People

EL Connector Staff

Erin Michael Salius, Director

Erin became the inaugural director of the CAS Experiential Learning Connector on December 1, 2022. It has been her great honor to develop this resource with and for CAS undergraduates. Erin is a proud alum of BU Arts & Sciences, having earned her doctorate in English from GRS in 2015. Her scholarship focuses on contemporary African American literature and religion. Prior to joining the Connector, she served as associate dean in Metropolitan College and director of Summer Term at BU. In her free time, she enjoys running, volunteering at a cat shelter with her family, and baking vegan treats.

Grace Hymel, Assistant Director

Grace joined the EL Connector in September 2023. After spending several years dedicated to community engagement and leadership development in higher education, she is passionate about sharing the transformative power of experiential learning and supporting students in their leadership toward a more just world. Grace earned her M.S. in student affairs in higher education from Miami University (in Ohio) and her B.A. in sociology from Loyola University Maryland. Outside of work, Grace enjoys being active in nature, listening to podcasts, and road tripping to new places with friends.

Student Staff

Hanna Busby, Graduate Assistant

Hanna is a first-year master’s student in the biology department with a concentration in ecology, evolution, and behavior. She recently completed her undergraduate career at BU as well, majoring in marine science with a minor in environment remote sensing and GIS. She is currently a member of the Finnerty lab, where she studies coral microbiomes. Hanna is passionate about marine conservation and science education. In her free time, she enjoys baking, kayaking, and sewing.

Mayenli Comfort-Maryam, EL Ambassador

Mayenli is a senior at Boston University majoring in chemistry, specializing in chemical biology and minoring in French. She is passionate about healthcare and kids, and she does research at MGH’s Lurie Center for Autism. On campus, she is involved in the National Society of Black Women in Medicine and does research in an organic chemistry lab. Outside of school, she’s always looking for her next read and loves to go biking.

Caitlin Dainas, EL Ambassador

Caitlin is a junior studying political science with minors in data science and journalism at Boston University; her academic interests are at the intersection of political journalism, AI policy, and law. She spent her first year studying abroad in London and Florence, which only deepened a lifelong love of travel. On campus, she’s been involved as a correspondent for BUTV10, a fellow with BU’s AI Safety Association, a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority, and a moot court competitor. Her work experience ranges from a congressional internship to a political producer role at NBC Connecticut this summer, and this year she’s producing a social work documentary through the E2AC Fellowship. When she’s not at work or studying, you can usually find Caitlin on a hike, at drop-in dance classes, or scoping out the best matcha spots in town.

Maya Pampuch, EL Ambassador

Maya is a senior double majoring in philosophy and anthropology at Boston University. On campus, you can find her working at Saxbys, reviewing submissions for Arché, or in the climbing gym. While at BU, Maya has been a Marsh Fellow through Marsh Chapel as well as an Alain Locke Fellow at MIT. In her free time, Maya enjoys finding new cafés, crocheting, and talking to her roommates about philosophy.

Kian Tan, EL Ambassador

Kian is a junior from Singapore majoring in mathematics and computer science. He is passionate about software engineering, data science, and applied statistics. On campus, he is actively involved in the Singapore Students’ Association, Stock Trading at BU, and Sports Analytics Group. In his free time, he enjoys distance running along the Charles River and reading nonfiction books.

Lynne Zhou, EL Ambassador

Lynne is a senior at Boston University studying economics and mathematics. This summer, she interned at Waters Corporation as a Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Intern! Outside of work and school, Lynne loves traveling, discovering new places, and is always on the hunt for good food and new restaurants to try.