The Honors College Student Tutoring and Resource Center
The Honors College STaR Center provides several resources for Honors students:
Writing Tutoring: We have trained writing tutors that will work with you one-on-one on any writing assignments; these are not limited to HON classes, and can even be other types of writing like cover letters and resumes. Tutors will work with you to explore, discuss, and provide perspective at any point in your writing process (from brainstorming to revision). They can work with you on everything from refining your thesis statement, improving flow and clarity, to helping you understand lower-order aspects (grammar and mechanics). However, this resource is not an editing service—you cannot drop your paper off for a tutor to “fix” as the work is yours, and the choices on what to change are ultimately yours as well. Tutors provide advice and support for you to make those decisions. They can also provide feedback and support for assignments tangential to writing, like presentations and Capstone pitches.
Math and Science Tutoring: The STaR Center works with the Academic Success Center to provide time with two tutors who focus on math and science respectively at the STaR Center. These tutors can provide general support, or class-specific support. The classes they are qualified to tutor for are listed in a dropdown menu on the “Math and Science Tutoring” schedule on WCOnline (see “making appointments” below) and in their bios (also below).
Peer Mentoring: Primarily focused on and embedded in HON190 classes, Peer Mentors are present to provide more general support and feedback. They can help in-class in a variety of ways. They will reach out to new students in those classes, share information, advice, support, and resources. If you need to meet with your peer mentor one-on-one, you can do so below. NOTE: They are not “TAs” and do not function in that role (i.e. they do not grade assignments, cannot cover a class for a teacher, etc. but they may lead discussions, or even make a presentation depending on the class).
A Space to Work and Gather: While the space is primarily used for tutoring appointments and mentor meetings, it is also open to students who want to come in, study, chat, etc. It is not a big space, so please be respectful if there are others that are working, but you are more than welcome to come in instead of sitting in the hallway to study. After 5PM Mon-Thur, the space can also be reserved and used for other activities (for example, there have been multiple TTRPG gaming groups running games like Dungeons & Dragons in the past few semesters, and Mentors have used the space for “de-stress” events). Contact Dr. Richard Sylvestre for more information.
Making an Appointment
To make an appointment for any of the above services (other than using the space after hours), please visit: https://nauhonors.mywconline.com/
If this is your first time visiting the site, you will need to Register for an Account first. (Make sure your password meets the required length.)
Log in, then select the appropriate schedule (Writing Tutoring, Math and Science Tutoring, or Peer Mentoring). Click on a white-slot, and fill out the appointment form; both you and the tutor/mentor will get a confirmation email.
If you have questions, or if you need help, please contact Dr. Richard Sylvestre
STaR Center Hours
Hours may vary from semester to semester, but generally the Center will be open Mon-Fri, 9AM-5PM. Appointment times and availability are dependent upon schedules (see “Making an Appointment” above).
There may be Zoom appointments available outside of the normal hours; Zoom appointments are not a service that is guaranteed to be available each semester.
Meet the Spring 2026 Tutors and Mentors
Writing Tutors Accordion Open
Elise Baldemore
Elise Baldemore is a senior dual majoring in Biology and Psychology. This will be her third year working for the STaR Center as a Writing Tutor and second year working for the Academic Success Center (ASC)!
For writing tutoring, she enjoys working on constructing thesis statements and embedding quotes the most but can assistant with all aspects of writing a paper. She also enjoys working on capstone proposals, resumes, and cover letters. Additionally, because of her biology background she can also aid individuals with scientific writing.
For the ASC she will be providing drop-in tutoring for honors bio classes and other stem related courses. Feel free to utilize both services (see Math and Science Tutors for more info)!
Samantha Gallegos
Samantha is a senior at NAU majoring in Secondary-Education English and minoring in Spanish.
After she graduates, she wants to teach English at the secondary level because she is passionate about helping students develop a love for writing. One of her goals as a future educator is to leave her students with more confidence in themselves and their abilities than they had before they walked into her class (this is also one of her goals as a writing tutor!).
Sydney Grom
Sydney is a junior, majoring in Politics & Government with minors in Law & Society and Theater. Here at NAU, she stays involved with her friends in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and NRHH.
Aside from working in the Honors STaR Center, she also works as a Community Assistant in Honors and serves on the Regional Board of Directors for NACURH’s IACURH, a non-profit organization that connects university campuses.
