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SI Leaders - Spring 2008

Stephanie Baldwin: Chemistry 122.002
Hi my name is Stephanie Baldwin and I am an SI Leader for Chemistry 122. I was born and raised right here in Albuquerque! I am double majoring in Biology and Spanish. I am half way through my junior year and I will be applying to dental school next year. I actually played basketball for the Lady Lobos last year. I am planning on traveling to Spain next year in order to immerse myself in the language and the culture. I am very excited to return to CAPS for a second semester. Everyone here is absolutely wonderful and I love working here!
Adam Barber: Economics 106.001
Hi, my name is Adam Barber and I am a senior at UNM, majoring in History with a minor (possibly a second major) in Economics. After completing my undergraduate work, I plan on attending law school and hopefully entering the world of academia. My interests include skiing, reading, both playing and listening to music, and enjoying the fine cuisine of my life-long New Mexican hometown.
Carsen Bentley: Chemistry 111.002
Hi, my name is Carsen. I was born and raised in Missoula, Montana, attended Hawaii Pacific University on a baseball scholarship, transferred to UNM in 2004, and am majoring in Chemistry and Political Science with an emphasis on Organic Chemistry and Constitutional Law. I am the former President of the UNM Pre Dental Society, former Medical Delegate to El Salvador, current President of the UNM College Libertarians, and Head Coach of the New Mexico District 5 Little League Championship baseball team. I plan on attending the University of the Pacific School in the fall, pursuing a doctorate in Dental Surgery. I have been an SI leader for two semesters, and a chemistry tutor with CAPS for four. This semester I will be SI-ing for Dr. Ray's Chemistry 111 class. I like my job here at CAPS because it offers me the opportunity to change lives: Academic gains in the student's education may change their life prospects.
Fernanda Canever: ESL 101.090
Hi, my name is Fernanda Canever, and I'm a Brazilian exchange student here at UNM. My majors are Linguistics and Portuguese, and I'm the SI leader for English 101 (ESL). Languages fascinate me and I really love studying them. I also love traveling and getting to know different people, places and cultures. I've worked with ESL students in Brazil for some years now, and I'm thrilled to be able to help students improve their English skills through CAPS. I understand how hard it is to be a non-native speaker of English since I'm one myself. Therefore, I'm eager to help you and look forward to seeing you in my sessions!
Jane Fencl: Statistics 145.005
Hello! My name is Jane Fencl. This is my first semester at CAPS. I am currently a junior pursuing my degree in Biology and I hope to go to graduate school one day. I think statistics is very useful because we're all bombarded with the latest research discovery, poles and commercials for the newest miracle pill. Statistics can help us find out how accurate this information is. I look forward to working with you all on this subject.
Laura Hall: Biology 201.109
My name is Laura Hall and I am a senior majoring in Biology with a minor in Spanish. As a freshman, I relied on CAPS to meet students and get help in my classes. I could not have survived without CAPS. I am currently in the process of applying to medical school but first I would like to study abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I love kids and would enjoy becoming a pediatrician. I encourage all students to come to my SI sessions for help.
Tiffany Hayes: Physics 262.001
My name is Tiffany and I am the SI Leader for Physics 262. I am in my last semester at UNM, going for a degree in Astrophysics with a minor in Math. I enjoy reading, hanging with friends, rock climbing and snowboarding.

