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We are happy to support your IntroSems course! You may request a CDA+ here. If you have questions, please reach out to our Academic Technology Specialist, Hollie Fortkamp: hollief@stanford.edu

All CDA+s are trained in Canvas, Academic Technology, IntroSems Course Enhancements, and Pedagogy. In addition to these skills, each student offers individual areas of expertise, as noted below. 

Meet the CDA+ Team

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Amanda Kay

IntroSems I've taken:

PSYC 55N: Secrecy

 PHIL 20N: Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence

Areas of expertise:

Experience with Python and Java, as well as web design tools (HTML, C++, JavaScript). Mentoring experience with creative writing. Design experience using Canva.

Bio:

Hi, my name is Amanda and I'm currently a sophomore. I love how IntroSems have allowed me to explore different disciplines while working in small group settings, a reason why I'm so excited to facilitate that same experience moving forward. My main areas of academic interest include artificial intelligence, creative writing, and accessible web design.

Favorite study snack:

Boba!!

Brianna Gamble

IntroSems I've taken:

COMPMED 23N: Pandemics & Plagues - Biological Causes and Social Effects 

OBGYN 81Q: Perspectives on Abortion Experience in Western Fiction

Areas of expertise:

Canva design, policy writing, science communication, canvas course design, data visualization, scientific writing, Microsoft Office/Google Suite, event planning, community building, general lab skills

Bio:

Hello! I am a senior from Charleston, SC majoring in Human Biology and pursuing a notation in science communication. I'm passionate about reproductive justice, public health, and health equity with the long-term goal of becoming a physician. Outside of the classroom I am a member of the women's rugby team and can often be found hanging out with friends around campus.

Favorite study snack:

Trader Joe's Movie Theater Popcorn

 

Dean Wiley

IntroSems I've taken:

Psych 21N-How To Make a Racist

 English 23Q- First Chapters: Please Allow me to Introduce Myself

Areas of expertise:

American Studies, Political Sciences, Ethnic Narratives, The Physiological effects of Racism, How Political Institutions are formatted, teaching experience, language outside of English-- Familiarity with Spanish, Racial Politics, Racial Narratives, Storytelling, Poetry, Writing Creative Non-Fiction, Public Speaking, Debate, Musical Theater, Contemporary/Balroom Dancing

Bio:

Hello, my name is Dean Wiley and I am a sophomore studying Political Science on the Pre-Law track. I am most drive by the pervasive issue of mass incarceration and racist ideologies enforced in governmental structures and institutions. I am a advocate for human rights, a writer, and a profesional TV binge watcher. I am thrilled to be working with such an awesome team and hope to work with you soon!

Favorite study snack:

Apples with peanut butter sauce is just to die for!!!

Jason Hu

IntroSems I've taken:

EDUC116N: Howard Zinn and the Quest for Historical Truth

ESS46N: Exploring the Critical Interface Between the Land and Monterey Bay: Elkhorn Slough

 MI70Q: Photographing Nature

 RELIGST12N: Perspectives on the Good Life

Areas of expertise:

Canvas course design; field trip planning; environmental fieldwork (electrofishing, seining); tutoring; Mac/iPad troubleshooting; digital photography and Lightroom; Python, Java, and C++

Bio:

I'm a sophomore studying Computer Science and Earth Systems with an interest in spatial analysis. Outside of class, you might find me at the Climbing Wall or jogging around campus. I've taken IntroSems in wildly diverse subjects, from historiography to oceanography, and they've been my favorite classes across the board. I'm excited to help the IntroSems program deliver great classroom experiences to new students!

Favorite study snack:

Guacamole with Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel seasoning!

