SI Leaders
Fall 2024
We have 50 SI leaders and 8 team leaders at SIUE this semester. SI leaders are knowledgeable, qualified students who have taken the targeted SI course on campus and received a good grade. Team leaders are veteran SI Leaders who act as mentors to the members of their content-based team.
If you are interested in becoming an SI Leader, please complete the following SI Leader Application.
In the SI program, we value excellence in all aspects of college life, which includes academics, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work. Our leaders are actively involved in college life. We thought it fitting to showcase our leaders and their accomplishments.
We asked each leader to list their future job hopes and prospects, as well as participation in clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, and volunteer work.
Team Leaders
BIOL-NURS Team
Becca Mueller (She/Her/Hers)
BIOL 250
Major: Nursing
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2025
Past SI Courses Covered: BIOL 140, BIOL 250, BIOL 319
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: After graduating from SIUE, I plan on working as a nurse in the ICU and then return to SIUE for the CRNA program.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am the president of the SIUE Student Nurse Association.
Maria Vahling
Major: Nursing
Minor: Forensic Sciences
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2025
Past SI Courses Covered: CHEM 120B, BIOL 140
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I am in the AUGNO DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner program with SIUE. I hope to become an urgent care or corrections nurse practitioner.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am in pickleball club, running club, and blood club. I also work as an Emergency Department Technician and was a Girl Scouts Camp Nurse this summer!
CHEM Team
Isabella "Belle" Hill (She/Her/Hers)
CHEM 241A
Major: Biological Sciences - Medical Science
Minor: Chemistry
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: December 2024
Past SI Courses Covered: CHEM 121B, CHEM 241B
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: Medical School! Doctor
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I'm in Alpha Phi, work as an URCA, am in Pre-Health Hub, and work as a scribe for Mercy St. Louis.
Noah Roberts (He/Him/His)
Major: Pharmacy
Class Year: P2
Potential Graduation Date: May 2027
Past SI Courses Covered: CHEM 113, CHEM 121A, CHEM 121B
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I plan to own or work in a community pharmacy as the Pharmacist-in-Charge one day and to know and have personal connections with my future patients. I am currently a Pharmacist Intern for CVS inside of Schnucks.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am currently a P2 student at the School of Pharmacy at SIUE. I have also been a workshop PLTL leader for CHEM 121A/B as well as have worked as a Front Desk Manager (DM) and Resident Assistant (RA) for SIUE University Housing.
MATH-BUS Team
Ny'La Hill (She/Her/Hers)
Major: Accountancy
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: December 2024
Past SI Courses Covered: MS 250, MS 251
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I hope to someday become a forensic accountant!
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I enjoy volunteering in the Southern Illinois region as well as the St. Louis area. I am also the recipient of the Cougar Pride Scholarship, Johnetta Haley Scholarship, Harry & Lena Memorial Scholarship and the RSM Foundation Scholarship.
Olivia Rodgers
Major: Geography
Minor: Spanish
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: December 2024
Past SI Courses Covered: ECON 112
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I hope to attend graduate school and earn a Master's in Public Administration, with a possible focus in nonprofit management or local government administration. I'm interested in a variety of fields, including Christian missions, international humanitarian aid, and municipal governance.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am a member of the International Geographical Honor Society (Gamma Theta Upsilon) and a recipient of the Dr. Carl Lossau Distinguished Student in Geography Award. Previously, I volunteered as a mentor in the SIUE International Student Mentorship Program for two semesters, and I recently completed an internship with a municipal government in their Community Development Department. I attend Holiday Shores Baptist Church and am currently working on research for my senior assignment.
