Meet Your Tutors

Vivian Crane

Hi! My name is Vivian Crane and I am a sophomore majoring in Mechanical Engineering. I chose Alfred because of the school’s size, their well-known engineering program, and because of its close proximity to home. Outside of school, I am also a part of the Cross-Country and Track & Field Team. During my free time, I enjoy crocheting, reading, and spending time with my friends.

As a tutor, I am looking forward to helping my fellow peers to thrive in their classes and become successful students with bright futures

Jesus De La Torre  

Hi! I’m Jesus, an international student from Málaga, Spain, majoring in Mathematics, Data Analytics, and Business Analytics. I chose Alfred University because it gave me the opportunity to combine academics with one of my biggest passions: soccer.

When I’m not studying, you can usually find me on the soccer field playing for Alfred University Men’s Soccer, hanging out with friends, or probably watching more soccer. I enjoy working with numbers, solving problems, and finding different ways to make difficult concepts easier to understand.

I became a tutor because I know that math can sometimes look much more complicated than it actually is. My goal is to create a relaxed environment where students feel comfortable asking questions—even the ones they think are “silly” (they aren’t!). Come by if you need help, want to understand something better, or just want someone to suffer through math with you!

Amber Bates 

Hi! My name is Amber Bates and I am a senior here at AU. I’m majoring in chemistry and minoring in marketing. I am on the women’s soccer team here at AU. I am also the co-president of AU Paws For A Cause. If you have any questions please reach out to me, I am excited to work with you all this year! 

Marlene Marengue

Hello! My name is Marlene and I am junior majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Biology. Growing up I wanted to be an architect but during Covid-19, on a random day I decided that I wanted a career in Chemistry; here I am, a chemistry tutor and chemistry teacher assistant.

I like to be involved on campus life. I am the secretary of the Poder Latino club, part of the inclusivity committee and a member of several other clubs. I also like to watch sports and to attend to random events.

On my free time I like to hang out with my family and friends. Talking about friends, my favorite show is FRIENDS and I have watched it at least 3 times from season 1 to 10. Besides that, I like to cook, read and listen to music.

This is my second year as a tutor, the best part of my role is to hear that students did well on their assignments because of my help. I look forward to meet you.

Dagim Mindaye

My name is Dagim. I am a Computer Science and Math major, and I really enjoy helping others. I like breaking down tough concepts into simpler more understandable steps and making learning less stressful. I also do research in my field. For my free time I like playing games and the guitar. 

Morgan Becker

Hi! My name is Morgan Becker, and I will be your tutor for Phys 111 this semester. I am a senior majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry. I am a member of the Honors Program and Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society. In my free time, I like playing basketball, watching Netflix, and spending time with friends. I am here to help with any questions. Feel free to reach out or come see me in the bottom of Scholes on Wed/Thu 6 pm-8pm!

Miriam Kiragu

Hey! I'm Miriam Kiragu, a senior Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics double major with a love for F1. I'm also a member of the swim and dive team here at AU.

I'm a massive fan of the shows Abbott Elementary and Suits, and I will always rewatch The Lego Batman Movie. Fun fact: I love coffee and cheesecake!

As a tutor, I look forward to helping students build confidence in their problem-solving skills and making challenging material feel a little more manageable. I've been on the other side of needing help too, so I hope to create a comfortable environment where students feel okay asking questions and working through problems.

Dilafruz Chamanova

My name is Dilafruz, and I’m a sophomore majoring in Computer Science. I chose CS because it’s less about memorizing one fixed way of doing things and more about learning how to think through problems, and that kind of thinking carries over into pretty much any field. I do research in computer vision and am part of SWE and the AGG Club at AU. Outside of school, I enjoy hiking and playing guitar. Coming from a small town, community service has always been a big part of my life. I’ve organized educational projects through which I taught CS to students of different ages, and I really enjoy sharing what I’ve learned with others. As a tutor, I want to be patient, approachable, and someone students feel comfortable asking questions, and I hope to help them feel more confident with the material.

Luke Sullivan

Hey! My name is Luke and I’m a senior at Alfred University majoring in Computer Science and Mathematics, with a minor in Data Science. Outside of school, I enjoy hiking, cooking, and art. I’m excited to be a tutor and help make challenging subjects a little easier for other students!

