Meet Your Crown & Merril Peer Advisors!

ADVISING RESOURCES

The Crown  & MerrillPeer Advisors are undergraduate students who are available as a resource to their peers for basic academic advising. They are trained to assist students through student-to-student interactions and are able give advice based on personal experience. The  Peer Advisors are available every weekday to assist students with tasks like navigating the MyUCSC portal, enrollment (adding, swapping, dropping and editing courses), finding the best GE or elective course for their needs, and connecting them to other resources on campus, etc. Connecting with a Peer Advisor is easy, check out how below!

Want to connect with a specific Peer Advisor? Email CrownPA@ucsc.edu or mrlpradv@ucsc.edu and just start your email with Hi ____! and the Peer you address will be sure to respond. 🙂

Current Peer Advisors

Sanjam

Lead Crown Peer Advisor
Major: Computer Science & Business Admin
She/Her/Hers

Hi there! My name is Sanjam and I am a second-year computer science major! As a first-generation college student from the lovely town of Clovis, California, I’m passionate about supporting others through their academic journey. When I’m not hitting the books or working, you can find me playing badminton with friends, entertaining new video games, or planning my next adventure. As a member of the Crown Peer Advising team, I’m here to offer guidance and help you navigate the twists and turns of college life. Whether you need advice on coursework, want to chat about your interests, or just need a listening ear, don’t hesitate to reach out! Looking forward to getting to know you! 

Kealani

Lead Merrill Peer Advisor
Major: MCD Biology & Sociology
She/Her/Hers

Hello everyone! My name is Kealani, and I’m a fourth-year double majoring in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology and Sociology. I’m from Santa Barbara, CA and some of my hobbies include reading, crocheting, going to the beach, and trying new coffee spots in Santa Cruz. On campus, I’m involved in Cowell/Stevenson Residential Life and do research in the Bhalla Lab. This is my 3rd year as a Merrill Peer Advisor, and my second as Lead. I’m so excited to assist the Crown/Merrill communities this year! I look forward to meeting with and helping everyone in any way that I can.

 

Hope

Crown Peer Advisor
Major: MCD Biology
She/Her/Hers

Hello hello! My name is Hope, and I’m a third-year MCD Biology Major here at Crown. I’m currently on a premed track and plan to dive into the field with an open mind and a compassionate heart. I love playing instruments, singing, writing, and will never pass up watching a good series or drama! Most of all, there’s nothing I love more than being able to be there for others and serve my community. Whether it’s basic advice or a helping hand, I’ll do my best to help support you thrive during this special time. Thanks!

 

Tejal

Merrill Peer Advisor
Major: Biomolec Engineering, Bioinformatics, & Education
She/Her/Hers

Hello! My name is Tejal and I am a fourth-year majoring in Biomolecular Engineering and Education. I am from Morgan Hill, California and I love the color pink! My hobbies include watching TV/movies, playing Minecraft, cooking, reading, and crafting. I am involved in undergrad research as a member of the UCSC 2025 iGEM team researching DNA aptamers. This is my 2nd year as a Merrill Peer Advisor, and I am excited to be serving the Crown and Merrill Communities. I hope to help everyone with any of their advising needs!

 

Liz

Crown Peer Advisor
Major: Computer Science
She/Her/Hers

Hi! I’m Lizbeth, a second-year computer science major and first-generation college student from Redlands, California. I am also a first-generation Mexican-American and fluent in Spanish, so if you need or want to talk in Spanish, please feel free to do so! When I’m not studying,  I am usually reading a book, adding to my video game collection that I love so much, or I’m out looking for more vintage clothing to add to my wardrobe! I understand how it can be nerve-racking to come in to college not knowing much and feeling really lost and that’s why I’m here to ease that nerve-racking feeling as much as possible! As part of the Crown Peer Advising, I want to offer my knowledge to help you. If you need to chat about your interests, concerns,  academics, or whatever questions you may have, please reach out!

Jazmine

Crown Peer Advisor
Major: Cognitive Science
She/Her/Hers

Hi! My name is Jazmine, and I am a second-year Cognitive Science major coming from Castro Valley, California. When I’m not in my favorite spot in the library, getting through my coursework, I love to catch up on my favorite shows, read fantasy books, and chat with friends on the East Field. I know sometimes college can feel like a bumpy ride, but as a Crown Peer Advisor I’m here to support anyone through the ups and downs that come with being a college student! Personally, the Crown Advising team helped me throughout my first year so now I hope to help others in that same way. If you need a little boost up, I’ll be here to listen, help out with scheduling, or just for a chat. You aren’t alone in this process, and I hope to meet with you and support you through it!  Â