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Speaking Center Student Staff

The heartbeat of the Speaking Center is the student staff. Through their roles as consultants, senior consultants and program assistants, these students provide campus-wide support to help peers prepare for, practice and polish their public speaking. Learn more about the Speaking Center student team here!

Consultant Interns

Senior Consultants

Program Assistants

Meet the Student Staff

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Consultant Interns

The Speaking Center recruits and trains selected undergraduate students to serve as peer consultants in the center every fall and spring semester. Consultants hold regular office hours staffing the Speaking Center and take part in a weekly seminar class on public speaking, communication skills development, facilitation and consulting.

Speaking Center consultants receive academic internship credit for their time commitment.

Apply to be a consultant!

Applications for fall '25 consultants will open mid-semester!!!

Details and a link to the application are posted on the Internship Opportunity webpage. We welcome inquiries about the position! Talk with a current consultant or send an email if you have any questions. 

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Senior Consultants

Senior Consultants are undergraduates who serve in a variety of roles that incorporate oral communication skills development. They support first-semester consultants and help staff the Speaking Center while also providing outreach to the campus community. When available, senior consultants facilitate workshops about oral communication and presentation skills to a variety of audiences including student organizations, student leader groups, classrooms and others.

The Speaking Center senior consultants have all served at least one semester as a consultant and have successfully completed the Speaking Center consultant seminar.

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Program Assistants

Students who have successfully completed both the consultant and senior consultant roles have the opportunity to serve as Speaking Center program assistants. These students support senior consultants and also facilitate a variety of outreach and programming initiatives to assist in the Speaking Center's support of students' public speaking success.

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Meet the Spring 2025 Speaking Center student staff team!

Consultants:

Varun Appalaneni

Consultant

Year: Junior

Major(s)/minor(s): Biology

Hometown: Albany, NY

Why are you working as a consultant? Before college I was always nervous when having to perform any presentations. I felt as if this was something that I could never improve on, and that some people are just born with extroverted talent to do these presentations. However, through FRI I've been forced to give so many presentations to the point where it's almost second nature to me now. It was daunting at first, but it showed me that anyone can become comfortable at public speaking. While I had to learn all this through my own trial and error, I knew if I had someone helping me along the way I could've gotten confident much quicker. Thus, I hope to be this support structure for students who were in a similar or worse position than me. 

Why should students visit the Speaking Center? To get practice, become comfortable with talking in front of strangers professionally, and receive advice from consultants who have had numerous public speaking opportunities underneath their belt. It's always helpful to learn from someone who has more experience than you, no matter how confident you may think you are at a certain skill. 

Public speaking advice: Practice it so much to the point where you feel confident just being able to "wing" any future presentation with baseline knowledge. This doesn't mean not to prepare, but after a certain amount of practice it'll feel like second nature. You can give someone as many tips as possible, but if they don't practice it consistently, then it's useless. 

Frank Rasizzi

Consultant

Year: Senior

Major(s)/minor(s): Business Admin (Finance and MIS concentration) and History

Hometown: Northport, NY

Why are you working as a consultant? I want to be a Speaking Center Consultant because I enjoy helping others build their confidence and improve their communication skills. Public speaking is such an important skill, and this role gives me the chance to make a positive impact on students while also growing my own abilities as I prepare for law school.

Why should students visit the Speaking Center? Students should visit the Speaking Center because it is a supportive space where they can work on their speaking and presentation skills without judgment. Whether it is for a class, an interview, or just building confidence, the Speaking Center is here to help them succeed. It is not just about fixing issues; it is about helping them find their voice and present themselves in the best way possible.

Public speaking advice: One tip I always try to follow is to focus on pausing instead of filling the silence with "um" or "like." Taking a moment to pause makes you sound more confident and helps you gather your thoughts. Also, remember that your audience wants you to succeed; they are rooting for you, so focus on delivering your message clearly and authentically.

Cara Jewels

Consultant

Year: Sophomore

Major(s)/minor(s): Statistics and Environmental Science

Hometown: Babylon, NY

Why are you working as a consultant? I like public speaking and have had a lifelong journey with it; I used to shy away from speaking to people, especially in front of crowds, but I have found that public speaking is a powerful tool in life and I am happy to develop it further as a consultant. 