Mishika Govil

IntroSem I've taken: 

APPPHYS 79N: Energy Options of the 21st Century

IntroSem I've worked with as a CDA+:

 EE 14N: Things about Stuff 

CHEMENG 65Q: Chemical Engineering for Sustainability

CLASSICS 19N: Eloquence Personified: How To Speak Like Cicero

Areas of expertise:

I have been a CDA+ for a year now and through it have gained experience in logistics coordination, Canvas, academic technology more broadly (Zoom, Microsoft Office, Notion, Google Suite, etc), and curriculum development. I have experience with Python, Java, C++, R, and have done a bit of frontend development through my experience as a research assistant in the Statistics department this past summer. I am proficient in Hindi and Spanish and have a background in tutoring. I am always excited to learn new ideas, languages, and skills!

Bio:

I'm a junior studying Management Science and Engineering on the Operations and Analytics track and minoring in CS. What drives me is learning how things work - whether it be in the context of pure math, computing, the physical universe, the human mind, economic structures, or anything else. I also love watching Bollywood, rereading Harry Potter for the thousandth time, and playing ping pong and basketball with friends and family.

Favorite study snack:

Mangoes!

Paige Olson

IntroSems I've taken:

PSYC 60N: Psychology of Stoked

STRAMGT 110Q: Making Sense of Strategy

Areas of expertise: 

Python and C++; Excel and Powerpoint; working in a research lab; editing essays on Fiverr; tutoring in math, chemistry, and writing

Bio: 

I am a senior majoring in Symbolic Systems with a concentration in Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, but am also interested in human behavior, communications, design, and finance. On campus, I am involved in Stanford Women in Finance and Stanford Women in Design, and this summer, I interned at a healthcare investment company and worked on the Finance Team at The Farmlink Project. In my free time, I love going to the beach, swimming, cooking, and playing guitar.

Favorite study snack: 

Popcorn!

Rebecca Wu

IntroSems I've taken:

ENGR 159Q: Japanese Companies and Japanese Society

Psych55N: Secrecy

JAPAN 82N: Joys and Pains of Growing Up and Older in Japan

Areas of expertise:

Python, C++, HTML, Figma, UX-design, research @ GSB (Behavioral Lab; research topics include consumer psychology and financial decision-making), Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese, Taiwanese

Bio:

Hi! My name is Rebecca, I'm a sophomore intending to major in Data Science & Computer Science with a potential minor in Economics. I'm passionate about the intersection of entrepreneurship and finance, and have explored a myriad of other academic interdisciplinaries through introsem courses. On campus, I am part of Cardinal Ventures, Stanford Women in Business, and the Undergraduate Council.

Favorite study snack:

Fruit platters!

Richard Yin

IntroSems I've taken:

ENGLISH-25Q: Queer Stories

Areas of expertise:

Python, java, c++, javascript, Chinese

Bio:

Hi! My name is Richard, I’m a rising Junior from Buffalo Grove, Illinois. I like to run and paint in my free time, and my favorite artist is right now is Mallrat!

Favorite study snack:

Chocolate pretzels

Sofia Raquel Gonzalez-Rodriguez

IntroSems I've taken:

EARTHSYS 41N The Global Warming Paradox

PSYCH 28N The Cultural Shaping of Emotion

ENGLISH 17N Animal Poems

Areas of expertise:

In addition to English, I am a native speaker of Spanish and Italian; I've worked with beginner English learners as an Habla tutor. I have extensive experience with writing and communications, from my role as an arts journalist and desk editor for the Stanford Daily to my work creating webpages on Wix and Squarespace (to this end, I also have some Python experience). I am an editor for the Stanford Undergraduate Law Review and the recipient of the 2021 fall quarter Boothe Prize for Excellence in Writing. I am currently assisting Professor Asad in his sociological research on immigration-serving organizations; I sit in on life story interviews and transcribe them using Trint software. My long-term aspiration is to become an immigration lawyer.

Bio:

I am a junior likely majoring in Sociology with long-term aspirations of working as an immigration lawyer. I am passionate about gender and racial justice, and spend my free time reading everything from pop cultural criticism to young adult fiction (I am currently about halfway through Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment!). I also love to stream just about any genre of music—and occasionally play some on the flute.

