International Orientation Leaders
International Orientation Leaders (IOLs) are UMD undergraduate and graduate students who facilitate a support system for new international students. Each semester, IOLs join the ISSS team to welcome students from across the globe to campus and the greater College Park community. IOLs help new students transition into the new academic environment and play a critical role in creating an inclusive campus experience by hosting virtual pre-arrival engagements and leading some activities during the on-campus Welcome Events.
Meet the Spring 2026 IOLS
This group of leaders from across disciplines and in different stages of their academic careers was selected to facilitate the smooth welcome and onboarding of new International Terps!
Abdullah Alnamlah
My name is Abdullah Alnamlah, I'm an international undergraduate student majoring in Aerospace Engineering. I'm from Saudi Arabia, and I'm excited to get to know all of you! A fun fact about me is that my Family name "Alnamlah" means the ant š in Arabic. I like to try new things and meet new people, isn't this what studying abroad is all about!!
Brandon Colelough
Iām a Ph.D. candidate in Computer Science and Fulbright scholar specializing in Explainable AI through Neuro-symbolic approaches with a blended foundation in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Software Development. I work as an ADF Signals Corps Officer with a proven track record of effective leadership and management core skills able to lead a dynamic range of technically diverse teams.
Iām enthusiastic about pushing technology forward and contributing to impactful solutions. With a focus on personal and professional growth, Iām accustomed to working in dynamic environments. Iām eager to leverage broad technical skills to address technology's greatest challenges and make a substantial impact.
Chigozie Udeogu
Iām Chigozie Udeogu, a PhD student in Electrical and Computer Engineering. I am originally from Nigeria and had previously completed my masterās studies in South Korea where I worked on machine learning applications in electric vehicles. I enjoy meeting new people, exploring new places and cultures. I also enjoy singing and listening to music, watching movies, going to the gym and cooking. I look forward to meeting and welcoming you. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. Go Terps!!!
Eden Lee
Hey there! My name is Eden, junior year undergraduate student majoring in Civil and Environmental Engineering. I'm from South Korea, and I can't wait to get to know all of you! II know what itās like to start a new chapter in a completely different worldāexciting, but also a little scary, right? I still have a lot to learn and get used to, but who knows? I might be able to help you too! If you have any questions, concerns or need help please donāt hesitate to reach out :)
Elizabeth āJwiā Brown
Hello hello!
My name is Jwi and Iām Korean American. I've moved 10 times between the USA, South Korea, and Singapore so you can say Iāve been around Ł©(ĖįĖ*)Ł
Iām studying International Relations and Sociology. I love meeting new people and learning about their culture and life. I canāt wait to hear your stories :)
If you have any questions or want to chat please donāt be afraid to reach out į¦(ò_óĖ)į¤
See you around
Manoj Kumar Bashaboina
Hi! My name is Manoj, and Iām a graduate student at UMD majoring in Data Science. I moved here from India and understand firsthand what itās like to adjust to a new environment, which is why Iām excited about the opportunity to help incoming international students feel at home. Iām actively involved in the Quantum Computing Club and love meeting new people from different backgrounds. I enjoy sharing experiences, learning about different cultures, and helping others navigate their transition to UMD. I look forward to welcoming new students and making their first days on campus a memorable and smooth experience!
Parsa Hosseini
My name is Parsa, and Iām a Ph.D. student in Computer Science at the University of Maryland. Iām originally from Iran and completed my undergraduate studies at Sharif University of Technology. Iām always happy to chatāwhether itās about research, campus life, or just some good gossip. Feel free to reach out!
Paul Abonjuah
Hello, I am Paul Abonjuah from Ghana. I am a Project Manager by Profession and have worked in the Real Estate Industry for a few years now. One goal of mine is to contribute to reducing housing deficits in Ghana and Africa at large through the usage of recycled shipment containers. I am currently enrolled in the master's program in Real Estate Development. You can describe me as a versatile person. I desire and aspire to make an impact in our community through volunteering. I have been volunteering with Young at Heart Ghana for the past 12 years, where we go to deprived communities to teach students basic IT skills. I also volunteer with the Do Good Changemakers on campus. I love to cook and dance salsa. I enjoy meeting new people, networking with them, learning about their culture, and exploring nature and new places. I believe there is more in giving than in receiving; just as I was helped to settle in well at UMD, I would love to help future incoming students in the same regard.
Sondos Abdelhafeez
Hi! My name is Sondos and I am from Egypt. I am pursuing my PhD here in the Biological Sciences department, concentrating in Computational Biology. I enjoy learning about different cultures (especially when it comes to food!). Looking forward to meeting you all!
Sri Chandraja Reddy Allala
I am an international graduate student pursuing a Master's in Telecommunications Engineering. Originally from India, I completed my undergraduate degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering in 2024. Moving to a new country for higher education has been an exciting journey, filled with new opportunities and experiencesābut it also comes with its own set of challenges.
As someone who has navigated this transition firsthand, I understand the uncertainties that international students may face. Thatās why I chose to volunteer as an International Orientation Leaderāto offer guidance, share insights, and help make this experience smoother for others. If you ever need support or have questions, feel free to reach out!