STEMentor Network

Abigail Ahler

Hi! My name is Abigail Ahler and I am a senior majoring in kinesiology and minoring in chemistry. I am planning on applying to medical school this upcoming year after graduation. I have worked as a medical scribe, volunteered at hospitals, and have participated in research pertaining to isolating bacteriophages from waste water samples here in Bloomington. I was also a UTIN for C341!

Mentoring Hours: Wednesday 11:00 am -12:00 pm in the Sciences Library Room 002S.

Fiyinfoluwa Ajayi

My name is Fiyinfoluwa Ajayi. I am majoring in Neuroscience and Spanish with a minor in chemistry. I’m aspiring to be a medical doctor. I have two on-campus jobs, one at the Walter Center for Career Achievement and the other at the Biology Department as a UTA. I have participated in summer research programs at IU Simon Cancer Center for two summers. I also have experience working at a warehouse. I’m also on the board for a Christian student organization so I have experience with leadership. I also have experience studying and sitting for the MCAT.

Mentoring Hours: Wednesday from 6:20-7:20pm in the Sciences Library Room 002S or a main room table.

Samara Black

Hi! My name is Samara, and I am a senior majoring in neuroscience. I’m on the pre-med track and plan to take a gap year working as a medical assistant before I attend medical school in the fall of 2027. My experience preparing my medical school application means that I can offer advice on securing recommendation letters, studying for the MCAT as well as finding shadowing and patient care hour opportunities. I am also a C127 UTIN and an undergraduate researcher for Dr. Alberts's behavioral neuroscience lab. I have had plenty of hands-on involvement and leadership roles within campus extracurriculars such as Alpha Chi Sigma (the chemistry fraternity) and the Hutton Honors medical sciences council and would love to offer advice on how to gain leadership positions and find extracurriculars that will help your post grad application. Through my experiences, I have learned efficient study strategies and can also offer plenty of advice on how to succeed in difficult classes such as organic chemistry and biochemistry. I am happy to help in any way I can!

Mentoring Hours: Wednesday 9-10 am in the Sciences Library Room 002S.

Gavin Burns

My name is Gavin, and I’m a junior studying Finance and Accounting at the Kelley School of Business while also completing the pre-med track. My goal is to become a physician and eventually open my own practice, where my business background will be a real advantage. I work in a simulation center for IU Health, volunteer at a hospice house, and am taking classes to work as a Medical Assistant.

Mentoring Hours: Friday from 12:30 pm -1:30 pm in the IMU SILC Room.

Rose Hittle

Hello! My name is Rose Hittle, and I am in my senior semester here at IU Bloomington. I am majoring in Biotechnology B.S. with plans to work in the pharmaceutical industry while applying to medical school. Here at IU, I have joined many clubs and helped start two of them (RAM at IUB and the Biotechnology Club). Outside of classes and clubs, I have also done virology research at IU and completed two summer internships (2024 & 2025) with Eli Lilly and Company. Additionally, during my time at IU, I have enhanced my leadership skills through participation in Alpha Chi Sigma, the Chemistry Fraternity, and in my role as a molecular biology UTA for my entire senior year. If you are interested in industry or pre-medicine, please come to my office hours!

Mentoring Hours: Tuesday 12:30 pm -1:30 pm in the Bio Commons.

Josh Lanham

My name is Josh Lanham, and I am a junior majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in Chemistry. I currently work as a Rehab Technician at Bloomington Hospital, which has given me meaningful hands-on experience in patient care and the medical field. I am also assisting in one of the Chemistry labs, where I get to apply my knowledge through organic chemistry research and lab work. I am planning to take the MCAT in the spring and am already familiar with its structure and preparation strategies. My long-term goal is to attend medical school, with a strong interest in surgery. The biggest piece of advice I can give is to stay consistent with your study habits while also finding balance—prioritizing time for yourself is just as important as working hard academically. I am excited to support students by sharing my experiences and helping them navigate coursework, the MCAT, and the pre-med journey as a whole!

Mentoring Hours: Tuesday 9:00 am -10:00 am in the Sciences Library Room 002S.

Emily Nochowitz

Hello there! My name is Emily, and I’m a junior studying biotechnology with minors in chemistry and gender studies. I’m on the pre-med track and currently preparing to take the MCAT this spring. My goal is to one day become an obstetrician-gynecologist.

I always enjoy connecting with other pre-med students and sharing my experiences! During my time at IU, I’ve been involved in many extracurriculars, including serving as the Philanthropy Chair for Phi Delta Epsilon (a pre-med fraternity), being a student member of the Academic Fairness Committee, participating in research, handling marketing for the Biotech Group, and working as an Ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences—among many other activities.

I look forward to discussing these experiences and offering any advice I can to fellow students!

Mentoring Hours: Thursday from 12:30 pm -1:30 pm in the Bio Commons.

