IB Peer Advisors
Sofie Van Til
About Sofie: I am a senior from Wilmette, IL, majoring in Integrative Biology Honors with minors in Chemistry and Public Health. I plan to attend law school after graduating and am interested in combining my background in the life sciences with a legal career. On campus, I work as a merit TA for Chem 104 and as an undergraduate research assistant for the Jarosinski Lab in the department of pathobiology at Vet Med. For fun, I like to read, crochet, hang out with my friends, and try new restaurants. Being an IB major has provided me with an incredibly supportive community and endless opportunities to deepen my understanding of biology!
Rebecca Cohen
About Rebecca: she/her pronouns. I'm from Buffalo Grove, IL. I am a senior majoring in integrative biology and minoring in chemistry. After undergrad, I would like to pursue graduate school and ideally work on conservation research. I am on the executive board of Amnesty International, a human rights RSO, at UIUC. I am also involved in independent undergraduate research in plant biology. In my free time, I love spending time with my dogs, hanging out with friends, singing in choir, and doing arts and crafts! I very much value the biology courses that I have taken with the school of IB, and I hope to encourage peers to make the best out of their time on this campus!
IB Peer Leaders
Payton Cimino
About Payton: she/her pronouns. I'm from a small town near Saint Louis, MO. Currently I am studying Anthropology and Integrative Biology in hopes of becoming a Forensics Geneticist. While not working with the IB Peer Leaders, I can be found with the Illini Union Board hosting events as the Director of Arts or grabbing another Poke Bowl from Kung Fu Tea. My favorite part about Biology is DNA and genealogy.
Sooah Choi
About Sooah: I use she/they pronouns! I'm from Chicago, raised in South Loop. I’m a Junior majoring in Integrative Biology, minoring in Animal Sciences and Ecology & Conservation Biology. In the future, I would like to go to veterinary school and work with reptiles. On campus, I work jointly with the Dolezal Bee Research Lab and Collaborative Conservation Genetics Lab on environmental DNA research. I also am a member of Beta Psi Omega, the campus Biology frat. In my free time, I like to play videogames, my favorites are Zelda BOTW and Nier Automata, paint, and spend time with my cat.
Christina Hsieh
About Christina: (she/her) I am a senior from Vernon Hills, IL, majoring in integrative biology with a minor in chemistry. I am currently on a pre-veterinary track with hopes of working with wildlife as my career. On campus, I serve as the Philanthropy Chair of Pre-vet Club, and I regularly volunteer at the Wildlife Medical Clinic. I’m also involved with Dr. Dilger’s Nutrition, Health, and Neuroscience lab in the college of ACES, and I work at the Ice Arena as an instructor and in customer service. In my free time, I like to figure skate, rock climb, hike, and stay active!
Cayden Hauswirth
About Cayden: (she/her) I'm from Third lake, IL. I am a junior majoring in Integrative Biology Honors with a minor in Chemistry. I am on the pre-med track with an interest in women's health. On campus, I am involved in undergraduate research, helping to develop Galleria mellonella as a model for Vibrio cholerae infection in the Grant Lab. I love to spend my free time volunteering at CCHS, crocheting, hanging out with friends, and staying active. My favorite aspect about biology is the interconnectedness of everything.
Ayaan Osman
About Sandra Ayaan: (She/Her) I’m from Chicago, IL, and I’m a junior majoring in Integrative Biology with a minor in Psychology on the pre-med track. I am especially interested in women's health, and I volunteer at Carle Hospital in the postpartum department as well as at the Avicenna Community Health Center. On campus, I am part of the Doremus Lab, where I work with spiders to study their symbionts. I love Integrative Biology because of how broad it is; it allows me to make connections and build a well rounded understanding of the biological world. In my free time, I love to read, bake, and try out local cafes!
Nora Villar
About Nora: My pronouns are She/Her and I'm from Northern Virginia, just outside of Washington, DC! I'm a Junior majoring in Integrative Biology while pursuing minors Chemistry and Art & Design. I am on the pre-PA track and will be applying in the 2028-2029 cycle. To gain experience and patient contact hours, I am working as an EMT on campus with IMPACT EMS and working off-campus as a medical assistant for two individuals with disabilities. I also serve as the membership director for Project for Less, an RSO that aims to reduce food insecurity and waste by packaging untouched dining hall food and through community outreach! I love being on the philanthropy committee for my sorority, Chi Omega and supporting Make-A-Wish organization! I also get to be involved as an undergraduate researcher in a neuro immunology lab on campus! During my breaks, I volunteer at the fire department as an EMT. In my free time I like to be creative, especially through painting and sewing! I love how Integrative Biology has allowed me to learn about the interactions between biological species.
Valeria Ocampo
About Valeria: I am from Glendale Heights, IL, majoring in Integrative Biology and pursuing an Anthropology minor. I am working towards becoming a biologist to understand the variety of life systems in order to protect and preserve our environment. I am a member of the Student Sustainability Committee social initiatives team, the Horticulture Club, as well as the Dancing Illini. I also love painting and doing various other crafts, like crocheting. I absolutely love how broad and all-encompassing biology is, that every small detail works together to create a larger purpose!