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The School of MCB offers incoming first-year students in biology, MCB, biochemistry, and neuroscience the opportunity to be matched with a current student who will mentor them toward success. Our peer mentors are successful MCB Leaders, MCB Peer Advising interns, and MCB Honors students who are prepared to talk with you about courses, 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 2024? Fill out this application form by Friday, September 27 at 5:00 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 MCB's 2024-2025 Mentors
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Meet Diya Shah

Hey everyone! I’m Diya Shah, a Junior majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a minor in Public Health, currently on the Pre-Medical Track. Beyond academics, I’m actively involved as the Media Chair of Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED), a pre-health fraternity, and a member of the Illini Medical Screening Society. I am also a volunteer with Avicenna, a free medical health clinic, where I contribute as a part of the outreach team. My interests also extend into research. I am an undergraduate research assistant at the Nutrition and Human Microbiome Laboratory where I explore how diet and… more

Meet Tyler Stritzel

Hello, I'm Tyler and I'm from Carbondale, Illinois! I'm a junior studying MCB with a minor in Public Health with aspirations to become a Physician Assistant. I am the Assistant Clinic Manager of Avicenna Community Health Center in Champaign, which provides free medical care to uninsured and homeless individuals in our community. I am also the Membership Chair for AED, a preprofessional fraternity for students interested in pursuing careers in healthcare. I also work as a Healthcare Technician at Carle Foundation Hospital. In my free time, I enjoy watching & playing volleyball, trying… more

Meet Vani Sharma

Hi! My name is Vani Sharma (she/her), and I am from Mount Prospect, IL. I am a junior majoring in MCB Honors and minoring in public health while pursuing a neuroscience certificate on the pre-medical track. On campus, some of my involvements include AED, Positive Pre-Meds, Illini Strings, conducting research in a women's health & metabolism lab, serving as an undergraduate research ambassador, and being a teaching assistant for chemistry. I am a huge advocate for mental health advocacy. With that being said, I know the transition to college can be difficult as well as going down… more

Meet Emily Davis

Hello! My name is Emily Davis (she/her), and I am a senior majoring in MCB Honors. I am also an LAS James Scholar and would be happy to answer any questions or give advice about the point system. My long-term goal is to do research. That is why I am planning to apply to PhD programs, and I've been doing undergraduate research for the last two years. My lab is in the Food Science and Human Nutrition department, where we primarily work with beans to study the different bioactive proteins and how those proteins affect the health of different kinds of cells, such as through the level of… more

Meet Joel Ryan

Hello! My name is Joel Ryan (he/him), a senior double majoring in MCB Honors and Chemistry with a minor in Psychology and a certificate in Neuroscience. I currently work in a behavioral neuroscience lab under Dr. Nu-Chu Liang where we are investigating the effects of social isolation on the food intake of rats. I have also researched in a past summer for SIU under Dr. Ben Richardson performing behavioral assays on mice. Furthermore, I did a two-week study abroad program in Costa Rica where we conducted natural products research at Universidad de Costa Rica. On campus, I spend my time… more

Meet Ramiya Shanmugam

Hello! My name is Ramiya Shanmugam and I am a senior majoring in MCB with a minor in Public Health and Chemistry. Currently, I am on the pre-med track hoping to apply to medical schools soon. On campus, I am the president of a dance team, Illini Bhangra, and took part in a Professional Fraternity, AED. I also work in the Office of Minority Student Affairs as a tutor as well as volunteer as a tutor for Dr. Axelson in Organic Chemistry. As for research, I am a part of PNC research lab which studies the relationship between aspects of kinesiology and cognitive functions. Lastly, I volunteer… more

Meet Bushra Azhar

I'm currently a member of Alpha Chi Sigma fraternity, where I engage with individuals from various majors. I actively participate in pledge, social, and professional meetings, and I've contributed innovative ideas for fundraising initiatives. I also have the opportunity to interact with professors during their talks and discussions. In addition, I dedicate time to mentor and assist new members who join the fraternity, providing guidance in their chemistry-related inquiries and other areas. Currently, I'm also a member of the PreDental Club, attending club meetings and engaging with dental… more

Meet Ritika Jawale

Hello! My name is Ritika Jawale, and I am a senior majoring in biochemistry and minoring in chemistry. After graduation, I want to pursue my Doctorate in Pharmacy. I am currently a part of Dr. Shapiro’s lab on campus, and have learned many laboratory techniques as well as life skills. Being part of a lab has helped me find my love for research, and I can see the concepts that I have learned in class be applied to real life situations. In my free time, I like going on walks, baking, and painting. I love spending time outside, especially sitting on the quad. I understand that college… more

Meet Cameron Max

Hello everyone, my name is Cameron Max and I am a junior majoring in Honors MCB. I am currently on the pre-med track. I know how hard of an adjustment it can be to come to college as an MCB major, and I'd be happy to give my advice or answer any questions! Outside of school, I spend a lot of time volunteering at OSF Hospital where I offer assistance to patients to make their stay as enjoyable as possible. Volunteering is a great way to learn more about the medical field and get comfortable working with patients! I am currently the Lead Volunteer and work in all departments of the hospital… more

