The faculty advisors, student coordinators, field trip coordinators and student leaders are the people that keep BCQ running. It is their hard work that allows the Colloquium to be a success. All coordinator and leader positions are occupied by former BioS 196 students who have “moved up in the ranks” and now help run the course.  If you love Bios 196, apply to be a student leader!

Faculty Advisors

The Biology Colloquium is very fortunate to have three faculty advisors that oversee the BCQ course, guide and chaperone the field trips, share their research experience and scientific knowledge, make introductions to local biologists for field trip visits, offer guidance and mentoring to BCQ students, and are always there to step in should any problems arise. They are important liaisons to the UIC Biology Department, and have helped foster the growth of the class.

Student Coordinator

Rosa Elena Mendoza
Wednesday & Thursday Coordinator
rmendo27@uic.edu

Hola! I am a PhD student in Biological Sciences. I study bats to better understand mammalian brain circuitry and function. From BCQ student, to student leader, and now coordinator, I'm excited to be a part of helping students network with and learn from biologists in the Chicago area.

Becoming a Coordinator


​Student coordinators apply and are appointed to their position by the faculty advisors (their term spans the entire academic year and longer in some cases). The coordinator(s) are in charge of managing their student leaders and students, setting up and running large group classes and overseeing the entire operation of the Colloquium (e.g. class policies, meetings, etc.).

Field trip coordinators apply and are appointed by both the student coordinator(s) and the faculty advisors. Their major responsibility is that of the coordinating and planning each large semester field trip (end of the semester for spring trip and during midterms in the fall). Sometimes field trip coordinators are also student leaders and show a high degree of organization and commitment to BCQ. 

​Student Leaders
Fall 2023

Wednesday

Thursday
Raha Goodarzi
rgooda2@uic.edu

Hi everyone! My name is Raha Goodarzi and I am a senior majoring in biological sciences on the pre-dental track. I am interested in pursuing a career in dentistry and owning a private practice for general dentistry in the future. I was originally born in Iran and lived there during my childhood before moving to Turkey. I can speak Farsi and English fluently. Outside of school I enjoy working out, spending time with friends and family, and trying out new foods. I enjoyed taking this class last semester and found it very insightful. I’m very excited for our semester together!
Nichole Botello
nbote2@uic.edu

Hello everyone! My name is Nichole Botello. I am majoring in pharmaceutical science on the pre-pharmacy track. My goal is to get my PharmD to work as a Hospital Clinical Pharmacist.This past year I’ve been working as an Emergency Department Research Associate over at the Cook County Hospital. Outside of school, I love spending time with family, traveling, and figureskating. I’m looking forward to this semester!pending time with family, traveling, and figureskating. I’m looking forward to this semester!

​Fatima Alshboul
falsh4@uic.edu

My name is Fatima, and I am currently majoring in Biological Sciences on the pre-dental track. I am fascinated with the field of dentistry and have ambitions to become a prosthodontist. I love spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy watching movies, reading books, and playing volleyball.

Jason Cisneros
Jcisn5@uic.edu

Hi! My name is Jason Cisneros and I am a second year Biology student. I am currently onthe Pre-med track in hopes of becoming a Family-Medicine physician in the future. In myfree time I workout, walk my dogs, tend to my plants, and volunteer at food pantries. Itook this course last semester and enjoyed everything about it. I hope to get to know youand try to help you on your academic journey!
Renee King
rking42@uic.edu

Hello! My name is Renee King. Born and raised in Jamaica, now living in the suburbs of Chicago. I am majoring in biology and on the pre-dental track. I am currently a senior, UIC Urban Public Policy fellow, Commuter Students Advisory Board member, and an intern and participant in public health research at UIC College of Dentistry. I also work part-time in a dental office and volunteer at food pantries and shelters. In my free time I enjoy cooking, hosting parties, listening to music, and making bath bombs. My goal is for us to have a fun semester while learning about the diversity of biology. Can’t wait to meet you!
Amina Shkirat
ashkir2@uic.edu

