IREPs

Photo of Elizabeth Liu
Elizabeth Liu

Pronouns: She/Her
Home city/country: United States
Languages spoken/learning: English, Mandarin
Major: Biology, Chemistry and Psychology
Class year: 2026

Hi everyone! My name is Elizabeth Liu, and I am a rising junior majoring in biology. I am part of The Justice newspaper, Adagio Dance Company, and lacrosse club on campus. In my free time, I love to bake, watch movies and tv shows, and hang out with friends! I am excited to meet all of you, and hope you end up loving Brandeis as much as I do!

Photo of Emily Moreno
Emily Moreno

Pronouns: She/Her
Home City/Country: Milan, Italy
Languages Spoken/Learning: Italian, English, French, Spanish
Major: Environmental Studies
Class Year: 2027

Hi! My name is Emily and I’m a rising sophomore studying Environmental Studies. I was born in Miami, Florida, and I moved to Italy when I was 11. I am so excited to welcome everyone in the Fall! I am a co-president and founder of the Italian Club and a member of the improv group False Advertising, so you should all stop by our events! I love exploring Boston, particularly Chinatown and the North End. I love listening to music and meeting new people, so feel free to reach out to me!

Photo of Emily Yao
Emily Yao

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Home City and Country: Guangzhou, China
Languages Spoken/Learning: Mandarin, Cantonese, English, Italian
Major: History
Minor: Legal Studies, Italian Studies
Class Year: 2027

Hi Class of 2028! This is Emily Yao, a rising sophomore majoring in History. I was born and raised in Canton, China and I’m proud of my cultural identity. In the classroom, my academic interests are around crimes, law, and modern Italy. After walking down the stairs of Mandel Quad, I’m a photographer obsessed with flowers and sunsets, a museum visitor, and a K-pop fan. Feel free to contact me if you want to know what the best Asian restaurants in Boston are, or you just want to chat with me about anything in this three-dimensional world. Can’t wait to see you guys! Welcome to Brandeis!

Photo of Harry Xiao
Harry Xiao
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Home City/Country: Guangzhou, China
Languages Spoken/Learning: Cantonese, Mandarin, English, Korean
Major: Economics, Psychology
Minor: Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies
Class Year: 2025
 
Hi, I am Harry. I am a rising senior majoring in Economics and Psychology. Born and raised in Guangzhou, China, I've cultivated a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and empathize with the challenges of relocation. At Brandeis, I am working as an economics BUGS tutor and one of the undergraduate research mentors at URCC. I am also a research assistant at a psychology lab. During my free time, I enjoy hiking, swimming, and traveling. I am excited to meet you all and don't hesitate to reach out with any questions!
Photo of Katie Tao
Katie Tao
Pronouns: She/Her
Home City and Country: Shanghai, China
Languages Spoken/Learning: Mandarin, English, German
Major: Psychology, Creative Writing
Class Year: 2026
Hello everyone. I am Katie and this is my second year being an iRep. I was born and raised in China and I've never lived in a foreign country all by myself before coming to college. Probably just like many of you guys! I love watching movies and musicals, reading and writing stories, and enjoy all kinds of food! Brandeis is a place full of nice people and diverse activities. You can find me on Instagram and feel free to chat. Cannot wait to meet you all.
Photo of Kyra Bhagat
Kyra Bhagat
Pronouns: She/Her
Home City and Country: New Delhi, India
Languages Spoken/Learning: Hindi, English, French
Major: Biology
Minor: HSSP
Class Year: 2026
Hi everyone! My name is Kyra Bhagat. I am a rising junior pursuing a BS in Biology and a minor in HSSP. I was born in London, UK but lived all my life in New Delhi, India. I'm the outreach coordinator for the BeWise club (Brandeis Encourages Women in Science & Engineering) and event coordinator for the Art Club. I'll also be starting a new club called Crafts & Conversations Club in Fall 2024, so if you want to do something crafty, join the club! I am the Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for the General Chemistry Lab. In my spare time, I do digital and Mandala art. I am also a trained Kathak dancer which is a classical dance of India. In my spare time, my friends and I go to the different cultural and dance performances held at Brandeis. I would highly recommend going to Mela which is hosted by the South Asian Student Association, CultreX, and Adagio. Being around people from all over the world on campus, it inspires me to travel the world.
Photo of Maliha Momtaz
Maliha Momtaz

Pronouns: She/Her
Home City and Country: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Languages Spoken/Learning: Hindi, Bengali, English
Major: Business, Economics
Class Year: 2026

Hey! My name is Maliha and I’m a rising junior at Brandeis studying Business and Economics. I was born and raised in Dhaka, Bangladesh. If you need recommendations on cute places to visit in Boston or want to talk about movies (or any queries you might have in general) feel free to hit me up. I look forward to meeting you!

