Peer Academic Coaching for Geosciences

Caroline Rogers '24 - PAC Captain

Major: Geoscience     

About me: I am a sophomore from Elmira, NY and I am also on the swim team! I love to do nature photography, watch Marvel movies, go for a hike, and listen to music.

Why PAC: I am super passionate about geosciences and love explaining geo concepts to others! I also am excited to engage in studying with other students and PAC coaches.

Favorite class and why: Peer Mentoring for Dangerous Earth has been my favorite class so far because it gave me the opportunity to work with Skidmore's seismometer!

Academic advice: Taking the time to find your way of studying is well worth it! Experiment with study groups, making study guides, self quizzes, etc.

Jillian Clark '25

About me: Hi there! My name is Jillian, and I'm currently a junior at Skidmore College. I'm from North Woodstock, NH, and have a strong passion for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. I'm particularly interested in Geoscience and enjoy connecting with other students who share the same interests!   

Why PAC?: Since PAC is peer support, we have personally taken the same courses you might be having trouble with. We know what the professors are "looking for" for most assignments, and can offer clarity. Even classes you find super exciting can be confusing or challenging at times, that's why I love that PAC offers come-as-you-need help rather than a rigid tutoring schedule! PAC is a great place to stay and do homework, but also feel free to leave once your question is answered! 

Favorite class and why: One of my favorite courses at Skidmore was Earth Materials with Professor Andrew Horst. This class allowed us to use specialized devices like the S.E.M. (Scanning Electron Microscope) and the rock saw to create our own thin sections. Through this course, I gained significant knowledge on identifying metamorphic and igneous rocks in both lab and field settings, and ultimately confirmed that I wanted to be a Geoscience major! 

Academic advice: College can be frustrating, but I strongly believe in taking control of the things you can control. Prioritizing your physical health by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating well can go a long way in improving your mental health. Trust me, you got this!

Aimee Holland '25

Major: Geoscience and Anthropology

About me: My name is Aimee and I’m a junior from Westchester, NY! I’m passionate about blending disciplines and while at Skidmore I’ve found a love for human culture and the Earth. Outside of academics, I love to figure skate.

Why PAC: I’ve been involved in peer mentoring for Earth sciences since my sophomore year of high school, and I’ve enjoyed it ever since. PAC is a great opportunity for sharing our interests in Geo while helping out our peers.

Favorite class and why: My favorite class has been Professor Frappier’s Paleoclimatology course because I think learning about Earth's past will only enhance our understanding of present day and future climate change. My favorite part of the course was the additional lab section where we got to conduct our own fieldwork!

Academic advice:  Take advantage of any and all resources at your disposal when there’s a concept or subject unclear to you. Making the move to ask for help is only going to benefit you in the long run!

Lila Norton '24

Major: Geoscience    

About me: Hi I’m Lila and I am a senior from Western Mass. I love spending time outdoors, playing ultimate frisbee, climbing, and listening to music. When the weather gets colder, you can find me on the slopes!

Why PAC: Throughout my time at Skidmore PAC has helped me a lot which has inspired me to be that figure for other students who may need help in the field. 

Favorite Class and why: My favorite class was GE101 with Jennifer Cholnoky because I not only learned a ton in the classroom, but I also had the opportunity to go on fieldtrips and explore the geology right here in upstate NY.

Academic advice: It’s okay to be confused because sometimes concepts can be difficult to grasp (especially in the STEM world), so don’t be afraid to seek help.

Claire Rubin '25 

Major: Geosciences

About me: Hi! My name is Claire Rubin, and I am a Sophomore from Croton-on-Hudson, New York. Aside    from Geoscience, I often spend my time running, eating tomatoes, or playing the NYT crossword. In the warmer weather you might find me outside whittling or going on walks with my pet fish, Pant.

Why PAC: I know that not all geoscientific concepts are easy to grasp when first introduced to them, especially if you only took Geo to fulfill a requirement. I have always been super excited about Geosciences, so PAC seems to be the best way that I can help students develop the same love I have for the subject, while also succeeding academically!

Favorite class and why: My favorite class so far is probably Earth Materials with Professor Andrew Horst. At the end of this class, I was able to identify common igneous and metamorphic rocks out in the field and even on a microscopic scale. We were able to learn with and use the Electron Scanning Microscope to identify minerals that were invisible to the naked eye, and we got to go on a bunch of field trips too!

Academic advice: I find that if I am frustrated with my work, it has always been helpful to just put it down and do something fun/ not work related. Later, you can come back to it with a better headspace or a friend to help!