Matt Trybus, M.Ed.

PASS Coordinator, Instructional Faculty

trybusmj@jmu.edu
Contact Info

Matt Trybus is the Coordinator of PASS. Matt holds an M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Administration from the University of Vermont, a teaching license from Saint Michael’s College, and a B.A. in History from the University of Montana. Prior to coordinating the PASS program, Matt served as Assistant Director of James Madison’s Office of Disability Services for 7 years. In addition to working with members of the JMU community to realize their potential, Matt is passionate about his family, friends, cycling, food, and balance.

Yang Liu, Ph.D.

PASS Coordinator, Instructional Faculty

liu38yx@jmu.edu
Contact Info

Yang Liu is the Coordinator of Peer Assisted Study Sessions and an Assistant Professor in Psychology. She received her Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from Texas Tech University. Her research interests include risk and resilience factors on the academic success of college students, socioemotional development in childhood and adolescence, and the effectiveness of educational technology. She is passionate about supporting student success both academically and emotionally. Outside of work, she enjoys playing educational and psychological games with her husband and three children.

Becca Bailey (She/Her)

Becca is a first-year graduate student in the MA/Ed.S. School Psychology program. She graduated from Randolph-Macon College with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, complemented by double minors in Behavioral Neuroscience and Music. Becca aspires to work as a school psychologist in a public school setting, where she aims to be an advocate for equitable educational opportunities for all students. In her free time, Becca enjoys adventuring with her dog, hiking, music, and creating art.

Kyler Gray

Hey there, I’m a senior Biology major with a double minor in pre-medicine and medical Spanish. I am originally from Haymarket, VA and in my free time I enjoy dancing, hiking, playing guitar, and spending quality time with those who matter most. At school I am heavily involved in LDC and BYX. Outside of school, I volunteer at the university health center and the local rescue squad. I am excited for this upcoming semester to share my knowledge and create a great experience! 

Koya Chandler

BIO 140 - Doyle

Hi! My name is Koya Chandler and I’m a junior from southern Virginia. I’m majoring in Health Sciences with a minor in Pre-dental. I love hanging out with my friends and being outdoors. Please feel free to come to any sessions, even if you do not have Dr. Doyle as a professor and ask me literally anything. I am so excited for this semester and to meet all of you! 

Ryan Sauer

BIO 140 - Halsell

Hi! I’m a Junior biology major with minors in Human Resources Development and pre-law from Virginia Beach, VA. This is my fourth semester as a PASS leader for BIO140 with Dr. Halsell. Beyond PASS, I serve as a tour guide in Student Ambassadors, 2024 Orientation Peer Advisor, and hobbyist photographer. 

Kyler Gray

BIO 140 - Tracy Deem

Hey there, I’m a senior Biology major with a double minor in pre-medicine and medical Spanish. I am originally from Haymarket, VA and in my free time I enjoy dancing, hiking, playing guitar, and spending quality time with those who matter most. At school I am heavily involved in LDC and BYX. Outside of school, I volunteer at the university health center and the local rescue squad. I am excited for this upcoming semester to share my knowledge and create a great experience!

Dominique Harrington

BIO 140 - Terrie Rife

Hey! My name is Dominique and I am from Haymarket, VA! I’m a Junior Health Science major with a Pre-Physician Assistant minor hoping to become a pediatric physician assistant in the future! Some fun facts about me are that I’m married to my high school sweetheart, Gary, and I am a Philadelphia Eagles fan! I’m looking forward to meeting you all and, side note, if you want to find someone to talk to about anatomy (something I am passionate about) come find me! 

Charlie Gully

BIO 150 - Joseph Harsh

Elizabeth Wilson

BIO 150 - Katrina Gobetz

Hi everyone! My name is Leeza Wilson, and I am a sophomore, Psychology major with minors in Biology and Honors Studies. Im from Bucks County, PA but I love it here at JMU! I am a part of Greek life and club tennis here, but in my extra free time I enjoy hanging out with friends, being outdoors, or watching movies. I am looking forward to working with everyone this semester!  

