Peer Advisors

Our current peer advisors are all chemistry majors in their senior year and have gone through training with the , and also work with the chemistry Undergraduate Studies Committee.

They can help students with:

  • Declaring a major
  • Making connections with faculty
  • Reviewing research opportunities
  • Exploring study abroad options
  • Investigating independent and interdisciplinary study options

If they can't answer your question, they are happy to point you in the right direction!

Chemistry Peer Advisors 2024-2025

Headshot of Marina.

Marina Zapesochny (she/her)

Major: Chemistry (BS)

I am a senior, and I am a born and raised 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ian. When I began my time at the 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ I had planned on majoring in biochemistry and pursuing a career in the medical field. However, after my first semester of First Year Organic Chemistry with Prof. Dinnocenzo, I couldn't imagine myself doing anything but chemistry! As I continued my coursework I found myself particularly interested in inorganic chemistry. Since January 2023, I have done research in the Barnett Group, where I have worked on organometallic synthesis, specifically, I have focused on synthesizing manganese complexes. Outside of research, I have had the opportunity to be a workshop leader/TA for several chemistry courses including CHEM 203, 204, and 211 in the past, and CHEM 211 and 231 this fall. In my free time, I sing in the University Chamber Singers, run the social media for Undergraduate Chemistry Society (UCS) and UR Hillel, and am a member of ROC Players (a musical theater group on campus). I look forward to answering all your questions whether it be about courses, research, or anything else you may need help with!

Email Marina
Headshot of Abe.

Abe Ellenbogen (he/him)

Major: Chemistry (BS)
Minor: Biology, classical civilizations

I am a senior from Schenectady, New York. At the 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳, I became interested in chemistry after taking organic chemistry with Professor Dinnocenzo. Since then, I have done research in the Kennedy Group, which focuses on novel strategies in organometallic chemistry utilizing earth-abundant transition metals. Within the chemistry department, I have enjoyed my time as a workshop leader for CHEM 131, 173 and currently 231. Around campus I am also a member of MERT and Sigma Phi Epsilon.

Email Abe