/College of Arts and Sciences
Center for Multilingual and Intercultural Communication

Former Student Assistants

Below is a table list of all the great former student assistants that have contributed to MIC, which includes their photo, name, role, and a short biography. 

 

Photo Name Role Biography
Wen Feng with circle glasses wearing a blue shirt and holding the peace sign while posing with the Stony Brook mascot wolfie
 Wen Feng Chen Student Assistant (2024-2026) Wen Feng is an undergraduate student at Stony Brook University, majoring in Applied Mathematics and Statistics with a minor in Globalization Studies and International Relations (with specific interests in sustainablity, development, public health, etc.). She's interested in engaging with the different aspects of diverse cultures from its food to its media, especially art, animation, music, and dramas. Her bilingual background and interaction with various media fostered a strong interest in multilingualism. She also hopes to expand her language repertoire. 
Medium close up shot of Cosmo Perfetti with short blonde hair wearing a winter coat and looking to the side
Cosmo Perfetti Student Assistant (2026) Cosmo Perfetti is an Environmental Science major at Stony Brook University. His interests include sustainability, environmental policy and environmental law, with a focus on renewable energy transitions and global development. He is particularly interested in how legal frameworks and governance systems shape environmental outcomes across cultures.

He also studies Mandarin and is passionate about Chinese language and culture. He values approaching environmental challenges from various economic, cultural, and linguistic perspectives to foster international collaboration. He seeks roles combining environmental research, policy and global engagement to promote sustainable development.
Medium close-up shot of Valen Fisher with blonde half-tied back hair and wearing a blue shirt performing at his band
 Valen Fisher Student Assistant (2025) Valen is an undergraduate student at Stony Brook University, majoring in Linguistics. He is currently studying Japanese through Stony Brook University courses and is an active member of the French Language Club. Outside of school, he participates in the Spartans, a marching music ensemble from New Hampshire. Moving to the US from overseas a child, he understands the importance of everyone finding connection in their culture no matter where they are. 
Camron wearing a black jacket and black cap, sitting on a boat while holding up a fish
 Camron Xomvimane Student Assistant (2024-2025) Camron was an undergraduate majoring in Asian & Asian American Studies, with a minor in Japanese studies. He takes great interest in learning about other cultures different from his own, in order to create deeper connections with the world and the best way to communicate effectively with the diverse spread of cultures all across the world, though he is mostly intrigued with Japan and its culture. He loves all types of food from different Asian countries and is open to trying anything he may not be familiar with. In his free time, he spends time talking to his family and friends, including his international friends, weight training, and continuing to learn more about Japanese culture through various types of media like music and literature. After graduating, he is hoping to work in Japan to teach English or find work in the U.S. to be a diplomat representing his home country of Laos or Japan.
 Medium close up shot of Isabella with blonde hair wearing a polka dot green shirt and smilling behind a tree Isabella Birbiglia Student Assistant (2024-2025) Isabella graduated as an undergraduate at Stony Brook University majoring in Linguistics. She is interested in language acquisition, the relationship between language and personal psychology, and intercultural communication. In her free time, she enjoys learning about other cultures, customizing clothes, curating playlists, and dancing. After graduating, Isabella plans to travel abroad and teach English as a second language. 
 Medium shot of Maya with medium black wavy hair, wearing a black jacket psoing in front of a whale statue Maya Syed Student Assistant (2024) Maya was an undergraduate student at Stony Brook University majoring in Health Science. She is interested in learning other cultures' history, literature, and languages. Her hobbies include traditional and digital art, reading manga and novels, and studying paleontology.
Headshot of Kayo Takahashi with black long hair and bangs wearing a white shirt Kayo Takahashi Student Assistant (2024) Kayo was an international exchange student from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies majoring in Linguistics. She is interested in how language relates with the way we see the world, as well as language and gender.
Close-up shot of Melis Tozoglu with long brown hair wearing glasses and pink polka dot shirt
 Melis Tozoğlu Student Assistant (2022-2024) Melis graduated from Stony Brook University with a major in Linguistics.  She is greatly interested in the way language is used across Asia today. Her pursuits have led her to grow closer to her own culture while discovering new ones. She likes Sociolinguistics and Japanese Literature, as well as translation and migration studies. She is currently living in Japan.
Medium close up shot of Sarah Johnson by a lake with medium length wavy hair and a red shirt
 Sarah Johnson Student Assistant (2021-2023) Sarah was a junior then senior majoring in Asian and Asian American Studies with a minor in Korean Studies. Sarah enjoys learning about a variety of cultures through pop culture, and interpersonal communication. As a Korean Language student Sarah has an interest in second language acquisition, sociolinguistics, and intercultural communication topics. She hopes to learn more about the relationships between intercultural connection and societal issues, as well as the nuances of language learning and teaching.
Close up shot of Gabrielle Modeste with curly long hair and pink framed glasses
 Gabrielle Modeste Student Assistant (2021-2023) Gabrielle Modeste was an international student from France and an undergraduate at Stony Brook University. Currently majoring in Modern Applied Languages, she is interested in international relations and how the intersection of different cultures shapes the world of today. After graduating, she plans to continue her education in either international law or political science.
