What is a Facilitator?
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a facilitator as “one that helps to bring about an outcome (as learning, productivity, or communication) by providing indirect or unobtrusive assistance, guidance, or supervision.” Employing cooperative learning strategies, our study group facilitators assist students in viewing and using each other as valuable resources. Facilitators also help students develop more effective studying and test-taking techniques.

Our Student Facilitators

• Joel Dankwa facilitates the Introductory Auto tutorial Biology (BIOG 1106) study group. He is from Howell, New Jersey. His work as a student service assistant in the biology office made him interested in becoming a facilitator. He enjoys writing, singing, and reading in his free time. His favorite class was Imagining England in the World of Shakespeare. He plans to attend Medical school, with an interest in cancer research and do some freelance writing, as well as "traveling…everywhere". He suggests that students "stay positive and motivated."
• Laura Lyman facilitates the Introductory Biology (BIOG 1102) study group. She is from Albion, NY. She is co-founder of the Making A's Retaining Knowledge in Science (MARKS) program, and also has been a TA for BIOG 1105. She also serves on the CALS Academic Integrity Board. In her free time, she enjoys playing soccer, watching Lost, and running. Next year she will be attending medical school, with an interest in pediatrics. Her favorite class is DSOC 4100, Survival Inequalities. Her advice for incoming freshmen is, "There is always room for improvement."

Laura Lyman and the Biology study group

• Tyi McCray has been a facilitator for CHEM 2070 / 2080 for two years. Her love of chemistry fuels her interest in being a facilitator. Her favorite class ever was a theater class she took while in school in South Africa. After she receives her PhD from Cornell she plans to travel. In her free time, she enjoys reading and yoga. Her advice for incoming Freshmen BSP members: "Go to class!!!"
• Steve Saraf facilitates the Organic Chemistry (CHEM 3580) study group. He is from Longview, Washington. His experience in tutoring for organic chemistry at the Learning Strategies Center made him interested in facilitating. His favorite class is BNB 2210, Animal Behavior, because it changed how he perceives nature and the world —- "everything makes sense in the animal world through the lens of evolutionary biology!" Next year he will be attending medical school, with interests in endocrinology, diabetes, and research on the insulin action pathway. He suggests to students, "Find your interests and your passions and go after them."
• Tony Sidari facilitates a General Chemistry (CHEM 2080) study group. He is from Albion, NY. His experiences with co-founding Making A's Retaining Knowledge in Science (MARKS) and being a TA for BIOG 1105 made him interested in becoming a facilitator. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar, watching movies, and playing Halo and Rock Band. His favorite class ever was Medicine, Culture, and Society (ANTHRO 2468). Next year he will be attending medical school, with an interest in internal medicine. His advice for incoming freshmen: "Even if something seems like it is impossible, it never really is."

Tony Sidari and the Chemistry study group

Our Staff

• Bonnie Comella is the Associate Director of the Office of Undergraduate Biology and Director of Advising and Operations. She initiated the Biology Scholars Program, acquired Cornell support for it, and is looking forward with much anticipation and continued hands-on guidance to its growth, potential and member contributions.
• Jeff McCaffrey is Coordinator of the Biology Scholars Program and also helps train facilitators to run effective study groups. He is from Oswego, NY. His favorite class was BIOEE 2650, Field Ecology, because, "you learn how to ask good questions and to collect, interpret, and present data (i.e. how to do biology) in settings like: a field of goldenrod, an old-growth forest, and a mountain in the Catskills. It sure beats a seat in Call auditorium!" He suggests to students, "Remember to make time in your schedule for fun and relaxation."