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 program, 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 - Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental concentration, minor in geography.
Ask me about: EEE concentration, University Honors Program, GIS certificate, undergraduate research, undergraduate thesis, campus resources, geography minor.
Ava Ridings
Major: Biology - Cellular/Molecular concentration, minor in Chemistry
Ask me about: Cellular/molecular concentration, peer mentoring, tutoring, career preparedness, undergraduate advising, genetics, campus resources, and four year planning.
Beka Davis
Major: Biology - Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental concentration
Ask me about: The biology honors program, undergraduate research, biology study abroad opportunities, peer mentoring, biological science career paths, campus resources, and four year planning.
Cameron Williams
Major: Biology - Cellular/Molecular concentration, minor in Chemistry
Ask me about: Transferring credits, cell/molecular concentration, undergraduate research, surviving organic chemistry, campus resources, and four year planning.
Emma Williams
Major: Biology - Cell/Molecular concentration, double minor in chemistry and medical humanities
Ask me about: Cell/molecular concentration, biochemistry and undergraduate research, teaching assistantships in chemistry labs, genetic counseling, career preparedness, and undergraduate advising.
Jaida Washington
Major: Biology - Cell/Molecular concentration, minor in chemistry
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.
Jarrett Lockey
Major: Biology - Cell/Molecular concentration, minor in chemistry
Ask me about: Undergraduate Research, Degreeworks, Cell/Molecular Concentration, Peer Mentoring, Health Professions Advising (HPA), Four-Year Planning and Pre-Pharmacy School Pathway.
Katherine Baloga
Major: Biology - Cell/Molecular concentration, minor in music
Ask me about: Cell/molecular biology , peer mentoring, tutoring & advising, pre-health preparation, genetics, volunteering, working in healthcare as an undergrad, music minors, and chemistry minors.
Maggie Vaughn
Major: Biology - Cellular/Molecular concentration
Ask me about: Pre-dental track, undergraduate research, the honors college, biology honors program, volunteer work in healthcare, teaching assistantship in a chemistry lab, and four year planning.
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
Umamah Quadri
Major: Biology - Cellular/Molecular concentration, minor in Chemistry
Ask me about: Cellular/Molecular concentration, pre-med track, undergraduate research, clinical hours, chartering a club, study abroad, volunteering, biology departmental and university honors
Spring 2025 Events
The peer mentors will be holding a series of events for biology students throughout the semester.
- February 11th
Honors Program Insight
6:30 PM | RANKIN SCIENCE WEST 156 - February 24th
Biology Internship Panel
6 PM | IG GREER AUDITORIUM - March 4th
Navigating Integrative Biology
6:30 PM | RANKIN SCIENCE WEST 156 - March 18th
DegreeWorks Workshop
6:30 PM | RANKIN SCIENCE WEST 156 - April 8th
Graduate School Workshop
6:30 PM | RANKIN SCIENCE WEST 156 - April 15th
Pathways to Healthcare
4 PM | IG GREER 222
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 Kim Paramo (paramokm@appstate.edu)
Questions?
For any questions about the Biology Peer Mentor program, please feel free to contact Kim Paramo (paramokm@appstate.edu).