Close up shot of Andrew Liu wearing square glasses and blue shirt
 Andrew Liu Student/Technical Assistant (2021-2022) Andrew was a senior majoring in Asian and Asian American with a minor in Computer Science. He is interested in Asian cultures as he enjoys Asian pop cultures through various media and platforms at a young age. As a multilinguist, he's also interested in the relationship between languages and cultures of different backgrounds. He hopes to learn more about multilingual and intercultural topics.
Close up shot of Braeden Bierwiler by the beach shore, wearing circle glasses and a navy sweater with a white collar
Braeden Bierwiler Student Assistant (2021) Braeden was a senior with a double major in Anthropology and Astronomy. After focusing on Asian and Asian American studies as interdisciplinary work for her anthropology degree, she developed an interest in Asian religious studies. She is especially interested in the intersection between religion and ethnoastronomy, the study of a culture’s use of astronomy. She hopes to pursue a master's in Anthropology before moving on to a PhD in astronomy and higher degrees of anthropological pursuit.
Medium close-up shot of Liliana Conte with bangs and long hair, in a white and blue pattern dress
 Liliana Conte Student Assistant (2021) Liliana was a fourth-year student majoring in Asian and Asian American studies. She is an adoptee from China and has thus spent the majority of her childhood questioning her ethnic background. Liliana was the moderator for the Spring 2021 Korean culture week conference on K-Pop. Her interests reside in understanding various Asian countries through their pop culture. 
 Medium shot of Stephanie Yam with pigtail braids, sitting on a rock wearing plaid blue dress and a beige hat Stephanie Yam Student Assistant (2021) Stephanie was a sophomore double majoring in Psychology (B.A.) & Asian and Asian American Studies, with a minor in Creative Writing. She is the co-event coordinator for Tzu Chi Stony Brook Collegiate Association. Her interest in multilingualism stems from her family environment where her parents spoke a mix of Mandarin, Cantonese, and Fuzhounese, while having to help translate and interpret for them since she was young. Stephanie hopes to become a therapist for the Asian/Chinese-American community and bridge the cultural, language, and generational gap between immigrant children and their parents in regards to mental health and illnesses. She also has plans to write stories involving such topics and bring more representation for Asian/Chinese-Americans. During her free time, she enjoys discovering new music, taking pictures, playing mobile games, and reading webtoons.
 Head shot of Judy Le with black short curly hair and wearing navy and white collared shirt Judy Le Student Assistant  Judy was a Senior majoring in Asian and Asian American Studies, and minoring in South Korean Studies and South Asian Studies. Over the years, she has held several student leadership positions on and off campus, in SBU VSA, SBU PUSO, and FIND, Inc. District III. Being multi-racial, Judy plans to continue learning about other cultures, and plans to continue working on spreading cultural awareness wherever she goes.
 Portrait shot of Claudia Motley with medium length brown hair with blonde streaks wearing a denim jacket and scarf Claudia Motley Student Assistant  Claudia was a senior double majoring in Journalism and Asian and Asian American Studies. After living in China during her childhood, she has dedicated much of her life to learning about East Asia. In 2016, she was selected for the Japan Society Junior Fellows program, which introduced her to her passion for international reporting and videography. She has spent three years as a contributor to the platform Kulture Hub, and is currently Assistant News Editor for the Stony Brook Statesman.
 Portrait shot of Maha Alam wearing a pink hijab and blue and white stripped shirt with snake wrapped around her neck Maha Alam Student Assistant  Maha was an undergraduate student at Stony Brook University and was majoring in Biochemistry. She is interested in learning about different languages and their associated cultures, as well as spreading awareness of the diversity that exists on campus. Currently in her Sophomore year, Maha plans to continue learning even after her undergraduate experience by attending a Masters and Ph.D. program. 
 Headshot of Brian Tavares wearing square glasses and smiling Brian Tavares Student Assistant  Brian was a Political Science major with minors in Asian and Asian-American Studies and International Studies. Brian’s professional interests concern foreign policy and international relations. Growing up in a very diverse community, Brian has experienced multilingual and intercultural communication on a regular basis throughout his life. Now a senior, Brian is keen to delve into the realm of multilingual and intercultural communication within Stony Brook’s own community.
 Portrait shot of Joshua Sandground wearing red and blue plaid collared shirt and hands crossed Joshua Sandground Technical Assistant   Joshua was an undergraduate student at Stony Brook University and was pursuing a double major in Psychology and Biology.  His passion for cinematography and film was spurred from a young age, and developed into more serious projects such as interviews and music videos. He is especially interested in the psychological factors that contribute to the components of film making. He intends on working in the mental health field and plans to pursue a higher degree in the field of Psychology after his undergraduate.
 Portrait shot of Jasmeet Kaur with long brown hair and gray knit shirt Jasmeet Kaur Graduate Assistant Jasmeet was a graduate student majoring in Public Policy and Contemporary Asian American Studies. She recently graduate from Stony Brook University with bachelors degree in Political Science and Asian and Asian American Studies with minors in South Asian Studies and International Studies. She is interested in doing research on gender roles & diversity in South Asia, and immigration policy and law. She loves to travel and learn new languages. In future, she wants to work as a foreign policy analyst and is preparing for a career in U.S Foreign Service.