ENG-PHYS Team
Shaun Pacatte
ECE 210
Major: Electrical Engineering
Minor: Computer Engineering, Mathematical Studies
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2026
Past SI Courses Covered: PHYS 131, PHYS 141
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I am still deciding between grad school and industry.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): IEEE at SIUE
Maddeson "Maddy" Sparks (She/Her/Hers)
Major: Chemistry - ACS Certified in Biochemistry
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2025
Past SI Courses Covered: PHYS 151
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I hope to work in a biochemistry or organic chemistry laboratory setting after I obtain my masters degree in biochemistry at SIUE.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): Currently doing research in Dr. De Meo's lab.
Biology Leaders
Aubrey Harris (She/Her/Hers)
BIOL 140
Major: Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology
Minor: Psychology
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2026
Past SI Courses Covered: BIOL 140
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: In the future, I will obtain a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology. After this, I hope to work in school systems to assist students with their speech and communication.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am a Provost Scholar who is also involved in the Honors Student Association, National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, Rotaract, and National Residence Hall Honorary.
Ana Mueller
BIOL 140
Major: Nursing
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2025
Past SI Courses Covered: BIOL 140
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I want to become a nurse and possibly continue my schooling to become a physicians assistant. I would like to specialize in pediatrics or emergency medicine.
Jaila Hillmer (She/Her/Hers)
BIOL 140
Major: Nursing
Class Year: Sophomore
Potential Graduation Date: May 2027
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I plan on working as a nurse in the adult ICU.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am an Illinois State Scholar and a PLTL leader.
Dhara Patel
BIOL 140
Major: Nursing
Class Year: Sophomore
Potential Graduation Date: December 2027
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: Once after completion of bachelors in nursing science, I want to do masters in anesthesiology. Working as professional nurse is ultimate aim.
Sequoia Tyus (She/Her/Hers)
BIOL 140
Major: Nursing
Class Year: Sophomore
Potential Graduation Date: May 2027
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am involved in SNAP, SIUE cheer, and a Welcome Weekend Leader
Aly Yociss
BIOL 151
Major: Chemistry - Biochemistry
Class Year: Sophomore
Potential Graduation Date: May 2027
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I am very passionate about the field of medicine and have hopes of becoming a physician who will greatly enhance the well-being of others.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am a part of biology club and chemistry club. A fun fact about me is that up until college, I have been a competitive figure skater!
Jadon Wing
BIOL 240A
Major: Nursing
Minor: Business Administration
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: December 2026
Past SI Courses Covered: CHEM 120B
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I hope to be a registered nurse and hopefully continue my education after I graduate.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am the VP of the Pickleball Club here at SIUE
Carlie Goehl
BIOL 240A
Major: Exercise Science
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2026
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I plan to continue my education and receive my Doctarate in occupational therapy. I hope to work with pediatrics or geriatrics
Alanis Cameron
BIOL 240B
Major: Nursing
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2026
Past SI Courses Covered: BIOL 140, BIOL 250
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: Critical care nurse, in the future I want to be a nurse educator
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): Treasurer for Student nurses association, WeCare fellowship
Becca Mueller (She/Her/Hers)
BIOL 250
Major: Nursing
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2025
Past SI Courses Covered: BIOL 140, BIOL 250, BIOL 319
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: After graduating from SIUE, I plan on working as a nurse in the ICU and then return to SIUE for the CRNA program.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am the president of the SIUE Student Nurse Association.
Drake Crider (He/Him/His)
BIOL 319
Major: Chemistry - Biochemistry
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2026
Past SI Courses Covered: BIOL 151
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: At the moment, I would like to pursue higher degrees in the hopes of eventually returning to a university to teach organic chemistry and conduct research, however, I am open to other pathways from organic chemistry depending on what presents itself.
