Student Departmental Advisors (SDAs) are majors who are dedicated to nurturing interest in the subject of Biology. Their primary function is to provide fellow students with accurate information about courses, pre-requisites, college requirements, registration procedures and other basic academic information, especially in their own departments. In addition, they provide information from their own experience which, presented as objectively as possible, can help students make appropriate choices for themselves.
These student advisers receive training to familiarize them with the academic information they need and ways of presenting this information. In some departments, SDAs also organize social events, host visitors, produce a department newsletter, design a department t-shirt, or do other tasks to strengthen the relationships among majors and/or between majors and departmental faculty. They hold advising hours prior to course registration, represent the department at the annual Academic and Majors fairs, meet with outside guests, and maintain a list of students interested in Biology.
This year’s SDAs are Katrin Birk and Mimi Kniser.
Katrin Birk ’25
Hi! I’m Katrin (she/her) and I grew up in Ireland. I’m a Biology and Studio Art double major. I’m very interested in ecology and I hope to go to graduate school in the future. In my free time, I enjoy photography and playing the guzheng. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or want to chat and I look forward to getting to know you all!
Mimi Kniser ’25
Hey! I’m Mimi Kniser (she/her). I’m from the Twin Cities and I transferred my sophomore year from the University of Minnesota. I love anatomy and physiology and want to go to physical therapy school after I graduate! I love being outside. My favorite activities are playing ultimate Frisbee (I play on Syzygy), cross-country skiing, and canoeing. Feel free to reach out with any questions!
SDAs are not assigned to specific students as advisers, but rather are available as a resource to all students, especially new students, who want to talk to a knowledgeable and experienced upperclass student about courses and registration. They supplement those formal advising systems already in effect. Faculty advisers, RAs, and OPLs have a list of the SDAs and may call upon them as needed.
Each Spring the department selects two students to serve as Student Departmental Advisors. Students who have expressed an interest and whose major GPAs are above 3.00 (a college requirement) are considered. The department attempts to select students from different “areas” within the Biology major. If you are interested in becoming an SDA, speak with your advisor and/or the department chair.