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!
Alyx Bernstein ’23 “My favorite thing about Barnard is the passionate, thoughtful, and kind community at Barnard.”
Hometown: New Rochelle, New York & London, England
High School: The Leffell School
Major: Comparative Literature and Jewish Studies (JTS)
Activities at Barnard:Columbia/Barnard Hillel, Columbia Current, The Columbia University Bayit
Fun Fact: I once sat next to an actress on the train, which I only realized when I went to see her show that night!
Maya Corral ’22 “My favorite thing about Barnard is its community. It doesn't matter where you are in the world; you know you'll always find support and compassion from your peers, professors, faculty, and alumni at Barnard.”
Hometown: Eugene, Oregon
High School: South Eugene High School
Majors: American Studies and French & Francophone Studies
Activities at Barnard: Take Back the Night, Barnard Babysitting
Fun Fact: I was stung by a jellyfish the first time I swam in the Atlantic Ocean!
Mariel Correa-Maynard ’22 “My favorite thing is the sense of community, love and care shown all throughout campus.”
Hometown: West Hartford, Connecticut
High School: Hall High School
Major: Biology (Physiology & Organismal)
Activities at Barnard: Mujeres, BOSS, Youth For Debate, Sprout Up
Fun Fact: My sister and I went to Barnard at the same time!
Estee Dechtman ’22 “Each class and every major at Barnard pushes us to ask ourselves how we can use the subjects we are learning to make a positive impact on the world around us, and that is my favorite thing about Barnard.”
Hometown: Denver, Colorado
High School: Denver School of the Arts
Major: Theatre
Minor: Political Science
Activities at Barnard: Student Council for the Arts, The Varsity Show, The Columbia University Performing Arts League, Columbia Musical Theatre Society, The Columbia University Players, Sigma Delta Tau, Columbia Barnard Hillel.
Fun Fact: I have a fabulous Barbra Streisand record collection!
Defne Egbo ’23 “My favourite thing about Barnard is feeling empowered by a warm community that consistently pushes the boundaries for what is possible.”
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
High School: The Thacher School (Ojai, CA)
Prospective Major: Education, Francophone Studies
Activities at Barnard: Speaking Fellows, Black Theatre Ensemble, Education Research
Fun Fact: I went to elementary school in three different countries!
Ellie George ’23 “I love being inspired by my peers! The Barnard student body is such a stunning blend of creativity, inquisitiveness, and compassion."
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
High School: Ida B. Wells High School
Major: Architecture & English
Activities at Barnard: NOMADS (New And Original Material Authored and Directed by Students), Barnard Writing Fellows, Barnard/Columbia Urban Review, CU Storytelling
Fun Fact: I am a certified referee by US Soccer!
Madison Guzy ’23 “My favorite thing about Barnard is the empowering community of women and professors that challenges our thinking and celebrates our differences.”
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
High School: St. Joseph's Academy
Major: English
Minor: Political Science
Activities at Barnard: The Barnard Bulletin (Editor-in-Chief), Columbia Daily Spectator (Copy Editor), Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority, Delta Kappa Alpha Professional Cinematic Fraternity, Athena Film Festival Volunteer
Fun Fact: Rather than texting, I prefer to send handwritten letters and postcards to friends and family.
Adiba Hussain ’23 “My favorite thing about Barnard is definitely the community and palpable sense of empowerment that comes with being a Barnard student.”
Hometown: Bronx, New York
High School: High School of Economics and Finance
Majors: Computer Science and English
Activities at Barnard: Women in Computer Science, Superposition, McAC, Barnard OP/HEOP
Fun Fact: I am a first-generation college student.
Allie Lipshutz ’22 “Every student brings a new perspective to the table, and my professors have pushed me to think in ways in which I did not know I was capable of thinking; in this incredible community, I feel comfortable smiling at everyone I walk by, whether I know them or not!”
