Biology - S/I Leaders

Jennifer Gidaya

SI Leader for Khatra, B [ M,W 12:30 - 1:45 pm; and M,W 3:30 ]
Jennifer's course is M, W 2 - 3:15 pm [ Section 07, #4754 ]

My name is Jennifer Gidaya, and I come from Torrance, California. I am a sophomore and currently applying to the CSULB Nursing Program. I have taken S/I courses for three of my four science pre-requisites, and I am motivated to use what I have learned in my past S/I classes to manage my own. 

I enjoy interactive learning methods like group work and exercises that involve having the entire class participate. Physiology and anatomy are my favorite science classes that I have taken so far, and I look forward to use this opportunity to not only aid in the success of other students, but to reinforce the knowledge that I have already gained before.

Angel Martinez

SI Leader for Rourke, B [ Tu, Th 11 - 12:15 pm ]
Angel's course is Tu, Th 12:30 - 1:45 pm [ Section 08, #4753 ]

Hi! My name is Angel Martinez. I am currently a junior, and a first semester nursing student. I am from Orange, CA and an Angel’s fan. In my three years at Cal State Long Beach, I have received four President’s Awards and joined the Honors Program at the beginning of sophomore year. I plan to complete and receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and then apply to the Master’s Nursing Program at Cal State Long Beach. After volunteering in several clinics and hospitals, I decided to work either in the oncology or pediatrics department. 

I decided to become an SI instructor because I like helping others achieve their goals in life and/or career. I look forward to teaching my future students and seeing them succeed in their classes.

In my spare time I work as a Medical Assistant and Medical Care Coordinator at Southland Health Center. When I am not working, I like watching movies and TV shows on Netflix (A fan of OITNB, House of Cards, How I Met Your Mother, and others). When I’m not watching Netflix, I like going to the beach and longboard.

Shannon Crowley

SI Leader for Gardner, M [ Tu, Th 12:30 - 1:45 pm; and Tu, Th 9:30 - 10:45 ]
Shannon's course is Tu, Th 2 - 3:15 pm [ Section 09, #4327 ]

My name is Shannon Crowley and I’m from Santa Clara, CA. I’m a third year student here at CSULB and this is my 1st semester as a Nursing student. I hope to become an RN, possibly a NP, and continue learning about the human body and all the amazing things it’s capable of. Outside of school, I love hiking, swimming, biking, and almost anything outdoors!

This will be my third semester being an SI Leader and first as an SI Mentor. I decided to apply after being encouraged by my previous SI Leader who showed me how fun and amazing this subject is! I hope to help students through this course and show them how awesome and useful it is. I love anatomy because, not only is it interesting but, it’s relevant for students’ future careers. I’m looking forward to leading SI, sharing my enthusiasm for the subject with students, and showing them that they can succeed in any course!

Shilpa Krishna

SI Leader for Gardner, M [ Tu, Th 12:30 - 1:45 pm; and Tu, Th 9:30 - 10:45 ]
Shilpa's course is Tu, Th 11 - 12:15 pm [ Section 10, #4328 ]

I am Dr. Shilpa Krishna, an International Medical Graduate. I received my Medical Degree training and Internship in MIMS Hospital, India. My Career Path towards Pediatrics Residency Program in the US, brought me into CSULB’s Master’s Program in Healthcare Administration. I am a 2nd year MHA graduate student learning how to efficiently make a hospital function.

My passion for teaching started when I was in high school. I have conducted seminars, class presentations and lectures throughout my academic years. I wanted to extend my knowledge to other students and help facilitate their learning experience. Being a student myself, I understand the importance and application of effective study skills and strategies. I believe in good organizational and time management skills. I want to familiarize each student with campus resources, free online education material and career opportunities and venues which will help students make their Career Dream into a Reality.

Eric Nguyen

SI Leader for Pernet, B [ Tu, Th 12:30 - 1:45 pm ]
Eric's course is Tu, Th 2 - 3:15 pm [ Section 22, #4700 ]

Hey guys! My name is Eric Nguyen. I’m from Torrance, California, and I’ve lived in SoCal all of my life. I am in my fourth year at CSULB as an English major with a focus on Creative Writing, though for my first five semesters, I majored in Biochemistry. I plan on pursuing a MFA or a doctorate degree in English when I graduate.

This will be my second semester as an SI Instructor. I first heard about the SI program through professors and friends taking extra classes for difficult courses like Organic Chemistry and Biology, and I decided to interview for a position after changing my major to English since I planned on being a professor and thought that this would be a good experience. Apart from my career aspirations, I hope to help my fellow students develop optimal study habits and critical thinking skills to better engage with difficult coursework. And though I am an English major, my love for the natural sciences still remains, especially for Biology. Ultimately, I hope to impart a passion and enthusiasm for Biology and learning overall.

Sima Chokr

SI Leader for Fraser, D [ M, W 9:30 - 10:45 pm ]
Sima's course is M,W 11 - 12:15 pm [ Section 24, #4687 ]

My name is Sima Chokr. I am originally Lebanese but was born and raised in Orange County. I am a senior completing my BS degree in Biology-Option in Molecular Cell Biology and Physiology.

In Fall 2013 I took General Chemistry 1 and enrolled in an SI class. I received an A and my professor asked me if I enjoy teaching. My immediate response was yes and I asked my SI leader for advice on how to lead an SI. I became an SI leader for General Chemistry 1 the following semester and fell in love with teaching. This past semester I completed my chemistry minor and have well-established myself in my research lab. I am now more flexible with deciding my own hours, and very excited to be back with the SI group!

I look forward to continuing my growth in teaching and helping students succeed. Since I am almost done with my degree, I have learned many different learning styles from my own experiences and look forward to exposing my students to different techniques. I am excited to develop a cohort of students who will help each other throughout the class and be able to teach one another concepts. My goal is for students to understand the material so well that they can teach it.

Gerardo Felix

SI Leader for Carter, A [ Tu, Th 2 - 3 pm ]
Gerardo's courses are Tu, Th 12:30 - 1:45 pm [ Section 26, #4688 ] and Tu, Th 3:30 - 4:45pm [ Section 25, #4689 ]

My name is Gerardo Felix, and I’m in my fourth year at CSULB, working towards my bachelor’s degree in Biology. I’ve been volunteering in a research lab under the instruction of Dr. Eldon for the last year. Along with my bachelor’s degree I plan on working towards a certificate of Biotechnology.

I decided to join SI because I enjoy helping others and have always spent time aiding my peers in classes, especially on campus. I take pride when I’m able to properly teach a subject matter and have a tendency to be very enthusiastic. After meeting a peer in my research lab who held a position as an SI Instructor I decided to try for the position. It will be my first semester teaching SI and I’m excited to try my best to aid my students in understanding Biostatistics. I aim to make them both understand and enjoy the material and see how they can apply it outside the classroom as well.