Meet Monishaa Murali

Hi everyone! My name is Monishaa Murali (she/her), and I am a junior majoring in the MCB Honors Concentration. Here's a little bit about me: Off campus, I volunteer in the Carle Foundation Hospital where I've worked with a broad age group of pediatric patients. I've also worked as a Science instructor for the YMCA summer camps. I really enjoying spending time and working with children as I feel they are so genuine and there's a lot to learn from them! On campus, I do research with Dr. Oldfield where we are working on combatting antibiotic resistance. I'm also the President of the… more

Meet Maaz Bashir

Hey everyone! My name is Maaz Bashir and I am a senior studying molecular and cellular biology with a minor in Business. I am currently on the pre-medical track, and outside of school, I am involved in the Illini Medical Screening Society, an organization that provides free medical screenings to the Urbana-Champaign Community. I have also been a volunteer at Carle Hospital and Avicenna, along with a few other hospitals, and I am involved in research. In my free time, I like to workout and hang out with friends/family. I remember when I was a freshman/sophomore and having a mentor… more

Meet Alisha Xiong

Hi everyone! My name is Alisha Xiong and I am a senior majoring in MCB and Chemistry, pursuing certificates in Infection Biology and Microbiology. On campus, I’m a research assistant in the Gaj Lab, where we engineer and optimize CRISPR systems to develop potential therapies for various neurodegenerative disorders.  My project aims to evaluate the efficacy of our lead CRISPR-Cas systems in animal models of Huntington’s Disease. In addition to research, I love teaching and mentoring as an MCB 151 TA and prep staff. I’m also a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta, a pre-health… more

Meet Joseph Jung

Hello everyone! My name is Joseph and I am a junior majoring in MCB Honors with a minor in chemistry. I am an out-of-state student from the Bay Area in California. On campus, I am involved involved in undergraduate research in Dr. Hee Jung Chung's lab, studying the STEP protein and its role in regulating excitatory transmission in the brain during epilepsy. Over the summer, I was able to research extensively through the SURF program from the SMCB. Aside from research, I am also a volunteer at Carle Foundation Hospital in the Emergency Department, and am involved in Carle RSO. Some things I… more

Meet Erin Davy

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.

Meet Shivam Patel

Hey everyone! My name is Shivam Patel and I am a Junior studying Molecular and Cellular Biology with a minor in Business. I am currently on the Pre-Med track and involved with many different clubs and organizations here on campus. I am currently an undergraduate research assistant in the Nutrition and Human Microbiome Lab. I also volunteer at the Carle Foundation Hospital in the Pediatrics Department and work as a CAN back at home. In my free time, I love playing basketball or working out at the ARC. I have also been getting more into Pickleball lately and enjoy playing that with friends.… more

Meet Cesar Maldonado

Hello everybody! My name is Cesar Maldonado. I am a senior majoring in Molecular & Cellular Biology Honors on the pre-med track. I am also a James Scholar and part of the Campus Honors Program. I am on the exec board as the Director of Medical Education for a pre-health RSO called Global Medical Training, an organization dedicated to providing free medical service through service trips to underserved communities throughout Latin America. I'm also a member of two other pre-health organizations called the American Medical Student Association and Illini Medical Screening Society. I am… more

Meet Neha Bashir

Hi guys! My name is Neha Bashir! I am a senior majoring in the MCB Honors Concentration and double minoring in business and chemistry on the pre-med track. On campus I am the treasurer of the Illini Medical Screening Society, where we work to provide free medical screenings to the underserved and underinsured in the Champaign-Urbana area. I also serve as a volunteer chair of Avicenna Clinic RSO, Fundraising Chair of the Pakistani Student Association, Mentorship Coordinator for the Muslim Student Association, and a writer for Brain Matters. I am McKinley Student Populations Health Program… more

Meet Saniya Zaidi

Hi guys! My name is Saniya Zaidi and I am a senior majoring in MCB with a minor in Public Health. I'm currently on the Pre-Med track, and have a huge interest in the field of oncology. On campus, I am a research assistant in a Comparative Biosciences lab where we study infertility and germ-cell development. Along with that, I am the President of a non-profit organization called the Illini Thaakat Foundation, a Student Leader at Carle Hospital in the OB Services Department, and a volunteer in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit. In my free time, I like to cook, watch movies, or hang out with my… more

Meet Edward Andrews

Hello! I am Eddie Andrews (he/him), a senior majoring in MCB Honors currently applying to MD/PhD programs. I am also earning a certificate in microbiology and a minor in chemistry. On campus, I am passionate about research and work in Dr. Whitaker's laboratory, where I study antimicrobial resistance and the co-evolutionary dynamics of microbes and their mobile genetic elements. This past year, we examined several E. coli samples isolated from pigs on a farm to gain insight into how plasmids and AMR genes spread throughout a population. I have also worked for several years at USDA… more

Meet Kunaal Venugopal

I am Kunaal, a junior in the MCB program. I am interested in pursuing a career in medicine. Currently, I am involved in research on campus in a neuroscience lab, a topic I am particularly interested in. I am a volunteer at Carle Foundation Hospital. Additionally, I work as a Peer Advisor in the MCB program.

