Career Development

Christine Keller is the Director of Career Communities & Career Development. She seeks to inspire students to explore careers, make connections, meet alumni, and feel a sense of belonging. Her mission is to connect students to their ideas and goals for the future, even in times of uncertainty, through innovative programming, collaborative partnerships, and active listening.

With more than 25 years in higher education, Christine is a certified career management coach who has presented at the National Career Development Association conference on liberal arts employability, career innovation, and career development as a retention tool. In 2016, she attended the NACE Career Management Leadership Institute.

With her foreign language degree, she wants to communicate with students in their own language, figuratively if not literally, and with a Master of Arts in Counseling, she seeks to support them throughout the lifelong process of self-discovery and career discernment.

Christine champions equity, innovation, and wellness in her community as an elected school board vice president of her local school district. Along with her husband, she enjoys spending time with their two daughters, traveling and catching live shows. He’s a great chef, always whipping up something new, and she’s a baker who wants to pass down the family recipes.

Lenore Albee has over 30 years of consulting experience as a Partner in the Big 4 and IBM serving US and International private sector clients in strategy, digital transformation, cognitive and analytical solutions, M&A, and security. She also has extensive experience in professional services management including P&L responsibility. Lenore serves as a Board Member, Advisor, & Mentor to innovative Life Science start-up ventures.

Emily is a Career Coach & Assistant Director of Career Development who seeks to authenticate the student and career experience through identification of unique passions, strengths, and goals. What sparks your curiosity, excitement, and joy? Let’s figure out what it is and where to find it through thoughtful dialogue and connection. Emily has an MBA and bachelor’s in psychology and has been working with university students since 2016.

Eliza has been working with students in higher education for a little over nine years but she’s always had a strong passion for helping students. She loves to bring laughter and enjoyment into her appointments while making sure to help her students work towards their goals. Her undergraduate degree is in Art Education and she has a master’s degree in Management and Leadership. It took her a while to find the right fit in a job but career coaching and counseling is definitely it! She has experience working in a corporate setting and as a realtor but now helps pre-health, public health, sciences and other students to reach their goals and discover a career that really clicks with them.

Eliza holds a SHRM-CP certification and has served on the GCSA board in the past. She enjoys exploring St. Louis with her family and hanging out with her two over-sized dogs!

Cynthia Bowdry is the Assistant Director of Career Development, where she focuses on supporting students interested in business careers. With a student-centered approach, she helps individuals identify realistic and meaningful career options, empowering them to take actionable steps toward favorable outcomes. Simply put, she meets students where they are—and helps them move forward with purpose.

With over 25 years of experience in higher education and degrees in Industrial Organizational Psychology and Human Resource Management, Cynthia brings both psychological insight and strategic HR knowledge to her work. She understands workplace behavior and how employers think about talent—an invaluable perspective when guiding students through job and internship searches, mock interviews, and career decisions.

Cynthia is passionate about building confidence in others. Her office reflects that commitment, exhibited with powerful words and motivational quotes. One of her favorite messages to share with students comes from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:
“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”

Cynthia enjoys traveling, roller skating, and spending quality time with her family.

Career coaching focus areas: Business (marketing focus)

Emily Boyd is an Assistant Director (Career Coach) for the Health Care and Sciences Career Community.  She has always loved engaging students in conversations surrounding academic success, finding belonging and embracing their strengths and interests. Emily is passionate about helping students and alumni feel prepared and confident as they work toward their career aspirations. Emily has worked in higher education for 10 years in various coaching and training roles. She has served as a student success coach for students in health sciences, a retention specialist for nursing students and an ombuds person for medical students navigating the medical learning environment. Emily earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration. Outside of work she is passionate about cooking, the St. Louis food scene, finding all the best playgrounds with her family and dreaming up her next travel adventure.  

Amber has worked for WashU since 2017 as a career coach with the Brown School serving master- and doctorate-level students and alumni with an interest in social work, public health and social policy careers. Before her time at WashU, she worked at various higher educational institutions in the St. Louis area in the field of career development. She is passionate about helping others discover ways to use their strengths in the workplace while advocating for equity. Outside of WashU, Amber is on the board of two organizations (Missouri Career Development Association and Consortium for Career Development in Social Work Education).

