Learning Commons

Meet the Peer Academic Mentors

Peer Academic Mentors support all Southwestern University students with a variety of college success skills through one-on-one coaching and workshops.

What We Do

Mentors are a source of academic support for fellow students throughout their time at SU. We work with students to develop effective study skills and strategies on an individual basis, design and facilitate academic skills workshops, refer students to campus life support services, and guide students through short- and long-term planning.

Been there, done that:

As upper-level students, the Peer Mentors have experiences both in and out of the classroom that help relate to the students they work with. They are eager to answer your questions, hear your concerns, or just chat!

  • Maurice  Wilson
    • NAME

      Maurice Wilson

    • TITLE

      Director of the Professor John Score Learning CommonsDirector of the Professor John Score Learning Commons

  • Laurel  Mulkey
    • NAME

      Laurel Mulkey

    • TITLE

      Learning Commons CoordinatorCoordinator of the Professor John Score Learning Commons


    • NAME

      Kiara Aguilar

    • TITLE

      Peer Academic Mentor

    • About me

      Hello! My name is Kiara Aguilar, and I am majoring in psychology, while also working towards getting my Spanish in healthcare certificate. I am also a member of Kappa Delta Chi!

      I joined the Learning Commons because I have a love for Spanish and helping out people. I believe that truly understanding the language and culture can be rewarding and beneficial for your future. As a first-gen, I can also relate to the struggles of college and am here to help ease that transition. I am excited to help you in your journey with Spanish and college!

    • NAME

      Elizabeth Ayalew

    • TITLE

      Peer Academic Mentor

    • About me

      Hi! My name is Elizabeth, and I am a double major in biochemistry and mathematics at Southwestern University. I am passionate about helping students build confidence in their learning while creating a supportive and encouraging environment.

      I have experience working with students through tutoring, mentoring, and academic support roles (BETA), and I enjoy adapting my teaching style to each student’s individual needs and learning pace.

      As someone pursuing a pre-med track, I value patience, communication, and helping students truly understand concepts rather than just memorizing material. My goal is to make learning less stressful, more engaging, and rewarding for every student I work with. I am the president of Rotaract and a VP of the Math club. I love TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Suits.

      I look forward to supporting your academic growth and success!

    • NAME

      Madeline Cowan

    • TITLE

      Peer Academic Mentor

    • About me

      Hi! My name is Madeline, and I am a senior majoring in biology with a minor in business. I am excited to be part of the Learning Commons team as a Peer Academic Mentor! I know that transitioning to college can sometimes feel overwhelming, and I hope to be someone students can turn to for support throughout that transition and the rest of their college experience. Whether you need help adjusting to college, getting connected on campus, or simply a little encouragement along the way, I’m here to help.

      After graduation, I hope to attend dental school and pursue a career as a dentist. I serve as president of the Pre-Dental Society and am involved in several other organizations on campus. In my free time, I enjoy reading, traveling, running, and spending time with my friends and family.

      I’m looking forward to meeting you and helping make Southwestern feel like home!

    • NAME

      Pablo Holguin

    • TITLE

      Peer Academic Mentor

    • About me

      My name is Pablo Holguin, and I am from Houston. I am currently majoring in kinesiology and minoring in health studies on the pre-physical therapy track. In my free time, I enjoy working out, reading, camping, cooking, and hanging out with my friends. One interesting fact about me is that I can recite 55 digits of Pi from memory. I promise you, if you want to say hi and I seem scary, I don’t bite, and I’m always looking for more friends.

    • NAME

      Lydia Kophamel

    • TITLE

      Peer Academic Mentor

    • About me

      Hello! My name is Lydia Kophamel and I am currently a junior at Southwestern. I am a double major in anthropology and history with a minor in race and ethnicity studies. Along with working in the Learning Commons, I am a member of Zeta Tau Alpha, Student Foundation, an officer of OASIS, and a High-Impact Experience Ambassador. In my free time I love to go on walks, hangout with my friends, or read a book. I thoroughly enjoy anything that has to do with reading, writing, and learning and I can’t wait to help others meet their academic goals. I’m so excited to work with everyone!

    • NAME

      Andy Manresa Ramos

    • TITLE

      Peer Academic Mentor

    • About me

      My name is Andy Manresa, and I am a senior. My major is biochemistry, and I am on the pre-medical path. I love playing the piano, working out, and playing pickleball.

    • NAME

      Alyanna Martinez

    • TITLE

      Peer Academic Mentor

    • About me

      Hello! My name is Alyanna and I am a computer science and psychology double-major with a minor in neuroscience. I am involved in the wind ensemble, LatinXcel, and a couple other activities here and there.

      I am more than happy to help in any way that I can.

    • NAME

      Sofia Moustaghfir

    • TITLE

      Peer Academic Mentor

    • About me

      Hi! My name is Sofia, and I am a biology major on the pre-med track at Southwestern University, minoring in sociology and health studies.

      I have experience working with students through my previous role at the Center for Career & Professional Development (CCPD). I genuinely enjoy working with students, answering questions, and finding ways to make things feel more manageable and approachable. Additionally, this year, I will be working as a French Tutor and STEM Writer!

      As a biology student, I know that understanding a subject often comes from finding the right way to approach it rather than simply memorizing information. I believe that everyone learns differently, and I enjoy finding creative ways to explain ideas and make difficult concepts easier to understand.

      Outside of academics, I am the Founder and President of the French Club at Southwestern and am involved in Kappa Delta Chi and Rotaract.

      I look forward to getting to know you, supporting your academic goals, and helping you feel more confident in your learning!

    • NAME

      Alina Nguyen

    • TITLE

      Peer Academic Mentor

    • About me

      Hi, my name is Alina Nguyen. I am currently a senior majoring in psychology and minoring in applied movement and sport studies. I am an RA for the first years in Brown-Cody. My hobbies are power lifting and watching documentaries.

    • NAME

      Keera Poole

    • TITLE

      Peer Academic Mentor

    • About me

      Hi! My name is Keera, and I’m an upcoming junior double-majoring in communication studies and sociology with a minor in race and ethnicity studies. On campus, I’m involved in Kappa Delta Chi as Academic Officer and OASIS as Sociology Co-President, as well as a member of BSU, NIA, Southwestern Singers, and Jazz Band, as a vocalist. With Raven Waugh, I have also done research on the Black Queer experience in adult retail spaces under Dr. Adams and developed a workshop to present at the Collective Power Conference. I’m passionate about building community, supporting others, and creating welcoming spaces, which is why I’m so excited to work with the Learning Commons. I look forward to meeting and working with everyone!

    • NAME

      Elias Sarwana

    • TITLE

      Peer Academic Mentor

    • About me

      Hi, my name is Elias and I’m a senior majoring in business and economics with a minor in data analytics. I work as a Peer Academic Mentor and Econometrics Tutor, and I enjoy helping students work through classes, stay organized, and figure out what works best for them.

      Outside of the Learning Commons, I’m interested in finance, operations, and data analytics, and I’ve had the chance to explore those areas through several internships. I’ve also played soccer for most of my life, so a lot of how I approach school and work comes from that same mindset of consistency, teamwork, and improving over time.

      I’m looking forward to meeting students and being a helpful resource throughout the semester!