Renee Honeyfield: Biology 204.001,002,108
Hi, my name is Renee Honeyfield and I am the SI Leader for Biology 204. I was born and raised in Raton, New Mexico and then moved to Gallup, New Mexico during high school. I became interested in being an SI Leader for this class after being enrolled in it last semester and wishing I had the opportunity to take advantage of the benefits of SI sessions, which were not offered at the time. I am currently a sophomore majoring in Psychology, but enjoy Biology as well. After graduating, I plan on attending the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. I look forward to this semester and helping students succeed in this course.
Brian Hunt: Chemistry 301.001,003
My name is Brian Hunt and I am currently the SI Leader for Dr. Whalen's Chemistry 301 courses. This is my third semester at CAPS and I love my job. I genuinely enjoy helping students master the material and pass the class that once challenged me. I am a Chemistry major, but hope to be attending the UNM School of Pharmacy next semester. Outside of the classroom, I like to stay active and spend my time taking on new challenges and adopting new hobbies. Beyond video games and studying, I love all outdoor activities, from wakeboarding to fly-fishing. I am dedicated to the students who depend on me and I will do anything in my power to assist them.
Kresta (Sunny) Lopez: Biology 203.001,002,108
Hi! My name is Kresta Sun Lopez but everyone calls me Sunny. I was born and have lived in New Mexico my whole life. I graduated from Rio Grande High School in 2006. Now I am a sophomore at UNM, where I am pursuing a B.S. in Biology. I am also a new SI Leader for Biology 203. After I graduate, I plan on going to med school and becoming a doctor of some sort. The most important things in my life are my family, my friends, and my education. In my spare time I like to relax, hang out, and go to the movies. I love sleeping. I hate flying grasshoppers and I live my life with no regrets.
Kenna Losito: Biology 202.001
Hi my name is Kenna and I am going to be an SI Leader for Biology 202. I am currently a sophomore majoring in Biology (although I also like Chemistry and Math). I want to apply to the University of New Mexico School of Medicine next year so that I can become a pediatrician or family practitioner. I was first introduced to CAPS when I needed extra help in my Chemistry and Biology classes. This is my first semester working with CAPS as an SI Leader. I am really excited to get started so I can meet new people and help students gain a better understanding of Genetics.
Erika Maestas: Chemistry 121.002
My name is Erika Maestas and this is my second semester working at CAPS as a Supplemental Instruction Leader. I was born and raised right here in Albuquerque, and I am currently a junior who is double majoring in Biology and Spanish. I ultimately would like to attend medical school here at UNM. This semester, I am very excited to SI for Dr. Litchman's Chemistry 121 class. CAPS offers so many great services to students, and I am so happy to be a part of it!
Travis Maestas: Biology 202.002
Hi, my name is Travis. I'm the new SI Leader for Professor Cripps' Biology 202 Genetics class. This is my second semester at CAPS. I first started as an SI Aide and have now transitioned into an SI Leader. I'm really excited to be able to help students with their academics. I've lived in Albuquerque for most of my life, and I absolutely love New Mexico. I'm currently a sophomore majoring in Economics here at the University of New Mexico. Although my official major is Economics, I am heading down the Pre-Med track and have taken many Chemistry and Biology courses. In two more years I plan to continue my education by entering medical school here at UNM. I one day hope to become a Pediatrician or Family Practitioner to provide care to the underserved state of New Mexico.
Samuel Martinez: Chemistry 212.002
Hi there, my name is Sam Martinez! I was born and raised here in New Mexico and this will be my 4th year of college and my first semester as an SI Leader here at CAPS. This semester, I will be conducting Supplemental Instruction for Chemistry 212 and I can't wait to get started! Previously, I was a tutor at UNM-Valencia. I love this job and genuinely enjoy helping students better understand the material they are working on. I am majoring in Biology and plan on applying to the University of New Mexico School of Medicine next year. I am looking forward to the new challenges I will be facing this year as an SI leader and I know that I will learn a lot.
David Medrano: Math 150.005
Hi! My name is David Medrano and I am a sophomore majoring in Psychology and Biology. After I finish my undergraduate degree, I plan on attending the UNM School of Medicine. This is my second semester at CAPS and I am the SI Leader for Math 150 section 5. CAPS, particularly their SI Program, has been a major aspect to my success at college. I will strive to continue that tradition of helping students reach there full potential.
Clayton Meredith: Anthropology 150.002 & Chemistry 302.001
Hi, I'm Clayton. I am an Anthropology, Chemistry and Biology major. I've been an SI Leader since the fall of 2006. This semester I will be the SI Leader for Chemistry 302 with Dr. Holder and Anthropology 150 with Dr. Muller. After graduation I hope to get a career in underwater archaeology focusing on underwater caves in the Pacific Northwest region.
Amjad Musleh: Chemistry 122.004
As it probably already states above, my name is Amjad Musleh. I have been tutoring Chemistry and Biology for the last three years at CAPS. I have also done SI for Chemistry 301 and Chemistry 121. I am majoring in Biochemistry and I am also working on becoming a paramedic. I am currently an EMT-B, and I will be graduating with a B.S. in Biochemistry in the spring of 2008. Before coming to CAPS I was a computer technician at Best Buy for 4 years and I also worked at MCI as a computer technician and then as a sales representative. My favorite pastime is just having a nice conversation about anything with anyone, anywhere, anytime. My goal in life is to get accepted into medical school, become a family practice physician and open a low-income clinic in a small, quiet and beautiful town like Taos.
Savanna Reyes: Math 162.003
Hello my name is Savanna. I am a senior majoring in Biochemistry. This is my second semester with CAPS, and this semester I will be the SI Leader for Math 162 with Professor Herlan. I am looking forward to making math more enjoyable and understandable in my SI sessions! I hope to attend the UNM School of Medicine this fall and be an excellent New Mexican doctor one day.
Julio Romero: Chemistry 302.003
My name is Julio Romero and I am currently involved in my fourth semester as a SI Leader. The past year and a half has been the most rewarding and enjoyable experience. I have been in constant contact with amazing supervisors, professors, and students involved in the SI program who constantly motivate, challenge, and inspire you to grow in your roles of student, mentor, and leader. Upon graduation in May 2008, I will interview for various medical school programs, continue working as a volunteer medical assistant, and work with a local NGO geared towards reforming healthcare in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Julio has recieved the Award for Outstanding SI Leader on behalf of the International Center for Supplemental Instruction and the Univerity of Missouri-Kansas City. Read the full article concerning his award.

