Giving advice: It’s an easy thing to do. Advising people for classes and careers, majors and minors? It’s not quite as easy.

Chelsea Martin, a graduate student of biology, was recently awarded the Excellence in Advising—Graduate Student Contribution Award.

About Martin

Martin is responsible for many things: giving tours to prospective students, working with students to try and maintain passing grades in classes and assisting undergraduate students until a permanent adviser is assigned.

Angela Plank, Martin’s nominator for the award, was thrilled when she found out Martin was going to receive the award.

“Chelsea is so deserving, and I am proud of her and how she represents our department,” Plank, advisement coordinator and biology lab supervisor, said. “She goes above and beyond in everything that she does, and it’s nice to see her efforts rewarded.”

Martin makes it a point to help students unsure of where to go next. She is responsible for providing tours to prospective students  who are touring the campus and department.  She also e-mails those students to welcome them to campus She makes sure any resources that would be helpful in choosing a college or major are included in her communication with students.

She also emails current students about low midterm grades or registering for classes. Martin offers resources and suggestions to get back on track.

Plank was also impressed with Martin’s leadership and community service. In addition to being the lead GA in the biology advisement office, she volunteers with several Autism groups.

Congratulations, Chelsea!