Meet Our Tour Guides

Barnard Student Admissions Representatives (BSARs) are current Barnard students who lead campus tours and assist in the Office of Admissions. Find out more about them below!

Allison Lee '24 "My favorite thing about Barnard is the passion and drive of every person and how vibrant campus life is!"
Hometown: New York, New York
High School: Brearley School
Major: Neuroscience and Behavior
Minors: Science and Public Policy
Activities at Barnard: Influenza research at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Grey Matters Columbia University, McIntosh Activities Council, Columbia Model Congress, Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, Columbia Bartending Agency
Fun Fact: My family fosters kittens!

Anjali Barnabas '24 "My favorite aspect of Barnard is the approachability of the community. From faculty to peers, everyone is ready to talk to you and learn more about your perspective. Furthermore, everyone on campus is ready to help you achieve your ambitions and get to know you on a deeper level."
Hometown: New York, New York
High School: Marymount School
Majors: Economics and Art History
Activities at Barnard: Columbia Venture Partners, Columbia Women's Business Society, Meet Me at the Museum, The Sapna Project, Smart Women Securities, Athena Mock Trial, Barnard Speaking Fellows, Alpha Omicron Pi
Fun Fact: In 2021, I was in the top 0.5% of BTS listeners on Spotify

Charlotte Wu '24 "My favorite thing at Barnard would definitely be the green chairs in Milstein!"
Hometown: Shanghai, China
High School: Shanghai American School
Majors: English and Education Studies
Activities at Barnard: Columbia Daily Spectator, Matriculate, Society of International Undergraduates at Columbia University
Fun Fact: I used to have a soap collection.

Claire Ponnaiya '24 "At Barnard, I can be authentically myself and pursue my interests in a welcoming and supportive environment!"
Hometown: Ossining, New York
High School: Convent of the Sacred Heart
Majors: Economics and Computer Science
Activities at Barnard: Columbia Private Equity Group, The Columbia Federalist, Columbia Catholic Ministry, Alpha Omicron Pi
Fun Fact: I went to the same high school as Lady Gaga!

Deepa Irakam '24"My favorite thing about Barnard is the kind and supportive community that empowers us as students every single day."
Hometown: Warren, NJ
High School: Watchung Hills Regional High School
Majors: Economics and Human Rights
Activities at Barnard: Columbia Raas, Columbia Model United Nations Conference and Exposition, Columbia Political Review, and Barnard Student Admissions Representative
Fun Fact: I have a twin sister who also goes to Barnard!

Gabrielle Viner '24 "My favorite thing about Barnard is that our location in New York City and our diverse, supportive, and empowered community allow me to both challenge myself and grow into the person I want to become."
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
High School: Harpeth Hall School
Majors: Comparative Literature and Translation Studies
Activities at Barnard: Raw Elementz, CU Generation, Meet Me at the Museum, & Barnard Babysitting
Fun Fact: I have a twin sister named Rebecca!

Heidi Yang '24 "My favorite thing about Barnard is the incredible friends I've made here!"
Hometown: Lexington, Massachusetts
High School: Lexington High School
Major: Economics
Minor: Political Science
Activities at Barnard: Columbia Chinese Students Club, Double Discovery Student Organization, BSAR
Fun Fact: I was born in Helsinki, Finland, and lived there until I was 6!

Ilana Cohen '24 "Getting to know other Barnard students and learning about their passions."
Hometown: Irvine, CA
High School: University High School
Majors: Psychology/Human Rights and Jewish Studies
Activities at Barnard: Orchesis Dance, Camp Kesem, Columbia/Barnard Hillel, CU Dems, NSOP Orientation Leader, Barnard Admissions!
Fun Fact: Frequently seen at one of the campus gyms, at a Broadway show, or in search of Gluten Free baked goods around the city.

Karen Chavez '24 "My favorite thing about Barnard is the community. From the minute I was admitted, I knew I was going to be surrounded by a group of thoughtful and caring people who would change my life forever!"
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
High School: Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School
Major: Urban Studies with a Specialization in Urban Education
Minor: Latin American Cultures
Activities at Barnard: Barnard Mujeres, Chicanx Caucus, Student Government Association, Barnard Student Admissions Representative
Fun Fact: I learned how to crochet during quarantine and now I love to do it in my free time!