Lucas Hickey

Hi, my name is Lucas Hickey, and I am an embedded tutor for General Chemistry 106. I am in my second year at Alfred, and I am majoring in Chemistry and minoring in Education. My dream is to be a chemistry teach who makes a lot of movie references. I want to become a tutor because helping people with things I know a lot about. When I'm not in the classroom my hobbies include watching low-budget movies, hiking, kayaking, couch play games, exploring, and meeting new people. I can't wait to meet all of you. See you soon!

Miriam Demelash

Selam! I’m Miriam, a sophomore majoring in Renewable Energy Engineering with a minor in Business. I’m excited to help make your academic journey a little less stressful by tutoring General Chemistry I and II.

At Alfred, I build meaningful connections through my involvement in Mug Drop and ASA, where I enjoy working on hands-on projects and traveling. I hope to continue making these connections through tutoring, supporting fellow students, and learning from the diverse experiences of those around me.

Feel free to reach out or come see me at the bottom floor of Scholes library on Mon/Tue/Thur from 4:00 to 6:00 PM!

Audrey Pask

Hi! MY name is Audrey and I’m a senior majoring in Ceramic Engineering and Mathematics with a strong passion for problem-solving and helping others learn. I enjoy breaking down challenging concepts into clear, approachable steps that can be applied across may problem types. My interests include manufacturing and aerospace, trying out new hobbies, looking at rocks and geodes, and going on adventures with my friends and family. I’m excited to help students build confidence, strengthen their understanding, and reach their academic goals!

Hana Alaghband

Hi! I'm Hana. I'm a Data Analytics & Computer Science double major with a minor in Marketing, and I especially enjoy business-related math, which is exactly why I'm so excited to be tutoring MATH 104. This is my third semester tutoring the course, and it's a subject I've always loved.

Outside of academics, I play violin in the Alfred University Symphony Orchestra, run the Pilates Club, and create content for Alfred University's Marketing and Communications team. If you ever need help with MATH 104, I'm here for you!

Thomas Makela

Hello! My name is Thomas and I am a senior majoring in mechanical engineering and chemistry. I had always liked engineering and chemistry from a young age because of my grandfathers. I choose A.U. because of the schools' atmosphere and the impeccable engineering program.  

While attending A.U. I have been a part of the Intervarsity Christian fellowship club and also on the baseball team. In my spare time, I am either in the training room or in my dorm studying.  

As a tutor, I look forward to helping my fellow students develop better time management and to be successful inside and outside of the classroom.

Andrii Maltsev

Hi! My name is Andrii and I am a senior double majoring in marketing and business analytics. My future passion is to open a marketing agency that specializes in public relations management. I chose Alfred University because of its AASCB accreditation and diverse community.

Marketing always felt like a right thing to me. I was always wondering how brands make me use their goods or services over their competitors and I wanted to learn how I can do the same.

As a tutor, I hope to help other students understand the material and simplify their paths to achieving goals.

Saron Mindaye

Hello!

My name is Saron and I'm a Senior majoring in Computer Science with a concentration in Pre-Nursing. I am also an international student from Ethiopia. I chose Computer Science as my major because I love breaking down problems to their smallest components and going back up to solve them. I chose to be a tutor because I always liked tutoring my friends in high-school and in turn gaining a deeper understanding of the subject. I love crafting (crocheting and knitting) and generally wasting my time on YouTube. My favorite part of Alfred University is the tight-knit community and the sense of belonging in brings.

I'm excited to be a tutor and help students become more confident in their coding skills! 

KirraRikki Kneale-Leary

Hi friends! My name is KirraRikki, but everybody calls me Kirra, and I am a junior double majoring in Geology and Chemistry. Upon finishing my degree here at AU, I am hoping to continue my education and eventually work in Analytical Cosmochemistry research. Before I was anything else though, I was a dancer. I spent my whole childhood in the studio and going to dance competitions, often leading me to think, learn, and express ideas with my whole body rather than in one stationary position. Though my time here, I have been a member of AU Dance Theater, introducing me to so many new people on campus as well as teaching me new ways to help the mind-body connection.