In my free time, I play video games, watch anime, and hang out with my husband and 9-year-old son!

Layne Brown has a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Arts in Communication and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. With over seven years of experience in higher education, Layne has served in a variety of roles including advising, career coaching, managing programs, and teaching. She joins us from the UMSL College of Business and is passionate about helping students discover their unique path in life. Layne generally finds a way to leverage technology in each of her roles to empower others, such as learning and training on the pros and cons of AI. A self-proclaimed “coffee snob,” Layne loves exploring new coffee shops in the St. Louis region and beyond. She likes hiking, kayaking the Missouri rivers, and photography.

I am an assistant director of career development in the business career community who specializes in management consulting and various business careers. I counsel all levels of students and alumni in their career development needs. I’m also a facilitator in MGT200A, Business Fundamentals for Non-Business Majors. I also partner with WashU Athletics on student-athlete career development.

What do you most enjoy about working at the Center for Career Engagement?

Helping students who come from all over the nation and the world with a wide variety of backgrounds and interest areas.

What is something interesting about you, your hobbies/passions or your life that might help someone connect with you? 

On the personal side, I enjoy playing various sports including pickleball, tennis, golf, basketball, and sailing. I volunteer my time as a USA Pickleball Association Ambassador and I enjoy teaching and developing the game for all levels and ages of people. I am also an IPTPA Certified Professional Pickleball Instructor and play in many tournaments at the highest skill levels.

Career coaching focus areas: Business, Consulting, Assessments, Exploring / Deciding, General, Engineering, Sustainability

Susan has been a career coach and adjunct professor of international affairs since moving to St. Louis in 2010. She is an outspoken advocate for students pursuing mission-driven careers as she identifies closely with them given her background in politics and government.

Susan was previously an intelligence analyst with the Defense Department and ended her career there as the agency’s Devil’s Advocate, where it was her job to help analysts across the agency think critically and creatively by challenging assumptions, emulating the adversary and asking “what if…?”

Prior to her work in the IC, Susan was a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee. She’s also worked as a public affairs consultant on issues of affordable housing and education in St. Louis. Her graduate courses at the School of Continuing and Professional Studies focus on intelligence, national security and diplomacy.

Susan has masters degrees in Political Management from George Washington University and Public Affairs from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

She loves helping students realize that they can build a career affecting change on issues that matter to them. Susan also enjoys connecting current students to ones who’ve charted a path before them.

Brett holds a BSBA in Management and a Master’s in Education and School Counseling. He has four years experience working in B2B software as a service companies as well as three years experience in non-profit work in education and veteran services. He has spent the last six years in higher education in career counseling. He is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Missouri and a certified K-12 school counselor through the Missouri Department of Education. Outside of work, Brett enjoys playing recreational basketball and going to trivia nights with his wife and their friends. Brett enjoys seeing students find their niche in the professional world and success as they prepare themselves to become the new leaders in the world of work.

Kyle Farris (he/they) is a lifelong Higher Education practitioner and scholar with over ten years of combined experience coaching, teaching, and researching. He has previously held positions in student services at the University of New Mexico and most recently at Oberlin College, where he spearheaded initiatives to enhance career services for Neurodivergent students.

As a scholar, they hold a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Political Science and a PhD in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education from Michigan State University. Their research focuses on topics of equity in doctoral admissions and education using decolonial theory. He particularly enjoys working with PhD students and Post-Docs to identify creative ways to bring their doctoral work into their professional lives. They are also a certified Global Career Development Facilitator.

Outside of work, Kyle enjoys writing, baking, and watching dessert competitions. He often brings treats to the office to share with co-workers and students. 

I’m a WashU alumnus with a Masters in Computer Science (’90).  I have spent most of my career in software engineering. Additionally, I founded a successful Software-as-a-Service company and can speak to the entrepreneurial heart. I know personally the challenges associated with recruiting, interviewing and retaining talented technologists and I’m excited at the prospect of working with aspiring engineers and computer scientists as they continue their professional journey.

