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!

Hobby: Outside of work, I also coach high school cheerleading and poms. When I'm at home, I enjoy crocheting and relaxing with my three cats.

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

Program: Master's in Education; Student Affairs

Identities: Multiply disabled, teacher, military affiliated, Type Two and INFJ

Hobby: Playing chess and watching Netflix with my partner, impulsively buying plants, painting, and photography!

Advice: Learn how to say no. Balancing college, a social life, and self-care can be a lot. So, don't be afraid to put yourself first and to say no to something!

Classification: Sophomore

Major:  Agricultural and Rural Policy Studies & Political Science

Hobby: Reading, pop culture, organization, writing, and public speaking

Advice:  Scheduling out my time and assignments before the week begins makes life way less stressful!

Classification: Senior

Major: Sociology & Psychology

Minor: Women's & Gender Studies

Identities: I'm proudly Queer, multiply Disabled, and Neurodivergent. I'm also a first generation student as well as a non-traditional (two-time) transfer student.

Hobby: Spending time with my spouse and fur babies, playing video games, writing, doing research, attempting to learn new languages, creating art, and when I don't have the capacity for anything else watching trash reality TV! 

Advice: Don't let your identities, or the obstacles/barriers that may accompany them, prevent you from setting big goals or believing in your ability to achieve them. It may not be easy, or quick, but that doesn't mean it'd be impossible

Classification: Sophomore

Major: Genetics 

Minor: Ethics

Identities: First-generation student, multicultural, neurodivergent, Type-A and extroverted. 

Hobby: Bullet journaling, organizing, cooking, hammocking, and calligraphy. 

Advice: Your mindset is more powerful than you think.

Classification: Sophomore

Major: Industrial Design

Hobby: I’m happiest when I am outside and with my dog. I love hammocking and hiking and I really want to try and visit as many National Parks as I can. I regularly watch the Bob Ross channel, and just like my friend Bob, I love squirrels. I may be in college, but don’t be fooled, I have the music taste of an elderly person. My favorite artists include Elvis, and Elton John.

Advice: Making time for a goodnight’s sleep will make such a positive difference in your life as a student!

Classification: Junior

Major: Biology

Minor: Spanish

Hobby: Lover of all the arts. I love to paint, listen to music, and watch movies ( Any Studio Ghibli and A24 films are my favorites!!). I also enjoy hiking and boxing

Advice: Prioritize your mental health and finding balance in life. College is hard, and overexerting yourself can cause burnout quickly. I wish I had realized earlier how important making time for yourself is.

Classification: Senior

Major: Kinesiology, Pre-Health Chiropractic

Hobby: My biggest hobby is weightlifting and a fun fact about myself is that I am bilingual and can speak fluent German. 

Advice: Enjoy the little things. There are so many things in college that overwhelm you and to take time and go for a walk or talk to a friend make a big difference.

Classification: Freshman

Major: Kinesiology

Hobby:  I enjoy painting, reading romance books, and going for walks. I love watching whatever shows Netflix suggests such as Grey's Anatomy, You, Big Mouth. 

Advice: Motivation is incredibly important. Motivation brought me here, and it drives me to continue to do well in college. I have been able to apply this to all aspects of my life, and it truly drives me to keep going. 

I hope that I can be a good resource to you in improving your college experience!

Classification: Junior

Major: History Education

Background: I have over 30 years of experience in sales and have owned my own catering business. I started college in 2018, earned my Associate's degree with Honors, and am continuing my education at Iowa State to be a middle school History teacher. I'm proud to say I've made the Dean's List each semester so far!

Hobby: Sports fan and blues lover - I can play the guitar and harmonica

Advice: Take good notes and have a process for reviewing them. Writing notes by hand can help you commit things to memory, and color-coding can help you organize information while you review.

Classification: Sophomore

Major: English & Education

Hobby: Breaking habits and procrastination, impulsively cutting my bangs, working out, talking, reading, playing guitar and drinking coffee, 

Advice: Finding somewhere new to study can really help you concentrate. A good cup of coffee can really improve your grades. 

Classification: Sophomore

Major: Kinesiology, Pre-Physical Therapy

Minors: Psychology & Spanish

Identities: Hispanic Female, Out of State Student

Hobby:  Reading, Spontaneous Arts and Crafts, Gym, I know basic bachata/merengue

Advice: You are paying to be here, make sure that you give yourself every opportunity to succeed.