Peer Advising

BMB Peer Advisors are upperclassmen majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology who are able to answer and resolve general advising questions. They work particularly with students new to UMass and to the major.

How can I meet with a BMB Peer Advisor?

Visit them in 912 LGRT during their drop-in hours (listed below), or email @email with your questions.

Ask them about:

  • Degree requirements for BMB
  • Course prerequisites
  • Advanced electives
  • How to get into a research lab
  • Choices for Gen Ed classes
  • Use of SPIRE

Please DO NOT contact the BMB Peer Advisors via their personal UMass email accounts. All inquiries should be directed to @email.

Spring 2026 Peer Advising Schedule

A calendar view of the BMB Peer Advising office hours for the Spring 2026 semester

 

Monday: 10:30AM-12:30PM (Frank), 2PM-4PM (David), 4PM-6PM (Minahil)

Tuesday: 8:30AM-10:30AM (Keerti), 10:30AM-12:30PM (Cole), 2PM-4PM (David), 5PM-7PM (Luke)

Wednesday: 8:30AM-10:30AM (Frank), 12:30PM-2:30PM (Pravin)

Thursday: 8:30AM-10:30AM (Keerti), 10:30AM-12:30PM (Cole), 2PM-4PM (Pravin)

Friday: 12PM-2PM (Luke), 2PM-4PM (Minahil)

Who are the BMB Peer Advisors?

Keerti Daesety
Class of 2026
Headshot of Keerti Daesety
Keerti is a BioTAP Peer Mentor in the Commonwealth Honors College doing research in the Psychology department. She also works as a tutor for student athletes, volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and plays Intramural Soccer.
Headshot of Keerti Daesety
Frank Paccione
Class of 2026
Headshot of Frank Paccione
Frank is a TA for Biochem 423 and a leadership member in UMass EMS. During the week, Frank works in the Zhenhua Nutrition Lab group and the Electron Microscopy Facility. You can often find Frank at the Campus Center.
Headshot of Frank Paccione
David Spiewak
Class of 2026
Headshot of David Spiewak
David is Biochem 471 TA with three semesters of experience as a TA for Bio 153 (SEA-PHAGES). He has worked as an EMT-B and intends to apply to medical school post-graduation. When not advising, you can find him training at the rec center.
Headshot of David Spiewak
Pravin Arunkumar
Class of 2027
Headshot of Pravin Arunkumar
Pravin is a research assistant, on eboards of Pre-Medical Society and Tamil Student Association, and works as an RA in the Northeast Residential Area. He is on the dual degree pathway for BMB and Neuroscience and pre-med. When he's not working you can find him getting bagels at People's Market in Student Union.
Headshot of Pravin Arunkumar
Minahil Gul
Class of 2026
Headshot of Minahil Gul
Minahil is an EMT at UMEMS, a Research Assistant in the Skouta Lab, and a Medical Assistant. She is double majoring in BMB and Neuroscience, and aspires to attend medical school. When she's not working, you'll most likely see her enjoying boba tea.
Headshot of Minahil Gul
Cole Haag
Class of 2026
UMass collegiate M maroon on gray
UMass collegiate M maroon on gray
Luke Kenawell
Class of 2027
Headshot of Luke Kenawell
Luke is a Biochem Lab TA, Peer Tutor with the LRC, and Research Assistant at the Cheung lab. He is involved with the UMass Permaculture Gardening Club and enjoys hiking and playing guitar in his free time.
Headshot of Luke Kenawell