Lucia Ruggiero '24 "My favorite thing about Barnard is the people that I've met and the ability to major in Urban Studies in the greatest city in the world!"
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
High School: Latin School of Chicago
Major: Urban Studies with a Specialization in Public Health
Minor: Economics
Activities at Barnard: GYNECA: The Columbia Undergraduate Journal for Women's Health and Gynecology, Kappa Alpha Theta, Columbia Public Health Club
Fun Fact: I learned to play piano in quarantine!

Maya Passman '24 "My favorite thing about Barnard is the supportive, unique, and inspiring community that pushes me to be my best self!"
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
High School: Latin School of Chicago
Majors: Neuroscience and Behavior and Philosophy
Activities at Barnard: Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority
Fun Fact: I make my own jewelry!

Melissa Marie Wang '24 "My favorite thing about Barnard is the feeling of being part of a community that always has your back!"
Hometown: Cebu, Philippines
High School: SJI International School
Majors: Information Science and English (Creative Writing Concentration)
Activities at Barnard: Quarto, Columbia Daily Spectator, Ratrock, Columbia Undergraduate Journal of Art History
Fun Fact: I'm an international student! I was born and raised in the Philippines, then did part of high school in Singapore.

Molly Murch '24 "Barnard in its entirety makes me feel loved, challenged, and hopeful--I wouldn't want to be anywhere else or with anyone else."
Hometown: Omaha, NE
High School: Millard North High School
Major: Economics
Minor: Psychology
Activities at Barnard: Psychology Research, BSAR,The Blue & White Magazine Staff Writer, peer tutor
Fun Fact: I had an aquatic frog growing up.

Olivia Cull '24 "My favorite part about Barnard is its lively and welcoming environment- I feel genuinely supported by friends and mentors in my classes, clubs, dorm life, and beyond."
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
High School: Saint Mary's Academy
Major: Urban Studies (Concentration in Anthropology)
Minor: Spanish
Activities at Barnard: Bacchantae A Cappella, The Varsity Show, Barnard Health Ambassadors, GlobeMed, Sprout Up NYC, Barnard Babysitting
Fun Fact: I have played guitar for eight years.

Roopa Irakam '24 "I knew that I wanted to surround myself with a community that felt tight-knit, while constantly challenging me to be my best. Without a doubt, I found that at Barnard because of its unique identity as an institution committed to promoting the success of women with not only the vast resources of a large research university, but also because of its location in the best city in the world."
Hometown: Warren, NJ
High School: Watchung Hills Regional High School
Major: Cell and Molecular Biology
Activities at Barnard: Columbia Debate Society, Columbia Taal, Columbia Political Review
Fun Fact: I have a twin who's fun fact is that she has a twin who also goes to Barnard (see above)!

Sophia Durone '24 "Diana breakfast sandwiches and having a close community to navigate living, working, and learning in New York City with!"
Hometown: Kansas City, MO
High School: Saint Teresa's Academy
Majors: Environmental Science and Sustainability
Activities at Barnard: Writer at Columbia Daily Spectator (The Eye); tour guide with Meet Me at the Museum; Barnard Babysitter
Fun Fact: I love birding on Barnard's campus

Stephanie Chan '24"Whether it’s strolling around Morningside Heights or in the streets of downtown Manhattan, meeting Barnard students and alumnae never fail to put a smile on my face and result in a meaningful connection."
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
High School: Bishop Strachan School
Major: History
Minor: Political Science
Activities at Barnard: Columbia Undergraduate Law Review, Youth for Debate, Columbia Journal of History, Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority
Fun Fact: Once I graduate Barnard, I will have attended an all-women's institution for 18 years (honestly, one of the best decisions)!

Tanisha Reddy '24 "I love being able to and being encouraged to explore academically, while being surrounded by passionate and interesting people!"
Hometown: Seattle, Washington
High School: Lakeside School
Major: Anthropology (Political Ecology)
Minor: Philosophy
Activities at Barnard: EcoReps, Student Government Sustainability Committee, Macintosh Activities Council, Ski Team, Columbia Bartending Agency
Fun Fact: My favorite activity, which carried over from Seattle to New York, is to go to small concerts of local bands and explore the music scene!

Sabrina Meng '24 “I love the community of kind, passionate, and driven women I am surrounded by at Barnard.”
Hometown: Shanghai, China
High School: Shanghai American School - Pudong Campus
Major: Computer Science
Minor: Mathematical Sciences
Activities at Barnard: Columbia University Dance Team, Flow Columbia, Women in Computer Science, Alpha Chi Omega Sorority
Fun Fact: I can recite 100 digits of pi!

