The Head of College is the head and ranking officer of Berkeley College, responsible for the college’s intellectual, social, athletic, and artistic life. The college is administered through the Head of College’s Office, which is staffed by an operations manager, senior administrative assistant, and student aides. The Head of College works closely with the Dean, Resident Fellows, the Dining Hall Manager, and other staff to build the best possible community for our students.
Head of College David A.D. Evans
David A.D. Evans is a member of the faculty of the Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences. Professor Evans focuses his research on plate tectonics, the past motions of continents across Earth’s surface. He is director of the Yale Paleomagnetism Laboratory, which traces this movement by measuring fossil magnetism preserved in ancient rocks from around the world.
His work has elucidated the configurations of vanished supercontinents named Pangea, Rodinia, and Nuna (each separated by about 600 million years); characterized the geometry of Earth’s ancient magnetic field; and provided evidence for globally engulfing “Snowball Earth” ice ages that occurred deep in Earth’s history, around the time when animals were first evolving. He earned his Ph.D. at the California Institute of Technology and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Western Australia before joining the Yale faculty in 2002. He especially enjoys sharing his knowledge of the world’s geology, climate, and natural resources with undergraduate students in his introductory-level courses at Yale.
Professor Evans grew up in the suburbs of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and graduated from Yale College (where he was a resident of Berkeley) in 1992. His is a family of Berkeleyites: his father was BK’62 and his sister was BK’89. Aside from cheering on, often fruitlessly, his favorite professional sports teams (the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Bucks), Head Evans’s main extracurricular passion is music, regularly playing contrabass in the Berkeley College Orchestra and occasionally slapping a bass guitar or reciting old-school hip-hop lyrics.
The Associate Head of Berkeley College, Lely Dai Evans, is a language educator and educational consultant. Raised in Taiwan, Lely received her B.A. at Occidental College and a master’s of music in performance practice from The University of Western Australia. Most recently, Lely has co-founded New Haven Chinese Cultural Cooperative (NHCCC), in which she performs the guzheng (a 21-string acient zither). Lely also loves cooking and brings many aspects of food preparation, as well as music, into her teaching repertoire.
Sarah Layedra, Assistant Director of Operations, Berkeley College
Sarah Layedra joined Berkeley College in June 2017 and is the Assistant Director of Operations, Berkeley College. With direction from Head of College David Evans, Sarah is responsible for managing the financial and administrative operations of Berkeley. This includes overseeing the college’s finances, events, and facilities. She is also the coordinator of the Paul Mellon Fellowship. In addition, Sarah oversees special projects, and serves as liaison between the college and the Yale College Business Office. This deceptive description fails to explain how truly vital Sarah is in maintaining the collegiate environment. She manages every facet of college life including the oversight of College funds, fellowships and events. Because of Sarah’s involvement in many aspects of Berkeley College life, she will often be a student’s first recourse for questions about fellowships and college life. At most every event, you will find her working behind the scenes with Naomi DiGioia and the College Aides to ensure its success.
Sarah’s favorite free time activity is spending time with her husband Joséand sons, Andrés and Mateo.
Sarah is in F20 and can be reached by e-mail at sarah.layedra@yale.edu or at (203) 436-2899 on weekdays.
Naomi DiGioia, Senior Administrative Assistant II, Berkeley College Head’s Office
Since joining Berkeley College in June 2017 and Yale University in December 2004, Naomi has been a cornerstone of the Berkeley College Administrative Office, expertly managing its daily operations and serving as a welcoming first point of contact. She provides invaluable information to students, faculty, staff, and visitors alike. Working alongside Sarah and the College Aides, Naomi skillfully organizes and oversees college events, ensuring the Head of College Office is a hub of vibrant activity. She also supervises student fellowships, awards, and various facets of college life. Known for her approachability, Naomi is always ready to offer support or a listening ear to students. As a lifelong New Haven local now residing in scenic Beacon Falls with her family and beloved rescue dog, Nala, Naomi embraces life to the fullest. A certified yoga instructor, she delights in yoga, reading, gardening, beekeeping, and cherishing moments with her family. Naomi’s office is located in room F14, and she is available at naomi.digioia@yale.edu or (203) 432-0501 during regular business hours.
