This prof is genuinely interested in what she is teaching and enjoyable to learn from

She is a great instructor, and her class as a whole is enjoyable. Especially her dances. The tests are tough and require a lot of studying, but your performance depends on your study skills. She is more than willing to help you, but it is up to you to attend SI sessions and her Office Hours

Her test are hell but the rest of the classes are enjoyable and you learn a lot

I love Dr. Schonauer. She is such an awesome person in general, and she really does want everyone to do well. She gets very upset and takes it personally when her averages are low; just like any good teacher should. If you need help, she will sit down with you and teach you one on one. I LOVE HER. I received A's on every exam. EFFORT IS KEY.

Dr.S was by far my favorite professor this semester. She was always more than willing to work with me outside of class. When I had to miss class I talked to her ahead of time and she gave me all the notes. You'll have to read the book and the exams are hard but it's worth it.I learned far more than my friends wother professors. Take her class.

This professor is very helpful, but teaches a very difficult class so it can be frustrating to take her class. To be honest, memorizing the book is the most essential part of passing the class. If you need help or clarification, she is more than willing to help you until you understand the concept entirely. Tests are hard, STUDY.

Thought it'd be easy so I didnt take it seriously and failed the first test (thank god she drops the lowest exam). She seemed pretty scary but I went in for help and advice on passing and she turned out to be the most caring person ever. Ended up getting a 88% which I cant complain about. You HAVE to read the book and take notes to pass her tests

Melissa is a fantastic professor. Her lectures are informational and she tries to make it easy to understand. Your grade depends on the work you put into it, because she is a great professor, but you have to obtain the information and apply it yourself. Be sure to do the online reading quizzes and tutorials and you'll be fine.

BIO181 is pretty intense. The tests are gonna kill you if you don't study hard enough, so this is definitely not a class you can procrastinate with.

I learned everything from the SIs. Her lectures are scattered but if you study the pictures the book and go to SIs you should be fine. Many students fail her exams and complain just because they do not try. I recommend her because I found her test easy(after attending SIs and studying) and I have heard horror stories about the other professors.

Goes really fast during lecture, but her office hours are really helpful!

Dr. Schonauer is a good teacher that knows what she is talking about. The tests are a little difficult but if you read the book and come to class, you have a great chance of passing.

Dr. S is a super great professor. Her lectures can be confusing, but if you attend her office hours she is more than happy to help you and does a great job at clearing things up. Tests are not easy, but if you go to her office hours she will help you work through what she wants you to know. I would definitely recommend her!

She is amazing and willing to work with you. I am trying to be her TA in a few semesters it was that good. She made my passion for biology grow.

I wasn't a fan of Dr. S until I went to office hours one day. She tries to engage her students in lecture, but cellular bio is complex and can be frustrating. The tests are mainly textbook info, coming from someone who didn't like reading it. But she is SO helpful in office hours and I really loved her by the end of the class.

Dr. Schonauer is the best professor I've had so far! She is so passionate about the class and she is tough, but more than fair. BIO 181 is not a joke though, so make sure to attend class regularly. With that said, definitely sign up for her section- even if it doesn't really fit into your schedule.

I absolutely love Dr.S. She is so passionate about bio, she even named her dog mitochondria. Her lectures are very detailed and gives really good examples. She LOVES when people comes to office hours. She can be a little intimidating but really works hard to find what makes people successful and is really good at memorizing names.

Dr. Schonauer is AMAZING! She brings a lot of humor and enthusiasm to the class, and genuinely cares about her students. So long as you are willing to succeed, you will do well. Her office, TA, and SI hours are super helpful, and she really appreciates students who put in lots of effort. Be sure to read the book before class and pay attention.

Dr. S is a really caring and intelligent professor. She really wants to help her students succeed and does everything in her ability to clarify content. Her class is detailed and kind of hard, but study and read the book and an A is definitely possible. Go to her office hours for one on one help and she will help a ton and become more friendly!