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
High School: Germantown Friends School
Major: Neuroscience and Behavior, Cellular Concentration
Minor: Chemistry
Activities at Barnard: Barnard Student Admissions Representative, Peer-to-Peer Tutoring, Neurodevelopment Research at the Columbia University Medical Campus, Columbia Science Review, Columbia/Barnard Hillel
Fun Fact: I take circus classes, specializing in aerials (rope, fabric, trapeze) and acrobatics (tumbling, handstands), but I also do some contortion. Bonus: I have managed to find two circus schools where I can practice within a 45-minute commute from Barnard!
Zuri Mabrey-Wakefield ’23 “I chose Barnard because its community draws so many incredible people from different places and contexts all over the world!”
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
High School: Francis W. Parker School
Major: Comparative Literature
Minor:Africana Studies
Activities at Barnard: Resident Assistant, Writing Fellow, Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship, Barnard Alumnane Admissions Representative (BAAR) Intern
Fun Fact: Though I am a proud Chicagoan and was raised in the city, I was actually born in Kalamazoo, Michigan!
Meghna Mallapan ’23 “My favorite thing about Barnard is the unconditional love and support the community here offers me.”
Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa
High School: Theodore Roosevelt High School
Major: Urban Studies (Public Health)
Prospective Minor: Chemistry & Science, Public Health
Activities at Barnard: Columbia Raas, Columbia University South Asian Feminism(s) Alliance, Barnard Student Government Association, McAC, Barnard Biology Department Research Assistant, Peer Tutor, and BSAR
Fun Fact: I originally applied to Barnard because I LOVED my tour guide and she ended up being my RA freshman year :)
Daniela Miranda ’23 “I chose Barnard because from the minute I first stepped on campus and spoke to students, I realized how much I wanted to be like every person I encountered: impressive, passionate, cool, and insanely intelligent.”
Hometown: San Diego, California
High School: Academy of Our Lady of Peace
Majors: English (Film)
Minor: Environmental Science
Activities at Barnard: Chowdah Sketch Comedy, Columbia Daily Spectator
Fun Fact: I submitted writing samples when I applied to Barnard, one of which was a poem about forks (the fact I still got in made me certain Barnard was the right place for me).
Jessica Moreira ’22 “I love the tiny and welcoming community at Barnard! I also love how open and gentle the professors are at Barnard!”
Hometown: Sao Jose dos Campos, Sao Paulo, Brazil
High School: Colegio Embraer Juarez Wanderley
Major: Economics
Minor: Education
Activities at Barnard: Empirical Reasoning Center, Access Barnard, Athena Center
Fun Fact: I became a mom this year - I have the cuttest 9 months old dog and his name is Dumbo.
Anya Murphy ’22 “I love that everyone smiles at each other while walking through campus.”
Hometown: Toronto, ON, Canada
High School: Bishop Strachan School
Major: History
Activities at Barnard: Columbia Bhangra, Sigma Delta Tau Sorority, Athena Scholars Program, Peer Tutor
Fun Fact: I have super long name (5 names)!
Emily Ndiokho ’22 “In addition to the chosen family I've found, I love Barnard's ability to let everyone be themselves -- there are shared values, but there isn't a 'right' way to be a Barnard student.”
Hometown: Allen, Texas
High School: Phillips Academy Andover
Majors: Sociology and Educational Studies
Activities at Barnard: Student Government Association, Black Theatre Ensemble, Barnard Organization of Soul & Solidarity, and working at the Design Center and CEP
Fun Fact: I've taken almost every subway expect for the 5, Z, and G!
Audrey Pettit ’22 “I love that I learn as much from my peers as I do from my professors.”
Hometown: Missoula, Montana
High School: Loyola Sacred Heart High School
Major: English
Minors: Political Science
Activities at Barnard: Senior Class President, Resident Assistant, Writing Fellow, Columbia University Ballet Ensemble, Inwood Academic Tutoring
Fun Fact: I grew up in Louisiana!
Ari Shenkman ’23 “I chose to attend Barnard because it was the best of all worlds; a tight-knit, supportive college community, an overabundance of academic avenues and resources to explore, easy access to an exciting city full things to see and do, and a quiet campus oasis to come home to at the end of the day.”
