Campus Life Team Bios

He also served as the Dean of Higher Education at Academies Australasia in Sydney and was the Dean of Jonathan Edwards College at Yale University. Farley received a BA in Philosophy and History from Calvin College and a PhD in American History from the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Aisha is currently serving as the Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Campus Life Initiatives. She also serve as NYUAD's Liaison for Moses Center for Students with Disabilities. Prior to coming to NYUAD, Aisha was Director of Students Services in Khalifa University, where she oversaw all aspects of the Student Services Department including student counseling, internships, student activities, sports, student success and development. 

Prior to her positions at Khalifa University, Aisha also worked at the UAE’s Higher Colleges of Technology as the Supervisor of Career and Student Services for around ten years. Aisha earned her Doctorate of Education, Leadership and Management Policies (Social Psychology) in 2015 from Birmingham University.

Aisha's biggest achievement was to draft the proposal for Shaikh Mohamed Bin Rashid office to change the term "people with special needs" to "people of determination." The new term was launched in April 2017 by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, as part of his national strategy for empowering people with disabilities.

Afnan Albreiki joined NYUAD in January 2017. She holds a BA in International Relations (honor) from Zayed University in which she was an active student who lead the Student Government, launched a SIG, MCed many large scale events, and attended local and international conferences during her four years undergrad. 

Currently, Afnan is doing her Masters in Business Administration at Abu Dhabi University, learning French, and other new hobbies like chess. Afnan is also part of DCT's Emirati Tourist Guide program and was part of the promo video that went viral. She conducts tours in Abu Dhabi during her spare time. 

Renee has spent much of her career working in education at the high school, undergraduate and graduate level. She worked at the NYU Stern School of Business in New York and was the founding Director of Admissions at King's Academy, a preparatory boarding school located in Jordan. Renee joined NYUAD in fall 2008 as part of the admission team before becoming the founding Director of Community Outreach. Renee received a MPA from the NYU Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public, where she focused on public and non-profit management, and her BA in international relations from the University of Oregon.

Alta Mauro is the founding director of Spiritual Life and Intercultural Education at New York University Abu Dhabi where she leads university efforts related to student, staff, and faculty intercultural competence. She finds doing cultural work in the heart of the Middle East both challenging and exciting; it provides a unique backdrop for her to consider what it means to be a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and colleague, educating from the intersection of Black, critical, womanist perspectives.

Alta earned a PhD in Educational Leadership and Cultural Foundations from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Her research focuses on shifting notions of self and identity among upwardly mobile African-American women.

Suparna Mathur is the Associate Director of Community Outreach at New York University Abu Dhabi. In this role, she builds bridges between NYUAD and the UAE through outreach and volunteer programs, develops external community partnerships and cultivates a stronger culture of giving. She holds a deep passion for social impact and youth development and has more than 12 years experience in building successful public-private partnerships for social good in the UAE and Canada.

Suparna founded and launched two nonprofit organizations before the age of 30, and has worked closely with international and regional charities and private businesses to help them campaign effectively, raise funds, and develop partnerships. She is the co-founder of Abu Dhabi Cause Connect, a recipient of Abu Dhabi's 2013 International Women's Day Excellence Award, and has been featured as a "Community Hero" and "Inspirational Women" in recognition for her contributions to strengthening civic engagement in the UAE. Suparna remains committed to empowering others to make a positive impact on the world through the driving pillars of passion, patience, and purpose.

Eric Rothman has been working in higher education for ten years and in the field of counseling and psychology for over fifteen years. Eric is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC). In addition to his training in Western psychology, Eric has experience in indigenous and religious Psychology and Spiritual Counseling. He is currently completing his PhD in Psychology and his doctoral research focuses on spiritually-oriented and faith-based counseling models.

Eric served as an adjunct faculty member at George Washington University and he established Shifaa Integrative Counseling, in Washington DC in the USA. Eric has traveled extensively throughout the world, living and studying with people of many different cultures, and religions. He has a breadth of knowledge in faith traditions and in his work uses this insight to help people find the life direction and spiritual growth they are seeking as individuals and in communities.