Naomi Zarin '25 “My favorite thing about Barnard is that it combines the community of a small liberal arts women's college, the resources of a large Ivy League university, and the opportunities of New York City into one incredible experience.”
Hometown: Portland, ME
High School: Casco Bay High School for Expeditionary Learning
Major: Undecided (considering Urban Studies with a specialization in Architecture or Education)
Activities at Barnard: Barnard Babysitting, CMTS 24 Hour Musical, KCST Shakescenes
Fun Fact: In eighth grade, I represented my home state of Maine in the National Spelling Bee (and I recently found out I'm in a Netflix documentary for about five seconds because of that)!

Alina Johnson '25 “My favorite thing about Barnard is definitely how excited everyone is to see everyone else succeed! This community makes it feel like everyone's successes are your successes too.”
Hometown: Seattle, WA
High School: Holy Names Academy
Major: Physiological & Organismal Biology
Minor: History
Activities at Barnard: WBAR Radio, Columbia Bartending Agency, Barnard Babysitting, Barnard Alumnae Relations, BSAR!
Fun Fact: I am a registered NY EMT!

Sara DaSilva '24 “I love how empowering, passionate, and intelligent the Barnard community is, as well as the wealth of opportunities and resources Columbia and New York City offer.”
Hometown: New York, NY
High School: LaGuardia High School
Major: American Studies
Activities at Barnard: Columbia Sailing
Fun Fact: I’m a transfer student from another historically women’s college!

Sheikh Jobayar '24 “My favorite thing about Barnard is the close-knit and supportive community on campus.”
Hometown: Queens, NY
High School: Bronx High School of Science
Major: Biochemistry
Activities at Barnard: Barnard Chemical Society (BCS), Barnard’s Student Alumnae Relations & Philanthropy Council SARPC), McIntosh Activities Council (McAC), CU Club Bangla
Fun Fact: I love boxing!

Sivan Barzeski '24 “My favorite thing about Barnard is the fact that both students and professors are super supportive and passionate about what they do!”
Hometown: Abington, PA
High School: Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy
Majors: Neuroscience and Behavior
Special Program: JTS Double Degree Program
Activities at Barnard: Sigma Delta Tau sorority, social media chair of SSI
Fun Fact: I had around 30 days of snowboarding this year!

Elizabeth (Leeza) Barg '24 “Barnard students create a welcoming and open environment that fosters exploration, creativity, and support.”
Hometown: New York, NY
High School: Columbia Secondary School for Math, Science and Engineering
Major: Cognitive Science
Minor: History
Activities at Barnard: Barnard Outdoor Adventure Team, The Columbia Federalist, Barnard Bookworms
Fun Fact: Even though I grew up in New York City, I love to go hiking!

Shania Pahuja '24 “The people. Everyone has such a strong, individual personality and a unique story to tell.”
Hometown: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
High School: Cathedral and John Cannon School
Majors: Economics and Mathematics
Minors: Theatre and Physics
Activities at Barnard: The Varsity Show, Columbia University Performing Arts League, Columbia Musical Theatre Society
Fun Fact: My dream home is Cinderella’s castle in Magic Kingdom

Sophie Conrad '25 “The endless support from faculty and the community at large!”
Hometown: Long Beach, NY
High School: Waldorf School of Garden City
Majors: Political Science and Art History
Activities at Barnard: Athena Mock Trial, McAC Action Committee, Athena Pre-Law Society, The Pre-College Program, The Barnard Store
Fun Fact: I worked on the oldest schooner in Maine for a summer!

Tara Sangal '25 “Barnard is hands down the most supportive environment I've ever been in. Every single person here, especially our peers thrive in their own way while constantly uplifting and encouraging the people around them. Barnard students truly make Barnard what it is.”
Hometown: Clinton, NJ
High School: North Hunterdon High School
Major: Medical Anthropology
Minors: Biology, Science, Public Policy
Activities at Barnard: McIntosh Activities Council (McAC), the Journal of Global Health, Matriculate, Bwog, CU Model Congress, and the Barnard History Department
Fun Fact: I've been interested in aviation since I was young and I have my pilots license!

Serena Bane '24 “My favorite part about Barnard is the size of Barnard as an institution and nature of our Barnard community. These two aspects help to foster a strong sense of empowerment on campus and provide each student the resources and opportunities to discover their passions and harness their potential.”
Hometown: Englewood, NJ
High School: Frisch School
Major: Psychology
Minor: Political Science
Activities at Barnard: The Women’s Network: Columbia, Barnard Speaking Fellows, Columbia/Barnard Hillel, Psychology Research at Columbia Business School, Youth for Debate
Fun Fact: I introduced Miss America as a keynote speaker at a teen leadership conference that I helped plan!

