Elizabeth Morgan || WINS Program director
Elizabeth has worked professionally with student success initiatives and mentoring programs at the University of Texas at Austin for 20 years. She holds a master's degree in Higher Education Leadership and Policy and currently serves as the Director for Cornerstones and Student Life for the College of Natural Sciences.
In this role, she advises the Natural Sciences Council, coordinates student program and development initiatives, event funding, and connecting students across the college with each other and the administration. Elizabeth also directs the Women in Natural Sciences Program. Since 2009, she has seen the program grow from supporting 23 first-semester students to a four-year program with over 300 total students.
Watching her students succeed in the sciences and develop friendships and connections that will last well after their time at the university has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her life.
Olivia Biehle || WINS MAth, Physics, and Astronomy Advisor
Olivia Biehle is the Academic Advisor for WINS Math, Physics, and Astronomy (MPA) students. She is also an alum of the program! Olivia joined WINS in Fall 2011 as a freshman math major, and she was a WINS mentor for the next two years. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Bachelor of Science in Radio-Television-Film, Olivia applied for and became the WINS Academic Advisor. In 2022, she was promoted to the Advising Coordnator for the Math, Physics, Astronomy Advising Center where. She remains involved in the program through advising MPA WINS students their first-year through graduation and attending events when possible. Olivia also leads a semesterly spotlight on Women in STEM in seminar, highlighting accomplishments made by women in science. Olivia loves being a part of WINS, first as a student, a mentor, and now as the academic advisor for our MPA students. WINS was an incredibly positive and inspiring part of her undergraduate career, and she is excited to continue working with the program.
WINS STUDENT ASSISTANTS
Sahithi Adduri || WINS & STUDENT LIFE STUDENT ASSISTANT
Mathematics
Hometown: Columbus, OH
1. What is your favorite activity to do in Austin? I love trying out new restaurants!
2. What is one meal in Austin that everyone absolutely has to try at least once in their lives? Taco Joint, they have amazing vegan/vegetarian tacos that are absolutely delicious!
3. Where is your favorite place to study? I love studying at the starbucks on 24th, the EER, PCL, or in my room!
4. What is your favorite way to de-stress? My favorite way to destress is to listen to podcasts, watch TV shows or to call an old friend or family member!
5. One piece of advice for incoming freshmen: Don't be afraid to ask for help, whether it's from a friend, family member or a counselor! Also, I know college is stressful but please make time for yourself to destress, have fun and make memories in college!
Sara Blanco || WINS & STUDENT LIFE STUDENT ASSISTANT
Biology
Hometown: El Paso, TX
1. What is your favorite activity to do in Austin? Watching the sunset!
2. What is one meal in Austin that everyone absolutely has to try at least once in their lives? If you haven’t tried Kerby Lane’s Queso yet… go do it!!! I also recommend trying out a few of their fun pancake flavors!
3. Where is your favorite place to study? The EER has just the right amount of background noise while also being a super comfy place to get work done.
4. What is your favorite way to de-stress? Setting aside time to just be by myself and do things that make me happy like listening to music, watching YouTube videos, or baking.
5. One piece of advice for incoming freshmen: No matter how difficult your journey at UT may seem, you are here for a reason and you will figure out how to navigate college. It’s easy to feel like you aren’t prepared enough or aren’t fitting in as easily as others, but in time, you’ll be able to look back and be proud of all of the progress you’ve made. Enjoy the learning experience and don’t stress too much about achieving perfect grades or meeting expectations. Use these years to discover more about yourself and all that you’re capable of!
Sneha George || WINS & Student Life Student aSSISTANT
Neuroscience
Hometown: Sugar Land, TX
1. What is your favorite activity to do in Austin? My favorite activity to do in Austin is exploring downtown and South Congress with my friends.
2. What is one meal in Austin that everyone absolutely has to try at least once in their lives? Everyone has to try the Cabo Bobs burritos at least once! Their burritos are humongous and wayyy better than Chipotle.
3. Where is your favorite place to study? My favorite place to study is at the Life Sciences Library. It is very pretty and a super quiet environment to study in.
