Academic Skills Coaching Team

Background: I earned my Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering and worked for a couple of years on construction sites as a geotechnical engineer. I returned to school for my Master's degree in Teaching and served as a high school Math and Engineering teacher for four years. I love that my role at Iowa State allows me to draw on my background to help students have a more successful college experience!

Advice: Find out what a productive study space looks like for you. Then be intentional about creating that space to get yourself in the right mindset for learning and getting schoolwork done.

Classification: Graduate Student

Program: PhD in Cognitive Psychology

Background: I am originally from Michigan, where I earned my Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Saginaw Valley State University. I then earned my Master’s degree in Forensic and Legal Psychology from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. I am currently a doctoral candidate in the Cognitive Psychology program at Iowa State University, where I also serve as the lab manager for the Psycho-Legal Experiments & Applications (P.L.E.A.) Lab. Outside of my academic work, I enjoy spending time with my two Texas Heelers, Willow and Navi.

Advice: Everyone’s college experience is unique to them, so don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. College has its peaks and valleys, and you won’t always appreciate the peaks without experiencing a few valleys along the way.

Classification: Senior

Major: Aerospace Engineering 

Minor: Non-Destructive Evaluation

About: I love staying active by playing tennis, whether it’s a competitive match or just hitting for fun. I also enjoy relaxing by watching movies, from classic favorites to new releases. Cooking is another passion of mine—I like experimenting with different cuisines and trying out new recipes. On top of that, I enjoy meeting new people and learning from their experiences, as it’s always exciting to connect and share ideas. 

Advice: I truly believe there is no substitute for hard work. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and there are no miracles or shortcuts. It’s about trusting the process, staying consistent, and pushing yourself to keep growing even when challenges come your way. Keep striving for success, and over time, your effort will pay off.

Classification: Senior

Major: Criminal Justice

About Me: I have been ambitious about helping people with various backgrounds ever since I came into college. I previously worked at Center for Creative Justice, a probation office in Ames, an internship at Thrive Together, a deaf advocacy center in Cedar Rapids for deaf victims of crime, and volunteer experience at ACCESS (Assault Care Center Extending Shelter & Support).  After I graduate, I will be pursing my master's in social work to become a licensed clinical social worker. My hobbies include cooking, thrifting, spending time with family and friends, reading, going to the gym, and trying out new restaurants.

Advice: College is a chapter where you will learn more about yourself and the principles that matter to you in life. It is okay to not have everything figured out, to make mistakes, or to not get everything right the first time. It is the decisions you choose to make after that counts. 

Classification: Junior

Major: Chemical Engineering

About Me: Helping people succeed is my pride and joy. I’ve grown from a student-athlete tutor into a TA and proud academic skills coach. Off the clock, you’ll find me indoor bouldering, hiking, or scrolling through endless cat videos (still working on getting a real one!)

Advice: Life will hit you hard in the face sometimes. It's not about how hard you can hit back; it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.

Classification: Senior

Major: Biochemistry

Minor(s): Chemistry

About Me: I enjoy being involved at Iowa State and in the Ames community, including roles at Admissions, SFAID, Honors Ambassador, BBMB Department Ambassador, and PSC at Mary Greely

Advice: Learn time management skills that work for you and never be afraid to try new things!

Classification: Junior

Major: Kinesiology, Pre-Physical Therapy

About: I love to travel and be outside, especially in the summertime! Besides that, I love to spend time with my family and friends trying new restaurants, going on walks, or just hanging out. I'm also a member of Sigma Kappa!

Advice: Taking care of yourself physically and mentally is so important! You can't pour from and empty cup <3

Classification: Senior

Major: Genetics

About Me: I love reading, especially rom-coms! I love relaxing by watching TV or playing games with friends and family, as well as coloring or journaling to decompress. I'm also a Pi Beta Phi on campus! 

Advice: Taking care of yourself is the most important part of being successful!

Classification: Junior

Majors: History, Secondary Education

About: I love to spend time with my friends and family, watch movies and tv shows, listen to music, read, golf and bake! 

Advice: College can be stressful with so much going on, so make sure to prioritize time management so that you won't get too overwhelmed! 

Classification: Junior

Major: Psychology

Minor(s): Biology

About Me:

Advice: 

Classification: Senior

Major: Biochemistry

Identities: I am a First Generation and International student

About Me: I love exploring my passions, from serving in my community to having hobbies that keep me creative and active. At Iowa State, I’ve been able to connect service, leadership, and academic growth through various opportunities. I also conduct undergraduate research in the BBMB department. Outside of academics, I enjoy painting, sketching, cooking, running, traveling, and discovering new cute cafés around Ames.

Advice: College is the time to explore and discover more about who you are. At the same time, it’s important to find a balance between academics, activities, and self-care. Don’t be afraid to use the resources available to you. It takes a village to navigate this journey.

Classification: Senior

Major: Architecture

Identities: I am an international student from Brazil! I love sharing where I come from and also learning about other people’s cultures and backgrounds.

About Me: I am very involved in Student Government and really enjoy being in leadership around campus. I love working with people and always having something going on. At the same time, I love having a good time with my friends and being around the people I care about. I can be very busy and involved, but I will always find some time to have fun and enjoy the people around me.

Advice: Take a deep breath! Everything will be fine, even when it doesn’t feel like it at first. Get yourself a snack or a drink, take some time to meditate, organize your thoughts, and trust yourself. Sometimes you just need a little time to calm down and figure things out. You’ll get through it!