What is a Study Group Leader?
Our study group leaders are trained in facilitating effective study groups. 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, study group leaders assist students in viewing and using each other as valuable resources. Leaders also help students develop more effective studying and test-taking techniques.

Our Student Leaders

• Shanelle Alleyne leads Introductory Biology (BIOG 1101-1102). Shanelle is a senior in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences majoring in Biology with a concentration in Animal Physiology. Upon graduation this native of Queens, NY hopes to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant. Shanelle has learned from experience that in order to be successful in science courses students need to maintain a regular routine of personal study and take advantage of all available help. Remember, it's easier to keep up than to catch up! In her spare time Shanelle enjoys swimming, singing, and watching Smallville. Her favorite classes thus far include the Spanish language courses, Black Theatre and Exotic Avian Husbandry and Behavior.

Leader Shanelle Alleyne

• Bryan Botti leads General Chemistry (CHEM 2207-2208), hails from Livingston, New Jersey and is a sophomore Biology major concentrating in Neurobiology and Behavior. However, his favorite class so far is Evolutionary Biology. In his spare time, he loves to act and sing, and is involved with Cornell’s Melodramatics. In the future, he plans to attend medical school and be a doctor. One strategy for success in science courses is to take excellent notes and review them daily.
• Joel Dankwa leads Organic Chemistry (CHEM 3570-3580). He is from Howell, New Jersey. His work as a student service assistant in the biology office made him interested in becoming a leader. 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."
• Daniel Eichberg leads Introductory Auto-tutorial Biology (BIOG 1105-1106). Hometown: Potomac, Maryland. Career goals: medical doctor, maybe surgical oncologist. Concentration: Molecular Biology. What I do for fun: run, jazz saxophone, write an opinion column for the Daily Sun. Favorite class: Psych 101. Strategy for success: Always prepare ahead of time, study in small chunks as opposed to cramming the night before a test.

Daniel Eichberg and Biology Scholar Ada Lau

• Philia Gau leads Genetics (BIOGD 2810). I'm a junior from Hudson, OH. I plan to go to grad school, and I'm concentrating in neurobiology and behavior. I like to play the piano, read, run, and dance, although I'm not very good at it. It's hard for me to recommend my favorite class, but it's a tie between BioNB 2210 Intro to Behavior, BioNB 2220 Intro to Neurobiology, and BioGD2810 Genetics. 2210 was the most interesting and fun class by virtue of its topic. 2220 was also interesting to me, but probably not as much for everyone. I liked how in both classes, several professors lectured on topics. I like 2810 more in retrospect because it was very useful and clarifying later. For all science courses, I think the most important strategy is to try to understand ideas as you progress, not to memorize or cram before an exam.
• Rahini Kadle leads Introductory Biology (BIOG 1101-1102). I live and grew up in Buffalo, NY. I am pre-med, and, since I love working with children, I hope to be a pediatrician. I have not decided on my biology concentration as of yet, but I am leaning towards either molecular and cell biology or neurobiology. My favorite class, not only last year, but also throughout high school, was chemistry. I love the combination of problem solving and science that chemistry presents. For fun, I love to paint, draw, etc. I have taken many classes in art, and now do it on my own. In science courses, I believe that understanding is the key to doing well. While it may sometimes seem easier to blindly memorize, true comprehension of the subject matter is what will lead to success.
• Reeva Makhijani leads Organic Chemistry (CHEM 3570-3580). My name is Reeva and I am a junior in the College of Arts & Sciences. My biology concentration is Neurobiology & Behavior, and after graduation, I hope to attend medical school. I am originally from Wallington, New Jersey, a small town in Bergen County. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, watching movies, dining out, and spending time with friends.  My favorite class at Cornell so far has been (believe it or not) organic chemistry. I would like to remind anyone embarking on the journey through science courses at Cornell that time management is everything. Try not to get overwhelmed and set aside time to study and relax. Also, take advantage of the number of resources available for additional help.
• Ryan Tucker leads General Chemistry (CHEM 2207-2208). Hometown: Kalamazoo, Michigan. Career goal: emergency room physician. Biology concentration: General Bio. What I do for fun: Attend Cornell hockey games, snowboard, play intramural soccer, listen to music. Favorite class: BME 411, Biomedical Engineering Aproaches to Problems in Human Health. Strategy for success: To succeed in science courses at Cornell, you have to stay current with the course material.  If you fall behind or procrastinate in preparing for exams, you will become overwhelmed with the amount of material you need to know. Secondly, it won't be sufficient to simply memorize facts. Exams test your ability to apply the knowledge you have to unknown and challenging questions; developing good problem solving abilities will prove invaluable.

Ryan Tucker (right) leads general 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 student leaders 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."