Meet the MSP Peer Leaders

Umar Kamara

2024 Student Employee of the Year Award

Many congratulations to Umar Kamara (McCormick ’26)! Based on his work with ASLA’s Mentored Study Program, Umar has received the 2024 Student Employee of the Year Award in Community Service.  Given annually by the Work-Study Program and Leadership Development & Community Engagement Offices, the award acknowledges and emphasizes the value and contributions made by student employees to their departments in the areas of Community Service, Critical Thinking, Leadership, Technology & Innovation, and Diversity & Inclusion. Umar is being honored for his tireless devotion to mentoring first-year undergraduates in engineering, many of whom reflect identities unrepresented in STEM. Umar not only leads his weekly study group in Engineering Analysis, but he has taken on leadership roles in ASLA's Navigating Northwestern Academics panel, in the recruitment of next year’s peer-leader cohort, and in representing the University in discussion about academic support at peer institutions.  We thank Umar and all our peer leaders who make a real difference for their fellow students at Northwestern!

Ifra Waris

Neuroscience and Global Health, class of 2025

What is one thing that you do to help students feel comfortable in the MSP group?

I never want weekly MSPs to feel like a chore or just another meeting to the group! That's why I do my best to bring snacks and start off with icebreakers and general chit chat to make the space feel welcome and fun! This quarter especially, my MSP students have been able to bond and form friendships, and even study together outside of our weekly MSP. 

What is the best advice you have gotten on navigating Northwestern?  

Don't get caught up in comparing yourself to others. Focus on doing your best, and be proud of how far you've come! Northwestern culture can be competitive at times, but remember that your worth comes from so much more than your grades! 

Nick Gabon

Industrial Engineering, class of 2026

What is one thing that you do to help students feel comfortable in the MSP group?

I make sure to slow down and focus on the topics that students struggle with the most, taking time to answer everyone's questions before moving on.

What is the best advice you have gotten on navigating Northwestern?  

Northwestern classes are challenging, so all successes, large and small, in your academic journey are worth celebrating.

Hortense Ineza Mutamba

Economics and Data Science, class of 2027

What is one thing that you do to help students feel comfortable in the MSP group?

Pause and check if everyone is on the same page and stay for some minutes if someone needs extra help.

What is the best advice you have gotten on navigating Northwestern?

Focus on yourself and walk at your pace.

Reed Malcolm(he/him)

Environmental Science, class of 2025

What is one thing that you do to help students feel comfortable in the MSP group?

I always like to give plenty of downtime to discuss the material independently and get to know each other better. Breaks are also important not just for helping everyone stay focused but also for allowing people to forge social bonds.

What is the best advice you have gotten on navigating Northwestern?  

My advisers here at Northwestern have helped connect me with so many valuable academic resources, ASLA included. But they also stress taking the time to care for one's own wellbeing, which I think is crucial as well.

Jay Sutcuoglu(they/them)

Chemical Engineering, class of 2026

What is one thing that you do to help students feel comfortable in the MSP group?

Rose-bud-thorn check-ins at the beginning of each session. Each week, I'd like to ask students if there are any resources I or their fellow mentees may be able to help them get in touch with as well.

What is the best advice you have gotten on navigating Northwestern?  

Whether you think it's because you don't deserve help or don't know how to ask for it, it can definitely be difficult to ask for help, but I found that people are often more willing to help you than you'd expect. If they can't help you themself, ask if they can point you to someone else who might be able to.

Isabel Toghramadijan(she/her)

Biological Sciences and Data Science, class of 2025

What is one thing that you do to help students feel comfortable in the MSP group?

I strive to help everyone understand that they are not alone in their struggles in the courses. I acknowledge that the material is difficult (even for me!), but I share the tips and tricks that I use to approach problems in what I think is a more understandable and intuitive way.

What is the best advice you have gotten on navigating Northwestern?  

Focus on what interests you, and you'll end up where you're meant to be. Don't waste your energy comparing your path to those around you, because at the end of your time here you'll enter the world as an individual, and any comparisons to your college peers will be irrelevant.

Michael Lee(he/him/his)

Math and Economics, class of 2026

What is one thing that you do to help students feel comfortable in the MSP group?

I want each session to feel fun and approachable, rather than like an obligation, and I try to introduce as many opportunities for discussions and breaks as possible.

What is the best advice you have gotten on navigating Northwestern?  

The best advice I have gotten on navigating Northwestern is to be patient and give yourself time. Students can often feel pressured by tight deadlines and the quarter system, so being patient helps you to really identify what works and what doesn't.

Caitlin Smith

Biology and Global Health, class of 2025

What is one thing that you do to help students feel comfortable in the MMSG group?

I always start my sessions with an icebreaker, like rose-bud-thorn, to build a rapport and learn more about everyone's lives outside of classes. I also make sure to leave time at the end of sessions for open-ended Q&A so that everyone knows I am an accessible resource.

What is the best advice you have gotten on navigating Northwestern?  

Use the academic resources available to you! I joined a Peer-Guided Study Group during my freshman fall, and it made all the difference in helping me feel confident and supported in that class.