Contact Us
Email: ThriveScholars@smu.edu
Follow us on Instagram: @LyleThriveScholars
Thrive Scholars Program
The Thrive Scholars Program is a peer mentoring program in SMU Lyle School of Engineering that is designed to provide academic and social support for first-year and transfer students who are in the fields of engineering and computer science.
First-year mentees are paired with upper-class peer mentors who provide ongoing, one-on-one support during students’ first year at SMU.
Benefits of participating in the Thrive Scholars Program include:
- Attending events focused on social networking, leadership development, and well-being
- Direct access to personalized academic advising and degree plan development
- Opportunities to engage with faculty outside of the classroom
- Connections to industry experts and SMU alumni
- Priority consideration for on-campus jobs in the Lyle School
Participation in the Thrive Scholars Program involves a one-year commitment, with additional opportunities to attend specialized events and serve as a peer mentor as students progress through their academic careers in the Lyle School.
Meet the Leadership Team
Kelyn Rola
Jazmine Johnson
Ivy Phillips
Senior Academic Advisor & Success Coach
214-768-4081
zzphillips@smu.edu
Sandra Futwi
Student Coordinator
Computer Science '26
Computer Science '26
Meet The Peer Mentors
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Arle Casillas
Mechanical Engineering '28
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Camila Serrano
OREM and Data Science '28
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Chris Ageh
Electrical & Computer Engineering '27
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Esteban de Hoyos
Computer and Data Science '28
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Jose Martinez
Electrical & Computer Engineering '27
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Josh Monkman
Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics '28
Joshua Lane
Mechanical Engineering'27
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Julian Oliva
Mechanical Engineering '27
Kaitlyn Williams
Management Science '28
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Karyn Dillon
Electrical & Computer Engineering - Biomedical Specialization '27
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Kevin Ramirez
Mechanical Engineering '28
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Megan Flight
Computer and Data Science '28
Michael Afework
Mechanical Engineering '28
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Mikeala Amanfo
OREM and Data Science '27
Pierre Martinez
Computer Science '27
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Troy Johnson
Electrical & Computer Engineering '28
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Tyler Taylor
Electrical & Computer Engineering '27
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Zion Smith
Computer and Data Science '27
Program Assistants
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Jeremiah Lynn
Program Assistant
Mechanical Engineering '29
Mechanical Engineering '29
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Viviana Garcia
Program Assistant
Mechanical Engineering - Biomedical Specialization '29
Mechanical Engineering - Biomedical Specialization '29
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Ailin Ramirez
Student Assistant
Mechanical Engineering '29
Mechanical Engineering '29
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Tolu Oyesanya
Social Media Manager
Frequently asked questions
Thrive Scholars involves a one-year commitment for first-year mentees. There are additional opportunities to attend specialized events during students’ sophomore years and to serve as a peer mentor as students progress through their academic careers in the Lyle School.
No! Participation is at no cost for student mentees.
First-year and transfer students in the Lyle School of Engineering who identify as first-generation, and/or Pell-grant eligible are encouraged to participate in the program. If you are uncertain of your eligibility, please contact ThriveScholars@smu.edu. There is no minimum GPA requirement to participate.
Mentors are upper-class students (juniors and seniors) from a variety of Lyle majors who have a passion for helping their peers succeed.
Mentees meet with their mentor twice per month and meet with the Program Specialist once a semester.
The program hosts weekly seminars designed to help incoming students thrive. During these hour-long sessions, students have opportunities to engage with their Lyle professors and peers; learn about important college-related topics like financial literacy, stress management and mindsets, and résumé building; and participate in game nights and special-themed activities.