Get to Know Your UCSB Honors Study Center Proctors

The Honors Study Center in 1115 North Hall is a quiet space in a central campus location. It is furnished with PC and Power Mac computers (equipped with Microsoft Office and Internet Access), a laser printer (for free printing), and plenty of space for studying and reading. It is also staffed with outstanding honors center proctors who are available to answer your questions about the center and its services. Following is a little more information about each of the Honors Study Center proctors.

Shannon Barnard
I am a fourth-year student double majoring in Law & Society and Psychology, minoring in history. I grew up in a small town called Midland, MI, but my family moved to Murrieta, California two years ago. My favorite honors class was an honors contract for History 177 (California History) with Professor Gregory Graves. I really enjoyed it because I got to read a great supplemental book for the contract called Two Years Before the Mast by Richard Henry Dana, and then discuss it over lunch with my professor. I learned a lot of useful information from the book and from chatting with my professor weekly about various topics relating to California's rich history. I highly recommend doing an honors contract in a subject that genuinely interests you, because you will have fun and learn a lot! I really enjoy the Honors Study Center Proctor job because it is an excellent way to meet and interact with other students in the honors program. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know students who come into the center. The job is also great because it works well around my class schedule, and is open at reasonable hours. I enjoy the overall atmosphere of the study center as well.

Andrea Romano
My name is Andrea Romano and I am a senior environmental studies major with a minor in professional writing. Born in the City of San Francisco, I grew up in a house nestled next to the Pacific Ocean and Golden Gate Park. During my four years at UCSB, my favorite honors contract has been with Carla D’Antonio for Environmental Studies 128. Working with the Cheadle Center for Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration, I planted 100 native Nassella pulchra coastal grasses and looked at the effects that nonnative grasses had on their survival over time. The thing I like most about working at the Honors Study Center is talking to other honors students. I also like that my job provides a quiet study environment, which allows me to finish my homework. In my free time, I enjoy playing Ultimate Frisbee, cooking, doing artistic projects and hanging out with friends. Currently, I am the captain of the Club Women’s Ultimate Team, the Burning Skirts.

Arnaud Berube
My name is Arnaud Berube and I am a third-year physics major in the College of Letters and Sciences at UCSB. I am from Montrose, California, a small town just North of Los Angeles. My favorite honors class in my tenure at UCSB has to be Physics 13AH-CH. This was a small honors lab for physics majors that gave us practical skills to apply towards actual research opportunities on campus. I enjoyed the chance to apply my studies. The proctor position is the perfect job because it fits into my schedule on campus, it is not too large of a time commitment, and it provides a great environment to study in while you work! You can't beat that.

AnnMarie Stuart
I am a third-year student majoring in business economics with the accounting emphasis. My hometown is Moraga, California. My favorite honors section was English 133GC with Professor Newfield. I liked it because Professor Newfield ran the honors section as more of a group discussion than an organized class. Because English 133GC focused on Californian literature, we mostly talked about our own Californian experiences in relation to the texts from class. Professor Newfield made an effort to get to know each student individually and was genuinely interested in what we had to say. He and his wife even welcomed our honors class into their home and served us dinner. I recommend taking any of Professor Newfield's courses. He makes every topic interesting and relevant. My favorite part of being an Honors Study Center Proctor is getting to know the study center regulars. I usually don't get to meet many honors students outside of my major, so it's great to finally feel like a part of this academic community.

Carey Batha
My name is Carey Batha and I am a fourth-year aquatic biology major. I grew up in Davis, California. I have enjoyed my time at UCSB particularly due to the opportunities that the honors program has given me. I have enjoyed all of the honors classes that I have taken, but Interdisciplinary Studies 184 with Mary Nisbet was my favorite. In this class, a new professor came in each week to speak to the class about their research. Learning about research in a variety of academic subjects was very interesting, especially as an upper-division student focused on only subjects relating to my major. My membership in the honors program has also allowed me to work as a proctor for the honors study center this year. I like this job because it gives me extra access to the study center, which, for me, is a great place to study. I would encourage any honors student to make full use these opportunities as well.

Chris Atashian
I am a fourth-year biological sciences major originally from Northridge, California. My favorite honors class I have taken here has to be English 103A with Professor LeMenager. I did not expect anything special from the class because I took it as just another GE. However, the enthusiasm with which she approached the class and the honors section encouraged a great deal of interaction. Section time was spent analyzing and discussing the novels and she facilitated the exchange of ideas very well. Taking her class changed my outlook on writing classes and really opened my eyes to other interests of mine. I have some responsibilities on campus, one of them being an honors center proctor. I like that it allows me to study for classes while still being paid. But seriously, working here gives all us honors students an area where we can form and strengthen our connections and the couch is a great place to lounge on and take a nap. Otherwise, I enjoy playing basketball and am on at least one intramural team a quarter. I am also the President of the Health Professions Association, so if any of you are interested in pre-med, pre-dental or anything of the sort, don’t hesitate to ask questions!

Dan Werner
I was born in San Jose, California but spent most of my younger years growing up in Mission Viejo, California. Upon entering UCSB I chose business economics as my major, and since then I have added an emphasis in accounting as well as a second major of environmental studies. I hope to use both of these majors in the future as part of a balanced career in business that will ensure economic and environmental sustainability. After graduation, I am considering graduate school, work experience, or even the Peace Corps. At UCSB, my favorite honors section has been Econ 3B (Financial Accounting) with Professor Sanders, because of his stimulating and practical insight regarding real estate investment. While Econ 3B was certainly not my favorite class at UCSB, the honors section was particularly enlightening on an investment topic that I knew little about. As an honors proctor in the Honors Study Center, there are many positive incentives that I enjoy. What I like most is being in a relaxed (yet intelligently focused) work environment that allows me time for my own studies, while also being able to help other students in the honors program who may have questions regarding the program.

Kyle Stoffers
Hi! My name is Kyle and I am a third-year biopsychology major from Saratoga, California. After graduation, I plan to travel and attend graduate school. My favorite honors class that I have taken so far is Oceanography with Professor Haymon. I really admired the passion Professor Haymon has for her work and enjoyed the small group discussions. When not going to class, I like to go to the beach or play sports. I am on the UCSB Men’s Rugby Team and love the competition it provides. In addition, I am the team captain coordinator for UCSB’s Relay for Life, which takes place in spring. I am a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity and greatly appreciate all my amazing friends in the house. I have been lucky enough to travel a lot. I really like seeing new places and experiencing new cultures. Last summer I went to Turkey and Greece with my family. My family consists of my grandparents, my parents Kurt and Robin, my brother Ryan, and my dog Major.

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