The peer advisor program is an integral part of the Baskin Engineering Undergraduate Advising Office. Peer advisors are indispensable in providing front-line support services and information, answering major-related questions, and making referrals to campus services and resources.
Chat with a peer advisor
Peer advisor chat hours
M–F 9:30–11:30 a.m.
and M-F 2:00-4:00 p.m.
How to chat
Add (+) bsoepa@ucsc.edu to your Google Hangouts, using your UCSC email
Meet with a peer advisor
Our peer advisors can assist students over summer during chat hours which can be found in the right hand column. We will resume in person hours once classes start in the fall.
The Undergraduate Advising office will be closed on university holidays.
Hours are subject to change and will be updated on this page as needed.

What can I speak to a peer advisor about?
- Academic plans
- Schedule adjustments
- Questions about major qualification criteria
- Enrollment troubleshooting
- Questions about petitions such as: course substitution petitions or waiver or exception to policy
- Change of major concentration or curriculum catalog year
Meet our peer advisors

Aditi Bhat
Major: Biomolecular Engineering & Bioinformatics major (Biomolecular concentration)
Hi there! My name is Aditi (she/her) and I’m a fourth-year biomolecular engineering major from San Francisco, California. I decided to become a peer advisor because the transition to college can be an overwhelming experience for anyone, and I hope to alleviate some of that stress by providing helpful guidance. In my free time, I enjoy swimming, finding new boba places, writing, and creating new playlists. I look forward to being your peer advisor this year!

Alan Lai
Major: Computer Science major
Hello! My name is Alan (he/him), and I’m a fourth-year Computer Science major from the Bay Area! I wanted to be a peer advisor because, when I first got to UCSC, I felt stressed and overwhelmed with the educational and academic aspects. Peer advisors really helped me out by guiding me in the right direction and giving me a sense of assurance by answering all my questions, so I want to return the favor and help out my peers in the same way. Outside of school, I enjoy hanging out with friends, getting good eats, and going to the beach. I can’t wait to meet everyone and help in any way I can!

Anya Ash
Major: Computer Engineering major (Digital Hardware concentration)
Hi! My name is Anya (she/her) and I am a sophomore majoring in Computer Engineering from San Diego, CA. I spent so much of my freshman year confused about the enrollment system and talking to Baskin peer advisors was a huge help. On campus, I also work as a program advisor for Porter College. Outside of school, I love to draw and write.

Arslan Aliev
Major: Applied Mathematics major
Hi! My name is Arslan (he/him) and I’m a fourth-year Applied Mathematics major from Los Angeles, California. Coming in as a first-generation college student, I understand how tricky and frustrating the enrollment process can be and my goal as a peer advisor is to hopefully relieve you of some of that stress. Outside of school, I love the beach, reading, climbing, and hiking. Please reach out to me with any questions!

Avlyn Singer
Major: Biomolecular Engineering & Bioinformatics major (Bioinformatics concentration) – Statistics minor
Hi! My name is Avlyn (she/her) and I’m a third-year Bioinformatics major and Statistics minor from Irvine, CA. I decided to become a peer advisor because I once felt unsure and isolated in engineering and wished I had someone to turn to for guidance and support. I know how valuable it is to have someone who can answer questions, share resources, and help navigate challenges, and I hope to provide that sense of connection for others. I’m also an RA at UTC and love making coffee and matcha, as well as visiting new cafes in my free time.

Cecilia Villanueva
Major: Electrical Engineering (Electronics & Optics Concentration) major
Hello! I’m Cecilia Villanueva (she/her), a fourth year Electrical Engineering major with a focus on electronics and optics. I am from Ventura County, all the way down in SoCal. What made me want to become a Peer Advisor, was all of my own unsolved questions as a freshman. As a PA, I want to help incoming students navigate the university and support them as previous advisors supported me! When I’m not in class, you’ll find me at a library or walking around town!

Erin Kim
Major: Computer Engineering major
Hello! My name is Erin Kim (she/her), and I’m a second-year Computer Engineering major from the Bay Area. I personally utilized the peer advising resources when I first arrived and continued to reach out for help through the program — which is ultimately why I decided to become a peer advisor. I want to create a welcoming environment for students to feel understood, connected, and motivated to navigate their academic and personal challenges. I am the Treasurer for the Girls Who Code club and a global learning (study abroad) alum, so I’m happy to answer any questions about that experience! In my free time, I love playing video games, running, and crafting!! ◡̈

Gladys Garcia
Major: Computer Science major – Math minor
Hi everyone! My name is Gladys Garcia, my pronouns are she/her and I’m currently a 4th year computer science major from East L.A, California. I’m a first gen college student which is why I wanted to become a peer advisor because I know that college can be difficult, especially as a first gen student who is figuring out how to navigate college. Some involvement I have around campus is being part of the BEES program and MEP. During my free time I enjoy going to concerts as well as learning new recipes.

