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 MU's prestigious 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. 

Carol Martin has been the Coordinator of Student Services for the Division of Biological Sciences since 2005. She administratively coordinates the Division’s Undergraduate Advising Office and is responsible for the academic development of the Division’s 1500 majors. She designed and developed the Division's Peer Advising Program as well as the Biology Integrative Orientation Experience (BIOME) Program. In addition to advising students, Martin teaches a Learning Strategies for College Students course for the Student Success Center and a Transfer Interest Group (TRIG) section for biology majors. She also serves on the Division’s Scholarship Committee and Committee for Curriculum. Martin is the recipient of the College of Arts and Science's prestigious Blue Chalk Award for Excellence in Advising as well as the Excellence in Education Award and a Staff Appreciation Award.

Year in School: Junior
Major: Biological Sciences
Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Rogersville, MO

I grew up in a small town in southwest Missouri. I was very certain that I wanted to go out of state to pursue my undergraduate degree. Then a friend suggested I visit Mizzou and everything changed. I immediately felt connected to the campus. I love the fantastic facilities, the campus size, and the "not-too-close yet not-too-far" distance it was from my home. I have been involved in a variety of organizations, clubs, and events on campus: from being president of my fraternity and joining the homecoming dance team to training as an EMT and competing in the sorority philanthropy athletic games. I have tried just about everything that has interested me! When I finish my bachelor's degree, I plan on attending medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. When I'm not studying or working, I love to workout, play guitar, watch baseball, and go out with friends. I am excited for what this year has in store, and I look forward to meeting and working alongside each of you!

Year in School:  Senior
Major: Biological Sciences
Hometown: Carrollton, MO

I am from the small town of Carrollton, MO, which has made the transition to Columbia such an exciting experience. I initially wanted to travel out of state to attend college, but I chose Mizzou because of the varied options and opportunities it offers students. I have grown and developed as a scholar and person during my time at Mizzou with experiences that I never would have had at another university. I am so glad that I made the right choice! I want to be a conservation geneticist after graduation and know that Mizzou has prepared me for my career. I am a member of Alpha Phi Omega, a service fraternity, and Beta Beta Beta, the biological honors society. When I am not studying in the Student Center, I spend time with friends, volunteer through APO, lounge around the Francis Quadrangle, and take care of my pets. If you have any questions about getting involved, staying on top of your classes, or where to find the best cup of coffee in Columbia, feel free to contact me! I look forward to another year as a peer advisor and to meeting all of you!

Year in School: Senior
Majors: Biological Sciences
Minors: Chemistry, Microbiology, Psychology
Hometown: Edwardsville, IL

Although I grew up in Illinois surrounded by corn fields, I still had big love for the Tigers. Many members of my family went to Mizzou, including my mom who majored in Animal Sciences. Thus, unlike  everyone else who stressed about college decisions, I knew I belonged at Mizzou. I didn’t hesitate. It was an added bonus that the biological sciences program is super welcoming and offers a lot ways to get involved and be successful. I love to talk, and I can talk about almost anything, from sports to academics. I hope to pursue a career in industry doing research and may possibly go to graduate school. I have had many opportunities at Mizzou, both academic and otherwise. I work as a replay operator with the best college sports broadcast team and have been working closely with the biology department, both as a Peer Advisor and as a TA. Throughout my years at Mizzou, I have been lucky to have met and interacted with a lot of amazing people and to have built meaningful, lasting relationships. Everyone has a place here, and I look forward to helping you find your place in the Mizzou family.

Year in School: Senior
Major: Biological Sciences 
Minor: Philosophy
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

I went to a fairly large high school, so I knew I wanted to be in a similar environment in college. Mizzou does a good job of making campus feel smaller than it is. Since I started at MU, I feel I have really grown as a person in all aspects. I have been provided with many helpful resources that have been crucial to my success as a student. There are so many people on campus who genuinely want to see every student succeed, including me! In addition to being a peer advisor, I am involved in undergraduate research and am a member of several organizations on campus, including Minority Association of Pre-Health Students (or MAPS). After I finish my bachelor's degree, I plan to attend medical school to become an emergency medicine physician or a pediatrician. It's a long road but I am enjoying the journey, and I’m excited to help you during your own journey! 

Year in School: Junior 
Major: Biology and Psychology 
Minor: Business 
Hometown: Lake Saint Louis, MO 

When I was thinking about colleges to attend, Mizzou was not on my list. Then I came here for a visit. As soon as I stepped foot on campus, I knew I wanted to be here.  I love how pretty the campus is and how willing everyone is to help each other. During my time at Mizzou, I have grown academically, professionally, and as a leader.  I know I would have had a very different experience if I had gone elsewhere. I am involved in many organizations: I am Vice President of Membership for Tri-Beta (the biological sciences honor society) and a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority and Phi Delta Epsilon (a pre-med fraternity). I also am a research assistant in a biomedical sciences lab and a lab technician in the Emergency Department at University Hospital.  When I am not studying or working, I enjoy walking and hiking around Columbia, spending time with friends, and finding new experiences. After I complete my bachelor's degree, I plan to attend medical school. I'm confident of being a competitive medical school applicant because of all the resources available to me on campus. If you have any questions about getting involved, managing your time, or even places to hike around Columbia, feel free to reach out to me!  I enjoy being a peer advisor and look forward to meeting new students!