I serve as the Director of Academic Advising and Student Support in the College of Engineering. I have worked in the College of Engineering since I graduated with my masters degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of Iowa in 2014. I enjoy the community in Engineering as it reminds me of the small college feel of my undergraduate alma mater, Cornell College, where I graduated with a degree in Music Education. In my role, I oversee and coordinate academic advising from Orientation to graduation for the entire College of Engineering. I also serve as the primary staff support for students navigating academic and personal challenges - connecting students to resources across our campus. 

 

As a first-gen student myself, I really enjoy supporting current first-gen students as they navigate their own college journeys. As an undergraduate student, I never really understood that I was a first-generation college student, but there were so many days that I felt like an imposter - how did I even deserve to go to Cornell? How did everyone know what resources to use? How did others figure out how to navigate the system? Although any student can have these feelings, it is very common for first-generation students to find themselves asking the same questions I asked myself all those years ago. This is why I am passionate about supporting first-gen students on our campus - I want to be that supportive staff member that students can go to with any questions - big or small - and assist them in navigating the next steps in their journey!

 

My husband, Mark, and I enjoy being parents to our 4-year-old son, Grayson. This past year, we have taken our parenting to the next level by becoming licensed foster parents - we have really enjoyed providing a safe and loving home to kiddos while their families work toward stability that will allow them to focus on raising kiddos. We have 2 pets - Lucy (10-year-old cat) and Maggie (2-year-old bernadoodle). We live in North Liberty but find ourselves frequently traveling to spend time with my family in Marshalltown, Iowa or Mark's family in Winfield, Iowa. I love to sing, travel, binge-watch TV, and decorate for different seasons and holidays. 

 

Please reach out! I would love to connect!