Photo of Rezhan Fatah
Rezhan Fatah

Pronouns: He/Him
Home City and Country: Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan
Languages Spoken/Learning: Kurdish, Arabic, Turkish, English
Major: Computer Science, Economics
Class Year: 2027

Hi everyone, I'm Rezhan! I'm from Kurdistan and it's my second year at Brandeis. I love hanging out in good weather and playing music . I study Economics and Computer Science and am involved with Cultural, STEM, & community service organizations on campus. I'm super excited to be an IREP and share my experiences with each and every one of you in this exciting journey of studying abroad.

Photo of Riley Shi
Riley Shi

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Home City and Country: Yancheng, China
Languages Spoken/Learning: Mandarin, English
Major: Economics, Applied Mathematics
Class Year: 2025

Hey y'all! Welcome to Brandeis! My name is Riley and I'm currently a rising senior double majoring in Economics and Applied Mathematics. I grew up in a seaside city in the eastern part of China. I love watching TV shows, movies, and musicals. I like spending my weekends and breaks hanging out with friends, meeting new people, and traveling. As an active member of the Brandeis Rowing Team, I am open to various sports too. I am also a transfer student, so if you are a transfer student and struggling with transfer credits and stuff like this (which I know is hard), please feel free to contact me! I will try my best to help you and share my experience with you! Brandeis has a warm and diverse community, you will find your passion here! I am really excited to meet y'all!

Photo of Alice
Wencheng Gong (Alice)

Pronouns: She/Her
Home City and Country: China
Languages Spoken/Learning: Mandarin, English
Major: Business
Class Year: 2026

Hi, my name is Wencheng Gong and you can call me Alice. I am a rising junior at Brandeis studying business major. We are excited to have you here and you'll find Brandeis an amazing community that is just as passionate and curious as you are. You will have the power to embrace your individuality and shape your own journey. We can't wait to meet you all!

Photo of Zahira Ramirez
Zahira Ramirez

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Home City and Country: Capiata, Paraguay
Languages Spoken/Learning: Spanish, Guarani, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, English
Major: Economics, Computer Science
Minor: Hispanic Studies, Education
Class Year: 2027

Hey, everyone! I’m Zahira, and I could not be more excited to be welcoming every single one of you this coming August! I am from a small town located in Paraguay (also, fun fact, Paraguay is known as the heart of South America), I've embarked on this incredible journey to Brandeis, finding myself in another vibrant community that’s just as warm and welcoming.
Coming to Brandeis was the first time I went so far from home, and just a year ago, I was in your shoes, full of anticipation and curiosity about studying abroad. The International Welcome Days were an invaluable stepping stone for me; they not only helped ease my transition but also created fantastic opportunities to meet some of my closest friends and mentors. I hope this event becomes just as pivotal for you.
A bit about myself—I’m a sophomore majoring in Computer Science and Economics. I have a deep passion for using technology to enhance inclusivity, focusing on improving workplace accessibility and rights for people with disabilities. Whether it’s through developing adaptive technologies or leveraging AI for better support systems, I’m all about creating tech that touches lives. I’m also brushing up on my language skills, involved with the Brandeis Latin American Student Association, and busy spearheading a website project for community initiatives on campus. On the lighter side, I’m a dance enthusiast trying to kickstart a dance group here that swings to the rhythm of Latin and Urban beats with my friends.
When not immersed in tech or textbooks, you’ll find me exploring Boston, hanging out with friends and belting out tunes on karaoke nights, or just hanging out and chatting about everything from the latest memes to our favorite midnight snacks. Feel free to reach out if you need any tips or just want to chat—I'm here to help. See you all very soon! :)

Photo of Bonnie Bao
Bonnie Bao

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Home City and Country: China
Languages Spoken/Learning: Chinese, English
Major: Economics, Business
Minor: Math
Class Year: 2027

Hi, everyone. I’m Bonnie, a rising sophomore, double majoring in Economics and Business and minoring in Mathematics. I come from China. I love make up, playing guitar, singing, playing video games and so on. If you are interested in any of these topics, you are more than welcome to come and talk to me! Brandeis is a very friendly and harmonious university. Both professors and students here are very kind and supportive. I’m sure you will have a wonderful college life here. Can’t wait to see you in August!

Photo of Jeffrey Zhou
Jeffrey Zhou

Pronouns: He/Him
Home City and Country: Xiamen, China
Languages Spoken/Learning: Chinese, English
Major: Business
Class Year: 2027

Hi Class of 2028! My name is Jeffrey Zhou, a rising sophomore pursuing a double major in Business and probably Computer Science. I'm a member of the Global China Connection club (GCC) and we have multiple events each semester. I love photography, movies and listening to music. When I'm not busy, I usually explore Boston or go to restaurants with my friends. I'm excited to meet you all! Don't hesitate to contact me through email or Instagram!