4. What is your favorite way to de-stress? My favorite way to de-stress is by going on late night walks with my friends on campus.
5. One piece of advice for incoming freshmen: Make sure you spend time enjoying the city. Austin is such an amazing place, with so many things to experience, so definitely try to go explore whenever you can!
Haley Brown || WINS Program ASSISTANT
Biology and Psychology
Hometown: Killeen, TX
1. What is your favorite activity to do in Austin? I love eating! I love to go out to the best Austin restaurants with some friends and have a great time.
2. What is one meal in Austin that everyone absolutely has to try at least once in their lives? Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille’s Famous Pork Chop
3. Where is your favorite place to study? PCL 4th Floor – I enjoy the distraction-free environment
4. What is your favorite way to de-stress? Watching a movie marathon or binging medical dramas
5. One piece of advice for incoming freshmen: Get out and make connections with others however you can! Join an organization or two that allows you to branch out into the UT community and create those relationships everyone needs to enjoy university.
Krisha Tripathy || WINS PROGRAM aSSISTANT
Biochemistry Honors
Hometown: Houston, TX
1. What is your favorite activity to do in Austin? listen to live music on the weekends at Central Market
2. What is one meal in Austin that everyone absolutely has to try at least once in their lives? Kismet Cafe
3. Where is your favorite place to study? top floor of NHB
4. What is your favorite way to de-stress? workout or do something active outdoors (when the weather is nice)
5. One piece of advice for incoming freshmen: Step out of your comfort zone and try new, positive things!
Destiny Afinni-MYLES || WINS PROGRAM aSSISTANT
Biology
Hometown: Houston, TX
1. What is your favorite activity to do in Austin? Hiking!
2. What is one meal in Austin that everyone absolutely has to try at least once in their lives? Pizza from Roppolos!
3. Where is your favorite place to study?The Engineering Building
4. What is your favorite way to de-stress? Catch up with friends at the West Campus food truck (& of course get some Cold Cookie while at it)
5. One piece of advice for incoming freshmen: Be patient with yourself and enjoy the journey!
WINS PROGRAM ASSISTANTS/MENTORS
Aubrie Rettmann
Biochemistry
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
1. What is your favorite activity to do in Austin? My favorite activity to do in Austin is going to see live music with my friends!
2. What is one meal in Austin that everyone absolutely has to try at least once in their lives? The sweet and spicy fried chicken at KO Stop (previously called Left Wing)! I didn’t even like spicy food until I tried that meal and now I add chili oil to everything. The honey garlic is also good!
3. Where is your favorite place to study? CMA is great for group or individual studying, especially on weekdays when all of the rooms are unlocked and the coffee shop is open! It’s also nice and quiet on the weekends, just make sure to use the celebrated entrance since you’ll need to scan your ID.
4. What is your favorite way to de-stress? Thrift shopping around campus is always fun and de-stressing, even if you don’t end up buying anything! For me, it’s a good way to trick myself into feeling productive while mostly just having fun trying things on and laughing at the interesting finds.
5. One piece of advice for incoming freshmen: Be open to experiences and opportunities that might be out of your comfort zone - you can always leave a club if you realize it isn’t for you, or not continue a minor/certificate if you take a couple of classes and don’t enjoy them, but freshman year is the best time to explore and find the right community for you!
Mackenzie Coffin
Chemistry
Hometown: Denison, TX
1. What is your favorite activity to do in Austin? Go shopping at the Domain!
2. What is one meal in Austin that everyone absolutely has to try at least once in their lives? Kerbey Lane Queso!
3. Where is your favorite place to study? Welch Hall.
4. What is your favorite way to de-stress? Yoga and spending time outside.
5. One piece of advice for incoming freshmen: Find a planning system that works for you, either a paper planner or something like Google Calendar. There are just too many assignments and events to remember them all. Plus it'll establish good skills for your future career.
