MCB Leaders

Name: Justus Omowumi - President
Preferred Pronouns: He/him/his
Year in School: Senior
Major: Neuroscience
Minor: Chemistry
Hobbies/Activities: I enjoy playing soccer, reading books, hanging out with friends, and playing video games.
Favorite Place to Study: I love studying at the Main Library! It's so quiet and seeing other people engrossed in their work helps me lock in too.
Favorite Restaurant in Champaign/Urbana: I love eating at Raising Canes on Green St. with my friends.
Why you chose the U of I: I chose UIUC because it had one of the top pre-med programs in the state, and I wanted to be challenged. When I first visited the campus, I fell in love with how lively it was. There was so much to do at UIUC, and I loved the idea of exploring and being involved with everything possible. Also, UIUC is the perfect distance from home. It's far enough from home that my parents can't sneak up on me, but close enough for me to go home whenever I want!
Favorite things about SMCB: My favorite thing about being a neuroscience major is getting to delve into the world of chemistry, physics, and biology. So far, I've gained a significant increase in knowledge and appreciation for science. In addition, meeting fellow neuroscience majors with the same goals as me is refreshing, as it keeps me grounded and reassured that I'm in the right place.

Name: Gabby Nathan - Vice President
Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Year in School: Senior
Major: MCB Honors Concentration
Hobbies/Activities: On campus, I am in the RSO the Illini Medical Screening Society, work as undergraduate researcher in Perez labs, and as an EMT at school events through IEMS. In my free time I play bass for a band I am in with my friends who I also run a live music venue with! I also love to draw and paint.
Favorite Place to Study: My favorite place to study on campus has to be the main library scholarly commons!
Favorite Restaurant in Champaign/Urbana: My favorite restaurant on campus has to be The Bread Company!
Why you chose the U of I: I chose UIUC because of all of the opportunities it offers as a premed student. I loved that once I found my niche at such a big school, I could really take advantage and grow in my interests. The emphasis on community was also a huge draw to me as I am always happy to make new friends. :)
Favorite things about SMCB: My absolute favorite thing about being an MCB major has to be the people. The MCB community is so incredibly supportive and I absolutely love that everyone is so eager to help others. I also love that this major is preparing me for the career of my dreams!

Name: Iman Mohajir - Secretary
Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Year in School: Senior
Major: MCB 
Minors: Spanish & Public Health
Hobbies/Activities: On campus I am a part of the American Medical Women's Association and Positive Premeds. I am also a volunteer for Avicenna and am involved in undergraduate research in Dr. Supriya Prasanth's lab where I study the role of the Orc6 protein in DNA replication and the DNA damage response. Off campus, I am a Healthcare Tech at OSF. During my free time, I like to spend time with friends, bake, crochet, and read!
Favorite Place to Study: Main Library
Favorite Restaurant in Champaign/Urbana: Poke Lab or Bangkok Thai
Why you chose the U of I: I loved how many opportunities there were for students to get involved in research, RSOs, and so much more. Being at such a large school, you meet so many different people. There's an amazing community here of people who are here to support you and help you however you need.
Favorite things about SMCB: I love how applicable and interesting the classes are! There are so many different course offerings that allow you to really personalize your studies and apply it to your future career goals. There are also so many opportunities to get valuable research experience.

Name: Erin Davy - Treasurer
Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Year in School: Senior
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Chemistry
Hobbies/Activities: On campus, I am actively involved in various capacities. As a member of Alpha Chi Sigma, a professional chemistry fraternity, and part of the LAS Global Leaders Program, I thrive in both academic and leadership roles. At the Sweedler lab, I contribute as an undergraduate research assistant, specializing in mass spectrometry experiments for protein analysis. Outside the lab, I stay active through intramural soccer and volleyball, and I enjoy exploring the Champaign area.
Favorite Place to Study: I work well in busy areas, so I love to study in the Union. Espresso Royale is also one of my favorite places to go since I always drink coffee while I work.
Favorite Restaurant in Champaign/Urbana: On campus my favorite is Mia Za’s but in downtown Champaign Big Grove Tavern is also a great pick.
Why you chose the U of I: My decision to attend Illinois was solidified during my campus tour. The vibrant atmosphere of the quad, with students engaged in activities like hammocking and games, resonated with me. On the tour I was also captivated by the opportunities for undergraduate research, which aligned perfectly with my aspirations. The school spirit and sense of community sealed the deal, and I knew I wanted to be a part of this exceptional university!
Favorite things about SMCB: I appreciate the diversity of career goals within the School of MCB. It’s inspiring to learn alongside peers who share my passion for science but have unique aspirations. The dedication and enthusiasm of the professors enhance my learning experiences and expand my fascination with human biology and the way it creates how we live today. It is clear to me that all the MCB professors love what they do and enjoy teaching it as well.

