Wesleyan Africans Thriving Together (WATT)
Members of the 2024-2025 cohort of the WATT Program and other Wesleyan community members at the Celebration of the African Scholars Program on September 21, 2024
Wesleyan Africans Thriving Together (WATT) is a year-long peer mentorship program that was launched by the Office of International Student Affairs (OISA) in the summer of 2023. Each year, the program matches members of the new cohort of the Wesleyan African Scholars Program in pairings with returning students from Africa. The program aims to support new African Scholars in their transition to Wesleyan and Middletown, provide returning students from Africa the opportunity to guide and mentor a first-year peer, and enable strong community-building within the University's vibrant African community.
In addition to the chance to participate in various WATT events and opportunities throughout the year, mentors and mentees are also part of the International Buddy Program (IBP) as Senior Buddies (mentors) and Junior Buddies (mentees) and invited to engage in this companion program. WATT and IBP are planned and coordinated by OISA.
For students interested in getting involved in WATT: If you are a current student who will continue your studies at the Wesleyan campus in the Fall 2026 Semester and would like to serve as a WATT Mentor, please contact OISA in the Spring 2026 Semester for more information about applying. Both international and domestic students who identify as African and are interested in befriending, mentoring, and supporting an incoming African Scholar are encouraged to apply!
Members of the fourth cohort of the African Scholars Program will be contacted by OISA staff during Summer 2026 and invited to join WATT and be paired with a mentor. For questions about WATT, please send an email to oisa@wesleyan.edu with "WATT inquiry" in the subject line.
WATT Mentees - African Scholars
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Baidawu Iliyasu (she/her)
Class of 2029
Ghana
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: English, Twi, Hausa, and Kotokoli
Bio: Hello everyone! My name is Baidawu Iliyasu. I use she/her pronouns. I’m from Kumasi, Ghana. I’m currently a freshman here at Wesleyan. I intend to major in Economics. I love to cook and spend time with my loved ones!
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Mohamed Abdelaal (he/him)
Class of 2029
Egypt
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: Arabic, English, and German
Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Mohamed, but I’ve been called Hoseiny my whole life, so feel free to go with that! I’m from Cairo, Egypt. I’m drawn to cognitively demanding activities, so you’ll usually find me participating in competitive programming, math, or chess contests. I intend to major in Computer Science, and I’m also thinking about starting an ICPC team at Wesleyan. Outside of that, I’ve got a love for car rides, elegant suits, and just spending time hanging out with friends or family.
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Yordanos Gebru (she/her)
Class of 2029
Ethiopia
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: English and Amharic
Bio: My name is Yordanos, but you can call me Yordy. I’m from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and I use she/her pronouns. I’m a freshman planning to major in Computer Science, Neuroscience & Behavior, and Informatics Modeling Minor. At Wesleyan, I’m involved in WEStern Blots, the African Students Association, and Wesleyan International Student Speakers. In my free time, I enjoy photography, gardening, listening to old music, admiring art, and reading classic literature.
WATT Mentors
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Farah Hasanain (she/her)
Class of 2026
Egypt
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: Arabic and English
Bio: Hello, my name is Farah. I grew up in Alexandria, Egypt, and the first flight I ever took in my life was to Wesleyan. I major in MBB at Wes, and I conduct immuno-oncology research at Yale School of Medicine. On campus, I’m involved in the Arab Student Association, Major Groove , the Biophysical Society, and SACNAS, in addition to the Muslim Student Association. Outside of class, I enjoy painting, playing squash, and watching movies.
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Edomias (Eddy) Zerihun (he/him)
Class of 2028
Ethiopia
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: Amharic and English
Bio: My name is Edomias Zerihun, and I am a sophomore majoring in Computer Science. I was born in the United States and raised in Ethiopia. I am passionate about exploring how technology can drive innovation, particularly within economic and financial systems.
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Providence Mugisha (she/her)
Class of 2028
Rwanda
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: Fluent in Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, and English, and speak a little bit of French and Kiswahili
Bio: My name is Providence(she/her), but you can call me Provy. I was born and raised in Rwanda. I am interested in many things, but professionally, it is Healthcare and Finance. On campus, I work at the school libraries, and I am involved in the African Students Association and the Wesleyan Christian Fellowship. In my free time, you will catch me trying random recipes, lifting at the gym, singing, making content, reading memoirs, or having a deep talk with a friend (or myself). Feel free to reach out; I am sure we might share a hobby or two.
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Emmanuel Ansaeku (he/him)
Master's Student - Music
Ghana
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: English, Fante, and Twi
Bio: Hello! My name is Emmanuel Ansaeku. I am a Music MA student with a focus on Ethnomusicology. I am from Elmina in Ghana, and I am now a WATT mentor! I'm very interested in embracing the diverse cultures at Wes and serving as a guide when it is expected of me. Outside of my research, I enjoy composing, drumming, and reading. I aim to support other scholars in their academic and personal growth.
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Esther Michelle Karungani (she/her)
Class of 2028
Kenya
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: Swahili and English
Bio: Hello! I'm Esther (she/her) and I come from Kenya, and I am double majoring in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and Chemistry. I am actively involved in different campus organizations including the Wesleyan Christian Fellowship, the African Student Association, SUYA and KDC. Outside of academics, I love spending time with my friends, traveling and watching K-dramas.
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Oladele Jimoh (he/him)
PhD Student - Chemistry
Nigeria
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: Yoruba, English and Pidgin; Preferred Language: English
Bio: Hello! My name is Oladele Jimoh. I am a PhD candidate focusing on non-ribosomal targets for aminoglycoside antibiotics. Originally from Ogun State, Nigeria, I am now a WATT mentor! I'm committed to embracing the diverse cultures at Wes and serving as a guide when called to action. Outside my research, I enjoy traveling, bowling, and swimming. I aim to contribute to scientific advancements in antibiotic research while supporting other scholars in their academic and personal growth.
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Deobrah Abayie (she/her)
Class of 2028
Ghana
Read MoreLanguages Spoken: English and Twi
Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Deborah Abayie, and I go by she/her pronouns. I am a freshman hoping to major in Computer Science, with a minor in Data Science. I grew up in Accra, Ghana. On campus, I work at IMS and as an Astronomy Public Outreach Assistant (undergrad). Outside of school, I love singing, cooking, and photography. I want to be part of the WATT program because of the valuable opportunities it offers to help make my journey here at Wes even better.