PALs are Provost Academy Leaders who attended Provost Academy during their first year at University of Pittsburgh, just like you. They now serve as peer mentors for attendees.
| Name | Good to Know |
|---|---|
Mariyah Abdul Rahman  ; | Majors, Minors, Certificates: Geology Hometown: Frederick, Maryland Favorite Place on Campus: SOOS (Student Office of Sustainability) Why I Chose Pitt: I chose Pittsburgh because I really liked the city and its location. There are a lot of fun things to do, and it’s also close to one of my favorite museums, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, which made it feel like a great fit for me. Clubs/Organizations I Participate In: Epsilon Eta Delta, FBA,Kessler Scholar, Trio McNair, Trio SSS |
Mia Artz | Majors, Minors, Certificates: Public Health, pre-med Hometown: Spring Glen, Pennsylvania Favorite Place on Campus: Student Success Hub Why I Chose Pitt: There are unlimited opportunities to find close-knit communities within the larger, diverse city of Pittsburgh. The Kessler and Provost programs were amazing resources offered to me by Pitt that allowed me to thrive and explore my interests. If you enjoy sports, the arts, or anything in between, there's something for you here! Clubs/Organizations I Participate In: Kessler Scholars, Rho Psi Eta |
Oludara Badero | Majors, Minors, Certificates: Public Health & Public Policy Majors, Economics Minor, Global Health Certificate Hometown: Long Island, New York Favorite Place on Campus: Alumni Hall Why I Chose Pitt: I chose Pitt because I had heard fantastic things about its public health program, from research and study abroad opportunities to a supportive faculty community and strong pre-professional development. I had never been to Pittsburgh before, but I knew I wanted to study in a dynamic urban environment, and Pitt felt like the perfect place to be for college. Clubs/Organizations I Participate In: American Mock World Health Organization (AMWHO), African Student Organization, Black Public Health Association, BSPH Student Advisory Board, Frederick Honors College, Multiracial Student Organization, Policy & Social Impact Fellows |
Medha Biradar | Majors, Minors, Certificates: Neuroscience major, Information Science and Chemistry minors, Conceptual Foundations of Medicine certificate Hometown: Canonsburg, Pennsylvania Favorite Place on Campus: The new recreation and wellness center! Why I Chose Pitt: I chose Pitt because it’s close to home and great academics, especially for pre-health students. I also love the many activities, events, and sports to enjoy in the city! Clubs/Organizations I Participate In: Alpha Phi Omega, Best Buddies, Dietrich Ambassador, Provost Academy, Study Buddy Tutor |
Ali Burgard | Majors, Minors, Certificates: Major: Ecology and Evolution; Minor: Mediterranean Art and Archaeology Hometown: Zelienople, Pennsylvania Favorite Place on Campus: Student Office of Sustainability Why I Chose Pitt: I chose Pitt because I like that it is a large campus right in the city. There are always things to do and places to go, regardless of the weather. Additionally, there are an abundance of opportunities in and around the area for just about any field of interest. Clubs/Organizations I Participate In: Epsilon Eta Delta |
René Bubar | Majors, Minors, Certificates: Marketing Hometown: Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania Favorite Place on Campus: Cathedral Lawn Why I Chose Pitt: I chose Pitt because of the location, community, and academics. Growing up, I always wanted to be in a city surrounded by people so I could build my own community. When I toured Pitt, I fell in love with the campus and city. Clubs/Organizations I Participate In: |
Bryan Calderon | Majors, Minors, Certificates: Psychology & Education Hometown: Kennett Square, Pennsylvania Favorite Place on Campus: Flagstaff Hill Why I Chose Pitt: I chose Pitt because Ive always wanted to live in a city with endless opportunities and things to explore. Growing up in a small town, I was excited to step outside my comfort zone and experience a more fast-paced and diverse environment. Clubs/Organizations I Participate In: Kessler Scholar, Alpha Kappa Psi (AKPsi), Provost Academy Leader (PAL), Frederick Honors College Student Ambassador, and Pitt Dance Marathon |
Covan Chen | Majors, Minors, Certificates: Nursing Hometown: Greensburg, Pennsylvania Favorite Place on Campus: 2nd floor of Alumni Hall Why I Chose Pitt: I chose Pitt because it is close to my family and one of best Nursing programs in the country. Clubs/Organizations I Participate In: Kessler Scholar and the Honors College |