Cameron Golden

BIO 150 - Oliver Hyman

Hi! I’m a sophomore biology major with an art minor. I’m from Henrico, VA and for fun I like to paint, listen to music, and read. Looking forward to a great semester! 

Francisco Duran

BIO 150 - Abby Goszka

Hello! I am a second-year student. I major in Health Sciences and minor in Pre-Medicine. For fun, I enjoy snowboarding and gardening. Let’s have a great semester!  

Gabriel Padilla

BIO 245 - Pradeep Menon

Hi everyone! I’m a Junior Microbiology major from Weston, CT. The transition from CT to VA has been an experience which has made coming to JMU a much larger and greater experience than I could’ve imagined. Outside of school I love to read, listen to music, I compete in Snowsports and cook and am always here to help if anyone has any questions about getting situated at the university. I’m looking forward to meeting you all during my sessions!  

Libby Morris (she/her)

BIO 245 - James Herrick

Hello! My name is Libby! I am a junior Nursing major with a medical Spanish minor, and I am from NoVa. You can find me in the SSC studying, hanging out with my RUF buddies, or in a group exercise class at UREC. I loved taking microbiology and I hope you all do too! 

Addie Irvin

BIO 290 - Velayudhan & Kilkenny

Hi, my name is Addie! I am a senior health science major with a pre-pa minor. I am from Lynchburg, VA. I love working out, traveling, and hanging out with friends. I fell in love with anatomy when I took it last semester and I’m excited to see everyone this semester! 

Elizabeth Casey

BIO 290 - Velayudhan & Kilkenny

Hi, my name is Liz! I am a senior biology major with a pre-PA minor. I am on the club gymnastics team and I’m in Phi Epsilon Kappa. I’m from Northern Virginia and I have been a certified nurse aide for the past two years. I am a super big cat person and love to watch the bachelorette! I really enjoy learning about anatomy and all things health related and I am so excited to meet everyone this semester!!  

Kelsey Washlack

BIO 290 -  Velayudhan & Kilkenny

Hi, my name is Kelsey! I am a senior health science major and pre-PA minor from Fairfax, Va. Outside of school you can most definitely find me at urec or spending time with friends. I’m very passionate about science and medicine and can’t wait to work with everyone this semester! 

Natalie Adams

CHEM 120 - Trost

Hi! My name is Natalie Adams, and I am a sophomore Nursing major from Sykesville, Maryland. I am involved in CHAARG and NSA (Nursing Student Association) on campus. Outside of school, you would most likely see me taking workout classes at UREC or spending time with my friends. I am looking forward to meeting everyone this semester!! 

 Elizabeth Foster

CHEM 120 - Trost

Hi! My name is Elizabeth Foster, and I am from Ashburn VA. I am a freshman biotechnology major. Outside of school, I enjoy working out and hanging out with my friends. I look forward to meeting you all this semester!

Jaimin Ashra

CHEM 131 - Wilson

Hi! I’m Jaimin, I’m a junior chemistry major from Charlottesville, VA. This is my first semester as a PASS leader, and I’m excited to work with all of you. During my free time, I like hiking, playing video games, and listening to music. 

Erin Garvert

CHEM 131 - Gilhula & Chen

Hi! My name is Erin Garvert, and I am a Junior Health Sciences major with a Pre-Medicine minor. I’m from Vienna, VA, and I love playing and watching sports, spending time with my family and friends, and going to the beach. I’m excited for a great semester with everyone!

Landon Gray

CHEM 131 - Funck

Hi! I’m Landon, a biology major from Haymarket, Virginia. I am excited to help you all have a successful semester in Chem 131. In my free time I love to hang out with my friends and family, work out at UREC, listen to country music and watch sports. I’m looking forward to meeting you all!

Ava Wehr

CHEM 132 - Long

Hey, I’m Ava! I am a junior biotechnology major minoring in statistics, pre-pharmacy, and Honors. I am a part of the Marching Royal Dukes (on piccolo), InterVarsity, and Alpha Omega Epsilon. This will be my second semester as a PASS leader, and I am super excited to meet everyone!  

