ARMAS: Supplemental Instruction Leaders
Information about SILs for 2021 is still coming!
SI Leader: Brooklyn Aragon
Course: CHEM 1225 – General Chemistry II
SI Sessions:
Mon: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Wed: 2 – 3 p.m.
Thur: 8:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Office Hours:
Mon: 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Tues: 1– 3 p.m.
Wed: 3– 5 p.m.
Email: baragon14@live.nmhu.edu
Zoom: https://nmhu.zoom.us/j/3183558599
Profile:
Hi, my name is Brooklyn Marie Aragon, and I am a senior here at Highlands studying biochemistry. I am a local from New Mexico, growing up in Santa Rosa and eventually moving to Las Vegas, finishing high school here. I am a big community advocate and I strongly believe this community can foster a lot of talent. Academia usually takes up 90% of my time, but during the other 10% I enjoy working on vehicles, going to the gym, fishing, and caring for my cats 🙂
Some of my goals after Highlands would be to pursue an M.D./Ph.D. combined degree somewhere on the East Coast. I have had the opportunity to work alongside some of the most brilliant scientists who were also M.D./Ph.D.s and who really motivated me to chase after this goal.
I have been an SIL for two years total (four semesters throughout) from college algebra to general chemistry 1 to organic chemistry, and now general chemistry 2 with Dr. Sammeth.
When I first came to Highlands, I had yet to have any chemistry courses in high school. I was extremely anxious to take my first college-level chemistry course, but what truly made my transition easier was the SIL program and ARMAS. I attended sessions, asked questions, studied along with my peers at ARMAS and before I knew it, I was in love with chemistry. I passed my first chemistry course with flying colors and have been ever since!
If you are struggling to grasp a concept or if you’re apprehensive about doing your homework, please don’t hesitate to ask for help. SILs are always here to help and most of us understand where you are coming from because we were once in your shoes. 🙂
SI Leader: Beatrice Armijo
Course: PHYS 1240 – Algebra Physics
SI Sessions:
Mon: 5 – 6 p.m.
Tues: 5 – 6 p.m.; 6 – 7 p.m.
Office Hours:
Mon: 4 – 5 p.m., 6 – 8 p.m.
Tues: 3 – 5 p.m., 7 – 8 p.m.
Wed: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Thur: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Fri: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Email: barmijo4@live.nmhu.edu
Microsoft Teams Meeting Space: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/team/19%3a20cf82e9a87a4fc9bd80d3c6078e398c%40thread.tacv2/conversations?groupId=30a268a9-e84a-4d51-b2c7-5eafebeb889f&tenantld=4b296fdc-d9d7-4bc5-b22b-15c83a345ccf
Profile:
Hello! I’m Beatrice! I am the Supplemental Instruction Leader for algebra physics. I was born and raised here in little Las Vegas, New Mexico. I graduated from West Las Vegas High School where I participated in a number of athletic and academic clubs. After graduating from high school, I was afforded the opportunity to run track at New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU). It has been three years since then and I have loved every second of it. During my time here at NMHU I have gained over two years of tutoring experience, three years of professional research, and tons of life-long friends.
I graduate this spring with a degree in psychology and a degree in biochemistry. Ultimately, I want to earn a Ph.D. in cognitive neuroscience, which is why I have chosen to continue my education here at NMHU next year. I will be studying psychology at the graduate level.
When I’m not studying for school or training for track, you can find me watching anime with my two sons, Isra and Kaiyo (Yes, they’re cats), or hanging out with my teammates. I am very outgoing and personable so please reach out to me if you have any questions about anything NMHU or New Mexico! I’ll be glad to help!
SI Leader: Elizabeth Conner
Course: MATH 1215 – Intermediate Algebra
SI Sessions:
Sun: 2 – 3 p.m.
Thur: 2 – 3 p.m.
Fri: 2 – 3 p.m.
Office Hours:
Sun: 1 – 2 p.m.; 3 – 4 p.m.
Thur: 1 – 2 p.m.; 3 – 4 p.m.
Fri: 1 – 2 p.m.; 3 – 4 p.m.
Email: econner@live.nmhu.edu
Zoom: https://nmhu.zoom.us/j/426148423
Microsoft Teams: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/team/19%3a7ff03abaa0cf4f7598a08487570227fd%40thread.tacv2/conversations?groupId=e8f47368-975f-4e63-8e0d-5ef9fbb638a7&tenantId=4b296fdc-d9d7-4bc5-b22b-15c83a345ccf
Profile:
Major: Mathematics and psychology
Hometown: Santa Rosa, New Mexico
Hobbies: My hobbies include running, hiking with friends, cooking, and hanging out with friends.