What phrase or sentence explains how you define success?

I define success as having achieved an outcome wherein each of my clients achieves their desired outcome — whether that outcome is a job at a particular company, in a particular field, gaining experience with a specific technology, or identifying and crafting a meaningful and fulfilling career path.

Favorite quote, motto or piece of advice?

“This is water.” It’s a reference to David Foster Wallace’s famous commencement address to Kenyon College in 2005. A mandatory read.

Career coaching focus areas: Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Entrepreneurship

Jennifer has worked with WashU students, supporting their career journeys, for over 15 years. She loves meeting students, learning about their dreams and celebrating their successes.

Before shifting into the career development field, Jennifer was an engineer for a biomedical startup and a large medical company, and has lived and worked in Germany twice.

Jennifer earned her BS in Electrical Engineering from WashU, along with a second major in German.  She earned her MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus in Career Counseling from UMSL, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Jennifer is the Treasurer for the Gateway Career Services Association and a member of the National Career Development Association.

When Jennifer is not at WashU, she enjoys spending time with her family, biking, traveling, gardening, and raising chickens.

Kim has always been passionate about helping people achieve their dreams and goals in any way she possibly can. Everyone needs mentoring and guidance at some point in their lives, and she’s thrilled to be supporting students as they explore their interests, discover their strengths, realize their abilities, and fulfill their dreams.

Kim’s primary focus as an experienced research scientist (and former medical student) is to help guide students in their pursuit of scientific careers, whether that be in industry, academia, or one of the medical fields.  She holds a bachelor’s in biology and master’s in biotechnology and has seven years of adjunct teaching experience in the sciences at the college level.  Moreover, as a passionate musician, supporter of the arts, national parks enthusiast, and wine salesperson (for fun!), she also loves to encourage and support students who choose and strive for meaningful careers in the humanities.

How Kim defines success: She borrows a favorite, rather simple saying from the late great poet laureate Maya Angelou: “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”

Something interesting about Kim: She tends to be passionate, enthusiastic and joyful about whatever it is that she is doing at the moment:  coaching students or alumni, volunteering at a food pantry, hiking in the mountains, sailing, singing or playing her cello, traveling to a new place, exploring different foods and wines, gardening, or jumping out of an airplane (with a parachute, of course)!

Career coaching focus areas: Research / Science, Exploring / Deciding

Alex Harner graduated from WashU in December of 2011 with his Master of Architecture. He is a licensed architect in the state of Missouri and has worked for a variety of firms in both St. Louis and Seattle. His project experience includes civic, multi-family, residential, and educational work, and he is especially interested in architecture’s ability to reinforce and support a lasting sense of community.

Prior to studying architecture, Alex studied fine art at Hillsdale College and in 2014 spent a year teaching middle school and high school art classes at a first-year charter school outside Austin, Texas. He enjoys illustration and comics and continues to chip away at sequential art projects in his spare time.

Tawni serves as a Career Coach in the Career Exploration Community and enthusiastically supports individuals as they work to identify majors and career directions that feel interesting and meaningful for them.

Tawni has a PhD in Counseling Psychology. Over the years, she has provided personal counseling for college students, taught college psychology courses, led positive psychology workshops, and conducted research for nonprofits.

Early in her career, Tawni also worked as an electrical engineer, albeit a bit dispassionately. Her journey to find a more fulfilling career ultimately led her to psychology and ignited her passion for helping others with their own career exploration.

Outside of work, Tawni likes to connect with friends and family, travel, read, be in nature, and play board games.

Craig believes in helping people “happen to life” rather than letting life happen to them. He is a believer in the power of relationships, authenticity and embracing one’s passions and interests to develop a life and career that allows for maximal happiness & fulfilment.

Utilizing a dynamic nature and passion for personal development, Craig has worked with students for more than 20 years across all education levels, disciplines and areas of study, helping them crystalize and implement tangible action plans for success. Prior to working in higher education, Craig worked within the human resources, talent acquisition & organizational development departments of various organizations within the technology & consumer goods industries.