Chemistry Leaders
Duong Nguyen (She/Her/Hers) 
CHEM 113
Major: Chemistry - Biochemistry
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2026
Past SI Courses Covered: CHEM 121A
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: Chemist or Medical School, Physician
Jacob Gusse
CHEM 120A
Major: Biological Sciences
Minor: Chemistry
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2026
Past SI Courses Covered: CHEM 241A
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I hope to go to medical school in the future and pursue a career as a medical doctor.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): Pre-Health Hub Ambassador, Volunteer at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital, URCA Research with Professor Sumita, Cougar Pride Scholarship
Dorie Krager
CHEM 120A
Major: Nursing
Minor: Psychology
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2025
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: After graduation, I plan on working in Surgery or ICU. In the future, I hope to pursue my Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse Anesthesia or as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am an active member of the Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority and Honors Student Association.
Emily Buss
CHEM 120B
Major: Nursing
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2025
Past SI Courses Covered: CHEM 120B
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): Alpha Sigma Tau Chapter President, Student Nurse Association Senior Representative, URCA Leader, Order of Omega Greek Honor Society, Make-a-Wish Club Executive Coordinator
Braden Pschirrer
CHEM 121A
Major: Biological Sciences
Minor: Chemistry, Forensic Sciences
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2026
Past SI Courses Covered: CHEM 121B, CHEM 241B
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: General Dentist
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): Provost Scholar, PLTL Leader, SIUE Student Ambassador
Tripp Zhang
CHEM 121A
Major: Chemistry - Biochemistry
Minor: Asian Studies, Biological Sciences
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2026
Past SI Courses Covered: CHEM 121A, CHEM 121B
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I hope to use dentistry to help kids in other countries improve their dental care.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): Vice President of Boxing Club, Meridian Scholar.
Grant Skelton
CHEM 121B
Major: Chemistry - Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: 2026
Past SI Courses Covered: CHEM 121A
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: Maintain above a 3.5 GPA, get into pharmacy school, and become a pharmacist
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): In chemistry club and pre-pharmacy association
Isabella "Belle" Hill (She/Her/Hers)
CHEM 241A
Major: Biological Sciences - Medical Science
Minor: Chemistry
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: December 2024
Past SI Courses Covered: CHEM 121B, CHEM 241B
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: Medical School! Doctor
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I'm in Alpha Phi, work as an URCA, am in Pre-Health Hub, and work as a scribe for Mercy St. Louis.
Jeremy Brincken (He/Him/His)
CHEM 241A
Major: Chemistry - Biochemistry
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2025
Past SI Courses Covered: CHEM 121A, CHEM 241B
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: Chemistry Researcher
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): Pre-Health Hub, Research with Dr. De Meo
Paul Bates
CHEM 241A
Major: Biological Sciences - Medical Science
Minor: Spanish
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2026
Past SI Courses Covered: PHYS 131
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I hope to become a dentist and eventually open my own practice.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am a member of the pre-dental association, campus outreach, and Redhill collegiate ministries on campus and volunteer at Smiles of Hope and Give Kids a Smile dental clinics.
Brenden Auerbach (He/Him/His)
CHEM 241A
Major: Biological Sciences - Medical Science
Minor: Chemistry
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: December 2025
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: Hoping to go to medical school and become a diagnostic neuroradiologist.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am a member of Outdoor Adventure club, Student Government, Pre-Health Hub, and a current STEM Ambassador.
Jacob Bivin
CHEM 241B
Major: Biological Sciences - Medical Science, Foreign Languages and Literature - Spanish
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2026
Past SI Courses Covered: BIOL 151
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: Physician
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): Rock Climbing Club
Economics Leaders
Olatokunbo "Toki" Aina (She/Her/Hers)
ECON 111
Major: Business Administration - Economics
Minor: Economics
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2027
Past SI Courses Covered: ECON 111
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I hope to work as an Economic Adviser or Analyst at an International Organization in the future, but I could also see myself working as a translator at some point.
Benjamin Caldwell
ECON 112
Major: Business Administration - Economics
Minor: Political Science
Class Year: Sophomore
Potential Graduation Date: August 2027
Gavin Hegland
ECON 112/FIN 320
Major: Business Administration - Finance
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: December 2025
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: Risk management or project valuation would be my aim job-wise.
