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September 18, 2019 at 5:33 pm

Meet the 2019-20 BIGS—They Help Science Students Thrive

Group photo of 2019 Biology Advising and Resource Room peer advisers

2019 Biology Advising and Resource Room peer advisers

The Bios Advising and Resource Room (or the BARR) exists to help science students thrive. The BARR consists of 18 peer advisers this year—affectionately known as the BIGS.

The BARR, originally created to assist students in introductory biology and to help first-year students adjust to and learn about Ohio University, now has expanded to help students of all years and all science-related majors. The BARR is staffed by undergraduate peer advisers who have proven themselves capable in science and beyond.

What can the BARR do for you?

  • Help with science coursework
  • Advice on time management and study skills
  • Insights into research, internships, and campus jobs
  • Peer perspectives on scheduling and advising
  • Assistance navigating online resources (from Blackboard to your DARS)
  • Guidance on connecting with faculty and campus resources
  • Information on student organizations
  • A chance to discuss future plans with an upperclassman peer who has been in your shoes

Meet the 2019-20 BIGS

Anna Brant is a sophomore majoring in Biological Sciences. Her goal after completing her undergraduate degree is to attend grad school to get a doctoral degree in paleontology. With that, she hopes to work as a researcher at a museum or university. She is a member of TriBeta and a Learning Community Leader.

Mackenzie Bridges is a sophomore majoring in Biological Science. She is a member of Pre-SOMA and a part of the OHIO Honors Program. She is currently involved in research and aspires to go to medical school. She is excited to help students learn what methods of studying and note taking work best for them.

Katy Farey is a junior pursuing a Biology Pre-professional major. She is a tutor and chemistry supplemental instructor for the Academic Achievement center. She works in Dr. Chen’s lab on campus and is also an active member in the medical fraternity: Phi Delta Epsilon.

Ammar Fauzi is a junior majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Psychology. He is in the Pre-Physician Assistant track and is in the Pre-PA Club here at OU.

Morgan Glenn Simons is a senior majoring in Exercise Physiology. She works at WellWorks and in the Pre-Health Advising office, as well as the BARR. As a member of OU’s Exercise Physiology Club, she looks forward to helping students succeed in the sciences. She is able to help students with scheduling, planning and general advice.

Nate Gribble is an Athens local and is studying Biological Sciences. He plans to become a Physician’s Assistant after completing his undergraduate degree.

Eric Holzschu is a junior studying Microbiology. He is interested in cellular regeneration and cancer research. He is currently working in the Carroll lab where he is studying Staphylococcus aureus and protein secretion. He plans to continue research in graduate school after receiving his undergraduate degree.

Sam Kukor is a dual major in French and Wildlife and Conservation with a minor in Plant Biology. He has worked in both wildlife and plant biology labs and is more than happy to help students get their foot in the door toward research. Tutoring specialties include chemistry, French, and most biology courses. Talk to him about clubs, research, or just general nerdy things.

Julia LaComb is a senior, double majoring in Biological Sciences and Spanish.  She will be working in the BARR to support students in the BIOS and CHEM introductory classes. Julia is a Chem PLTL leader and doing research with Dr. Nielsen. In addition to science, if you have questions about double majoring, study abroad, or live music options on campus, just ask!

Andrea McGannon is a senior, double majoring in Biological Sciences and Psychology. She is a BIG at the BARR as well as a research assistant in Dr. Forney’s psychology lab. She is planning on attending Physicians Assistant school upon graduation. She worked as a Teaching Assistant for human anatomy and is the president of the Women’s Club Lacrosse team as well, so if you have questions about time management, biological concepts or study methods, contact her. She looks forward to helping students succeed in their selected major.

Kate Montgomery is a Marine, Freshwater and Environmental Biology major pursuing a career in aquatic ecosystem research. She plays trumpet in the Marching 110, is an ambassador for the BIOS department, and works in a plant biology lab. If you need help reading your DARS, preparing for biology exams, or help balancing a busy schedule, she will be happy to help!

Matthew Neehouse is a senior pursuing a major in BIOS Pre-Physical Therapy. He has been a successful student in Biological Sciences and Chemistry classes. He is also currently a BIOS 1700 PLTL leader and working in a lab. Matthew will be available in the BARR this year to help with any questions regarding biology, anatomy, chemistry, scheduling, or just college in general.

Ethan Pettit is a general Biological Sciences major, with an interest in genetics. He enjoys reading and video games, alongside doing his schoolwork. He is an Athens native, and knows his way around the campus area.

Trent Riddell is a senior majoring in Bios Pre-Med with a minor in Chemistry. He is currently a PLTL leader for Bios 1700, a TA for Bios 1715 lab and does research at Edison Biotechnology Institute at the Ridges. Also, he has been a PLTL leader for General Chemistry in past semesters. He is the recruitment chair for Phi Delta Epsilon, the Pre-Med fraternity. Contact him with any questions involving Biology, Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry.

Madeline Sudnick is a junior in the Honors Tutorial College Biological Sciences program. She has worked in the Williams Avian Ecology lab since her freshman year and is more than willing to help students get involved in research. She is the treasurer of Ohio University Wildlife Club. Feel free to contact her for any help regarding study skills, strategies and adapting to college life.

Megan Sweeney is a senior majoring in Environmental Biology and working towards the Environmental Studies Certificate and the GIS Certificate. She has worked in wildlife labs and would love to answer any questions students may have about getting into research. She has learned time management skills along with many study techniques over time. Feel free to stop by with any questions about research, clubs, study habits, or biological writing.

Hannah West is a senior and in her second year working in the BARR. She is a biological sciences major on the pre-med track and is also minoring in Spanish. She has been involved in a diabetes lab since her freshman year and is vice president of Tribeta and Athens Global Brigades. She is very excited to help students with any questions they have about their classes and to help them learn better study skills!

Hannah White is a senior Biological Sciences, Pre-Professional major. She is also completing a Chemistry Minor and Diabetes Certificate. She works in the BIOS department as a BIG and a PLTL leader. She is very dedicated to her studies but also knows when it is time to take a break. She looks forward to helping students with school/work-life balance, studying habits, general chemistry and biology, organic chemistry, genetics, and animal cell biology. As well as the classes needed to complete the Diabetes Certificate.

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