Why did you become an SI Leader? I am an SI leader because I personally received an immense amount of help from my SI sessions and they have allowed me to excel to the position I am at now. I love to teach and am personally grateful for the SI opportunity at New Mexico Highlands University, and hope to provide that help to anyone who may seek it.
SI Leader: Yessenia Dominguez
Course: FORS 1010 – Ecosystems and Humans
SI Sessions:
Mon: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.; 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Tues: 2 – 3 p.m.
Office Hours:
Sun: 3 – 4 p.m.
Wed: 2 – 3 p.m.
Thur: 11 – 12 p.m.
Fri: 10 – 1 p.m.
Email: ydominguez2@live.nmhu.edu
Zoom: https://nmhu.zoom.us/j/3551810836
Profile:
I began my academic studies here at Highlands in the Fall of 2019. This semester will be my second semester as a Supplemental Instructional Leader (SIL) at ARMAS. I have enjoyed helping students and building relationships with professors. One of my favorites things about Highlands is the one-on-one instruction that we as students can have with professors.
Becoming an SIL has given me skills that are preparing me for the workforce environment.
I love food and spend time with my closest friends and family. I plan to continue and perfect ways to assist students in their course.
SI Leader: Thomas Fernandez
Course: MATH 1510 – Calculus I
SI Sessions:
Mon: 3 – 4 p.m.
Tues: 1 – 2 p.m.
Wed: 3 – 4 p.m.
Office Hours:
Mon: 5 – 7 p.m.
Tues: 6 – 7 p.m.
Thurs: 4 – 7 p.m.
Email: tfernandez2@live.nmhu.edu
Microsoft Teams: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/channel/19%3a131503a6fed84b4d950c1cd1a251928b%40thread.tacv2/General?groupId=297700b7-916c-49b1-a9ca-a2a26f83d5dd&tenantId=4b296fdc-d9d7-4bc5-b22b-15c83a345ccf
Profile:
My name is Thomas Fernandez. I am a senior at NMHU, and I plan to graduate this year with a degree in mathematics and a minor in combined science. After this, I plan on getting a teaching certificate here at NMHU. My family lives in Taos, New Mexico and I have lived in New Mexico all my life.
I have been an SIL for college algebra and I am currently the SIL for Calculus 1. I have had the opportunity to help many students succeed in their math classes. Prior to becoming an SIL, I spent five years as a math tutor, helping students with subjects ranging from pre-algebra to Calculus 1.
My goal after graduating is to pursue a Ph.D. in mathematics and become a university professor. Through my experiences being a tutor and an SIL I feel I would enjoy having a career in education. Outside of school I enjoy playing guitar, playing video games, and fishing.
My goal as an SI leader is to help guide my students through their class by providing them with all the support they need. It has always been my goal to help people in whatever way I can, and SI is the perfect opportunity for me to do that.
SI Leader: Briana Garcia
Course: MATH 1220 – College Algebra
SI Sessions:
Sun: 5 – 6 p.m.
Mon: 7 – 8 p.m
Tues: 4 – 5 p.m.
Office Hours:
Mon: 8 – 9 p.m.
Tues: 10 – 11 a.m.
Wed: 7 – 8 p.m.
Thur: 10 – 11 a.m.; 3 – 4 p.m.
Email: bgarcia25@live.nmhu.edu
Zoom: https://nmhu.zoom.us/j/5115918557
Profile:
This is my first year as an SIL. I was working at ITS as a technician aide for about a year and a half. It is a transition, but I am ready to interconnect more with students who are in the same boat as me! I feel like SIL is a great program that promotes communal activities/interactions and common ground between students who are just trying to pass their classes.
I love to read on my own time, paint with acrylics, and spend time with people I love! My number one plan is to become a veterinarian. It is a job that I am really passionate about. The dynamics of working in a space like that and meeting new people/animals along the way sounds amazing. Overall, I also hope to travel more and be content with my life.
As an SIL, I want to aim for students to really feel comfortable talking to me. I am just a student as well trying to work towards my future. I hope as an SIL to learn more about myself through helping others and grow as a person.
SI Leader: Krista Jaquez
Course: FORS 3400 – Quantitative Methods
SI Sessions:
Mon: 5 – 6 p.m.
Tues: 7 – 8 p.m.
Fri: 4 – 5 p.m.
Office Hours:
Mon: 3 – 6 p.m.
Tues: 5 – 7 p.m.
Wed: 6 – 8 p.m.
