Meet our student workers! LSC/CAW tutors and front desk aides are undergraduate and graduate students from across NEIU.

Dr. Gaby Martinez-Ramirez, Learning Resource Specialist
Dr. Gaby Martinez-Ramirez earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Loyola University Chicago, where she researched enzyme regulation and allosteric mechanisms. A proud NEIU alumna, she previously worked as a chemistry tutor for the LSC/CAW. She has a strong background in scientific writing, research communication, and mentoring students in STEM.
Fun Facts: Gaby is passionate about bridging the gap between the scientific community and the public. She loves exploring new Boba tea shops in Chicago and has an impressive collection of over 250 bottles of nail polish!

Abby, Music Tutor
Abby is an undergraduate student studying music education. She is in her fifth year at NEIU and is graduating in May 2025. Her goal is to become a high school band director. Abby’s main instrument is French horn, but she also takes vocal lessons.
Fun Facts: Abby has a chocolate lab named Bear and an Australian shepherd named Daffodil. Her favorite aesthetics are purple themes and anything with flowers and butterflies. One of her hobbies is practicing a Japanese martial art called aikido.

Adarsh, Writing Tutor
Adarsh is a second-year graduate student studying Special Education. He is a first-generation college student and hopes to not only be a practicing special educator but also one day be a principal of a school.
Fun Facts: Adarsh’s favorite show is "Breaking Bad;" he's seen it six times and counting. He has been described as a walking talking encyclopedia for all things relating video games, movies, TV shows and history. He is a major foodie and loves visiting new food joints.

Aidan, Front Desk Aide
Aidan is a senior studying Accounting at NEIU. Born in Colorado and raised in Evanston, Illinois, he plans to work toward his CPA license after earning his bachelor’s degree.
Fun Facts: Aidan has been playing music since he was three years old and has learned to play nearly two dozen instruments. He’s currently playing guitar in a punk band called Bum Rush, based out of Chicago.

Alby, History Tutor
Alby is an undergraduate student working on a bachelor's degree in History with plans to obtain their Master's Degree in Secondary Education at NEIU. In the future, Alby hopes to become a high school history teacher and eventually work on their Ph.D. to become a history professor specializing in U.S. and Middle Eastern history. Outside of academia, Alby has a love for all sorts of arts ranging from music, fashion design, graphic design, reading, photography, and spray painting.
Fun Facts: Alby has a pet parrot named Rocky and enjoys their free time playing guitar, cooking, and film photography.

Anika, Philosophy and Political Science Tutor
Anika is an undergraduate student studying philosophy and political science. This is her third year at NEIU. She studied for a semester at NEIU’s partner university in Prague, and she recently spent most of winter break in Burundi with NEIU’s Center for Genocide and Human Rights Research in Africa and the Diaspora. Anika is a member of the University Honors Program and the Honors Living Learning Community in the Nest.
Fun Facts: Anika likes to do jigsaw puzzles and online map quizzes! Exciting stuff.

Ardeshir, Physics, Math and Chemistry Tutor
Ardeshir is a Biology major and intends to apply to medical school programs this summer. He holds a master's degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology, specializing in fluid dynamics, and has ten years of experience as a management board member of his family-owned engineering company, which focuses on planning and project control for the construction of metro lines and stations in Tehran.
Fun Facts: Ardeshir is an outdoor adventurer who enjoys hiking scenic trails and relaxing at beach destinations, and enjoying both the thrill of the mountains and the tranquility of the shore.

Aron, Chemistry Tutor
Aron graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in May 2020 with a degree in chemistry and a minor in secondary education. He currently works as an ESL chemistry and physics teacher at Mather High School in Chicago Public Schools and is pursuing a Master’s degree in chemistry.
Fun Facts: Aron is a huge Beatles fan and plays guitar and bass. In his spare time, he loves doing puzzles and has a 14 second record time for a NYT mini crossword.

Arshia, WIP CS 319/362 Tutor
Arshia is a Computer Science major with a concentration in IT. She is eager to learn more about AI and its applications, and Google is her dream company to work for! She loves baking, photography, and reading and wants to learn to play the violin and piano.
Fun Facts: Arshia enjoys thriller and suspense TV shows and books. She is also interested in anime, cars, and gaming. She loves Middle Eastern food, and her favorite thing to bake is tres leches cake — a delicious Mexican delicacy.

