If you are interested in one of the Biology concentrations or have questions about the concentration that you are in, Biology Peer Advisors are available to help! Simply email the person you are hoping to meet to set up the time and place. Peer advising meetings will be very informal, taking place anywhere on campus or online, at any time that fits your schedule.
Peer Advisors and DUG Leaders
Peer advisors and DUG leaders provide undergraduate students in Biology with informal advice on concentrations, academics, and more. DUGs are a great resource for meeting and interacting with peers in a collaborative and advising capacity.
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Explore our advising options!
Peer Advisors and DUG Leaders
Peer advisors and DUG leaders provide undergraduate students in Biology with informal advice on concentrations, academics, and more. DUGs are a great resource for meeting and interacting with peers in a collaborative and advising capacity.
Peer Advisors
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Maya Choksi
Peer Advisor, Concentration - Biology Sc.B. (Physical Sciences)Hi! I'm Maya. I'm a senior from Austin, Texas, concentrating in Biology. I am also a student-athlete on the softball team. I'm currently on a pre-med track, but I also have a strong passion for environmental science and conservation research. I was originally an ENVS concentrator, but switched to bio my junior year, so if you have any questions about choosing or switching concentrations, I’d be more than happy to help! I have spent the last 2 summers shadowing a sports medicine physician at Boston Children's Hospital and conducting biomedical research at Baylor College of Medicine through their SMART program. I will be conducting research about the effects of the warming climate on mutualism interactions this upcoming fall. On campus, I've served as a TA for CHEM 0100, tutored multiple STEM courses, and volunteered at the Miriam Hospital. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to chat!!
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Sabrina Choudhri
Peer Advisor, Concentration - Biology Sc.B. (Physiology/Biotechnology)Hi! My name is Sabrina, and I am a pre-med senior concentrating in Biology. I transferred to Brown as a sophomore in the fall of 2024 from Rutgers University, so if you have any questions related to credits, equivalent courses, or general course suggestions I am more than happy to help you navigate! On campus, I am a tutor at the Math Resource Center and for NextStep (a program for tutoring young adults with chronic illnesses), as well as a mentor for Brown Women in STEM and Engineering. I am also involved in wet lab research at the Women and Infants Hospital and I have experience as an emergency room volunteer. In my free time, I like watercolor painting, visiting aquariums, and reading romance novels! Please feel free to reach out with any questions!
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Jake Delesky
Peer Advisor, Concentration - Biology Sc.B. (Physiology/Biotechnology)Hello! My name is Jake, and I'm a member of the Brown Class of 2027, originally from Pohatcong, New Jersey. I study Biology on the Biotechnology and Physiology track, with the goal of entering the biotech industry after graduation. I currently work in the Raimondo Lab, a cancer immunotherapies lab here at Brown, where my research focuses on optimizing lipid nanoparticle formulations for immune checkpoint inhibitor delivery and evaluating downstream immune cell signaling. I also serve as a teaching assistant for BIOL 170: Biotechnology in Medicine. Outside of the sciences, I'm very involved in the performing arts scene on campus as a member of the Brown Derbies (a TTBB a cappella group) and Brown Musical Forum (a student-run musical theater group). I also serve as a Meiklejohn Peer Advisor and have lots of experience in advising. Feel free to reach out about anything from navigating research at Brown to balancing the arts and sciences!
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Mariia Dzhelmach
Peer Advisor, Concentration - Biology Sc.B. (Immunobiology) & Health and Human Biology A.B.Hi! My name is Mariia, and I am a senior concentrating in Biology Sc.B. and HHB (yes, both :). I have taken many biology courses and thought it would be fun to deepen my knowledge with the “double-bio” concentration. I also TA'd BIOL 0170 (biotech), 0410 (inverts), and 1560 (virology). For my undergraduate research, I study breast cancer in Dr. Mani's lab, focusing on metastasis and cancer stem cells. Outside academics, I enjoy ballroom dancing, beadwork, plants, fishkeeping, and hiking. Feel free to ask me about academics (course plans, reviews, research for credit), undergraduate research (how to find labs, what research to do), finding on-campus opportunities (TAing, lab assistant, etc.), extracurriculars, international student experience, and anything else!
