Leanne Olona

Education:

M.A. - International Education, New York University 

B.A. - International Studies and Asian Studies, University of Michigan

Career Path:

After graduating from the University of Michigan, I served with the College Advising Corps in Pennsylvania. As a College/Career Adviser, I supported high school students in rural PA to explore and achieve their post-graduation goals; to continue their education, secure full-time employment, or enlist in the military. I then returned to my hometown in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as a Study Abroad Advisor for the University of New Mexico. My regional expertise covered outbound programs in Asia and Europe. After a couple of years, I went back to school and completed my Master’s in International Education at New York University. In May 2025, I came back to Ann Arbor and joined the Department of Psychology as an Academic Advisor & Thesis Program Coordinator. On campus, I am a member of the ACUM Advocacy, Belonging & Culture in Advising (ABCA) Committee. It is truly great to be a Michigan Wolverine and to work with Psychology and BCN students. I am happy to have the opportunity to give back to this campus community. 

Favorite Part of Working at UM:

As a UROP alum, I am always fascinated by all of the research happening at this university. It’s exciting to meet with students and learn about their individual passions and big questions they wish to answer. There are so many labs and brilliant faculty that make time to support undergraduates and introduce them to the world of research. I sincerely enjoy helping students find and secure research opportunities.