Sana’a Amro serves as the Cultural Engagement Manager. She works on building essential projects that capitalize on aspects of cultural exchange, immersion, and inclusion for diverse communities. The programs focus on building a channel of international relevance for a culture. It reflects on the local highlights that can be used to bridge common or distinguished values that will build an active forms of interaction. These programs are considered the essential core for soft and social diplomacy programs.

Sana’a received her Bachelor of Education and Social Work from Zayed University in Abu Dhabi. She worked as the International Coordinator at the External Relations Office in the Petroleum Institute in Abu Dhabi. Her team was focused on building global educational collaborative network with universities in USA, China, Japan, UK, and South Korea to create educational and research exchange programs. Sana’a is motivated by challenges and diverse exposure to global societies. She is an avid participant and volunteer in community programs.

Sara Hassan serves as the Spiritual Life and InterCultural Education Coordinator. Prior to her current role, she was a Research Assistant at the Computational Approaches to Modeling Languages Lab (CAMeL) in the Computer Science Department at NYUAD.

Previous to joining NYUAD Sara worked as an Interpreter and a Translator at the Office of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). During her time in UAEU she collaborated with the Vice Chancellor’s Office in various projects including the logistical processes of accreditation, Alumni Relation Events, and external stakeholder communications. She received a BA in Translation Studies with a minor in German language from UAEU. Her quest and interest to further her knowledge of German language and culture lead her to spend a summer in Philipps-Universität Marburg, where she attended the International Summer University (ISU) program with a focus in history, politics, society, and culture.

Roman Kohut holds a BA in Social Research and Public Policy from NYU Abu Dhabi and serves as a Student Life Coordinator in his alma mater, primarily supporting the Student Activities, Involvement and Leadership (SAIL) team, with a specific emphasis on First Year Experience. Roman is responsible for logistical support for Marhaba and First Year Dialogue. In addition to providing administrative support, he supports the program development of several first year programs as well as planning, execution, and assessment of a number of SIG events each semester.

Roman has worked with American Councils for International Education in Kyiv, Ukraine as a Teaching Assistant prior to and while being a student at NYUAD. Having completed a minor in Education from NYU Steinhardt and returning to the campus in Abu Dhabi, Roman started ElevatED, a student interest group focusing on non-standard education for NYUAD students interested in teaching and policies in Education.

As NYUAD’s Director of Athletics, Pete sets the vision and provides leadership for the university's sports programming. Pete is the driving force behind the Abu Dhabi Inter-University Sports League (ADISL) and serves as the university’s sports liaison with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, UAE Higher Education Sports Federation, FIFA, AFC, and International Special Olympics. In his role as Assistant Dean of Students, Pete oversees the Student Conduct Committee and is the advisor to the NYUAD Debate Union, Model United Nations, and Model Arab League student groups.

Prior to joining NYU, Pete was a practicing civil trial attorney licensed to practice in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and various Federal courts. He is an accomplished practitioner in the area of alternative dispute resolution. A former NCAA Division I athlete and current NCAA record holder, Pete hold a USSF “A” license and coaches the NYUAD soccer teams. He is also Assistant Director of Coaching for USYSA East Region Olympic Development Program. Pete is a graduate of Temple University (BA), Pepperdine University School of Law (JD) and Virginia Commonwealth University (MEd). He is an Adjunct Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University's Center for Sport Leadership. 

Jen Scully is the Assistant Director of Athletics and Senior Women’s Administrator where she oversees programming. She joined NYUAD in 2012 and with the Athletics team continues to develop opportunities for all students to be active in the areas of physical education, recreation, intramurals, and aquatics. Jen is the driving force behind implementing new programming on NYUAD’s climbing wall as well as watersport activities off campus, two areas she is passionate about.

Prior to NYU Jen created the first women’s sports program at Zayed University. Jen graduated with a degree in marketing from Michigan State University and earned Masters in Sports and Recreation Management from University of Illinois. She has lived in Abu Dhabi since 2009 with her husband and two young kids. If you don’t see her at NYUAD, you’ll find her on the water where she is a keen stand up paddler who continues to grow the community worldwide and competes internationally.

