SI Leaders
Spring 2023
We have 52 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.
Biology Leaders
Ava Ploeckelman (She/They)
Biology-Nursing Team Leader
Major: Biological Sciences
Minor: Classics
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2023
Past SI Courses Covered: BIOL 151
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I'm looking at either a PhD and going into research, or going to PT school.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I'm in Alpha Phi Omega, a service fraternity. I'm also in the DnD and HSA clubs on campus.
Muskan Bakshi
Biology-Nursing Team Leader
Major: Biological Sciences
Minors: Chemistry and Forensic Science
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2024
Past SI Courses Covered: BIOL 151
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I hope to attend medical school in the future to become a practicing physician. I am currently interested in anesthesiology.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): URCA Assistant in Dr. Tucker's lab, Pre-Health Hub member, Biology Club member, Secretary for Pre-Med Association, Provost Scholar, Chem 121B PLTL Leader, and Honors student. Also works as a Patient Care Associate for Mercy Hospital STL.
Chloe Mishler-Trerice (She/Her/Hers)
BIOL 140
Majors: Speech Language Pathology & Audiology and Spanish
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2024
Past SI Leader Courses Covered: BIOL 140
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I hope to be a speech pathologist in an elementary school. Additionally, it would be wonderful if I were able to apply my knowledge of Spanish in my job.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am a member of the SIUE Tandem club, NSSLHA, and recipient of the Cougar Pride scholarship.
Anamaria Mueller
(She/Her/Hers)
BIOL 140
Major: Nursing
Class Year: Sophomore
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 specialized in pediatrics or emergency medicine.
Fareedah Balogun (She/Her/Hers)
BIOL 140
Major: Nursing
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2023
Past SI Courses Covered: BIOL 140, BIOL 240A
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: Upon graduation, I plan to work as a Pre-op/ PACU nurse for a couple of years before returning to graduate school.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am the secretary of MSA, and Junior Representative of Phi Eta Sigma. I am a member of, Pre Health Hub, Alpha Phi Omega, SNA, and SNAP.
Brianna "Bri" Robb
BIOL 151
Major: Biological Sciences - Integrative Biology
Minors: Chemistry and Health, Society and the Human Condition
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2024
Past SI Courses Covered: BIOL 151
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I am hoping to attend Physician Assistant school and specialize in pediatrics or psychiatry.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am hoping to attend Physician Assistant school and specialize in pediatrics or psychiatry.
Lydia Wegel (She/Her/Hers)
BIOL 240A
Major: Anthropology
Minors: Forensic Sciences
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2023
Past SI Courses Covered: BIOL 240A, CHEM 120B
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I'm studying Biological Anthropology with a focus toward Bioarchaeology. I'm interested in helping repatriate remains in disaster and historical cases.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I'm also a tour guide here on campus! I worked as a field osteologist and lab assistant in Poland over the summer. I am now researching the muscle attachments and labor of medieval Polish villagers. Additionally, I'm president of Anthropology club and involved in Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity and Asian American Association.
Kailey Noud 
BIOL 240A
Major: Biological Sciences - Integrative Biology
Minors: Chemistry
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2024
Past SI Courses Covered: BIOL 240A
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: Physician Assistant
Arden Brady
BIOL 240A
Major: Anthropology
Minors: Forensic Sciences
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2024Past SI Courses Covered: BIOL 240B
Past SI Courses Covered: BIOL 240B
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I hope to bring some much needed nuance and a respect of other cultures' practices into the sphere of STEM.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am a member of SIUE's fencing club. I was a recipient of the Meridian scholarship.
Shane Sand 
BIOL 240B
Major: Exercise Science
Minors: Psychology
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: December 2023
Past SI Courses Covered: BIOL 240B
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I hope to work as a physical therapist in sports. More specifically for a professional running organization (Brook's, Nike, etc.).
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am part of the Exercise Science club.
Becca Mueller 
BIOL 250
Major: Nursing
Class Year: Sophomore
Potential Graduation Date: May 2025
Past SI Courses Covered: BIOL 140
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: My end goal is to go to the nurse anesthesia program here at SIUE and become a nurse anesthetist.

Grace Nolte (She/Her/Hers)
BIOL 250
Major: Biological Sciences - Integrative Biology
Minors: Chemistry and Forensic Sciences
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2023
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: Once I am done with my biology degree, I plan on attending SIUE's accelerated nursing program to receive a bachelor's in Nursing!
