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. 

Laura Carroz joined the Division of Biological Sciences as a professional academic advisor in August 2021. Previously, she worked in Admissions and then with the Trulaske College of Business. During her decade with the College of Business, she was responsible for advising 350+ students on degree and graduation requirements and coordinating its $1 million endowed scholarship program. She also taught courses on professional development and success strategies for both the College of Business as well as the Student Success Center and co-facilitated the proseminar for a business FIG. She is the recipient of MU's Excellence in Advising Award and Advising Shout-Out Award as well as the  the National Academic Advising Association Region VII Outstanding Advising Certificate of Merit.

Carroz earned bachelor's degrees in psychology and biological sciences from Mizzou and is currently working toward her Master's of Education degree in educational leadership and policy analysis from the College of Education.

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. 
 

Year in School: Senior
Major: Biological Sciences (pre-dental)
Minor: Business
Hometown: Chesterfield, MO

When I first visited Mizzou, I absolutely fell in love with the campus and all the pre-professional opportunities and resources the university has to offer. I have grown tremendously as a student, friend, and leader in the past three years, and I know how important a positive college experience can be. I have been involved with many different clubs and organizations on campus, and I can’t recommend getting involved any more. Joining organizations and utilizing campus resources is the best way to find your closest friends, receive help in your studies and professional path, and feel comfortable in college. Whenever I have a break in schoolwork or studying, I enjoy spending my time in the gym, hanging with friends, going out, and attending car meets and car shows around Columbia. Once graduating from Mizzou my professional goals include going to dental school and becoming a practicing dentist back home in STL partaking in mission trips to provide dental care in countries without proper access! I absolutely love being a peer advisor, and I am always willing to help in anything Mizzou related.

Year in School: Junior
Career Track: Pre-Optometry
Major: Biological Sciences
Minor: Journalism
Hometown: Waterloo, IL

Since I am from a small town in Illinois, I wanted to go to a big school out of state to experience new opportunities and meet new people. When I came to Mizzou, however, I was not expecting to learn, grow, or experience as much as I have already! I began my journey here at Mizzou as a journalism major, and I struggled to discover exactly what career path I wanted to follow. Now as junior, I am majoring in biology, and my goal is to go to optometry school once I complete my undergrad. The advisors and many other resources here at Mizzou helped direct me to where I am now, and I am so thankful that Mizzou provided me the resources I need to confidently achieve my goals! Outside of class, I am involved In Tri-beta (a biological sciences honors society) and I am the Vice President of MU’s Pre-Optometry Club! I also volunteer weekly at Boone Hospital as an Outpatient Lab Assistant! I love Mizzou and Columbia more and more every year that I am here, and I cannot wait to help new students find their way and be successful at Mizzou just like I have!

Year in School: Senior
Career Track: Pre-Med
Major: Biological Sciences
Minors & Certificates: Psychology Minor, Neuroscience Certificate
Hometown: Gainesville, MO

As a premed student, I transferred to Mizzou my sophomore year because I wanted to attend a Research 1 Institution. As soon as I found out about Mizzou’s academic curriculum, I knew I had made the right decision! I joined a research laboratory where I expanded my knowledge in cardiovascular and neuroscience research. I love how Mizzou prioritizes for their students to learn outside classroom! During my time at Mizzou, I have had the opportunity to become a well-rounded student, leader, and professional. I am involved in various organizations on campus: I am the director of service and programming for Transfer Experience & Advising Mentor (TEAM), assistant of the VP of membership for Tri Beta, and a member of the Premedical Society and Filipino Student Association. When I am not in my research lab or studying, I love to take my golden retriever on a hike/ swimming and hang out with friends! After I complete my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue an MD & PhD degree in neurosurgery! If you have any questions about getting involved, undergraduate research, transitioning to Mizzou, or being premed, please feel free to reach out! As I have had the opportunity to get involved and expand my experiences, I love sharing these with students and help with any questions they may have! I look forward to meeting you all!

Year in School: Senior
Career Track: Genetic Counseling
Majors: Biological Sciences and Psychological Sciences
Certificates: Multicultural Certificate
Hometown: Houston, TX

I came to Mizzou to challenge myself, experience the atmosphere of a large campus, and work hard in school and extracurriculars. Coming so far from home, I knew that I would have to branch out to make friends in order to get comfortable in a new environment. It was not long before I found my place at Mizzou through different organizations and forming long-lasting friendships. Over the past three years I have developed into a disciplined leader and student due to the support I have received on campus. I have had the opportunity to be a part of Greek Life, Biology Honor Society, and the Homecoming Steering Committee over the past few years. I also was able to participate in undergraduate research as an assistant in Dr. Ron Mittler’s laboratory on campus. These invaluable experiences have prepared me to apply for Genetic Counseling graduate programs this Fall and have made me proud to be a part of the Mizzou community that has encouraged me over the years. When I am not studying or working, you can find me going to the gym, reading a good book, or attending Mizzou sporting events! I am excited for each of you to experience everything Mizzou has to offer, and I look forward to meeting you this year!

Year in School: Junior
Career Track: Pre-Physician Assistant
Major: Biological Sciences
Minors & Certificates: Psychology Minor, Multicultural Certificate
Hometown: Saint Charles, MO

Coming from a suburb right outside of St. Louis, the thought of Mizzou was always there but just in the back of my mind.  I wanted to go "off the beaten path" and attend somewhere out-of-state and unfamiliar for my college years.  However, it wasn't until I toured Mizzou's campus that I realized exactly what everyone loved about this school.  Mizzou has brought me endless opportunities for growth, learning, and forever friendships.  I have had the opportunity to be both a member and even a leader in some of my clubs and organizations.  Outside of Peer Advising, I am a campus tour guide, a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, Tri-Beta Biological Sciences Honors Society, and the MU Pre-PA Association.  I have had the ability to develop myself both as a student and a leader through my involvement, and without coming to Mizzou, none of that would have been possible.  After completing my undergraduate degree, I hope to attend Physician Assistant School to pursue my Master's degree.  Outside of school, I enjoy exploring the many hiking trails Columbia has to offer, playing intramural sports, finding new places to eat downtown, and attending Mizzou sporting events (basketball season is my favorite!).  I cannot wait to work alongside each and every one of you and I am excited for a great year!