Along with being a Certified Executive Coach and Personal Brand Strategist, Craig holds certification in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Strong Interest Inventory and has completed the Gallup Global Strengths Coach course.

Top 5 Clifton Strengths: Responsibility | Learner | Relator | Developer | Empathy

Marcus is passionate about leadership at the intersection of operations and strategy, and is excited to serve WashU’s students and alumni. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and served as an officer in the US Army, earning the Bronze Star Medal as a task force intelligence officer during Operation Iraqi Freedom. After leaving the military, he got an MBA from Columbia Business School. Marcus has deep supply chain and project management experience from within industry and as a consultant, most recently working for two Big 4 firms and serving as head of operations for a MedTech startup.

Certified Career Management Coach

Top 5 Strengths: Relator | Developer | Harmony | Analytical | Belief

Amy has been a dedicated contributor to the WashU community for over 13 years.  She oversees career programming and coaching for students pursuing careers in business. Amy is a certified career management coach and active member of the Career Undergraduate Business Symposium (CUBS). Her experience spans career coaching, employer engagement, and graduate business admissions.

Before joining WashU, Amy worked as a primary campus recruiter for KPMG in San Francisco after year as a staff accountant. She holds a degree from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and pursued additional studies in Human Resources Management at WashU’s School of Continuing & Professional Studies.

Amy is dedicated to empowering students and alumni through meaningful partnerships that enable them to reach their full potential. She enjoys developing workshops and programs to enhance the career exploration and preparation experiences.

When not on campus, Amy is found at her children’s sporting events or hiking with her husband and dog, Casey!

Strengths: Arranger, Includer, Communication, Developer, Positivity

Danny is a dedicated career development professional who thrives on building authentic and meaningful relationships with students. With a personal mission to empower students by helping them discover and leverage their unique strengths, Danny is passionate about guiding individuals through their career journeys with empathy and insight.

Danny brings a rich and diverse background to his work, having earned an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis, a master’s degree from The Ohio State University, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and broadcasting & digital media. Originally from Korea and Paraguay, Danny came to the U.S. as an international student and cherishes the transformative experiences of their undergraduate and graduate education.

In his spare time, he enjoys being active, traveling, trying out new and favorite foods, playing board games, reading fantasy books, and spending time with his loved ones.

From an early age, Jennifer’s journey has been guided by a deep passion for imparting knowledge and helping others grow. This drive began when she first recognized the joy of teaching and guiding those around her. Her path was clearly defined, and it naturally led her to her current role as a career coach at WashU—a position that feels incredibly aligned with her lifelong aspirations.

Jennifer’s story unfolds with sixteen years of dedicated service in the non-profit sector, where she honed her skills and cultivated a profound understanding of the educational needs of diverse populations. Armed with a degree in Secondary Education, she transitioned into higher education, bringing with her a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to student success.

She finds immense joy in guiding students toward achieving their professional ambitions, embracing every moment spent helping them prepare for fulfilling career journeys. Her enthusiasm is particularly evident when she supports students who consider themselves introverts and those from international backgrounds. Jennifer understands the unique challenges these individuals face and is dedicated to helping them navigate their career paths with confidence.

Her strengths—Developer, Empathy, Communication, Adaptability, and Connectedness—are the tools she uses to make a meaningful impact on her students. These strengths are fully utilized in her career coaching focus areas: Specialized Masters at Olin Business School, focusing on Supply Chain Management and Supply Chain, Healthcare, and Talent Analytics.

Jennifer’s dedication to her students isn’t just a job; it’s a calling. Her mission to make a positive difference in their lives is the driving force behind every interaction. Through her coaching, Jennifer helps them thrive in their chosen paths, ensuring that her story of passion and dedication intertwines with the success stories of those she coaches.

Before joining WashU, I designed for clients in the movie and entertainment industry at a boutique architecture firm in New York City then ran a private education consulting business mentoring students and professionals all around the world.

What do you most enjoy about working at the Center for Career Engagement?

I love working with students and learning about their unique talents. It’s always joyful and fulfilling to help students explore their potential toward a meaningful direction in their careers and lives. I love the fact I could be a part of their success story.

What is something interesting about you that might help someone connect with you?

