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. 

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: 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: 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!