Taylor Newman

CHEM 132 - Tam

Hello everyone! My name is Taylor Newman, and my pronouns are she/her. I am a junior health sciences major with a minor in pre-dentistry and honors interdisciplinary studies, and I am from Doylestown, PA. I am so excited to be a PASS leader for the first time! Outside of being a PASS leader I work at the SMLC as a chemistry tutor, and I am a part of student ambassadors. I love spending time with friends and family, theater, and getting to know people. Please don’t be afraid to reach out, I am here to help in any way I can! 

Jackson Vickers (He/Him)

CHEM 132 - Blumling

Hi everybody! My pronouns are He/Him; I am a sophomore biology major from Ashburn, VA. I have experience being a teacher assistant and tutor for CHEM 132, but this is my first time working as a PASS Leader, and I could not be more excited! A few fun facts about me: I am an EMT volunteering in Harrisonburg, have a deep love for music, and am always happy to talk to others about their favorite bands/musicians. I also love coffee, reading, working out, and the movie Fantastic Mr. Fox!

Jack Gallagher

CHEM 132 - Liu

Hi there! I’m Jack, a junior biology major from Fairfax, VA. I’m thrilled to be returning as a PASS leader and have a chance to connect with students this semester. Outside of PASS, I enjoy basketball, soccer, Mario Kart, playing the guitar, and all things Star Wars. Fun fact: I’m a huge fan of 60’s music. Let's have a great semester! 

Lauren Vaughan

CHEM 242 - Hollinsed

Hi! I’m Lauren from Roanoke, VA, and I am a biology major with a pre-dental minor. My dream is to work with special needs children and have an inclusive practice, so everyone can feel confident in their smile. This will be my senior year, and I was a LA last year. This is my first time working as a PASS leader and I am super excited for this opportunity!

Eric Shepard

CHEM 242 - Mohler

Hi! My name is Eric, my pronouns are he/him, and I’m from Las Vegas, Nevada. I am a Junior Chemistry and Biology double major. This is my fourth semester doing PASS, previously with OCHEM 1/2, and I’m excited to continue sharing my knowledge of chemistry in OCHEM 2. Outside of PASS I tutor at the SMLC and do organic synthesis research with Dr. Mohler.  

Ethan Dray

CHEM 242 - Lewis

Hi! My name is Ethan and I am from McLean Virginia. I am a senior biology major with a pre-med minor. This is my third semester as a PASS leader and I am extremely excited to continue to help new students succeed in O-Chem. Outside of PASS I do research in the Moseley lab. I am also one of the leads for the Aquatics program run through Empowerment 3. In my free time I enjoy working on and riding motorcycles, going outdoors, hanging out with friends and family, and going to UREC. I am excited for another great year of Organic chemistry and look forward to meeting you all. 

Julia Mamoud

CHEM 242 - Caran

Hey guys! My name is Julia and I am a senior Health Science major with a pre-PA minor. This is my first semester doing PASS and I am beyond excited to help students with Organic Chemistry 2. When I'm not doing Orgo, I enjoy working out, discovering new music, and trying out new recipes. I can’t wait to see what this semester has in store, and I look forward to meeting you all! 

Sumu Vadrevu

COB 291 - Atef-Yekta

Hi everyone! My name is Sumu Vadrevu and I am from South Riding, Virginia! I am a Junior Finance major with a soon-to-be minor in Business Analytics. On campus I am involved in Greek life and the President of the Self Care Club! Outside of school you’ll find me in a Pilates class, making videos, and hanging out with friends. This is my first semester as a pass leader, and I am so excited to share my love for the subject and to work with all of you! 

Kelsey Allen (she/her)

COB 291 - Torabi

Hi everyone! My name is Kelsey, and I am a Senior Accounting major from Baltimore, Maryland. This is my second semester as a PASS leader and I cannot wait to meet everyone as we adventure through the journey that is business analytics. When I’m not in class, I love cooking/baking, seeing my friends, and going to the gym. Let’s make this semester a great one!