Janice Oh
Biochemistry
Hometown: Austin, TX
1. What is your favorite activity to do in Austin? Kayaking at Lady Bird Lake!
2. What is one meal in Austin that everyone absolutely has to try at least once in their lives? The pho at 888 Pan Asian Restaurant or Sip Pho
3. Where is your favorite place to study? Life Sciences Library for the Harry Potter vibes
4. What is your favorite way to de-stress? Taking a walk/run while watching YouTube/Twitch
5. One piece of advice for incoming freshmen: Don't be afraid to ask questions to upperclassmen. Try out different organizations to find what you're really passionate about and stick with the ones you really like!
Emily Wade
Astronomy and Physics
Hometown: Bloomington, IL
1. What is your favorite activity to do in Austin?Going to concerts! So many cool artists come perform here.
2. What is one meal in Austin that everyone absolutely has to try at least once in their lives? Detroit-style pizza from Via 313
3. Where is your favorite place to study? The Life Sciences Library or a quiet café with some friends
4. What is your favorite way to de-stress?Listening to music from my highly curated Spotify playlists
5. One piece of advice for incoming freshmen:Don't be afraid to reach out for help. Having to ask for help does not make you any less worthy of being here!
My Tang
Biochemistry
Hometown: Dallas, TX
1. What is your favorite activity to do in Austin? Discovering new places and hanging out with friends!
2. What is one meal in Austin that everyone absolutely has to try at least once in their lives? Madam Ma’am’s Bankrupt noodles or Pad Thai are so good and last about two meals if you don’t eat a lot.
3. Where is your favorite place to study? My favorite place to study is my room, but I also like the lounges at Kins.
4. What is your favorite way to de-stress? I like watching movies or playing video games with friends.
5. One piece of advice for incoming freshmen: Take your time to plan your academic schedule and stick to that schedule, but don’t forget to take breaks for your mental wellbeing. Also when you have the chance explore Austin because there are so many places to go!
Catherine Fang
Computer Science and Psychology
Hometown: Houston, TX
1. What is your favorite activity to do in Austin? I love exploring the city and trying out new restaurants.
2. What is one meal in Austin that everyone absolutely has to try at least once in their lives? The Dry Fried Green Beans, Chongqing Spicy Chicken, and Fish Fillet in Chili Oil at China Family on Guadalupe Street. This is one of my favorite restaurants for authentic Chinese food, and everything that I have ordered here has been so delicious!
3. Where is your favorite place to study? My room because I usually focus best with little to no background noise.
4. What is your favorite way to de-stress? Watching movies, playing board games, or doing anything that involves hanging out with my friends and family.
5. One piece of advice for incoming freshmen: Get out of your comfort zone! You will be able to meet so many people with different backgrounds and perspectives along the way, making your experiences throughout college even more meaningful.
Nastassja Martin
Chemistry
Hometown: Rio Rancho, NM/ Frisco, TX
1. What is your favorite activity to do in Austin? Bouldering at Austin Bouldering Project (it's basically untethered indoor rock climbing puzzles!)
2. What is one meal in Austin that everyone absolutely has to try at least once in their lives? Soup dumplings from Barley Swine. They're little explosions of savory and umami goodness.
3. Where is your favorite place to study? The bottom floor of the union on the high tops by Starbucks. Its quiet atmosphere helps me stay focussed (not to mention its convenient proximity to caffeine).
4. What is your favorite way to de-stress? Going on walks through Pease park. You could say its beautiful canopy of trees and trickling stream make it rather pease-ful.
5. One piece of advice for incoming freshmen: Ask as many questions as you can! Being an inquisitive, open communicator will set you up for success in your personal and professional career.
Babette Asamoah
Public Health
Hometown: Dallas, TX
1. What is your favorite activity to do in Austin? I've been at home since the pandemic and just moved to Austin. At some point, I want to go hiking and visit lake Travis.
2. What is one meal in Austin that everyone absolutely has to try at least once in their lives? Kesos Tacos, my roommates are constantly raving about their tacos, so I think y'all should try it out!
3. Where is your favorite place to study?I like studying in a library or my room.
4. What is your favorite way to de-stress? Netflix/Hulu binge!!
5. One piece of advice for incoming freshmen: You do not have to have everything figured/planned out. College, especially your first year, is a great way to explore and find the answers to your questions and concerns. So, don't feel rushed and figure out everything at your own pace!
