Advising Staff
The Biology Advising Center recommends that students schedule an appointment with an advisor to address specific needs. To make an appointment with your advisor, please use the Nexus scheduling platform. Appointments are only offered during our regular hours of operation.
Not sure who to contact? Learn how to find your advisor in the Student Administration System.
Biology Advisors
Jessica Groves
Assistant Director,
CLAS Academic Services Center
jessica.groves@uconn.edu
Zen Buraceski
Academic Advisor
zen.buraceski@uconn.edu
Gavin Huismann
Academic Advisor
gavin.huismann@uconn.edu
Katerine Pais
Academic Advisor
katerine.pais@uconn.edu
Office located in TLS 413A
Nicki Norris
Academic Advisor
Nicki Norris
Caitlin Robertson
Academic Advisor
caitlin.e.robertson@uconn.edu
Office located in CHEM A-111
Peer Advisors
What is a Peer Advisor?
Peer Advisors (PAs) are highly trained, upper-class students, who are majoring in one of the BIO majors (BIO, EEB, MCB, or PNB). They work closely with the BAC advising staff to assist students with their questions and concerns. PAs staff our check-in desk and will be the first person to greet you and assist you when you come in. Because they are students themselves, Peer Advisors bring a unique perspective and are here to help students by sharing their experiences, answer questions, and provide resources.
Scroll down to view our current PAs, their interests, and their drop-in hours!
What is the difference between a Peer Advisor and an Advisor?
While Peer Advisors are not a replacement for professional advisors, they serve as a crucial first point of contact and friendly face for students. Scroll down to view our current PAs, their interests, and their drop-in hours!
Note: There are certain topics and complexities that are best addressed with an advisor, either in an appointment or during a drop-in. See the below topics that PAs will often assist students with versus what a student may do with an advisor.
| Peer Advising | Advising |
| Answer general questions about program, policies and department | Answer more complex concerns and issues |
| Review Advisement Report and requirements | Review requirements and planning for graduation in detail, considering post graduate plans and pre-requisites |
| Discuss courses for future term and assist with searching | Future course planning |
| Assist with Student Admin navigation and enrollment error messages | Helping students determine whether their current major is a good fit for them, their goals, and their graduation timeline |
| Assist with locating and completing forms | Work with students on Academic Notice and getting back into academic success |
| Can review major requirements for a student who is changing their major to BIO/EEB/MCB/PNB | Discuss the nuance of the various majors and degrees and what it really means after graduation |
| Discuss the differences between the BA and BS degree options | Discuss complex university and CLAS policies, and what the impact to the student is |
| Discuss BAC departmental, CLAS, and/or university processes and policies | Refer students to other university offices, as well as encouraging career exploration |
| Refer students to other offices | Provide students with all their options and recommendations based on experience and knowledge |
| Provide personal experiences in courses, study strategies, research, ed abroad, and more | Discuss and identify career goals, next steps, and post graduate plans |
Meet Our Peer Advisors
Chloe Sampas
Chloe is a senior majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology. Her favorite course is EEB 2202 – Evolution & Human Diversity. A fun fact about Chloe is that she studied abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland! In the future, she hopes to go into Biodiversity Conservation Project Management.
Drop-In Hours – Wednesdays: 1-4 pm
Neil Manoj
Neil is a senior majoring in Molecular & Cell Biology with a minor in English. His favorite course is ENGL 2411W – Dark Academia.
Drop-In Hours – Mondays: 2:30-4 pm, Wednesdays: 8:30-10 am, Fridays: 1-4 pm
Shlok Deshmukh
Shlok is a senior majoring in Physiology & Neurobiology. His favorite course is PNB 3120W – Public Communications in Physiology.
Drop-In Hours – Mondays: 11 am-2:30 pm, Wednesdays:10 am-12:30 pm
Raisa Hossain
Raisa is a sophomore majoring in Molecular & Cell Biology with a minor in Spanish. Her favorite course is MCB 2410 - Genetics. A fun fact about Raisa is that she is from Kansas! In the future, she hopes to become a doctor.
Drop-In Hours – Tuesdays & Thursdays: 12:30 – 2 pm, Fridays 9 am- 1 pm
Lisa D’Aiuto
Lisa is a sophomore majoring in Molecular & Cell Biology. Her favorite course is CHEM 1194 – The Science of Chemistry: Cosmetic Chemistry.
Drop-In Hours – Tuesdays & Thursdays: 2-4 pm
Tanaya Pathak
Tanaya is a junior majoring in Molecular & Cell Biology and Psychological Sciences. Her favorite course is CHEM 2443 – Organic Chemistry I.
Drop-In Hours – Tuesdays & Thursdays: 8:30 – 10:30 am
Sally Savage
Sally is a sophomore majoring in Molecular & Cell Biology. Her favorite course is CHEM 1127Q – General Chemistry I.
Drop-In Hours – Mondays: 9-11 am, Tuesdays & Thursdays: 10:30 am – 12pm