{"id":45243,"date":"2020-03-27T12:46:48","date_gmt":"2020-03-27T16:46:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/?page_id=45243"},"modified":"2026-04-01T12:02:49","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T16:02:49","slug":"welcome-from-the-deans-hosts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/admissions\/undergraduate\/welcome\/welcome-from-the-deans-hosts\/","title":{"rendered":"Welcome from the Dean’s Hosts"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome from the Student Dean’s Hosts President<\/span><\/h3>\n

To the Boston University College of Arts & Sciences Class of 2030, welcome and congratulations on your admission!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>My name is Collin Leong, and I\u2019m a senior serving as the president of the College of Arts and Science Dean\u2019s Hosts. I have the pleasure of pursuing a <\/span>B.A in. Earth & Environmental Science<\/span><\/a> and double minors in <\/span>Environmental Remote Sensing & Geographic Information Systems <\/span><\/a>and <\/span>Urban Studies<\/span><\/a>. At Boston University, exploring my passion for creating meaningful changes in the real world was made possible through getting involved in experiential learning opportunities in the <\/span>MetroBridge program <\/span><\/a>with <\/span>BU\u2019s Initiative on Cities (IOC)<\/span><\/a> and support from the <\/span>CAS Experiential Learning (EL) connector<\/span>.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

When I first arrived at BU, I came with very little to no expectations, but with a heart full of excitement of what college might bring. I flew from my home in Singapore and had never been to Boston before or knew much about Boston University. But first semester, leaving our doors open at our <\/span>Rich Hall <\/span><\/a>dorm or meeting people in passing, making friends felt easy like a warm hug.<\/span><\/p>\n

Weekends were filled with fun excursions like watching the Red Sox play at Fenway Park with friends from taking <\/span>FY101 \u2013 First Gen<\/span><\/a> or picnicking with my new friends on the \u201cBU Beach\u201d<\/a>. These little moments exploring Boston and forming lifelong friendships from all over the world, made the distance away from home a little smaller, over time, and Boston University became a home away from home.<\/span><\/p>\n

At my core, my love for the outdoors and nerdy passion for collecting rocks came <\/span>together through taking <\/span>Prof. Lawford Anderson\u2019s<\/span><\/a> <\/span>EE300 \u2013 Earth Rocky Materials<\/b><\/a>. Field trips to Blue Hills Reservation, breaking into granite with a pickaxe, and hunting fossils along rocky coastlines in Rhode Island with <\/span>Prof. Richard Becker, <\/span><\/a>took theory off the books and made learning feel alive and tangible in my hands. Taking classes at Boston University showed me that there is a vastness of knowledge that is not confined to classroom walls.<\/span><\/p>\n

College will undoubtedly bring nights of hard work and moments of uncertainty, but it will also be filled with nights of laughter with friends in dining halls and a Terrier family that will support you every step of the way.<\/span><\/p>\n

As I reflect on my time at BU, it is the people, the community, and the terrier spirit that makes it feel alive, and gives me hope for the future.<\/span><\/p>\n

I can\u2019t wait for you to experience the same warmth that I feel at Boston University. Even if home may be far, I am certain that in time, Boston University will become a place you can call home, just as it will always be for me.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>Co<\/strong>llin Leong
\nP<\/strong>resident, College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Hosts
\nClass of 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Connect with a Student Dean’s Host<\/span><\/h3>\n
Lizzie Ferrera<\/strong> | Class of 2027 | Biology on Pre-Health Track<\/h5>
<\/p>\n

\"\"Hi! My name is Lizzie Ferrera, and I\u2019m a sophomore at BU majoring in biology on the pre-med track with a minor in applied human development and public health. On campus, I\u2019m an active member of OPHiA, our community service sorority, and Alianza Latina. I\u2019m also working toward my EMT certification and I\u2019m a research assistant in Sargent\u2019s Communication and Neurodevelopment Lab. Beyond BU, I volunteer every Thursday at Boston Children\u2019s Hospital in an inpatient surgical unit, gaining firsthand experience in patient care.<\/p>\n

<\/span>What is your go-to study spot on campus?<\/strong> My go-to study spot on campus is Kilachand\u2019s 9th floor. It has a great view, and the booths are really comfortable. It\u2019s a good balance between being able to focus and having the option to socialize.<\/em><\/p>\n

Instagram: @itslizzzieee | <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Contact: lizzief8@bu.edu<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Prerna Shankar<\/strong> | Class of 2026 | Neuroscience on Pre-Health Track<\/h5>
<\/p>\n

\"\"On campus, I’m Music Director for Suno, BU’s Premier South Asian Fusion A Cappella team! I also do research at the Center for Autism Research Excellence (CARE), where I investigate language development patterns in neurotypical and autistic children. In addition, I’m an EMS instructor at FitRec, teaching at BU’s EMT school. Of course, I’m involved with Dean’s Hosts, and I’m a Peer Mentor and Admissions Ambassador with the Kilachand Honors College. I’m also involved with the Mind and Brain Society on campus.<\/p>\n

