Winter 2025 Peer Advisers
The schedule for peer advisers is available below.
Did you know that the Economics Department hosts a team of trained student peer advisers ready to help anyone seeking to enhance their university experience? We encourage everyone to use this resource to ask questions, seek advice, and receive help to make informed, efficient decisions.
Trained peer advisers are available to assist student peers with:
- personal academic plans
- general questions about the majors and courses
- major declaration assistance
- Study Abroad Department approval forms
Peer advisers can be reached by email for appointments and advising at econpeer@ucsc.edu or directly by Zoom via our advising calendar. (Zoom meetings are limited to UCSC students).
Our trained peer advisers are economics majors who strive to make your college journey a little smoother. "We speak from our own personal experiences and are extremely happy to help out anyone who seeks it."
Our team currently consists of two lead peer advisers, Kushi Keertipati and Divya Ramesh, and nine peer advisers enrolled in a two-unit course designed to fully capture the peer advising experience. If you are interested in peer advising and have the enthusiasm and aptitude to help others, we typically accept applications every quarter and encourage you to apply here!
Kira Brown
econpeer@ucsc.edu
Schedule: WF 1:30 - 4:00 p.m., Th 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Hello! I am an incoming fourth-year at UC Santa Cruz, Cowell affiliate with a business management economics major. I love hiking, thrifting, watching videos essays on YouTube, and hanging out with my family and dogs. I’m looking forward to having a relaxing summer and then coming back to Santa Cruz in fall quarter and helping with any questions you may have as a peer adviser!
Geena Chernyak
econpeer@ucsc.edu
Schedule: MF 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon
Hi everyone, my name is Geena! I am a fourth-year global economics major with a technology information management minor and am affiliated with Cowell. I’m also involved with both Mock Trial and Women in Business here on campus. Outside of studying and working, I love to play piano, travel, and spend time with friends. I’m very excited to be able to help students out and offer guidance so please feel free to reach out with any questions or even to chat! 
Richard Chung
econpeer@ucsc.edu
Schedule: M 2:30 - 3:30 p.m., T 1:00 - 4:00 p.m., W 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., Th 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Hi everyone! My name is Richard (he/him) and I am a third-year business management economics major with a minor in statistics. I am also a part of the professional business fraternity on campus, Alpha Kappa Psi! In my free time, I love listening to music, playing volleyball, and spending time with loved ones! I am super excited to join the peer advising team this winter! Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Evelyne Gong
econpeer@ucsc.edu
Schedule: M 1:00 - 4:00 p.m., 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Hi everyone, my name is Evelyne (she/her), and I am a fourth-year majoring in business management economics with the accounting concentration. I’m also a third-year out-of-state transfer student, so I’m happy to answer any questions regarding my experience. In my free time, I love to bake, watch documentaries, and am always listening to music! Feel free to reach out with any questions!
Kushi Keertipati (Lead)
econpeer@ucsc.edu
Schedule: MW 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., TTh 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Hello everyone! My name is Kushi and I am currently a second-year student and a John R. Lewis affiliate majoring in business management economics. In my free time, I enjoy reading, hiking, and gardening. I am very much looking forward to being a peer adviser and hope to help you all out with any questions you may have!
Divya Ramesh (Lead)
econpeer@ucsc.edu
Schedule: MF 9:00 - 10:30 a.m., TTh 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, F 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Hi everyone! My name is Divya, and I am a third-year transfer student majoring in economics/mathematics. I'm an international student from Malaysia, and am affiliated with Merrill College. Outside of class, I love playing my guitar and bass, and I am also learning photography. Please reach out to me with any questions you may have!
Kavan Samant
econpeer@ucsc.edu
Schedule: TTh 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Hi there! My name is Kavan and I am a second-year Stevenson affiliate majoring in business management economics with the accounting concentration and I am minoring in both legal studies and Technology Information Management. I love reading, watching sports, hiking, and going to the gym in my free time. I would love to help you with any questions that you have, feel free to ask.
Jennifer Sotelo Perez
econpeer@ucsc.edu
Schedule: MW 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Hello! My name is Jennifer and I’m a fifth-year economics major with a minor in politics. I go by she/her/hers and I’m affiliated with Kresge College. I am one of four children from San Diego, CA. When I have free time, I often find myself knitting, crocheting, sewing, going on adventures to the nearest flower field, practicing my German and looking for ways to travel abroad. Feel free to reach out for advice, whether on economics courses or travel information!
Shilpa Suresh
econpeer@ucsc.edu
Schedule: W 1:30 - 2:30 p.m., Th 9:00 - 11:30 a.m., F 1:30 - 4:00
Hi everyone! My name is Shilpa (she/her) and I am a junior majoring in economics with a minor in statistics. Some of my hobbies include: hiking, reading, and playing volleyball. After I graduate, I would love to travel and pursue my master’s degree. I am super excited to join the peer advising team, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Kayson Tang
econpeer@ucsc.edu
Schedule: TTh 1:00 - 3:00 p.m., F 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Hello, my name is Kayson and I am a third-year business management economics, cognitive science (artificial Intelligence/human computer interaction), and psychology major. I am part of the Income Dynamics Lab in the Economics Department as well as a research assistant under Professor Roger Schoenman in the Politics Department. I am also the vice-chair for Merrill Student Government and co-president for Business Economics Academia (BEA). I also work for UC Santa Cruz’s Information Technology Services and as an independent contractor for NexTrend Products, Inc. regarding e-commerce management for nearly two years. I'm very excited to join the peer advising team this quarter! 
Meghana Tirunagaru
econpeer@ucsc.edu
Schedule: TTh 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Hi, my name is Meg and I’m a second year Stevenson affiliate. I’m a business management economics major with a minor in technology information management. In my free time, I love going to the gym, hanging out with friends, and playing basketball. Please reach out to me with any questions you may have!