One of the lessons I learned from architecture was to look at life in three dimensions and approach problems in a creative way. I have a great interest in connecting the dots of people’s experiences and potential to help them to find a purposeful direction to success. I believe that we all need a great mentor, and I love serving that role for students.

Career coaching focus areas: Architecture

April loves to support others as they pursue curiosity and discovery, experiment with developing interests, and navigate through pivots and changes in plan. She believes it is critical to ground decisions in wellness and a centered approach, and remember that there is plenty of time to become who you want to be. Career development is a lifelong evolution — there is power in learning through trying, growth mindset, resilience and self-compassion.

April’s work is informed by her Bachelor of Journalism in Strategic Communications and a Master of Education in Counseling Psychology, with an emphasis in career counseling. Prior to her university work, she served in public relations and communications roles.

As a career coach, writer, educator, and project manager, April has 25 years of experience in the university environment. In 2021-2022, she engaged in the Career Leadership Collective ASPIRE Program, and regularly participates in professional development through the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), National Career Development Association (NCDA), and Gateway Career Services Association (GCSA).

On a personal note, April loves to spend time with her two daughters, learn through reading, podcasts and travel, go for walks and adventures, and appreciate the art, beauty and peace offered by nature.

Brittney Meredith is a career coach for SMP students, coaching students seeking jobs in the US, Asia, or wherever around the globe they are hoping to land.  She is a graduate of Washington University’s School of Social Work, the Brown School. Receiving her Master’s in Social Work, she has worked with many diverse populations ranging all ages, and received training in behavioral therapy. This behavioral therapy work is the foundation for her career coaching at Olin, specializing in techniques of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy that help students identify their values and strengths and what steps they will need to take to reach their goals. Having lived and worked abroad, she is no stranger to both the joys and challenges of reaching your potential in a new country – these experiences help her serve her international SMP student population at WashU.  Whether you are navigating a new culture, career, or field of study, Brittney is here to help you take the next step on your journey.

In 2007, Jen Logan Meyer launched the College of Art’s first professional practices program, working closely with leadership and faculty to integrate career education into the curriculum for all art and design students. As part of the newly restructured Center for Career Engagement, she has transitioned into a new role as Associate Director of the Arts, Design & Media Career Community, to develop a broader program to serve students across academic units who are interested in pursuing creative careers. Meyer continues to direct seminars for design students and teaches in required courses for Studio Art majors.

Meyer is also a member of the College Writing Program faculty, teaching in the “Place & Perspective” theme. Meyer’s work has appeared and is forthcoming in The Sewanee Review, the Alaska Quarterly Review, The Los Angeles Review, december magazine, Hobart, and other publications. In addition to short fiction, she also writes for artist catalogs and portfolios and works with visual artists and designers on collaborative projects. She received her MFA in Fiction at the Bennington Writing Seminars and is at work on both a story collection and a novel. She recently spoke about her work with students, her literary heroes, and her practice in a podcast interview with the artist Tim Youd.

Carol brings 25 years of experience in career coaching students and alumni. She loves supporting the career exploration process through deep listening, generosity, authenticity, and humor. She also is an Arts & Sciences Academic Advisor.

Prior to WashU, Carol worked in healthcare and human service organizations as a case manager, job developer for people with disabilities, fundraiser/grant writer, and programs assistant. Her BA is in Psychology/Sociology, and she has an MSW from the Brown School.

Throughout her education and career, Carol has demonstrated leadership through service. She has served on boards of directors for six professional and non-profit organizations. Currently she is on the board of advisors for the WashU Campus Y. She is a member of the National Career Development Association (NCDA) and National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

Outside of work Carol is a reader, resale shopper, spinner (bike), movie-watcher, and volunteer.  Mostly she loves time with family and friends.