      Besides my life on campus, I also work at a local restaurant. Working in and with the local community has shaped how I see Alfred and given me a deeper appreciation for this little village that right now we all call home. As a tutor, I am hoping to help students feel more confident when approaching chemistry, and I can’t wait to meet you!

Sophia Symeslatini

Hi! My name is Sophia and I am a Senior majoring in Accounting and Healthcare Planning and Management with a minor in Economics. I plan to use this background to pursue a career in the public accounting field. I currently serve as the President of Accounting Club and the Treasurer of the Alfred Marketing Association. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, going for walks, and playing tennis. I'm also a big fan of comedy and mystery movies. As a business tutor this semester, I hope to help students build more confidence in their learning strategies and provide support that makes studying a little less stressful. 

Eric Payack

Hello! I am a junior double majoring in Mathematics with Actuarial Science and Computer Science with a minor in Accounting. I have always loved math and have always been strong in that field. AU stood out to me as a university that provided me with the opportunities that I wanted and as a place where I could excel doing what I loved.

As a computer science tutor, I look forward to helping students through a particularly demanding field of study in a way that helps them develop the same passion for it that I have!

Thomas Hamilton

My name is Thomas Hamilton, and I am a junior Mat-Sci and Physics double major. I play varsity tennis for the university and in my free time I run a glass club and like to play guitar! This semester I am the embedded tutor for Dr. Robinsons Physics 1 class, my hours are 4-6pm on Sunday and Wednesday and 6-8pm on Tuesday.

Alex Duske

Hi, my name is Alex and I am a junior who is currently majoring in Ceramic Engineering. I am an international student who came over to Alfred from Melbourne Australia to play baseball and develop myself with the education provided at Alfred. I am a pitcher on the baseball team and have been playing baseball for the majority of my life. Along with baseball I play golf while at home and am a coach on my high school water polo team. I chose my major due to its exceptional reputation from Alfred University while also being one of the only Universities in the world to offer it as a major. It has led me down many rabbit holes of learning over my 2 and a bit years at Alfred which has given me a deeper understanding of many classes and courses here. Because of that I chose to become a tutor in order to give back and help the younger classes learn and have the same opportunities that I had. 

As a tutor I look forward to help and elevating student learning here at Alfred not only in physics but also in many other aspects of college life.

Garrett Farabaugh

Hi, my name is Garrett and I am an undergraduate student in my junior year here at Alfred studying Glass Science Engineering. I am also going for a minor in music and chemistry as well. Before Alfred, I knew I wanted to go into engineering, but I only chose glass because I though it sounded very interesting and am very glad I did.

I also am on the alpine skiing team here at Alfred, and I am a part of the orchestra. I enjoy playing the piano and taking trips to my cabin in my free time.

Maksym Smirnov

Hi! My name is Maksym and I am majoring in Finance, Accounting, and Mathematics. It took me two semesters after I came to Alfred as a Business Analytics major to understand that my real passion was in Finance. Along the way, I have picked up two additional majors to broaden my perspective of Finance as a whole. As I went through an internship with a small hedge fund in Rochester, I figured out that the part of Finance that is the most interesting to me is Equity Research which is the research of public companies and their stocks.

While attending AU, I have been a Vice-President of the Student Senate and a president of the Economics Club. In my spare time, I like playing soccer and reading. Currently my favorite book is Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre.

As a tutor, I look forward to helping students explore the world of business and finance while discovering their own passions. 

Benjamin Rondeau

Hi! My name is Ben. I am a Glass Science and Engineering Major with a minor in Chemistry and Physics. In my free time I am a part of the bowling club here on campus. I also do research for the engineering department related to tracking changes in glasses by tracking the change in the electrical properties of the glass. This semester I will be tutoring CEMS237: Thermal Processes in Materials, but I am more than willing to try and help with any material science classes you are taking. I am excited to be working with you this semester!

Briana Dorr

Hi, my name is Briana Dorr and I am a Mechanical Engineering Major with a minor in Renewable Energy Engineering. I play both basketball and track and field at Alfred, as well as being the president of SAAC, the Women in Sports Committee, and the Society of Women Engineers.