Aidan Simons

Hi! My name is Aidan and I am a senior majoring in community health. I plan to go to medical school after graduation. I have been a UTIN in C103 and C341. I have also worked as a patient transporter and a research assistant for 3 years. My goal is to support you in any way possible whether it be studying strategies, navigating STEM courses, preparing applications, or simply talking to someone who understands the process.

Mentoring Hours: Tuesday 12:40 pm - 1:40 pm in the Sciences Library Room 002S.

Rylee Reiser

Hey everybody! My name is Rylee and I’m a junior studying human biology, with a minor in chemistry. I plan to earn my Pharm.D. after my undergraduate studies come to a close. I have experience in planning out courses, applying for scholarships/grants, and the balance between working, course load, and social activities. I've taken various advanced courses here at IU, and I have tons of advice! I can also assist in researching or planning for graduate schools/post-grad programs. I’m also here if you just need to chat, I’m looking forward to meeting each and every one of you!

Mentoring Hours: Tuesday 11 am - 12 pm in the Sciences Library Room 002S.

Rachel Stewart-Allen

My name is Rachel, and I am a junior in the Hutton Honors College studying Neuroscience with a minor in Spanish. I have taken plenty of psychology classes, but I also have experience with a lot of chemistry/science courses having taken C117, C342, C343, P201, P202, BIOL112, BIOL113, and BIOL211. I’m on the pre-pharmacy track but also have insight into other pre-health pathways. I previously worked at Hutton to help incoming freshmen with course planning and degree requirements, so I would be happy to help with looking at degree progress or planning course load. Last summer, I studied abroad in Spain to complete my Spanish minor– I loved the experience and hope to help others to go abroad as well. Outside of academics, I work at Starbucks and am involved in a research lab in the psych department. I’m happy to share advice on work experience, getting into a research lab, and navigating pre-health programs!! My goal is to help be part of a support system to any student that feels lost or confused, as I was once felt the same at IU.

Mentoring Hours: Thursday 10 am - 11 am in the Sciences Library Room 002S.

John Tubman

Greetings! My name is John and I am a senior chemistry major. My career goal is to become a chemistry professor and I am currently preparing to apply for graduate school. I do inorganic chemistry research in the Smith group and recently completed a polymer engineering internship at the University of Southern Mississippi. I am happy to help anyone who is looking to take steps towards going to graduate school or industry post graduation!

Mentoring Hours: Friday 10:15 am - 11:15 am in the Sciences Library Room 002S.

Crystal Tran

Hi all! My name is Crystal and I'm a senior majoring in Chemistry. I plan to get a Ph.D. and go into research. I've been a C116 UTIN, 127 UTA, and I'm currently a C103 UTA. I also do undergraduate research in the BEAMS lab. I’ve done summer research through a chemistry department scholarship and an REU in Colorado. Stop by to chat about whatever you’d like; I’d love to help in any way I can.

Mentoring Hours: Monday 10:15 am - 11:15 am in the Sciences Library Room 002S.

Anthony Virruso

My name is Anthony and I am a junior majoring in neuroscience with minors in chemistry and psychology. I am on the pre-med track hoping to go into psychiatry, but I am also open to being inspired to explore anything that calls to me once I am in medical school. I am also a transfer student originally from the University of South Florida, so I can help new incoming students adjust to living a balanced Hoosier way of life! I am also a UTIN for J-341, but have experience in helping students with most chemistry classes, and most psychology classes. I have just started to study for the MCAT so I am available to talk about my journey with this. I also have experience with shadowing and obtaining clinical hours which can be hard to get started for new students- feel free to reach out to me for any help with this. I am also a part of the Christian Student Fellowship (CSF) on campus to keep my faith strong, as well as intramural sports to keep a good balance to manage the stress of the pre-med journey. I am looking forward to helping anyone I can whether class related or personally!

Mentoring Hours: Tuesday from 2:45 PM-3:45 PM in the Sciences Library Room 002S.

Nika Wilson

Hello, my name is Nika Wilson, and I am a senior majoring in Human Biology. I’m pursuing a career as a physician assistant, and I’ve been gaining valuable experience through working at ATI Physical Therapy and shadowing at different hospitals. At ATI, I’ve learned what patient care really looks like—everything from helping people in a lot of pain to talking with insurance companies to ensure patients get the care they need. Shadowing has also given me a chance to see what the day-to-day life of a PA looks like in a hospital setting. I also spent last year as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UTA) for A225 (Human Anatomy), which was one of my favorite experiences because I loved helping my classmates. On top of that, I’ve been involved as a mentor in this program and a few others, and I’m excited to keep building a supportive and encouraging environment for my peers!

Mentoring Hours: Tuesday 11:00 am - 12:00 pm in the Sciences Library Room 002S.