Meet Justus Omowumi

Hi, I am Justus Omowumi (he/him) and I’m a junior in LAS, majoring in Neuroscience. I aspire to become a Neurosurgeon as I am very interested in Neuroscience and its related fields. I have worked as a pre-calculus tutor at the SSC for a year and a half. I’m also involved in REACT, a program that offers undergrads the opportunity to present awesome chemistry experiments to elementary, middle, or high schools to get the students there interested in chemistry. I’m on the board of a relatively new pre-med organization on campus called LinguaMed, which aims to educate its members on… more

Meet Kendall McFarlin

Hi! My name is Kendall McFarlin, and my pronouns are she/her. I’m a senior majoring in molecular and cellular biology honors and minoring in music. I’m hoping to become a doctor someday! I love working with kids, so I’m currently leaning towards pediatrics. I’m a CNA, which is a great way to see the medical field from an up-close perspective. I worked in Dr. Mahoney’s comparative bioscience lab for a year and I currently work at the MCB Advising Office and the Sousa Archives. I’ve played trumpet in lots of bands on campus, including both athletic bands and concert ensembles. I'm also… more

Meet Maya Raviv

Hey all! I’m Maya (she/her), a senior in MCB Honors with minors in Chemistry and Creative Writing. Freshman year is when I decided to hop onto the pre-medical track, and now I’m finally applying to medical schools! On campus, I’m a research assistant at Dr. Brieher’s cell biology lab, where I conduct my own project about the relationship between tyrosine kinase signaling, actin polymerization, and cell adhesion. My lab is awesome, I can talk about it for hours! I’m also the social chair of MEDLIFE, a health volunteer organization, where I’ve met many, many of my friends. I work as an… more

Meet Gabby Nathan

Hello! My name is Gabby, and I am currently a Junior majoring in MCB Honors on the pre-med track. Outside of classes, I work as an undergraduate researcher in a biological engineering lab (Perez Lab), where we are working on using gene editing technology to treat and cure a number of genetic conditions. I also recently got my EMT license and will be working with IEMS this semester as an EMT at various school sponsored events. In terms of RSOs, I recently joined the fundraising committee for Global Medical Training, a club dedicated to teaching and preparing students to provide underserved… more

Meet Julie Mathews

Hi guys! My name is Julie Mathews (she/her) and I am a senior majoring in MCB Honors with a minor in Psychology. I intend to pursue a career in medicine and am on the pre-medical track. On campus, I'm the president of Alpha Epsilon Delta, a pre-health professional fraternity, and the Illini Mentor Program, which is a RSO where UIUC students mentor elementary school students in the Champaign-Urbana community. I'm also a research assistant in the Nutrition and Human Microbiome Laboratory, which examines the effect of nutrition on the human microbiome and human health, with a focus on… more

Meet Ryan Marsh

Hello my name is Ryan Marsh. I am a sophomore majoring in MCB Honors. Following college, I plan on going to medical school because I aspire to be a surgeon. I am from Monee, Illinois which is one of the southernmost suburbs of Chicago. I am currently a member in HEARTs which is a premedical student organization focused on student volunteering and fundraising. I am also a member of Doctors Without Borders which is an RSO on campus with a similar mission. This semester I will be pursuing membership in the Illini Medical Screening Society and Global Medical Training UIUC. I also hope to find… more

Meet Abby Gonzalez

Hi! My name is Abby Gonzalez and I’m a senior pursuing medicine. On campus, I am a part of Phi Delta Epsilon, Mentors in Medicine and Caring Companions Initiative. Off-campus, I volunteer at A.D.O.P.T Pet Shelter, the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen, and with hospice. In my free time, I like to work out, dance, hang out with friends, and binge-watch TV shows. I know transitioning into college can be scary, but UIUC is an amazing school and I’m here to help you in any way I can. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

Meet Zoe Daniel

Hello all! My name is Zoe Daniel and I am a senior in MCB. My major campus involvements include undergraduate research in Dr. Kehl-Fie's lab, where we study Staphylococcus aureus and how pathogens overcome resource starvation during infection. I am also a campus tour guide and I love showing prospective and admitted students how much this amazing university has to offer. As for my involvement in clubs on campus, I am a part of both GeoClub and the Polish cultural club. My other hobbies include playing cello and reading. I am also a huge fan of the great outdoors and I have… more

Meet Shivang Bhaskar

My name is Shivang (he/him) and I am a senior in MCB Honors. I am a director on the Illini Union Board, which is an organization that plans and hosts events for students on campus. I am also a site supervisor in the Illini Mentoring Program, where I help mentor youth in the Champaign-Urbana community. In addition, I am the president of University Vegetarians, which is an RSO for all students interested in plant-based living. I'm conducting research in the K. V. Prasanth Lab, where I am studying non-coding RNA by using techniques such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). I've… more

Meet Iman Mohajir

Hi! My name is Iman Mohajir (she/her) and I'm a junior majoring in MCB and minoring in Spanish and Public Health on the pre-med track. On campus I am the Vice President of the American Medical Women's Association and the VP of Internal Affairs for 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! Please… more