Effective Fall 2025, DGS will become the Division of Exploratory Studies. Same mission; new name.
NEW: Peer Support
Interested in connecting with a fellow exploring student? As an extension of the Ambassador Program, Peer Support is now available in DGS! Our Senior Ambassadors are here to help you get connected, navigate the ICT process, explore campus life, and much more.
Whether you're looking for guidance on your academic journey or simply want to learn more about the resources available, our ambassadors are ready to support you every step of the way.
*Please note that this is intended to be peer mentoring, not advising support. For questions about major selection, course planning, ICT requirements, academic progress, and all other in-depth academic-related questions, please schedule an appointment with your academic advisor.
Meet our Senior Ambassadors
Trinity Brown
(she/her)
Hi everyone! I'm Trinity and I am a Junior here at Illinois. I am majoring in Kinesiology on the Pre-Physical Therapy track. Currently, I am involved in programs/extracurricular activities like 100 Strong, Mentors in Medicine, Carle Volunteering, and the PT club.
I am very excited to work in every area a student may need me for, whether that's the ICT process, exploring a major, finding an internship, building bonds on campus, etc.
Cody Drake
(he/him)
Hey, I'm Cody! I am a Sophomore from Danville, IL. I am majoring in Advertising and I am planning to pursue a film production minor and possibly another one with more of a business focus. I am very involved in the Illini Union Board, an organization that plans student events at or around the Illini Union. I serve as the Director of Traditional Events and I was a DGS Peer Advisor in Summer 2024.
I am passionate about helping fellow students navigate the exploration and ICT process. I did a lot of exploring as an undeclared student which has given me the experience of going through multiple ICT applications.
Moris Ji
(she/her)
Hi there! My name is Moris Ji. I am a sophomore double majoring in Accountancy and Information Systems in Gies. I am originally from China.
For extracurriculars on campus, I am in two different consulting RSOs, one Information Systems RSO and an entrepreneur RSO. I am a member of a panhellenic sorority and the Illini Union Board, as well! Additionally, I work at the Ice Arena as a facility assistant for public skating and hockey games. I have worked as a DGS Ambassador for 1 year already and I really enjoy working with such a fun and supportive community!
Feel free to ask me about ICT, campus involvement, and any other questions you may have!
Sam Kowal
(she/her)
Hello, my name is Sam! I am a Junior from Lisle, Illinois. I am studying Finance + Data Science through the Gies College of Business and am involved in Kappa Kappa Gamma, American Marketing Association, CareerSpring Ambassador, Phi Eta Sigma.
I am passionate about helping with the ICT process, finding internships, and becoming involved on campus! I myself went through the ICT process so I know how stressful it can be and can help students navigate through it, especially those looking to transfer into Gies. I also think being involved on campus is a great way to find your community while growing your network and skills. Lastly, finding internships can be challenging, but with the help of the people around me I was able to secure two in the past two years and would love to help others do the same.
Benedict Mushimata
(he/him)
Hi, I'm Benedict. I am originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, and I was raised in East Moline, IL. I am currently a Junior majoring in Economics with a minor in French. I actively engage in various campus organizations, serving as a mentor and scholar in the Illinois Scholars Program, President of Bridges International, and a member of UIUC Club Dodgeball. Additionally, I work as a front desk intern.
My interests include building community, exploring different majors, and navigating the ICT process.
Alessandra Grillo
(she/her)
Hi there! I am Alessandra. I grew up in California and moved to the Chicago suburbs in middle school. I am a senior and plan to graduate in May this year. I am a Pre-Med student majoring in Psychology, with a concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience. I'm interested in a career in health care and hope to become a psychiatrist in the future! I have been involved in Women in Psychology and the REACT Program; outside of school I love to paint, draw, and cross stitch.
Topics I am passionate about and excited to mentor students on are the ICT process, exploring majors, and helping fellow transfer students get acclimated to the university.
Fran Austriaco
(they/them)
Hi, my name is Fran and I am from Romeoville, IL and am currently a Junior.
My major is Crop Sciences with a concentration in Agroecology! I have developed an interest in soil science and plan to pursue research within this field. I am also heavily interested in herbaria (collections of dried plant material for preservation and research). Lastly, I plan to pursue a Horticulture Certificate through the College of ACES.
I'm involved in several campus organizations, including Ricker Report (a student-run architecture publication), oSTEM (Out in Stem), Horticulture Club, Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) Herbarium volunteer and on-campus research to verify species taxonomy.
I love helping others find opportunities to explore and experiment! It is something I have delved into extensively in my undergraduate experience, particularly into science or art-related majors and minors. I can help answer questions about the ICT process, internships, and getting into on-campus research!
Interested in becoming an Ambassador?
To be considered for the Ambassador Program, students must be in good academic standing with the university and be a current or previous DGS student.
Applications open each Fall semester.
Questions?
Email Sierra Hollenbeck, DGS Coordinator for Recruitment and Admissions, at sholl14@illinois.edu.