Meet the 2012-2013 Peer Mentors

All of the mentors in the School of Science have a passion for their course work, but they also are well-rounded students ready to assist mentees in navigating the complex paths of University life. With a multitude of interests, hobbies, and extracurricular connections, each mentor is brimming with firsthand knowledge and advice, in the approachable form of a peer. The 2012-2013 peer mentor biographies appear below.

			Jazmin Juarez (Peer Mentor Coordinator) studies biology with a concentration in molecular cell physiology and a health studies minor. She aspires to a career in medicine. Jazmin's course study includes molecular and cell biology and lifelong health. She is engaged in several different activities on campus ranging from honor societies to research. Personal interests include art, swimming, learning, and having fun. She is grateful to have established deep bonds with mentees after her first years of mentoring, and she continues to remain close friends with them.
			Christine Stopyra  (Peer Mentor Coordinator) is a senior pursuing a degree in biology and education. She hopes to teach high school biology and perhaps one day at the college level. Her interests include sports, traveling, exercising, and trying new things! She is available weekdays by appointment for mentee meetings.
			Jessica Buck is a computer science major with a minor in mathematics. She entered Monmouth University as a transfer student in the fall of 2011. She has worked for the Rapid Response Institute on campus and plans to continue with software engineering after graduating. She is also a member of the Student and Alumni Advisory committee. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys reading, writing, and practicing yoga. She is available primarily via e-mail.
			Peter Chace is a double major, in Marine and Environmental Biology and Policy and in Chemistry (Biochemistry concentration). He plans to pursue a doctorate in the marine sciences with interests in benthic ecology, phycology, and polar ecosystems. He works for Dr. Daneshgar in the Plant Ecology Lab and is the curator of jellyfish at Jenkinson's Aquarium in Point Pleasant. Peter is also an officer in the Monmouth University Outdoors Club as well as an avid SCUBA and Free Diver. His personal interests include hiking, fishing, classic cars, and film. Peter is available during most of the week, usually in the evening.
			Genevieve Fasano is currently pursuing a biology major with a concentration in molecular cell physiology. Genevieve is also minoring in chemistry with plans to attend medical school after graduation. She is vice president of the Student Alumni Association, co-president of the Italian club, and a researcher in Dr. Palladino's biology lab. Outside of school, she enjoys going to the beach, traveling, reading, baking, working out, and helping others. Genevieve is available to meet any time when she is not in class; advance notice is appreciated as she is a commuter student.
			Patrick Fedick is currently a double major in Chemistry, with a concentration in Advanced Chemistry, and Psychology. He is pursing three minors in Physics, Information Technology, and Philosophy. When Patrick is not in class he does research with Dr. Tongesayi and serves as a lab assistant and Peer Learning Assistant; he is always around on campus. After Monmouth he plans on working towards a PhD in an undecided area of chemistry. When not doing school-related activities at Monmouth, he enjoys reading at the beach, watching boxing and MMA, and working out.
			Casie Illig is a junior majoring in Secondary Education with an endorsement in Mathematics. She is a member of the Honors School. In her spare time she follows the New York Yankees, is a fan of softball, and participates in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. She is available by appointment for meetings with mentees.
			Kandria Ledesma is a junior pursuing a major in biology with a concentration in molecular cell physiology with a double minor in Chemistry and Spanish. She plans to attend medical school, specifically osteopathic medical school. On campus, she works as an SI leader for Anatomy and Physiology as well as working in the Biology department. She is also an ER scribe at JSUMC and OMC and plans to shadow a hematologist/oncologist in the near future. Her personal interests include practicing yoga, playing the violin and piano, reading, and enjoying life. She is available by appointment as well as in the afternoons.
			Chris Mahrous is currently a sophomore and is a biology major with a concentration in molecular cell physiology and a minor in chemistry. Chris is a science enthusiast and is particularly interested in the chemistry and biology of the human body. His career goal is to earn a PhD / MD and practice medicine in a hospital setting. Aside from academics, Chris enjoys the outdoors, sports such as soccer and football, being with friends, and enjoying life to its fullest by trying new things all of the time. Chris is very outgoing and enjoys meeting new people in hopes of making new friendships. He enjoys helping others, and understands the potential positive effects of being a peer mentor on Monmouth University First Year Students.
			Monali Patel is a biology major with a concentration in molecular cell physiology and a minor in chemistry and is hoping to attend medical school after graduation. Monali is also a member of the Honors School and is a Monmouth Medical Scholar. Additionally, she stays involved on campus as a member of both Phi Eta Sigma and Circle K. In her free time, Monali enjoys playing tennis, reading, volunteering, traveling, and hanging out with family and friends. She is available for peer mentoring by request.
			Natasha Powell is currently a senior pursuing a major in Biology with a Concentration in Molecular Cell Physiology. She transferred to Monmouth from St. John's University at the beginning of her junior year, and she intends to be involved in student activities as she was in her previous school. Natasha hopes to attend Medical School where she aspires to become a Cardiologist. Her interests include cooking, dancing, traveling, reading, and playing video games.
			Jessica Sponaugle is a senior marine and environmental biology and policy major with a legal studies minor. Upon graduation Jessica plans on pursuing law school to become an environmental lawyer or even gain experience in Officer Candidate School of the United States Coast Guard before achieving her J.D. Jessica is currently the President of her sorority Alpha Sigma Tau, actively involved in Tri Beta the biological honor society, and works for the School of Science as a lab assistant for the Intro to Biodiversity and Evolution course. Her personal interests include working out, playing various intramural sports, going to the beach, watching movies and hanging with friends. She is available weekdays by appointment.