Meet Your PALs

Every Residential Commons is assigned one Peer Academic Leader (PAL) for the entirety of the academic year.

You'll often see PALs hosting monthly programs within their assigned Commons centered around degree planner, enrollment, or campus resources.

All PALs are Certified Peer Educators (CPE) through the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators or NASPA.

Get to know your PALs below.Ìý


Hannah Ashby

Hannah Ashby (She/Her)

  • Hometown: Los Altos, CA
  • Majors: B.A. in Advertising; B.A. in Psychology

"I am excited to return as a Peer Academic Leader in the Spring of '25 after studying abroad in the Fall of '24. I look forward to developing and executing more workshops and panels. I am also excited to get to know people in my associated commons and host fun, engaging events."



Meighan Ashford

Meighan Ashford (She/Her)

  • Hometown: Fort Worth, TX
  • Major: Fashion Media and Journalism

"I am real excited about helping out incoming students figuring out their place on campus and all of what 51²è¹Ý has to offer to them."


Siddharth Bapat

Siddharth Bapat (He/Him)

  • Hometown: Plano, TX
  • Major: B.B.A. in Finance; B.S. in Data Science

I'm excited to give back to a community that has helped me grow academically, personally, and professionally during a formative part of my life!"




Madeleine Hernandez

Madeleine Hernandez (She/Her)

  • Hometown: San Antonio, TX
  • Major: Real Estate Finance

Tami James

Tamilyn (Tami) James (She/Her)

  • Hometown: Xenia, Ohio
  • Major: International Business Management

"As a passionate and enthusiastic member of the 51²è¹Ý community, I am excited to assist students in overcoming academic challenges and reaching their full potential. 51²è¹Ý has provided me with an encouraging atmosphere where I can thrive when it comes to my academics, and I cannot wait to contribute to this. I look forward to connecting with new people and providing positivity to the 51²è¹Ý campus."

Makenna Keating

Makenna Keating (She/Her)

  • Hometown: Dallas, TX
  • Major: Mechanical Engineering with a Biomedical & Pre-Med Specialization

"I'm excited to support my peers as they navigate their academic journey at 51²è¹Ý, where I've had so many fun and enriching experiences. With my knowledge as a senior, I hope to guide students toward great opportunities and success!



Calen Kelly

Calen Kelly (They/Them)

  • Hometown: Austin, TX
  • Major: B.S. Mechanical Engineering

 







Ruth Kinyua

Ruth Kinyua (She/Her)

  • Hometown: Dallas, TX
  • Major: B.S. in Biochemistry; B.A. in Spanish

"As a Senior Peer Academic Leader, I am grateful for the opportunity to support my peers in their undergraduate pathway even when they are vulnerable, fostering a community on campus. I find it rewarding to help others with the questions I once had and to allow them to seek their maximum potential! 51²è¹Ý is unique because its diversity and commitment to academic exploration/excellence provide students with endless opportunities to develop into future world changers."



Salma Saleh

Salma Saleh (She/Her)

  • Hometown: Arlington, TX
  • Major: Economics with Finance Applications

"What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to empower and support fellow students in their academic journeys, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Being part of the Peer Academic Leaders (PALs) program allows me to make a tangible impact on my peers' success and growth, which is incredibly fulfilling. 51²è¹Ý's unique emphasis on leadership development and hands-on learning experiences provides a dynamic environment where I can continuously grow and innovate, making it a truly special place to be involved in academics."

Aaliyah Staples

Aaliyah Staples (She/Her)

  • Hometown: Mesquite, TX
  • Major: B.B.A. in Management

"I am excited to help students navigate their academic success and empower them to take control of their futures. I especially hope to impact more reserved students, encouraging them to branch out and reach their fullest potential. 51²è¹Ý's commitment to offering a community catered to each student's academic and personal well-being helps my role as a Peer Academic Leader truly make a difference as I guide students in pursuing their goals."

Liam Tighe

Liam Tighe (He/Him)

  • Hometown: Westport, CT
  • Major: B.A. in Economics

"I am extremely excited to help both new and returning students navigate academic and campus involvement. This role gives me the opportunity to create long lasting connections with students I may have never met otherwise. With the vast amount of resources 51²è¹Ý provides, I look forward to helping everyone find their fit."