Peer Experts

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Annelise Robinson

Annelise Robinson I Team Captain

Hi everyone! My name is Annelise, and I am from the Northshore area of Chicago. I am a fourth year here at OSU pursuing a major in psychology and a minor in Spanish. After my undergrad, I hope to continue studying psychology in graduate school to one day become a school psychologist. I am so excited to be a returning Team Captain this year and work with everyone taking this class!

Maya Soundappan

Maya Soundappan I Team Captain

Hi everyone!  I am a fourth year from Cincinnati, Ohio majoring in speech and hearing science with minors in neuroscience and clinical psychology.  After I graduate, I plan to go on to earn my master's degree in speech-language pathology.  I would love to work in a hospital or school setting, especially with children with developmental disabilities.  I am a research assistant for the Child Language and Motor Lab at Ohio State, specifically focusing on Childhood Apraxia of Speech.  I am also a member of NSSLHA and Students Demand Action.  I love playing piano, singing, painting, watching sitcoms, traveling, and spending time with my cat.  I am very excited to be working with everyone this year!  Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions! 

Grace Baker

Grace Baker

Hi everyone! I am a second year from New Lexington, Ohio and I am majoring in Psychology with a minor in Child Abuse and Neglect. After undergrad, I plan to pursue my Master's in School Psychology. On campus, I am involved in College Mentors for Kids, PenPALS, and serve as the VP of Chapter Services in the Buckeye Blood Club. During the summer, I work as Camp Staff for the Board of DD Summer Camp in my county. In my free time I like to read, go for walks, and hang out with my friends. I look forward to meeting you in the lab!  

Shivani Dhekne

Shivani Dhekne

Hey everyone! My name is Shivani Dhekne and I’m a senior studying Neuroscience with the hope of attending medical school. I grew up in Dublin, OH which is just 25 minutes away from campus. I am currently a Pelotonia scholar and conduct research at a breast cancer lab. I am also involved in College Mentors for Kids and the Indian Students’ Association. In my free time I like to cook, listen to podcasts, and travel! I am so excited to be a Peer Expert again and I can’t wait to work with you all!

Emma Furlan

Emma Furlan

Hello! I am a third-year from Waterford, Connecticut. I am pursuing a dual degree in economics and psychology with the hope of going to law school. I am also currently a course assistant for Psych 4510 and a Student Manager at Juice 2. I love to read, listen to music, do calligraphy (although I’m not very good), and exercise. I am excited to be a Psych 2220 Peer Expert and get to know everyone!

Grace Gill

Grace Gill

Hello everyone! My name is Grace and I am a fourth-year student from the Cleveland area. I transferred to OSU the fall of 2022 and have since had a great time exploring everything that OSU has to offer! My major is psychology, and I am minoring in creative writing with the hope of eventually going to law school. In my free time, I like to read, run, and play cello in the Buckeye Philharmonic orchestra. I am super excited to work with everyone this year! If anyone has any questions about the learning lab or adjusting as a transfer student, please reach out!

Gillian Hall

Gillian Hall

Hi! My name is Gillian and I am a third year psychology major with a minor in criminology. I am on a pre-law track and hope to work in criminal defense when I am older. My hobbies include dancing, painting, and raising future service dogs, so if you ever need some puppy love, come say hi! 

Lydia Muldoon

Lydia Muldoon

Hi! My name is Lydia Muldoon, and I am a third-year student at Ohio State. I am studying psychology with a minor in substance misuse and addiction. After undergrad, I am hoping to get a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. Eventually, I want to become a licensed professional counselor (LPC). In addition to working in the Learning Lab, I teach swim lessons to kids of all ages. I am also a member of the club water polo team here at OSU. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, swimming, thrifting, and trying new places to eat with friends. I am looking forward to being a Psych 2220 Peer Expert this year! If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Tommy O'Rourke

Thomas O’Rourke

Hello everybody, my name is Thomas but you can call me Tom if you like, I am from the West Chester area in Ohio. I am a fourth year pursuing a Mechanical Engineering degree with a minor in psychology. I was interested in becoming more involved in the OSU community and also thought that I could help other students who struggle in math, and this seemed like a great way to do both. I am a Martial Artist and I participate in a few of the related clubs here on campus, when I am available. The other main way I spend my free time is by playing board games with friends. I can spend endless hours attempting to find effective strategies and become very involved when playing these kinds of games. Feel free to reach out to me about anything related to Psych 2220, or if you’re interested I’d be more than happy to play a round of Stratego with you!