Asianna, Political Science Tutor
Asianna is a second-year graduate student studying Political Science with a concentration in American politics and public policy. She received her B.A. in Public Relations from Eastern Illinois University in 2022. After completing graduate school, Asianna hopes to work in government affairs to continue her passion for advocacy and writing.
Fun Facts: She is a huge food fanatic and she loves to garden. Asianna has her own mini garden that has 5 plants!

Asma, Writing Tutor
Asma is a second-year graduate student pursuing a master's degree in Special Education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Education and Commerce and completed master’s in Sociology and Education. Asma worked for six years in India as a teacher for middle school students teaching English, Social Studies, and Global Citizenship. She hopes to have a career in teaching students with special needs and eventually pursue her Ph.D.
Fun Facts: Asma likes to play lawn tennis and badminton. She also likes listening to music and watching movies.

Ayesha, Front Desk Aide
Ayesha is a senior studying computer science with a minor in marketing. She develops websites for all types of clients and plans to continue doing so in the future.
Fun Facts: Ayesha is a big NBA fan and loves travelling.

Brian, Math Tutor
As a math major, Brian is excited to be a member of the LSC/CAW tutoring team. He graduated with a paraprofessional certificate from Harper College in 2023 with the goal of becoming a high school teacher.
Fun Facts: Brian can be found around campus jogging, biking or working out at Campus Rec.

Bud, Front Desk Aide
Bud is pursuing an MBA degree at NEIU and is an international student from Mongolia. Before coming to the U.S, he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Business Management in Belgium. He has also worked as an Export Administrator for bp Belgium.
Fun Facts: Bud has a black belt and 10+ years of experience in Judo. It is his biggest passion, besides eating food, taking naps and cozying up at home.

David, Writing Tutor
David is a graduate student pursuing an M.A. in TESOL. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. David is an avid reader who also likes to write short stories in his free time. In the future, if it is kind, he hopes to teach abroad — preferably at the university level.
Fun Facts: David loves to play video games with his friends and fluffy dogs. He is also a heavy proponent of the afternoon nap.

Fareeha, Biology Tutor
Fareeha is an undergraduate student majoring in Biology. She is in her second year at NEIU and is an international student from India. After graduating, she wants to work in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry. Eventually, her plan is to pursue a master's degree. As an international student, she hopes to gain as much experience as she can and participate in research and internships before graduation.
Fun Facts: Fareeha loves trying out different coffees and playing badminton. She spends most of her time watching k-dramas and anime. She recently discovered an interest in press-on nails and hopes to create her own press-on nail designs.

Gabe, Writing Tutor
Gabe is currently pursuing a master’s degree in English Composition. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies with a minor in Creative Writing from NEIU in December 2021. His passion for writing led him back to NEIU, where he began his journey to a master’s degree in Fall 2022. He is also the Campus Arts and Life Editor for NEIU’s newspaper, The Independent.
Fun Facts: Gabe works for his family-owned fencing company. In his spare time, he enjoys long walks, cooking, spending time with his family, and traveling.

Grace, Economics and WIP MNGT 370 Tutor
Grace is an undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. She transferred to NEIU after obtaining an Associate of Arts in Business and Accounting. In the future, she hopes to become a CPA.
Fun Facts: Some of Grace’s hobbies in her free time include reading and playing tennis.

Habib, Math Tutor
Habib is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. He is an international student from India. He plans to gain a lot of experience and participate in internships before graduating.
Fun Facts: Habib really enjoys reading, especially crime thrillers, and watching psychological thriller movies. Recently, he has been into rap from his home country and loves beatboxing. He was a runner up in a local beatbox tournament.

Irene, Biology Tutor
Irene is a senior majoring in Biology. She plans on going to physician assistant (PA) school and pursuing a career as a dermatology PA. She enjoys working with students, helping them clarify and review concepts learned in class.
Fun Facts: Irene loves to travel and collect vintage cameras and mugs. She also enjoys kayaking and outdoor activities. In her spare time, she enjoys reading rom coms, and her favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry cheesecake from Ben and Jerry’s.

