Our Mentors

The student mentors in the Rising Scholars program provide 1:1 peer-mentoring for undergraduate students at NDSU. They focus on holistic support including navigating NDSU, academic skills, and goal-setting, and undergo rigorous training throughout their time as peer mentors.

Booking an appointment on Bison Advise is easy. Choose a mentor with a time that works for you and follow their "Meet with Me" link.

All meetings take place at ACE in the lower level of West Dining Center.

If you would like online accommodations, please email us at ndsu.risingscholars@ndsu.edu

Appointments for Spring 2026 are available now and begin January 13

Riham Abdo

Interior Design

Tuesday 9:30-1:00 | Thursday 12:30-4:30

I’m in my second year of the interior design program and I enjoy sketching, meeting new people, and exploring new things. I’m passionate about building connections, sharing experiences, and helping new students feel at home. I’m excited to welcome and guide new students as they explore life at NDSU. I serve on the board for both the First Generation Club and NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers), and I’m also a member of BSA (Black Student Association) and ASID (American Society of Interior Designers).

Meet with Me

Ella Rohrer

Health Services with Minors in Public Health & Human Development and Family Sciences

Monday 11:00-3:00 | Tuesday 10:00-3:00 | Wednesday 10:00-3:00 | Thursday 11:00-3:00

I enjoy being outdoors, being active, and spending time with my family.

Meet with Me

Najma Ali

Nursing

Wednesday 3:00-4:00 | Friday 11:00-2:00

I like reading books more than I should!

I like reading, swimming, traveling, and being active

Meet with Me

Reagan Johnson

Landscape Architecture

Tuesday, Thursday 10:00-12:00, 3:00-5:00 | Wednesday 2:00-5:00 | Thursday 10:00-12:00, 3:00-5:00

Originally from the Twin Cities suburbs in Minnesota. I was an RA my sophomore year at NDSU in Weible Hall, I have worked in the campus greenhouses to help grow the flowers planted around campus, and my favorite dining hall on campus is Residence Dining Hall

I enjoy being outdoors, plants, going for walks, reading, watching reality TV, baking, and spending time with my friends and family. In Fargo, I like to spend my free time shopping, checking out new coffee shops and restaurants, hanging out downtown, and relaxing at home with my roommate

Meet with Me

Kayci Baumgartner

Management - Human Resources

Monday 11:00-1:00 | Tuesday 11:00-1:30

I love to be outdoors and connect with friends! I am a student coordinator at the NDSU Wellness Center, so I always enjoy meeting new people! I am also a member of Women in Business through NDSU College of Business.

I love going on walks, reading, and am always up for a new coffee shop recommendation!

Meet with Me!

Sam Sveen

Natural Resource Management

Tuesday 11:00-1:30 | Thursday 11:00-1:30

I am an Air Force veteran, and I am currently serving in the Marine Corps Reserve. I love all things outdoors, including skiing, fishing, camping, hiking, and hunting. I also love to travel - there is nothing I enjoy more than meeting different people, trying new foods, and sharing unique experiences.

Meet with Me

Lillian Kunkel

Management - Human Resources

Tuesday 3:00-5:00

I am a big country music fan, but don't worry I listen to other music as well

I love to read in my free time. I mainly like fantasy books but will venture out to romance every once in a while. I also love pets and love to talk about them

Meet with Me

Maryan Ali

Nursing

Monday 3:00-5:00 | Wednesday 3:00-5:00 | Friday 1:00-4:30

I like hiking, finding coffee spots, coloring books, watching k-dramas and gardening

Nasro Ali

Nursing, Neuroscience Psychology Minor

TBD

I love going on walks and late-night bike rides. I also really enjoy going to new places and trying new things. I currently have one job and am involved in many different clubs

I enjoy baking, hiking, reading, and finding new places that have great coffee

Meet with Me

Join Rising Scholars

Fill out the Interest Form