Email: Kjacquez1@live.nmhu.edu
Zoom: https://nmhu.zoom.us/j/3543918752
Profile:
My name is Krista Jacquez, and I am a senior majoring in biology. I am from Las Vegas, New Mexico. I am the SIL for quantitative methods (FORS 3400). This is my third semester being the SIL for quantitative methods! A few of my personal interests include backpacking/hiking, snowboarding, and painting. After college I plan to pursue a career in dental medicine (DDS). I enjoy the challenge of being an SIL and working with students to help them achieve their academic goals!
SI Leader: Brianna Maes
Course: MATH 1250 – Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry
SI Sessions:
Mon: 4 – 5 p.m.
Wed: 3 – 4 p.m.
Fri: 1 – 2 p.m.
Office Hours:
Mon: 3 – 4 p.m.; 5 – 6 p.m.
Wed: 2 – 3 p.m.; 4 – 5 p.m.
Fri: 1 – 3 p.m.
Email: bmaes9@live.nmhu.edu
Zoom: https://nmhu.zoom.us/j/92155325702
Profile:
In the past I have attended SI sessions which have provided me with extra support when it comes to both studying and collaborative work. As a student attending supplemental sessions, I was able to attend a community of like-minded individuals who were striving to gain a better understanding of the course work for any given class. This has allowed me to better develop people skills and mature as an individual that is a part of a higher educational community.
After attending many SIL sessions as a freshman I, too, wanted to continue by helping fellow students who were in the same shoes as I was, which led to my first year as an SIL. As an SIL I was able to peer into the other perspective as an orchestrator, which was much different than a participant. The orchestrator has many different responsibilities and commitments that are often overlooked by the other side, but the experience of these responsibilities nurtures the individual to develop professionalism and leadership.
During these hard times where distance learning has become the norm, it further empowers programs like this on the importance of fellowship among students. From my experience’s students seek guidance within their studies from individuals who have shared similar hardships and challenges when it comes to achieving academic success because we find relevance in a common place that cannot be understood between student and professor. I strive to offer everything I have experienced as a participant while implementing my own techniques and strategies to further elevate the satisfaction and value of the SIL initiative.
Though I am an SIL for a math course, I am in my second year as a biology major. SI helped me to gain more confidence in topics like math and strive for more. Though initially scared to attend sessions my first year of college, I was happy to have had SIs who were welcoming and understanding. It helped me to build confidence in different curriculum topics and see how they all intertwine. Going beyond my comfort zone has provided me with more opportunities like becoming an SIL for Math 1250. Beyond college I strive to be a positive role model for those around me and those who have struggled before, going beyond the path we set for ourselves. I have a passion for science and hope to continue and broaden my knowledge about it and help others as well.
SI Leader: Akira Martinez-Crook
Course: BIOL 2110 – Molecular and Cellular Biology
SI Sessions:
Mon: 7 – 8 p.m.
Tues: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Thur: 7 – 8 p.m.
Office Hours:
Sun: 3 – 6 p.m.
Fri: 10:50 a.m. – 1:50 p.m.
Email: amartinezcro@live.nmhu.edu
Microsoft Teams: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/channel/19%3a1b6f25db3b17415f9108ebd451446e52%40thread.tacv2/General?groupId=53497be5-6370-448f-a4cb-bbfdcb888e68&tenantId=4b296fdc-d9d7-4bc5-b22b-15c83a345ccf
Profile:
My name is Akira Martinez-Crook and I am the Supplemental Instruction Leader for Biology 2110: Molecular and Cellular Biology. I’m a New Mexico native, growing up in Albuquerque but spending holidays here with family in little Las Vegas.
I’m currently a sophomore pursuing a degree in biology with a minor in chemistry. I am also a student-athlete; I run track and field here at NMHU, so practice and school make up a pretty good portion of my life! However, that doesn’t mean I’m not a social butterfly! Don’t ever hesitate with any questions, my email is available for a reason!
When I’m not studying or running, I like to do outdoor activities such as rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, camping as well as things like reading and baking.
This is my first semester as an SIL, so it will be an experience for the both of us! I took this course last spring, and have taken others such as Ecology & Evolution, Diversity & Systematics, and am currently in genetics, biochemistry, and conservation biology, so hopefully given my background knowledge, it will help answer any questions you have!
I’m on track to graduate with my undergrad next spring, so I’m heavily debating staying another semester or two to complete my master’s in biology before applying to medical school. Post professional school, I think I’d like to settle down as a professor somewhere – continuing my own studies as a researcher.
SI Leader: Melina McDermott
Course: MATH 1220 – College Algebra
SI Sessions:
Mon: 2 – 3 p.m.
Wed: 2 – 3 p.m.
Fri: 2 – 3 p.m.