In her free time, Sydney loves to theorize about politics, hike new trails, read classical literature, and of course, write!
Ella Hughes
Ella is currently a sophomore majoring in nursing with ambitions of attending medical school following graduation. Ella has spent time living in a variety of places, including Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Arizona, and she enjoys skiing, roller skating, and reading when she is not studying.
She loves Noah Kahan, her cat Mira, and the TV show Outlander. Ella specializes in strengthening word choice and phrasing in academic writing and loves to help with scientific research papers. She can’t wait to learn and grow alongside everyone in the STaR Center during her next few years at NAU!
Tiana Joiner
Tiana is a third-year history major in the accelerated 4+1 program. When not managing their extensive courseload they enjoy playing with their cat, reading, and going hiking.
Their interests in history range from gender studies to environmental history to colonialism and Indigenous studies. Originally a history education major, Tiana has loved teaching and tutoring since middle school and appreciates the opportunity to work with students to increase their confidence in their writing ability.
They look forward to meeting and working with you!
Madeline Kirchhevel
Majoring in Secondary Education English, Madeline has a passion for literature, education, and writing. She loves literary analysis and is always happy to talk about books and poetry.
She is quiet and studious, and she knows that it can feel scary to ask for help from a tutor. Madeline cares deeply about making people feel comfortable and included. She will do everything she can to bring this energy to her tutoring appointments.
Sophia Marchner
Sophia is a fourth-year Communication student with a minor in Spanish. This year is her third as a tutor in the STaR Center, and she looks forward to meeting new students and learning from their writing.
While she is quite familiar with essay requirements and tricks to create strong academic arguments, she would love to help with any sort of writing she can, whether it’s a short story, poem, or restaurant menu.
Liv Scott
Liv Scott, born and raised in Phoenix, is a senior studying Psychological Sciences and minoring in Criminology & Criminal Justice.
When she’s not in class, you can find her at the gym, watching YouTube video essays, or taking on some sort of theatrical project!
Believe it or not… She used to compete in Shakespearean Monologue & Sonnet in high school.
Liz Wang
Liz is currently a sophomore majoring in Biological Sciences and Spanish as an IGP student. She has a passion for botany and hopes to work in museum curation and research in the future.
In her free time, she spends her hours volunteering in the campus gardens, bouldering, or reading books about philosophy.
Lillian Welty
Lillian is currently a sophomore at NAU majoring in History. She loves learning about the past, its complexities, and how we engage with these lessons in the modern day.
She is part of the Mock Trial team, an ASNAU Senator, and works as a program assistant at the Honors College. She enjoys hiking, reading, spending time with family and friends, and making short videos.
She loves talking with students to understand their goals with their papers and projects to establish a connection with the student and recognize their vision, which is vital.
She wants to encourage and uplift students because she believes that everyone has the potential to be an excellent writer.
Math and Science Tutors Accordion Closed
Elise Baldemore
In addition to being a writing tutor, Elise is also providing tutoring in the STaR Center through the ASC for Science (BIO, CHM, and PSY classes) on Wednesdays. Specific classes she can tutor for include: BIO 181, BIO 182, BIO 201, BIO 240, BIO 300, BIO 344, BIO 350, CHM 151, CHM 230, CHM 360, PSY 101, PSY 215, PSY 230, PSY 255, PSY 290, PSY 320, PSY 250
Nathan Fuentes
Nathan is a 19-year-old sophomore majoring in civil engineering. Outside of school, he is into music, gaming, and dance. He likes staying busy, having fun, and trying new things and hobbies whenever he can. Nathan is available on Tuesdays to help with mathematics. Specific classes he can tutor for include: MAT 108, MAT 125, MAT 136, MAT 137
Peer Mentors Accordion Closed
Note that Spring Semesters have very few HON 190 classes, and this list will expand for Fall 2026
Anna Feltheim
Anna was born and raised in Tucson; she loves music, learning, and the outdoors. She is a sophomore in environmental science and enjoys reading and writing.
Lenin Salcedo
Lenin is a senior Physics and Mathematics major with interests in interdisciplinary studies, blending physics concepts with art and philosophy.
He is also a jazz artist specializing in Afrocaribbean percussion and a creative writer.