Why should students visit the Speaking Center? The Speaking Center is a free resource that can help students with any public speaking projects that they have coming up. If you feel you want to improve your public speaking skills, either for a class or just for your life, you should book an appointment! In my opinion, it can only help and can't hurt. 

Public speaking advice: When preparing for public speaking, I'd suggest finding something about your topic that you are particularly interested in and hone in on that. I always find that I am better at communicating with others when I am engaging in the task in earnest, rather than doing it out of necessity. If you see public speaking as an obligation, it's not as fun. 

Samuel Levine

Consultant

Year: Sophomore

Major(s)/minor(s): Psychology with minors in HWS Studies & Linguistics 

Hometown: Manhattan, NY

Why are you working as a consultant? I want to help other students' get over some fears and flaws with their public speaking skills while also improving my own public speaking skills. 

Why should students visit the Speaking Center? Students can obtain a judgement free environment in which they can get feedback on not only a presentation for class but select areas they would like to improve on. 

Public speaking advice: Keep your audience engaged with organization and connection of slides, non-distracting gestures and maintained eye contact. 

Jessica Wan 

Consultant

Year: Freshman

Major(s)/minor(s): Business Administration

Hometown: Queens, NY

Why are you working as a consultant? I want to be able to train my skills in communication and support my school community, and the Speaking Center was the perfect opportunity to accomplish both at the same time.

Why should students visit the Speaking Center? Students should visit not just for school assignments, but to develop skills that allow them to best advocate for themselves in both professional and personal settings.

Public speaking advice: Take your time, and vary your speaking rhythm and cadence for a more natural tone when speaking.

Aliyah Flemmings

Consultant

Year: Junior

Major(s)/minor(s): Computer Science

Hometown: Valley Stream, NY

Why are you working as a consultant? I wanted to be a Speaking Center Consultant to help others build confidence in their communication skills while also improving my own. I enjoy interacting with people and believe this role will allow me to refine my public speaking and provide valuable support to those seeking to improve their presentation abilities.

Why should students visit the Speaking Center? Students should visit the Speaking Center to it's a supportive environment where they can receive personalized feedback on their presentations, improve their speaking skills, and gain confidence in communicating effectively. 

Public speaking advice: One important tip is to slow down and take pauses during your presentation. It not only helps you gather your thoughts but also gives the audience time to process your message. 

Jocelyn Jao

Consultant

Year: Sophomore

Major(s)/minor(s): Political Science

Hometown: Queens, NY

Why are you working as a consultant? I hope that I can make an impact on my community through my work with the Speaking Center because mentoring my peers to improve their public speaking is a very rewarding experience.

Why should students visit the Speaking Center? The Speaking Center is a safe space for students to polish their presentations and receive non-judgmental constructive feedback.

Public speaking advice: Speak slow, always!

Naomi Ponce

Consultant

Year: Senior

Major(s)/minor(s): Philosophy, Politics and Law

Hometown: Huntington, NY

Why are you working as a consultant? I have always had a passion for public speaking and would like to share the ways I have strengthened my skills with all of my peers. I want to foster a welcoming environment and promote the services the speaking center offers to people who may not have heard about it but could benefit from it.

Why should students visit the Speaking Center?  The best way to achieve public speaking skills is by practicing and personally, the speaking center consultants have helped me work through my presentation before the final run-through before class. 

Public speaking advice: I have found that the best advice I could give for nerves is that everyone in the audience wants the speaker to succeed. 

Alysha Kuhn

Consultant

Year: Junior

Major(s)/minor(s): History and Anthropology

Hometown: Marion, NY

Why are you working as a consultant? I wanted to be a Speaking Center Consultant because I have always enjoyed public speaking. I want to make a bigger impact on the ÂÌñÉç community and help them enjoy public speaking as much as I do!

Why should students visit the Speaking Center? Students should visit the Speaking Center because no matter what your level of public speaking is, consultants will always be able to offer advice. It is a great way to critically think about your own public speaking skills and learn how to become the best public speaker you can be!

Public speaking advice: One public speaking tip that I would like to share with others is to have confidence! It is important to first and foremost, be confident in what you are talking about. People are more likely to trust you if you trust yourself!