Jakob, Art History Tutor
Jakob is a senior majoring in Studio Art and minoring in Art History. After graduation, Jakob will pursue a Ph.D. with the hopes of teaching at an R1 research institution. His research focuses on the Black, Queer identity as portrayed in media and represented in art education settings.
Fun Facts: Jakob has two newly-adopted kittens (Rinna and Pinot)

Jatziry, Learning Strategies and Spanish Tutor
Jatziry is an undergraduate student double majoring in Spanish and K-12 Education with a minor/endorsement in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). In the future, Jatziry hopes to teach Spanish and ESL at the high school level, while also helping to run an ESL program for parents and guardians within her school district.
Fun Facts: Jatziry loves to spend time with her loved ones, reading and cooking during her free time. She also enjoys being out in nature and bike riding during the summer.

John, Korean Tutor
John is a junior majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Cybersecurity. In the future, he hopes to pursue a career in the tech industry. Additionally, he aspires to travel the whole world. John has always been interested in different languages and cultures and aims to become a polyglot one day.
Fun Facts: In his free time, John loves reading, watching anime and Korean dramas, and listening to music. He also enjoys going to concerts and traveling.

John, Psychology Tutor
John is a third-year undergraduate in psychology. He is a McNair Scholar and Honors student with a full-ride scholarship to NEIU. John plans on applying to Ph.D. programs in clinical psychology to follow his dream of becoming a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC). John also intends to stay involved in research and academia, perhaps one day becoming a professor.
Fun Facts: When he is not tutoring, studying, or hanging out with his lovely girlfriend, John is likely training Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts. He’s also a huge "Star Wars" fan.

Julian, Communication, Media & Theatre and Biology Tutor
Julian is a Junior pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Biology. He has earned certifications in Electrical and Advanced Electrical from Apex Technical School. His goal in life is to help as many people as he can and to inspire those around him.
Fun Facts: Julian loves going to bible study with his family and singing worship songs. He loves watching movies and TV shows and reading poetry. He is usually seen walking around campus

Kat, Psychology and WIP MNGT 370 Tutor
Kat is a senior majoring in Psychology who has also taken courses in the College of Business and Technology at NEIU. She is a first-generation student and a returning adult student who has been slowly earning her degree while juggling work and being a mom. Once she graduates, she plans to go to graduate school to study Mental Health Counseling with a focus on Addiction Studies. She hopes to one day become a Program Director for an in-patient treatment facility. She is also interested in Comparative Psychology.
Fun Facts: Kat has two orange tabbies, Francis and Garfunkel and raised black swallowtail butterflies this past summer. Her favorite book is "The Clan of the Cave Bear" by Jean M. Auel. During her free time, she likes to garden, exercise, and host karaoke nights.

Kio, Front Desk Aide
Kio is a graduate student pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching in Middle Level Education with a focus on English language arts. She earned a B.A. in Music from NEIU in 2023. Kio has been a vocalist for a decade and vocally trained since she was 10 years old. She is a crossover singer, a mezzo-soprano opera singer and sings musical theater. Kio teaches voice lessons part time and also works at The Home Depot. Kio has love for teaching and literature which inspired her to continue her higher education journey to become an English teacher.
Fun Facts: She enjoys learning new things and loves to learn and spread knowledge to others. She loves teaching and watching others have that 'light bulb moment' when learning something new.

Kira, Communication, Media and Theatre Tutor
Kira is an undergraduate student double majoring in Communication, Media and Theatre and Psychology. Beyond her academic pursuits, she has a profound passion for the arts, including writing poetry, songwriting, singing and exploring holistic health through both practice and writing. As a tutor, her goal is to support students in finding their own voice to express themselves. Kira aspires to further her education through graduate school, aiming to achieve a Ph.D. in her field of interest.
Fun Facts: In high school, Kira participated in a documentary called "Louder Than a Bomb."

Mark, Writing Tutor
Mark came to NEIU as a transfer student in 2019 and earned his B.A. in English in 2021. Mark is currently working on an M.A. in English Composition.
Fun Facts: Mark loves to read and thinks Milton’s "Paradise Lost”, Cervantes’ "Don Quixote", Melville’s “Moby-Dick”, and Dostoyevsky’s “Crime and Punishment” are the four greatest works of literature ever written. Mark also enjoys classic science fiction literature from writers like Isaac Asimov and Robert A. Heinlein, as well as shows like "Doctor Who" and "Star Trek." He is also a fan of the Sherlock Holmes stories and enjoys detective shows like "Columbo" and "Monk."