Name: Diya Shah - Membership
Preferred Pronouns: She, her, hers
Year in School: Senior
Major: MCB
Minor: Public Health
Hobbies/Activities: On campus, I'm the media chair of a pre-health fraternity Alpha Epsilon Delta, a member of the Illini Medical Screening Society, and a volunteer with Avicenna. I also am a research assistant at the Nutrition and Human Microbiome Lab. In my free time, I enjoy cooking and reading. 
Favorite Place to Study: CIF 3^rd Floor
Favorite Restaurant in Champaign/Urbana: On campus, Shawarma Joint,  but off campus, Himalayan Chimney.
Why you chose the U of I: I chose U of I because it's a large school that offers countless opportunities for involvement in RSOs, research, and professional development. Even with its size, I knew I'd be able to find my community- and I certainly have. I always say you can make a big school small by finding your community, but you can't make a small school big. That's certainly true for U of I.
Favorite things about SMCB: What I love most about Molecular and Cellular Biology is how it explains the "whys" of daily human life. Everything we learn in our classes has real-world applications, making it both fascinating and relevant. I also really appreciate how collaborative the MCB program is—everyone is so passionate about helping and teaching each other, which creates a supportive and motivating environment.

Name: Krisha Agarwal
Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Year in School: Senior
Major: MCB Honors Concentration
Minor: Informatics
Hobbies/Activities: On campus I am part of the Brain Matters Neuroscience Journal and the American Medical Women's Association. I am also volunteer at Crisis Nursery and undergraduate researcher at Dr. Prasanth V. Kannanganattu's Lab where I study the role of nuclear speckle proteins in gene organisation in breast cancer cells. In my free time, I like spending time with friends, reading, crocheting, and going for runs!
Favorite Place to Study: I love studying at cafes such as Cafe Bene or Yummy Future!
Favorite Restaurant in Champaign/Urbana: Forage Kitchen
Why you chose the U of I: UIUC has a strong STEM program and great opportunities for undergraduate research, which aligns with my career goals. It also has amazing extracurricular activities through RSOs and university events, making it easier to meet new people and build a supportive community
Favorite things about SMCB: I love diverse classes, offering a taste of various biological fields and allowing me to connect the knowledge from textbooks to its applications in the real world. I also appreciate the collaborative environment and the support I receive from advisors and fellow students!

Name: Emma Borrowman
Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Year in School: Senior
Majors: MCB Honors Concentration
Hobbies/Activities: On campus, I am the founder and president of Sharing Smiles with Hospice Patients, a student organization that supports hospice volunteers, patients, and their families. I also lead the Legacy Reporting provided by Web Services at Public Affairs | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Page 13Video Project, where I guide a team of students in recording meaningful video interviews for hospice patients to leave for their loved ones. Additionally, I am involved in neuroscience research in the Sweeney Lab. Outside of academics, I enjoy staying active through pickleball, volleyball, and working out. One of my favorite hobbies is baking and cooking with my roommates.
Favorite Place to Study: Any empty classroom.
Favorite Restaurant in Champaign/Urbana: Culver's
Why you chose the U of I: I chose UIUC because I wanted to stay close to home.
Favorite things about SMCB: Something I love about being an MCB major is that I have never met a professor who was unwilling to help me when I was having a hard time in their class. It means a lot to know that you are always welcome to reach out. I owe my academic success to our awesome instructors.

