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.
Alex Van Vooren
Class Year: Class of 2026
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Downingtown, PA
Why did you want to become a Peer Mentor?
I decided to become a Peer Mentor because I feel that I have grown a lot in academics and character during my time at Drexel. My progression in the program has been quite linear and on schedule. I have had an enjoyable time and believe that I have advice worth sharing that can allow many other mechanical engineering students below me to have an easygoing time at Drexel, whether that be co-op or classes.
Where was your previous co-op?
My co-op took place at C&D Technologies, where I and three other mechanical engineering co-ops redesigned a large portion of the company’s lead-acid batteries.
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
I enjoy watching many sitcoms such as How I Met Your Mother, Friends, and Two and a Half Men.
Fatima Zahra
Class Year: Class of 2028Major: Business and Econoics
Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan
Email Fatima
Why did you want to become a Peer Mentor?
I became a Peer Mentor because I genuinely enjoy guiding and supporting others. Having gone through the co-op process myself, I know it can feel overwhelming at times, and I wanted to use my own experiences to make the journey smoother for other students. I love mentoring because it gives me the chance to share advice, answer questions, and encourage my peers to take full advantage of Drexel’s resources. Most importantly, I want students to feel confident, prepared, and supported as they work toward finding the right co-op opportunities.
Where was your previous co-op?
My first co-op was at Exelon as a business analyst, where I especially enjoyed working on process improvements and using data to solve problems. For my second co-op, I’ll also be with Exelon, but in a different role, which I’m excited about because it will give me the chance to explore new responsibilities and grow my skills further.
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
My favorite TV show to binge-watch is Friends — I love how lighthearted and funny it is, and it’s the perfect comfort show to rewatch anytime.
Gwendoline Twiford
Class Year: Class of 2026
Major: Finance and Business Analytics
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Why did you want to become a Peer Mentor?
I wanted to become a Peer Mentor to encourage and support students who may feel nervous or overwhelmed by the co-op process. As a first-generation college student, I learned the importance of utilizing campus resources. Without family guidance in my career path, I often relied on upperclassmen in my major for the push I needed. The support I received from my peers and the Steinbright Center gave me the confidence and resources to succeed in my co-ops.
I’m excited to provide that same support, helping you step out of your comfort zone and make the most of your co-op experiences. My experience as a Resident Assistant has fueled my passion for mentoring and guiding underclassmen, and I look forward to continuing that work by helping you all through one of the most exciting (and scary) parts of Drexel University.
Where was your previous co-op?
My first co-op was at MyCIO Wealth Partners on the Finance and Accounting team, where I supported managers with accounting, billing, compliance, and feeder fund reporting. This role gave me exposure to wearing multiple hats in a smaller firm environment.
My second co-op was at BlackRock in the Global Accounting and Product Services (GAAPS) division on the Performance, Measurement, and Attribution team. I focused on parallel testing for a long-term data project involving high-net-worth clients.
My third co-op, also at BlackRock, was with the Hedge Fund team in the Global Alternatives division. This role was more challenging and involved working closely with internal and external stakeholders while overseeing several hedge funds.
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
My favorite TV shows to binge watch are Gilmore Girls and Gossip Girl.
Hannah Pittenturf
Class Year: Class of 2027
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Hanover, PA
Why did you want to become a Peer Mentor?
I became a Peer Mentor because as a first-year student I wish I had known about the resources Steinbright has to offer. Sometimes the most challenging experiences are the best because they push us out of our comfort zones and force us to grow in ways that easy successes never could.
Where was your previous co-op?
My first co-op was at the Ronald McDonald House and my second was with the Pennsylvania Environmental Council. With both opportunities, I’ve developed and strengthened skills to carry into my academic career as well as future job opportunities.
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
Right now, my favorite TV show to binge watch is Twisted Metal. I didn’t think I’d enjoy it as much as I do, but with a new season currently streaming it’s so addicting and funny!
Iyana McEachern
Class Year: Class of 2026Major: Biological Sciences and Neuroscience Minor
Hometown: Piscataway, NJ
Email Iyana
Why did you want to become a Peer Mentor?
College is not easy emotionally, physically, and academically; however, Drexel’s co-op program is one of the college experiences I treasure the most. I became a co-op Peer Mentor to show students all the amazing benefits and opportunities you get from the start of the application process to the last day at your last co-op. I want to emphasize to students that what you experience throughout this process can shape not only your Drexel experience but what comes after as well.
Where was your previous co-op?
For my first co-op, I worked as a cell therapy research and development and semi-automation co-op scientist at Janssen Johnson & Johnson, where I studied a revolutionary cancer therapy called CAR-T cell therapy. For my second co-op I worked as a marine biology and biotechnology research associate at the Hellenic Center for Marine Research in Crete, Greece. And I am finishing up my final co-op at West Pharmaceutical Services as an ARC Gene Delivery co-op, where I have the opportunity to study the organic chemistry of nanoparticles.
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
I have so many shows I enjoy coming back to, however, my favorite show to binge is Supernatural.
Jake Armstrong
Class Year: Class of 2026
Major: Finance
Hometown: Oreland, PA
Why did you want to become a Peer Mentor?
I wanted to become a Peer Mentor because I remember how daunting and overwhelming the co-op process can seem at first. Many students, me included, have made the same common mistakes along the way, and I want to help others avoid those challenges. I hope that I can share my experiences and provide guidance to younger students so that they can succeed to the best of their abilities.
Where was your previous co-op?
- Compass Ion Advisors – Private Wealth Management
- Kroll Bond Rating Agency – CMBS Surveillance
- Airgas – Compliance and Controls
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon
Lucia Kamanousa
Class Year: Class of 2028Major: Biological Sciences
Hometown: Drexel Hill, PA
Email Lucia
Why did you want to become a Peer Mentor?