Matt MacDonald is the Physical Education Curriculum Manager at NYU Abu Dhabi. Before moving to the Middle East, Matt founded his personal training business We Move This Town in Canada. During this time Matt also taught at St. Francis Xavier University. It was during this period that Matt discovered his passion in higher education. Matt is a graduate from St. Francis Xavier University with degrees in Human Kinetics, Bachelor of Education, and Masters in Physical Education.

Fatima holds the position of Sports Communications Manager as part of the NYUAD Athletics Department and has been holding this position since July 2018. Prior to joining NYUAD, Fatima has worked in marketing, sponsorship, and partnership management within the UAE sports industry. She hold a bachelor of Art in Visual Arts and Communications from Franklin University, Switzerland.  

Huw leads the physical preparation of the Inter collegiate athletes at NYUAD. This involves ensuring all athletes have gone through correct assessment before competing, maximizing components like speed, strength, and fitness, and helping athletes return after injury. Previously Huw has worked in professional rugby and with Olympic athletes in the United Kingdom.

Huw is a BSc Hons graduate of the University of Wales, Bangor and holds and MSc from the University of Edinburgh. He has previously been certified by the National Strength & Conditioning Association and the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association.

Jim oversees NYUAD's community-wide, student-led recreational activities and is the Head Coach for the Men's and Women's Falcons basketball teams.

Miriam graduated from the University of Limerick, Ireland with a first class honors degree in Physical Education and Geography and has since taught at all three levels of education-primary, secondary, and tertiary. Through her teaching endeavors, Miriam quickly discovered her passion to help others become the best version of themselves and truly believes that movement in any capacity can allow people to be happier, more connected, and inspired to make better life choices. Since moving to Abu Dhabi, Miriam has worked with the Abu Dhabi Education Council, Aldar Academies, and in August 2017 began working with the Athletics Department at NYUAD. In this role, Miriam specializes in teaching Yoga, Pilates, and Women’s Only Fitness classes, and also coaches with the university’s Running Club.

Salma works for the athletics department, responsible for Women's Intercollegiate Athletics teams as well as planning, organizing, and coordinating the Abu Dhabi Inter-University sports league (ADISL) — a sports league that takes place in between Abu Dhabi universities — more than 1000 student athletes. Part of her role is to build relationships with student athletes to facilitate and provide them with best opportunities to engage with different universities though sports. She is also coordinating with sports federations to create opportunities for student athletes.

Salma is a basketball player in Al Naser Club and is an assistant coach for NYUAD women’s basketball team. Through her basketball journey she realized her passion for developing and creating opportunities for women’s sports to grow in the region.  

Scott is responsible for Athletics operations, finance and facilities. He brings 16 years Higher Education experience, having served in a range of management positions at the University for the Creative Arts (UK), Kingston University, London (UK), and the University of Winchester (UK).

At NYUAD Scott also serves as a Student Conduct Hearing Officer, a First Year Dialogue Facilitator Mentor, and a member of NYU Abu Dhabi Staff Council. A keen sportsman, he holds coaching licenses from the FA and USSF, supporting NYUAD Soccer as an Assistant Coach. Besides coaching Soccer, Scott is a certified Indoor Cycle (Spin) instructor and can also be found in the Cycle Studio teaching Indoor Cycling to the NYUAD community. A graduate from the University of Winchester's School of Sport, Exercise and Health, he is currently completing an MA Education (Educational Leadership and Management) from the University of Bath (UK).

Vicky joined the NYUAD Athletics Department in July of 2018. She serves as the Equipment, Facility, and Competition Manager for the Falcons. She has lived in the UAE for four years, and prior to moving to Abu Dhabi, she was the Facility Manager of an athletic training company in the US. Vicky attended the University of Nebraska where she was on the Track and Field team. She completed her education at George Washington University in Washington DC.

Alongside her career counseling responsibilities, she worked in residential life, managed university-wide career events/fairs, and delivered diversity career programs at NYU. At the University of Southampton, she worked closely with faculty to embed employability skills within the curriculum, and facilitated programs targeted to support the university’s growing number of international students. The combination of her experiences and expertise brought her to the university’s first portal campus in March 2010.

