Peer Academic Consultant Profiles
Current PAC Consultants
Natalia Batchenkova, she/her/hers
G1, MD-PHD Scholar (remote), College of Medicine
NIH GPP grad student, industry/government focused, homeowner, first-gen student.
Experienced in navigating hostile lab/work dynamics and living big on shoestring budgets. I’m happy to share strategies learned!
Ashton Boyer, she/her/hers
PT2, College of Allied Health Professions
Traditional student, family-oriented, volunteer.
I am happy to assist you with time management skills, prioritizing self-care, getting involved in and around campus, and helping you manage the stress of school!
Jackie Burkey, she/her/hers
MSN Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP Program, College of Nursing 2nd Year
Full-time student, Nurse, Listener, Friend.
Let's talk about life! Balancing your time can be tough, but I'm here to support you through the stressful moments. I'm eager to discuss strategies for time management, work-life balance, or any other concerns you may have. I can’t wait to meet with you!
Dipanwita Das, she/her/hers
PhD, College of Medicine
First generation grad student, International student, Foodie, Goal driven, mental health supporter.
I would love to assist you with time and stress management, mental health and challenges in life. I love to be a listener and help navigate through any challenges as a team. I value selfcare as equally as work life balance.
Maddie Helm, she/her/hers
M3, College of Medicine
In-state, researcher, foodie, book lover.
I am passionate about helping students find balance in their academic and personal lives. I would love to share techniques for time management, effective studying, and meaningful involvement. My goal is to empower students with the skills and strategies they need to succeed while maintaining their well-being.
Linda My Huynh, PhD, she/her/hers
M3, College of Medicine; UNMC alumni-graduate studies
First-generation student , UNMC alumni, Vietnamese/Chinese American , homeowner. Completed my PhD, spring 2024.
Work-life balance, organization, and time management are what have gotten me this far!
Namratha Jampana, she/her/hers
PA-2, College of Allied Health Professions
International student, Foodie, Telugu-/Hindi-speaking, Painter, Optimist.
I’m a second-year PA student at UNMC, passionate about mentoring peers through effective study techniques and building confidence in clinical reasoning, communication, and problem-solving across diverse healthcare topics.
Toni Kolbo, she/her/hers
PT2, College of Allied Health Professions
Wife, dog mom, book lover.
Full-time student navigating marriage, commuting to school, and passing classes! I would love to chat with you about balancing school while maintaining good health and wellness.
Tristan Larson, she/her/hers
PT2, College of Allied Health Professions
Traditional student, volunteer, researcher, optimist.
I am a full-time student who loves to be involved. I am passionate about the pillars of wellness and living a balanced lifestyle! I would love to help with time management, resources, getting involved, or simply discussing self-care.
Lauren Longyear, she/her/hers
PA2, College of Allied Health Profession
Non-traditional student, out-of-state, runner
In addition to learning the PA curriculum, I can help with time management, study techniques, and test-taking skills.
Kamrie Peterson, MSN, MBA, RN (she/her/hers)
DNP, College of Nursing
Parent, first-generation student, non-traditional student, healthcare worker.
I have dealt with different personal situations that can affect school, ie. having children, marriage, divorce, and failing a course. Currently work full-time in addition to being a graduate assistant and attending class.
Rebekah Rapoza, she/her/hers
G2, MD-PhD, College of Medicine
Research, rural student, life-long learner, advocate.
I am a full-time student on a physician scientist track passionate about research and medicine, community engagement, and work/life balance. I love sharing time-management strategies, promoting wellness, and cultivating strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Sydney Renning, she/her/hers
PT2, College of Allied Health Professions
Out-of-state student, dog lover, sports fan, family-oriented.
I am here to help you develop study skills, schedule time wisely, and help you better manage your stress as you embark through your graduate program!
Tanner Ruda, he/him/his
PT2, College of Allied Health Professions
Traditional student, volunteer, researcher.
I am happy to help you with campus questions, with classes, mental health, or anything else that life may throw your way during your time at UNMC!
Brandi Simonsen, she/her/hers
BSN2, College of Nursing Northern Division
Adaptable, caregiver, first-generation student and organized.
I am a full-time student who loves to work, juggling school, work, and extracurricular activities. I am excited to help you learn to become confident, organized and relaxed!
Emily Tostenson, she/her/hers
PA2, College of Allied Health
Health and wellness enthusiast, extrovert, cheer leader.
I love weightlifting! The gym has become my social hour while in school. I enjoy helping others grow their time management skills, balance, and confidence in themselves!
Leah Vanderhorst, she/her/hers
PA2, College of Allied Health Professions
Farmer, Positive, New Yorker, Funny, Caring.
SI’s work closely with professors and students to help better explain challenging concepts. SIs are a valuable resource to students, allowing the same information presented in lectures to be re-explained in terms that students may understand better.
Duncan Works, he/him/his
M3, College of Medicine
Traditional Student, Advocate, Research, Self-Care, Volunteering
I am a native Nebraskan medical student with plans to go into Med-Peds and complete a fellowship in either Hematology/Oncology or LGBTQ+ Medicine.
