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.
Penelope Steffen ’27
Hey y’all! My name is Penelope (she/her), and I’m from The Woodlands, Texas (just North of Houston!). At Carleton, I have worked with Amanda Hund, studying parasite-host interactions on Vancouver Island, Canada. I love fieldwork and doing science in remote locations. I plan to go to medical school, and my dream is to practice rural medicine in Northern Minnesota. When I’m not studying, I like to play frisbee, go camping, hike, knit, and play the cello. I’m always down to chat about the biology major, fieldwork, or really anything, so please reach out with any questions!
Katie Myerholtz ’27
Hi everyone! I’m Katie (she/her) from the Chicago suburbs. I’m a biology major and philosophy and biochemistry minor, planning to pursue an MD/PhD in oncology after Carleton. In my free time I love to read, bake, and play board games. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, book recommendations, or just to chat!
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.