growth and confidence in my peers, enriching both their academic and professional development.
Where was your previous co-op?
Penn Medicine Neurosurgery Clinical Research Division – Brain Tumor Center
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
Grey’s Anatomy and Gilmore Girls
Nisha Patel
Class Year: Class of 2025
Major: Biological Sciences, Neuroscience, Psychology, and Science, Technology & Society (STS) Minors
Hometown: Iselin, NJ
Why did you want to become a Peer Mentor?
Having completed three co-ops in both academic and industry-based research, I feel like I have good advice and knowledge to offer to students who want to get involved in research, whether it is through co-op or otherwise! I remember when I was applying for my first co-op, I reached out to a Steinbright Peer Mentor, and they were able to help me navigate the co-op application and interview process. I want to assist underclassmen in the same way that Peer Mentor did for me, while encouraging students of all backgrounds and levels to pursue opportunities in research!
Where was your previous co-op?
For my first co-op, I was a biomedical engineering research assistant in the McManus Lab at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. For my second co-op, I was a research assistant in the Alhadeff Lab at Monell Chemical Senses Center. For my third co-op, I was an intern for the Histopathology Team at Avid Radiopharmaceuticals, a biotech owned by Eli Lilly.
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
Definitely Friends! I even have a pillowcase of Joey Tribbiani that I actually got from a lab Secret Santa!
Omar Khalifah
Class Year: Class of 2025
Major: Information Systems
Hometown: Amman, Jordan
Why did you want to become a Peer Mentor?
I became a peer mentor because I had a very positive experience with Peer Mentors during my first year at Drexel. They helped me transition smoothly from high school to college, making the new environment feel like a second home. I wanted to provide the same support and guidance to new students, helping them alleviate stress and feel more comfortable in their new academic and social settings.
Where was your previous co-op(s)?
For my first (and only) co-op, I worked as an IT specialist at Magrann Associates.
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Prisha Tapiawala
Class Year: Class of 2025
Major: Finance and Business Analytics
Hometown: Cherry Hill, NJ
Why did you want to become a Peer Mentor?
I became a Steinbright Peer Mentor to facilitate a smooth transition for students throughout the unique co-op experience that Drexel offers. I believe it is extremely important to rely upon a support system, as a student starts their professional journey. I hope to help build confidence in other students to ensure that they internally feel ready to take the next step in their life!
Where was your previous co-op?
Accounting data operations at The Michaels Organization, and finance and business operations analyst at Lockheed Martin
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
Friends and New Girl
Samira Salifu
Class Year: Class of 2027
Major: Business and Engineering, Operations, Economics, and Business Analytics Minors
Hometown:Accra, Ghana
Why did you want to become a Peer Mentor?
I became a Peer Mentor because I want to reassure others that it's okay not to have everything figured out when it comes to choosing a career. Life offers countless opportunities and paths, and it's perfectly fine to explore the different directions that come your way. I believe that through this role, I can make a meaningful impact by guiding others as they navigate difficult decisions, especially when the right choice isn't immediately clear.
Where was your previous co-op(s)?
My first co-op was at PCI Pharma Services where I worked as a process engineer.
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Shaina Banerjee
Class Year: Class of 2027Major: Computer Science
Hometown:Chandigarh, India
Why did you want to become a Peer Mentor?
With a sound understanding of the current industry, I believe that I can serve as a great resource for students and be the bridge between students and university faculty of the SCDC. As an introvert myself, I totally understand that struggle to reach out in the beginning and intend to provide a safe space for discussion of ideas. I also have hundreds of LinkedIn connections and am recognized as a "Top Voice in Programming" on LinkedIn. I wish to help my mentees learn what I have learnt from my mentors and share my resources to help uplift them.
I highly believe in the transformative power of mentorship from my personal experiences with my mentors, and therefore, I only wish to add to that legacy. I especially wish to guide and mentor students with diverse backgrounds at Drexel and intend to understand their professional goals, to help them carve out a practical path towards achieving their goals. I believe that we all have tremendous capacity to excel, we’re all only a gentle push away from recognizing this untapped potential.
Where was your previous co-op(s)?
I worked as a software engineering co-op at Marlette Funding (Best Egg) from fall 2023 to winter 2024, where I worked in the backend development team.
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
Gilmore Girls is my ultimate comfort TV show that I love to binge watch.
Toni DeSalvo
Class Year: Class of 2026
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Rutherford, NJ
Why did you want to become a Peer Mentor?
I wanted to become a Peer Mentor because I feel as though going through the co-op process can be exceedingly difficult for some students. I felt very overwhelmed applying to co-op for the first time, and I wish I would have utilized the program to benefit me when applying to co-op.
Where was your previous co-op(s)?
My first co-op was at Penn Medicine, and I was a research assistant working on a study involving sleep apnea and CPAP. My second co-op and soon to be third co-op is at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and I am a research assistant in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery division, working on three cooperative studies involving children with cleft lip and cleft palate.
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
My favorite TV show to binge watch is Criminal Minds.