Pierson Aides
Pierson Aides work in the administrative office of Pierson College and help Professor Feimster, Senior Administrative Assistant Taunya Williams, and the
rest of the Pierson staff keep things running smoothly! They are in the office to help students in many ways including, reserving Pierson spaces, if
you’re locked out of your room during office hours, or to help you out however possible. You may also
see the
m working at one of the many Pierson events throughout the
year. Check out our Pierson Aides for the 2025-2026 school year!!
Seniors:
Nayal Nelson-Young
Nayel Nelson-Young is a junior from Brooklyn, New York. She is a Psychology and Theater Studies major with a sincere interest in studying Japanese and all things dance. Most of her time is dedicated to her work as a member of Steppin Out and preparing for her next show. You can usually find her practicing for her next audition or in the dance studio preparing her next choreographed piece.
Duy Nguyen
Duy Nguyen is a junior from Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is majoring in Economics and History, with an interest in Ancient Mediterranian trade routes and culture. He is a vice-president at Dwight Hall Socially Responsible Investment Fund, an Advising Fellow for Matriculate, and part of the Yale Ballroom Dance Team. In his free time, you can find him reading in the courtyard, up to some antics with his suitemates, or cackling at an episode of The Bachelor with his friends.
Casia Provencal
Casia is a junior from Denver, Colorado. Casia is majoring in political science and working towards a Spanish language certificate! On campus, she is a member of the a cappella group Shades of Yale, and also on the Yale Track and Field team. Outside of school, she loves to try new things and spend time with her friends! Casia loves theatre, film, music, and will never shy away from a chance to bust down on the dance floor!
Christian Thomas
Christian Thomas (he/him) is a junior at Yale, studying Political Science and is a member of the Intensive Education Studies Scholars program. He was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. At Yale, he serves on the executive board for Yale College Democrats, writes for the Yale Undergraduate Human Rights Journal, and teaches at the Peabody Natural History Museum. In his free time, you can find him jamming out in the Yale Marimba Band, listening to vinyls in his suite, or writing poetry.
Felicia Zheng
Felicia Zheng (‘26) is a junior from McFarland, Wisconsin. She is currently studying computer science and philosophy with an interest in tech ethics. She is on the board of the Women and Gender Minorities in Computer Science organization, a member of the women’s club frisbee team, and an advising fellow for Matriculate, among other things. In her free time, you can find her tossing a frisbee in the courtyard, hanging out with her beloved suitemates, or loudly proclaiming the merits of her home state to an innocent bystander.
Juniors:
Fagr Aboudaka
Samaa Burte Nadkarni
Paulo Henrique Souza Marazzi Diniz
Leslie Kim
Leslie Kim is a Sophomore from Ames, Iowa. She is a prospective computer science and political science major passionate about robotics and government. At Yale, she enjoys being involved in the Yale Political Union and Bulldogs Racing, Yale’s Formula SAE racing team, and engages with the STEM community as the co-director of YHack and director of outreach for y/cs. Her favorite spot to study is in Tsai City to maximize how much sunlight she can get in a day. When she’s not studying, she is reading, making tea, or hanging out with friends!
Iyanu Nafiu
Iyanu is a sophomore majoring in electrical engineering with a certificate in Yoruba. He was born in Michigan, but he currently lives in New York. Iyanu is the vice president of Yale’s Nigerian Students’ Association, one of the directors of the Yale Gospel Choir, and a member of the quiz team. Outside of school, he likes to crochet (check out @theyarnivores on IG!!), work out, and watch movies.
Miles Parkhurst
Ada Perlman
Caleb Xiao
Caleb is a Sophomore from Boiling Springs, South Carolina and is majoring in Statistics and Data Science at Yale. Besides being a Pierson Aide, Caleb is also a part of the Dwight Hall Socially Responsible Investment Fund, the Yale Sustainable Consulting Collective, and the Chinese American Students Association. Outside of Yale, Caleb produces and co-hosts The AC Podcast and manages the haute couture and ready-to-wear wings of his brand MAISON XIAO. In Pierson, you can find Caleb mucking about the Innovation Studio by day and the gym by night. He is available to chat, cook, or game with – anything that engages in the mutual reverie of the dopamine of life!