Peer Advisors
Schedule an appointment our peer advisors to get a student's perspective regarding the undergraduate program in the biological sciences.
2026-2027 Advisors
Jack Chen
Majors: BS Biochemistry and B.A. Health, Behavior, and Society
TA Experience: I was a TA for CHEM 203 with Dr. Hafensteiner in Fall 2025, and a TA for CHEM 132L with Dr. Tichy in Spring 2025.
Research Experience: I am a research assistant in the Noll Lab at the University of Rochester, supporting perinatal and child welfare policy research. I was selected as a CDC John R. Lewis Scholar at Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins for public health leadership work in maternal and child health. I also have prior lab research experience across several life science fields.
Extracurriculars:
- Volunteer Firefighter (Henrietta Fire Department)
- Research Assistant in the Noll Lab
- Co-founder of Community Comfort
- Undergraduate Research Ambassador
- First Gen Society Secretary
Personal Statement:
As a first-generation college student, I know firsthand how disorienting it can feel to navigate higher education without a clear roadmap, unsure of your goals or how to reach them. That uncertainty shaped who I am, and it's exactly why I want to be a peer advisor. I want to be the steady, knowledgeable presence I wish I'd had.
Office Hours: Fridays 1-2 PM in the Q&I area of Rush Rhees
Email to book an appointment: jchen198@u.rochester.edu
Jervon Cole
Major: BS Biochemistry
TA Experience:
- BIOL 110 - Dr. Clark, Fall 2024
- CHEM 132 - Dr. Knowles and Dr. Matson, Spring 2025
- CHEM 203 - Dr. Hafensteiner, Fall 2025
- CHEM 204 - Dr. Paradine and Dr. Driver, Spring 2026
Study Abroad Experience: DAAD Rise Germany 2026
Research Experience: I am an undergraduate researcher in the Fu Lab, where I study how tRNA modifications influence neurodevelopment. I also conducted research through DAAD RISE Germany at the University of Lübeck, where I investigated pemphigus vulgaris using keratinocyte-based models and dissociation assays.
Extracurriculars:
- Resident Advisor (RA)
- Learning Center Tutor
Personal Statement:
Throughout my time at Rochester, I have benefited from mentors who helped me navigate academics, research, and opportunities beyond the classroom. I want to provide that same support to other biology students. Through my experiences as an RA, Workshop Leader, researcher, and Admissions Associate, I have developed a passion for helping others navigate challenges and achieve their goals. I hope to be an approachable resource for students exploring courses, research opportunities, and their own paths within biology.
Office Hours: Fridays 10-11 AM, Carlson Second Floor
Email to book an appointment: jcole26@u.rochester.edu
Jessica Kim
Major: BS Clinical and Translational Sciences
Minor: Epidemiology
TA Experience: I was recently a BIOL 250 TA for Dr. Stein in Spring 2026.
Research Experience: I work with the URMC AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG), where I assist with clinical research by developing study protocols and approaching patients for study participation. I also conduct pediatric food allergy research examining the link between autism and Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE). Finally, I am co-leading a C-section health literacy project aimed at making patient education materials about C-sections more accessible to women.
Extracurriculars:
- RC MERT–801
- Jarvinen-Seppo Lab - Research Assistant
- URMC AIDS Clinical Trial Group - Research Assistant
- C-Section Health Literacy Project - Project Co-lead
- Agape Christian Fellowship - Member
Personal Statement:
Navigating college can be overwhelming, but through the guidance of friends and upperclassmen, I was able to figure out the path that worked best for me. Whether it was choosing the right major, getting advice on finding research opportunities, or even co-leading a health literacy project, guidance from peers played a major role in helping me find my way these past few years. I want to be someone who helps students navigate similar decisions, whether they are choosing courses or majors, looking for research and extracurricular opportunities, or exploring future career paths.
Office Hours: Fridays 5-6 PM in iZone Room A
Email to book an appointment: jkim419@u.rochester.edu
Anika Mungi
Major: BS Neuroscience
Minor: Psychology
TA Experience: I was a TA for CHEM 131 with Dr. Hafensteiner in Fall 2024. I also work as a tutor with The Learning Center for BIOL 110, CHEM 131, CHEM 132, MATH 141, MATH 142, BIOL 250, NSCI 201and NSCI 242.
Research Experience: In the Mayer-Proschel Lab, I’ve conducted behavioral tests and analyzed neuronal degradation in response to secondary insults to study the neurodegenerative disease AT. I introduced and validated an existing neuropathy quantification system for our experimental protocol and held training sessions and protocol demonstrations for our team and other labs.
Extracurriculars:
- TLC Tutor
- University of Rochester Vocal Point a cappella group
- Cardiac Neuroscience and Human Performance Lab (Rutgers) - Research Assistant
- Mayer-Proschel Lab - Research Assistant
- Grace Healthcare Services - Volunteer
Personal Statement:
I have had so many wonderful mentors over my time here who made navigating college feel less overwhelming. I would love to pay that forward as your Peer Advisor. As a senior biology major, pre-med student, and Learning Center tutor, I’m here to help you talk through course planning, study strategies, or just balancing campus life with your course load. Whether you need practical advice, help finding campus resources, or simply an encouraging, approachable ear, I’m excited to support you every step of the way!
Office Hours: Thursdays 5-6 PM in iZone Room A
Email to book an appointment: amungi@u.rochester.edu
Jonathan Packer
Major: BS Biology General Track
Minor: Philosophy
Transfer Experience: I transferred to URochester after my sophomore year and can help other transfer students navigate the process of course planning, transferring credits, and adjusting to life at Rochester.
Research Experience: I currently work in the Calvi Lab on a project examining the effects of ionizing radiation on bone marrow stromal cells and their support of hematopoiesis. This is particularly relevant to astronauts on deep space missions, as well as patients receiving radiation treatment for cancer.
Extracurriculars:
- Research Assistant in the Calvi Lab at URMC
- Vice President of Club Baseball
- Volunteer in the Emergency Department at Strong Memorial Hospital
- Volunteer at the Rochester Challenger League
Personal Statement:
As an underclassman, I was often confused about my path to graduation and beyond. I was unsure about course selection, finding research opportunities, and preparing for medical school through the MCAT and extracurriculars. This could have been avoided had I been more aware of the resources available to me, like peer advisors. As a peer advisor, I hope to help students avoid the confusion that I felt. Through my experiences across a variety of courses and professors, along with my volunteer and research experience, I aim to provide guidance and assurance to any students who may need it.
Office Hours: Thursdays 10–11 AM, Gleason Library Studio 2
Email to book an appointment: jpacker@u.rochester.edu