Honaidah Ahyad Graduate Assistant (2013- 2018) Honaidah was a PhD candidate at Stony Brook. She is majoring in Linguistics. She is interested in Phonology, Phonetics, and Second Language Acquisition. Her research is focused on loanword adaptation and modeling native speakers intuitions with the Minimal Generalization Learner (MGL). Honaidah has been a member of the MIC since 2013. She joined the center as soon as she met with Professor He, whose enthusiasm and passion for the center were contagious. Honaidah helps planning for the MIC Distinguished Lecture Series and coordinating other events.
 Portrait of Brianna Young with long hair and in blue denim shirt Brianna Young Student Assistant  Brianna Young was an Asian and Asian American Studies major with minors in Korean Studies, South Asian Studies, and Linguistics. She will be an English teacher in Korea after graduation. She also plans to work as a volunteer assisting the hearing-impaired community in Korea in her spare time in addition to co-writing a mental health digital magazine.
 Portrait shot of Rohit Luthra smiling with arms crossed and wearing a gray tee shirt and a sliver bangle bracelet Rohit Luthra Technical Assistant  Rohit was an undergraduate student at Stony Brook University and is majoring in computer science. He is interested in video editing, learning new computer languages and UI designing. After graduating he aims to work on blockchain applications.
 Portrait shot of Yilin Zhao smiling and wearing glasses, sunglasses, pink backpack and a blue patterned dress Yilin Zhao Student Assistant  Yilin Zhao was an international student from China double-majoring in Psychology and Linguistics. She is interested in studying language acquisition, cultural readjustments for international college students, and student advocacy. She is currently on her third year with Stony Brook University. After graduation, Yilin plans to further her studies in intercultural affairs and pursue a degree in Higher Education. 
 Portrait shot of Hanyu Zhang wearing black round glasses and a blue collared button-down Hanyu Zhang Student Assistant (2019) Hanyu Zhang was an international student from China, majoring in Psychology. He is interested in studying the relationship between linguistics and psychology. He is currently a senior student, graduating in  May 2019. After graduation, Hanyu plans to study business psychology in the UK. 
Annie Manley Student Assistant (2017) Annie Manley was an undergraduate student studying Linguistics. She is very interested in studying cultural interaction, intercultural communication, and the acquisition of language. After graduating from Stony Brook University, she plans to further her study of language and go into law enforcement.
Jiyeon Lee Technical Assistant (2017)  Jiyeon Lee was an undergraduate student at Stony Brook University and is majoring in Computer Science. She is very interested in various languages in the world, automobiles, 3d modelings and video editing. After graduating from Stony Brook University, she hopes to go to graduate school to explore further studies in the field.