Jamie Ruiz: Physics 151.001
Hi! My name is Jamie and I am going to be an SI Leader for Physics 151 this semester! I graduated in May 2007 with my B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. I am currently jumping through the hoops to apply to medical schools all over the country, as I hope to practice Family Medicine someday. I like to ski, shoot pool and play volleyball when I have the time, which is rare these days! I love to tutor and I want to help you get through your physics class this semester.
Katelin Schumacher: Sociology 101.001
My name is Katelin Schumacher and I am an SI Leader for Sociology 101. I transferred from the University of Arkansas as a sophomore and this is my first year at UNM. I am a Political Science major and I hope to someday work for the federal government in some capacity relating to international relations with Latin American countries. I am thrilled to be working at CAPS and I look forward to seeing you in my sessions.

Irina Sokolova: ESL 102.082
Hi everyone, my name is Irina. I am originally from Russia. How did I end up in New Mexico? That is a good question. I used to live in Philadelphia, PA where I was a student at The University of Pennsylvania. For my graduate school I chose UNM, and here I am! This is my third semester at UNM as a student and first semester as a student employee with CAPS. I am looking forward to the beginning of the semester and wish everyone good luck! What do I usually do for fun? I ski and skate a lot, and when the winter season is over I bike and rollerblade (unfortunately, there is not that many places in ABQ to rollerblade, but still!) This is just a small description of my personality. I am looking forward to meeting new and interesting people!
Ilene Strain: Physics 110.001 & 151.001
Hi, my name is Ilene Strain, and this is my second semester with CAPS. This spring, I am going to be the SI Leader for Physics 151/110, and I am really excited! I am currently a senior studying Biochemistry and Spanish. I enjoy volunteering, school spirited activities, reading, outdoor activities, spending time with friends and family, and sleeping when I have time. Upon graduating, I would like to participate in either Teach for America or go to a Spanish-speaking country to teach English. After that, I hope to attend medical school and hopefully become a pediatrician practicing in Spanish-speaking countries.
Nicole Thomas: Earth and Planetary Sciences (E&PS) 101.001
My name is Nicole Thomas, SI Leader for EPS 101; I am working on a dual major in Earth and Planetary Science and Biological Anthropology with a minor in Chemistry. I was born in Mexico City and grew up abroad. I attended high school on the Chinese mainland part of Hong Kong known as Kowloon. Spanish is my first language; I am fluent in Spanish and English and have good working knowledge of French (gleaned in only 6 years of French class...haha). In addition to working at CAPS (best job ever!) I have worked as a fitness trainer, taught Yoga and Spanish.
John Tranchida: Physics 102.002
Hi, my name is John Tranchida and I am the Supplemental Instruction Leader for Physics 102. I'm a junior at UNM and my major is Biology. After I graduate with my bachelor's degree, I plan on attending the University of New Mexico School of Medicine to become a doctor. This is my second semester as an SI Leader and I absolutely love it. Helping my peers better understand course material has been a truly rewarding experience and I look forward to many more semesters as a CAPS employee.




This service is brought to you in part by your UNM Student Activities Fees. Supplemental Instruction at CAPS is partially funded through a UNM Title V grant. The UNM Title V Program is entirely funded through a five-year grant from the US Department of Education in the amount of $544,199 per fiscal year from 2006 to 2011.