Sally Pinckard currently serves as a Career Coach for SMP and Online SMP students. She has been in various career coaching roles at WashU for 15+ years as an MBA and BSBA Career Coach, Associate Director Career Education, and instructor in the business school. Prior to coming to WashU, Sally was the head of Organizational Development for May Department Stores (now Macy’s) and held recruiting, training, and buying positions. She started her career as a special education teacher. She is passionate about community involvement and is a member of the boards of Logos School and Landmarks Historic Preservation Association, a docent at the Frank Lloyd Wright House Museum, and served on the CityArchRiver 2015 Arch Restoration Citizen Advisory Board. Sally received her Strategic Human Resources Management (SHRM) certificate from Harvard University and a BS in Special Education from Illinois State University.

Mark is a 25-year financial services industry veteran whose distinguished career included serving as the President & CEO of FSC Securities Corporation, which had 220 home office staff and 1300 advisors, and Executive Committee Board Member of the Massachusetts Bay, Big Brother Big Sisters. He is currently a board member and independent trustee of both Vertical Capital and Magni Global.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from St. Louis University and is a graduate of the Securities Institute from the Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania. Mark and his wife Teresa are both from St. Louis and have two children, Luke and Claire. During their free time, Mark and Teresa love to travel and also to walk/bike Forest Park.

Zach (he/him) is a career coach with the Business Career Community, joining in 2024. With several years of experience in higher education, coaching, and clinical work, Zach is passionate about bringing change to students both in the context of academic and career success, and in developing skills that support students for life.

Zach earned his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from University of Missouri – Columbia (2021), and his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of Missouri – St. Louis (2019).

In his free time, you can find Zach at the gym, watching horror movies, or losing horribly at Mario Kart.

Isabella is an expert in strategic communications and experiential marketing, with a focus on career development, communications, and events. She has spent a decade leading large-scale corporate events for notable clients in the tech and hospitality sectors. She brings a wealth of expertise in internal communications and experiential marketing.

She earned her Bachelor of Journalism degree in Strategic Communications from the Missouri School of Journalism (Mizzou). She and her husband, Dylan, are natives of Clayton, Missouri, and have a daughter named June. In their free time, Isabella and Dylan enjoy traveling the world, trying new restaurants, and attending comedy shows.

Currency Derivative Portfolio Risk Executive with extensive experience in Banking and Financial Services. Lead cross–functional regional trading and structuring teams for a global FX and precious metal derivatives group in the Americas. Proven growth track record, increased market share and improved client rankings under my leadership. Led the US Global Markets Grad Council to recruit and mentor new hires into productive members of Global Markets. Active University lecturer for multiple US campuses. Hold Series 7, 24, and 63 License. Chartered Financial Analyst. Transitioned into full time professor of finance and a finance industry expert for career services. Working with both employers and coaching students to manage the career search and interview process in the financial services industry.

Dr. Robin Shepard is a career coach who finds deep joy in helping engineering students translate their talents, interests, and goals into meaningful careers. With a Bachelor’s and Doctorate in Chemical Engineering, Robin brings a wealth of experience from across aerospace, civil engineering, disaster relief, and safety consulting—giving her a unique perspective on the many paths an engineering career can take.

She is known for her approachable style and her ability to connect with students as whole individuals—not just as resumes or GPAs. Whether students are exploring internships, preparing for interviews, or navigating uncertainty about their next steps, Robin offers thoughtful guidance, honest feedback, and practical tools to help them move forward with confidence.

Robin’s career has included designing chemical processes, teaching university-level engineering courses, leading humanitarian engineering projects abroad, and running a small business focused on safety training for public works employees. This diverse background allows her to offer grounded insight into both traditional and nontraditional career routes in STEM fields.

She is especially passionate about helping students articulate their unique value—whether on a resume, in an interview, or during a networking conversation. Robin believes that engineering is a powerful force for good, and she’s proud to support the next generation of problem solvers who are ready to make an impact.

April Shinell serves as an Associate Director & Career Coach for the Health Care & Sciences Career Community at the Center for Career Engagement. At the university, she has also served as an adjunct instructor, progress counselor and prehealth advisor. She seeks to joyfully partner with individuals, groups and teams to attain goals and to co-create positive, collaborative environments rooted in mutual respect and understanding.

She has worked at multiple nonprofit agencies and in a state government agency. Her roles have involved training & development, volunteer recruitment/management and community relations.

