Robert “Fisher” Houston
Integrative Biology Honors
R. Fisher Houston (he/him) is a Junior Chancellor’s Scholar in the interdisciplinary Integrative Biology Honors Major, with a minor in Chemistry and a strong foundation of physical sciences and field work courses. With an endless curiosity to discover, Fisher is heavily involved in a diverse portfolio of research engagements on campus, ranging from genetics-based assessments of supplement efficacy to archeological anthropology on human trade and conflict. Currently, Fisher is leading research in the Marks Lab on resurrection plants—those that can survive complete desiccation during drought—by applying a systems biology approach to elucidate their water use strategies. Elsewhere on campus, Fisher is the President and Head Beekeeper of the UIUC Beekeeping Club, additionally serving on the Bee Campus U.S.A Recertification Committee and organizing the cultivation of several pollinator gardens across campus, including at the CHP Honors House. He also is a Co-President of the Student Sustainability Leadership Council, and an avid runner with the Illinois Cross Country and Track Clubs. Off campus, Fisher works on new product inspiration at the microbiome-focused Persephone Biosciences, also enjoying cooking, painting, and watching his favorite soccer teams.
Maharsh Jani
Computer Science and Education
Maharsh Jani (he/him) is a sophomore Chancellor’s Scholar pursuing a dual degree in B.S. in Computer Science & Education and a B.A. in Economics with a possible minor in Mathematics or Statistics. He is passionate about using Technology as a force for good in fields like Education, and Economics.
On campus, you’ll find him doing research on analyzing the educational impact of the digital divide on students or seeing if students have higher comprehension when using Large Language Models while writing. He also enjoys helping his fellow students which is why you’ll find his as a Course Assistant, a Teaching Intern, and as a Peer Mentor at the Siebel School!
Outside of the class, you’ll find Maharsh as a Student Alumni Ambassador where he serves as a Co-Director for Alumni Relations, engaging with Illinois Alumni and finding way to better engage alumni with our student body. For fun, you’ll see Maharsh training for endurance triathlons (swim, bike, run) or occasionally playing squash with his friends.
Fernando Limon
Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Fernando Angel Limon is a Senior studying Industrial/Organizational Psychology. He is passionate about one day becoming an Industrial Psychologist where he will help people throughout their vocational and professional development. As a son of Mexican Immigrants, his biggest academic inspiration is his father who has had various diverse careers from being a mechanic to now being a vocational psychologist. Being taught this versatility from a young age, he plans to pursue a 2nd bachelor’s in industrial engineering after graduation. Having taken engineering courses in his first two years of college, Fernando intends to combine his education in both psychology and engineering to understand the different perspectives in occupations within the workforce to help others develop their vocational interests. During his free time, Fernando loves exercising, cooking, and exploring new places.
Rachel Selvaraj
Mathematics/Statistics
Rachel Selvaraj (she/her) is a senior, pursuing a double major in mathematics and statistics, along with a triple minor in public health, informatics, and computational science and engineering. With a passion for leveraging statistical insights to inform healthcare and research, she plans to pursue a PhD in biostatistics after graduation and aims for a career in epidemiological or clinical research. Rachel previously interned at Northwestern Medicine and recently completed a summer fellowship at the National Cancer Institute. On campus, she works as an undergraduate teaching assistant for STAT 212: Biostatistics and works part-time with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions as a campus tour guide and student panelist. Rachel currently serves as the Social Chair of UIUC Cheese Club and the Media Director of UIUC Video Game Music Club, as cheese and video games are her two biggest passions!