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 Maxima Gomez-Palmer and Adrián González!
Maxima Gomez-Palmer ’26
Hi y’all! I’m Maxima (she/her) from the Chicago suburbs and Spain. My main passion is ornithology (avian behavior, ecology, evolution) and I founded Carleton’s first ever birdwatching club. Even though I came into Carleton as a bird fanatic, my zest for nature also spread into entomology & botany through working as a student naturalist. Besides academics, I host a KRLX radio show, enjoy wildlife photography, hold critters, and juggle. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, nature observations, or just to chat. Excited to get to know you all!
Adrián González ’26
Hey y’all, I’m Adrián (he/they). I grew up in Bend, Oregon, and I am a Biology and Chemistry double major with a minor in Music Performance. I love all things molecular biology (the smaller the better) and am pursuing graduate school in immunology after Carleton. In my free time, I love playing the piano, Nordic skiing, running, swimming, and equestrian riding. Feel free to reach out with any questions, biology, or not!
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.