Peer Advisors

Our current peer advisors are all chemistry majors in their senior year and have gone through training with the College Center for Advising Services, and also work with the chemistry Undergraduate Studies Committee.

They can help students with:

  • Declaring a major
  • Making connections with faculty
  • Reviewing research opportunities
  • Exploring study abroad options
  • Investigating independent and interdisciplinary study options

If they can't answer your question, they are happy to point you in the right direction!

Chemistry Peer Advisors 2024-2025

Headshot of Marina.

Marina Zapesochny (she/her)

Major: Chemistry (BS)

I am a senior, and I am a born and raised Rochesterian. When I began my time at the University of Rochester I had planned on majoring in biochemistry and pursuing a career in the medical field. However, after my first semester of First Year Organic Chemistry with Prof. Dinnocenzo, I couldn't imagine myself doing anything but chemistry! As I continued my coursework I found myself particularly interested in inorganic chemistry. Since January 2023, I have done research in the Barnett Group, where I have worked on organometallic synthesis, specifically, I have focused on synthesizing manganese complexes. Outside of research, I have had the opportunity to be a workshop leader/TA for several chemistry courses including CHEM 203, 204, and 211 in the past, and CHEM 211 and 231 this fall. In my free time, I sing in the University Chamber Singers, run the social media for Undergraduate Chemistry Society (UCS) and UR Hillel, and am a member of ROC Players (a musical theater group on campus). I look forward to answering all your questions whether it be about courses, research, or anything else you may need help with!

Email Marina
Headshot of Abe.

Abe Ellenbogen (he/him)

Major: Chemistry (BS)
Minor: Biology, classical civilizations

I am a senior from Schenectady, New York. At the University of Rochester, I became interested in chemistry after taking organic chemistry with Professor Dinnocenzo. Since then, I have done research in the Kennedy Group, which focuses on novel strategies in organometallic chemistry utilizing earth-abundant transition metals. Within the chemistry department, I have enjoyed my time as a workshop leader for CHEM 131, 173 and currently 231. Around campus I am also a member of MERT and Sigma Phi Epsilon.

Email Abe