Favorite study snack:

any type of fruit (especially whatever is in season)!

Analiese Bancroft

IntroSems I've taken:

BIOE70Q: Medical Device Innovation

Areas of expertise:

I am presently a researcher at the Hong Neurotechnology Lab, where my focus lies in the field of deep-brain activation utilizing radiofrequency technology. My research extends across various departments at Stanford University, including Material Science, Arts & Music Composition, and Athletics. This diverse array of experiences has enriched my skill set and perspective. Additionally, I have experience in programming languages such as Python, ChucK, Matlab, and LogicProX, allowing me to engage in multidisciplinary work effectively.

Bio:

Hello! My name is Analiese Bancroft and I am a junior majoring in Material Science & Engineering and Music Composition. I am currently a researcher in the Hong Neurotechnology Lab, a coxswain on the Stanford's Women Rowing Team, and super interested in medical innovation. I am also a part of Stanford's Laptop Orchestra as well as Cardinal Ballet Company. I have a wide range of skills and experiences throughout Stanford. I am super excited to work and learn with you this year!

Favorite study snack:

Veggies!

Ayana Griffin

IntroSems I've taken:

PSYC 56N: THE PERSONAL GENOMICS REVOLUTION: FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH

PHIL 25Q: DIGITAL PRIVACY AND ETHICS

FEMGEN 106Q: GENDER AND MEDIA

 MI 70Q: PHOTOGRAPHING NATURE

Areas of expertise:

Experiences with teaching to a wide variety of audiences (from third graders in India via Zoom to full-time engineers and managers at Microsoft), experience with technology and coding languages such as Python, JavaScript, Java, etc.

Bio:

Hi, I'm Ayana! I am a junior studying Symbolic Systems and I am particularly interested in pursing a career that explores educational technology and using code to further education globally. I have spent the past few summers interning at Microsoft as a software engineer, crocheting gigantic rugs, and taking volunteer teaching opportunities!

Favorite study snack:

I love fresh fruit, especially blueberries and mangoes!

 

Chana Lanter

IntroSems I've taken:

PHIL 3N/CS 57N: Randomness: Computational and Philosophical Approaches 

 PSYC 111Q: The Changing Face of "Mental Illness" in Women: Historical, Medical and Artistic Approaches

Areas of expertise:

Interest in Semitic languages (Modern Hebrew, Babylonian Aramaic) and Armenian experience teaching high school students and frosh in formal and informal settings experience in ethnography and oral history

Bio:

Chana is a rising junior studying Linguistics, Philosophy, and Religion. She is pursuing an Interdisciplinary Honors Thesis in FGSS about Orthodox Jewish women's navigation of legal discourse pertaining to menstrual purity laws. She is especially interested in the Late Antique, Medieval, and Early Modern Mediterranean, historical linguistics (especially syntactic change), and social epistemology.

Favorite study snack:

Chocolate-covered espresso beans or a good cup of tea :)

Julia Fischer

IntroSems I've taken:

LINGUIST 47N: Languages, Dialects, Speakers

CHEMENG 90Q: Dare to Care: Compassionate Design

Areas of expertise:

Programming in Python and R, data analysis, data visualization, user experience research, scientific research, scientific writing, Canvas course design, PowerPoint, Figma, Canva, TA experience (teaching discussion sections, grading assignments, holding office hours), collaborating with faculty, French

Bio:

Hello! My name is Julia, and I am a senior and coterm studying Symbolic Systems. This is my second year as a CDA+, and I am excited to continue collaborating with instructors to deliver accessible, approachable, and fun learning experiences.

Favorite study snack:

Dried oranges

Moises Gonzalez De La Rosa

IntroSem I've taken:

History 24N: Stalin's Terror: Causes, Crimes, and Consequences

Areas of expertise:

Trilingual; English, Spanish, and French. Programming Language; Python. I have much teaching experience with middle schoolers and high schoolers, which often involved creating curriculums and tutoring. I tutor English Language Learners and was also a Science Explainer for my local town's observatory where I monitored and demonstrated science experiments for local students. I also know how to navigate archives and libraries from prior research paper experiences. Lastly, I'm always happy to learn a new skill.

