First-Year Counselors

The First-Year Counselor Program was established in 1938 and has been ever since an intrinsic and essential component of Yale’s advising system for the first-year students. The program has evolved in many ways over the years, but the general purpose of the program has remained the same: to help ease the transition of incoming first-years to the academic, social, and cultural life of Yale College.

Silliman 2024-2025 First-Year Counselors:

Justin Crosby

Justin (he/him) is a political science major from Middleton, Massachusetts. He studies journalism, democracy, and liberalism, focusing on social association and atomization. One of the communities he treasures most is the Independent Party, a debate group that prides itself on its ideological diversity; he formerly served as its chairman. He also writes individual and joint opinion columns for the Yale Daily News. His sources of joy include backpacking, exploring New Haven’s neighborhoods and grocery stores, organizing game nights, and meandering through second-hand bookstores. Before starting college, Justin worked as a baker’s assistant; he still regularly bakes at home and on campus. He has two younger sisters, both in high school, and two dogs.

Nola Dorji

Nola (she/her/hers) is pursuing a BS in Environmental Studies. She is an international student from Bhutan who lived in the Philippines for most of her life, and was an OIS counsellor previously. On campus, she is involved in the Dwight Hall Socially Responsible Investment (DHSRI) club as the Shareholder Engagement team head, and the president of the Environmental Education Collaborative (EECO). She is passionate about the intersection between the environment and justice, and would be happy to talk about how her two clubs reflect this. You might catch her at the Yale Farm on Fridays, running to East Rock, or performatively reading a book outside on sunny days. She loves having any reason to procrastinate so feel free to contact her at any time!

Hasfa Fazl

Hasfa (she/her) is from Branford, Connecticut and so freshman year, her journey to Silliman was but a swift 10-minute drive. She is quite a local to New Haven as she went to middle school and high school in the city. Hasfa is pre-med and majoring in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology on the Organismal Biology track. At Yale, she leads the Zero Waste team with the Office of Sustainability’s Peer Education Program and is deeply involved with the Muslim Students Association. She also mentors high school students at the Yale Simulations Academy and works with middle school students at the Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS). Outside of class, you can find Hasfa taking care of her plants, studying at coffee shops, or being a barista at the Acorn where she’s always practicing her latte art. Hasfa is also a known kdrama addict and boba fanatic, having arguably the best rankings of the boba spots around campus. She is super excited to be a FroCo and welcome the Class of 2028 with open arms to Yale and New Haven!

Adia Guthrie                                                     

Hey, Silliman Class of 2028! My name is Adia Guthrie (she/her), and I’m incredibly excited to meet you all. I am a Neuroscience major from New Jersey. My primary research interests pertain to the causes and impacts of diabetes and heart disease in the Black community, and I’m also captivated by how epigenetics can influence the pathology of neurological diseases with the Black Community. At Yale, I work in the Fineberg lab conducting biomedical clinical research. I also spend a fair amount of time at the Afro-American Cultural Center, affectionately known as The House, doing work for the Yale Black Women’s Coalition or studying in the BCAY room.

Outside of class, you’ll probably spot me walking around campus listening to music with a Mocha in hand. If you see me, don’t hesitate to say hello! I’d love to talk to you about my favorite New Haven coffee shop, the latest artist I’ve been listening to, or anything else of interest to you. Feel free to reach out to me at adia.guthrie@yale.edu if you have any questions, would like to meet, or just need a listening ear. I’m excited for us to grow together this upcoming year. See you in August!

Jessica Liu

Jessica (she/her) is a pre-med student studying Molecular Biochemistry & Biophysics, with a certificate in Programming. Jessica is a proud Houstonian and spent this past summer watching (and oftentimes helping with!) open heart surgeries at the Texas Medical Center. At Yale, Jessica enjoys her research in herpesvirus biochemistry and bioinformatics. Jessica is also manager of the Acorn Bakery and a member of Yale’s kpop dance group, Movement. If you can’t tell, Jessica loves exploring new hobbies and places: she loves oil painting and is close to visiting every cafe in New Haven (and branching out to NYC)!

Fernando Lopez

Fernando Lopez (he/him) is from Lansing, Illinois, studying Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology with a certificate in Education Studies on the pre-dental track. On campus, Fernando is involved with the Office of Educational Opportunity as a peer mentor for first-generation, low-income students and as a tutor for New Haven students for Yeti Tutoring. During the summer Fernando loves to volunteer for Camp Kesem, a summer camp for Connecticut children who have been impacted by a parent’s cancer!

When he’s not busy with academics, Fernando likes to listen to vinyls on his record player, try (unsuccessfully) to spot constellations in the night sky, and talk about everything and nothing with his closest friends. He’s also a major horror film fan and is always looking for new recs! Fernando is thrilled to welcome the Class of 2028 to the Silliman community.

Emma Madsen (Head FroCo)

Welcome Frosh B^) My name is Emma Madsen (she/her/hers) and I am excited to welcome you to the BEST residential college of all time: SILLIMAN!!! At Yale I am a Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology (MCDB) major who hails from the great cities of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Savannah, Georgia.

When I’m not doing psets, you can find me dabbling in the comedy scene @ Yale via The Yale Record, our satire magazine on campus, or The Cucumber, a branch of the Record focused on stand-up comedy. I also love to attend the abundance of theater productions and music performances put on by other students. Lastly, you can find me getting involved with Silliman either through the Silliman Buttery or via our Silliman Activities & Administrative Committee (SAAC).

Please feel free to reach out at emma.madsen@yale.edu, some of my favorite topics include: CYA (Confusing Yale Acronyms), exploring other residential colleges, finding your niche on campus, and going from living in a place where it snows to a place where it doesn’t back to a place where it does.

Maya Monthrope

Mayah (she/her) is a History of Science and Medicine Major from a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. She is interested in the intersection of health and law. During her time at Yale she has been deeply involved with the dance community as a member of Yaledancers. She has also served on the board of the Caribbean Student’s Association. She works at the Undergraduate Admissions Office and is a Research Assistant at the School of Public Health. In her free time, she indulges in trashy reality television shows, attends student productions, and enjoys traveling to try interesting new foods. She is so excited to meet the Class of 2028!!

Hannah Turner

Hannah (she/her) is a senior from Highland Village, Texas (a suburb outside of Dallas). She is majoring in Environmental Studies, with a concentration in Human Health and the Environment. During her time at Yale, she has competed as a member of the varsity softball team, which has allowed her to introduce younger teammates to campus and help them acclimate. She has also worked for the Office of Sustainability and as an Aide for the Silliman Office. In her free time, she pets dogs in the Silliman courtyard (because she misses her two dogs back home), tries new vegan food, and explores local shops around New Haven! This summer, Hannah worked as a research assistant at the Yale School of Public Health, studying patient experiences with diagnosis. She can’t wait to welcome the Class of 2028 to Silliman and to Yale!

Alex Williams

Alex (he, him, his) is from Ooltewah, Tennessee. He is a member of the Men’s Varsity HWT Crew Team and studies molecular cellular developmental biology (MCDB - Biotechnology) doubled with History. Alex works as a Student Athlete Mentor (SAM), Tour Guide, and was a CEE. Additionally, he enjoys extra curriculars with YCC, Silliman College Council, handbell ensemble, SAMs, YULAA, YUPP, Student Athlete Activities Council, and research labs. In his free time, Alex enjoys kayaking, painting, grilling, line dancing, and much more. Alex plans to work in medical technology malpractice post law school in California or Texas after graduation. He also has a passion for teaching as well as oldies music.