This class can be easy if you put the time into it. Just read the required sections and study for the tests. The material can be kind of confusing, but she does a pretty good job at explaining it. She really cares about each student and their grade and is always encouraging office hours and SI sessions (which are extremely helpful).

Dr. Schonauer was a great professor. Make sure to go to her office hours and get help when you need it and you will do great. Don't miss assignments and study for the tests!

Dr. S is understanding and if you make the effort to communicate any of your concerns, she is more than willing to help you and wants you to succeed. Dr. S is upbeat and wants to help you understand the material during office hours (or through an appointment). It was also helpful that she wrote the notes with you in lecture.

She's an amazing person and is willing to help you in anyway she can. One thing that you should be aware of is that if you skip class you won't pass. Her tests are heavy on what she goes over in her lecture and go to her office hours, honestly she is very helpful. If you have a chance to take her, do it.

Dr. Schonauer is an amazing professor. She is very lecture heavy however, she covers everything that is on the tests in class. She is very helpful with questions and will work with you until you understand the concept.

She is my absolute favorite teacher ever! She's very clear in her lectures and genuinely cares about if the students are learning. I would take classes by her every semester if I could.

She is willing to help anyone out in her office hours and is determined to guide you to an understanding of the subject. Her lectures are very important to go to because she leaves a lot of important stuff off of the power points. Overall she is a great teacher.

She is crazy and bio is hard but she definitely makes class entertaining and makes sure her students understand the material. Her office hours are very helpful. She can be blunt but it's all in the interest of getting us to learn and understand.

She is great. Took her this past Fall semester. The class is hard in itself but overall shes great at explaining the concept definetly recommend her. Go to her office hours and SI sessions help alot. Study the materials she talks about in class cause you will see it on exams and dont be afraid to ask questions.

Dr. S was incredibly helpful and readily made herself available as much as possible. She can be intimidating at first but only because she cares so much about her students and genuinely wants you to do well. You definitely need to show up to class if you want to be successful. I don't think i would have done well in 181 if I didn't have Dr. S.

Dr. S is by far the best teacher I've ever had. She is a nut and is so passionate about science, which makes lectures so much more interesting. She encourages you to go to office hours even if you don't have questions, she just wants to meet you. She genuinely cares about every student, she can be intimidating and blunt but she is the best.

Dr. S is awesome! She is typically an honors professor, but I believe she teaches normal classes as well. Her classes are difficult, but she is so passionate about what she teaches, and you can really see that in her lectures. She is always available to email or meet with outside of class time and office hours.

Dr. S is honestly a wonderful teacher. She cares about her students immensely and wants everyone to succeed. She won't just hand you a grade though. She really makes you work for it. I recommend going into her office hours with questions because it really makes a difference for your final grade.

If you ace the Pre and Post quizzes, do all her worksheets, and show up to every lecture, you should be able to get at least a C. The tests are difficult, but if you ace everything else, youll pass. Shes kind of judgemental in office hours (especially if you dont go after the very first test), but she does give feedback. Just pay attention.

Dr. S truly cares about the success of her students. If you put in the effort to succeed, she will put in the effort to help you in any way she can. She grades hard, so be ready to work. Every comment is worthwhile. She is hilarious in and out of class and is very real and friendly with her students.

This is a review for her HON 190 class. Professor Schonauer genuinely cares about her students and wants them to succeed, but she is not just going to hand you an A. If you want an easy 190 professor, she is not the professor for you. But if you want a professor who will make you a better writer and point out your flaws, she's perfect!

Dr. Schonauer is a wonderful professor. This is not an easy A class, but will really help your writing skills for the future. It is obvious that she cares about her students and wants to see you improve. She is funny and personable and overall a great professor!

Dr. Schonauer is the best professor you will ever have hands down. She is funny & cares about her students. This course is designed to be more difficult, but she explains everything so well and will spend extra time out of class making sure you understand the material. She pushes you to do your best which sets you up for success is later courses.

