Hall Directors

Briana Reid - Hall Director
Hi everyone! My name is Briana, and I am the second-year Graduate Assistant with Pre-College Summer Programs, a master's student in the Higher Education and Student Affairs program, and the Summer Hall Director. I'm so excited to be part of your summer experience! I graduated from SUNY Purchase in 2025 with a B.A. in Theatre and Anthropology, along with minors in Opera Vocal Performance and Gender Studies. Before joining Pre-College Summer Programs, I worked in Residential Life and Admissions at my undergraduate institution, and I currently serve as a Graduate Specialist at the Women's Center at UConn. I am passionate about helping students feel confident and prepared as they explore college life. I love creating welcoming, supportive spaces where students can learn, grow, make connections, and discover new opportunities. When I'm not working or studying, you can usually find me at a theater performance, enjoying live music, or planning my next travel adventure. I can't wait to meet you all, hear your stories, and help make this an unforgettable summer!

Daniel Lopez - Assistant Hall Director
Hello! My name is Daniel (he/him), and I’m excited to serve as your Assistant Hall Director for the Pre-College Summer Program! I’m proudly Latino, with roots from Guatemala and Dominican Republic. I graduated from UConn in the Spring of 2025 with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Human Rights. Following graduation, I worked as an Admissions Representative with UConn’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions, assisting with first-year student recruitment across the country. Connecting with prospective Huskies and hearing their stories inspired me to continue my journey at UConn by pursuing a master’s degree in the Higher Education & Student Affairs (HESA) program this fall. I’m passionate about expanding access to higher education and supporting students from all walks of life, and I’m looking forward to meeting all of you this summer!
Hall Coordinators

Lou Dortenzio - Hall Coordinator
Hey! My name is Lou and I am one of the Hall coordinators for the summer. This is my third year of the program and my second as HC. I am a 2025 grad, and currently work as a middle school math teacher! I love going to the gym, and playing and watching all sports! I am super excited to meet all of you, and definitely don't be afraid to reach out at any point during the program if you have any needs or questions for me!

Nadia Testut - Hall Coordinator
My name is Nadia and I am a rising second year in the Higher Education and Student Affairs M.A. program! This summer I am one of the Hall Coordinators so please feel free to reach out if you need anything. When I’m not doing school work or helping Pre-College Summer, you can usually find me reading, listening to music, or going for a walk around campus. I also am a huge dog person with lots of UConn Pride, go huskies!
Residential Counselors for Welfare

Chizobam Nweke - Residential Counselor
I am a 3rd year PhD student of Human Development and Family Sciences. I am also a physician with a 4-year experience as an instructor for medical students. I love soccer and watching all kinds of TV shows.

Jacqui Schmitt - Residential Counselor
Hi everyone! My name is Jacqui Schmitt and I am one of the Residential Counselors for Welfare this year! I recently graduated with my Master's in counseling from UCONN, and previously I was an elementary school teacher. A few of my favorite hobbies include hiking, exploring new restaurants, and hanging with my cat Green Bean Casserole. I am super excited to get to know all of you and to make this the best summer program experience possible!
Summer Residential Mentors

Arannie Aquino
Hola a todos! My name is Arannie Aquino, and I am a first generation rising sophomore majoring in Physiology and Neurobiology on the Pre Physician Assistant track. I am Puerto Rican and Dominican. I am involved in several organizations and activities on campus. I work at the Puerto Rican and Latin American Cultural Center (PRLACC), and I will also be a mentor for the METAS Peer Mentoring Program and a Resident Assistant this year. I am additionally involved in the First Generation Club, Puerto Rican Student Association, Dominican Student Association, Survivor Club, and the Center for Access and Postsecondary Success. In my free time, I enjoy participating in Survivor Club challenges and spending time with friends. I am excited for this upcoming summer and looking forward to meeting new people, building connections, and having a great experience.

Hanif Barrett
I’m a computer science major. My interests include music, side quests, Game of thrones, gym.

Mapu Cervigni Rutkauskas
Hello! My name is Mapu and I’m a rising sophomore majoring in Computer Science & Engineering here at UConn. I enjoy going to the gym, playing and watching sports, reading, and occasionally pulling an all-nighter at the library to prepare for exams. I’m excited to meet new people and help make the Pre-College experience fun and welcoming for everyone!

Samira Chambers
Hey! I'm a Junior pursuing a degree in Journalism and Urban & Community Studies. On campus I proudly represent the Marching Band. I am also a Radio Host at WHUS. I love being creative and I find that fantasy always peaks my interest. Time pieces, Crafting, Side Quests, Musical Theatre, Cartoons , and Exploring Culture are the things that make the most fun NPC.

Kyanna Clarke
Hii everyone, my name is Kyanna! I’m a 3rd year student here at UCONN studying Communications with a minor in Analytics. This is my first summer with PCS as a Residential Mentor and I’m super excited to share this journey with you! In my free time I love hanging outside, listening to music, reading romantasy books, and trying new things. I can’t wait to meet you all. Let’s have a great summer together!

