Hi, my name is Dr. Laura Stirchak and I am the course coordinator and lecturer for the two large first year chemistry courses. As someone who genuinely finds chemistry an interesting, albeit challenging, subject, I enjoy teaching those courses and helping first year students get accustomed to undergraduate life. I did my undergraduate degree at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and I graduate with an Honors BSc in Chemistry. As an undergraduate, it took me a bit of time to feel like I belonged on campus (there were approximately 23,000 undergraduate students on campus). After my first year, I got involved in a research group in the chemistry department and I was a Peer Mentor Resident Assistant who lived with first year students. During my time as an undergraduate student, I learned a lot about how to be a student from navigating choosing my degree path, to making friends, to planning for the future, to looking after my mental physical emotional well being. As a resident assistant, I saw the different factors that influence a students first year, and how to help students navigate those pathways. I always try to bring an awareness that students are humans beyond their time in the lecture hall the lab and to support them in their journey. I try to always bring a sense of humor to class and a sense of empathy for students. During undergrad and grad school, I always felt afraid to ask questions. I was a very shy student. Students can expect a safe space where they can ask questions. I look forward to working with you!