My name is Amina Shkirat. I am an undergraduate student majoring in Biology and Psychology. Aftergraduating from UIC, I intend to enroll in the medical school at UIC. I enjoy swimming and traveling,among other hobbies. I adore animals, especially horses. In my spare time, I volunteer at Christ Hospital.I currently work as a technician for autistic children. I took this class and enjoyed every aspect of it, and Ihope that my students will have the same experience.
Jobaida Jeba
jjeba2@uic.edu

Hi! Welcome to BQC! My name is Jobaida Jeba, I am a third-year undergraduate student who isnow pursuing the pre-PA program. Integrative health studies is my major. I have always been really interested in biology because it is so fascinating and opens up a seemingly endless world of possibilities. I love how there is always new knowledge to learn and how your perspectives can always be improved. I adore taking photos of nature, and the beauty of the natural world constantly draws me in. The lakeside is one of my favorite places to be. I took this course last semester, and I find all of the biological topics to be very fascinating.
Parker Gillis
pgill8@uic.edu

Hi everyone, my name is Parker Gillis. I am a junior 
here at UIC, and I am currently majoring in Biology. 
The picture you are seeing to the side is from a Bass 
research internship I worked last summer. After 
graduating I hope to do post-grad work at a university near the ocean, where I can do more research in the water. Specifically, I would love to research the coral bleaching that is occurring in the coral reefs off the coast of Australia. When I am not 
at school, I love to skateboard, draw, play guitar, and listen to music.



​Jobran Abo
jabou2@uic.edu

Hey everyone! My name is Jobran, and I am a third-year student majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in Psychology. I am on the pre-dental track in hopes of becoming a prosthodontist one day. I love being involved on campus and connecting with other students. I am really excited to meet everyone and I’m looking forward to a good school year!

​Leila Idheileh
lidhei2@uic.edu
Hi, my name is Leila Idheileh, and I am a senior at UIC majoring in Integrated Health and Studies. I am a pre-Dental student, and I am very passionate about Dentistry. In my free time I enjoy reading books, taking walks, and spending time with family and friends.



Makia Sheikh
msheik24@uic.edu

Hello! 
My name is Makia Sheikh, and I am currently a senior. I am majoring in integrated health studies. I am originally from Palestine. I enjoy community work and giving back to my 
community. My hobbies include baking and going on long walks. I love spending time with my family and friends. A fun fact about me is I love coffee and I enjoy trying new flavors. I love traveling and exploring new places. 

Devin Peterson
dpete6@uic.edu

Hello! My name is Devin Peterson. I’m currently majoring in neuroscience and hope to attain a PhD in neuroscience. My hope is to contribute to future Alzheimer's research or something pertaining to memory. My mind is always curious about new ideas with anything not just science such as art or philosophy. I love the outdoors and getting active. I currently volunteer at HAPPY Labs on west campus. This research involves mood disorders and addictions. I look forward to becoming a leader to younger students and hope to excite them about science!

Becoming A Student Leader

If you are a current or past Colloquium student, we invite you to apply for a Student Leader position. There are many advantages to being a Student Leader, most importantly learning the skills needed to organize, motivate and mentor younger students.  What a great career stepping stone!  Student Leaders also earn 2 biology 200-level credits (as BioS 296) for their efforts, and have use of the great BCQ Office.  The office has a nice, almost too comfortable sofa; 3 computers for e-mailing, writing papers, and playing games; a refrigerator and microwave for storing and heating food; and an almost constant supply of snacks. Furthermore, several times a semester, student leaders are treated to dinner when the Colloquium holds a staff meeting.

To apply, print the relatively short Student Leader Application, read the directions and complete it, and  email it to the student coordinators before the end of finals week. After receiving the applications, the student coordinators will then contact you to set up a brief interview.

Former Faculty Advisors

The Biology Colloquium would not be where it is today were it not for the support and guidance of all its past faculty advisors.
Dr. Jennifer Schmidt
Dr. Robert Willey (in memoriam)
Dr. Don Murphy
Dr. Steve Kelso
Dr. Paul Malchow
Dr. Steve Logan 
Dr. Joel Brown
Dr. Thomas Park