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Nicole Flores
Peer Advisor, Concentration - Biology Sc.B. (Cell and Molecular Biology)Hi! I’m a member of the Class of 2027 concentrating in Cell and Molecular Biology on the pre-medical track. My research interests include oncology, dermatology, pediatric health, and health equity. My published research spans melanoma, pediatric sleep analysis using R and Stata, and a first-author systematic review of PD-1 inhibitors in solid-organ transplant recipients. Additionally, I have received two UTRA awards. I also serve as a teaching assistant for BIOL 1050/2050. Outside the classroom, I am on the E-Board of Latines in Pre-Med and helped organize an Ivy League Latine pre-medical research conference attended by more than 75 students. I also volunteer as a Spanish medical interpreter at the Rhode Island Free Clinic and Blackstone Valley Community Health Care. One of my favorite hobbies at Brown is to play IM volleyball and make clothes! Having completed all pre-medical requirements, I am happy to advise students on selecting courses, contacting PIs and finding laboratory positions, preparing for the MCAT, summer internships, UTRA applications, and obtaining independent study credit through BIOL 1950 and BIOL 1960, or anything else that comes to mind!
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Alex Freedman
Peer Advisor, Concentration - Biology Sc.B. (Cell and Molecular Biology)Hi everyone, my name is Alex Freedman and I'm very excited to be a Peer Advisor! I'm pre-med and currently a senior studying Biology. In my free time I enjoy playing poker, going to the gym, watching sitcoms, and playing sports recreationally, especially tennis, golf, and volleyball. Here at Brown I'm doing research in the Kreiling Laboratory on the role of calcineurin inhibition in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease. I've also previously done summer research at the University of Pennsylvania on how shortened telomeres play a role in the disorder Friedreich Ataxia. I also volunteer at the Miriam Hospital and I am a member and current social chair of ADPhi at Brown. Feel free to reach out! -
Dany Hamze
Peer Advisor, Concentration - Biology A.B.My name is Dany Hamze and I am a senior studying biology and religious studies on the pre-med track. Some of my extracurricular activities include being co-president of Brown Men’s Club Tennis and working as undergraduate researcher in both the Center for Clinical Cancer Informatics and Data Science and the Sellke Lab with focuses on precision oncology and cardiac surgery outcomes respectively. This past spring, I was a TA for the course Methods in Informatics and Data Science for Health (BIOL1555), and during my time at Brown, I have taken a few informatics courses offered by the biology department. After graduation, I plan to attend the Icahn School of Medicine through the FlexMed early assurance program. I would be happy to answer any questions, and would love to specifically talk about why I chose the Biology A.B. over other options, balancing a humanities concentration with biology, finding research at Brown, playing a club sport, or applying to early assurance programs.
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Jason Hwang
Peer Advisor, Concentration - Biophysics Sc.B.I am originally from New York City studying Biophysics. I have researched at Brigham and Women's Hospital through the Harvard Summer Immunology Program, UT Southwestern through the Amgen Scholars Program, and Brown in a variety of different fields related to proteins. I am also an Athletics Tutoring Captain and HTA for CHEM330. I am involved in the BPU, IDS, and a few other clubs too!
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Miki Jiang
Peer Advisor, Concentration - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Sc.B.Hi there! My name is Miki and I am a senior concentrating in Biochemistry. I have previously co-authored in orthopedics research and currently work in neonatal/perinatal biology at Women and Infants Hospital studying classical complement cascades in neonatal hypoxic-ischemia. I am also in the Sellke lab where we investigate the mechanisms in which drugs like SGLT1 inhibitors influence signal transduction pathways in the collateral-dependent myocardium. I've also had the pleasure of TA-ing BIOL1260: Physiological Pharmacology. Additionally, I am incredibly passionate about community health and empowering low-income/immigrant communities through equitable culturally sensitive/competent health education. I have clinical experience working in internal medicine, OB-GYN, pediatrics among many others. Outside of school, I love dogs, stickers, and washi tape! I am planning on applying to PA school, so I'd love to connect with anyone who's interested in the PA pathway, biochem concentration/classes, and/or clinical work! :)
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Juliet Lewis
Peer Advisor, Concentration - Biology Sc.B. (Physiology/Biotechnology)Hi everyone! I’m Juliet, a rising senior concentrating in Biology on the Biotechnology Physiology track, and I am excited to serve as a peer advisor this year. This summer, I am working in the Computational Cognitive Development Lab, building on my interests in clinical research and child development. I have also been an Organic Chemistry tutor, so I am happy to help you navigate STEM coursework at Brown. Outside of the classroom, I am a member of Delta Gamma and Binah, a Jewish women’s group at Brown, and welcome conversations about Greek life, cultural groups, and finding community on campus. As a premed student aspiring to become a pediatrician, I look forward to serving as a resource for course planning, securing clinical exposure, and identifying summer opportunities. Please feel free to reach out to introduce yourself or ask any questions!