Diamond Bridges Student Assistant (2016) Diamond Bridges was an undergraduate student studying Journalism on the broadcasting track. She is also minoring in Digital Arts. She is currently a second year student at Stony Brook University. After graduating, she hopes to able to work for a news media, such as Buzzfeed or Vox Media. Enjoys photography, editing videos, and drawing. 
Ji Young Park; Girl with brown hair and gray cardigan smiling Ji Young Park Student Assistant (2016) Ji Young Park was an undergraduate student studying Linguistics on the path to Speech Language Pathology. She is interested in Psycholinguistics, Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing, and Language Acquisition. After graduating from Stony Brook University, she plans on going to graduate school to explore further studies in the field.
Jenny Jeng; Girl wearing hair in ponytail and sunglasses while standing by the railings of a boat on the sea, with a American Flag nearby
 Jenny Jeng Student Assistant (2016) Jenny Jeng was an International student from Taiwan, she came to the United States in 2010, currently is a third year student studying journalism at Stony Brook University. She is energetic and creative, proven to be capable of supporting news operations, including broadcast and radio. She also has a strong ability in producing multimedia elements. Fluent in both English and Mandarin Chinese.
Yifang Cao; Guy wearing glasses, knit cap, and a black jacket with people walking behind
Yifang Cao Technical Assistant (2015 - 2016)  Yifang was an undergraduate student at Stony Brook University and will graduate with a BS in Computer Science with a specialization in systems and software development. He speaks English fluently, as well as Mandarin natively. After graduation he will be pursuing a career in information assurance.
Patrick Gaston; Guy smiling wearing a blue cross-stripped collared shirt and posing in front of a black car
Patrick Gaston Student Assistant (2015 - 2016) Patrick was an undergraduate student at Stony Brook University and will graduate in May with a BA in Linguistics. He is interested in Second Language Acquisition, Psycholinguistics, and bilingualism. He is a U.S. Army Veteran with experience in the Middle East. Patrick speaks fluent English, is proficient in French, and has intermediate level experience in Arabic. After graduation, he will be pursuing a masters degree in Linguistics overseas.
Morgan Macklin; Girl with red hair wearing red and white striped shirt, sitting crossed legged on a tree branch
 Morgan Macklin Student Assistant (2015 - 2016) Morgan was a undergraduate student at Stony Brook University double majoring in Applied Mathematics & Statistics and Asian American Studies. She speaks English fluently, as well as Spanish and Mandarin proficiently. She will be pursing a career in finance after graduation, with the eventual aim of attending an overseas MBA program.
Philippe Kimura-Thollander; Guy with black hair and glasses and wearing a collared shirt with hands in pant pockets
 Philippe Kimura-Thollander Student Assistant (2015 - 2016) Philippe was an undergraduate student majoring in Computer Science with a minor in History and Digital Art. He is fluent in Japanese and is president of the Japanese Student Organization and the Stony Brook Game Developers. After graduation he seeks to begin a career in UI/UX design.
Yuli Ma; Girl with medium black hair standing against a decorated wall and holding a bag
 Yuli Ma Student Assistant (2015 - 2016) Yuli Ma was an undergraduate student at stony brook university and is majoring in mathematics as well as business. She enjoys communicating with different kinds of people to learn other cultures and languages. It is also Yuli's interest to organize activities for people to share various experiences and learning from each other. Yuli is especially interested in helping the Chinese students as she is the president of CSSA. After graduation, she will be perusing a master degree in mathematics and keep in diversifying the campus' culture.
Minesh Javiya; guy wearing glasses and fringed up hair, leaning against railing by the water Minesh Javiya Student Assistant (2014 - 2015) Biography unavaliable
Adrienne Blaser; girl with medium length hair in white shirt standing by statue Adrienne Blaser Student Assistant (2014 - 2015) Adrienne Blaser was an undergraduate student at Stony Brook University graduating in May with a Bachelor's in Asian and Asian American Studies and dual minors in International Studies and China Studies. Adrienne speaks German fluently and has intermediate level experience in Mandarin. She is pursing her interest in public service and international affairs in the fall at George Washington University's Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration in D.C.
Naomi Vingron, girl in curly hair and smiling in front of apartment houses Naomi Vingron Student Assistant (2014 - 2015) Naomi graduated from Stony Brook University with a double major in Psychology and Sociology and a minor in China Studies. She is interested in Psycholinguistics, bilingualism as well as Asian history and culture. Naomi speaks German and French fluently. She is attending McGill University in Montreal to pursue a PhD in experimental Psychology with a focus on multilingualism.