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am involved with Biology Club and Pre-Health Hub on campus. I also work at a hospital in an ICU to get patient care experience! I plan on becoming a pediatric nurse once I'm done with nursing school.
Tyson Lobb 
BIOL 319
Major: Biological Sciences - Genetics and Cellular Biology
Minors: Chemistry and Psychology
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2023
Past SI Courses Covered: BIOL 319
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I hope to become a pediatric cancer researcher or pathologist at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am an ELIAS Fellow. I will be working on an independent research project over the next year.
Chemistry Leaders
Stephanie Mullen (She/Her)
Chemistry Team Leader
Major: Biological Sciences
Major Concentration: Medical Science
Minors: Chemistry and Music Performance
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2023
Past SI Leader Courses Covered: CHEM 120A, CHEM 120B
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: After graduation from SIUE I hope to further my education at a US Medical School to become a Physician. I am open to all medical specialties but right now I am interested in both Radiology and Neurology.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): On campus I participate as a member of The Pre-Medical Association, Pre-Health Hub, and I am the Vice President of the Flute Club. I have also worked the past 2 semesters as a Chemistry PLTL leader. I have been honored to be a St.Elizabeth Health Foundation Scholarship Recipient for the past 2 Academic years, a Cougar Pride scholarship recipient, as well as being on the Dean's list all semesters so far. Outside of SIUE I am a freelance private tutor in both Chemistry and Flute performance, additionally I have been working in Edwardsville as a Nursing assistant since the Spring of 2020.
Isaac Vizral (He/Him/His)
CHEM 113
Major: Pharmacy
Class Year: Sophomore
Potential Graduation Date: May 2027
Past SI Courses Covered: CHEM 113
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I hope to go into pharmaceutical research or work in a hospital setting as a pharmacist.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am a member and vice president of membership for the service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega. I am also a member of Pre Health Hub and Honors Student Association.
Maria Fitzgerald
CHEM 120A
Major: Nursing
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2023
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: Being trusted to care for patients who are suffering and vulnerable has been a great privilege, and I'm looking forward to continuing to care for patients and their families after I become a registered nurse in 2023!
Josi Schmedeke
CHEM 120B
Major: Nursing
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2024
Past SI Leader Courses Covered: CHEM 120A, CHEM 120B
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I fell in love with peds nursing/caring for kids during my rotation at Ranken Jordan. However, my biggest dream has always been to be an OB nurse. Getting to watch the labor nurses during my last rotation reaffirmed that dream. I plan to either get my WHNP (Women's Health Nurse Practitioner) or FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner).
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am currently apart of SIUE Cru, Trailhead Collegiate, the Student Nurse Association, the Outdoor Adventure Club, and the Honors Student Association.
Emily Buss
CHEM 120B
Major: Nursing
Class Year: Sophomore
Potential Graduation Date: May 2025
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I hope to work in an ICU upon graduation, then further my education by attending CRNA school.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am a member of Alpha Sigma Tau, Make-a-Wish, and SNA!
Jeremy Brincken
(He/Him/His)
CHEM 121A
Major: Biological Sciences - Medical Science
Minor: Chemistry
Class Year: Sophomore
Potential Graduation Date: May 2025
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: After undergraduate studies, I will attend medical school and become an infectious disease doctor.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am a member of SIUE Pre-Health Hub's case study committee.
Noah Roberts
CHEM 121B
Major: Pharmacy
Class Year: Sophomore
Potential Graduation Date: May 2027
Past SI Leader Courses Covered: CHEM 113, CHEM 121A
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I hope to work in or own a local pharmacy one day and to know and have personal connections with my future patients. I plan to start working in a pharmacy as soon as I can!
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am currently a part of the CEP program offered by the School of Pharmacy as well as a member of the Pre-Pharmacy Association. I have also been a Workshop leader for CHEM 121A and will be continuing to do so for CHEM 121B this semester.
Milena Di Blasi (She/Her/Hers)
CHEM 121B
Major: Chemistry - Biochemistry
Minor: Computer Science
Class Year: Sophomore
Potential Graduation Date: May 2025
Past SI Courses Covered: CHEM 120A
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I hope to make other people's lives better as a cancer researcher, while working either as an oncologist or as a biochemist in a lab.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am an international student from Sicily, Italy, an URCA assistant and a Meridian scholar. As a fun fact about me, I have modeled for Miss Italy and Miss Universe in the past.
