Fall 2026 Orientation Leaders
Hi everyone! My name is Alejandra Simán. To tell you a little more about me, I am a senior majoring in Chemical Engineering and Environmental Studies. I am originally from Honduras, and this will be my fifth year in New Orleans! In my free time, I like to read, make jewelry, and play video games. I’m also involved in many different organizations around campus, so if we bump into each other, don’t be afraid to say hi! I’m passionate about creating welcoming and inclusive spaces, which is one of the reasons I’m so excited to be an orientation leader this year. I’m looking forward to meeting new people and learning many cool things from y’all. Roll Wave!
Ngoc Diep (Alice) is a rising senior international student from Binh Duong/ Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and a Newcomb Scholar at Tulane University. She is studying a dual degree in Linguistics, Anthropology (B.S.) and Philosophy (B.A.) with a minor in Native American and Indigenous Studies. Besides her studies, she is also a part of Tulane University History Project (TUHP), Sexual Health, Education, and Rights (SHER) Lab, D3L Lab, International Student Advisory Board (ISAB), and School of Liberal Art's Dean Advisory Board. Her current research interests are historical linguistics, Mayan languages, writing systems, language documentation, and revitalization. If you share the same interest in languages and philosophy, feel free to hit her up at bdiep@tulane.edu!
Cassandra Jean François is a Haitian physician and international student at Tulane University, pursuing an MPH in Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases with a strong passion for research and global health equity.
Aside from her clinical work to save lives, her humanitarian work spans more than 12 years of community leadership and public health action. She is a founding member of Gwoup Konbit, a social movement dedicated to community development and collective action in Haiti, and Co‑Founder of Konbit San Pou San, a grassroots initiative promoting voluntary blood donation, first‑aid training, and community health education. She has also led humanitarian projects with Médecins du Monde Argentina and served as a Technical Advisor to the Haitian Ministry of Health, contributing to infectious disease response and health‑system strengthening.
For the upcoming academic year, she will serve as the Treasurer of the Student Government Association at the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, furthering her commitment to student engagement and community building. As someone who has personally navigated the transition to life in the United States, she brings empathy, cultural awareness, and a welcoming presence, qualities she hopes to share with new international students at Tulane University.
Hi everyone! I’m Josue, a PhD student in Economics at Tulane. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Master’s in Administration and Public Policy. My research agenda is driven by a desire to tackle some of the most pressing challenges that vulnerable populations have to face every day. Having lived abroad, I truly understand the mix of excitement and challenges that comes with a new environment. I know how vital it is, especially in those first few months, to find your rhythm and a community that supports you outside of your academic program. I’m here to help you navigate life at Tulane, share my favorite spots in New Orleans, and help you find your place in our community. Please feel free to reach out and say hi!
Preethi Vennela Royuru is a Master of Public Health candidate in International Health and Sustainable Development at the Tulane University Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, where she serves as a Teaching Assistant in Biostatistics and Disaster Resilience, Reproductive Rights and Reproductive Health Intern with the Newcomb Institute, Global SRHR Intern with EngenderHealth, International Student Advisory Board Member, Public Health Student Ambassador, and Orientation Leader for the Fall semester. Her academic and professional interests focus on global health, biostatistics, maternal and child health, sexual and reproductive health and rights, health systems strengthening, and evidence-based public health practice. Beyond academics, Preethi is passionate about mentorship, cross-cultural engagement, and fostering supportive student communities. Through her teaching, leadership, research, and community engagement roles at Tulane, she has collaborated with students, faculty, and community partners to promote inclusive and student-centered environments. As an Orientation Leader, she is excited to welcome incoming students to Tulane, support their transition into university life, and help cultivate a meaningful and welcoming experience for students from diverse backgrounds around the world.