Name: Ella Buchanan
Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Year in School: Senior
Major: MCB Honors Concentration
Minor: Spanish
Hobbies/Activities: On campus I am a member of Illini Medical Screening Society, MEDLIFE, and a social sorority. I am also a research assistant for a microbiology lab. In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends, going on walks, and listening to music.
Favorite Place to Study: CIF
Favorite Restaurant in Champaign/Urbana: Mia Za's
Why you chose the U of I: I chose UIUC because it has so many opportunities for pre-med biology students that make the college experience more enriching. There are a large number of RSOs that cover all different interests, so there is something here for everyone! I also loved the idea of going to a large school with a great sense of community and school spirit.
Favorite things about SMCB: I love that the MCB classes always include the real-world applications to what is being taught. There are so many opportunities to explore your specific interests through different courses and research labs. MCB has been an incredibly supportive community, everyone is always willing to help out.

Name: Maher Fatima
Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Year in School: Senior
Major: MCB Honors Concentration
Minors: Chemistry & Spanish
Hobbies/Activities: Reading, crocheting, baking
Favorite Place to Study: Funk Library
Favorite Restaurant in Champaign/Urbana: Oozu Ramen
Why you chose the U of I: I chose UIUC because I wanted a place where curiosity and exploration were encouraged, especially in molecular biology. The opportunities to get involved in research early on and learn directly from professors doing impactful work really drew me in. Beyond academics, I felt that UIUC had a supportive and welcoming community where I could grow, connect with others, and push myself to try new things.
Favorite things about SMCB: My favorite part about being an MCB major is the strong sense of community. Everyone is so supportive, whether it’s classmates helping each other succeed or professors who genuinely want you to learn and grow. I also really appreciate how the classes are organized in a way that builds on each other, making it easier to connect concepts and feel prepared as you move forward through the curriculum.

Name: Isabella Igbo
Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Year in School: Junior
Major: Neuroscience
Minor: Psychology
Hobbies/Activities: I like to do anything that is involved with music; I like to roller skate (rhythm skating) and I recently started to ice skate more often. I can play the clarinet and the bassoon, I've copmposed music in the past, and I like distinguishing different rhythms in the variety of songs I listen to. I've volunteered at the Carle Foundation Hospital in multiple departments and am currently a student leader for the Curtis and Windsor clinics this school year.
Favorite Place to Study: Funk ACES Library
Favorite Restaurant in Champaign/Urbana: bb.q Chicken
Why you chose the U of I: I chose UIUC for its familiar environment, allowing me to stay close to home, attend the same school as many of my friends and family, and explore several opportunities that develop my academic/professional career.
Favorite things about SMCB: I loved the versatility of the classes I could take. The general biology courses really do cultivate your interests in more specific upper-level classes; I appreciated how the professors suggested these courses if we showed interest in certain topics we learned. It's nice to learn that they're also teaching those courses.

Name: Qaasim Jatoi
Preferred Pronouns: He/him/his
Year in School: Senior
Major: MCB Honors Concentration
Minor: Chemistry
Hobbies/Activities: Lifting weights, playing basketball, skateboarding, playing Super Smash Bros, and reading the news
Favorite Place to Study: Grainger Engineering Library
Favorite Restaurant in Champaign/Urbana: Shawarma Joint
Why you chose the U of I: I chose UIUC for a few reasons. 1.) I am from central Illinois, and attending UIUC allows me to remain close to my family 2.) UIUC is a world-class research institution and one of the best public universities in the world — attending school here has allowed me to pursue diverse opportunities in preparation for my future, while simultaneously meeting lifelong friends. 
Favorite things about SMCB: I really appreciate the vast selection of upper level MCB courses available, which allows me to study any topic my heart desires. The advisors and faculty are very helpful and work tirelessly to make sure their students succeed in whatever avenues they seek. The MCB major curriculum is also excellent preparation for professional-level entrance exams like the MCAT and DAT.