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Justina Michaels
Peer Advisor, Concentration - Health and Human Biology A.B.I’m concentrating in health and human biology and contemplative studies. I am a TA for Biotechnology in Medicine (BIO 170) and a research intern at Women and Infants Hospital, where I work on research in perinatal mental and cardiovascular health. I have also previously worked in pediatric endocrinology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) through the Undergraduate Clinical Scholars Program (USCP). Outside of school, I am in Period Equity at Brown and teach sex education to high schoolers through SHAPE. Feel free to reach out to me if you want to talk about clinical research and epidemiology, double concentrating, and non-medical school paths after college!
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Valerie Nyarko
Peer Advisor, Concentration - Biology Sc.B. (Physiology/Biotechnology)Hi! I'm a senior studying Biology on the Biotechnology and Physiology track and pursuing the pre-med path. My academic interests center on understanding how biology and physiology connect to human health, and I’ve especially enjoyed exploring courses that challenge me to think critically about medicine, science, and patient care. Outside the classroom, I serve as Co-President of the Brown African Students' Association (AfriSA), where I help build community and support programming that celebrates African and diasporic cultures on campus. I’m also a member of OJA! Modern African Dance Team, which has been a meaningful creative outlet and a great way to stay connected to community and culture. In addition, I work with Brown Recreation as a Welcome Center Specialist, where I enjoy helping students and visitors feel supported and connected to campus resources. I’m happy to talk about biology courses, the pre-med journey, balancing academics with extracurriculars, and finding ways to stay engaged and grounded at Brown. -
Dhruv Parikh
Peer Advisor, Concentration - Biology Sc.B. (Physiology/Biotechnology)Hi!! My name is Dhruv, and I am a rising senior! In addition to being a BUE Peer Advisor, I've also worked as a Meiklejohn, MAPS Mentor, Academic Coach, and Tutor. Additionally, I have TA'd BIOL 0940G over the summer. I am a premed student interested in integrative physiology, stem cell/tissue engineering, epigenetics, and drug development. Outside of biology courses, I enjoy exploring the Open Curriculum and taking courses in entrepreneurship and comparative literature. I am also involved in the South Asian Students Association (SASA) and Indian Students Association (ISA), and I am a dancer on Badmaash! Whether you need course recommendations, help planning your schedule, choosing a concentration, or finding ways to get involved with research, extracurriculars, and social life at Brown, do not hesitate to reach out. You can reach me via email. Looking forward to hearing from you :)
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Anna Pollak
Peer Advisor, Concentration - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Sc.B. & History of Art and Architecture A.B.I'm a senior concentrating in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, as well as History of Art and Architecture. I am a 400m runner on Brown's track and field team. I'm premed and planning to take a gap year before medical school. I've worked in infectious disease research with Rhode Island Hospital. This summer I worked at Eli Lilly in their oncology office in New York City. During my senior year I'm shifting my focus to women's health. I have also TA'd for CHEM 330. I love art, and I design for Fashion@Brown. I'm happy to talk with anyone figuring out their concentration and choosing biology classes. I've gone back and forth about medical schools and research many times, so I can offer advice on that as well. Feel free to reach out!
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Ranjana (Jaanu) Ramesh
Peer Advisor, Concentration - Biology A.B. & Contemplative Studies A.B.Hello!! I’m Jaanu, a senior in the PLME program concentrating in biology and contemplative studies with a focus on the religious lives of everyday people. I’m passionate about improving patient outcomes through translational oncology. Currently, I study imipridone treatment of glioblastoma with Dr. Wafik El-Deiry in the Legorreta Cancer Center. I’ve also had the chance to work in restorative neurosurgery with Dr. Malik and in early cancer detection at Stanford.
