Chuck Jaques

I've spent most of my life in this part of the Midwest. I grew up spending my summers on Lake Shelbyville and went to high school in Mattoon, Illinois. I attended Eastern Illinois University for both my undergraduate and graduate degree. During my undergrad, I studied science education and French. I was also heavily involved in college student affairs through our Office of New Student and Family Programs, volunteering through the Office of Leadership and Engagement, and participation in numerous RSOs, as well as Greek life.

After graduation, I started my career teaching science at Charleston High School. I helped revitalize our school's travel program taking numerous student groups on educational trips to Europe. My last year at CHS I was able to take a small group of students to Belize to conduct field research. While teaching at CHS, I decided to return to EIU to pursue my graduate degree. During this time I completed coursework in lab microtechniques, plant biology, and biostatistics. My research focused on the role of self-recognition in competitive interactions of Solidago altissima. 

In addition to teaching and research, I also have professional experience as a molecular technologist from my time working in the Molecular and Infectious Disease unit of ARUP Laboratories in Salt Lake City, Utah. I returned to Illinois in January of 2023 and took a position teaching at Pekin Community High School. While there I taught a mix of lower and upper level biology courses including AP Biology. I have always wanted to transition to higher education, and I am very excited to be joining the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology as an advisor. I am looking forward to meeting more of the campus community and being able to positively contribute to such a wonderful institution.