Blair Chizmar-Geiwitz | Majors, Minors, Certificates: Pre-pharmacy, Chemistry Minor, Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies Minor, Health Humanities Certificate Hometown: Jamestown, Pennsylvania Favorite Place on Campus: Cathedral of Learning Why I Chose Pitt: I chose Pitt because it has a strong reputation for the areas I am interested in, especially in healthcare, pharmacy, and research! I also love the chance to grow my community and connect with people who share my passions. Overall, it felt like the right place to learn, grow, and make meaningful connections. Clubs/Organizations I Participate In: Provost Academy |
Catalina Delgadillo | Majors, Minors, Certificates: Psychology major, Neuroscience minor Hometown: Guaynabo, Puerto Rico Favorite Place on Campus: Frick Fine Arts Why I Chose Pitt: I felt that Pitt had a very welcoming campus environment and amazing opportunities to take advantage of in Neuroscience and Psychology. Clubs/Organizations I Participate In: FRESA and Sewing Club! |
Ushan Dahal  | Majors, Minors, Certificates: Major in Political Science Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Favorite Place on Campus: The Recreation Center Why I Chose Pitt: I chose Pitt because of the people. The university's diverse and welcoming environment creates a strong sense of community that makes it easy to connect, grow, and feel at home. Clubs/Organizations I Participate In: Stamps Scholar, Phi Alpha Delta |
Kaylee Easy | Majors, Minors, Certificates: Nursing Hometown: West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Favorite Place on Campus: Hillman Library Why I Chose Pitt: I loved how the nursing program was direct admit and very interactive! Clubs/Organizations I Participate In: Posse Scholar, Member of the Black Student Nursing Association |
Diana Garrigo | Majors, Minors, Certificates: Public Health Hometown: Irvington, New York Favorite Place on Campus: Cathy Why I Chose Pitt: I chose Pitt as I loved the atmosphere of Pittsburgh as it still gave me the feel of the NYC while not being as busy as NYC is. Even more than that everybody that I met from the tour groups to actual students and faculty have all been so warm and welcoming that it made the transition to college less frightening. Clubs/Organizations I Participate In: SOGC |
Madisyn Hawkins | Majors, Minors, Certificates: Double major: Poltical Science, and Law, Criminal Justice, and Society (LCJS) Minor: Social Work Certificate: ASL Hometown: Trussville, Alabama Favorite Place on Campus: Schenley Plaza Why I Chose Pitt: I chose Pitt because it felt like home as soon as I arrived on campus for my visit. I could see myself walking to Cathy for class, grabbing food with friends, and enjoying the good weather in Schenley Plaza. I also fell in love with the athletic side of Pitt and the way everyone rallied for the varying collegiate teams. Clubs/Organizations I Participate In: Pitt Women's Track and Field Team, Food Recovery Hero's, Run Your City-Pittsburgh, ASL Club |
Katie Helwick | Majors, Minors, Certificates: Pharmacy Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Favorite Place on Campus: 35th floor of Cathy Why I Chose Pitt: I chose Pitt because of their excellent pharmacy program and all the wonderful opportunities here! Clubs/Organizations I Participate In: Kessler Scholar Event Planning Committee, RxPrep Mentor, Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association, American Pharmacists Association |
Hayden Hodges | Majors, Minors, Certificates: Psychology Major, Sociology Minor Hometown: Southaven, Mississippi Favorite Place on Campus: Soldiers and Sailors Lawn Why I Chose Pitt: I chose Pitt because I wanted to explore a place far from home but also allowed me to grow personally and academically. Pitt has many resources that supports their students allowing them to develop professionally and succeed in their goals. Pitt also has a vibrant and supportive student community which helped create a sense of belonging, making it feel like a home away from home. Clubs/Organizations I Participate In: Pitt Program Council |
Kasey Kennedy  | Majors, Minors, Certificates: Nursing; Global Health Certificate Hometown: Butler, Pennsylvania Favorite Place on Campus: Divvy!! Why I Chose Pitt: I chose Pitt to be closer to home, the nursing program, and the Kessler Scholars program!! Clubs/Organizations I Participate In: Alpha Epsilon Phi, Outreach Chair for Wishmakers on Campus, Kessler Scholars |
Yanru Liu  | Majors, Minors, Certificates: Human Resources Management Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Favorite Place on Campus: Hillman Library and Steel City Kitchen inside the Pete! Why I Chose Pitt: When my family moved to Pittsburgh, I knew I wanted to go to Pitt since. I love Pittsburgh and the opportunity it gave me. Pittsburgh has a perfect lifestyle for me, not too fast paced and has a lot of things to explore in this city! I will never get lost because the cathedral is always standing there H2P! Clubs/Organizations I Participate In: I am involved in professional business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi, smart women security a finance portfolio club. I’m part of the green team. |
