CBC Undergraduate Peer Mentoring Program
Looking for an interesting service organization?
Do you have a desire to help students that are new to Chemistry and Biochemistry?
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (CBC) Advising Office sponsors the CBC Undergraduate Peer Mentoring Program to provide new students with guidance and counsel. This highly successful program, established in 2005 is designed to encourage student involvement within the CBC Department. Furthermore, peer mentors share their experiences and knowledge of programs and affiliations to help new students find and/or discover their potential career path. New CBC students and current CBC upperclassmen mentors are matched based on student's backgrounds and interests. Mentors work with new CBC students on a one-to-one basis to assist new students with academic and professional development.
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry recruits upper-classmen to serve as peer mentors each fall to assist incoming freshmen during their first semester at the University of Arizona. We seek students who are willing to volunteer as peer mentors to share their experience and wisdom as a University of Arizona Chemistry and/or Biochemistry students, provide a listening ear to incoming Freshmen, properly refer new students to campus resources, and encourage and facilitate student involvement in clubs, undergraduate research, seminars, helpful courses, and other activities that add value to their education.
• be a Junior or Senior CBC undergraduate at start of the fall term (with consideration given to some exceptional Sophomores)
• be completely through your second year of the program
• be in good academic standing
• be outgoing, involved in campus life, and research active (or have a desire to be)
As a CBC Peer Mentor, you will meet with the CBC Peer Mentor Coordinator to learn about your role as a mentor and what to expect over the semester. If available you can attend a Welcome Back Event at the beginning of the academic school year to meet your mentees (2-3 new CBC students) in a fun setting. During the semester, you will coordinate and have the opportunity to socialize with your mentees.
Each year CBC recognizes our best student mentors with the Outstanding Peer Mentor Award. Students are asked to nominate their peer mentors by submitting a nomination form usually in the Spring Semester. This award will be given to a CBC Mentor deserving of recognition of his/her contributions in assisting new students with academic and professional development. If you have any questions, contact the CBC Peer Mentor Coordinator, Olivia Mendoza.
2023
Eric Nathan Primack
Wesley Chiu
2022
Shifat Hossain
Giang Huong Pham
2021
Paige Elizabeth Martin
Monica Ruffalo
Hillary Schiff
Jessica Vickery
2020
Steven Fried
Todd Lewis
Doli Patel
2019
Hannah Moran
Soraya Sandoval
2018
Jessica Diensing
Marisela Rodrigues
2017
Gloria Thien Huong Le
Neal Patel
Quotes from CBC Peer Mentors
"Transitioning to and navigating through life at college can be challenging and filled with uncertainties. Having mentors made the world of a difference for me, and I wanted to give back by being a peer mentor myself. I've had the pleasure of being a CBC Peer Mentor for a few younger students these past couple of years, and being able to work with them to plan and reach their academic and professional goals has been extremely rewarding. Whether it's looking through different clubs on campus or having discussions on life after undergrad, I've enjoyed helping them find their own path. CBC has cultivated an inclusive and uplifting community, and I'm glad to have been able to contribute to it."
~Wesley Chiu, Biochemistry, Class of 2023 Outstanding Peer Mentor
"While at the University of Arizona I have had the opportunity to engage in one of my favorite activities, helping and teaching others. As a CBC peer mentor I immediately saw the impact I could have on new students to the University. Whether it be showing students around campus or tutoring I have always enjoyed sharing my knowledge in an attempt to improve someone's understanding. Without the networking being a CBC peer mentor provided, I doubt I would have been able to help as many students as I have. With that said I have valued my time as a peer mentor and I am grateful for the insight I have shed to new and current students."
Eric Nathan Primack, Biochemistry, Class of 2023, Outstanding Peer Mentor