Office of First Year Programs
The Office of First Year Programs (OFYP) exists to support undergraduate first-year and transfer students’ success in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics through activities and programs that connect and inspire.
Signature Events
NSMeet
Our open house offered each Spring welcomes admitted first-year and transfer students to engage with faculty, connect with current NSM students, network with student organizations, tour cutting-edge research laboratories, and explore professional development opportunities available through the College.
Block Party
Our semester kick-off extravaganza offered the Sunday before classes begin each Fall welcomes first-year and transfer students to enjoy food, fellowship, and fun by offering an opportunity to meet new friends, connect with faculty and staff, network with student organizations, and explore college resources.
First-Year Finale
Our final celebration offered each Spring commemorates the accomplishments of first-year and transfer students, awards those who demonstrate extraordinary engagement in the College, and strengthens the bonds of community and belonging that were developed within the first year.
Who We Are
Staff
Sophia Lesperance
Program Manager
Sophia is dedicated to supporting students throughout their transition into college life at UH. Originally from Boston, Sophia received her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Amherst College. She has a background in college success advising through nonprofit work with students at Boston University, University of Massachusetts Boston, and Boston College.
Kayla Molnar, M.S.Ed.
Program Director
Kayla is passionate about creating opportunities for first-year students to find connection and belonging at the University of Houston. She earned her Bachelor of Science in church recreation and leisure studies and a minor in religion and her Master of Education in higher education and student affairs from Baylor University, where she is also pursuing her Ph.D. in higher education studies and leadership.
Student Leadership Team
Make your mark on campus, shape the future of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and impact the lives of incoming first-year and transfer students. Learn more about our Student Leadership Team.
Academic Support Co-Chairs
Jusvin Charles
Computer Science
Mustafa Vejlani
Computer Science
Mentorship Co-Chairs
Abinanda Manoj
Computer Science
Matthew Nguyen
Biology
Sydney Thuy
Computer Science (Pre-Med)
Recruitment Co-Chairs
Annamaria Rodrigues
Biology
Daniel Thomas
Computer Science
Dhruvi Sharma
Biology
Social Co-Chairs
Alima Alam
Computer Science
Ayaan Saleem
Biology
Mikaela Garcia
Geology
Aadya Sharma
Biochemistry
Aaron Kisitu
Computer Science
Akosua Karikari
Biology
Ashna Akepati
Biochemistry
Auxil Perez
Biology
Cecilia Nguyen
Biology
Charles Udo
Biochemistry
Chelsey Nguyen
Biology
Daniel Do
Biology
Dylan Nguyen
Biology
Gokul Anirudhan
Biology
Hailey Bui
Biochemistry
Haley Romine
Honors Biomedical Science
Hannah Guehria
Honors Biomedical Sciences
Jay Braddock
Geology
Jay Shukla
Computer Science
Kaitlyn Bryant
Geophysics
Kathy Dinh
Biology
Kayla Le
Mathematics
Maddison Pena
Biology
Maggie Fuller
Physics
Muhammad Bilal
Computer Science
Nathan Naval
Mathematics
Oyinkansola Ojo
Computer Science
Paul Daniel
Honors Biomedical Sciences
Reece Kang
Biology
Sai Shreya Chavan
Biology
Sania Dastagir
Biology
Sanju Binny
Biology
Sayantan Pradhan
Biochemistry
Shreya Davuluri
Biology
Sylvana Mvoi
Biology
Tyler Vu
Biology
Valeria Duarte
Computer Science
Yugbhai Patel
Physics
What We Care About
Mission
We cultivate a collaborative community that connects undergraduate first-year and transfer students with compelling co-curricular activities and programs to empower their holistic success.
Vision
To become an integral resource that supports incoming undergraduate students’ transition into and engagement within the College.
Values
Collaborative
We work together with students, College, and University resources to facilitate activities and programs that support our students’ needs to thrive as scholars and engaged citizens.
Community-Driven
We cherish our collective characteristics by embracing our distinctive strengths, celebrating our diverse perspectives, and welcoming dynamic opportunities to adapt and grow.
Connective
We encourage our students to get involved in their College and community by introducing them to enriching educational opportunities and supportive resources.
What We Do
The Office of First Year Programs facilitates and/or supports the following initiatives:
Inspire Potential
- College Fairs
- Campus Visit Experiences
- Information Sessions
- Open Houses
Build Connections
- Admissions Reviews
- Orientation, including providing general information about the Math Placement Exam
- Block Party
Engage & Empower
- First-Year Seminar
- Peer Mentorship
- Engagement Activities & Programs
- Alumni Panels
- Department Highlights
- Lab Crawl
- Study Nights
- Academic Success Program
- Student Leadership Team
Connect With Us
Email us at nsmyear1@central.uh.edu or find us on Instagram @nsmfirstyear.