Peer Advisors
Schedule an appointment our peer advisors to get a student's perspective regarding the undergraduate program in the biological sciences.
2025-2026 Advisors
Kirya Caine
Major: BS Neuroscience
Origins: I grew up outside of Boston before attending UR.
Teaching assistant experience: I was a TA for BIOL 205 in spring 2024 with Dr. Fry and spring 2025 with Dr. Glastad. I was a TA for NSCI 244 in spring 2025 with Dr. Miller and will TA for NSCI 201 Lab this fall with Dr. Miller again.
Research experience: I ‘ve conducted research in the Pharmacology and Physiology Department at URMC since fall 2023. In the summer of 2024, I executed an independent research project in the Bidlack Lab at URMC as an Irene and Eric Simon Brain Research Foundation National Fellow. This past summer, I conducted an independent research project in the Fogaca Lab as a UPBM Recny Summer Fellow.
Extracurricular activities: During the 2025-2026 academic year, I will serve as the President of the Filipino American Students Association (FASA), and I served as the Secretary of FASA during the 2024-2025 academic year.
I am also active across campus as a performer for dance groups Freeflow and RICE Crew, as a Student Alumni Ambassador, and as a member of Gamma Phi Beta and UR Taekwondo.
Additionally, I am a contributing member of the UR research group on the local scientific history of Martha Chase (Published in JUR, 2025).
Personal Statement: Despite the amazing experience I've had as a biology undergraduate, I’ve experienced firsthand the intimidation associated with reaching out to my professors, the confusion that comes with trying to choose a major, and the overwhelming feeling of being spread thin between coursework, extracurriculars, and my wellbeing. Without guidance from upperclassmen in my major, I would've had a tough time making the most of a being a UR biology undergrad these four short years. I feel so much gratitude to those who guided me on this journey, and I would love to be able to do the same for others who are looking for a peer to support their success!
Weekly office hours: Thursdays 11:00 a.m. – Noon on Zoom
Email to book an appointment: kcaine@u.rochester.edu
Zoom link for office hours: https://meet.google.com/tep-uzbh-dtn?pli=1
Jacky Chen
Major: BS Biochemistry
Origins: I lived in China as a young child before moving to New York City.
Teaching assistant experience: I have TA’d for BIOL 099 with Dr. Minckley in both the spring 2024 and the spring 2025 semesters. I have also been a TA for CHEM 203 with Dr. Dinnocenzo in fall 2024.
Research experience: I am a research assistant in the Yeh Lab where I utilize intravital imaging techniques to visualize and quantify the bone microenvironment as it relates to stromal and hematopoietic stem cells. I've developed and led a research project evaluating an intervention to promote digital literacy among older adults. I also have experience with quantitative and qualitative public health research in the Asian American community in NYC.
Extracurricular activities: I am President of the First Generation Society for first-gen college students, research assistant for Connecting Older Adults to Technology (COATS), Publicity Chair for Learn to Be, Director of Mentorship for Project Level the Field, research intern for Project AHEAD and a medical assistant at Lakeside ENT.
Personal Statement: I attribute a major part of my academic success to the many biology peer advisors that I've met with throughout my undergraduate career. They helped me structure my four-year plan, looked into research opportunities for me, offered insight into which courses I should take, and encouraged me to become a TA. As a first-generation student who was unsure about college life, research, and navigating courses, peer advisors have been a great resource. I want to utilize my experience as a TA and workshop leader, mentor in numerous organizations, and knowledge of UR's biology tracks to help others in the same manner.
Weekly office hours: Fridays 12:45-1:45PM in-person @ iZone Room A and on Zoom
Email to book an appointment: jchen183@u.rochester.edu
Alaap Rag
Major: BS Computational Biology
Minor: Spanish
Origins: Saratoga, California
Teaching assistant experience: I was a TA for Dr. Clark’s BIOL 110L in the fall of 2023, and then the Lead TA for BIOL 110L fall 2024. I also TA’d for BIOL 113 with Dr. Bickel spring 2025 and will TA BIOL 205 this upcoming spring 2026 with Dr. Gladstad.
Research experience: Currently, I conduct research with Dr. Stamm in the URMC Health Humanities and Bioethics Department, conducting health policy research on pediatric gender-affirming care providers. I have also been a part of the Portman Lab, studying neurological sex differences in C. elegans.
