The School of MCB offers incoming first-year students in biology, MCB, MCB + DS, biochemistry, and neuroscience the opportunity to be matched with a current student who will mentor them toward success. Our peer mentors are successful junior and senior students who are prepared to talk with you about career goals, research, campus activities/organizations, and general questions about navigating the campus.
*Please note: this mentorship is not intended to replace an academic advisor, but instead to provide you with a friendly, knowledgeable face on campus.
Interested in being matched with an undergraduate peer mentor for fall 2026? Fill out this application form by Wednesday, September 9, at 11:59 PM CT. Application responses will be used to help make an appropriate mentorship match. On the application, you may select MCB mentors of interest, and we'll do our best to match you with one of those choices. Please look over the mentor bios below before filling out the application form. Once a match is made, you will receive an email introducing you to your mentor and the two of you may begin scheduling meetings. We suggest meetings once or twice per month, but you are welcome to contact each other more frequently.
Meet the School of MCB Peer Mentors
Hello! My name is Emma DeBaene, and I am a junior studying MCB and Nutrition and Health with a minor in Business and a certification in Technology Commercialization. I am involved in healthcare consulting research with Dr. Narang as well as clinical trial design research with Dr. Ghosh under the Gies College of Business Healthcare Research Initiative Team. I have also worked as an athletic training aide for Illini Athletics and our Illini Women's soccer team. I have also had the amazing opportunitiy with being in both a social sorority and a professional fraternity here on campus. In my free time, I love endurance sports and watercoloring for my friends and family!
Hi everyone! My name is Vraj Patel and I am a junior majoring in Neuroscience on the pre-med track, with minors in Chemistry and Psychology. On campus, I am involved in undergraduate research in the Sweeney Lab, which studies the brain as it relates to feeding circuitry and behavior. I am also President of the RSO Brain Matters, an undergraduate neuroscience journal written, edited, and designed by students. I am also a Course Assistant for STAT 200 and CHEM 332, an outreach 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, cook and try new foods, and read. As a townie, I’ve basically grown up on campus, so feel free to ask me about things to do in CU or food recommendations! If you have any other questions about being an SMCB student, pre-health, or about transitioning into college, please reach out!
Hi everyone! I’m Miranda Moulis, a senior majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology on the Pre-PA track. I’m involved in a few different organizations on campus, including the Pre-PA Club and the GH Foundation, and I also work at Beckwith Residential Support Services. I’m currently preparing to apply to PA school this spring, so I’m happy to answer any questions about the pre-PA process or my experience as an MCB student. Outside of school, I love getting coffee, reading, going on walks, working out, and spending time with my friends. I know how overwhelming college can be, especially when you’re trying to balance classes, activities, and everything in between. I’m excited to be a peer mentor, and please feel free to reach out with any questions!
Hi! My name is Leah Rupp, I am a junior majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a minor in Chemistry. I am currently on the pre-med track and very involved with many different organizations on campus. I am an undergraduate research assistant in a Nutrition lab and a Chemistry 104 TA. Additionally, I serve as the treasurer of both Sudden Cardiac-Death Awareness Research Foundation (SCARF) and Brain Matters, an undergraduate neuroscience research journal. I am also actively involved in the MCB BEST Scholar Mentorship Program, and volunteer at the Food Assistance and Wellbeing Program. In my free time I like to read, hang out with friends, and watch basketball. I am very excited to be a part of the MCB Leaders this year and look forward to connecting with everyone! Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about campus life, academics, or professional development!
Hi! My name is Natalie Nusgart, and I am a senior majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Chemistry on the pre-med track. I am currently an undergraduate research assistant in the Ranoa Lab, where we work on developing immunotherapies for cancer. On campus, I am involved in Beta Psi Omega professional fraternity and CHARM, and I volunteer with Avicenna. I also work as a medical scribe at an ENT office here in Champaign. In my free time, I love spending time with friends, cooking, and reading. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Hi! My name is Kaylee, and I’m a junior studying MCB with minors in Psychology and Chemistry on the pre-med track. On campus, I’m involved in Phi Chi, a pre-health fraternity, Phi Sigma Rho, a sorority for STEM majors, and GEMS (Global Empowerment for Medical Support). I also volunteer with Crisis Text Line and Carle, and as a phlebotomist at CCCHC. During my free time, I love to run, read, play guitar, and draw! I understand how scary freshman year can be, especially since I transferred to UIUC halfway through my own freshman year. I want to help with questions about getting involved, academics, pre-med, or anything else you may be wondering about. Even if you just need some advice or someone to talk to, please reach out! I look forward to meeting everyone!
