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.
Adalyn Montgomery -
Major: Biology - Cell/Molecular, Minor in Chemistry
Ask me about: Being a pre-med student, chemistry, balancing school and mental health, bioethics, course planning, balancing school and work, and navigating college as a first-generation student
A.J. Gamboa -
Major: Biology - Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental concentration, Minor in Chemistry
Ask me about: the EEE concentration, transfer student success, developing study methods that work for you, getting involved in research, and the best spots in Pisgah National Forest.
Braiden McAlpin -
Major: Double Major in Biology - Cell/Molecular and Biochemistry
Ask me about: Being a transfer student, double majoring, getting involved in undergraduate research, departmental honors, adjusting to campus life.
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
Daniella Rodriguez-Correia -
Major: Biology - Cellular/Molecular concentration, minor in Chemistry
Ask me about: Cell/Molecular Biology, the Chemistry Minor, Health Professions, gaining shadowing or clinical experience, volunteering, four-year plans, and peer mentoring/leadership positions
Ellen Michaels -
Major: Biology - Cellular/Molecular concentration, minor in Chemistry
Ask me about: Getting involved in undergraduate research, finding internships, balancing academics with greek life and other extracurriculars, the honors program, and any other questions you may have!
Fay Guarino -
Major: Double Major in Biology - Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental and Sustainable Development, G.I.S Certificate Program
Ask me about: The EEE Concentration, sustainable development courses, getting involved in research and field work, studying abroad, volunteering, and defining your path as a student and beyond.
Josiah Amaral -
Major: Double Major in Environmental Chemistry and Biology - Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental, Minor in Chinese
Ask me about: The EEE concentration, Double Majoring, Environmental Chemistry, Living on campus, opportunities in environmental education, four year planning, and school-work-life balance
Madelynn Fields -
Major: Biology - Cell/Molecular
Ask me about: Pre-med track, EMS and Mountaineer Medics, On Campus Employment, Finding Clinical experience and volunteer opportunities, Clubs on campus, and anything else you may need help with!
Mady Helt -
Major: Biology - Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental
Ask me about: The EEE concentration, being an early college student, careers in wildlife rehabilitation, finding internships, getting involved in research, applying to graduate programs, and balancing creativity with academics
Spring 2026 Events
The peer mentors will be holding a series of events for biology students throughout the semester.
- August 27
Transfer Student Success and Strategies
6:00 PM | RANKIN SCIENCE WEST 156 - August 31
Internship Panel
6:00 PM | I.G. GREER AUDITORIUM - September 15
Research Ready: A Guide to Starting Undergraduate Research
6:30 PM | RANKIN SCIENCE WEST 156 - Septmeber 22
Honors Insights: University and Departmental Honors Programs
6:30 PM | RANKIN SCIENCE WEST 156 - September 30
Integrative Biology Workshop
6:00 PM | RANKIN SCIENCE WEST 156 - October 21
Course Planning and 4-Year Plans
6:00 PM | RANKIN SCIENCE WEST 156 - October 27
Preparing for Graduate School Workshop
6:30 PM | RANKIN SCIENCE WEST 156 - November 3
Pathways to Healthcare
6:30 PM | RANKIN SCIENCE WEST 156
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.