Hometown: Arlington, Virginia
High School: HB Woodlawn Secondary Program
Major: Political Science
Minor: Psychology
Activities at Barnard: Barnard Alumnane Admissions Representative (BAAR) Intern, Uptown Vocal A Cappella, Columbia Musical Theatre Society, Columbia/Barnard Hillel, Athena Digital Design Agency
Fun Fact: In high school, I had the incredible opportunity of singing at the Kennedy Center with my choir!
Chloe Siao ’23 “My favorite thing about Barnard is the strong, supportive community on campus and the accessibility to New York City!”
Hometown: Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
High School: Dwight-Englewood
Major: Economics
Prospective Minor: Computer Science
Activities at Barnard: Matriculate Advising Fellows, McIntosh Activities Council, Columbia Alpha Partners
Fun Fact: I was born in Hong Kong and moved to New Jersey when I was six!
Lily Sickles ’22 “My favorite thing about Barnard is the music community. I love being a DJ at WBAR, and I've made a lot of friends and had many great nights at concerts on campus.”
Hometown: South Orange, New Jersey
High School: Columbia High School
Major: English
Activities at Barnard: BSAR, WBAR radio, Columbia Spectator, CoLab Performing Arts
Fun Fact: I live with a cat named James.
Rebecca Soforenko ’23 “I fell in love with the community at Barnard and I felt like I found a place where I could be both empowered and challenged by those around me.”
Hometown: Arlington, Virginia
High School: Washington-Liberty High School
Major: History
Activities at Barnard: Columbia Journal of History, Columbia History Association, XMAS!, Varsity Show, Columbia Swing Dance Club
Fun Fact: I've started to learn to whittle in my free time!
Zaynab Sulaiman ’23 “My favorite thing about Barnard has been the community of supportive, welcoming, and inspiring students and faculty I've found during my time here.”
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
High School: High School of Telecommunication Arts and Technology
Major: Urban Studies, specializing in Political Science Activities at Barnard: Resident Assistant, Columbia Musical Theatre Society, Muslim Students Association, CU Turath
Fun Fact: I love drawing, painting, and learning new art techniques when I can.
Juliana Tapia ’23 “I fell in love with Barnard because it was everything I was looking for: a tight-knit community that empowers women with rigorous academics!”
Hometown: Belleville, New Jersey
High School: Lacordaire Academy
Major: Neuroscience & Behavior
Minor: Spanish & Latin American Cultures
Activities at Barnard: CU Charles Drew Premedical Society Treasurer, Access Barnard Social Media Manager, Matriculate Advising Fellow, Access Barnard Peer Mentor, Neuroscience Research at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, Project Sunshine Treasurer, Alpha Chi Omega Sorority
Fun Fact: I can only watch YouTube videos and Netflix shows on 1.5x speed!
Bri Vigorito ’22 “My favorite thing about Barnard is definitely my amazing peers. Barnard’s supportive community has allowed me to make so many meaningful connections with students and faculty who continuously inspire me.”
Hometown: Lincoln Park, New Jersey
High School: Morris County School of Technology Academy of Visual & Performing Arts
Majors: Dance and Psychology
Activities at Barnard: ONYX Hip Hop Dance Troupe, RAW Elementz, Orchesis, CoLab Performing Arts Collective
Fun Fact: I have a new puppy named Boo who loves carrots.
Sasha Weber ’22 “I chose Barnard because I could tell from my first visit that it's a place people go to make things happen!”
Hometown: Livingston, New Jersey
High School: Livingston High School
Major: Urban Studies (Environment and Sustainability concentration)
Minors: Spanish and History
Activities at Barnard: Voting Week at Columbia, Roosevelt Institute, Matriculate Advising Fellows, Barnard Babysitting
Fun Fact: During my Junior fall semester, I lived and worked on a farm in central Pennsylvania!
Lindsey Weiskopf ’22 “I chose Barnard because I was extremely indecisive and Barnard gave me many options to define my academic path in a close-knit urban environment!”
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
High School: Park School of Baltimore
Major: Computer Science
Minors: Architecture and History
Activities at Barnard: ADI (Application Development Initiative), Math Mentors, Research
Fun Fact: I'm currently living on a farm in Central Pennsylvania.
