AGNR Peer Mentors are here to help! Feel free to drop by Symons Hall, Room 0107 in-person or email a peer mentor to request an appointment!
Meet your AGNR Peer Mentors!
AREC
Olivia Knott (she/her) is a sophomore majoring in Agricultural & Resource Economics and minoring in Remote Sensing of Environmental Change. She is from Havertown, Pennsylvania and is interested in sustainable business strategies that help organizations combat issues relating to climate change. She is also a member of Epsilon Eta, a professional environmental fraternity in AGNR. (oknott25@terpmail.umd.edu)
ANSC
Beca Fuquen (they/them) is a junior pursuing a dual degree in Animal Science and Studio Art. They are a huge fan of the College of AGNR, as it has provided so many opportunities to learn and grow, and they are very involved on campus, with groups like the Maryland Equestrian Club and Sigma Alpha. Outside of school, Beca loves camping, swimming, hiking, playing video games, and listening to music. (rfuquen@terpmail.umd.edu)
ENSP
Maria Lanasa (she/her) is a junior double majoring in Operations Management & Business Analytics and Environmental Science and Policy with a concentration in Environmental Economics. She is from Gaithersburg, Maryland, and her favorite place to study on campus is the McKeldin Library portico (balcony). (milanasa@terpmail.umd.edu)
ENST
Caroline Melton (she/her) is a sophomore from Kensington, MD, majoring in Environmental Science and Technology: Soil and Watershed Sciences with a minor in Geochemistry. After graduation, she hopes to continue her education and earn her Master's in Environmental Science. On campus, she is a member of Epsilon Eta, the professional environmental science fraternity, and loves spending time outside and hiking. (cmelton@umd.edu)
PLSC/AGST
Grace Tisone (she/her) is majoring in Plant Science with a concentration in Plant Biology. She is from Prince Frederick, Maryland and wants to attend graduate school to work in research. On campus she is an AGNR Student Ambassador, a member of Sigma Alpha and the Dean's Student Advisory Council, and she also works in a plant genetics lab. In her free time she loves to travel and learn about agriculture in different cultures. (gtisone@terpmail.umd.edu)
LARC/AGST
Grazelle Giray (she/her) is a sophomore majoring in Landscape Architecture and Sustainability Studies minor from New Carrollton, Maryland. One day, she plans to work at a sustainability-focused landscape architecture firm that specializes in urban design. On campus, she volunteers at the UMD Community Learning Garden and is a member of SASLA. (ggiray@terpmail.umd.edu)
FDSC/NUTR
Alexa Giacche (she/her) is majoring in Food Science and is minoring in General Business. She is from Collegeville, Pennsylvania and upon graduation wants to work in research and development for a major food and beverage conglomerate. On campus, Alexa is also the President of the Food Science Club, Vice President of the AGNR Student Council, and she currently serves as an ambassador for Smith Minors (agiacche@terpmail.umd.edu)
DIET/NUTR
Kaity Deaner (she/her) is a sophomore majoring in Dietetics and minoring in Entomology. She's from Cecil County and wants to do pediatric dietetics after she graduates. She is currently a member of Preventing Sexual Assault and the University Honor's Student Life Council. On her free time, she loves getting boba tea with her friends. (kdeaner@terpmail.umd.edu)
*All AGNR Majors
Don't see someone with the same AGNR major/concentration as yours? Don't FRET!
Each Peer Mentor is trained to assist students from any AGNR major. Therefore, if you do not see a Peer Mentor with your major or cannot meet with them at their scheduled office hours, feel free to meet with any of the Peer Mentors!
Each Peer Mentor is trained to assist students from any AGNR major. Therefore, if you do not see a Peer Mentor with your major or cannot meet with them at their scheduled office hours, feel free to meet with any of the Peer Mentors!
What is an AGNR Peer Mentor?
Peer Mentors are an important resource in the College of AGNR. This service offers students a chance to talk with a fellow classmate about everyday campus issues, advising, registration, and more.
Peer Mentors are selected AGNR upperclassmen who have achieved good academic success while maintaining an active schedule of extracurricular activities, work, service, and more. Peer Mentors know how to manage time and get the most out of the university, and best of all, they speak your language - Peer Mentors are one of you!
What can a Peer Mentor do for me?
The Peer Mentors are available to answer questions such as the following:
- What in the world is a 4-year plan and how am I supposed to make one?
- VENUS has me bogged down; what am I doing wrong when trying to create my class schedule?
- CHEM231 is not going very well; where can I get some real help?
- My advisor's great when I need to talk about classes in my major, but isn't there someone who knows the ropes who can help me with a residence hall issue?
- Are there things I should be doing to prepare for my advising appointments?
Peer Mentors are in a position to help with the technical aspects of course selection, schedule building, online registration, GENED requirements, general academic policy guidance, and 4-year plan and Benchmark creation. Peer Mentors can also put you in touch with other UM staff for additional help. They interact closely with the college's Office of Academic Programs (Student Services, 0107 Symons).
What is the AGNR Peer Mentor Policy?
It is the policy of the college that all new freshmen visit a Peer Mentor before scheduling an appointment with their faculty advisor. The time with the Peer Mentors will be used to check 4-year plans, Benchmark progress, as well as select a preliminary class schedule for the next term for review with their advisor. All AGNR students will continue this pre-advising appointment with a Peer Mentor for four semesters.