Before working with NYUAD, he interned with one of the largest O&G companies, Saudi Aramco in KSA, and Panasonic R&D Center in Malaysia. Currently, he is working as Employer Services Specialist in CDC. His primary assignments are focusing on on-campus recruitment, employer engagements, employer events, consulting case advising, and managing employer-centric activities on career portal. He has presented at GIC, APCDA, NASPA MENASA, and MECDC conferences, respectively. Besides working as an Employer Services Specialist, he has completed Facilitating Career Development Training with NCDA and received GCDF credential and served as Cluster Facilitator for NYUAD LeaderShape Institute.

Dana serves as the Associate Director at the Career Development Center, overseeing student engagement and external relations. As a counselor, she helps students take first steps and next steps toward life after graduation, specializing in career exploration, the job/internship search, and interviewing for the globally mobile student. When it comes to companies, she seeks to help organizations see the unique benefit and value of hiring an NYUAD student, ensuring a mutually beneficial relationship.

Prior to joining the team at NYU Abu Dhabi, Dana worked in career development in the United States for six years. After completing her Bachelors of Science at the University of Florida, she worked in immigration affairs, spiritual formation, and conflict resolution before following her curiosity to graduate school. Dana completed her Masters in Counseling Psychology from The University of Texas at Austin, specializing in global mental health and career development.

Garvin has a Masters in Higher Education and Student Affairs from NYU Steinhardt and a bachelors degree from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania.

Born and raised in the Philippines, Gashel graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Tourism from the University of Santo Tomas. She moved to the Abu Dhabi a few months after graduation to join a newly opened Marina in Emirates Palace. Since then she has made her way through various industries developing her interpersonal and administrative skills. Her career in NYUAD started when she was offered a temporary position in IT, and is now running the operations in the CDC. She has a rescue dog that keeps her busy when she is not at work.

Lindsay received her BA in Human Development from California State University, Long Beach and her MA in Education with a specialization in Counseling and Guidance from California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. Lindsay is originally from the United States and has lived all over California before coming to the UAE.

Lisa Mayorga serves as the Professional and Graduate School Advisor at the New York University Abu Dhabi Career Development Center. In this role she works with students interested in pursuing graduate school in law, business, arts, humanities, and the social sciences. She also works with employers in the legal field on internship and full time employment opportunities for NYUAD students.

Lisa was born and raised in the United States and is a native of California. She is a graduate of the University of California Davis where she earned a BA in International Relations, and of American University where she earned her MA in International Communications. Lisa enjoys staying active through running, rock climbing, salsa dancing, and baking.

Hailing from Canada, Nicole serves as the Professional and Graduate School Advisor for Pre-Health and STEM students. Nicole is passionate about being part of the CDC and linking students with local and global opportunities.

Nicole has worked in higher education for over 7 years and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Second Language Teaching from the University of Ottawa and a Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Toronto.

Reem works as the Employer Relations Manager in the CDC. Her responsibilities include working closely with employers to help provide NYUAD students with internships, part-time, full-time, and volunteer opportunities, streamlining office communications with external partners, and planning and executing external facing events.

Before joining at NYUAD in 2015 Reem worked as a journalist at various publications including 7Days Newspaper, Grazia Magazine and The National. Reem holds a BA English Literature and Creative Writing from Kingston University London. She is passionate about race and identity politics, writing, and the beauty industry.

She has worked within different industries ranging from banking to education. Through her experiences, she realized her passion for student development and enjoys leveraging her skills to contribute to university student’s professional advancement.  

Audrey Kajumbula serves as Director of Residential Education at NYUAD and a member of the Campus Life Senior Leadership team. With over ten years of experience working in Higher Education and Student Affairs, Audrey is passionate about international education and providing services which support students’ transition, integration, and wellbeing during their academic journey.

Audrey received her MA in International Education from New York University, MS in College Student Personnel from Miami University, and BA in Sociology from the University of North Texas.

