Twenty outstanding graduate peer mentors recognized
These graduate students, nominated by their mentees, went above and beyond in their roles as peer mentors
The Graduate School is pleased to announce that 20 graduate students have been selected for the Graduate Peer Mentoring Impact Recognition, an honor awarded to those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to supporting their peers through mentorship.
Recipients were nominated by their mentees for their impact on mentee’s academic, professional and personal success while also providing not only practical guidance, but meaningful personal support and connection.
The Graduate Peer Mentoring Program matches incoming graduate students with experienced peers to help ease the transition into graduate school and foster a sense of belonging. Through one-on-one connections, peer mentors help mentees navigate academic expectations, build community and thrive in their programs.
“When I have had a rough day, (my mentor) is an empathetic ear ready with suggestions, and when I have had a good one, she is my biggest cheerleader. She has helped me understand what I want to do with my life after grad school and encouraged me to pursue it no matter what others think,” said one mentee in their nomination. “I felt extremely lost coming to CU, and (my mentor) made me feel like I belong and deserve to be here.”
"I felt extremely lost coming to CU, and (my mentor) made me feel like I belong and deserve to be here."
The outstanding graduate student peer mentors include:
- Muhammad Ali, journalism
- Annika Armstrong, English
- , chemistry
- Olivia Buraks, molecular, cellular and developmental biology
- Mervenur Cetin, communications
- , aerospace engineering
- , physics
- Eric Elias, psychology and neuroscience
- Arunava Ghosh, computer science
- Mikayla Huffman, astrophysical and planetary sciences
- , aerospace engineering
- Manohar Korikana, data science
- Omar Laris, materials science and engineering
- Luisa Macedo Vasconcelos, biochemistry
- Patrick Ochoa, English
- Christian Suarez, environmental studies
- Benarjee Sudeep, data science
- Summer-Solstice Thomas, chemical and biological engineering
- Tejasree Tikkam, electrical, computer and energy engineering
- Sri Harsha Vallabhaneni, computer science
These students have received a certificate of recognition signed by Dean Scott Adler, along with a Campus Cash card as a small token of appreciation for their service.
“My mentor has been nothing short of phenomenal. He not only helped me traverse my initial year of my PhD program but also provided a lot of mental support and made me realize whatgood progress looks like. He helped me every time I got or felt overwhelmed with his calm and composure and explained to me how to deal with all such situations,” said another mentee in their nomination. “It was a blessing to have him as a mentor.”
Incoming students interested in the 2026–27 Graduate Peer Mentoring Program are encouraged to apply to be a mentee by July 7. The mentor application has closed, but those interested can reach out to Hailey.Herman@colorado.edu.
Learn more and apply on the Graduate Peer Mentoring Program webpage.