Luke LeQuatte 
CHEM 241A
Major: Biological Sciences - Medical Science
Minors: Chemistry
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2024
Past SI Leader Courses Covered: CHEM 241A
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I hope to attend dental school in Alton and own my own dental practice in the future.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): Former Senator for CAS-Math and. Science, UCB undergraduate representative, SIUE finance board, biology club, chemistry club, Pre-health hub, and Pre-dental. association member.
David Dempsey (He/Him/His)
CHEM 241A
Major: Business Administration - Management
Minors: Chemistry
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2024
Past SI Courses Covered: CHEM 241B
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: Working with my uncle at his business, Ionic Solutions.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): Membership in the SIUE climbing club and honors program.
Matt Drewes
Chemistry Team Leader, CHEM 241B
Major: Biological Sciences
Minor: Chemistry
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2024
Past SI Leader Courses Covered: CHEM 113, CHEM 121A, CHEM 121B
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I want to go to PA school to become a physician assistant! I am hoping to either go into orthopedic surgery or oncology but I am not 100% sure yet.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am the Honors Student Association treasurer and I do undergraduate research with Dr. Faith Liebl. I am also a patient care tech at Memorial Hospital in Springfield and I am heavily involved in the fraternity Phi Kappa Psi.
Ridwan Oyebamiji 
Engineering-Physics Team Leader, CHEM 241B
Major: Biological Sciences - Medical Science
Minors: Chemistry and Public Health
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2024
Past SI Courses Covered: BIOL 151, CHEM 241A, CHEM 241B
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: Physician
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.):I am a member of SIUE Running Club and Pre-Health Hub. I am also the president of the Muslim Student Association. I currently do research as an URCA assistant, and I volunteer at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
Jacob Western
CHEM 241B
Major: Biological Sciences - Medical Science
Minors: Chemistry and Psychology
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2024
Past SI Courses Covered: PHYS 131
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: Become a Pediatric Doctor and work with those on the autism spectrum.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): Research assistant in Dr. Wooten's applied health lab through URCA, researcher in psychology under Dr. Hupp, part of the Honors Association at SIUE, and Pre-Health Hub member.
Mallory Mick (She/Her/Hers)
CHEM 241B
Major: Psychology
Minors: Biological Sciences and Forensic Sciences
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2024
Past SI Courses Covered: CHEM 241A
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I hope to attend Optometry School and become an optometrist after graduating from SIUE.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am a member of the Honors Student Association, Psychology Club, and SIUE Make A Wish. In Spring 2022, I was a Teaching Assistant for Social Psychology and I hope to continue to be a TA in the upcoming semesters. Outside of SIUE, I have been tutoring in Chemistry and Math for 6 years.
Economics Leaders
Mickenzie Bass
ECON 111
Major: Economics
Minors: Mathematical Studies and Statistics
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2024
Past SI Leader Courses Covered: ECON 111, MATH 152
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I would like to earn my PhD in economics and work as a monetary economist/data analyst within the Federal Reserve Bank System.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am currently the president of the Student Economic Association and a proud member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. This spring, I will be working as an URCA research assistant looking at hospital performance before and after the COVID-19 pandemic with Dr. Ari Belasen. I will also be working on an independent research project with Dr. Marlon Tracey. This past summer, I worked as an intern at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. I am a provost scholar as well as in the honors program here at SIUE.
Kelly Cruise
ECON 111
Major: Economics and Psychology
Minors: Mathematical Studies
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2023
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I will be getting my masters in economics
Engineering Leaders
Avery Stilwell (She/Her/Hers)
ECE 210
Major: Electrical Engineering
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2024
Past SI Leader Courses Covered: ECE 210
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: In the future, I plan on going to graduate school or pursuing a career in electrical engineering. I plan on working in a team comprised of different specialties of engineering to allow me to grow my knowledge of my field as well as other disciplines.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): Society of Women Engineers member, Dean's List, Physics Underclassman Award recipient.
Joe Masinelli (He/Him/His)
ECE 210
Major: Electrical Engineering
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2025
Past SI Leader Courses Covered: PHYS 141
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I plan on pursuing a career in electrical engineering, or possibly furthering my education in graduate school. The electrical engineering field is much broader than you would expect, and I would like to explore as many different avenues as possible.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am a current member of IEEE and am incorporated in ARC (Autonomous Robotics Club). The ARC group died out during covid, but several of us from IEEE are in the process of reviving it. If you are interested in joining either, don't be afraid to reach out.