Dre is an Assistant Director of Residential Education at NYUAD overseeing recruitment and selection processes and training and development initiatives for Residential Education’s student positions and professional staff. Prior to NYUAD, she worked as a Residence Director at St. John’s University in New York City.

Dre is originally from small-town Ohio, USA, but was made for the city life. She studied Marketing, Spanish, and Leadership Studies at The Ohio State University and earned a MEd in Higher Education at Loyola University Chicago. Her passion for working with college students is rooted in her interest in human development as it relates to values discernment. She enjoys coaching students through the process of deciding what matters most to them and how that influences decisions during and after college. Aside from her work, Dre is passionate about living a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating plant-based, going for long runs, and swimming laps.

sense of belonging on campus. Dylan joins the Residential Education team with the intent to enrich the lives of students, maximize their potential, and make a positive impact on the residential student experience. He has an incredibly positive spirit and enjoys yoga, cycling, running, and a good read.

Lucas is a Residential College Operations Manager for the Residential Education department. He recently received his Masters degree in Educational Leadership in Higher Education from Montclair State University. He is originally from South Korea and moved to Southern California when he was 10 years old. He studied Environmental Science from University of Redlands and decided pursue career in Higher Education after being involved with Residence Life and Student Government. Aside from work, you can find Lucas either playing video games or exploring the world.

Ayesha is a UAE national personal trainer. She joined NUYAD in 2014 and specialized in, fat loss, dancing (Zumba), boxing, how to get an hourglass shape, weights lifting, Hypertrophy and gaining muscles, physique transformation, and pre- and post-natal training. Aside from work, she is passionate about GOT (Game of Thrones), sci-fi movies, giving fitness, and training tips. She is a good listener so if you need to talk about anything you may pass by the fitness center and go for a walk and talk (coffee and tea are always welcomed). She struggled with her weight most of her life so her dream is to be a fat loss specialist.

Daniel is born and raised in London, UK and relocated to the UAE in 2011. He has worked continually within the fitness industry in some capacity for over 16 years whilst also working in the public and private healthcare sectors during that same period. Across that time his desire to help improve the general health of people has lead to him specializing in working with people with long term conditions and chronic illness, sports therapy, and injury rehabilitation while also gaining certifications as a coach in track and field, Olympic weight lifting and strength and conditioning to name a few. Daniel's role at NYUAD is based around overseeing and supporting the operations, management, and development of the Fitness Center, its related areas, and its staff.

Dalal is a UAE national who graduated from the University of Oregon with a psychology degree focusing on communication and understanding coach and athlete relationship and the art of queing and coaching. Dalal has coached in different countries through out her five years of coaching experience and did pursue Olympic weight lifting competitively while being in the States. She is specialized in Olympic weight lifting, athletic performance, and special population.  

Jay Raja serves as one of the assistant directors of the Fitness Department. In his role, he is responsible for departmental operations, finance, external relationships, and special projects. Jay joined the University with the first class in 2010. He has since earned a range of qualifications, including: personal training, group fitness coaching, spin certification, kettlebell certification, and TRX certification. As a keen sportsman, Jay qualified as an ICC Cricket coach and formed the first NYUAD Cricket team where he currently serves as the University’s cricket coach. Jay also enjoys teaching squash PE.

Outside of court/pitch, Jay is a FYD Facilitator and is a certified self-defense instructor. Jay is currently completing a BSc (Honors) in Sports Science. Prior to joining NYUAD, Jay achieved an airline transport pilot’s license in the UK and still enjoys getting airborne whenever he can.

KP is from Sydney Australia and a proud Danish-Peruvian. She works as a Fitness and Wellness Specialist and specializes in strength and conditioning, boxing, and functional training. Her fitness background spans over 20 years in which she has gained numerous qualifications including AIF Master Trainer, Eleiko weight lifting, thump boxing Level 1 and 2, and kettlebells. She is passionate about empowering women through exercise and a healthy mindset.

