The purpose of the Supplemental Instructor Program is to support undergraduate STEM students through the more challenging courses in the different degree plans offered by the College of Agriculture, Life and Physical Sciences (ALPS). For more challenging courses (i.e., those identified as presenting an outsized barrier to student success in and/or acceptance into their preferred STEM major field coursework), Supplemental Instructors (SIs) will be recruited from high achieving senior-level students, who have taken the same course in the past, or graduate students.
SIs will audit their assigned course and hold tutoring and study sessions to discuss the key concepts and provide additional support to the enrolled undergraduates. SIs will build relationships with students taking the course and helping increase student pass rates and thus success in the STEM program. The SIs provide subject-specific academic tutoring, as well as more general tutoring and skill building workshops, for their assigned students to help guide success in college and career.
Meet our Supplemental Instructors
Tina Neufeld
Physical Geology SI (GEOL 1303)
Course Instructor: Dr. Thomas Shiller
Tina is a geology graduate student interested in water policy and groundwater use in the Big Bend region of Texas. Following her master’s, she intends to pursue a PhD or attend law school, focusing on environmental law. She also plans to pursue a career within the US Department of the Interior or as a civilian employee with the US Air Force.
Tina is a McNair Scholar, as well as an Intern and Volunteer with the US Geological Survey (USGS) agency. She enjoys running, hiking, and spending her weekends trying out new recipes.
Melody Martinez
College Algebra SI (MATH 1314)
Course Instructor: Dr. Angela Brown
Melody is a senior studying Mathematics with Secondary Education at SRSU. Originally from Seminole, Texas, Melody graduated from Seminole High School before attending SRSU. She is part of the Sul Ross women’s basketball team and her favorite hobbies include coloring, walking outside and being with her friends and family.
Melody has been recognized as an Outstanding Lower Classman in Mathematics, Scholar Athlete, and Noyce Scholar in addition to making the Dean’s List at SRSU in Fall 2022, Spring 2023, and Fall 2023.
Ariana Escalante
College Physics I SI (PHYS 1301)
Course Instructor: Dr. Anirban Bhattacharjee
Ariana is a senior at SRSU currently completing her Bachelor of Science in Biology. She is an athlete at SRSU and is on the Women’s Basketball team. She enjoys running in her free time and recently completed her first full marathon this past summer. She also has a deep love and appreciation for painting.
Ariana comes from a big family of seven and has a deep passion for learning and at the forefront, loves having the opportunity to serve others. Her core values stem from believing that it’s important to provide opportunities which foster environments that individuals love to be in. She has previously had experience as a tutor and is excited to work as an SI this Fall 2025 semester. She is excited to see the growth from her students this semester!