The Biology Peer Mentors are a group of undergraduate biology students who are dedicated to fostering student success and community among students in the Biology Department. Our Peer Mentors play a crucial role in supporting undergraduate students, providing guidance and resources to help them navigate their academic journey and prepare for their future careers.
How Can Biology Peer Mentors Help You?
Academic Guidance
Our Peer Mentors assist students in developing 4-year plans tailored to any of the five concentrations within the Biology major. They provide valuable insights and help you align your academic path with your career goals.
Resource Connection
Navigating university resources can be overwhelming. Peer Mentors are here to acquaint you with the various campus resources available, ensuring you have the support you need to succeed academically and personally. They will be hosting various workshops throughout the semester ranging from undergraduate research to navigating grad school.
Community Building
Your time in college is more enjoyable and rewarding when you feel part of a community. Peer Mentors are helping build community among Biology majors through engagement opportunities.
Meet Your Mentors
Our Peer Mentors are experienced students who have successfully completed the BIO 2300 course and are passionate about helping their peers succeed. They are available to provide feedback on your 4-year plans, give insight on courses you may need to take, and run workshops on topics relevant to your academic and career success.
Aidan Gardner
Major: Biology - Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental concentration
Ask me about: EEE concentration, campus resources, four-year planning, the honors progam, peer mentoring, campus involvement, tutoring, and volunteering.
Amanda Rose
Major: Biology - Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental concentration, GIS certificate
Ask me about: Transfer student success, EEE concentration , undergraduate research, GIS certificate, being a first-generation college student, and campus resources.
Amy Hamer
Major: Biology - Inegrative concentration; Double Minor in Chemistry and Animal Studies
Ask me about: Pre-vet track, Undergrad research, Chemistry, Getting ahead in credits, Managing courseloads, Biology concentration programs of study
Braiden McAlpin
Major: Double Major in Biology - Cellular/Molecular concentration and Biochemistry
Ask me about: Being a transfer student, double majoring, getting involved in undergraduate research, departmental honors, adjusting to campus life.
Cameron Williams
Major: Biology - Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental concentration
Ask me about: Getting involved in undergraduate research, advising, 4-year plans, ornithology, EEE concentration, accessing campus resources, and experiences to further your education and professional development at App Stateransferring credits, cell/molecular concentration, undergraduate research, surviving organic chemistry, campus resources, and four year planning.
Catie Harrigan
Major: Double Major in Biochemistry and Biology - Cell/Molecular concentration
Ask me about: Double majoring, undergraduate research, Pre-med requirements, and volunteer opportunities.
Jaida Washington
Major: Biology - Cell/Molecular concentration
Ask me about: Cell/molecular biology , Research, Summer Undergraduate Research Internships, Pre-Med Track, How to get Shadowing/Clinical Experience, MD/PhD Pathway, How to get involved in volunteer efforts in the community.
Lian Snow
Major: Biology - Cell/Molecular concentration
Ask me about: Cell/molecular concentration, finding study methods that work for you, self-advocating in an academic setting, balancing STEM with artistic passions, connecting personal values to academic and career goals, and exploring naturopathic and integrative medicinal pathways
Polly Ciesla
Major: Biology - Integrative concentration, minor in Chemistry
Ask me about: Adjusting as a transfer student, balancing Greek life with academics, Botany, undergraduate research with plants, the integrative biology concentration, minoring in chemistry
Ruth Hart
Major: Biology - Integrative concentration, minor in Chemistry
Ask me about: The integrative concentration, Ornithology, Conservation genetics, Transfer student success, departmental/university honors, undergraduate research, tutoring scientific writing, and studying abroad or finding internships.
Umamah Quadri
Major: Biology - Cell/Molecular, minor in Chemistry
Ask me about: Pre-med track, undergraduate research, gaining clinical hours, chartering a club, studying abroad, volunteering, departmental/university honors.
Spring 2026 Events
The peer mentors will be holding a series of events for biology students throughout the semester.
- January 27
Research Ready: A Guide to Starting Undergrad Research
6:30 PM | RANKIN SCIENCE WEST 158 - February 12
Transfer Student Workshop
6:30 PM | RANKIN SCIENCE WEST 158 - February 19
Honors Insights: Applying, Understanding, Succeeding
6:30 PM | RANKIN SCIENCE WEST 158 - February 26
Navigating Integrative Biology Workshop
6:30 PM | RANKIN SCIENCE WEST 158 - March 2
Internship Panel
6:00 PM | SANFORD HALL 102 - March 18
Degreeworks Workshop
6:30 PM | RANKIN SCIENCE WEST 158 - March 24
Graduate School Workshop
6:30 PM | RSW 158 - March 31
Pathways to Healthcare
6:30 PM | RSW 158
Events are subject to change. Keep an eye out for emails and flyers around the department for the most up to date information. For any questions about these events, please feel free to contact PJ Coleman.
Questions?
For any questions about the Biology Peer Mentor program, please feel free to contact PJ Coleman.