The Orientation Leaders are the backbone of orientation week! Behind every icebreaker game, campus tour, and informational session stands a team of passionate student leaders.

Beyond their roles as event organizers, they serve as ambassadors of campus culture, embodying the spirit of inclusivity and community that defines the university experience!

Sophia Gatto Orientation Co-Chair

Sophia is an experienced business student entering her fifth year at UNB, where she is pursuing an honours degree in accounting with a minor in mathematics and a concentration in logistics. Having been born and raised in Fredericton, Sophia has a strong connection to the community. This year marks Sophia's fourth year on the orientation leadership team.
On campus, Sophia is actively involved in multiple student clubs, including the Mental Health Association, the Environmental Society, and UNB Gives Blood. She is committed to improving student life through various avenues, and can't wait to translate this energy to O-Week. As Orientation approaches, Sophia can't wait to meet you all and welcome you home!

Abby Conrad Program: BA in French and Sociology Year: 4th

Hi everyone!! My name is Abby (she/her) and I’m from Peterborough, Ontario! I’m in my fourth year of a Bachelor of Arts pursuing a Joint Honours in French and Sociology. I’ve been a part of O-week as a RedShirt for the last two years, and I am PUMPED to take on the role of BlackShirt for this year! When I’m not in classes, I love to paint, crochet, go on walks, and go to Zumba classes at the Currie Centre. You can also find me around the Faculty of Arts as a Peer Mentor! I’m so excited to meet all of you and welcome you to UNB!!! ❤️🖤

Ariel Duc Thai Nguyen Program: Arts Year: 4th

I am a first generation Vietnamese who moved here to Canada in 2011. I am majoring in Sociology and minoring in Gender Women Studies. Outside of school, I am a drag performer named Éstee Deez and share a cooking business with my sister. My interests includes being delulu, cooking, napping, and reading.

I am very excited to see the new faces on campus. I know what it's like to be confused and lost for newcomers...so I want to be able to create a welcoming, fun, and safe environment as much as possible.

If you want to discuss about the Disney lore and the downfall of Disney (coming from a former Disney lover), you should come to me mwahahaha.

Sarah Steen Program: Civil Engineering Year: 5th

Hey UNB! My name is Sarah (she/her) and I’m in my 5th year in Civil Engineering. I’m from Ottawa, Ontario, but Freddy has become a second home for me. I’ve been involved in O-Week for the past 2 years and I’m very excited for another fun one! If I’m not studying super hard for exams, you can find me playing music, reading books, or obsessing over my cat Oscar!

Matt Mills Program: Electrical Engineering  Year: 5th

Hey everyone! My name is Matt (he/him) and I'm a 5th year Bachelor of Electrical Engineering student. This is my 4th year being involved in orientation week, and am beyond excited to be a blackshirt this year! I've lived in Fredericton my whole life, except for the last year because I was in Saint John doing a Co-op. Outside of school and work, my favorite things to do are going to concerts, watching movies and playing basketball and volleyball. 

I’m so excited for all of the orientation events we have planned for the week. It’s going to be a great time and I can’t wait to meet everyone!

Lily Keech Program: Arts Year: 3rd

Hi everyone! My name is Lily Keech (she/her) and I'm from Moncton, NB. I'm my third year of a Bachelor of Arts and am majoring in English. I am so beyond excited to be one of your BlackShirt orientation leaders this fall, we are going to have the most epic time!!!

What I’m looking forward to the most about O-Week is getting to meet so many new people and introduce you all to all of the most beautiful campus and the amazing opportunities UNB has to offer. 

When l'm not writing papers I love to read, cook, listen to music, and hangout with friends. O-Week 2024 is right around the corner and I can’t wait to see you all there!😁

Alexandra Michael Program: Bachelor of Science in Biology Year: 4th

Hello UNB!! My name is Alexandra Michael (she/her) and I am from Corner Brook, Newfoundland. In September, I’m going into my 4th and final year of a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an honours in microchemistry. I was a redshirt for orientation last year and I am beyond excited to be a blackshirt for this year’s orientation week! When I’m not studying, I spend my time reading, exploring downtown and spending time with my friends!!

O-week is by far the best way to meet new friends and to see what campus has to offer!! I can’t wait to welcome everyone to our beautiful campus❤️🖤

Grace Doucett Program: Kinesiology  Year: 4th 

Hi everyone! My name is Grace Doucett, and I am one of your Blackshirts for this upcoming Orientation Week. O-week is one of my favourite times of the year at UNB, and I am so excited to make your Orientation Week the best week. I grew up here in Fredericton and can’t wait to welcome you all to the city and to UNB! When not at school, you can find me enjoying the outdoors or hanging out with friends and family. I am looking forward to meeting you all in the fall!!

Kanwar Pal-Singh Program: BBA Year: 4th

Hey Everyone! My name is Kanwar Pal Singh (or KP for short), I am an Indian who was born and brought up in Kuwait. I am currently an international student at UNB, in my 4th year in the Faculty of Management, pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Welcome to UNB, and I am looking forward to having all you folks join us for Orientation! One thing you can always ask me about is music, especially rap and hip-hop; well, that and when I watch the F1 race for the weekend that is. I also love travelling, playing basketball with friends and food! UNB has a great community with individuals from all around the world and we can’t wait to have you be a part of the community as well!

Leen Ayman Ahmad Abu Al-Sha’r Program: BBA in HR Year: 3rd

Hello everybody, my name is Leen Abu Al-sha'r <3 I'm an international student currently entering my 3rd year in the BBA program, honouring in Human Resources with a concentration in Logistics. Originally, I am from Al-Salt, Jordan but I lived almost all my life in Qatar! Some more casual facts about me…I love crocheting, painting with watercolours, & my favourite drink is peach iced tea ! If you're looking for some skincare recommendations come find me :)

Isabella Gunderson Program: Honors in Political Science/English Year: 4th

Hello! My name is Isabella Gunderson (she/her). I’m from BC and moved to New Brunswick for university. I’m double majoring in political science and English, and I absolutely love talking about papers I’m writing. I was an RA in my second year and this is my first year as a BlackShirt. Outside of school I love baking, fencing, and going on a truly excessive amount of walks. 

If you see me around feel free to stop and chat! I’m looking forward to seeing everyone soon!

Harsh Chowdhari Program: BBA Year: 3rd

Hey everyone! I’m Harsh, an international student in my 3rd year of BBA. I was born in India, grew up in Doha, Qatar, and I still live there. This is my third time on the orientation team and my first time as a Blackshirt, and I couldn't be more excited for orientation week to kick off!

I'm all about hitting the gym, playing and watching soccer, and gaming. I'm pumped to share all the tips and knowledge I’ve picked up over the past couple of years as part of the orientation team and as an international student.

If you need any help with anything, don't hesitate to reach out. I'll do my best to help you out or at least try my hardest! Can’t wait to meet you all!

Saksham Ajmani Program: Arts, Film Year: 2nd

Hello everyone! My name is Saksham Ajmani, I'm currently a second-year international student majoring in Film specializing in SInging and Sound Engineering. This year, I have the exciting opportunity to be a Blackshirt during O-Week, and I couldn't be more thrilled about it. My journey at UNB has been incredibly fulfilling so far. One of the aspects I love most about UNB is the welcoming and polite community. It has made my integration into university life smooth and enjoyable, and I hope you experience the same warmth and support. During my free time, I enjoy going for walks and grabbing coffee. If you ever want to hang out or chat, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm very approachable, and you can often find me at Tony's Music Box—a place I absolutely adore, with a fantastic owner. Super excited to meet you all!