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International Student & Scholar Advisory Board
Name: Rehan Adatia
Hometown and country: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Year or level: Freshman
Major: Environmental Engineering (Bachelor’s degree from my country)
Tell us a little about yourself:
. I am a freshman at VCU and majoring in Physics with a concentration in Pre-Medical.
Name: Pamela Adede
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Year or level: Junior
Major: Biology
Tell us a little about yourself:
I enjoy being a member of the international community here at VCU, I get to effect change and assist other international students with valuable insights from my own personal experiences. I’m grateful for all the friendships and connections I’ve made here and look forward to a career in clinical research and healthcare.
Name: Raneem Aldaqqa
Hometown and country: Irbid- Jordan
Year: Second year Ph.D. student
Major: Pharmaceutics
Tell us about yourself:
I love getting to know new people from different cultures and backgrounds and making new friends, I love walking, reading and listening to music.
Name: Ruth Bravo-Anez
Hometown and country: Venezuela
Year or level: Graduate
Major: College Counseling
Tell us a little about yourself:
I am from Venezuela and have been living in the United States for six years. During my first year at VCU, I served as the graduate assistant for Leadership and Student Organizations in the Division of Student Affairs. As of today, I work at VCU Career Services as their Career Counselor, PPH & STEM and I am also an intern in the Global Education Office. Additionally, I teach a first-year course called UNIV 191 "Adelante! The path to success" with the goal of connecting and supporting new students who identify as Latinx/Hispanic. One of my goals after graduation is to become a National Certified Counselor and continue to support international students and other underrepresented populations in the college setting.
Name: Harsh Brian Dungdung
Hometown: India
Year or level: Graduate
Major: Economics
Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a graduate student from India majoring in Economics and this is my first time in the US! I have always had a keen interest in learning about other cultures and embracing diversity. I love Sports and Music! I look forward to having a great learning experience at ISSAB and meeting new people!
Name: Zehra Sahin Ilkorkor
Hometown: Ankara, Turkiye
Year or level: Doctorate
Major: Public Policy & Administration
Tell us a little about yourself:
I joined VCU in the fall of 2022 in pursuit of my Ph.D. degree in Public Policy & Administration. I love exploring other cultures and have visited 25 countries so far. I am excited to bring my skills and passion for increasing diversity to the ISSAB and help make an impact on VCU international students. As an ISSAB member, I hope to build strong relationships with other international students and benefit from an outstanding exchange of ideas.
Name: Min Nguyen
Hometown and country: Hanoi - Vietnam
Year or level: Senior
Major: Business
Tell us a little about yourself:
I would consider myself a nomad. I love traveling and have been to 15 countries. I used to live and study in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. I enjoy different cultures and really want to learn more about the world. Fun fact, I speak four languages!
Name: Sonika Singhal
Hometown and country: Delhi, India
Year or level: Doctorate, first year
Major: Information Systems
Tell us a little about yourself:
From my past experience, I determined that connecting with people and understanding their emotions, interests, and expectations is the most important learned skill for me. And I anticipate that this will greatly assist me in delivering the best services possible to my institution.
Name: Jade/Yoonkyoung Wang
Hometown and country: Republic of Korea, Seoul
Year or level: Junior
Major: Business Administration/Exchange Program
Tell us a little about yourself:
I am an exchange student from South Korea and this is my first semester at VCU. I have made great memories with the nicest friends here. A little bit about me, I am a huge foodie and trying out new foods and restaurants! I am glad to become a member of ISSAB and support international students! I want to become a person who serves as your voice when dealing with concerns at VCU!
Name: Lindai Xie
Hometown and country: Guiyang, China
Year or level: Graduate
Major: Counselor Education
Tell us a little about yourself:
I am currently an intern in the Global Education Office. I enjoy the interaction with other international students. I would be more than happy to help and assist others in the role of an international student mentor and a future counselor.