Brandon Levy

Consultant

Year: Sophomore

Major(s)/minor(s): Financial Economics with a minor in Digital and Data Studies

Hometown: Woodbury, NY

Why are you working as a consultant?  I want to be able to help others improve their communication skills as well as better my own

Why should students visit the Speaking Center? Communication skills are essential to any student and the Speaking Center is a great resource to hone these skills in a comfortable environment.

Public speaking advice: Take a deep breath, speak at a comfortable pace and project your voice 

Senior Consultants:

Alexis Galant

Senior Consultant

Year: Junior

Major(s)/minor(s): English Literature and Creative Writing with an Education and Scholars Minor

Hometown: Long Island, NY

Why are you working as a senior consultant? I want to gain more public speaking experience in preparation for becoming a teacher. 

Why should students visit the Speaking Center? The Speaking Center is a great tool to receive non-judgmental, second-hand feedback from other students.

Public speaking advice: Get to know your topic well, and try to enjoy talking about it! If you're confident about what you're speaking on, the quality of your presentations will naturally improve.

Elise Harshbarger

Senior Consultant

Year: Sophomore

Major(s)/minor(s): English with a minor in Biology 

Hometown: Syracuse, NY

Why are you working as a senior consultant? Communication is a fundamental skill, one that I am looking forward to improving myself, as well as helping others. 

Why should students visit the Speaking Center? The Speaking Center is a resource to help students build confidence and each meeting can be tailored to fit a student's needs. 

Public speaking advice: A good presentation isn't a memorized one. Sometimes it's best to leave room for spontaneity. 

Rachel Hodorov

Senior Consultant

Year: Sophomore

Major(s)/minor(s): Philosophy, Politics, and Law

Hometown: Manhattan, NY

Why are you working as a senior consultant? I want to have a positive impact on my community, and help myself and others improve oral communication, visual presentation, and overall speech-giving presence in a supportive environment.

Why should students visit the Speaking Center? The Speaking Center is like your secret weapon for nailing presentations. Here, you can practice and polish your skills in a relaxed setting. Plus, you'll get helpful feedback from your peers to boost your confidence and make your presentations even better!

Public speaking advice: Don't forget to take a deep breath before you start speaking. It's a simple trick, but it really helps you stay calm and focused. And remember, we're all here to cheer each other on!

Santiago Perez

Senior Consultant

Year: Sophomore

Major(s)/minor(s): Business Administration

Hometown: ÂÌñÉç, NY

Why are you working as a senior consultant? Communication skills are some of the most important skills in every day life and it seems like a great opportunity to improve my own, and help others with their skill as well!

Why should students visit the Speaking Center? Students should visit the speaking center because it's a valuable tool for feedback and help with presenting which is something practically everyone has to do.

Public Speaking Advice? Practice can help make you more comfortable once you start presenting, making you appear more confident and knowledgeable. Some good hype up music is also crucial prior to any big presentation.

Irene Cui

Senior Consultant

Year: Sophomore

Major(s)/minor(s): Business Administration

Hometown: Queens, NY

Why are you working as a senior consultant? I want about helping others overcome challenges in public speaking.

Why should students visit the Speaking Center? The Speaking Center is a great way to prepare beforehand for a presentation and improve your own public speaking skills. 

Public speaking advice: Trust yourself and be sure to practice your speech beforehand.

Program Assistants: 

Alessandra Angiello

Program Assistant

Year: Senior

Major(s)/minor(s): Political Science and French

Hometown: Eastchester, New York

Why are you working as a program assistant? I want to share what I've learned over the years and help individuals grow their public speaking skills, all the while further developing my own public voice and communication skills. I thrive when working with and meeting new people, so I'm excited to meet the students who work at, as well as visit, the Speaking Center. 

Why should students visit the Speaking Center? The Speaking Center at ÂÌñÉç serves as a valuable resource for students, catering to individuals at all points of the public speaking spectrum and provides a safe place for students to practice and refine their public speaking abilities. 

Public speaking advice: Really try to know your material well, that way you won't have to worry about referring to your notes and your confidence and personality and really shine through. 

Brooke Burke

Program Assistant

Year: Senior

Major(s)/minor(s): Integrative Neuroscience with a minor in Spanish

Hometown: Long Island, New York

Why are you working as a program assistant? I want to help students at ÂÌñÉç feel more confident about their public speaking and oral communication skills, as well as promote the Speaking Center's resources as it can be of extreme help to students of any major!