Hey! My name is Emily Vo, and I am a senior majoring in MCB Honors with a minor in Chemistry on the pre-dental track. On campus, I'm the Treasurer for the pre-health fraternity Alpha Epsilon Delta, a member of the pre-dental fraternity Delta Delta Sigma, and a volunteer for Crisis Nursery and REACT. I'm also an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Bagchi's lab where i study the role of extracellular vesicles in maternal-fetal communication during early pregnancy. In my free time, I like to go on long walks, read, embroider, and play board games with friends. If you have any questions about being pre-health, course planning, RSOs, or college life, feel free to reach out!
Hi, it's nice to meet you! My name is Sara Severin, and I am a senior majoring in MCB. After college, I plan to take a gap year to work as an EMT and then go to medical school to become a physician. On campus, I am the President for Letters of Love which is an RSO that makes cards for children in the hospital. I have also volunteered at Carle Hospital in the past. This past semester, I studied abroad in Pavia, Italy!!! In my free time, I love to solo travel, watch tv/movies, listen to Taylor Swift, read, go on walks, and take Pilates classes. Navigating college can be tough no matter where you are in your academic journey. Whether you have questions or just need a listening ear, I am happy to help!
Hey everyone! I'm Rob Kemp, and I'm a senior majoring in Biochemistry. As a freshman, I realized how meaningful supporting patients is while volunteering at Carle hospital, which led me to my current roles as a volunteer in both hospice care and community health outreach. I've also challenged myself by pursuing leadership opportunities, and I currently serve as the president of the governing body for our social fraternities and as the president for a journaling club called the Double Helix Digest. Furthermore, I've enjoyed being a student researcher in Dr. Mary Schuler's lab over the past couple of years, where I study the synthesis of an antitumor compound called camptothecin.
If older peers hadn't been there to give me advice, I would not know about many of the opportunities I found on campus. I absolutely want to pay that forward, so I highly recommend reaching out to me and the other MCB leaders with any questions you have!
Hello! My name is Emily Klemens and I am a junior majoring in neuroscience and psychology on the pre-med track. On campus, I am the Co-President for the RSO Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Alliance and a teacher's assistant for CHEM 105. I am also involved in the Alpha Epsilon Delta pre-health fraternity and a Student Leader for Carle Hospital. I work in a behavioral neuroscience research lab studying the effects of diabetes on cognitive function in rats. For fun, I enjoy reading, crocheting, going to the gym, and long walks. Navigating college can feel stressful and overwhelming, so feel free to reach out with any questions or if you just need someone to listen!
Hi! My name is Sebrina Sebastian and I am a junior studying MCB with minors in Chemistry and Spanish on the pre-medicine track. I am an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Rhodes' lab, where we study the physical contractions of the brain caused by exercise. I also serve as the Outreach Chair for Heart of Kindness and Medicine4Youth, and I'm an active member in the Phi Chi Pre-Health Fraternity. Outside of the pre-health world, I play the flute in one of the university's ensembles. I love taking the time to pursue my personal interests, so if your schedule allows, try to do that for yourself, too! In my free time, I enjoy trying new restaurants on Green Street, talking walks on the quad, and baking sweet treats. College can be a stressful time, and I remember feeling nervous about handling everything my freshman year. If you have any questions at all, I would be so happy to help you out! Can't wait to meet everyone!
Hi! My name is Paloma Alvarez, and I am a junior majoring in MCB with minors in Chemistry and Spanish on the pre-dental track. On campus, I am the High School Outreach Chair for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. I am also a part of Delta Delta Sigma, Mexican Student Association, and a Chem 104 TA! I also volunteer at local Champaign schools such as International Prep Academy as a bilingual classroom aide and at Centennial High School by running STEM visits. In my free time, I love to walk and bike around campus, hanging with my friends, and trying new cafes! I would love to help in any way I can, so please don't hesitate to reach out!
Hello! My name is Isabella Igbo, and I am a senior majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Psychology. I am on the pre-med track to become a psychiatrist. I am currently doing research at Dr. Chung's epilepsy lab, where I am uncovering novel roles striatal-enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase potentially has. Over the summer, I began working as a Certified Nurse Assistant at Carle Hospital. I'm also a student leader and compassionate visitor volunteer there. I volunteer at Books2Prisoners, where we fulfill written requests for books by incarcerated individuals throughout Illinois. In my free time, I binge-watch movies and TV shows, hang out with friends, listen to music, and develop my roller skating and hairstyling skills.