Dr. Schonauer creates true connections with her students and cares a lot. While this class is a LOT of work, you can definitely get a lot out of it if you commit to giving 110% effort and trusting the process. Please go to the Writing Center!!! They can help SO much! If you have a problem/concern, just talk to Dr. S. She is very understanding.

Dr. Melissa Schönauer is one of the most amazing and helpful professors that I have ever had, and will probably be the best by the time I have finished my education.

Absolutely love her! She has a wonderful personality and she truly cares for her students. She is willing to help you whenever you need. The class was interesting and enlightening. I am so glad I chose to take her course. I would recommend everyone to take this course. She is such an amazing person!

Dr. Schonauer is the definition of amazing. She knows what she's talking about in terms of material and she genuinely cares about her students. While she can be a bit intimidating at first, make an effort to get to know her because she will reciprocate the attempt! Honestly the best professor I've ever had and probably will ever have.

Dr. S is an amazing professor!! Her lectures for microbiology were so interesting and her tests were very clear and easy to do well on if you took good notes! I loved her class!

Dr. Schonauer was hilarious! She made her very difficult class a little more fun to attend. Her exams are hard so do her "study guides." If you are in honors and have to take bio, take her honors bio class!

Dr. S is one of the best science professors I have had at my time at NAU. I took this course as a junior and she is very clear and concise in her lectures, asks probing questions, and I believe her tests are fair. You will need to use the textbook to familiarize yourself with material but thats normal for this course. Work for it and you'll be fine

Schonauer is so sweet and is always in the student's best interest.

She does her job really well. Her class is hard and a lot of work but as long as you read, communicate, and go to office hours if you are struggling, she will help you. Because of covid, the semester was shortened so she made videos for us to watch (along with lectures) to make sure we understood the material. She cares a lot! Amazing professor.

I had Dr. S last fall for Bio181H and she was wonderfully passionate about biology. If you do the notes and ask questions when needed (use office hours/study guides/take advantage of test review), you'll do great. She remembers all her students and I'm in her HON 393 (Biology of Cancer) course now. It's a relaxed seminar style course about cancer.

A challenging course, but very well worth the time and effort. My writing was very weak going into this class, but by the end of semester I was awarded with the best paper award. I encourage you to go to office hours!

This is my absolute favorite teacher Ive ever had at NAU. I couldnt have enjoyed this class more. Theres quite a bit of work; however, it truly helps you prepare for the tests. I cant wait to take another class with her again!

Her door is always open for conversation. Get ready to participate, always come prepared for class, arrive on time! She cares a lot about her students and their grades, always has meaningful feedback on papers.

I was intimidated before taking her class, but I realized that Dr. S is an amazing professor. She's kind, caring, and really wants to get to know you. Yes, she can be a tough grader, but it's because she's teaching you how to write well! My writing has gotten better and I've gotten valuable presentation experience in her class. Definitely worth it!

Dr. Schonauer is a great professor. She can be intimidating, but she truly cares a lot for her students to do well in her class. Coming from someone who hates discussion, and never engages in conversation, as long as you do the homework and come to class, and truly care to learn, you'll be good in the class. Schonauer is always willing to help.

She is a great professor. The tests are hard and you really have to study but as long as you do that the class isn't too difficult. Making the effort to connect with her will also go a really long way. She is caring and extremely passionate. I also feel like I learned so much from her class.

Dr. S is by far the best professor I've had. 99% of class is working through pre-made lectures (which are available at the end of each week). She goes through material fast but does so in order to emphasize the processes needed to know for tests and homework assignments (which take a long time). Tests ARE difficult yet can be manageable.

My all time favorite professor, I have had her three times for three different honors classes. She truly cares about each individual in her class and does her best to gain respect from her students. She wants everyone to succeed, but of course that means putting in the work. Do the work! She knows if you do not. But she is truly the best!!

Some of the negative ratings on this site mainly mention how her classes aren't easy. This is true, so if you are looking for an easy A then don't take her classes. But you would miss out! She is a fantastic teacher. She is passionate about her content and she cares deeply for her students. She will go the extra mile to help you if you need/ask!