Sadie rae Duran
Computer Science
Hometown: Victoria, TX
1. What is your favorite activity to do in Austin? Going to get desserts with friends
2. What is one meal in Austin that everyone absolutely has to try at least once in their lives? The Kerbey Lane chicken & pancakes <3
3. Where is your favorite place to study? In the Kinsolving study rooms. It's the perfect mix of silence and background noise.
4. What is your favorite way to de-stress? I love watching TV, coloring or listening to audio books.
5. One piece of advice for incoming freshmen: Balancing the college life may be hard. Just remember: study more than you party & sleep more than you study.
Jeneffer Cotilla
Biochemistry
Hometown: Houston, TX
1. What is your favorite activity to do in Austin? I like to go kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming in Barton Springs. There's so much to do outdoors!
2. What is one meal in Austin that everyone absolutely has to try at least once in their lives? The bruschetta from IL Saporis Italian Food Truck. Is not gourmet but it's comfort food for a good price :)
3. Where is your favorite place to study? The Texas Union. You can reserve a study room, or just pick a spot in the many sitting areas.
4. What is your favorite way to de-stress? I like to go on walks at Roy G. Guerrero Park. Honestly, just walk anywhere with greenery.
5. One piece of advice for incoming freshmen: Your entire life is not a college or job application. Not everything has to serve a greater purpose or enrich your resume. Allow yourself to do things just because you enjoy them every now and then.
Anouka Saha
Mathematics
Hometown: Austin, TX
1. What is your favorite activity to do in Austin? Eating and exploring the coffee scene! There are so many great places to try.
2. What is one meal in Austin that everyone absolutely has to try at least once in their lives? Brunch at Phoebe's Diner is extremely good. You cannot go wrong with anything on their menu.
3. Where is your favorite place to study? Littlefield Patio Cafe! It has very large windows and good coffee.
4. What is your favorite way to de-stress? I like to watch TV shows or read books.
5. One piece of advice for incoming freshmen: Remember that you have time! You do not need to have your whole life planned out, and all the struggles you face will eventually pass.
Holly Luebsen
Mathematics
Hometown: Houston, TX
1. What is your favorite activity to do in Austin? Go explore downtown and watch a movie with friends or take a bike ride around campus on the weekends.
2. What is one meal in Austin that everyone absolutely has to try at least once in their lives? The foodtruck called ATX Gyros off of 26 West and Rio Grande has the best loaded fries. It is an absolute must!
3. Where is your favorite place to study? The PMA Library is highly underrated! (also, studying in the PMA late at night before the janitors kick you out is even better)
4. What is your favorite way to de-stress? I love to go for a swim at Greg or get boba with friends.
5. One piece of advice for incoming freshmen: One’s freshman year is never perfect! If you didn’t have at least one major hiccup, you didn’t do it right. Be sure to learn from these mistakes and grow as an adult; push through these challenges and know that it will get better.
Kylie Ziemke
Neuroscience
Hometown: Dallas, TX
1. What is your favorite activity to do in Austin? My favorite thing to do in Austin is to find new restaurants and fun study spots!
2. What is one meal in Austin that everyone absolutely has to try at least once in their lives? The Kerbey Lane Cafe green chile mac and cheese!
3. Where is your favorite place to study? The Life Sciences Library
4. What is your favorite way to de-stress? Watch a movie, read a book, or hang out with friends!
5. One piece of advice for incoming freshmen: Try to set aside time every day for homework and studying, because it's really easy to fall behind or procrastinate. Doing a little each day will help you to not get overwhelmed or have a lot of work build up.
Priyanka Warrier
Biology
Hometown: Dallas, TX
1. What is your favorite activity to do in Austin? I love walking across the pedestrian bridges over the river in downtown Austin. The view of the river against the buildings in the background is so pretty, especially at sunset.
2. What is one meal in Austin that everyone absolutely has to try at least once in their lives? You should definitely try Cava if you haven't already. I've made so many of my friends try it and they all love it! Madam Ma'ams and Kerbey Lane are delicious spots too.
