Peer Mentors

A set of four to six junior and senior MB&B majors serve as peer mentors for students who are considering or entering the MB&B major.  Peer mentors can give fellow students a sense of the experience of majoring in MB&B and practical advice on navigating the requirements and electives in our program. Peer mentors offer advice on which classes to take, experiences to consider and anything pertaining to the major. They can provide advice on how to take advantage of the many academic resources available to you, such as peer tutors, college tutors, teaching fellows, faculty office hours, etc.  Peer mentors also host informal community-building get-togethers in the department for prospective and current majors.  If you have not yet declared an MB&B major and want to be invited to these events, please email MBBUndergrad@yale.edu.

Please note that peer mentors supplement the MB&B faculty academic advisors.  You should meet one of the faculty advisors to discuss details of the MB&B degree requirements, to get your schedule or other official forms signed, and to get faculty-level advice on things like setting up an independent research experience, planning a scientific career, etc.

Peer mentors for 2025-2026 are:

Nolyn Mjema, nolyn.mjema@yale.edu,Class of 2026

Hi everyone! I’m a senior in Morse College, originally from Oklahoma. I’m concentrating in Medicine and plan to pursue a career in the medical field. Currently, I work in Dr. Candice Paulsen’s lab, where I study the TRPA1 ion channel and the mutations associated with chronic pain and other health issues. Outside of academics and research, I’m a Coordinator at the Yale Community Kitchen, Vice President of Yale’s Black Men’s Union, and a volunteer with the Community Healthcare Van at the School of Medicine. I’m always happy to connect and meet new people, so feel free to reach out!

Dami Oluwatadedami.oluwatade@yale.edu, Class of 2026, Pauli Murray College

Hi everyone! I’m a senior in Pauli Murray College planning on pursuing the B.S./M.S. in MB&B on the pre-med track. I’m currently doing research in the Sumigray Lab looking into the impact of neural tube morphogenesis on cell fate. Outside of class and research, I’m involved in the Yale Gospel Choir and club soccer, and I’m a Peer Liaison for the Afro-American Cultural Center. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

Neo Chen, neo.chen@yale.edu, Class of 2027, Branford College

Hello everyone! My name is Neo, a junior in Branford College, originally from central Pennsylvania. I plan on pursuing the B.S./M.S. in MB&B on the pre-medical track. I am currently conducting research with Dr. Hochstrasser to uncover the molecular mechanisms by which specific proteins are selectively degraded via ubiquitin-proteasome system in yeast. Outside of the academic and research setting, I am a violinist in the Davenport Pops and Berkeley College orchestras, a writer for Yale Scientific Magazine, member of the Yale Undergraduate Research Association, and a volunteer for Haven Free Clinic. I am extremely excited to be serving as a peer mentor this year! Whether you’re looking for advice, a listening ear, or help finding resources, I’m here to support you. Please feel free to contact me about anything related to the major and I look forward to meeting you!