Naima Pyarali started working with The Learning Center in the fall of 2023 as a Matched Academic Mentor for Calculus courses, but she really found her niche in supporting Principles of Biology I and II. Her former Biology I mentees frequently request to continue working with her for Biology II, citing her patience, deep subject knowledge, and extraordinary ability to break down complex concepts.
Name: Naima Pyarali
Year: Class of 2026
Major: Biology and Anthropology: Global Health and Environment
On-campus job title: Matched Academic Mentor
On-campus job department: The Learning Center
The Learning Center is the hub of undergraduate academic support on campus. They offer a variety of support programs to help students succeed in large foundational courses and develop their general academic skills, nearly all of which are led by undergraduate student employees.
“As a Matched Mentor, I provide intimate support to students in Principles of Biology I and II. I meet with up to three students for two hours a week and we go over difficult topics and questions,” says Naima. “My support provides a bridge to college level classes by encouraging and guiding students in one of their first semesters. I offer resources and advice on how to study and succeed in science classes, creating stronger and more confident students.”
“There is a growing body of research indicating that peer-led, small-group tutoring and coaching improves student outcomes relative to other forms of academic support,” says Karen Backes, Academic Programs Coordinator, and Naima’s supervisor. “We’ve consistently found that students learn best from peers who can relate to the challenges they are facing with a particular skill or course, and that a student employee’s personal experience can be just as relevant as their professional training when it comes to helping their peers take control of their academic lives.”
Really exceptional Matched Mentors like Naima, not only provide direct support to their WashU peers but also contribute to the continuous improvement of the program. As Karen shares, “Naima is an excellent Biology mentor and an incredibly responsible student employee. Over the last couple of years, feedback from Naima and her mentees have helped The Learning Center improve nearly all aspects of the Matched Academic Mentoring program, from promotion to new mentor training to data collection.”
Naima’s impact on her peers and the Mentor program is clear, but her on-campus job has also had a positive influence on her future career goals, “I’ve learned how to explain difficult biological topics which in turn deepens my own knowledge of biology. Strong foundations in science are a must for future physicians. This job also necessitates that I learn and use multiple ways of effectively communicating and presenting complicated information. Improving my ability to clearly communicate will support my ability to provide quality patient care.”
Inspired by Naima’s story? Want to combine your academic knowledge with a passion for helping your peers? The Learning Center employs and trains over 350 student leaders, mentors, and coaches each year! Learn more about working for The Learning Center here. Applications for positions for the following academic year open early January of each year.
Written by Sarah Sims, August 6, 2025