Mateen, Senior Math Tutor
Mateen is a graduate student in the math program and his favorite areas of math are stats and combinatorics. In their free time, they like to read manga, manhwa, and manhua. They also like to thrift, play basketball, and bike in their free time.
Fun Facts: They are learning to make and alter clothes using crochet, sewing machine, heat transfer vinyl, and also gems.

Molly, Linguistics and Writing Tutor
Molly is a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in Linguistics. She earned her bachelor's degree in Hispanic Studies from Converse College. This is Molly’s second year as a tutor for LSC/CAW. In the future, she hopes to work for the National Park Service.
Fun Facts: Molly’s favorite thing to do is explore North America’s various parks, monuments, and forests. She also loves to help curate and plan road trip itineraries for others!

Nicky, Math Tutor
Nikhitha is a graduate student studying Computer Science. She is an international student from India. Her academic journey has deepened her passion for math, and she loves exploring intricate patterns and real-world applications. She finds it incredibly rewarding to help students build confidence and succeed in their studies.
Fun Facts: Nikhitha’s interests include watching movies, reading fictional books, painting and listening to music. She enjoys sleeping when she's upset, happy, or anxious.

Patrick, Geography & Environmental Studies Tutor
Patrick is a graduate student seeking a master’s degree in Geography and Environmental Studies as well as a master’s certificate in Geographic Information Systems. He received his B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on the Future of Global Cities and a minor in Geography and Environmental Studies from 91Porn in 2021. His specialization is in the political geography of human movement and urbanization. He has worked as an organizer on political campaigns, a program assistant for international non-governmental organizations, an intern at the DePaul University International Human Rights Law Institute, and a volunteer at local refugee aid organizations. After graduation, he plans to continue working in the field of international politics and human rights. This is his first year as a NEIU tutor.
Fun Facts: Patrick has visited every one of the 77 recognized neighborhoods of Chicago. He is also determined to find the best hamburger in Chicago.

Sarah, Front Desk Aide
Sarah is an undergraduate student majoring in Cybersecurity and double minoring in Management and Marketing. This is her third year at NEIU. She enjoys learning computer science algorithms and ethical hacking. She has participated in computer science internships before, and hopes to continue to land more internships in the future.
Fun Facts: Sarah loves trying new restaurants and coffee shops. She also enjoys reading fast paced thrillers.

Sharon, Writing Tutor
Sharon is a first-year graduate student in Linguistics. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English and Literary Studies. She enjoys teaching and has taught middle and high school students. Coming from a diverse linguistic background, she finds the language acquisition process very fascinating. Hence, her desire to pursue a Ph.D. to eventually become a professor.
Fun Facts: Sharon’s favorite thing to do is snack on something light. Maybe that’s why you would always find her whipping up a new recipe she found on Instagram. Sharon also loves to share the proceeds from her cooking escapades with loved ones while spending time with them.

Thalia, English Literature and Just Studies Tutor
Thalia is a third year English and Justice Studies student. She loves to write and hopes to be an English professor in the future.
Fun Facts: Thalia enjoys playing her guitar, reading books, and working out at the gym.

Tiara, Community Health and WIP HSCI 315 Tutor, Front Desk Aide
Tiara is an undergraduate student majoring in Community Health and taking Public Health courses to prepare for the Master of Public Health program with plans to apply in May 2025. As a nontraditional, first-generation college student, she aspires to pursue a Ph.D. with a focus in gynecological cancers, maternal health, and advocating for health equity for the African American population.
Fun Facts: Tiara loves to spend her time with her husband and children, watching movies, having game nights or going out to dinner. Tiara also enjoys collecting crystals.

Tyler, Writing Tutor
Tyler is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student who received his B.A. in History from UCCS. He loves to help people with all types of writing and wants to talk about all of your research ideas. Tyler dreams of opening his own private counseling practice someday.
Fun Facts: Tyler is an amateur astronomer and outdoor enthusiast. He also loves science fiction, baseball, and playing strategy games in his free time. If he had to pick a favorite book, board game, and movie it would probably be "Dune."