Jordan Parshall joined the Division as an academic advisor in 2014. Previously, she was an admissions and recruitment recruiter for MU’s Law School. She received her bachelor of arts degree in geography and her masters of education degree from MU in 2009 and 2012, respectively. As a Senior Professional Academic Advisor for the Division of Biological Sciences, Parshall advises approximately 400 undergraduate students on degree requirements, campus involvement, career planning and overall student success. She also supervises the Division’s peer advisors and assists with the Biology Integrative Orientation Mizzou Experience program.  In addition to advising students, Parshall teaches three undergraduate courses, a biological career explorations course for biological sciences majors, a student success seminar for first- and second-year undergraduates, and a lab section on success strategies for business majors.

Parshall is the recipient of the College of Arts and Science Advisor of the Year Award, the Mick Deaver Memorial Award for Student Relations Excellence, the Excellence in Advising Award and an Advising Shout Out Award from the MU Advisors Forum, and a Certificate of Merit Award from the regional chapter of the National Academic Advising Association. In 2018, she was one of 20 advising staff selected to participate in the UM System’s inaugural Advisor Development Program. 

Elise Buchert joined the Division of Biological Sciences as a professional academic advisor in 2022. She earned her bachelor’s degree in the field of Educational Studies from the College of Education and Human Development, where she also worked as a student employee and served as a student Ambassador. While pursuing her degree, she interned as an academic advisor in Mizzou’s School of Health Professions and also was a student assistant for the Mizzou Transfer and Discovery Centers.  

She is a Bright Flight Scholar, a Virginia Booth Memorial Scholar, and the recipient of the Chancellor’s Award. She is also an active member, and former president, of the Little Sisters of the Gold Rose service sorority.  

Christian Vachaudez joined the Division of Biological Sciences as a professional academic advisor in 2022. He has over a decade of experience working in student affairs with expertise in student financial aid advising. He worked as the Financial Aid Director for Columbia Area Career Center and as Senior Financial Aid Coordinator at Columbia College. He has comprehensive knowledge of federal Title IV and state student financial aid systems, experience helping students define their academic/life goals and resolving barriers to enrollment, and enjoys helping students transition to college life and pursue their life goals.

Christian earned his bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Columbia College.