Molly Durawa '25 “My favorite thing about Barnard is the location! Barnard’s campus is beautiful, and I love walking around the surrounding area with friends, birdwatching in Riverside Park and Central Park, and going to museums and concerts.”
Hometown: Dover, NH
High School: Phillips Exeter Academy
Major: Biology
Activities at Barnard: Columbia Daily Spectator, The Columbia Federalist
Fun Fact: I'm 6 feet tall (as was made official by the doctor in March of 2022)!

Sophie Dau '25 “I love Barnard because the community is so empowering and personable. It’s incredible to be surrounded by students who always seize the chance to talk to people, gain new perspectives, and create opportunities for themselves!”
Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT
High School: Rowland Hall
Major: History
Minor: French
Activities at Barnard: Staff Writer at the Columbia Daily Spectator, Sunrise Columbia
Fun Fact: My friends and I are big fans of the Broadway lottery; we have won tickets to see over ten shows for great prices!

Paulina Rodriguez '24 “My favorite thing about Barnard is the community! Although Barnard's student body is incredibly diverse in terms of background and interests, from the minute I stepped foot on campus when I toured as a senior in high school, I could feel a palpable sense of community—the desire to support one another, rather than compete against each other, and a genuine investment on the part of Barnard students in the success of their friends and classmates.”
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
High School: Advanced Learning Academy
Majors: American Studies & Human Rights
Activities at Barnard: Barnard Writing Fellows, Bwog, Access Barnard Peer Mentoring Program
Fun Fact: I love to crochet and have made several of my own articles of clothing!

Olivia Martinez '25 “The professors love for teaching, and their willingness to help and support students. Barnard professors undeniably go out of their way to check in on students, and genuinely care about our well being.”
Hometown: Paramus, NJ
High School: Academy of the Holy Angels
Majors: Political Science and Human Rights
Minor: Spanish
Activities at Barnard: Deputy of Testing and Admissions for Athena Pre Law Society, and I am in active member of Mujeres, Alianza, Grupo Quisqueyano, Roosevelt Institute, (and I am waiting to hear if I am going to be a Speaking Fellow)
Fun Fact: I went random with my first year roommate, and now I can't imagine not knowing her and having her in my life!

Tali Beckwith-Cohen '25 “The passion and curiosity of my peers!”
Hometown: Rochester, NY
High School: School of the Arts
Major: History
Activities at Barnard: Kings Crown Shakespeare Troup, Columbia Roosevelt Institute Education Committee
Fun Fact: I am missing a fibula in my left leg

Ellie Carver-Horner '25 “The people! Everyone at Barnard is so truly unique and driven and it makes the community very special!”
Hometown: Columbia, MO
High School: Rock Bridge High School
Major: Prospective American Studies
Activities at Barnard: Writing Fellows, WBAR Student Radio, Meet Me at the Museum, ColumbiaVotes, Camp Kesem at CU
Fun Fact: I love to hike and have summited five(small) mountains!

Jacqueline Artiaga '25 “Barnard has provided me with a uniquely welcoming community and endless activities that make each day exciting!”
Hometown: Moraga, CA
High School: Campolindo High School
Major: Urban Studies
Activities at Barnard: Climbing Club, Clay Collective, BSAR
Fun Fact: I graduated from the same high school as Still Woozy!

Martha Laramore-Josey '25 “My favorite thing about Barnard is how much everyone cares. Students look out for one another, and the faculty and staff are endlessly supportive!”
Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI
High School: Pioneer High School
Major: Prospective Neuroscience and Behavior
Activities at Barnard: Black Theatre Ensemble, Uptown Vocal A Cappella
Fun Fact: I never leave the house without a book!

Alex Sessions '25 “The FLI Program and Access Barnard”
Hometown: New York, New York
High School: Alabama School of Mathematics and Science
Majors: Astrophysics and Film
Activities at Barnard: Athena Center of Leadership Fellowship, Theater/CU Players, Access Barnard (FLI Student), Matriculate, Barnard Student Admissions Representative (BSAR), Student Learning Assessment Community (SLAC), Rock Climbing, Barnard Babysitting, Athena Film Festival
Fun Fact: If given a quote from any marvel movie I can name the movie title, where it fall in the MCU timeline, and the year the movie was made.

