The Paul M. Lisnek LAS Hub is a space for students to find the support and resources you'll need throughout your undergraduate experience. The Hub, located behind the marble staircase in Lincoln Hall, welcomes students to learn about experiential learning from peers and professionals in an informal setting. This is accomplished through:
- Peer Mentoring: Learn about student organizations, volunteer opportunities, community engagement, internships, and research opportunities. Prepare necessary materials to get involved (e.g., resumes, cover letters, applications).
- Drop-in Advising: Meet with professionals from LAS Career Services and LAS Honors, as well as the ATLAS Internship Program, Speakers Workshop, Writers Workshop, and X + Data Science.
Peer Mentoring
Peer Mentors in the Lisnek LAS Hub are extensively trained and here to support you. They provide insights to help you gain hands-on experience, including:
- Identifying internships and jobs, international programs, student organizations, undergraduate research opportunities, and/or volunteer or service roles that fit your interests.
- Preparing application materials (e.g., resumes, cover letters)
- Feeling supported and confident to take your next steps
Schedule:
Fall and Spring terms when classes are in session.
Fall drop-ins will open on September 8, 2026.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Resource Guides:
The Peer Mentoring program has created several resource guides to help you access opportunities and gain hands-on experiences. Please feel free to download these as a place to get started. Reach out to our team to discuss your next steps.
| Getting Started |
|---|
| Where can I get experience |
| Undergraduate research at Illinois |
| Telling My Story |
|---|
| Top ten reasons why I am a great candidate |
| Mind mapping |
Questions?
For more information about the Peer Mentoring program, contact us at: lashub-peermentors@illinois.edu
2026-2027 Peer Mentors
Louisa Baluga
Louisa Baluga is a senior studying English, Creative Writing (with a focus in Poetry), and Secondary Education. She is an aspiring high school teacher and hopes to teach English close to Chicago. At UIUC, she is involved with the Philippine Student Association —serving a yearlong term as their Cultural Co-Chair — the Teach for America fellowship, and is an LAS101 intern. Throughout her final year at UIUC, she hopes to become more involved with communities that are career-focused and grant her skill-enhancing opportunities to better prepare her for her future career as an educator. Outside of academics, Louisa enjoys reading, writing, baking, dancing, running, and playing guitar. She’s always down for a sweet treat, loves the color pink, and is definitely one of UIUC’s top matcha consumers!
Shourya Chatterjee
Shourya Chatterjee is a junior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign majoring in Astrophysics with a minor in Statistics and is also a James Scholar Honors student. He currently serves as an LAS Peer Mentor and is involved in the University of Illinois Astronomical Society (UIAS). Previously an RA, he enjoys helping students adjust to college life and navigate challenges and opportunities on campus. Through the Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP), he has conducted research focused on supernova dust and simulations tracing its journey to our solar system, and has presented this work at the Undergraduate Research Symposium. After graduation, he hopes to pursue a PhD in Astrophysics and continue into academia as a research scientist. Outside of academics, he enjoys basketball, the gym, movies, late-night astronomy, and reading Spider-Man comics.
Kathryn Kennedy
Kathryn Kennedy is a junior studying Brain and Cognitive Science with a minor in Molecular and Cellular Biology. On campus, she is involved in Global Medical Training, the Interdisciplinary Lab for Social Development, Crisis Nursery, and Brain Matters. She also enjoys leading a Bible study and playing guitar in her free time. Her career goal is to become a pediatrician.
Pari Kulkarni
Pari Kulkarni is a junior studying Computer Science and Economics. In addition to being an LAS Peer Mentor and a TA for LAS 100, she serves as the Chair of the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) within LAS and as Treasurer of A Better Place. Through her involvement on campus, she enjoys connecting with students and building community. She is particularly interested in the intersection of technology and people, with a passion for human-centered technology and AI. In her free time, she enjoys painting, baking, crocheting, exploring cafés, going on walks, and learning new languages.
Serena Naji
Serena Naji is a senior studying English with minors in Political Science and Legal Studies. In addition to serving as a Peer Mentor, she is also an undergraduate writing consultant with the Writers Workshop. On campus, she is the president of the Campus Honors Program Honors Student Council, and a member of the Student Alumni Ambassadors. Outside of academics and campus involvements, Serena enjoys hanging out on the quad, reading, and building Legos. She looks forward to connecting with students and helping them work towards achieving their goals!
Viktoriya Zamkova
Viktoriya Zamkova is a junior majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Food Science. She is from Lake in the Hills, Illinois, but was born and raised in Ukraine. In addition to being a Peer Mentor in the LAS Hub, Viktoriya is also an undergraduate researcher in the Sweedler Lab, Professional Co-Chair for Alpha Chi Sigma (a professional chemistry fraternity), and a TA for LAS 101. Outside of academics, she enjoys hiking, baking, playing tennis, and spending time with her friends and family.
Laura Zhang
Laura Zhang is a junior studying Computer Science and Statistics. On campus, she has been on the Mentoring Committee of Women in Computer Science, and Social Media Chair of Women in Statistics. She has also gained professional experience as a Workflow Analyst Intern through the ATLAS program. She hopes to continue exploring opportunities that allow her to grow as a professionally and connect with others in her fields of interest. Outside of academics, she enjoys reading, photography, exploring restaurants, playing badminton, and trying out new sports and activities.
Drop-in services
A variety of college and university services partner with the Lisnek LAS Hub to bring experienced professionals to you in a familiar and relaxed space.
These services are offered in Fall and Spring semesters, when classes are in session.
Fall drop-in services in the LAS Hub will resume on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
LAS Career Services
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays -- 10am - Noon
Considering major or career options? Thinking about an internship or job search? Have an interview coming up? Thinking about graduate school? Just not sure where to start? We’re here for you.
LAS Honors
Thursdays -- 1pm - 3pm
Questions about your honors portfolio? Considering applying to the Honors Program? What to check in on your honors points, or learn about honors-eligible experiences on campus? Connect with us.
Speakers Workshop
Tuesdays -- 1pm - 3:30pm; Thursdays -- 2pm - 3:30pm
Whether you’re preparing a class presentation or about to do an interview, the Speakers Workshop offers a slate of resources to help you present more effectively, authentically, and confidently. The Speakers Workshop provides a low-stakes, peer-to-peer environment where students can hone their public voices. Our goal is to help speakers develop the skills necessary to be more effective, authentic, and confident communicators in any context or situation.
Writers Workshop
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays -- 11am - 2pm
Writing coaches provide supportive and generous feedback on any type of writing, at any stage of the process. They can help you get started, to organize your ideas effectively, to polish your academic style, and anything in between! This satellite location specializes in application materials (for job applications, graduate school, study abroad, and more), but any kind of writing is welcome.
X + Data Science (X+DS)
Tuesdays -- 11am - Noon
Thinking about pursuing one of the X+DS majors? Wondering about the differences between IS, STAT, CS, MATH+CS, and IS+DS? Curious about the Data Science Minor or Certificate? Or perhaps a master’s degree? The campus Data Science Education Coordinator is here to help you navigate your options and answer your questions.
Special guests and events
The LAS Hub invites special guests and events to our space. Please keep an eye on LAS Lineup for opportunities to explore and engage.