Hi! My name is Jesnitzy Jimenez, and I am a junior majoring in Honors Molecular and Cellular Biology and Spanish on the pre-med track. I am especially interested in women’s health and hope to pursue a career in medicine where I can work closely with patients and advocate for underserved communities. On campus, I am an undergraduate researcher in the Women’s Health and Metabolism Lab, where I study women’s health and cancer biology. I also conduct health communication research focused on Spanish-speaking patients and have presented my research at UIUC symposiums. I tutor Organic Chemistry, work as an MCB lab staff member, and volunteer as a Spanish translator at Avicenna, a free medical clinic. I am also involved with Healthy Smiles, where I help provide oral health education to children, and the Education Project. As a first-generation college student, I understand how overwhelming navigating college can feel, especially when you are unsure where to start. I am excited to be an MCB Leader and would love to help students with questions about academics, research, pre-med opportunities, or simply finding their place on campus. Outside of school, I enjoy weightlifting, cooking, cosmetics, and spending time with friends. I look forward to meeting you all!
Hi! My name is Hannah, and I'm a junior majoring in MCB with minors in chemistry and psychology. On campus, I'm a part of Beta Psi Omega, a professional biology fraternity, and Phi Sigma Sigma, a social sorority. I also work at the University of Illinois Foundation as a Student Engagement Specialist. In my free time, I love being outside and staying active by going on walks and running. I also love getting coffee and finding new cafes and food spots. Feel free to ask me any questions about academics, navigating college, or life in general!
Hi everyone! My name is Mesoma Akpuokwe, and I’m a junior majoring in MCB + DS on the pre-med track. On campus, I’m on the board of the Health Analytics Society, volunteer at Carle, and serve as a course assistant for STAT 207. I’m also an undergraduate research assistant in the Llano Lab, where I help analyze the transcriptional profiles of cells involved in auditory processing. In my free time, I love to cook, draw, read, and spend time with friends. Feel free to ask me any questions about anything! I’m always happy to chat!
Hey! My name is Grady Calder I am a senior premed from New Jersey. I am majoring in both neuroscience and clinical psychology with a minor in chemistry. I was vice president of my social fraternity, Kappa Sigma, and I am also a research assistant in the Alcohol Research Lab. Additionally, I have been volunteering at Carle for 6 semesters, and I also volunteer with a program back in my hometown where I facilitate a support group for ~10 year old kids who have had a parent die. I enjoy hockey, football and video games, and I knew absolutely nobody when I first arrived as a freshman, so I understand what it is like having to start from scratch. I am more than happy to talk about anything school related or not!
Hi everyone! My name is Sindhu Rao and I am a junior majoring in biochemistry. I am currently on the pre-med track and I hope to become an OB/GYN in the future. I am an undergraduate researcher in Evangelista's lab and Robben's lab. I am researching different DNA sequencing methods through bioinformatics on cockroaches and I am also researching T-cell activation for T1 diabetes in my two labs. I am also a volunteer at Carle Hospital and I am starting my own RSO called the Reproductive and Fertility Initiative. Additionally, I am also a transfer student. During my free time, I love to read books, crochet, hang out with my friends, and eat good food! Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, need any help, or just need to talk to someone!
Hi! My name is Alexia Roeva and I am a senior majoring in MCB and Psychology. After graduation, I aspire to go to medical school and become a practicing physician. On campus I am involved in various things. I am the president of my Pre-Health Fraternity Phi Chi, the Director of Inclusion for my Panhellenic sorority, and a DEI committee head for Society of Women in Public Affairs (SWPA). During my Sophomore year, I served as Recruitment Chair for Phi Chi and a New Member Educator committee head for SWPA. Taking on leadership positions has really pushed me to grow as a person and has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my college experience. I highly encourage you to apply for and seek out leadership during your time in college! Outside of my RSO involvements, I am also a Chemistry 105 TA and previous Chemistry 103 TA. I love connecting with students and sharing my passion for chemistry, especially chemistry labs! I am also an undergraduate research assistant in the Grosman Lab which focuses on neurotransmitter-gated ion channels. During my free time I love listening to music, going on walks and runs, and going to coffee shops. I understand how overwhelming campus can be at first so if you have any questions about anything from classes to involvements please reach out, I would be happy to talk with you!
Hey everyone! My name is Surajh Yogeswaran, and I'm a third-year Biochemistry student at UIUC. Outside the classroom, I'm involved with the Association of Students in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). I am also a proud member of the Varsity Men's Glee Club, where I also help manage alumni relations. I also instruct Kids Kung Fu, where I work with children to build discipline, confidence, and character — values that carry over into everything I do. As a student who has navigated the transition into a rigorous science major firsthand, I know how overwhelming it can feel at first, but I also know how rewarding it becomes when you find your footing and your community. I'm passionate about making sure every student, regardless of their background, feels welcome and supported here at UIUC. Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions, whether it's about coursework, getting involved on campus, or just adjusting to life at Illinois!
I am Gabriel Arnold, a current junior who is an MCB major in the SMCB. I was originally in Exploratory Studies before fully declaring my major to pursue a pre-med track. I am a current member of the Marching Illini as well as a Healthcare Tech at the Carle Emergency Department.