What is your go-to study spot on campus?<\/strong> My favorite study spot on campus is the 6th floor of the Yawkey building! It has beautiful\u00a0views of Cambridge and the Charles and is usually super peaceful.<\/em><\/p>\n

Instagram: @prerna_shankar7 | LinkedIn<\/a> | Contact: prernas7@bu.edu<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Ava Vu<\/strong> | Class of 2029 | Biology with a specialization in Behavioral Biology<\/h5>
<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/em>Hometown: <\/strong>East Boston, MA
\nAva’s Advice:<\/strong>\u00a0Time goes by quickly, so make the most out of everything! Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and more importantly, don’t be afraid to take advantage of every opportunity presented to you!
\nFavorite off campus activity: <\/b>Play volleyball & sidequest around the city!
\nExtracurriculars:<\/strong> Boston University alpha Kappa Delta Phi, Vietnamese Student Association<\/p>\n

Instagram: @avavu_ | Contact: avu20@bu.edu<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Deja Ford<\/strong> | Class of 2026 | Psychology & Public Health<\/h5>
<\/p>\n

\"\"Along with being a Dean’s Host, I am the Founder and President of BU\u2019s first DJ collective, BU on Beat! I also serve as the Protocol Chair for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Additionally, I am a member of the Undergraduate Psychology Association. In addition, I am a former FY101 Peer Mentor and I serve as a volunteer at the Haley House Soup Kitchen and at the Office of Student Programs and Leadership.<\/p>\n

What is your one piece of advice you would give incoming BU students?<\/strong> Be open to new experiences, get out of your comfort zone! Also… make sure to actually study for exams!<\/em><\/p>\n

LinkedIn<\/a> | Contact: dejaford@bu.edu<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Isabella Madrigal<\/strong> | Class of 2027 | International Relations & Political Science<\/h5>
<\/p>\n

\"\"As part of BU’s community, I am an ESL instructor with Potencia’s chapter on campus, where I have the opportunity to empower and provide accessible English lessons to adult immigrants in the greater Boston area. Additionally, I am an active member of Alianza Latina’s Hermanos Committee, where I offer guidance and support to underrepresented Latinx students. On top of being a Dean’s Host, I also lead as a Student Supervisor at the Student Philanthropy Center since I encourage students to become more involved in BU through fundraising for different organizations, scholarships, and groups at BU. Outside of class, I like to dance with the help of BU’s Hip-Hop PDP class!<\/p>\n

What is your favorite activity to do off campus?<\/strong> I love going to East Boston with my friends\u00a0and exploring the different dishes offered by Chelsea’s diverse restaurants and Latinx population.<\/span>
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

Instagram: @isabella_mgal<\/span> | Contact: isamgal@bu.edu<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Helen Lallos-Harrell<\/strong> | Class of 2027 | Political Science & Economics<\/h5>
<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Hometown: <\/strong>Oak Park, IL
\nHelen’s Advice:<\/strong> There are boundless opportunities to learn and grow at BU. Taking the time to step out of your comfort zone and discover something new is truly one of the most rewarding things you can do during your college experience.
\nExtracurriculars:<\/strong> CAS Student Government (VP of Community Affairs), Kappa Alpha Theta (VP of Finance), Phi Alpha Delta
\nFavorite off campus activity: <\/strong>I love to go look at historic architecture around Boston.<\/p>\n

Instagram: @helengracelh | Contact: hlal935@bu.edu<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Kavya Subramanian<\/strong> | Class of 2027 | Mathematics & Computer Science<\/h5>
<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Hometown: <\/strong>Dubai, United Arab Emirates
\n<\/strong>Kavya’s Experience:<\/strong> I have realized the transformative power of finding a community that supports you and mentors who inspire you.
\nExtracurriculars:<\/strong> BU Girls Who Code (President), CAS Experiential Learning Connector (Mentor), Undergraduate Women in Science & Engineering, BU Spark!, Trustee Scholar
\nFavorite off campus activity: <\/strong>Taking a stroll on Newbury St!
\nQuote:<\/strong> “I always get to where I’m going by walking away from where I’ve been” – Winnie the Pooh<\/p>\n

Instagram: @kavya.s_6 | Contact: kavyas@bu.edu
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Willa Norvell<\/strong> | Class of 2028 | Philosophy, Political Science, & English<\/h5>
<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Hometown: <\/strong>San Diego, CA
\n<\/strong>Willa’s Experience:<\/strong> I have learned how to create opportunities for myself and find welcoming communities that share the same interests!
\nExtracurriculars:<\/strong> Omega Phi Alpha (Active Member), The Bunion Paper (Writer), The PinkyToe Paper (Writer), WTBU (DJ)
\nFavorite off campus activity:<\/strong>I love going to Coolidge Corner for a new movie showing and I\u2019m a huge fan of listening to new artists live!<\/p>\n

Instagram: @willab33n | Contact: wnorvell@bu.edu
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

 <\/p>\n

Apply to be a Dean’s Host<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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