Bio:

Hello everybody! I'm a junior studying history with an interest in Ottoman, Soviet, and Latin American history. I am also interested in the biological sciences and social sciences that intersect with history, especially public policy and biology. In my free time, I enjoy horseback riding, reading, drawing, and gardening.

Favorite study snack:

Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly with Graham Crackers

 

Rebecca Smith

IntroSems I've taken:

OBGYN 82Q: Demystifying Pregnancy

English 18N: Shakespeare in Love

Areas of expertise:

Teaching, developing programming for community building, building and implementing a curriculum, and Excel

Bio:

Hi! I'm Rebecca, and I'm a junior from Cincinnati, Ohio majoring in Management Science and Engineering. I'm passionate about interdisciplinary thinking and problem solving, and outside of class, you can find me running, learning to surf, or on a walk with friends around campus!

Favorite study snack:

Popcorn mixed with M&Ms

Rhiannon O'Keefe

IntroSems I've taken:

MATH 77Q: Probability and Gambling 

STRATMGT 110Q: Making Sense of Strategy 

COMPLIT 111Q: Spanish English Translation Workshop

Areas of expertise:

Spanish language, philosophy seminars at the Zephyr Institute, research assistant at a polling company, leadership experience through Air Force ROTC, Google workspace (Docs/Forms/Sheets), event organizing, leading small group discussions, mass-purchasing merchandise; languages: Latin (4 years), Greek (3 years), Arabic (1 year), Spanish (fluent by immersion)

Bio:

I am a rising junior studying Linguistics, but really I have a curiosity for all subjects! In the past I've dabbled in several languages from Latin to Arabic, and now I also enjoy courses in translation and philosophy. Outside of the classroom I like to adventure, too -- by traveling, hiking, social dancing, and sometimes piloting planes! I look forward to working with you!

Favorite study snack:

Dark chocolate covered pretzels!

 

Shaye Story

IntroSems I've taken:

EARTHSYS 41N: The Global Warming Paradox

STRAMGT 110Q: Making Sense of Strategy

Areas of expertise:

Working with faculty on designing research projects, extensive experience using Microsoft Office tools such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint,  managing virtual online conferences and events, planning/creating events for students and staff

Bio:

Hi! My name is Shaye Story and I am a junior majoring in Political Science. I was born and raised in Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, I have a great curiosity for the ways in which political systems have an impact on the lives of individuals, and I am always looking for new outdoor adventures when I have free time!

Favorite study snack:

Boba!!

 

Vale Rasmussen

IntroSems I've taken:

Psyc 55N: Secrecy 

 Econ 17N: Energy, the Environment, and the Economy

 History 39Q: Were They Really "Hard Times"? Mid-Victorian Social Movements and Charles Dickens

Areas of expertise:

I am familiar with Python and have previously used Matlab. I am fluent in French to the AP level. I am very familiar with the Microsoft office products and Google suite. I extensively used 3D Printing and CAD (Solidworks and Inventor) during a research project in High School and as a subteam captain in robotics. I am very familiar with Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro. I was a flight simulator instructor at the Flight Path museum, where I created and taught flight lessons on Microsoft Flight Simulator X and am familiar with other flight simulation software, including XPlane 11 and Simpleplanes. I also engaged in software/hardware troubleshooting and hands-on assistance to students. As a licensed Private Pilot, I have great familiarity with flight training and the FAA certification process.

Bio:

Hi! I am an aerospace engineering student from Los Angeles who loves a large variety of subjects including History, Science, and Sustainability. I am also a life-long lover of all things aviation, and I earned my private pilot's license in summer 2022. I hope to find a career that combines my interests in a meaningful way.

Favorite study snack:

I absolutely love Gardettos snack mix