Engineering Leaders
Chase Poindexter (He/Him/His)
CS 286
Major: Computer Science
Minor: Mathematical Studies
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: December 2025
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: Software Engineer . . . anything really
Josh Erwin
CS 286
Major: Computer Science
Minor: Mathematical Studies
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: December 2025
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: Anything related to Software Engineering or Game Design. Ideally, I'd like to win the lottery and retire at 25.
Iretomiwa Idowu (She/Her/Hers)
ECE 210
Major: Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering
Minor: Mathematical Studies, Mechanical Engineering
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2025
Past SI Courses Covered: PHYS 140
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I have always been interested in learning ways you can use software to make hardware smart, which is why I hope to become a robotics engineering and be at the forefront of technological inventions.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am the president of NSBE and ASHRAE, a provost scholar actively involved with the honors program and an URCA assistant!
Shaun Pacatte
ECE 210
Major: Electrical Engineering
Minor: Computer Engineering, Mathematical Studies
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2026
Past SI Courses Covered: PHYS 131, PHYS 141
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I am still deciding between grad school and industry.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): IEEE at SIUE
Management Science Leaders
Nicholas Witaschek
MS 250
Major: Business Administration - Finance
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2026
Past SI Courses Covered: MS 250
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: My ideal professional position after graduation would be in the field of finance and/or data analytics and/or computer information systems. I would enjoy a role applying the knowledge I will have learned in school to become a valuable employee. Being able to incorporate my intended German focus would be a plus.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): SIUE Cougar Pride Scholarship Recipient, Homer L. & Helen L. Cox Scholarship Recipient, Dean's List, NeXus Gala Volunteer, URCA Research Assistant.
Kyle Schmitz
MS 251
Major: Business Administration - Finance
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2025
Past SI Courses Covered: MS 251
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: Gaining a job as a financial analyst after graduation.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): Part of Sigma Phi Epsilon and pickleball club
Leah Maxwell (She/ Her/Hers)
MS 251
Major: Business Administration - Finance
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2025
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I hope to be a financial analyst and make a positive impact in the world of finance.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I'm a member of the Financial Management Association. I'm also a recipient of the Cougar Pride Scholarship and the Johnetta Haley Scholarship.
Mathematics Leaders
Maddie Buchanan (She/Her/Hers)
FIN 320
Major: Business Administration - Finance
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: December 2025
Past SI Courses Covered: MS 250, FIN 320
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: Financial Manager
Gavin Hegland
ECON 112/FIN 320
Major: Business Administration - Finance
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: December 2025
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: Risk management or project valuation would be my aim job-wise.
Jayme Greer (She/Her/Hers)
MATH 152
Major: Computer Science
Minor: Mathematical Science
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2025
Past SI Courses Covered: MATH 152
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I look forward to a career as a software engineer or software developer with a possibility of pursuing my master's degree to continue to grow my knowledge and understanding of my field.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am a member of the honors program and a Provost scholar.
Izzy Mishler-Trerice (She/Her/Hers)
MATH 152
Major: Chemistry
Minor: Forensic Sciences
Class Year: Sophomore
Potential Graduation Date: May 2027
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I hope to be a Forensic Toxicologist.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): Pudding Club Revamped
Thy Mai
MATH 152
Major: Computer Science
Class Year: Sophomore
Potential Graduation Date: December 2026
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: Full stack developer/Software engineer.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): Dean's List Spring 2023, Dean's List Fall 2023
Nursing Leaders
Maggie Holthaus
NURS 240
Major: Nursing
Minor: Forensic Sciences
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: December 2025
Past SI Courses Covered: NURS 240
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: After a semester of clinicals under my belt, I would love to go into the pediatrics field! I also hope to apply for the bridge program to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. I still have a bit to go, though, so I am continuing to keep an open mind with where I will end up!
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am a current member of SNA.
