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!
Jack Begley, he/him/his
M4, College of Medicine
Husband, friend, teammate, sports fan.
While navigating school, family, friendships, and college athletics, I gained valuable time management skills. I am passionate about helping others find balance and efficiency in their lives!
Jackson Bespalec, he/him/his
BSN2, Kearney Division
Traditional Student, problem solver, friendly, analytical.
Full-time student with a part-time job. I can help with time management, priority setting, and creating goals!
Hannah Block, she/her/hers
BSN2, Kearney Division
Full-time student, Out of state student, part-time employee, dog mom.
I am currently a full-time student, and balancing school, relationships, extracurriculars, and mental health is something I've had to make a priority. I would love to chat with you about time management, organization, personal wellness, and any other concerns you may have.
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!
Taylor Burke, she/her/hers
M2, MD-PhD Scholar, College of Medicine
Basic science research, clinical trial research, clinical volunteer, Spanish-speaking, out-of-state.
I am a physician-scientist in training who does research with Dr. Paul Fey in the department of Immunology, Pathology, and Infectious disease. I am passionate about service learning and regularly volunteer with OneWorld.
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.
Paige Eicher, she/her/hers
M3, College of Medicine
Traditional student, balanced, sports fan.
I am currently a full-time student and have a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Creighton University. My strengths academically include time management and work life balance.
Ellie Goble, she/her/hers
BSN 2, College of Nursing Lincoln Division
Full-time student, family oriented, friend.
In my time in nursing school, I have learned time management, ways to manage stress, and useful organization skills. I am excited to help students learn these skills!
Alexis Heller, she/her/hers
PT2, College of Allied Health Professions
Wife, first-generation student, traditional student.
I have experience of working multiple jobs while in school full-time. I can assist you with curating a schedule, time management, and study strategies.
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.
Brooke Horner, she/her/hers
PT2, College of Allied Health Professions
Traditional student, Husker fan, family oriented.
I am a certified mental health first aider and would be happy to talk to you about other mental challenges that may come with being in a stressful program.
Kelsey Horton, she/her/hers
BSN2, College of Nursing - Northern Division
Traditional student, caregiver supplemental instructor, travel enthusiast, volunteer.
I am a full-time student, balancing academics with community involvement, extracurriculars and part-time jobs! I look forward to helping with stress management, organization and forming positive study habits!
Grace Hudson, she/her/hers
DMS- Cardiovascular, College of Allied Health Professions
Traditional student, friend, dog person.
I recently graduated from the radiology program and the CT externship program at UNMC. I am currently enrolled in the Cardiovascular DMS program.
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.
Sofia Kuenzi, she/her/hers
BSN2, College of Nursing
Peer, out-of-state student, first responder, Husker fan.
Hi! I am so excited to meet you. I would say my expertise is in mentoring students through the transition to nursing school, developing organization skills, and finetuning study habits for academic success.
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.
Jacob Owens, he/him/his
M2, College of Medicine
Traditional student, in-state student, peer.
I’m a full-time student balancing academics with research, community engagement, and extracurricular commitments. My specialties include time management, organization, and study habits!
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!
Madison Tiffany, she/her/hers
BSN 2 College of Nursing Western Division
Out-of-state Student, Coffee enthusiast, Concert Goer, Foodie.
I am a full-time nursing student who loves all things pediatrics. I am happy to meet with you to discuss anything from calendar rearrangement to stress reduction techniques!
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!
Calysta Marie Trevino, she/her/hers
BSN2, College of Nursing Kearney Division
First-gen student, full-time student, family oriented, advocate, friend.
During my time in school, I have gained insight into stress-management, time balancing, and the ability to provide self-care. I can’t wait to help you find that same knowledge!
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.
Emma Wareham, she/her/hers
BSN2, College of Nursing Western Division
Scottsbluff SNA President, Husker Fan, Dog mom, Social Butterfly, Fitness Fanatic.
I am a full-time student and passionate about my faith and living a balanced life. I'd love to help you with time management, mental health, organization and any other questions you may have!
Lauren Weis, she/her/hers
M2, College of Medicine
Traditional student, runner, foodie, coffee lover.
Since starting school, I've really learned how to balance my time by setting a schedule and boundaries with family, friends, and even personal time. If you're finding a hard time doing the same, I'd love to meet with you and help.
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.