Name: Rob Kemp
Preferred Pronouns: He/him/his
Year in School: Junior
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Chemistry
Hobbies/Activities: On campus, I'm an undergraduate researcher in the Schuler lab where we purify and analyze proteins involved in biosynthesis of an anti-cancer molecule. I also serve as president of Sigma Nu, a social fraternity. Outside of school I enjoy fishing, reading, morning exercise, and watching football.
Favorite Place to Study: FUNK Aces Library
Favorite Restaurant in Champaign/Urbana: Definitely Chili's.
Why you chose the U of I: I chose UIUC because I was looking for a balance between competitive academics and a fun experience. This school delivers an excellent STEM education, and there are seemingly endless opportunities for involvement in extracurricular activities. At the same time, student life is vibrant, and at a school this big you're almost certainly going to find great people who share your interests.
Favorite things about SMCB: My favorite thing about being an SMCB major is learning about the connections between stuff we learn in class and the real world. Professors like to teach about the interesting experiments which have led to our current understanding of molecular and cellular biology, and how this is reflected in fields like medicine and pharmacology. Another thing I enjoy about SMCB is the fantastic advising team.

Name: Jonathan Nguyen
Preferred Pronouns: He/him/his
Year in School: Senior
Major: MCB Honors Concentration
Minors: Chemistry & Psychology
Hobbies/Activities: Playing piano, volunteering, watching movies/shows, throwing football on the Main Quad
Favorite Place to Study: Grainger Library
Favorite Restaurant in Champaign/Urbana: Shawarma Joint
Why you chose the U of I: I chose UIUC for the top tier academics, countless opportunities for personal growth and exploration, friendly community, and proximity to my hometown.
Favorite things about SMCB: As a SMCB major on the premed track, I see a lot of familiar faces in my major-required classes who share my same goal to become a physician. This has allowed me to form strong bonds with classmates, some whom I’ve known since freshmen year, and grow alongside them.

Name: Shivam Patel
Preferred Pronouns: He/him/his
Year in School: Senior
Major: MCB
Minor: Chemistry
Hobbies/Activities: On campus, I am currently a research assistant in the Nutrition and Human Microbiome Laboratory. I am also a LAS James Scholar Peer mentor and volunteer at Carle Foundation Hospital in the Pediatrics Department. In my free time, I love to play basketball or go workout at the ARC. I also enjoy spending time with friends and visiting different places on campus.
Favorite Place to Study: Grainger Library
Favorite Restaurant in Champaign/Urbana: Sooie Bros
Why you chose the U of I: I chose UIUC because of the extensive amount of opportunities that it had to offer when it came to academics and professional experiences. On top of this, UIUC has a great social scene with students attending from all over the world. It truly is a very welcoming environment.
Favorite things about SMCB: One of my favorite things about MCB is how any class that you end up taking can be applied to your real life. Whether the class is teaching you about cells or informing you more on cancer, you can always apply the knowledge you learn to your real life. I think that this makes MCB very beneficial as it teaches you about many important health-related events that occur in our on-going lives.

Name: Vraj Patel
Preferred Pronouns: He/him/his
Year in School: Junior
Major: Neuroscience
Minors: Chemistry & Psychology
Hobbies/Activities: I am an undergraduate researcher in the Sweeney Lab, studying the brain as it relates to feeding circuitry and behavior. I am also a Course Assistant for STAT 200, Treasurer for the RSO Brain Matters, a volunteer with Avicenna Community Health Center, and an LAS Honors peer mentor. In my free time, I like to watch movies and TV, hang out with my friends, and explore new places on campus!
Favorite Place to Study: Funk ACES Library
Favorite Restaurant in Champaign/Urbana: On-campus, Shawarma Joint. Off-campus, Thara Thai.
Why you chose the U of I: I chose UIUC because of the variety of opportunities here. On top of the excellent courses, we have the chance to be involved in so many other aspects of college, such as research, student organizations, and social groups. I also love the large but walkable campus and the constant opportunities to meet new people. Another bonus is that I’m still in my hometown!
Favorite things about SMCB: As a neuroscience major, I love the opportunity we have to explore whatever it is that interests us about this vast field. The major combines multiple disciplines, and the courses we take explore the topics of neuroscience from these various angles, making the material more engaging. With the School of MCB, I enjoy the community we have of students in similar but distinct majors, getting to learn about each other’s fields and interests.