Why should students visit the Speaking Center? The Speaking Center provides personalized advice on anything from a presentation for a class to your overall public speaking skills. Almost every career path and major involves some form of oral communication, and the Speaking Center can supply the tools necessary to improve upon yourself regardless of the experience you have with presenting.

Public speaking advice: Confidence is key: Even if you aren't feeling too confident in your abilities to present to an audience or are feeling nervous, acting as if you are sure of your self will cultivate real confidence and allow you to connect with your audience!

Carl Zou

Program Assistant

Year: Senior

Major(s)/minor(s):  Finance and MIS

Hometown: Lynbrook, NY

Why are you working as a program assistant? I want to develop my own speaking skills as well as assist others in their public speaking journey.

Why should students visit the Speaking Center? Students should visit the speaking center to build confidence and improve their presentation skills.

Public speaking advice: Body language is a very important and overlooked aspect of communication. When presenting or speaking in public, always be sure to stand up straight, chest out, standing in a shoulder-width stance. Make eye contact and be sure to smile!                                                    

Brynn Nelsen

Program Assistant

Year:  Senior

Major(s)/minor(s): Human Development with minors in History and Education

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York

Why are you working as a program assistant? I think the Speaking Center is an amazing resource, and I want to help it thrive for as long as I can!

Why should students visit the Speaking Center? The Speaking Center helps you grow your confidence with speaking in front of people, professionally. Everyone can use practice with that!

Public speaking advice: Let your personality shine through - don't pretend to be something you are not!

Gino DeLeone

Program Assistant

Year: Senior

Major(s)/minor(s): Systems Science and Industrial Engineering

Hometown: Elmira, New York

Why are you working as a program assistant? Program Assistants get to promote the Speaking Center to the student body directly, bringing greater awareness about the Center's existence and benefits!

Why should students visit the Speaking Center? The Speaking Center helps make presenting far less daunting - it gives you confidence in your presentation and helps you improve your delivery, giving you skills you can use in the rest of your academic career and beyond! 

Public speaking advice: Finding a way to have fun with your presentation makes it far less intimidating, and far more enjoyable!

Madelyn Hoskins 

Program Assistant

Year: Senior

Major(s)/minor(s): Biology with a minor in Forensic Health

Hometown: Endwell, New York

Why are you working as a program assistant? I wanted to be a program assistant because I overall love the Speaking Center environment. I also want to further support and bring new ideas to the Speaking Center!

Why should students visit the Speaking Center? Students should visit the Speaking Center because it is a safe and comfortable environment for them to further develop their public speaking skills! 

Public speaking advice: Turn your fears of public speaking into confidence! 

Michelle Boateng

Intern

Year: Senior

Major(s)/Minor(s): Human Development

Hometown: Ghana but live in the Bronx, New York 

Why are you working as an intern? I am working as a program assistant to connect with others and improve in my speaking skills.

Why should students visit the Speaking Center? Students should visit if they need help with a presentation or need some writing tips for presenting.

Public speaking advice: Connecting with the audience - making the audience feel included in the speech can keep the group engaged and help them connect with the information you are presenting. Make sure you are making eye contact with the audience and ask questions to encourage input from them.

Samuel Ehrlinger

Program Assistant

Year: Senior

Major(s)/Minor(s): History and Philosophy double major with a minor in Education

Hometown:  Farmington, New York

Why are you working as a program assistant? Public speaking is something that I have had many opportunities to improve upon. I believe that the best way to improve is to give presentations, and that many classes to not give opportunities to do so. The Speaking Center provides one with many opportunities to do this. I hope to continue to assist students in improving while focusing more of my attention to outreach and make the great services that the speaking center offers known to more people around campus. 

Why should students visit the Speaking Center? The Speaking Center provides a wonderful opportunity to get feedback on how to improve a presentation that you have to give. Not only that, though; the Speaking Center gives plenty of advice to improve your presentation skills at large. If you plan to go into a career that involves presenting or communication (and all careers do to some degree), a visit to the Speaking Center is a must. 

Public speaking advice: The best advice I could give is to incorporate humor into your presentation. Humor is a wonderful tool that can add so much to a presentation, and I find it unfortunate it is not utilized more.