Isabelle Mendoza  | Majors, Minors, Certificates: Pre-Pharmacy Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Favorite Place on Campus: Carnegie Museum of Art and Natural History Why I Chose Pitt: I chose Pitt because of the connections and community. Pitt offers many opportunities for Pre-med or student interested in medicine. Pitt has a community that truly welcomes you, and during my visit I felt I could belong and integrate myself into the PITT community with ease. Clubs/Organizations I Participate In: RxPrep, Filipino Student Association (FSA), Oakland Outreach, Pitt Trauma & Emergency League (PTEL), Women and Pediatric Care Association (WPCA) |
Mariah Ortiz | Majors, Minors, Certificates: Psychology, Pre-dental, Health humanities certificate Hometown: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Favorite Place on Campus: Frick Fine Arts Why I Chose Pitt: I chose the University of Pittsburgh because, out of all the campuses I toured, Pitt was the only one that truly felt like home. I could immediately envision myself growing here both personally and academically, and I knew it was the right environment to support my future goals. Clubs/Organizations I Participate In: Alpha phi omega, Days for girls, Conservation club, PDM, outdoors club, Archery Club, Aldercare Club |
Kate Parker | Majors, Minors, Certificates: Psychology major, Neuroscience minor Hometown: Queretaro, Mexico Favorite Place on Campus: Cathedral Lawn Why I Chose Pitt: I chose Pitt because of the incredible opportunities it offers for psychology majors. From a multitude of research opportunities at the undergraduate, graduate, and medical school level to its emphasis on hands-on internship experiences in the city, I knew Pitt would give me a well-rounded education that would take me far. As someone who lives outside of the U.S., I also chose Pitt because I knew its city location would always have something for me to do even outside of campus. Clubs/Organizations I Participate In: Kessler Scholars, TRIO McNair, Alpha Delta Pi |
Jill Reeve | Majors, Minors, Certificates: Biological Sciences and German majors, Chemistry minor, Conceptual Foundations of Medicine certificate Hometown: Lincoln, Rhode Island Favorite Place on Campus: Any of the Nationality Rooms! Why I Chose Pitt: I love the campus and the people. I can't explain it, but when I visited it just felt "right!" Clubs/Organizations I Participate In: Heinz Chapel Choir, Biology Peer Advising, Undergraduate Cancer Research, Undergraduate Teaching (physics 1 this coming fall!), and Hillel |
Gracie Russell  | Majors, Minors, Certificates: Undeclared, intending on Marketing major, Italian minor Hometown: Greencastle, Pennsylvania Favorite Place on Campus: Schenley Plaza Why I Chose Pitt: Between the big city, student atmosphere, sporting events, concerts, academics, and variety of activities, I knew that Pitt was the perfect place for me! Clubs/Organizations I Participate In: Gamma Sigma Sigma, Younglife, and Girl Gains |
Gabrielle Sutherland  | Majors, Minors, Certificates: Computer Science major, Film minor, Conceptual Foundations of Medicine certificate Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland Favorite Place on Campus: Posvar Hall Why I Chose Pitt: I chose Pitt for its strong academics, access to research opportunities, and the Pittsburgh food scene! Pitt is never boring, and I love how there’s always something to do nearby. Clubs/Organizations I Participate In: Minority Association of Computing, Computer Science Club |
Bliss Terceira  | Majors, Minors, Certificates: Political Science Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland Favorite Place on Campus: Schenley Park and Posvar Hall Why I Chose Pitt: I chose Pitt because I love the urban campus and the strong student community Clubs/Organizations I Participate In: Theta phi alpha sorority, Kessler Scholars |
Jake Zheng | Majors, Minors, Certificates: Emergency Medicine major, Chemistry minor, Conceptual Foundations of Medicine certificate Hometown: Butler, Pennsylvania Favorite Place on Campus: Schenley Plaza/Park Why I Chose Pitt: I chose Pitt partly because of how close it is to home but also the academic opportunities. I am in a major that I didn't even know was an option prior to coming to Pitt. Also that Pitt is a city campus. There is so much to do within Oakland but also different neighborhoods around. Clubs/Organizations I Participate In: Badminton Club |