Peer Liaisons

📧: abdel.abounabet@yale.edu 
📜: Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Near Eastern Languages & Civilizations

Abdelrahman (Abdel) Abounabet is a senior in Berkeley College, and is pre-med for anyone choosing that riveting path in life. The Chaplain’s Office has been one of the most meaningful parts of his Yale experience, and he is excited to help build a campus where students of all faiths and backgrounds can feel supported, connected, and curious about one another. Outside of class, you can usually find him sharing a meal with friends, exploring New Haven’s nature, or playing pick-up basketball at Payne Whitney!

📧: cayla.waddington@yale.edu
📜: Sociology

Cayla Waddington is a sophomore in the best college (Pierson). West Philadelphia, born and raised, she does in fact love the playground. On sunny days you may find her basking in the sunlight and rehearsing worship songs for Chi Alpha Live. During colder times you can find her in Sterling’s Philosophy reading room sending emails for the Yale Black Pre-Law Association or writing yet another paper about injustice and oppression. Cayla is downright elated to give the PLees a very warm welcome to Yale!

📧: emma.donnini@yale.edu
📜: Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology

Emma is a senior from Champaign, Illinois. On campus, she’s involved in public health initiatives and research, and in her spare time, you’ll find her turning over obscure corners of Yale’s Jewish music scene (ask her about nigun circle!), taking long walks around New Haven, studying in the Divinity School, and playing Bananagrams with her suitemates. She’s so excited to support her PLees through all the highs and lows of starting college, especially when it comes to settling into and living in religious communities that might look different from home.

📧: gian.lombeyda@yale.edu
📜: English

Gian, a Junior from Los Angeles, California, is a creative writer passionate about scriptwriting, sports writing, podcasting and filmmaking. In his free time, you may find him attempting to recreate pop-rock beats on the drums or analyzing soccer games. Growing up as the representative of his Hindu faith at the local interfaith group, he is passionate about learning about all faiths and spiritualities. He is a member of the Interfaith Forum at Yale and YCC’S Religious and Cultural Policy team. He would love to offer support as a friend and religious peer to first-years as they navigate Yale!

📧: joy.zhou@yale.edu

Joy is a sophomore from Austin, Texas who is interested in philosophy, religion, and birds, but also chases delusions through writing fantasy novels and playing violin. She is passionate about interfaith and is an unapologetic imposter in Jewish, Christian and Buddhist spaces, including Jewish-Christian Bible Study. After struggling with changes to her identity Freshman year, she hopes to help guide others exploring what it means to have faith (religious or otherwise). She is willing to drop everything (with exceptions) for conversations about the Unmoved Mover, The Problem of Evil, or when to play Mario Kart.

📧: michelle.mao@yale.edu
📜: History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health

Michelle is a junior in Davenport College, originally from Newark, DE. On campus, you can find her volunteering at local nursing homes with the Nourish Project or filing taxes with Yale VITA. Michelle is looking forward to helping first-years navigate faith and college life at Yale. She is excited to meet everyone and is always willing to chat!

📧: owen.hannon@yale.edu