Engaging discussions, interesting assignments/lectures, and lots of critical thinking! I normally despise reading books for class, but I read all three of our class books in full for HON393. Dr. Schonauer gives honest feedback on assignments and is very passionate about science. This was by far my favorite class this semester

Dr. S is highly passionate about her classes and deeply cares about her students! I have had the privilege of taking multiple classes from Dr. S so far during my undergraduate career. I especially enjoyed her seminar classes as she provides you with meaningful feedback on your papers and great opportunities such as the UGRAD/Honors symposium.

Dr. Schonauer is such an amazing and understanding professor. Hon393 has fun interesting discussions. There are no exams so no need to stress. You can fully enjoy and engage in the discussions and she gives really good honest feed back on everything.

Dr. Schonauer will always be my favorite professor at NAU. This course completely changed my perspective on stress and the body. She gives you a hard time from time to time but its because she truly wants you to succeed. Im glad I was able to take some of her courses.

Favorite Professor and class I have taken at NAU. Cares about her students and tries to make the class interesting for everyone.

Dr. Schonauer was the best professor I have taken at NAU so far! I really learned a lot and even though it was a challenging class, her lectures are some of the best, and if you pay attention and put in the effort, it's very easy to do well in the class! She loves what she teaches and really respects her students. Would highly recommend her classes

Lecture-heavy, with lots of assignments, 4 exams total, and a group project. Her lectures are amazing but the tests are about application NOT information. You need to be able to know every small detail and the big picture of every unit to do well on tests. The average for tests was in the 70s but one test is dropped at the end of the semester.

Great class, a decent amount of out-of-class work, 4 exams and 1 group project. For the love of everything don't fall asleep in class, it's not worth it. She keeps it interesting and challenges you to give your best every day. Don't hesitate to go to office hours, I learned more there than in lecture.

I can easily say this has been my favorite class. Professor Schonauer has a lot to do with my amazing overall experience. She is incredible. Her lectures are captivating, and inspirational. Not only is she highly intelligent and knowledgable of the subject, biology of cancer, but she makes the content understandable for any major.

The professor was amazing and very understanding. At the beginning I was intimidated because Dr. S is a very knowledgeable professor, but with time I admired and felt inspired by her. Very clear grading guidelines as a first year course. Learned important study skills, which I still use today. Loved her class and hope more students take it!

Dr. Schonauer is a really good professor who makes sure that you understand the material. Her classes allow you to have more freedom on topics. Unlike other professors, she does not give specific rubrics for assignments, which I like. With a Capstone class, you should have set personal standards and knowledge on how to complete an essay/project.

This class was Biology of Cancer, which I loved and truly enjoyed. Dr. S made it a really fun class in which I learned more than I have in any other class. Even though I was nervous about presenting at the symposium, she was really reassuring and helped us to create a good final product. Be prepared to read a lot and do a lot of research!

Dr. S exceeds my expectations as a professor. She holds her students to expectations that align with the material presented as a 3rd year course. The class can be challenging if students are not engaged and open to work without many guidelines. But, if you are struggling she is willing to help you. Dr. S is always trying her best for her students!

I took my capstone with Dr. S and it was an amazing experience that pushed me to become a more independent college student. Very helpful and accessible at all times. While some people think she comes off as "condescending", she just holds her students up to expectations, such as putting in the work to learn and earn the credits. Best professor!

Dr.Schonauer is a tough grader, she wants you to dig deep in your thoughts. It is frustrating at first, but then I realized that she was doing it to benefit us. Dr.S spends a lot of time grading things, so you have the best feedback possible. She is always available for meetings if you email her, and she will sit down with you to discuss content.

The class was easy and interesting. I like the hybrid format but I wish some of the online lecture videos were shorter because it ended up being more lecture time than if we were in person. Dr. S was very kind to us and was willing to listen to our feedback. I truly learned so much. My only complaint is that she made us do class on snow days.

