Current TOUR Academic Coaches

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Hannah Grable

she/her/hers

Lead Coach

Hello!  My name is Hannah Grable, and I am a Senior from the class of 2024! I am a History major with a focus in World Perspectives and a minor in Jewish Studies. I’ve spent most of my life in the Chicagoland area, but have a deep love for the East Coast, where I was born! I have a passion for swimming, music, and reading cheesy books with happy endings! When life gets hectic, my favorite way to unwind is by cooking and baking shareable sweet treats! Despite my current path of studies, I plan to become an educator. Furthermore, I am a student in the GRADE program, which works in partnership with the Warner School of Education. This program is a 15 month stepping stone to a masters in Secondary Education. Additionally, I am planning on getting a certification in Special Education, also known as "Inclusion." This career path is directly related to my own struggles in learning, as I have a Visual/Spatial learning disability and ADHD. Due to my own past struggles, I am ready and able to approach difficult tasks in a multitude of ways, and make overwhelming assignments less daunting. Along these lines, I understand the need for a helping hand and am patient and willing to adapt to someone else's needs. I am SO excited to be a part of the TOUR program! I hope to not only be a helpful academic coach but also a friend!

 

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Ellie Vetack

she/her/hers

Lead Coach

Hi!! My name is Ellie Vetack, and I am a Senior studying Chemistry, with a minor in Environmental Humanities. I started out as a Chemical Engineer, but plans change and you should always follow your passion! My career passions are in food science, and I spent my summer working for Rich Products in Buffalo working on chemical optimization of cheesecakes and ice cream cakes, and I hope to be there next summer as well. Outside of my coursework, I spend a lot of time painting (mostly cartoon characters or scenes from TV shows) and playing video games on my Nintendo Switch (my favorites are Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, and Mariokart)! I also have an emotional support cat named Beans! We spend a lot of time together at home, since she loves to play, especially with any feather toys or light up balls.

 

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Katie Westerheim

she/her/hers

Academic Coach

Hi! My name is Katie Westerheim and I am a Sophomore majoring in Political Science and Economics. I am a part of the Varsity Volleyball team here at Rochester and I am also a co-president of the Special Olympics Club. In my free time I love to read, draw, and hangout with my friends. I am super excited to be part of the TOUR team this year!
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Jordyn Kowalkowski

she/her/hers

Academic Coach

Hello! My name is Jordyn and I am currently a Junior majoring in Psychology with a double minor in Business and Brain and Cognitive Science. Outside of the classroom, I am a part of the varsity women's soccer team and the Special Olympics Club. I am also a research intern for Project THRIVE at the Mt. Hope Family Center. I really enjoy volunteering with youth, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family. I can't wait for this year with the TOUR program!
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Hannah Rickert

she/her/hers

Academic Coach

Hi! My name is Hannah Rickert and I am a Junior majoring in biomedical engineering with a minor in cognitive psychology and I am part of the GEAR (Graduate Engineering at Rochester) program! I currently hold positions as president for both Engineers Without Borders and Society of Women Engineers, and I also play club field hockey, work as an admissions + engineering tour guide, TA for an intro BME course, and am an active member in Biomedical Engineering Society. I additionally hold a position on the SWE National curriculum committee where we are currently working on spreading the word about a Neuro-inclusion Training available to all SWE national members!

I am in the Medallion and Grand Challenge Scholars Programs here on campus and conduct cognitive neuroscience research over at the Center for Advanced Brain Imaging and Neurosurgery (URMC CABIN)! Aside from education, my two primary passions are nature and baking. I am from a small coastal town in Maine, so I had close proximity to the mountains, the ocean, and lakes. I have worked at a bakery & restaurant in my hometown for the past five years and love every second of the fast-paced environment and not to mention, the 30 quart Hobart mixer I've gotten to use to make cookie dough! In the past, I have worked as a classroom aide/ teacher for students ranging from kindergarten to high school, and I am excited to be directly assisting in students' learning again!

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Saanch Shahdadpuri

Academic Coach

Hi :) I’m Saanch Shahdadpuri and I am a Freshman focusing on pre-medicine and a business major with a potential minor in art. I plan on doing medicine as an MD, but am flexible on my path to reach that position. I am considering working for a non-profit organization during a gap year, or perhaps spending time traveling the world. I have so far visited 14 countries, and intend to explore more. I enjoy dancing for Rochester Rangoli and the Sihir Belly Dance Ensemble,and I love completing jigsaw puzzles.

I was brought up in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and know how to read some Arabic and am fluent in Hindi. I’m always down for a conversation in my mother tongue, and find new languages fascinating to learn. Most importantly, I am so excited to work with TOUR as a social coach! I am enjoying interacting with students and enhancing social skills with each other. We have a great time together, and I am looking forward to learning moreabout each student!

Varsha

Varsha Ramesh

Academic Coach

Hello! My name is Varsha Ramesh and I am a Sophomore majoring in Neuroscience and Psychology with a minor in Health Policy, and a cluster in Hinduism. Outside of the classroom, I’m a member of Globemed on the Partnerships committee, a research assistant in Young Lab, a Friends of Strong volunteer, and the secretary for Rochester Rangoli and HSA. I absolutely love singing, dancing, swimming, and exploring new hobbies! I am so excited to be part of the TOUR program this year!