Jolanta Skonieczna, Residential College Service Assistant II, Berkeley College
Jolanta Skonieczna joined Berkeley College in February 1996 as the Swensen House Service Assistant II. She is always ready to serve students and faculty. Jolanta came to the USA from Poland. In her free time she is a typical “soccer mom” and juggles her time between her three sons’ soccer games. Most of all she enjoys spending time with her husband and sons.
Jolanta can be found in the Head of College house and can be reached by e-mail at jolanta.skonieczna@yale.edu.
College Aides
Berkeley College Aides are stewards and ambassadors of the Berkeley College Community. Our College Aides are sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have been hired by the Head of College, Sarah, and Naomi, to assist in running the residential college. They help organize the many events sponsored by the Head of College’s office, from the First-year move-in and picnic at the beginning of the year to the Berkeley Commencement in May. Each is responsible for specific common areas of the College, including the Berkeley Buttery, student kitchen, music room, wellness room (the Roost) and the library. They can often be found in the Head of College’s Office helping make life slightly less stressful for Berkeleyites. During the academic year, contact them directly via email at bkcollegeaides@gmail.com, or drop by the Head of College Office during business hours (9am-5pm weekdays). To learn more about our amazing aides see their profiles below.
The 2025-2026 Berkeley College Aides Applications are now closed. Please check back in August 2025.
College’s Aides for 2024-2025
Mina Aral ‘26
I’m an international student from Turkey. I grew up in Istanbul. I’m doing Directed Studies, taking Computer Science classes alongside. Although I am undecided for now, I’m planning on majoring in CS. I love films, books, and painting. You can find me wandering around campus and appreciating the beautiful architecture any time of the day, especially during sunset. Most Thursday nights, I can also be found struggling to finish a DS paper in the Berkeley common room.
Yoselin Colin ‘27
Yoselin is from San Francisco, CA, and is a junior pursuing a double major in Political Science & Ethnicity, Race, and Migration with an Intensive Human Rights Certificate. Outside of class, she is involved in various advocacy and political organizations, including Yale College Democrats, Yale Undergraduate Prison Project, Yale Model United Nations, and Yale College Council. She loves traveling, being outdoors, and watching TV shows and movies. She loves Berkeley College (the best one!) and is very happy to be an aide!
Bea Fylkner ‘26
Bea is a junior pursuing an intensive major in Political Science. She grew up in Stockholm, Sweden, but has also lived in Italy, Thailand, and New Jersey (which she considers a very fine state). Outside of class, she spends her time dancing with the Modern Dance Company, cooking with Y-Popup, and doing research on all things democracy. She feels lucky to call Berkeley her home and is very excited to be an aide!
Nardeen Gebraeel ‘28
Nardeen (she/her) is a first-year in Berkeley College from Orange County, California (right under LA County). Her intended major is Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry. Nardeen hopes to pursue an MD-PhD and wants to specialize in immunology. Outside of being a college aide, she is a member of the YCC Events Branch, is the website design and outreach chair, an editor, and a writer for the Yale Global Health Review, volunteers at the Yale New Haven Hospital, and is an advising fellow for matriculate. In her free time, she enjoys going on hikes, exploring new beaches, and watching fun documentaries.
Gia George-Burgher ‘26
Gia is a prospective double major in Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies and Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from the (Boogie Down) Bronx in New York City. She is a member of Yale’s Premier Latin Dance Team Sabrosura and the Dramat. When she’s not in class or on stage, Gia loves to hang out in the buttery or the Roost and chit chat with Damaris in the office.
Jayden Gonzalez ‘28
Bio and photo coming soon.
Luke Huh ‘28
Luke is a prospective math major from Barboursville, West Virginia. Allegedly, he hiked from his little lodge back home to his even littler, but cozier, lodge in L-Dub. Outside of L-Dub, you can find him skating to class, playing guitar with his friends, or playing IMs. He’s a big fan of flipping quesadillas in the BK buttery, but he also enjoys hanging out in the Roost or Mendenhall.
Amira Ibrahim ‘27
Amira is a Neuroscience major from Poughkeepsie, NY. She is involved in the Yale Black Muslims Student Association, Matriculate, and Yale Steppin’ Out. In her free time, Amira enjoys crocheting, spending time with friends in Berkeley’s buttery, and taking walks.
Goeun Lee ‘25
Goeun studies Psychology and HSHM at Yale, with interests in pediatric clinical psychology and global health. She is from Los Angeles, CA and she loves Berkeley’s Roost & BK special from the buttery.
