Simmons Academic Mentors (SAMs)
Simmons Academic Mentors (or SAMs) are current Simmons students who assist first-year students with academic acclimation to Simmons University. In this role, SAMs provide peer academic support to first-year students throughout the summer leading up to and during your first year at Simmons University.
SAMs will hold weekly drop in hours throughout the year to answer any questions you might have. SAMs also facilitate programming to support you throughout your first year at Simmons. If you think you might have something in common with any SAM or have a question about one of their majors, please feel free to reach out.
Are you undecided? The SAMs can help! They can help you narrow down which courses to take and help you fill your PLAN requirements along the way. Please feel free to reach out via email to the SAM program, email an individual SAM, or follow them on social media @samsatsimmons!
If you have questions about the Simmons Academic Mentor Program, please reach out to [email protected].
| Name | Role | Fall 2026 Office Hours | Graduation Year | Major(s) | Minor(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eman Almarzooqi | SAM | Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00am Friday 9:30am - 11:00am | 2028 | Nursing | Psychology, Buisness Management |
| Estrella Barcenas | SAM | Tuesday 2:30pm - 4:30pm | 2028 | Sociology | Social Work |
| Michelle Chen | SAM | Thursday 11:00am - 12:30pm | 2028 | Nursing | Psychology |
| Addison Evans | SAM | Tuesday 11:30am - 2:30pm Wednesday 11:00am - 12:30pm | 2029 | Data Science & Analytics | |
| Sienna Jeffries | Senior SAM | Monday 11:00am - 5:00pm | 2027 | Political Science and History | Cinema and Media Studies |
| Anya Miller | SAM | Wednesday 2:00pm - 300pm Friday 12:30-2:00pm | 2029 | Communications | Arts Administration, Spanish |
| Olive Miller | SAM | Wednesday 12:30pm - 2:00pm | 2027 | Psychology | Philosophy |
| Aisha Shaik | SAM | Thursday 12:30-3:00pm Friday 2:00pm - 3:00pm | 2028 | Neuroscience and Behavior | Data Science |
Office hours are held in the Center for Student Success (CSS) in LeFavour Hall.
Get to know our SAMs
Eman Almarzooqi
Eman Almarzooqi is a third-year nursing student at Simmons University pursuing minors in Psychology and Business Management. Growing up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, she loves spending time in the city and connecting with the diverse communities that make it unique. Eman is passionate about serving the Simmons community and making a positive impact through leadership. On campus, she is involved as a Simmons Academic Mentor (SAM), Campus Ambassador, Student Government Association (SGA) Senator, Orientation Leader, Vice President of the Simmons Islamic Society (SIS) and a Dotson Nursing Scholar. Through these roles, she hopes to continue advocating for others, encouraging collaboration and building new connections with her peers.
Estrella Barcenas
Having been inspired by the kindness of volunteers and educators in my upbringing, I am passionate about continuing commitments to public service and educational equity in the Boston area and in my hometown of Los Angeles. Stepping into the role as a SAM means that I will be able to serve as a resource and advocate for other students, ensuring everyone has the support and ability to succeed in their time at Simmons and beyond!
Michelle Chen
Michelle is a junior Nursing major from Arlington, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston. She has been a commuter student throughout her time at Simmons. Some of her favorite things include watching sunsets (especially by the water), exploring the city, and trying new foods. On campus, she has been involved in the Student Nurses Association (SNA) since her freshman year. This is her first year as a SAM, and she is beyond excited to work with students and help them navigate their first year of college in any way she can. She is always happy to chat or answer any questions!
Addison Evans
Addison (she/her) is a sophomore from Thousand Oaks, California. She is a Data Science and Computer Science double major playing volleyball for Simmons. She loves working out, hockey, volleyball, and playing video games. This is her first year as a SAM, and she is so excited to help students!
Sienna Jeffries
Sienna is a junior and uses she/they pronouns. She’s from southern New Hampshire. She is a Political Science and History major, and has a minor in Cinema and Media studies! She loves to read, write, and play video games. They are the current President at Simmons's TANC, and are on the e-board for COF theater. This is their second year as a SAM, and she's excited to be a support for first year students!
Anya Miller
Anya is from Somerville, MA and she's a sophomore Public Relations and Marketing Communications major with minors in Arts Administration and Spanish. Outside of being a SAM, Anya sings with the Sirens, does theatre at Emmanuel College, and hosts a radio show! In the little free time she has she likes to crochet, read, go to concerts, and bake sweet treats. This is Anya's first year as a SAM and she is super excited to get to know everyone and provide support however she can!
Olive Miller
Olive is an Honors Psychology major and a Philosophy minor from Oklahoma. She is also the Bonner Community Impact and Partnerships Liaison, and Outreach Chair of the Neuroscience Liaison. Outside of Simmons, she enjoys creating playlists, DJing, and button making. She is excited to be joining this year's SAMs team.
Aisha Shaik
Aisha (she/her) is an international student from India and a sophomore at Simmons majoring in Neuroscience and Behavior on the Cognitive track, with a minor in Data Science. She hopes to pursue Cognitive Science in the future. On campus, Aisha is part of the NASA x DREAM STEM program and occasionally contributes to The Simmons Voice. Outside of academics, she enjoys reading, baking, and taking long walks around Newbury. This is her first year as a SAM, and she’s genuinely excited to support fellow students as they navigate their academic journey!
Who Are The SAMs?
Learn more about the Simmons Academic Mentors.