Dr. Schonauer's classes were the most worthwhile courses I took at NAU. Her courses are the perfect opportunity if you are ready to work hard and have a positive attitude. With an open mind, she will make a meaningful impact on your life and education.

Dr.S is a great professor! She can definitely go off on tangents at times, but you will learn a lot. If you have an attitude, this course isn't for you. Dr.S keeps things real and won't tolerate students being disrespectful. Be patient and kind and she will do the same. Best advice is to go to class, participate, and chat with her after class!

She is absolutely amazing. She makes sure that her students understand and she goes very into depth in lectures. Her tests are application based, but 50 questions all multiple choice. Her tests are online in the classroom. This is a hard class but 100% worth it to help you later on in your major. Utilize her office hours and READ THE SYLLABUS.

This class has a lot of reading and assignments. Dr. S is an excellent teacher, she has in-depth lectures, a lot of homework, provides office hours, and her TA's hold practice sessions. This class was very hard for me but I am glad that I had Dr. S because she has very clear expectations and treats all of her students with respect.

Took her BIO 181H class as a freshman and was not impressed ( but that was my own fault). After taking her BIO of Cancer course, I can confidently say she is one of the most caring and personable professors I have ever had. She definitely shoots for your understanding more than your grades and often will give you the opportunity to do better.

You can tell she knows what she is talking about and takes the time to try to get to know her students beyond their names. Grades fairly and drops lowest items in all grading categories including exams. Phone policy can be a bit excessive for college students as it applies to before class starts as well.

Dr. S is an amazing professor and overall person! BIO181H was a tough class during the semester, but it was honestly SO worth it in the end. She is very adamant on her students truly understanding the material, taking concepts, and applying them to real situations. Her exams are pretty tough, but her office hours help so much. 100% worth it!!

She really is an amazing teacher, goes out of the order of the book to teach us better, and really cares about our understanding. I really recommend taking this class, it's very hard don't get me wrong, but the class setting (about 30 kids) compared to regular lectures is so much better for learning. Your gonna love or hate her, she's very intense.

I absolutely loved Dr S she was an amazing teacher that actually made me want to learn. THE SYLLABUS IS EVERYTHING, everything you need to know or want to know is all in the syllabus. You HAVE to read the textbook to prepare for class. It was a hard class considering I'm a freshman, but I wouldn't have wanted to take it with anyone else.

Amazing professor who wants you to succeed but very hard course. Go to ALL of her office hours and study with friends! Loved the way she taught, I have never learned so much in a class before.

Dr. Schonauer tends to interrupt student discussions and presentations to go on a tangent, which can get a little frustrating. She'll also make you stop taking notes and close your laptop so that you can take in her wisdom. That said, she is passionate about her curriculum! This class was so interesting, which made the interruptions tolerable.

Tough but rewarding class with Dr. S. She really pushes students to deeply understand the material. Utilize office hours and tools like Unstuck ai to excel. Challenging exams, but fair grading and a great learning experience overall.

She is a great professor and person overall but this class is challenging. HOWEVER, you WILL learn a lot! Compared to other students who did not take her class, I feel extremely ahead. Tests are pretty difficult and you will need to spend a lot of time outside of class preparing for them. Overall, it is worth it but be ready to study!!

I felt it was appropriate for an honors course. The professor is very smart and really wants you to succeed, but her way of teaching is through tough love. Honestly, I would be a little scared to go into her office hours if I'm completely lost.

This class has no textbook, so all the lectures come from her and her resources. Her tests are hard to study for, and the grade is not given until transcripts come out. The class is only once a week to discuss the online lecture through a worksheet. I would say in-class time is the easiest part of this class because there is a lot of outside work.

She expects a lot of her students, so get ready to work, but she really cares about her students. She is lenient with due dates as long as you don't take advantage. Talk to her, pay attention, and put actual effort into writing. She is a great teacher, if you develop a good relationship with her and understand her personality.

Overall great experience, she makes the classroom environment very comfortable and teaches very well. She definitely will ask open questions to the students and will not move forward unless answered. She will know everyone's names and care for them if they are respectful and do the work.