IB Peer Advisors
Abby Stiefvater
About Abby: I am a current Junior double majoring in Integrative Biology and Psychology. I was born and raised in Lincoln, Illinois. Currently, I am on the pre-med track working towards becoming a pediatric oncologist. This year I am the President of the Illini Union Board and the American Cancer Society on Campus. I have been a member of several research labs in IB, and I am a James Scholar! My favorite part about being a peer leader is meeting all of the wonderful people that are here in the School of Integrative Biology from the professors, advisors, faculty, and fellow students!
Esha Patil
About Esha: I am currently a Junior majoring in Integrative Biology and minoring in Chemistry. I am interested in Integrative Biology because enjoy learning about how different living organisms interact with each other in the environment. I am on the pre-dental track and hope to be a dentist in the future! Recently, I volunteered at a hospital, shadowed at a dental clinic, and was able to work as a dental assistant near where I live. On campus I am an IB 150 Course Assistant and an IB Peer Leader/Advisor. I am involved in research regarding bioinspired design under Marianne Alleyne in the Integrative Biology department. I also am a part of the Pre-Dental Club, Alpha Epsilon Delta, and I am an Outreach Director for the Bioscience Journal Club. During my free time I like to spend time with my friends and play tennis and badminton! Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about classes, the pre-dental track, or if you just need someone to talk to!
Juliana Saghi
About Juliana: (she/her): I’m a senior from Minooka, Illinois studying Integrative Biology with a minor in Chemistry. I have a strong interest in genetics and heredity, and I plan on attending graduate school for Genetic Counseling after graduation. On campus I’m entering my fourth season with the Marching Illini and our Men's Basketball Band. Currently, I work for the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) at the Institute for Genomic Biology, and I also volunteer as a Crisis Counselor for the Crisis Text Line. My favorite part of being a peer leader is helping new students navigate through their first year of college and alleviating some of their worries. I remember being in their shoes and I know how confusing things can be, so I am incredibly excited to work with students and support them as they begin their academic journey at UIUC.
IB Peer Leaders
Luc Rosenstein
About Luc: My name is Luc Rosenstein(He/Him). I am from Elmhurst, IL and I am majoring in Integrative Biology with a minor in Business. Currently, I am on the pre-med track and I am excited to see what the future hold for me in the healthcare industry. On campus, I volunteer at Carle Health in the Critical Care Unit, I’m a member of a couple pre-med RSO’s, and I am a James Scholar in LAS. I love being surrounded with other students who are passionate about the medical field in the College of Integrative Biology. The IB courses I have taken were extremely interesting and applicable to everyday life. Outside of school I enjoy going for runs and lifting as well as listening to medical podcasts in my free time.
Eve Zubek
About Eve: I am from Wheaton, IL. My career goals are a little all over the place, however I would like to carry on and get my masters, in order to specialize in one specific area. The options of PA or a nursing student are still up in the air as well, but I am thankful and happy to have all of these options. I am involved in the Society of Women in Public Affairs professional sorority and Chi Omega, a social sorority. I love to take walks and read!
Tyler Defort
About Tyler: I am a junior from Crystal Lake, IL. I am majoring in Integrative Biology Honors and minoring in Chemistry on a pre-medical track. On campus, I am an undergraduate research assistant in the Kehl-Fie Lab studying oxidative stress in S. aureus, a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta, and a student leader at Carle Hospital. Also, I enjoy lifting at the ARC and cooking in my free time. As a student in IB, I have enjoyed learning about the biological processes from a broader perspective and look forward to guiding peers throughout their undergraduate journey!
Julia Ciura
About Julia: I am a first-gen student from a town in the Chicago suburbs called Elmwood Park, IL. I am a Junior majoring in Integrative Biology and obtaining 2 certificates in Integrative Health and Health Technology. I am currently on the pre-PA pathway, and I will be applying for the 2025-2026 cycle! On campus, I serve as the President of Her Campus at Illinois, a chapter of the national organization Her Campus, focusing on marketing, public relations, social media, and journalism. I also serve as the Social Chair in the pre-PA club, and I have been involved in undergraduate research in animal behavior in the Bell Lab. During my breaks, I work as a Float Patient Care Technician at a hospital in my hometown, and I dabble in content creation and intern with Campus Trendsetters and College Fashionista. In my free time, you will definitely catch me reading a romance book or spending time with my dogs. I love biology because it fosters diverse life-long learning and there will always be something new to learn about!
Daania Bhatty
About Daania: she/her pronouns. I am from Hoffman Estates, IL. I am a sophomore majoring in Integrative Biology with a minor in Chemistry and Health Technology. I am on the pre-med track with an additional interest in a career in Biotechnology and research. I am involved with the REACT program here on campus and I am currently looking for research to be a part in. In my free time I enjoy watching crime shows, crocheting, rock climbing, and playing video games. I love learning about the more human related parts of biology like diseases and forensic biology!
Julia Vincent
About Vincent: I am from Western Springs, IL, majoring in Integrative Biology and minoring in English. I am currently on a pre-Veterinary Medicine track, and my dream would be to work in Wildlife Rehabilitation at a National Park. I also am intrigued in Animal Behavior/Biology and am considering pursuing a Masters/PhD program if Vet Med doesn't work out. I am fascinated by how different species behave and are physiologically derived, and I'm excited to complete an animalia field study and more animal-based research on campus in the fall. I am involved in the Pre-Vet club on campus, Tau Sigma Transfer Student Honor Society, the student literary magazine, Montage, and I routinely compete in triathlons/half marathons. As a transfer student, I understand the unique challenges that incoming students may have, so I am excited to work with those in a similar position to mine!