She embodies a deep commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of individuals/groups effectively by applying a systems thinking approach. These qualities were developed and nurtured while she was a graduate student at the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis. She earned a Master’s in Social Work with a specialization in management.

She is a Certified Career Management Coach, Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and Certified Leadership & Team Coach.

As a lifelong learner, she is a member of several professional associations including NCDA, NACE, NASPA, CCDSWE and GCSA.

As a physical therapist with more than 20 years of experience, I can share my firsthand knowledge on being a clinician in the current healthcare environment. As a career coach for more than 10 years, I help students explore various healthcare professions and assist them in their journey to applying to graduate school in physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), medicine and more. Additionally, I coach graduate PT/OT students in their job application materials post-graduation. Lastly, I conduct mock interviews for pre-medical students, as well as medical students at WashU.

Kirsten Smith is a career coach in the Healthcare & Sciences Community.  She has been at WashU since 2001 in a variety of roles, but at the center of all the work she does is the student experience and supporting students as they develop their values, passions and interests. She started her career at WashU in the College of Arts & Sciences, moved to the First Year Center, then the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Students, and most recently was an Assistant Director in the Office of Scholar Programs working with the Danforth, Ervin and Rodriguez Scholars. Over the years, she has served as a four-year advisor in Arts & Sciences to more than 300 students. Now as a career coach, she works with undergraduate, graduate and alumni interested in exploring fields in healthcare and the sciences. She earned her BA in Economics from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and a Master’s of Liberal Arts from Washington University in St. Louis.  In her free time she plays tennis both recreationally and competitively and loves to travel and try new restaurants.

Sean is excited to support WashU students as they explore their passions and pursue meaningful career opportunities. With a bachelor’s degree in computer science, Sean spent nearly a decade working in various engineering roles within the aerospace industry before getting a masters in Counseling and transitioning to a career in career counseling. He is passionate about guiding students through their career journeys by helping them identify their strengths, interests, and aspirations, ultimately leading to fulfilling careers. Outside of Washington University, Sean enjoys playing racquetball, pickleball, and board games with family and friends.

Ahmar Ursani (he/him) has spent most of his professional background in higher education, where he has served as an academic advisor, success coach, program coordinator, instructor, and career counselor. Also, he has worked in nonprofit settings and K-12 education in the metro St. Louis area. Academically, Ahmar has degrees in psychology and social work. Ahmar enjoys collaborating with students and alumni to help them envision their professional success.

Career coaching focus areas: Academia / Faculty, Non-Profit / Social Work, Pre-Law, Government, Policy, and Social Impact, Exploring / Deciding, Pre-Graduate School, General

Zhiling Xu brings 30 years of experience as an educator in China, where she worked with more than 10,000 students. She has received both  national and international recognition for her achievements, authored 5 books and 11 articles, and participated in global academic exchange as a  visiting scholar. For more than a decade, she was also actively involved in recruiting work.

In January 2022, she moved to St. Louis with her husband to reunite with her family (both her daughter and son-in-law are proud alumni of WashU). She is thrilled to be part of the SMP team and looks forward to supporting students who are planning to return to China to pursue their career goals.

Zhiling is a Certified Career Management Coach and Etiquette Consultant. If  you want to share your stories, concerns and dreams, she will be there, listening with care, encouraging you with warmth, and helping you take meaningful steps toward your future.

With a PhD from WashU’s DBBS program, Mei brings over a decade of diverse working experience across academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. She worked in the plant science and data science areas, and her career includes roles at nonprofit research institutions (Donald Danforth Plant Science Center/DDPSC), a small company (CTC Genomics), large corporations (Bayer), and an AI and data science startup (Premier Strategy Consulting).

Throughout her career, Mei has consistently demonstrated a commitment to education and mentorship. Mei has supervised over 30 students, interns, and contractors. She has also served as a co-chair for the Scientific Training and Mentoring Committee at DDPSC and as a leader for the Bayer University Mentoring Program (B4U).

Personally, Mei has been married to her husband for over 14 years, and they are raising a family of four children. In her free time, Mei enjoys family movie nights, RV camping, baking, and being a WeChat vlogger.