Bobby is a Registered Nurse at the Health and Wellness Center, with Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Walden University, USA; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Liceo de Cagayan University, Philippines. Prior to joining NYUAD, Bobby worked in different countries. He has also worked in many areas of nursing ranging from nursing education, nursing management, acute emergency and critical care, post anaesthesia care unit, to medical, pediatric, and surgical units. Bobby is a licensed nurse in the United Kingdom, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Hawa is a Registered Nurse at NYU Abu Dhabi Health and Wellness Center with a Master of Science in Public Health (Msc), Birmingham University, UK and Bachelor of Nursing (Bsc) Birmingham University, UK. Hawa spent over six years working within the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom gaining experience in many clinical settings including emergency care, critical care, and acute medical and surgical care units.

Prior to joining NYUAD Hawa worked as a Nurse Practitioner within student health services in both a college and university setting. Hawa also served as an expert clinical lead for health promotion and education. Hawa is very passionate about public health nursing and health education and hopes to continue to pursue this throughout the world.

With over 30 years of clinical and student nursing experience, Rena serves as the Associate Director of Nursing for the NYUAD Student Health Center. Focused on the holistic well-being of the students, Rena is passionate about promoting health literacy and providing quality healthcare and support services, specifically in the areas of primary care, health education, transcultural nursing, women's health, disease prevention, and travel medicine. Rena currently serves on the NYUAD Sports Medicine Team and Eating Disorder Team.

Rena is a graduate of Widener University (BSN), a Certified School Nurse (CSN), and is credentialed by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow for Foundations in Travel Medicine. Training received: LGBTQ Safe Zone, Bystander Intervention.

Wayne started with NYUAD in July 2010 as the Associate Director of Athletics. Given he had previously worked in health care administration as the Director of a cancer care center in the US he was asked to step in as the Interim Director of Health and Wellness in April 2018. He has been a runner for 45 years including 11 marathons, and enjoys all sports. He appreciates the opportunity to teach PE running classes and loves coaching runners of all ages, shapes, and sizes at NYUAD. He has three adult daughters who live in the US and UK.

Carol is an experienced healthcare facility executive with expertise in strategic and operational management, working in a multi-site accredited healthcare network in the government sector of Abu Dhabi. She has expertise in the private sector of Abu Dhabi for commissioning (build to operations) facilities and is knowledgeable of Department of Health standards and requirements. Carol maintains her links with the United Kingdom as a Tutor and Assessor for the NEBDN courses.

On the family relocating to Abu Dhabi, Charlotte is excited in the role as physician with MBchB (UK), MRCGP (UK), DFFP, DRCOG at the Health and Wellness Center at NYUAD, starting September 2018. Charlotte qualified at Edinburgh University in 2000 and worked in the UK until 2010. She completed her General Practice training in 2005. Charlotte specialized in women's health and family planning and spent a significant amount of time looking after the student population in Edinburgh. In 2010 she moved to Qatar with her family and took up a position as a physician at the Middle East's largest sports medicine hospital, Aspetar. There her role involved being the primary care physician for all the registered and visiting athletes in Qatar.

Virginie has been working as a clinical psychologist for over eight years with inpatient and outpatient populations with a range of minor psychological issues to chronic severe mental illnesses in diverse age groups, cultural backgrounds, and various setting utilizing a wide range of clinical skills.

Dr. Mladina specializes in the treatment of PTSD, anxiety, adjustment disorders, depression, burnout, and work-related stress. She has worked both in individual and group settings. Prior to joining NYUAD, Dr. Mladina worked as Associate Victims Expert in the Gender and Children Unit at the Office of the Prosecutor, at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, providing psycho-social care for victims of sexual crimes and children affected by conflict worldwide. She also worked as a faculty member at Webster University in Leiden, teaching various subjects in Psychology both on graduate and postgraduate level, and as a clinical psychologist in her own private practice.

Before joining the ICC, Dr. Mladina has worked with victims and witnesses at the International Criminal Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia in The Hague. She has a proven record of acting as a trainer and coach in the field of change and conflict management, secondary traumatization, work-related stress management and burnout prevention, and psycho-social aspects of investigative interviewing. Originally from Bosnia, Dr. Mladina completed both her undergraduate and graduate studies in Austria. She is fluent in English, German, and Dutch and has intermediate level of French in addition to being a native Serbo-Croatian speaker.