Barbara Whitehurst ’22 “My favorite thing about Barnard is simply put, the amazing people that are apart of this community and that I’ve had the pleasure of forming lifelong connections with.”
Hometown: Summerfield, Florida
High School: Belleview High School
Major: Sociology
Minor: Education Studies
Activities at Barnard: Mujeres, Chicanx Caucus, SGA, CUWOCPLS
Fun Fact: I’ve been vegan for over 5 years and my favorite animals are cows and dogs!
Nicole Yang ’23 “One thing I love about Barnard is having access to New York City's vast cultural and artistic resources, while also having a tightly knit community to go back to at the end of the day.”
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
High School: Miss Porter's School
Prospective Majors: Art History and Sociology
Prospective Minor: Education
Activities at Barnard: MMeet Me at the Museum, Columbia Art Market Society, Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity, Columbia Law and Business Association, Columbia Daily Spectator
Fun Fact: By the time I graduate Barnard, I would've been attending an all women's institution for 8 years!
Anna Yokote ’23 “Being at Barnard has helped me discover how important a strong community of women, nonbinary, genderfluid, and trans individuals can be; it's given me confidence to explore new spaces and identities, apply to opportunities outside my comfort zone, and advocate for myself.”
Hometown: Hendersonville, North Carolina
High School: Hendersonville High School, The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
Prospective Majors: Environment and Sustainability, Human Rights
Prospective Minor: Urban Teaching Track
Activities at Barnard: Education Studies Research Assistant, Tutor with Goddard Riverside and Reading Counts (off campus), Writing Fellow (in training), Camp Kesem, FLI, Mixed Heritage Society, Outdoors Club, Columbia Raas, First Year Food Swipes
Fun Fact: Growing up, I worked at a goat barn that is part of the National Parks system for 6 years!!
Morgan Zee ’22 “My favorite thing about Barnard is the people - the students I have met here are truly passionate, incredibly ambitious, and genuinely kind hearted.”
Hometown: Hong Kong
High School: Hong Kong International School/Kent School
Majors: Computer Science and Sociology
Activities at Barnard: Asian Youth Program, Girls Who Code, Orchesis, Design@Columbia, BarnardHCI Lab Student Researcher, BSAR
Fun Fact: When I was little, I was so afraid of clowns that I didn't attend my own birthday party because a clown showed up.
Maia Robinson ’22
Hometown: Evanston, IL
High School: Evanston Township High School
Major: Sociology
Activities at Barnard: Columbia Badminton Club, Barnard Babysitting, Barnard/Columbia Math Mentors
Fun Fact: I started a network of community fridges in my hometown, and got to feature my work on Good Morning America and the Chicago Tribune!
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)!
Yuki Adams '23“My favorite thing about Barnard is the people and how sunny and bright it is in Milstein! ”
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA and Tokyo, Japan
High School: Hampton High School
Majors: Economics and East Asian Studies
Activities at Barnard: CU Impact Investing Network, Matriculate, BWOG
Fun Fact: I once met Emily Blunt at work but didn't realize it was her until my coworker told me!
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
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!
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.
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.
Zara Ding '23
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
High School: The Dwight School
Majors: Music and Mathematical Sciences
Activities at Barnard: Association for Women in Mathematics, Columbia Musical Theatre Society, Columbia University Orchestra
Fun Fact: I can make apple swans!
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
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 (see below)!
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)!
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!
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: New York, New York
High School: Millard North High School
Majors: Economics and Psychology
Activities at Barnard: Psychology Research, BSAR
Fun Fact: I had an aquatic frog growing up.
Eva Nikitovic '23 "My favorite thing about Barnard is the professors. They are renowned in their field yet incredibly personable and dedicated to supporting Barnard students."
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
High School: Latin School of Chicago
Majors: Political Science and Russian
Activities at Barnard: Athena pre-law society, Women in Law & Politics, Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honors Society
Fun Fact: Once I saw Larry David walking his dog in California.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!