Rachel Salzstein

Rachel Salzstein

Hi everyone! My name is Rachel and I am a fourth-year from the suburbs of Chicago! Here at Ohio State, I am pursuing a major in Psychology with minors in HDFS (Human Development and Family Science) and Child Abuse and Neglect. After undergrad, I plan to continue my studies in graduate school to earn a Master’s degree in social work! I would love to work with kids/adolescents in a school and/or a private setting. Outside of being a Peer Expert, I am a member of Zeta Tau Alpha social sorority. Over the summer, I led a leadership program for 7th and 8th graders at a summer camp in my hometown, which has influenced my love for working with kids and my future career. In my spare time, I love hanging out with my friends, watching Netflix, cooking, and getting coffee! I love chatting about all things psychology and meeting new people, so feel free to reach out if you need anything! I am beyond excited to be a Peer Expert again, and I can’t wait to work with everyone taking Psych 2220!

Allie Woodard

Allie Woodard

Howdy! My name is Allie, and I'm a third year from Cambridge, Ohio. I'm currently majoring in psychology and minoring in education. In addition to being a Peer Expert, I'm an RA for OSU's Self, Stereotypes, and Social Norms Lab, and I'm the treasurer for the Psychology Club. Once I graduate, I plan to keep the education train rolling by going to graduate school for psychology. In my (limited) free time, I enjoy playing videogames and decorating the occasional cake. Come see me in the Learning Lab if you need any help. Stats are wack, but I've got your back! 

Peer Expert Job Description

  • Work with students providing explanations or concepts and guidance on practice problems but will NOT do homework problems for the student.
  • Peer Experts are scheduled to work 5-8 hours per week in the Learning Lab.
  • Peer Experts assist in Psychology 2220 classes 1-3 times each semester. Psychology 2220 classes are typically on MWF in autumn and spring semesters.
  • After reporting to work promptly at the scheduled time, Peer Experts are expected to be helpful, courteous, and respectful to students at all times.
  • Peer Experts work with a student for one or two problems at a time and then to move on to other students who need assistance.
  • Peer Experts provide feedback to students and offer an opportunity for discussion and exploration of concepts in data analysis.
  • Peer Experts encourage students in the Learning Lab to work with and learn from each other.
  • Peer Experts attend in-person trainings and complete weekly practice problems to review concepts and sharpen their explanatory skills. Particularly in autumn semester, Peer Experts should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week on training.
  • All Peer Experts must be available on the Friday before classes start in Autumn semester for a mandatory training and orientation.

Peer Expert Qualifications

  • Peer Experts must be knowledgeable about data analysis content covered in Psychology 2220.
  • Peer Experts should possess excellent communication and listening skills.
  • Peer Experts should be skilled in using SPSS and Excel and be willing to learn more advanced skills.
  • Peer Experts should have a patient, helpful, caring, and sensitive demeanor and a positive attitude when working with students.
  • To apply, you must be an undergraduate student at Ohio State in AU23 and SP24.

Hiring Process

  • Interested students apply to be a Peer Expert for the upcoming academic year during the prior spring semester.
  • Following the online application, applicants for the Peer Expert positions complete an online Skills Test covering content from Psychology 2220.
  • Selected applicants are invited to interview.
  • After interviews, applicants may be offered a position as a Peer Expert for the upcoming academic year.
  • During the summer, Peer Experts complete online training and readings to sharpen their data analysis and tutoring skills.
  • On the Friday before classes start in autumn semester, Peer Experts must attend a mandatory orientation before starting work in the Learning Lab.

Peer Expert Compensation

  • Beginning Peer Experts are paid at an hourly rate of $10.30.
  • Peer Experts who return to work in the Learning Lab in succeeding years may receive an increase in their hourly rate.

Would You Like to be a Peer Expert?

Look out for the 2024-2025 Application in SP24

Questions? Email psychlearninglab@osu.edu