Honors Peer Advising Center

Payton is a Junior from Maryland double-majoring in Psychology and Criminology. She also has minors in Adaptive Brain and Behaviors as well as Peace Studies and Social Justice. This year she is starting her first undergraduate research experience in the psychology CALMER lab. She also tries to stay very involved around campus outside of the classroom. She is Vice President of Morgan's Message Club, active member in Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, and works at the War Memorial gym. After college she plans to get her PsyD or PhD in psychology in order to become a forensic or developmental psychologist. In her free time she enjoys staying physically active, hanging out with friends and family, and facetimining her dogs. Payton is excited to help students navigate the honors college and explore all of its opportunities.

David graduated high school in Greenville, South Carolina and made his way to Virginia Tech in 2024. He is a junior majoring in Physics and minoring in Quantum Information Sciences and Engineering (QISE) and Mathematics. In his free time, he enjoys time outdoors, meeting new people, movies, and cooking. David joined the Honors College his first semester and has been consistently involved since. His Honors experience includes taking many departmental courses, working alongside faculty as the Intro to Honors Course Teaching Assistant in 2025, and currently assisting Honors students in the Peer Advising Program. As an HPAC advisor, David hopes to lead excited students in the right direction to begin and maintain their Honors academic career. He also wants to help others recognize the opportunity available from understanding, not only the Honors College's, but all of Virginia Tech's accessible resources.

Alyson Hoffman is a junior from Northern Virginia double majoring in Political Science, Legal Studies, and Business Management. Alyson enjoys traveling, exploring national parks, and reading. Outside of the classroom, she is involved in the Panhellenic community as a member of Pi Beta Phi and serves as a Panhellenic delegate. She also works with VT Engage as a Dialogue Fellow Intern, supporting civic engagement and constructive dialogue initiatives on campus. Alyson joined the Honors College to deepen her interdisciplinary learning and connect with students across majors. As a peer advisor, she looks forward to helping students navigate their academic paths, explore opportunities, and make the most of their Honors experience. 

Eli is a Junior from Arlington, Virginia. He is majoring in Clinical Neuroscience. After graduation, Eli hopes to attend medical school to become a pediatrician or a family medicine physician. Eli joined the honors college in the spring of 2025. Eli is involved on campus as the secretary of Mu Epsilon Delta, a professional pre-health fraternity, and has previously been an undergraduate teaching assistant and an academic tutor. In his free time, Eli enjoys hiking and photography. As an HPAC peer advisor, Eli hopes to help students take advantage of the opportunities offered by the honors college and find the best path to succeed in it. 

My name is Andrea Lara, and I am originally from Northern Virginia. I am a first-generation senior completing a dual degree in Political Science with a focus in Legal Studies and Criminology. I have a passion for highlighting and educating others on the varying overlaps of sociology and politics. I plan to attend law school following undergrad and eventually become an immigration lawyer living in the Washington, D.C. area. I joined the Honors College in Fall 2023 upon entering Virginia Tech, and even lived in Hillcrest! Outside of completing my degrees, I am also a research assistant studying the politics of linguistic difference. When I am not occupied with school, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, my dog Theo, and my cat named Boog! I hope that with my multidimensional background, I can help other honors students navigate and organize their honors requirements alongside their primary major requirements.

Isabel Lessner is currently a junior from Arlington, VA. She is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Business. She enjoys going to the gym, spending time with animals, taking long walks, and anything related to Disney. Outside of the classroom, Isabel is an active member of Sigma Kappa sorority, where she serves as the Director of Facility Management. She also works as a part-time substitute at a childcare facility, where she enjoys supporting children’s growth and development. Isabel joined the Honors Peer Advising Center to become more involved in the Honors College and to help fellow students make the most of their Honors experience. As a peer advisor, she looks forward to guiding students as they pursue their academic and personal goals.

I am a senior double-majoring in Criminology and Literature and minoring in Philosophy. Originally from Richmond, Virginia, I joined the Honors College in the fall of 2023. After graduation, I am planning to attend law school with a focus on criminal law. I currently serve as an undergraduate teaching assistant for an Honors College course. In my free time, I enjoy reading, baking, cooking, exercising, and listening to music. I am excited to help both incoming and current honors students make the most of their experience within the Honors College. 

Hi! I’m Jaanavi, a junior studying Civil Engineering and a member of the Honors College. I joined Honors during my first year and have gained valuable experience navigating its opportunities and challenges. I’m passionate about transportation engineering and am involved with ITE and other transportation-focused projects. As a Peer Advisor, I hope to help students with questions, share what I’ve learned, and support others through their Honors journey mistakes and all!

Gabriela is a Junior from Bristow, Virginia. She is majoring in Biochemistry and plans to pursue a career in Pharmacy. Outside of the classroom, Gabriela enjoys a good night out with her friends, watching her favorite shows on Netflix, and her job as a Pharmacy Technician at CVS. As an HPAC Peer Advisor, Gabriela hopes to help students outline their goals as they work within the Honors College and to assist students in taking advantage of the unique opportunities that the Honors College has to offer.