3. Where is your favorite place to study? I love studying at Lucky Lab when the weather is nice. The coffee's really good, and people are constantly bringing their dogs out on the patio too.
4. What is your favorite way to de-stress? I've found that reading a good escapist book or hanging out with friends is the best way to get my mind off of school.
5. One piece of advice for incoming freshmen: The best thing you can do to make friends in a new place is to approach everyone you meet with a friendly, positive attitude. It can be scary to talk to new people, but if you strike up conversations with multiple people, and ask them questions about themselves, you will find that at least one person will be eager to become friends with you.
Shahd Ahmed
Biochemistry
Hometown: Katy, TX
1. What is your favorite activity to do in Austin? I love exploring new places to eat in Austin! I am a big foodie and Austin has such a diverse selection of restaurants and food trucks.
2. What is one meal in Austin that everyone absolutely has to try at least once in their lives? A burrito from Cabo Bob’s with extra hot sauce.
3. Where is your favorite place to study? The 5th floor of the Norman Hackerman Building!
4. What is your favorite way to de-stress? Hanging out with friends or binging a new Netflix show.
5. One piece of advice for incoming freshmen: Take opportunities beyond your comfort zone, you’d be surprised by what you’re capable of! :)
cADy SEBOLD
Physics and Astronomy
Hometown: As a military kid, it's hard to pinpoint a hometown out of Texas, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Alaska. I'd say my hometown is probably Mustang, Oklahoma since I lived there the longest!
1. What is your favorite activity to do in Austin? Currently, my favorite thing to do in Austin is go thrifting, but I'm hoping to check out karaoke and roller skating around here too.
2. What is one meal in Austin that everyone absolutely has to try at least once in their lives? I haven't really tried a lot of restaurants in Austin yet, but Torchy's is great out of what I've tried so far!
3. Where is your favorite place to study? My favorite place to study on campus is either in the Union study rooms or on the third floor of the Union in the hallway tables and couches.
4. What is your favorite way to de-stress? My favorite way to destress is to pet my rabbits or to take a gaming break!
5. One piece of advice for incoming freshmen: My biggest advice for freshmen is to not freak out if you get a bad grade in class because it's not the end of the world. I freaked out a lot last year, but my grades turned out fine in the end.
Marissa Llamas
Mathematics
2. What is one meal in Austin that everyone absolutely has to try at least once in their lives? Anything at Loro's will always have a special place in my heart!
3. Where is your favorite place to study? The tables outside the Jackson School of Geosciences are always a go-to if the weather is nice. Otherwise, the second floor of the SAC is nice as well, especially with its big windows and Longhorn Coffee Co. just downstairs!
4. What is your favorite way to de-stress? I love to destress by practicing skincare and watching rom-coms with friends!
5. One piece of advice for incoming freshmen: Make connections with new friends and faculty. Networking and friendship are only two of the multiple ways to taking advantage of your time at UT. Remember to step out of your comfort zone, and embrace a positive, happy attitude while leaving room for self-care and well-being. You belong here!
Miya Walker
Neuroscience
Hometown: Euless, TX
1. What is your favorite activity to do in Austin? Relax at Auditorium Shores Park
2. What is one meal in Austin that everyone absolutely has to try at least once in their lives? Project Pollo - it’s vegan!
3. Where is your favorite place to study? Moody College of Communication Building
4. What is your favorite way to de-stress? Fiber art and crafts
5. One piece of advice for incoming freshmen: Prioritize finding balance between academics, getting involved, and having a social life. That balance will help you discover yourself the best.
Adrana Oniovoso
Biology
Hometown: Houston, TX
1. What is your favorite activity to do in Austin? I like to go on boats in Lake Travis!
2. What is one meal in Austin that everyone absolutely has to try at least once in their lives? Cabo Bob's!
3. Where is your favorite place to study? I love going to the PCL for the peace and quiet.
4. What is your favorite way to de-stress? Sleep
5. One piece of advice for incoming freshmen: Don't fall behind! Stay on top of your work!
