Mariah Maxwell
Academic Support Coordinator
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Contact
Affiliations: Chemistry & Biochemistry
Dr. Maxwell supports undergraduate student success and course coordination within the Chemistry & Biochemistry Department through student support, lecture support, and managerial support. She primarily works with the first four courses in the department’s introductory chemistry sequence (Chem 10, 22, 32, and 38).
Her work includes meeting with students to discuss study strategies, time management, and navigating challenges related to being a STEM student; assisting with in-class activities, and course logistics; and coordinating the hiring, training, scheduling, and ongoing support for approximately 45–55 student employees each semester, including peer mentors, graders, and teaching assistants.
She collaborates closely with faculty, staff, and student employees to create inclusive learning environments that support students in building confidence, finding community, and achieving their learning goals.
Education
Ph.D. in College Science Teaching, Syracuse University
M.S. in Biology, Syracuse University
B.S. in Biology and B.S. in Ethology (Honors), Towson University
Student Resources
Student Support Menu - A list of topics students can meet with Dr. Maxwell to discuss.
Coping Mechanisms for Imposter Syndrome Infographic - An infographic highlighting practical strategies students can use to manage feelings of self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
Exam Study Plan - A worksheet that helps students break exam preparation into manageable tasks and create a realistic study timeline.
Weekly Study Schedule - A step-by-step planning tool designed to help students map out classes, commitments, and study time to build consistent weekly routines, reduce procrastination, and manage multiple responsibilities.
Tackling Test Anxiety - A resource that shares evidence-based strategies for managing test anxiety before and during exams.
How to Join a Research Lab at Swarthmore College - A guide for students who are interested in joining a research lab in the Chemistry & Biochemistry Department at Swarthmore.
Advice From Successful Students - Advice from successful chemistry students about the study strategies, habits, and mindsets that helped them succeed in their chemistry coursework at Swat.
Publications
Maxwell, M. C., & Wiles, J. R. (2025). Stopgap to cyber savior: The impact of Peer-Led Team Learning toward mitigating barriers to STEM achievement. Bioscene: Journal of College Biology Teaching, 51(1), 37-45.
Coffey, M. Z., Jennings, D., Maxwell, M. C., & Wahl, S. (2025). Shared Student Hours: Where everyone belongs. College Teaching. DOI: 10.1080/87567555.2025.2477543
Maxwell, M. C., Maisva, T., & Wiles, J. R. (2023). Building confidence in scientific competence: Impacts of an introduction to primary literature course on undergraduate students’ science identity and interest in research. Bioscene: Journal of College Biology Teaching. 49(1): 3-14.
Maxwell, M. C., Wiles, J. R., Snyder, J., Dunk, R., Cannon, I. & Sloane, J. (2023). Peer-Led Team Learning in an undergraduate biology course: impacts on recruitment, retention, and imposter phenomenon. BMC Research Notes. 16, 73.
Maxwell, M. C., Snyder, J. J., Dunk, R. D. P., Sloane, J. D., Cannon, I., & Wiles, J. R. (2022). Peer-Led Team Learning in an Undergraduate Biology Course: Impacts on Recruitment, Retention, and Imposter Phenomenon. OpenICPSR. https://doi.org/10.3886/E174421V3
Maxwell, M. C., & Wiles, J. R. (2022). Cyber Peer-Led Team Learning (cPLTL) supports marginalized groups, including women, in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Bioscene.
Johnson, L. S., Maxwell, M. C., & Nash, S. (2019). What limits clutch size? A test of the incubation capacity hypothesis in a high-elevation passerine, the Mountain Bluebird. Journal of Field Ornithology. 0(0):1-8.