Office Hours:
Mon: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Wed: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Fri: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Email: mmcdermott1@live.nmhu.edu
Microsoft Teams: https://teams.microsoft.com/_#/pre-join-calling/19:f1efc9930ba04b33b86a00cb3031eceb@thread.tacv2
Profile:
Hello! My name is Melina McDermott and I am in my final undergraduate year at Highlands, where am starting on my master’s in natural sciences. I am majoring in biology and have minors in physics, chemistry, and math. My parents currently live in Farmington, NM, but most of my family lives out East and I would love to go back out there someday.
I have been an SIL for Math 1220 for five semesters and I have seen many students improve drastically after coming to SIL. As a freshman, I never utilized SIL because I thought I didn’t need it or wouldn’t be very beneficial, until I started attending it for my organic chemistry class. I failed this class the first time I took it, and the second time around I worked harder and attended weekly sessions with that SIL, which earned me an A in the class. I realized how valuable this service is, and now I get the joy of helping other students to recognize their full potential in their college career.
My goal after college here at Highlands it to go to medical school for pediatrics. I have always had the motivation to help others and make a change in people’s lives. Outside of school, I enjoy drawing, volunteering at the animal shelter, and going for runs.
My goal as an SI Leader has always been to show students that they already have everything they need to succeed within them, and I am just there to help them recognize that and encourage them. I love seeing a student progress from one who doesn’t think they will pass a class to one who excels and even teaches others what they learned. I look forward to the spring, which will be my last semester of working as an SIL, and hope to help as many students as I can.
SI Leader: Anabella Miller
Course: BIOL 2110 – Principle of Biology, Molecular and Cellular
SI Sessions:
Sun: 6 – 7 p.m.
Thur: 12 – 1 p.m.
Fri: 8 – 9 a.m.
Office Hours:
Sun: 5 – 6 p.m.
Tues: 9 – 10 a.m.; 6 – 7 p.m.
Thur: 11 – 12 p.m.; 5 – 7 p.m.
Email: amiller12@live.nmhu.edu
Zoom: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9604112624?pwd=NS82d3FSL2E4dzkyTEtRY0tIUHIrdz09
Profile:
Spring 2021 will be my 6th semester as an SIL. I have been an SIL for biology for non-majors, intro to ecology and evolution, and intro to cell and molecular.
I have used SIL for nearly every intro STEM course I have taken. My comprehension (and grades!) would not be the same without the interactive learning environment SIL builds. I’ve learned valuable studying tools and have met some of my closest friends through attending SIL sessions and visiting ARMAS.
I love biology and am especially interested in the wildlife and nature. I have always loved animals and learning new things, so it is a great feeling to be able to be an SI in something I am passionate about. I enjoy running, reading, hiking, biking, watching movies, travelling, cooking/baking, listening to music and of course spending times with friends and family.
I hope to become a conservation biologist and work to protect wildlife in their specific ecosystems. I plan on pursuing a doctorate and eventually plan to teach at a minority-serving university like NMHU to work with students while also doing research in my areas of interest. I also want to have as many experiences in this life as I can… carpe diem!
As an SI leader, I hope to improve my peers’ college experience while of course enhancing their learning. I believe that SI works beyond the classroom and allows peers to connect in meaningful ways that can inspire students. I also hope to build confidence in students; I’m familiar with the “I can’t do this” thought cycle, but I also know what it is to grow out of it, so I hope to help others do the same. Finally, I have learned that each student has a unique story, so I always hope to learn from my student peers.
SI Leader: Eugenio Padilla
Course: GEOL 1110 – Physical Geology
SI Sessions:
Mon: 5 – 6 p.m.
Thur: 5 – 6 p.m.
Fri: 1 – 2 p.m.
Office Hours:
Mon: 8 – 9 a.m.; 4 – 5 p.m.
Tues: 8 – 9 a.m.
Wed: 8 – 9 a.m.
Thur: 8 – 9 a.m.; 4 – 5 p.m.
Email: epadilla8@live.nmhu.edu
Zoom: https://nmhu.zoom.us/j/98239248030
Profile:
I am from a small community a few minutes out of Albuquerque, NM called Carnuel, NM. This spring 2021 semester will be my third semester as the Geology 1110 SIL. I received an ‘A’ when I took the course back in fall of 2019.
I think the SIL program is a very useful resource for any class. I received help with chemistry, calculus, and even forestry, and there are many other courses that SILs help with.
My interests are outdoor activities — these activities are camping, hiking, and off roading (4-wheeling). After receiving my bachelor’s degree in science, I will either go on to start my career in forestry, or I will decide to begin taking master’s courses.
My goal as an SIL is to aid and provide material for assistance for the spring 2021 semester for the Geology 1110 course.