Management Science Leaders
Emily Brooks (She/Her/Hers)
Math-Business Team Leader
Majors: Business Administration - Cybersecurity
Minor: Pre-Law
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2023
Past SI Courses Covered: MS 250
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: In the future, I would like to work in Cybersecurity. I am not entirely certain about where exactly I want to end up, but broadly, I enjoy IT audit and security.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am a part of the Honors Program and the Honors Student Association. I am also a Resident Assistant on campus, and I have worked with OSF in ambulatory development as an intern.
Kyla Wood 
MS 250
Majors: Business Administration - Marketing
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2024
Past SI Courses Covered: MS 250
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I hope to work for a local Church or other non-profits in the Metro East and play a vital role in developing their marketing efforts to reach communities in need. My lifelong goal is to serve others well and my hope is to make my job a part of that mission.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I have had the pleasure to serve as Delta Phi Epsilon's (DPHIE) Vice President of Membership Development. Other positions I have previously held in DPHIE was the risk management coordinator and their special events coordinator. Other on campus involvement I've had was as a Cougar Connector and a member of the Homecoming Committee for the Campus Activities Board, serving both during the Fall of 2021. Other involvement outside of the university is with my local church, Cornerstone Christian Church. I have volunteered as a Sunday school teacher for two years, serving children ages five through nine. Over the summer, I had the opportunity to serve as a second and third grade leader and a fourth and fifth grade leader through Cornerstone at Oil Belt Christian Service Camp, with a mission to develop disciples of Jesus through the teaching of Gods word.
Ny'La Hill (She/Her/Hers)
MS 250
Majors: Accountancy
Class Year: Sophomore
Potential Graduation Date: May 2025
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: Two of my biggest goals in life are to be able to teach financial literacy in minority communities because those are typically the people who need it the most, and to create generational wealth for my family.
Claudia Orteza (She/Her/Hers)
MS 251
Major: Business Administration
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2024
Past SI Courses Covered: MS 251
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: My dream career is working in the business department of a fashion or makeup company.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): Honors student association, alumni member of the Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity, provost scholarship, former intern at Northwestern Mutual.
Macey Westrick (She/Her/Hers)
MS 251
Majors: Accountancy
Minor: Women's Studies
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2024
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: A future career in Accountancy.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am am member of SIUE's American Marketing Association (AMA).
Mathematics Leaders
Scott DeLozier
Math-Business Team Leader
Major: Computer Science
Minors: Music Performance and Mathematics
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2023
Past SI Leader Courses Covered: MATH 150, MATH 152
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I currently intend on attending school past undergrad, where I will likely go more in depth with Computers and Computer Science, as well as Business Administration. After finishing my schooling, I would not mind working as a software engineer or developer, though I am leaning more towards management at a computer-related company or a company of my own now. In any case, I am excited for what the future has in store for me and hope to make a difference in the computer space.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): Provost Scholar, SPARC Project Director, Honors Program, Honors Student Association, Dean's List, Trumpet Studio, Wind Symphony.
Kimberly Roskamp
Engineering-Physics Team Leader
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Minors: Mathematics and Environmental Science
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2023
Past SI Leader Courses Covered: MATH 152
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: After graduating with my bachelor's from SIUe, I will be working at The Boeing Company as a Structural Design Engineer. I also will be pursuing a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering at this time. I eventually hope to find a job doing environmental engineering within The Boeing Company.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.):
I am a Provost Scholar. I have had two internships, one with Bayer Crop-Sciences and one with The Boeing Company. On campus, I am a member of Alpha Phi Omega, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Honors Students Association. I also am the Philanthropy Director of Kappa Kappa Gamma, sit on the University Honors Advisory Council, am the Vice President of Pi Tau Sigma, and am an URCA Associate.
Ashley Vandersand
MATH 152
Major: Industrial Engineering
Minors: Chemistry and Mathematical Studies
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2024
Past SI Courses Covered: MATH 152
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I plan on working for several years in the St. Louis area upon graduation, after which I am considering going back to school for a master’s in engineering.
Jayme Greer
(She/Her/Hers)
MATH 152
Major: Computer Science
Minors: Mathematical Studies
Class Year: Sophomore
Potential Graduation Date: May 2025
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.
Kaia Morena
MATH 152
Major: Civil Engineering
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2025
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I am currently looking forward to going into civil engineering, but I am still unsure what type of civil engineering I'll specialize in. I also have no decided yet but I may minor in mathematics so that later on I could get my masters or doctorates in mathematics to become a professor.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am also apart of Pi Delta Phi which is French Honor Society.
