Office of First Year Programs - University of Houston
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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

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

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

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

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

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

Jusvin Charles
Computer Science

Mustafa Vejlani

Mustafa Vejlani
Computer Science

Mentorship Co-Chairs

Abinanda Manoj

Abinanda Manoj
Computer Science

Matthew Nguyen

Matthew Nguyen
Biology

Sydney Thuy

Sydney Thuy
Computer Science (Pre-Med)

Recruitment Co-Chairs

Annamaria Rodrigues

Annamaria Rodrigues
Biology

Daniel Thomas

Daniel Thomas
Computer Science

Dhruvi Sharma

Dhruvi Sharma
Biology

Social Co-Chairs

Alima Alam

Alima Alam
Computer Science

Ayaan Saleem

Ayaan Saleem
Biology

Mikaela Garcia

Mikaela Garcia
Geology

Aadya Sharma

Aadya Sharma
Biochemistry

Aaron Kisitu

Aaron Kisitu
Computer Science

Akosua Karikari

Akosua Karikari
Biology

Ashna Akepati

Ashna Akepati
Biochemistry

Auxil Perez

Auxil Perez
Biology

Cecilia Nguyen

Cecilia Nguyen
Biology

Charles Udo

Charles Udo
Biochemistry

Chelsey Nguyen

Chelsey Nguyen
Biology

Daniel Do

Daniel Do
Biology

Dylan Nguyen

Dylan Nguyen
Biology

Gokul Anirudhan

Gokul Anirudhan
Biology

Hailey Bui

Hailey Bui
Biochemistry

Haley Romine

Haley Romine
Honors Biomedical Science

Hannah Guehria

Hannah Guehria
Honors Biomedical Sciences

Jay Braddock

Jay Braddock
Geology

Jay Shukla

Jay Shukla
Computer Science

Kaitlyn Bryant

Kaitlyn Bryant
Geophysics

Kathy Dinh

Kathy Dinh
Biology

Kayla Le

Kayla Le
Mathematics

Maddison Pena

Maddison Pena
Biology

Maggie Fuller

Maggie Fuller
Physics

Muhammad Bilal

Muhammad Bilal
Computer Science

Nathan Naval

Nathan Naval
Mathematics

Oyinkansola Ojo

Oyinkansola Ojo
Computer Science

Paul Daniel

Paul Daniel
Honors Biomedical Sciences

Reece Kang

Reece Kang
Biology

Sania Dastagir

Sania Dastagir
Biology

Sanju Binny

Sanju Binny
Biology

Sayantan Pradhan

Sayantan Pradhan
Biochemistry

Shreya Davuluri

Shreya Davuluri
Biology

Sylvana Mvoi

Sylvana Mvoi
Biology

Tyler Vu

Tyler Vu
Biology

Valeria Duarte

Valeria Duarte
Computer Science

Yugbhai Patel

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

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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.

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Community-Driven

We cherish our collective characteristics by embracing our distinctive strengths, celebrating our diverse perspectives, and welcoming dynamic opportunities to adapt and grow.

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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:

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Inspire Potential

  • College Fairs
  • Campus Visit Experiences
  • Information Sessions
  • Open Houses
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Build Connections

  • Admissions Reviews
  • Orientation, including providing general information about the Math Placement Exam
  • Block Party
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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

EmailInstagram

Email us at nsmyear1@central.uh.edu or find us on Instagram @nsmfirstyear.