Carson Tighe

COB 291 - Novoa

Hello! My name is Carson, and I am a Senior CIS major with a concentration in Business Analytics and European Business. On campus, I’m involved with the Madison Consulting Club, Student Government, SafeRides, the CoB Student Advisory Council, ENT, and also work in UREC Marketing. I took COB 291 with Dr. Novoa two years ago, and am excited to help Dr. Novoa’s students succeed in this course!

Cara Fisher

COB 291 - Jewett

Hi!! My name is Cara Fisher and I’m an Accounting major from Fairfax Station, Virginia. I’m currently a junior and in my free time I’m super involved in Greek life, I’m on Panhellenic exec and my chapters exec, I enjoy going to the gym, and any other time I’m hanging out with my friends! Super excited for this semester! 

Luke Fisher

COB 291 - Stevens

Hey everyone! My name is Luke, and I am a Senior Computer Information Systems major with minors in Economics and Business Analytics. I am from Covington, Virginia. In my free time you’ll find me working out, attending club meetings, or just relaxing with my cat. This is my first semester as a PASS leader, and I couldn’t be more excited! Although this course can be difficult, I hope to help you all come to love the subject as much as I do. 

Katie Powers

MATH 110 - Zig Sigfried

Hi, my name is Katie Powers, and my pronouns are she/her. I am a junior elementary education major with a minor in middle school mathematics. I am from Chantilly, VA, and a member of Sigma Kappa. I look forward to meet and work with everyone this semester! 

Lainey Eveges

MATH 210 - Gibson

Michelle Lyons

MATH 205 - Koch

Hi, my name is Michelle Lyons and I’m a sophomore finance major and mathematics minor from Herndon, VA, or NOVA. This is my second semester leading calculus and I’m super excited. In my free time, I enjoy lifting weights and running a lot, cooking, comedy TV shows, going to the movies, and playing the cello. On campus, I am a part of CHAARG, club orchestra, and the professional chair for Epsilon Nu Tau. I am super excited to meet everyone and work with you all this semester. 

Dalton Bowling

MATH 231 - Berry

Hi, my name is Dalton Bowling, and my pronouns are he/him. I am a sophomore Computer Science major with a general music minor, originally from Shenandoah, VA. At school, I’m involved in the MRDs, Pep Band, and Duke Devs. Outside of school, I enjoy hiking, playing video games, playing trumpet, solving Rubik’s cubes, listening to vinyl records, doing jigsaw puzzles, and collecting Pokémon cards. I’m very excited to collaborate with everyone this semester! 

Hallie Dillion

NUR 353 - Mason & Bradley

Hi! My name is Hallie Dillon and my pronouns are she/her. I’m a 3rd semester senior nursing student with a minor in Chronic Illness and I’m originally from Leesburg, VA. Outside of school, I love to go out with friends, read, exercise, and I’ve recently been learning how to crochet! I am so excited to work with you all in pharmacology this semester! 

Danielle Brill

NUR 356 - Landes & Childers

Hi everyone! My name is Danielle Brill, I am a senior Nursing Major and Health Sciences Major with a minor in Chronic Illness. I am originally from Ashburn, Virginia (Northern Virginia), but moved to Topsail Island, North Carolina with my family two years ago. I love going to the beach, hence why we moved to the beach, exploring new cities, cooking, being outdoors, and being with friends and family! I also love any and all dogs. I look forward to meeting you all and working alongside you throughout this semester. 

Jasmine Thompson

NUR 452 - Weeks & Heron

Hello everyone! My name is Jasmine Thompson, I am a senior nursing student originally from Fort Worth, TX, but reside permanently in Woodbridge, VA now.  I look forward to being your NPASS leader for NSG 452 with Dr. Weeks and Dr. Childers this semester! On campus, I am a part of the Nursing Governance Committee, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Black Student Alliance, and Nursing Student Association. Outside of school, I enjoy exercising, singing, drawing, crocheting, and learning to experiment with different cooking ideas. I hope to see you all for NPASS sessions and look forward to working with you!