Kennadee Stilson
NURS 240
Major: Nursing
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2026
Past SI Courses Covered: BIOL 140, BIOL 250
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I plan to be a labor and delivery or NICU nurse and eventually become a certified Nurse Midwife.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am also a part of the Student Nurse Association
Physics Leaders
Obinna Ndubuisi
PHYS 131
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Minor: Mathematical Studies, Mechatronics & Robotic Engineering
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2025
Past SI Courses Covered: ME 262
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: My future job hope is to become the CEO of a mechanical engineering firm, leveraging my skills and passion for innovation to lead the company to success in the field.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I'm on the Geographic Enhancement Award scholarship, President of the Mechanical Honour Society(Pi Tau Sigma), Autonomous Robotics Club, Rockets Club, Member of American Society of Mechanical Engineers, multiple internships at Western Bell(oil and gas engineering production company) in Nigeria
Benjamin Ottwein (He/Him/His)
PHYS 131
Major: Physics
Minor: Mathematical Studies, Chemistry
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2027
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: Graduate school or industry
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): Aim high scholarship, URCA research, LaVoute Performance Ensemble (not SIUE affiliated), rock climbing club.
Max Hardiek
PHYS 131
Major: Biological Sciences - Medical Science
Minor: Chemistry
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2026
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: Emergency Medicine Physician
Mustafa Ihsan (He/Him/His)
PHYS 132
Major: Biological Sciences - Medical Science
Minor: Chemistry, Forensic Sciences
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2025
Past SI Courses Covered: PHYS 132
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: Become an attending medical physician, preferably in the field of psychiatry.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I have been a PLTL leader starting my spring semester of my freshman year. I volunteer at Residential Home Health & Hospice and occasionally volunteer at Metro East Human Society at Glen Carbon. I also just joined the chemistry club for this semester. I will also continue my work as a CHEM 120A PLTL leader.
Jacob Stephens (He/Him/His)
PHYS 141
Major: Computer Science
Minor: Mathematical Studies
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2026
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: In the future, I hope to secure a job related to either data science or cybersecurity. I like these fields because they combine the theoretical portion of computer science with real life problem solving.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am currently an Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) assistant, working on projects related to data science. I am also a member of both the outdoor adventure club and the fencing club.
Thu Do (She/Her/Hers)
PHYS 142
Major: Physics
Minor: Mathematical Studies
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2025
Past SI Courses Covered: PHYS 131, PHYS 132, PHYS 151
Tatumn Neville (She/Her/Hers)
PHYS 151
Major: Chemistry, Secondary Education
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2026
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: After graduating I hope to either pursue teaching high school chemistry or continue with research in some capacity.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am a part of Dr. Cristina De Meo research group and I am also on the competitive cheerleading squad at SIUE!
Fatima Romo (She/Her/Hers)
PHYS 152
Major: Chemistry - ACS Certified in Biochemistry
Minor: Biological Sciences, Spanish
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2025
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I am eager to continue my education beyond my Bachelor's degree in ACS-certified Biochemistry, though I am still weighing my options. My background has provided me with a solid foundation in the sciences, and I am particularly drawn to the potential applications of biochemistry in the medical field. As I explore my future pathways, I find myself leaning towards pursuing further studies that would allow me to integrate my biochemical knowledge with medical practice. Whether through advanced research or clinical application, I am excited about the prospect of contributing to the advancement of healthcare and improving patient outcomes.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am honored to be a recipient of the Provost Scholarship, which has significantly supported my academic journey. Currently, I work in Dr. Tucker's lab, where I have been involved in fascinating research projects. One of our key projects involved studying crawfish, where we focused on digesting and extracting their nerve chords to quantify the levels of antidepressants they were exposed to. Additionally, I have worked with worms, analyzing the effects of statins—medications used to lower cholesterol—by quantifying their presence in these organisms. These experiences have not only deepened my understanding of biochemical processes but have also fueled my passion for exploring the intersections of biochemistry and medicine.
