Neuroscience major helps Biology Aggies find confidence, connection, and community in their first year at Texas A&M
When Daniel Duran, a first-generation college student from Houston, began his first year at Texas A&M University, he often felt lost. Now, as a peer mentor for 25 TAMU Biology students, he’s making sure others know they’re not alone.
“I always say that my first year at TAMU was the hardest,” Duran said. “I felt like I was always behind, both academically and in planning for my career. But looking back, I was much more in control than I realized. That’s something I try to help my mentees see in themselves.”
Duran, a biology neuroscience major, is set to graduate in December 2026. He conducts undergraduate research in Dr. Mark Zoran’s lab, studying circadian rhythms and neural regeneration in Eisenia worms and exploring how those findings might be translated to modern biological and medical challenges.
Supporting Aggies
As a peer mentor in the Department of Biology, Duran meets regularly with first-year students—many of whom, like him, are the first in their families to attend college. His role, he says, goes beyond academics.
“One of the main things I strive to do is validate my mentees’ struggles and concerns,” he said. “Being a first-gen student can feel overwhelming. Just navigating your first semester successfully is an accomplishment in itself.”
Duran encourages students to embrace their own pace and resist comparisons.
“What someone else is doing in your field doesn’t define how you will do,” he said. “Detaching from that self-judgment that comes from comparison is a big key to keeping your mental health in check.”
Building Community and Communication
To help his students stay connected, Duran created resources for sharing event announcements, reminders, and opportunities, from club fairs to undergraduate research cafés. It also serves as an open space for students to ask questions and support one another.
He also works closely with Dr. Hawkins, who helps guide the peer mentoring program, encouraging mentees to share their experiences with each other.
“I’ve had students come in with nearly 60 credit hours and others with just one AP course,” Duran said. “Hearing their stories and challenges helps everyone realize there isn’t just one right path.”
Paying It Forward
Duran’s transparency about his own academic journey has made him a relatable mentor. He shares not only his successes but also his struggles, including his lowest grades and toughest semesters.
“People tend to think they’re doing much worse than everyone else,” he said. “I show them my worst grades to remind them that setbacks don’t define you. Honesty helps them judge themselves less and see how far they’ve already come.”
A Journey of Growth
Duran’s own experience as a first-gen Aggie has come full circle. Though he began college uncertain of his path, he now balances research, mentoring, and leadership in multiple student organizations, and is even on track to graduate early.
“If I could tell my first-semester self something, it would be that it’s okay to feel lost,” Duran said. “You’re learning to find your way. Now, helping my mentees do that is one of the most rewarding things I’ve experienced.”
Duran hopes to continue mentoring beyond this year and helping future students navigate the challenges of college life.
“Sometimes the hardest part of college isn’t the coursework,” he said. “It’s feeling like you’re on your own. Having someone there to listen can make all the difference.”
Paying It Forward
Duran’s transparency about his own academic journey has made him a relatable mentor. He shares not only his successes but also his struggles, including his lowest grades and toughest semesters.
“People tend to think they’re doing much worse than everyone else,” he said. “I show them my worst grades to remind them that setbacks don’t define you. Honesty helps them judge themselves less and see how far they’ve already come.”
A Journey of Growth
Duran’s own experience as a first-gen Aggie has come full circle. Though he began college uncertain of his path, he now balances research, mentoring, and leadership in multiple student organizations, and is even on track to graduate early.
“If I could tell my first-semester self something, it would be that it’s okay to feel lost,” Duran said. “You’re learning to find your way. Now, helping my mentees do that is one of the most rewarding things I’ve experienced.”
Duran hopes to continue mentoring beyond this year and helping future students navigate the challenges of college life.
“Sometimes the hardest part of college isn’t the coursework,” he said. “It’s feeling like you’re on your own. Having someone there to listen can make all the difference.”