Ellie Aghayeva Bio: Columbia University Student & Influencer’s Career, Age, Height, Family, ICE Detention & More
Ellie Aghayeva is a driven Azerbaijani-American student and social media influencer at Columbia University, where she majors in neuroscience and political science. The 25-year-old (estimated) content creator has built a following of over 100,000 on platforms like Instagram and TikTok by sharing study tips, productivity hacks, and motivational insights into Ivy League life as an immigrant. She gained widespread attention in February 2026 after a controversial detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at her campus residence, which sparked debates on immigration practices and led to her quick release following advocacy efforts.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Elmina “Ellie” Aghayeva |
| Nick Name | Ellie |
| Profession | Student, Neuroscience Researcher, Social Media Influencer, Science Communicator |
| Birth Date | Not publicly disclosed |
| Age | Approximately 25 (based on senior status and arrival in US in 2016) |
| Birth Place | Azerbaijan |
| Nationality | Azerbaijani (international student in US) |
| Known For | StudyTok influencer, Columbia neuroscience student, 2026 ICE detention incident |
| Ethnicity | Azerbaijani |
| Zodiac Sign | Not publicly disclosed |
| Height | Not publicly disclosed |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
| Hair Color | Dark brown (from photos) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Qualification | Pursuing B.A. in Neuroscience and Political Science, Columbia University (Class of 2026) |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Spouses | None |
| Relationships | Private; no public partner |
| Children | None |
| Family | Parents immigrated from Azerbaijan; details private |
| Hobbies | Studying, productivity routines, neuroscience research, content creation |
| Current Work | Undergraduate student at Columbia, content creator, researcher at The Living Lab |
| Years Active | 2020–present (as influencer) |
| Residence | New York City, New York, USA |
Early Life & Education
Ellie Aghayeva was born in Azerbaijan and immigrated to the United States in 2016 with her family, who made significant sacrifices to provide her with educational opportunities. Her early life details remain private, but she has shared that her parents’ dedication across oceans motivated her academic pursuits. Aghayeva arrived in the US on a student visa, which was terminated later that year for failing to attend classes, according to DHS records—a point of contention in her 2026 detention.
She is currently a senior in Columbia University’s School of General Studies (GS ’26), pursuing a dual major in neuroscience and political science. Her interdisciplinary focus explores how neurological processes influence political behaviors, ideologies, and international conflicts, including cognitive biases and neural mechanisms in global politics. Prior education details are not publicly available, but her path reflects a non-traditional student journey typical of GS enrollees.
Career Journey
Academic and Research Beginnings
Aghayeva’s “career” centers on her studies and research at Columbia. She works at The Living Lab, using advanced eye-tracking methods to study how visual mental imagery and working memory demands impact cognitive performance. As a science communicator and published author, she contributed to the book Ways of Thinking and Imagining, a neurodiversity-focused project promoting understanding of diverse cognitive experiences in education and society.
Rise as a Social Media Influencer (2020–2025)
Aghayeva launched her online presence around 2020, building a niche in “StudyTok” on TikTok and Instagram (@ellharve). She shares vlogs of her 5:30 a.m. routines, study motivation tips, productivity hacks backed by neuroscience, and Ivy League life as an immigrant. Her content includes sponsored posts with brands like Audible and Extra gum, reaching over 100,000 followers. She founded a digital platform providing accessible academic resources to thousands of students worldwide, emphasizing equitable learning.
Recent Developments & Advocacy (2026)
In early 2026, Aghayeva continued her final semester while advocating for inclusive education. Her profile rose dramatically on February 26, 2026, when ICE agents detained her after misrepresenting themselves to enter her Columbia residence. Released the same day after interventions, including New York City Mayor zohran mamdani’s call to President Trump, the incident highlighted immigration issues and her resilience.
Career Stats
- Followers: 100,000+ on Instagram and TikTok
- Publications: Contributor to Ways of Thinking and Imagining
- Platform: Founder of digital academic resource site
Personal Life
Ellie Aghayeva keeps her personal life private, focusing public content on academics and motivation. She credits her parents’ sacrifices for her US opportunities but shares little about family. Single with no known relationships or children, she resides in New York City, balancing studies, research, and content creation. Her hobbies revolve around neuroscience, productivity, and creating motivational content.
Dating History
No public relationships or affairs reported.
Controversies
Aghayeva’s main controversy stems from her February 26, 2026, ICE detention. Agents claimed to search for a missing person to access her dorm, leading to accusations of deception. DHS stated her 2016 visa termination justified the arrest, but advocates argued it was unlawful. Released hours later amid protests and political pressure, the event drew media scrutiny and support from figures like Mayor Mamdani.
Awards & Achievements
- Contributor to neurodiversity book Ways of Thinking and Imagining
- Founder of global digital academic resource platform
- Verified influencer with 100,000+ followers
- Advocate for equitable education and neurodiversity acceptance
Physical Statistics
- Height: Not publicly disclosed
- Weight: Not publicly disclosed
- Appearance: Professional student look with focus on motivational, academic content
Quotes
- “Studying is hard but my parents sacrificed everything across the ocean for me to be here.”
- “All defeat is psychological. I will begin as many times as I need.”
- “Believe in yourself <3”
Interesting Facts
- Immigrated from Azerbaijan in 2016 as a teenager.
- Holds six jobs while studying full-time at Columbia.
- Part of “StudyTok” community, blending neuroscience with productivity tips.
- Released from ICE custody in 2026 after high-profile advocacy.
- Uses eye-tracking tech in research on mental imagery and cognition.
Did You Know?
Ellie Aghayeva founded a digital platform that provides specialized academic resources to thousands of students worldwide, driven by her commitment to inclusive education.
Social Media Links
- Instagram: @ellharve (100,000+ followers)
- TikTok: @ellharve (100,000+ followers)
- LinkedIn: Ellie Aghayeva
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Ellie Aghayeva?
Ellie Aghayeva is approximately 25 years old, based on her senior status at Columbia and immigration to the US in 2016.
What happened with Ellie Aghayeva’s ICE detention in 2026?
She was detained on February 26, 2026, after agents misrepresented themselves to enter her dorm. Released the same day after advocacy, including Mayor Mamdani’s intervention.
What does Ellie Aghayeva study at Columbia?
She is majoring in neuroscience and political science, exploring how brain processes affect political behaviors.
Is Ellie Aghayeva married?
No, she is single and keeps her personal life private.
Conclusion
Ellie Aghayeva’s journey from Azerbaijani immigrant to Columbia neuroscience student and influential content creator highlights resilience and dedication to education. Despite the 2026 detention ordeal, she continues inspiring thousands with her study tips and advocacy for neurodiversity. As she nears graduation, her interdisciplinary work promises impactful contributions ahead.
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