Abigail Lopez Freire ’26
Abi is a prospective Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Bio major from Maryland and the Junior Chief Aide! She enjoys taking long walks around campus, taking photos of people and places on rolls of film, exploring the many Yale libraries, and making fun pieces of jewelry. She’s so excited to be a college aide at the best residential college: Berkeley! Around Berkeley, you’ll find her in Laz library, in the art gallery, in the buttery with friends, or in BK’s courtyards soaking up the sun.
Treyton Martin ‘25
Treyton is the Senior Chief Aide and a Berkeley College FROCO. He is from a small town in Indiana and plans to major in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. He is also involved with the Yale Policy Institute, and can’t wait to serve as Co-Chief of Berkeley. In Berkeley, he can be found in the buttery, Mendenhall room, or the Roost.
Sabrina Mo ‘27
Sabrina was born and raised in Koreatown, Los Angeles, and she’s a Neuroscience major with an interest in cognitive science. Because she grew up surrounded by amazing food, Sabrina is unsurprisingly a foodie, a passion she brought to New Haven as she explores and tries out local restaurants. (Send her food recs if you have any!) When she’s not grinding out assignments she’s procrastinated on, you can find her napping on her super duper cozy bed, snacking on copious cavity-induced snacks, or taking strolls around campus with friends (with said snack in hand, of course).
Harsh Patel ‘27
Harsh was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois and has lived there his whole life. He is planning on majoring in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology on the Pre-Med track. Currently, he’s involved with Community Health Educators and is a volunteer at the HAVEN Free Clinic and the Yale New Haven Hospital. He loves going on long walks or drives with friends and watching new shows (his favorite show of all time being Schitt’s Creek). In Berkeley you’ll probably find him in the Roost or the BK buttery with friends.
Kyan Ramsay ‘27
Kyan is a sophomore in Berkeley majoring in Political Science. He is from Memphis, Tennessee. You can find him writing creatively, hanging out in the buttery, or watching anything created by Shonda Rhimes in his free time. His hot takes are that pineapple absolutely belongs on pizza and that Berkeley is definitely the best college!
Noah Ripke ‘28
Noah is studying mathematics and astrophysics as a prospective BS/MS Math major. He had lived in Maryland his whole life before coming to college and still believes it is the best state. Outside of the classroom, Noah is involved in organizing math competitions, researching in the undergraduate aerospace association, and competing for Berkeley in college IMs. In Berkeley, you’ll find him playing ping pong in the Buttery, studying in Laz, or hitting the keys of the nearest piano.
Jayden Rivera ‘26
Jayden is a prospective Chemistry major and is a New Haven native. When in Berkeley, he can be spotted studying in Mendenhall room or The Barn. He enjoys exploring restaurants outside of the Yale community and taking walks to Edgerton Park.
Isabella Sanchez ‘27
Bio and photo coming soon.
Hailley Siswanto ‘27
Hailley is a prospective Computer Science and Economics major from Tampa, Florida. Outside of the classroom, she is also a FOOT Leader, artist, traveler, gym lover, and active Pinterest user. You can find her traipsing around the Robert B. Haas Family Arts Library contemplating pursuing a major in Architecture and building a sunlit home in the countryside. If not there, she is likely in PWG, running on the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, or reading in Atticus Cafe.
Ash Taylor ‘28
Bio and photo coming soon.
Nicolas Vela ‘27
Hi, I am Nicholas Vela, a first-year student studying Ethnicity, Race, and Migration. With Mexican roots, I’m deeply drawn to music, food adventures, and thrifting. As a self-proclaimed DJ, I mix tracks spanning from rap to reggaeton. I thrive on conversations and laughter, so you can count on me if you need anyone to talk to. I am excited to organize events and connect with fellow students, contributing to the already amazing Berkeley College Community! You can probably find me in lower Laz or playing pool while I wait for the buttery to open.
Hussein Zindonda ‘28
Hussein is a prospective Electrical Engineering student. I was born and raised in Zimbabwe. My favorite study spot on campus is either Bass Library or my room. At any moment, you are most likely going to see me with my headphones on because I enjoy music as well as dancing. I’m a sports fanatic but I enjoy football (soccer) the most. In cases where you don’t see me, you will probably see my Instagram reel or TikTok video. One thing I have abused in Berkeley College is the tunnel from North Court to the South Court.