Taraa Gurunath '25 “My favourite thing about Barnard is its extremely welcoming and loving community. There has never been a second when I've felt alone here!”
Hometown: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
High School: Sishya
Majors: Prospective Economics and Mathematical Sciences
Activities at Barnard: McIntosh Activities Council, Columbia Hindu Students Organization, CU Dhoom, Barnard Student Admissions Representative
Fun Fact: After a zoom call with the BSARs, I fell in LOVE with the college, and that's also why I chose to attend!

Jaiden Terner '24 “I love having a small tight-knit community while living in NYC!”
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
High School: Saint Clements School
Major: Political Science
Minor: Educational Studies
Activities at Barnard: Columbia/Barnard Matriculate, Columbia Ski Team, Student Government, and Sigma Delta Tau
Fun Fact: I used to sing opera!

Abby Jack '25 “I love how Barnard is a brilliant community full of diverse perspectives in the greatest city in the world.”
Hometown: Elizabethton, TN
High School: Elizabethon High School
Major: Urban Studies with an Environmental Science Concentration
Activities at Barnard: Double Discovery Center, The Philolexian Society, MathMatch Peer Tutor, Access Barnard, and of course BSAR :)
Fun Fact: The first time I visited NYC, the one thing I was most excited to see wasn't Times Square or the Statue of Liberty, it was the subway.

Veronica Banat '25 “Each person you meet is special and has a story.”
Hometown: Freehold, NJ
High School: Colts Neck High School
Major: Pre-law track majoring in Human Rights
Minors: Spanish and Latin American Studies
Activities at Barnard: Treasurer and member of Mujeres, a part of Alpha Chi Omega, and an active member of the dance department at Barnard.
Fun Fact: I live in the same town as Bruce Springsteen.

Manuela Silva '25 “My favorite thing about Barnard are the people and it being in New York.”
Hometown: Washington, DC
High School: School Without Walls
Majors: Middle Eastern Studies and Cognitive Science
Activities at Barnard: Columbia Daily Spectator, Housing Equity Project
Fun Fact: I love to read! My favorite book is "Mujer Habitada" by Giaconda Belli

Fiona Cho '24 “The small but cozy campus.”
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
High School: Seoul International School
Major: Education
Activities at Barnard: Double Discovery Center (DDC), Columbia University Asia Pacific American Heritage Month, Matriculate, Society of International Undergraduates, AOII
Fun Fact: I have two siblings who are twins and ten years younger than me!

Luisa Nahr '25 “My favorite thing about Barnard is all the wonderful people I have met here and how passionate and kind everyone is!”
Hometown: Larchmont, NY
High School: Mamaroneck High School
Major: History
Minors: Environmental Science
Activities at Barnard: Columbia University Players (CUP), King’s Crown Shakespeare Troupe (KCST), Orchesis Dance, German Preceptor, BSAR
Fun Fact: I was born in London and I speak fluent German :)

 

Emily Lan '24 “My favorite thing about Barnard is the unwavering support found among peers and mentors – when everyone around you believes you can do it, you start to believe it as well!”
Hometown: Beijing, China
High School: International School of Beijing, Shunyi
Major: Biology-Physiological and Organismal
Minors: Science and Public Policy
Activates at Barnard: Student Government Association, Peer Tutor, Research at the Columbia Irving Medical Center, Columbia Synapse Buddy Program, The 116th Initiative Volunteer
Fun Fact: I have a cat named Moose!

Lauren Unterberger '24 “I love the encouraging, engaging, intellectual and enthusiastic environment of Barnard! And the Diana burrito bowls.”
Hometown: Wilmington, DE
High School: Mount Pleasant High School
Major: Medieval & Renaissance Studies
Minor: English
Activates at Barnard: The Columbia Federalist, King's Crown Shakespeare Troupe, Columbia University Players
Fun Fact: I exclusively cut my bangs in Barnard dorm bathrooms.

Reda Shaikh '25 “My favorite thing about Barnard is how passionate everyone is about what they choose to study and involve themselves in. Everyone's unique backgrounds has enabled me to learn more and explore opportunities I would have never considered before coming to Barnard!”
Hometown: San Jose, CA
High School: Evergreen Valley High School
Majors: Economics and Mathematics
Activates at Barnard: Bridgewater Associates New Pathways Scholar Program, Columbia Women's Association of Venture and Equity, Columbia Women's Business Association, Athena Entrepreneurs, Muslim Student's Association
Fun Fact: In my free time I love painting!