Nursing Leaders
Alexis Fischer
NURS 240Major: Nursing
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2024
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I run cross country and track and field for SIUE. I also work for a local hospice company during the summer and on breaks as a CNA.
Mark Lopinot
(He/Him/His)
NURS 240
Major: Nursing
Minor: Chemistry
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2024
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I wish to work as a nurse in a cardiothoracic ICU after I receive my undergraduate degree, and I then plan to get my DNP as a CRNA.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am a member of the executive board of the Student Nurse Association (SNA) here at SIUE, and I am a cohort representative for dean's advisory meetings in the school of nursing.
Keri Lachapelle
NURS 240
Major: Nursing
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2023
Past SI Courses Covered: NURS 240
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: As I continue onto my DNP program to become a Family Nurse Practitioner, I will be starting out on a general medical unit as an RN to continue building my foundation in healthcare.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): Nursing Cohort Class Representative of 2023.
Physics Leaders
Hannah Bowers 
PHYS 132
Major: Biological Sciences - Medical Science
Minor: Chemistry, Foreign Languages and Literature
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2023
Past SI Courses Covered: PHYS 132
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I'm looking to go to medical school and earn an MD degree.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am the current President and Secretary of the Global Ambassador program, TA for physics 132, member of Alpha Xi Delta,and presented research at the Illinois State Academy of Science Conference last year.
Melanie Clawson (She/Her/Hers)
PHYS 132
Major: Biological Sciences - Genetics and Cellular Biology
Minor: Chemistry and Forensic Sciences
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2023
Past SI Courses Covered: PHYS 131
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: In the near future I plan on applying to graduate school(s) with a genetic counseling program. Once attending the program, I hope to obtain my certification to become a fully licensed genetic counselor.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am currently the Co-President of the Biology Club. I am also in Phi Eta Sigma and National Society of Collegiate Scholars. I have been an URCA Assistant for a full year, and this semester will make it a year and a half.
Iretomiwa Idowu (She/Her/Hers)
PHYS 140
Major: Mechatronics & Robotics Engineering
Minor: Mathematical Studies
Class Year: Sophomore
Potential Graduation Date: August 2025
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I look forward to a career in AI and Robotics! I hope I am able to in the future build equipment specifically tailored to improve standard of living!
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am a member of HSA, Student Government and MUC-University Center Board. I am also involved with university housing, an URCA assistant and a fencing enthusiast!
Ryan Kulasekara
(He/Him/His)
PHYS 141
Major: Electrical Engineering
Minor: Mathematical Studies
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2024
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I plan on getting my master's degree in electrical engineering, and eventually working on electronics with either medical or military applications.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I do undergraduate research as an URCA assistant for Dr. Klingensmith in the Biomedical Imaging Research Lab, am in SIUE's Honors Program, and am also a member of the club tennis team.
Spencer Steele
(He/Him/His)
PHYS 141
Major: Physics
Minor: Mathematical Studies
Class Year: Freshman
Potential Graduation Date: May 2026
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: Software Engineer or Physicist
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): CODES Scholar
Gabi Gonzalez (She/Her/Hers)
PHYS 142
Major: Physics
Minor: Mathematical Studies
Class Year: Senior
Potential Graduation Date: May 2023
Past SI Courses Covered: PHYS 142, PHYS 151
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: After graduating from SIUE I hope to be attending graduate school and continuing my education. I hope to enter a physics or engineering program to earn my doctorate degree.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I am currently president of the SIUE Physics Club and the vice president of the Optica chapter here at SIUE. I also participated in the NASA L'SPACE Mission Concept Academy and the NASA Proposal Writing & Evaluation Experience. At the moment, I am a NASA Lucy Mission Ambassador where I am trained on public outreach and science communication.
Thu Do (She/Her/Hers)
PHYS 151
Major: Physics
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: December 2024
Past SI Courses Covered: MATH 152, PHYS 151
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I currently work on building up my resume as well as maintaining my good grades in Physics classes since I am going to apply for REU program for Physics students.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): I would like to share that I want to get a Dr. Degree in Physics in the next 8 years.
Leopold Tejkowski
(He/Him/His)
PHYS 152
Major: Electrical Engineering
Minor: Mathematical Studies
Class Year: Junior
Potential Graduation Date: December 2024
Future Job Hopes/Prospects: I'd like to focus on digital signal processing, which is a branch of electrical engineering, in the medical field.
Other important information (clubs, organizations, internships, scholarships, research work, volunteer work, etc.): Pearls of Power Foundation: Leadership Scholar.