Name: Alexia Roeva
Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Year in School: Junior
Majors: MCB & Psychology
Minors: Chemistry & Adult Development
Hobbies/Activities: On campus, I am the president of my Pre-Health Fraternity Phi Chi. I am also an undergraduate research assistant in the Grosman Lab and a Chemistry 105 TA. I am really passionate about diversity and inclusion. I serve as the director of inclusion of my Panhellenic sorority and a DEI committee head of Society of Women in Public Affairs, a professional women’s organization. In my free time I enjoy running, listening to music, and going to coffee shops.
Favorite Place to Study: Grainger Library and CIF
Favorite Restaurant in Champaign/Urbana: Bangkok Thai
Why you chose the U of I: Going into college, I was looking for a big school with a vibrant campus town. When I visited UIUC, I fell in love with how welcoming and diverse the campus was. I loved the broad range of opportunities available and the community of people that made up campus. There are so many ways to get involved, meet new people, and grow as a person.
Favorite things about SMCB: I love the diverse range of classes that are offered! They give you the opportunity to both find and explore your interests. I also really enjoy the specificity of the classes. It is very interesting to learn about how systems and processes so small can have such a big impact on life. I have always been curious about how things work and being a part of the SMCB allows me to explore this in a way that applies to my future.

Name: Sara Severin
Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Year in School: Junior
Major: MCB 
Hobbies/Activities: On campus, I am a part of Letters of Love which is an RSO that makes cards for children in the hospital. We have themed meetings ranging from holiday cards to character cards! I volunteer at Carle Hospital as well. In my free time, I also enjoy going on walks, watching tv/movies, listening to music, and reading!
Favorite Place to Study: Main Library
Favorite Restaurant in Champaign/Urbana: Mia Za's
Why you chose the U of I: I chose UIUC because I truly feel that there is something for everyone to get involved in on campus. There are a wide variety of RSOs that cater to interests in sports, language, volunteering, mental health, and much more. With UIUC, you have the ability to make the campus as big or as small as you want to. This school is also prestigious in itself and has outstanding academics along with school pride. Everyone here is proud to wear the colors orange and blue!
Favorite things about SMCB: There many things that I enjoy about the SMCB major. For one, I feel that the content I am learning in class is very interesting and seeing it relate to the bigger picture of the human body is fascinating. Also, as classes become more specified, the community becomes tighter-knit. You start to see familiar, friendly faces in classes and the SMCB building. I love the MCB learning center because it is a great place to study as well, and the SMCB advisors are so kind and helpful.

Name: James Song
Preferred Pronouns: He/him/his
Year in School: Senior
Majors: Neuroscience
Minor: Psychology
Hobbies/Activities: Guitar, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, and Cooking
Favorite Place to Study: Grainger Library
Favorite Restaurant in Champaign/Urbana: Northern Cuisine
Why you chose the U of I: UIUC offers amazing opportunities for students within a large campus, while also being conveniently close to home for those living in Illinois.
Favorite things about SMCB: As a neuroscience major, I get to learn about the latest discoveries in science!

Name: Emily Vo
Preferred Pronouns: She/her/hers
Year in School: Junior
Majors: MCB Honors Concentration
Minor: Chemistry
Hobbies/Activities: On campus, I’m the Co-Academic Chair for the pre-health fraternity Alpha Epsilon Delta and a volunteer with Crisis Nursery and REACT. Along with that, I conduct research on extracellular vesicles in Dr. Bagchi’s lab. In my free time, I like to go on walks, read, and play board games with friends.
Favorite Place to Study: Chemistry Library
Favorite Restaurant in Champaign/Urbana: Pho Noodle Station
Why you chose the U of I: I chose UIUC because I wanted to be part of a school that values student engagement. The university’s research opportunities, diverse campus community, and variety of student resources made it feel like the perfect place to grow academically and personally. On top of that, I loved the idea of a large campus with a strong sense of community, and being close to home sealed the deal!
Favorite things about SMCB: One of my favorite things about being an MCB major is the close-knit community I’ve found through the honors concentration, which has made such a large campus feel more connected. I also enjoy the flexibility to choose classes that align with my interests, and I find it interesting to see the reallife applications of what we learn in class.