Peer Academic Coaching for Computer Science
Support for CS 106, 209, 226
Location: CIS 101A
Peer Academic Coaches are available to help you develop your content knowledge and study skills. There is no need to sign up. Simply stop by!
| Mon 7-9PM | Tues 7-9PM | Wed 7-9PM |
|---|---|---|
| Derrick | Derrick | Cassie |
| Owen | Owen | Owen |
Upcoming Academic sessions
Plagiarism with Coding - April 17th, CIS 101A, 8-9pm
During this academic session, we will discuss plagiarism in the Computer Science industry. This workshop is meant to help inform students on what code they can use from others and how to cite within your code.
meet the computer science pac team
Cassie Davidson '25 - PAC Captain
About Me: I am from Easton, Massachusetts, and play on the women’s basketball team here at Skidmore. During my free time I enjoy hanging out with my cat and 3 dogs, traveling, and fishing. I am really excited to join PAC this semester!
Why PAC?: I really enjoy computer science and would love to help others enjoy it as much as I do. PAC helped me a lot my freshman year so I would love to give back and help whoever may need it!
Favorite Class: My favorite class so far has been CS 226, Software Design, with Dr. Reilly. It was really fun to be able to understand more about how software is put together and organized through code.
Academic Advice: Staying organized by keeping track of assignments and getting work done as early as possible really helps with stress levels later in the semester when things may get crazy.
Zander Chown '25
Majors: Computer Science & Political Science 
Minor: Periclean Honors Forum
About Me: Hi I’m Zander. I grew up in Maine. In my free time I really enjoy playing tennis and chess.
Why PAC?: I enjoy helping others and meeting new students in computer science.
Favorite Class: My favorite class was Computer Networks with Professor Prasad.
Academic Advice: Take things in small pieces one at a time.
Derrell Downey '25
Major: Computer Science Minor: Mathematics
About Me: I’m from Bergen County, NJ and I’m a big fan of learning and trying new things, especially with my friends.
Why PAC: I’ve used PAC many times in the past to help get through concepts that went completely over my head. I’d love to help students in the same situation the way others helped me.
Favorite Class: My favorite class has been CS 226, Software Design, taught by David Read. It gave me experience working with other important aspects of CS besides coding like testing, logging, and working in a team.
Academic Advice: My advice would be to always get started early. Even if you have to do just 5 minutes of work when you first get an assignment and you’ll be so much more prepared than leaving it all till the end.
Erick Mulindi '25
Major: Computer Science & Mathematics 
About Me: Hi, I am Erick. I spend most of my time with my friends. I also play soccer, volleyball, and billiards.
Why PAC?: I love computer science and would love to help others develop and grow the same love I have for the field.
Favorite Class: Software Design(CS 226) with Dr. Reilly. Helped me understand the fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming, a crucial concept in software engineering.
Academic Advice: Seeking help as often as possible, especially when stuck.
Owen Ritzau '24
About Me: I'm from Dayville, Connecticut. I enjoy playing games and climbing in my free time.
Why PAC?: Helping others is fun, and teaching others is one of the best ways to learn.
Favorite class: CS230 (Programming languages) with Professor Read.
Academic advice: Ask questions early and often, you're almost never the only one confused.
Derrick Trinh '25
Major: Computer Science; Minor: Economics 
About me: I'm Derrick, and I'm from Vietnam. During my freetime, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, playing basketball, and playing pool.
Why PAC?: I love Computer Science and helping others also provides me a chance to review the knowledge I have learned.
Favorite Class: My favorite class has been Software Design (CS226) with Prof. Reilly so far.
Academic advice: Start with assignments at your earliest convenience.