I became a Peer Mentor because I know what it feels like to navigate challenges without much guidance. In my first co-op, I entered a fast-paced environment with high expectations and direct feedback. At first, I struggled to find my footing, and my confidence wavered. Instead of stepping back, I leaned in: I sought feedback, learned from peers, showed up prepared every day, and turned mistakes into milestones. By the end, I was recognized for my growth and invited back for my reliability and efficiency. That experience taught me how valuable timely support and constructive feedback can be — and how difficult it is to move forward without them. I chose mentoring to be the person I wish I had: someone in your corner who listens, normalizes the learning curve, helps turn feedback into fuel, and celebrates the small wins that add up.
Where was your previous co-op?
Smile Team Dental (Dental Assistant)
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
The Office (Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers, and Spongebob Squarepants are close seconds)
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.
Where was your previous co-op(s)?
- First co-op: DEI Public Policy Research – Comcast
- Second co-op: Communications Associate & Website Developer – SEPTA
- Third co-op: Digital Marketing Analyst – NBME
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
The Great
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 because I wanted to share my firsthand experiences and support incoming students on how to navigate the exciting, yet sometimes overwhelming, process of the co-op program here at Drexel University. When I was navigating my own co-op journey, I faced moments of uncertainty and questions I didn’t always know how to answer. I wanted someone to guide me, and now I hope to be that support for others. By sharing my experiences, offering advice, and simply being there to listen, I aim to help my peers feel confident and prepared as they take on their own co-op journeys. Seeing students grow, succeed, and find their path is incredibly rewarding and inspires me to continue giving back to the Drexel community.
Where was your previous co-op?
My co-op was at Penn Medicine as a clinical research assistant.
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
My favorite TV show to binge watch is Away.
Sania Mirza
Class Year: Class of 2027
Major: Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
Hometown: India
Why did you want to become a Peer Mentor?
I became a Peer Mentor because I want to help other students navigate their academic and professional journeys with more confidence. Through my co-op experiences, I’ve learned valuable lessons and want to share the do’s and don’ts to make the process smoother for others. I know how vital the co-op process is and how it can shape an entire career, so I would love to guide students through it with practical advice and encouragement to help them feel prepared and supported.
Where was your previous co-op?
My first co-op was at the University of Pennsylvania (FRES) as a mechanical engineering co-op and my second was at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP as a technical patent analyst.
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
Currently, my favorite TV show to binge-watch is Suits.
Sindhu Raghava
Class Year: Class of 2026Major: General Business
Hometown: Bay Area, CA
Email Sindhu
Why did you want to become a Peer Mentor?
To give back to younger students and help guide them with whatever they need!
Where was your previous co-op?
Root Cause Insights, a start-up focused on user experience and design.
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
Game of Thrones
Suhani Hota
Class Year: Class of 2028
Major: Business Analytics
Hometown: Skillman, NJ
Why did you want to become a Peer Mentor?
I chose to become a Peer Mentor because I know first-hand how overwhelming the co-op process can feel, and I want to help make that transition easier for others. When I went through it myself, I relied on advice from people who had already been through the process, and that support made a big difference. As a mentor I hope to share my own experiences and provide guidance so that students feel more confident and prepared.
Where was your previous co-op?
PeopleMetrics - Market Research and Customer Experience Support
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
Bridgerton
Sumeet Musfirah
Class Year: Class of 2028Major: Psychology
Hometown: Multan, Pakistan
Email Sumeet
Why did you want to become a Peer Mentor?
I became a Peer Mentor because of how deeply my own Peer Mentors impacted me. They made me feel like I truly belonged, not just at Drexel, but in the wild, wonderful world of STEM. They helped me tap into parts of myself I hadn’t seen clearly before, showing me potential I didn’t know I had. Being able to give that back, to be someone’s reminder that they can do it — that’s what motivates me. My co-op experience helped me grow a lot too, and I want to help others navigate and thrive during such transitions. It’s a full-circle moment, and I’m really excited to be part of someone else’s journey now.
Where was your previous co-op?
My previous co-op was at Syensqo (formerly a part of Solvay), a multinational chemical synthesizing company with sustainable innovation. I worked as a research & innovation synthesis co-op in their tech team, where I got hands-on experience with chemical formulations and R&D processes. It was one of those environments where curiosity meets creativity, I learned how to problem-solve on the fly, communicate across teams, and contribute meaningfully to large-scale scientific projects. It pushed me to grow not only as a researcher, but also as a thinker, and it made me even more excited about the intersection of biology, chemistry, technology, and impact.
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
The Big Bang Theory is my ultimate comfort show! It’s smart, chaotic, and just the right amount of ridiculous. I fell in love with the humor, the friendships, and honestly, Sheldon’s dramatic one-liners. But the real heart of it for me was Amy Farrah Fowler. She made brains and feelings co-exist, and I see a little of myself in her. Her journey made me more curious about human behavior and relationships, which helped nudge me toward psychology and neuroscience. It’s the kind of show that makes me laugh and think at the same time…
Zoe Warren
Class Year: Class of 2026Major: Psychology
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Email Zoe
Why did you want to become a Peer Mentor?
I wanted to become a Peer Mentor because I want to provide support to students in a way that only a student can. I want students to feel like they are supported as much as possible.
Where was your previous co-op?
My first co-op was as a helpline specialist for NAMI, my second co-op was on the HR team at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Philadelphia, and my third co-op was as a behavioral health technician for Northern Children’s Services.
What is your favorite TV show to binge-watch?
I’m currently binge-watching Wednesday on Netflix! I’m also a huge fan of Psych and Criminal Minds.
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