Frankie Friedman
Major: Network and Digital Technology major
Hi! I’m Frankie, a third year student majoring in Network and Digital Technology. I’m from Los Angeles and I decided to become a peer advisor because I want to be a source of support to students that can relate to them and any issues they may be having. I’m a part of the UCSC Rocket Team, but when I’m not studying or building rockets, I like to DJ, crochet, and bake. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you this year!

Jenny Chen
Major: Electrical Engineering major (Electronics & Optics concentration)
Hi! My name is Jenny (she/her), and I’m a third-year electrical engineering major from San Francisco, California! I decided to become a peer advisor because I have personally utilized advising a lot myself, and I wanted to help other students who may have struggled in similar ways. College challenges us in many ways, and having some guidance is always helpful. Outside of school, I enjoy paddling for my dragon boat team, reading, and crocheting. I look forward to meeting you all!

Jessie Lu
Major: Applied Mathematics major
Hi! My name is Jingxin (Jessie) Lu (she/her). I’m a second-year Applied Mathematics major from Fremont, California. I moved from China to the U.S. during high school, and I got to learn how overwhelming it can feel to navigate a new academic system while trying to find your place. That’s why I became a Peer Advisor—not only to answer questions, but also to listen, share what I’ve learned, and remind students that they don’t have to figure everything out alone.
Outside of academics, I enjoy crocheting, ice skating, and playing badminton with friends. A fun fact about me is that I speak Chinese—so if you feel more comfortable communicating in Chinese, you’re always welcome to reach out! I look forward to meeting you all and supporting you throughout your time at Baskin Engineering!

Saumya Kundu
Major: Technology and Information Management major
Hi! My name is Saumya(she/her), and I am a second-year Technology and Information Management major. I am from the Bay Area. I wanted to become a peer advisor because I know that figuring out classes and major requirements can be challenging, and I wanted to make that process smoother. I want my peers to be able to enjoy their college experiences along the way! I am also a desk assistant at the DSI in the S&E Library. I love dancing, exploring new foods with friends, animals, and traveling.

Seeya Pillai
Major: Computer Science: Computer Game Design major – Statistics minor
Hi everyone! My name is Seeya (she/her) and I’m a fourth year Computer Science Game Design Major with a minor in Statistics from San Ramon, CA. I became a BE Peer Advisor because I’m interested in providing help to my peers as they navigate through their academics to help ensure everyone has an inclusive and supportive experience. I’m also part of Gamma Phi Beta and the President of UCSC Human Computer Interaction Club. In my free time, I enjoy working out and reading!

Tyler Vo
Major: Computer Engineering (Digital Hardware Concentration) – Bioelectronics and Biophotonics minor; Electrical Engineering minor
Hi! I’m Tyler Vo (he/him) and I am a fourth-year Computer Engineering Major (Digital Hardware concentration) with a minor in Bioelectronics and Biophotonics and Electrical Engineering from Hawthorne, CA. I decided to become a peer advisor because I want to help navigate fellow students through their educational journey and share the insights I’ve gained from my own experiences. In my free time, I love to solve puzzles whether they are Rubik’s cubes or jigsaw puzzles but I also love to run and I’m a student-athlete for UCSC’s Track and Field team! I hope to be a supportive resource for everyone and I’m looking forward to hearing from you!

Ysabelle Angeles
Major: Computer Science
Hi, my name is Ysabelle! My pronouns are She/Her. I am currently a Junior-level Computer Science major, and I am located off-campus in the East Bay. I am excited to be a Baskin Engineering Peer Advisor and to have the opportunity to provide support for my fellow classmates! I am also a STARRS student, so I know how valuable it is to have support and guidance when you might be feeling confused or uncertain, so my aspiration as a peer advisor is to help all students – of all paths, non-traditional or otherwise – feel empowered and welcomed as a UCSC student. In my free time, I really enjoy seeking new experiences and places that I haven’t visited before; I especially love scoping out new restaurants or cafes. I’m looking forward to connecting with you all!