Extracurricular activities: I am the Vice President and Literary Chair for Alpha Delta Phi fraternity. I am also the Co-President of the UR Hindu Students’ Association. In my free time, I am a South Indian Classical (Carnatic) vocalist and violinist.
Personal Statement: My TA experience has allowed me to recognize what specifically biology students wish to hear about the future and guidance that they need early in their college career to take the right steps to fulfilling their dreams and ambitions. I had several third and fourth-year friends as well as excellent Teaching Assistants that wished me well and provided necessary guidance early in college which well prepared me for the later years of college. I wish to be the same for those who do not have those resources and wish to get a bit of advice and guidance
Weekly office hours: Wednesdays 4:00-5:00 p.m. in-person @ Starbucks (Wilson Commons) and on Zoom
Email to book an appointment: arag@u.rochester.edu
Christina Wang
Majors: BS Cell and Developmental Biology and BA Statistics
Origins: Beijing, China
Teaching assistant experience: BIOL 204 with Dr. Cunningham (fall 2025), BIOL 198 with Dr. Stein (Summers 2024 and 2025), CHEM 204 with Dr. Hafensteiner (spring 2025), CHEM 203 with Dr. Dinnocenzo (fall 2024) and BIOL 110L with Dr. Clark (fall 2023)
Research experience: I conduct research at the Wilmont Cancer Center, in the Carpizo Lab. My research examines metastasis in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and how pharmacological and genetic inhibition of a target protein could block this process. It has been supported by the de Kiewiet and Recny Fellowships from the UPBM office.
Extracurricular activities: I lead the Martha Chase Club in the Biology Department. I do research at the Wilmot Cancer Institute and tutor at the Learning Center. I’m also a member of the American Sign Language (ASL) Club and have performed songs in ASL at multiple events. In addition, I work with ResLife as a First-Year Fellow and then as a Resident Advisor—Fun fact: I’ve lived on the First-Year Quad my entire undergraduate years!
Personal Statement: From my experiences in teaching, peer advising, and mentoring, I’ve come to appreciate the value of offering guidance and the joy both my advisees and I have when we work through challenges together. I genuinely feel happy when I’m able to help someone and they leave our conversation with clearer ideas and plans. Now that I’ve had experience navigating undergraduate studies myself, I’d love to give back to the community. I’ve reached out to Peer Advisors at different points throughout my undergraduate years, and each time, I was met with kindness, understanding, and practical advice that made a real difference. I want to pass that forward and be someone others can turn to as a resource, a support, or simply someone to remind them they’re not alone.
Weekly office hours: Wednesdays 11:50 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. in-person @ Carlson Library (2nd Floor) and on Zoom
Email to book an appointment: xwang207@u.rochester.edu
Hanna Wang
Major: BS Molecular Genetics
Minor: Philosophy
Origins: Massachusetts
Teaching assistant experience: MATH 162 (Calculus II) - spring 2024 with Dr. Sergio Chaves, CHEM 203 (Organic Chemistry I ) - fall 2024 with Dr. Joseph Dinnocenzo, and BIOL 252 (Principles of Biochemistry) - spring 2025 with Dr. Dragony Fu.
Research experience: I work with a graduate student mentor in the Fu Lab to investigate murine developmental effects when a modification enzyme is knocked down. It's interesting to witness how a seemingly small molecular change has profound developmental impact.
Extracurricular activities: I am an Emergency Department Research Associate, the Business Manager of Comics Club, and Vice President of Friends of MSF.
Study Abroad Experience: Through the DAAD-RISE program, I spent Summer 2025 in Germany, working in preclinical biology research.
Personal Statement: Though I first came here not set on a major, looking back I can say that studying biology was my best decision. It's been amazing learning about macroscopic and microscopic nature and even some science history! Reaching out to peers and upperclassmen benefited me immensely: opening doors to opportunities, advice on applications, and learning how to balance working, research, clubs, and spending time with friends. It can sound like a lot, but I’ve grown to enjoy what I choose to do. Each week is full of celebrations and fun alongside frustrations and growth. I hope to offer advice and help fellow students find opportunities in any areas they wish to pursue.
Weekly office hours: Thursdays 6:30-7:30 p.m. in-person @ Carlson Library and on Zoom
Email to book an appointment: hwang127@u.rochester.edu