I’ve had the best job on campus :-) as a TA for CS15, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Genetics in the fall, spring, and summer. Outside of biology, I help lead the Contemplative Studies DUG and am involved with the Sudanese American Medical Association, Project Inspire, and Brown Bhairavi. I’m always happy to chat about grounding premedical studies in humanistic classes, finding research or meaningful summer projects, choosing classes and concentration requirements, ibid, ad infinitum. I’d love to meet, don’t hesitate to reach out! -
Lucas Shen
Peer Advisor, Concentration - Biology Sc.B. (Physiology/Biotechnology)Hi everyone! I’m Lucas, a Senior from Massachusetts who transferred from UC Irvine. At Brown, I’m a member of the Trivedi lab in the Department of Orthopedics, conducting wet lab research on tendon healing. I’m also involved with clinical research with the Brown Sports Medicine research team, which is jointly affiliated with University Orthopedics. On campus, I’m president of The Branch Christian Fellowship and co-president of Brown Cooking Club. If you have any questions about pre-med, food around campus, or just want to chat, please reach out!
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Bruno Solano
Peer Advisor, Concentration - Biology Sc.B. (Cell and Molecular Biology)Hey, my name is Bruno and I'm a senior in the class of 2027, from McAllen, Texas. I study Biology on the Cellular and Molecular Biology track and I'm on the pre-med path, hoping to go into pediatrics after graduation. Right now I work in the Hawrot Lab, where we study a group of sensory neurons that connect the gut to the nervous system and what they might mean for GI diseases. I have also worked as a medical scribe and volunteered at Driscoll Children's Hospital in South Texas, which is where my interest in pediatrics started. Outside of academics I'm involved in Greek Life, where I serve as Risk Chair of Delta Tau. Feel free to reach out about picking a concentration or track, course selection, finding a lab and cold-emailing PIs, getting clinical experience, or balancing pre-med requirements with everything else you want to do on campus.
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Ava Steger
Peer Advisor, Concentration - Biology Sc.B. (Immunobiology)My name is Ava Steger (she/her) and I'm studying Biology on the Immunobiology track! I currently work in the Kartzinel Lab, although I have also worked in marine biology and neuroscience labs here. I have received an UTRA and student-led SPRINT award and would love to help others get funding for their research! I currently work as a microbiology and virology TA, as well as a Bruno Leader, but have worked as a Meiklejohn and CC too. Additionally, I'm a co-president of Brown Science Prep, and am also involved in WiSE. This past semester, I was abroad in Melbourne and worked in a fungal lab at the university, so feel free to ask me questions about studying abroad and doing research. I look forward to hearing from you all!
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Monica Thoma
Peer Advisor, Concentration - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Sc.B.Hi! My name is Monica Thoma, I am a PLME senior from Rhode Island studying Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. I am a member of the Hart Lab, where I study ALS and mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease in the C. elegans model organism, and I have received a SPRINT award for my work! On campus, I am a Bruno Leader, a member of the Providence Medical Orchestra, a TA for BIOL0170: Biotechnology in Medicine, and I spent my junior Spring abroad in Copenhagen! Please feel free to reach out with questions about study abroad, research, award applications, or anything else!
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Julia Xia
Peer Advisor, Concentration - Health and Human Biology A.B.Hi! My name is Julia, and I’m a senior studying Health & Human Biology on the pre-med track. I’m interested in child and maternal health, especially preventive medicine, traditional/community-based care, and access to stigmatized care. I am an RA at the Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute and do research in the Tripathi Lab on genomics-based newborn screening. I'm also a TA for Genetics and involved in the club Reproductive Justice @ Brown. I volunteer on a domestic violence and sexual assault helpline, work breaks and summers as an EMT, and am part of the nonprofit Advocates for Youth. Please feel free to reach out if you’re a first-generation student or pre-med navigating Brown. You can find me at Mahjong Club every Saturday night or trying new spots around Providence!
Biology Department Undergraduate Group (DUG)
Biology works with the Dean of the College to support Departmental Undergraduate Groups (DUGs). Biology DUGs are concentrators who meet and plan programming to foster a community of students interested in Biology. The current DUG leaders can be found on our People page. DUGs are a great resource for meeting and interacting with peers in a collaborative and advising capacity.
Explore our advising options!
