MCB Advising Staff
MCB students are not assigned an advisor. You may choose to meet with any one or more of the advisors listed below. Please call (217) 333-6774 or stop by 127 Burrill Hall to set up an appointment with the advisor of your choice.
Tina Knox
tmknox@illinois.edu
252 Davenport Hall (enter through Chem Annex, go to 2nd floor and follow MCB signs to Davenport)
I grew up in a small rural town in central Illinois and experienced some challenges as I adjusted to the new environment as a college student at the University of Illinois. After changing my major a couple of times, I earned my bachelor's degree in biology in January 1992 and worked as a Research Specialist in Microbiology for the next 8 1/2 years, where I studied peptidase activity in Salmonella. In August 2000 I began working for MCB where I discovered my passion for working with students in science. I have coordinated multiple courses within the School and have been advising since October 2003. In 2006 I led a team of advisors and instructors in the restructuring and integration of MCB Advising into the MCB Instructional Program. After 4 long years of evening courses, I finished my Ed. M. in Education Organization and Leadership with a Concentration in Higher Education in May 2008. I have a special interest in working with first-generation college students and helping transfer students with their transition to university. In my spare time I enjoy reading and traveling with my husband and daughter to dance competitions.
Timothy Bowers
t-bowers@life.illinois.edu
127 Burrill Hall
I graduated from Butler University with a BS in Chemistry and was a member of Phi Delta Theta. I received a master's degree in Physical Chemistry from the U of I studying under Professors Linn Belford and Robert Clarkson. My research focused on magnetic resonance studies in various biological systems, primarily MRI contrast agents. I've been an advisor in biology since 2000 and have worked in various other capacities at the U of I since 1994. In addition to advising, I like to work on computer-related information for the advising office. I enjoy growing orchids and gardening, reading, studying Hawaiiana, and spending time with my family.
Jennifer Brandyberry
jhbrandy@life.illinois.edu
127 Burrill Hall
I graduated from the University of Illinois with a B.S. in microbiology in 1985. I moved to Los Angles where I worked in a research lab studying PMN response in urinary tract infections caused by E. coli. After spending several years at home with my children I returned to work as an assistant reference librarian at our public library. My family and I returned to the Midwest in 2000 and I returned to microbiology and biology by teaching these subjects at Parkland College. I earned a M.S. in adult education in 2005 and joined the MCB advising program in 2009. I love helping students find their life’s passion and to navigate the roads necessary to arrive there. I enjoy spending my free time doing yoga, reading, walking my dog, and being with my family.
Dr. Chester Brown
cmbrown3@life.illinois.edu
415B Natural History Building
I received my bachelor's degree in Bioengineering from the University of Illinois. After graduation, I spent a couple of years enjoying life outside of academia before returning to the University of Illinois where I earned my Ph.D. in Molecular and Integrative Physiology. My graduate research focused on studying the cellular mechanisms underlying the plasticity of the mammalian brain during development and how this is influenced and regulated by thyroid hormones. In 2006, I joined the MCB Instructional Program where I teach and coordinate the Introductory Human Physiology lecture and lab courses (MCB 103 and MCB 104) and advise students. I enjoy spending my free time with my wife and frequenting the local parks and family attractions with our kids.
Arif Fazel
afazel@illinois.edu
127 Burrill Hall
I graduated from the University of Tampa with a BS in Biology with a Molecular Concentration and a Minor in Chemistry. As an undergrad I was secretary of Tri-Beta, The National Biological Honor Society and served as assistant to the chemistry department lab coordinator. Soon after graduating I pursued my Master's in Molecular and Cellular Biology, which I recently received from Florida State University. My graduate research was on characterizing the interaction between the cellular Titin Kinase domain and a scaffolding protein known as Enigma. I worked as a teaching assistant for four years where I taught Biology 1 lab for freshman biology majors and lectured for Cell Structure/Function. In order to reach more of my students while teaching, I started a YouTube channel dedicated to Cell biology, which I continue to maintain. I have always enjoyed teaching and working with students in order to help them reach their academic goals and beyond. In my free time I enjoy weight lifting and traveling.
Dr. Jack Ikeda
jikeda@illinois.edu
383 Burrill Hall
I graduated from Santa Clara University with a BS in Biology, and then received an MA and PhD in Microbiology at the University of California in Davis. My main research interest is microbial pathogenesis, and I have studied pathogens such as Pasteurella, Tritrichomonas and Salmonella, that cause various animal and human diseases. I have worked in several research labs including those at UC San Diego Medical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Colorado State University, as well as here at the University of Illinois. I enjoy the academic environment and currently teach Microbiology and Molecular Genetics courses. I joined the MCB Advising Program in 2009 and hope to help students with their undergraduate planning. I like to travel to far away places, take photos, and listen to the Beatles.
Brad Mehrtens
mehrtens@illinois.edu
164 Burrill Hall
After finally choosing between biology and fine arts as an undergraduate, I received a BS in biology from Truman State University. My next major life decision drew me from a campus of 6,000 to the U of I community of over 40,000. It was here that I earned a MS in microbiology, and here I have remained. I spent 10 years developing computer-based instructional materials, building and maintaining course and departmental Web sites, and secretly wishing I could do some teaching. In 2002, my wish came true and I have been teaching MCB 150 ever since. I am especially interested in helping younger students acclimate to the college experience, and have maintained my interest in the fine arts since my own undergrad days. Chances are, you'll be able to find me acting on a theater stage somewhere in Champaign-Urbana at least a couple times a year.
Dr. Shawna Naidu
shawna@illinois.edu
175 Burrill
I have a background in scientific research in the field of plant biology. I received an undergraduate degree in biology from Washington University in St. Louis and earned a Master's and Ph.D. in plant biology from the University of Illinois. After completing my Ph.D., I continued to do research for several years. Most of my research has been in the area of plant response to global environmental changes, including increased ultraviolet-B radiation, elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations (responsible for global warming), ozone pollution, and cold stress. I've worked in the fields of ecology, physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. I also have experience teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Currently I am coordinating the MCB Honors program, teaching honors sections and advising students in MCB. I spend my free time with my husband, who received his medical degree from the U of I, and our four sons.
ADDITIONAL MCB ADVISING STAFF AVAILABLE AT SPECIFIED TIMES OR BY REQUEST
Peer Advisors are juniors and seniors majoring in MCB who are trained to help students with course planning. They are available on a walk-in basis in room 135 Burrill during each registration period. Watch our announcements for their posted hours.
The MCB Advising Program (MAP) is pleased to announce that we have recruited a number of additional staff members to serve as academic advisors during the busy registration period. These individuals are coordinators in the MCB Instructional Program, so they are well versed in courses and curricula, and we are thrilled to have their help as requests for appointments increase during registration.
Ancillary Advisors:
* Renee Alt
* Deb Bielser
* Elizabeth Good
* Nick Kirchner
* Melissa Reedy
* Alejandra Stenger
As always, you are welcome to request a specific advisor or simply schedule an appointment with the first available advisor. All of our appointments can be scheduled by calling 217-333-6774, or stopping by the Advising Office in 127 Burrill Hall.