SI Leader: Renee Saavedra
Course: BIOL 2620 – Ecology and Evolution
SI Sessions:
Sun: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.; 12 – 1 p.m.
Tues: 3 – 4 p.m.
Office Hours:
Sun: 10 – 11 a.m.
Mon: 8 – 9 a.m.
Wed: 8 – 9 a.m.
Thur: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.; 7 – 8 p.m.
Fri: 8 – 9 a.m.
Email: rsaavedra@live.nmhu.edu
Zoom: https://nmhu.zoom.us/j/516012040
Profile:
My major is biology, and I am a senior graduating May 2021! I am from Las Vegas, NM, and graduated from Robertson High School.
I am the SIL for BIO 2620, ecology and evolution. This is my sixth and last semester as an SIL. As a student, my first two semesters I was too afraid of going to ARMAS to attend an office hour or study session. Fortunately, I decided to try attending a session and found that I really liked it. I wish I had taken advantage sooner; it would’ve saved me from a lot of confusion! I think SI has actually helped me make good, like-minded friends who make studying really fun!
Some of my interests outside of SI include weightlifting, snowboarding, gardening, and painting! I also enjoy working at my other job as a medical assistant, giving back to my community and getting great experience.
Right now, I’m undecided of which route I want to take after I graduate but I want to go into the medical field and become either a physician assistant or a medical doctor.
As an SIL I hope to help students be successful and confident in this course! I think it often takes getting out of your comfort zone to discover something you like; hopefully every student who gives SI a shot enjoys the experience! Overall, I wish that the students who try SI will come out happy, ready to conquer the class, and find some good company to study with!
SI Leader: Savannah Sanchez
Course: MATH 1215 – Intermediate Algebra
SI Sessions:
Sun: 7 – 8 p.m.
Tues: 12 – 1 p.m.
Thur: 6 – 7 p.m.
Office Hours:
Sun: 6 – 7 p.m.; 8 – 9 p.m.
Mon: 7 – 8 p.m.
Tues: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Thur: 4 – 6 p.m.
Email: ssanchez31@live.nmhu.edu
Zoom: https://nmhu.zoom.us/j/6336129655
Profile:
Fall 2020 was my first semester as an SIL, although going to SIL sessions in person to primarily online has been a hard switch from being able to go to ARMAS physically, however the help is still the same! We are all still here to better students in any way that we can!
I think that SIL is a great program for students of all different majors and grade levels. SIL has personally helped me better myself as a student in all of my biology, math, and chemistry classes. SIL does a great job of building a community of students that share the same interest as you, as well as building a strong foundation in all your STEM courses.
I like hiking, biking, camping, and skiing, I particularly enjoy being outside with nature and hanging out with Mother Earth J. I have strong interests in medicinal plants, pharmaceuticals, and botany. After college I want to experience the world, travel, and hopefully do research!
As an SIL my goal is to help students and build a strong foundation in their classes the way SIL has helped me to do the same.
SI Leader: Alicia Trujillo
Course: CHEM 1215 – General Chemistry 1
SI Sessions:
Mon: 8 – 9 a.m.
Tues: 6 – 7 p.m.
Thur: 5 – 6 p.m.
Office Hours:
Sun: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Mon: 9 – 10 a.m.
Tues: 5 – 6 p.m., 7 – 8 p.m.
Thur: 6 – 7 p.m.
Email: atrujillo31@live.nmhu.edu
Microsoft Teams Page: https://teams.microsoft.com/_#/school/conversations/General?threadId=19:eeefeeb8d01542d8b9215a02dbc8e3eb@thread.tacv2&ctx=channel
Profile:
My name is Alicia Trujillo and I am a third-year biology major here at NMHU. After obtaining my bachelor’s degree, I am planning on going to graduate school for a master’s program in genetics.
I am from Espanola, NM which is about two hours out from Las Vegas. I am currently the SIL for general chemistry I (CHEM 1215). I’ve been an SIL for two semesters before spring ‘21, but I also participated in the SI program long before then.
I attended my first SI session during my first semester here at NMHU for the very first college biology class I had. That experience really helped me become familiar with ARMAS and the SI program. Eventually, I found myself visiting ARMAS regularly. I think that the resources that ARMAS provides, especially SI, have had such a positive impact on many students, myself included. SI not only helped me achieve better understanding of course material, but it helped to create a network of peers that were going through the same things as I was.
As an SIL, I strive to make my students’ experience as great as mine was when attending SI sessions. I want my students to feel as if they can come to me with anything, both academic and not, and to feel comfortable with attending SI. The SI program can really change your college experience for the better.
