Biology Peer Mentor Program

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.

 

Abby Elwell

Major: Biology - Integrative concentration

Ask me about: The Integrative track, animal science, finding relevant experience, undergrad research, balancing/organizing life with a STEM major, farm work, tutoring, and advising

  

 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.


  Autumn Peters

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


 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.


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 Biolchemiatry and Biology - Cell/Molecular concentration

Ask me about: Double majoring, undergraduate research, Pre-med requirements, and volunteer opportunities


Connor Ross

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 State    


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


 

Fall 2025 Events

The peer mentors will be holding a series of events for biology students throughout the semester.

  • September 2
    Research Ready:  A Guide to Starting Undergrad Research
    6:30 PM | RANKIN SCIENCE WEST 156
  • September 18 
    Transfer Student Workshopl
    6 PM | IG GREER AUDITORIUM
  • September 25
    Honors Insights:  Spplying, Understanding, Succeeding
    6:30 PM | RANKIN SCIENCE WEST 156
  • October 6
    Graduate School Workshop
    6:30 PM | RANKIN SCIENCE WEST 156
  • October 23
    DegreeWorks Workshop
    6:00 PM | RANKIN SCIENCE WEST 156
  • October 28
    Graduate School Workshop
    6:30 PM | RANKIN SCIENCE WEST 156
  • November 4
    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.