Christian De La Cruz Mena
Hi everyone! My name is Cristian, and I’m an upcoming third-year student majoring in English with a concentration in Secondary Education. In my free time, I enjoy working out and spending time with my friends and family. I’m the second oldest in my family, and I have four sisters. A fun fact about me is that I was born in the Dominican Republic, so my first language is Spanish. I moved to New London when I was four years old, and I played football during my junior and senior years of high school. I’m excited to meet all of you and learn alongside everyone this semester

Magnolia Gilson
Hi everyone! My name is Magnolia Gilson (she/her), but you can call me Mags. I’m a rising junior majoring in Digital Media and Design with a concentration in Animation and Motion Design. I like reading horror stories, watching shows, rock climbing at the REC, and I love creating animations. I’m a part of the Animation Club on campus, and it's super fun! I’m looking forward to this summer and I hope to help inspire you guys. I was in this program as a high schooler and I’m excited to be back but as a residential assistant! If you guys have any questions or show recommendations let me know 🙂

Sohum Harshavardhana
Hi! I’m Sohum, an incoming junior and AIM major at UConn. You can find me around campus modeling for a shoot, catching a show, or playing my guitar. I’m excited to work with PCS and get to know you all!

Archisha Jaiswal
Hey! I’m Archisha, and I’m a rising senior at UConn majoring in Data Science and Engineering with a minor in Statistics. It’s my first time working with Pre-College Summer and I’m so excited for it. My favorite things about UConn are the summer sunsets, basketball games, spotting deer around campus, mirror lake and the absolute best-horsebarn hill. Looking forward to meeting y’all soon!!

Rommell Lopez-Burrell
Hi! I’m a junior double majoring in Psychology and Human Development & Family Sciences. Around campus, I stay involved through clubs like the Horticulture Club and NextGen Health, where I get to combine my interests and connect with others. I’m also the Student Program Director for a volunteer service trip to Puerto Rico, where I help lead community engagement and service initiatives. Outside of school, you can usually find me on a nature walk, listening to Kali Uchis or Kehlani!

Jemimah Mataka
Hello everyone! My name is Jemimah Mataka, and I'm from Lusaka, Zambia. I'm a rising Junior Mechanical Engineering student here at UConn, pursuing a Design and Manufacturing concentration. Outside the classroom, I’m involved in Engineers Without Borders and serve on Cru’s Worship Team as a singer and guitarist. During the academic year, I heartily work as a Resident Assistant, a role in which I help build community and support residents on my assigned residence hall floor. Some of my interests include CAD & 3D Printing, music theory, and watching soccer games. I'm excited to support you as you explore college and what it has to offer! Feel free to ask any questions or just say hi 🙂

Akil Morrison
Hey everyone! My name is Akil (he/him), and this is my first year working as a Residential Mentor for UConn Pre-College Summer! I’m a third-year English Teaching major, and I plan to give back to my community and teach locally here in Connecticut after I graduate. I really enjoy building community and creating welcoming spaces, so I’m excited to get to know everyone this summer. Outside of academics, I like working out, staying active, and riding my bike as my main form of transportation. I’m also really into music, movies, fashion, writing, and learning about new media and culture . I’m always happy to chat, answer questions, or help out however I can, so don’t hesitate to reach out. Looking forward to an amazing summer with everyone!

Akuchukwu Oputa
Sophmore/Incoming Junior double majoring in Economics & Sociology. Some of my personal interest include: modeling, writing, community service, going on walks, and dancing.

Raphaela Pierre-Noel
Hii guys, My name is Raphaela, but you guys can call me Fafa. I’m an upcoming junior majoring in Allied Health Sciences. I love going on walks, cooking, spending time with the people I love, and trying new things. A fun fact about me is that I love Playa Bowls and boba. I can’t wait to meet you guys and spend an amazing summer with you all!

Alexia Sargeant
Hi everyone! I'm Alexia Sargeant, and I'm heading into my third year at UConn as a Physiology and Neurobiology major. I'm also the Academic Chair for the BSOUL Learning Community, where 1 get to help support students and keep our community thriving. When I'm not in class, you can usually find me working out, exploring something new, or trying whatever random hobby catches my attention that week. I'm really excited to be your residential mentor this summer. I can't wait to meet you all and make this an unforgettable experience together.

Jada Stubbs
Hello, my name is Jada Stubbs, and I am going into my second year of university studying molecular and cell biology. My favorite subject is chemistry, and I hope to pursue oncology research after college. A few hobbies that I enjoy are reading, knitting, working out, and playing rugby! A fun fact about me is that I love baking, but I prefer a salty treat over a sweet one!

Raymond Udobong
Hi everyone! My name is Ray, and I’m a rising junior majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Analytics. Outside of academics, I love playing basketball and soccer, and I’m also really into lifting. On campus, I’m involved in clubs like the African Student Association and National Society of Black Engineers. I’m excited to meet everyone, and have a great experience together!

Deborah Williams
Hello everyone! My name is Deborah but everyone calls me Deb, I'm a rising Junior majoring in Political Science with a minor in Crime and Justice on the pre law track. Outside of the pre college summer program I'm a tour guide, a Program Coordinator for the Rainbow cultural center, a Weekend of Welcome Leader, a member of the Black Pre-Law Association, Horticulture Club and I'm an alumni for the BSOUL Learning Community. I absolutely love love love plants, cats (I have 2 fur babies named Storm and Popcorn) and anything Kuromi/Sanrio related. I'm currently learning how to play the electric guitar and how to skateboard so if you have any tips let me know! I can't wait to meet all of you!