Tyler Gahrs
Director, Career Initiatives
Tyler Gahrs serves as the Director of Career Initiatives for the WashU Center for Career Engagement. In this role, he provides strategic direction for experiential learning programs, career outcomes assessment, and career engagement events.
Tyler has held several roles since joining the Center for Career Engagement, including leading internship initiatives and special projects efforts. He previously directed the Chancellor’s Career Fellows Program, which supports first-generation, limited income (FLI) students in building career competencies and gaining internship experiences. Prior to his work in career engagement, Tyler taught in Arts & Sciences at WashU.
Tyler holds a Master of Arts from Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelor of Arts in German and History from Oakland University.
Maria Bruns
Assistant Director, Internships & Experiential Learning
Maria Bruns (She/Her) is an Assistant Director for Internships & Experiential Learning in the Center for Career Engagement. She oversees the Pershing Fellowship in Non-Profit Leadership and administers funding for Center for Career Engagement experiential learning programs. Maria joined WashU in 2023 transitioning from St. Louis Community College where she held roles working in Admissions, Financial Aid, and Student Recruiting. She holds degrees from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and St. Louis Community College.
Madison Dettmann
Events Specialist
Madison Dettmann is an Events Specialist in the Center for Career Engagement. She manages planning and execution for Career Expos, Hire WashU, and other large-scale events. Madison joined WashU in 2021 and previously worked in event management at Spectra at the St. Charles Convention Center. She holds degrees from Western Kentucky University and Southeast Missouri State University.
Braden Downs
Department Coordinator
Braden Downs (he/him/his) is the department coordinator for the Center for Career Engagement and started working for WashU in March of 2024. His role focuses on ensuring the office is running efficiently and maintaining communication/scheduling needs between staff and students. He has a diverse background in theatre, customer service, and banking, and he is thrilled to be a part of this incredible department. He is the proud father of two adorable Boston Terriers, Reno and Dottie, and whenever he is not spoiling them, he enjoys attending live theatre performances, concerts, and peaceful nights at home listening to his record collection.
Jasmeen Finn
Program Coordinator
Jasmeen Finn is a Program Coordinator in the Center for Career Engagement at Washington University in St. Louis, where she manages the Handshake platform, oversees First Destination Surveys, and supports student engagement initiatives. She holds a B.A. in Communications from the University of Missouri–St. Louis and a M.A. in Public Administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Prior to joining WashU in 2025, Jasmeen served as a data specialist and counselor with the SIUE TRIO Upward Bound program, supporting first-generation and college-bound students.
Elizabeth Lao
Program Coordinator
Elizabeth Lao (she/her/hers) is a Program Coordinator with the Center for Career Engagement and started working for WashU in November of 2021. Her role encompasses data administration for student career outcomes and career technology systems management. She received her BA from Cal State University of Northridge before coming to St. Louis with her partner and their two cats.
Jessica Martsolf
Events Specialist
Jessica Martsolf is an Events Specialist in the Center for Career Engagement, where she manages event planning for career fairs, networking events, and other career engagement programs. Jessica previously served as the Chair of the Danforth Staff Council. She joined WashU in 2016 and previously worked in case management in St. Louis. She holds a degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Corrin Molczyk
Events Coordinator
As an Events Coordinator, I lead events, manage our Career Peers, and run our social media! I have an amazing spouse and two dogs who keep life exciting! I enjoy watching TV, working on puzzles, and going on adventures. I’m excited to be a part of WashU and can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Sarah Sims
Assistant Director, Internships & Experiential Learning
Sarah Sims (she/her) is the Assistant Director of Experiential Learning and Internships at Washinton University’s Center for Career Engagement where she collaborates across the WashU community to increase access to quality experiential learning opportunities such as internships, co-ops, research experience, and campus employment. Prior to joining the CCE Sarah was the Assistant Director of Professional Development at WashU’s Brown School.
Sarah pivoted into higher ed after a decade in museums where she oversaw K-12 education, accessibility, visitor engagement, staff professional development, and volunteer and intern programs. The throughline of her career is a passion for helping individuals, especially emerging professionals, achieve career growth and meaning though continuing education.
Sarah has a B.A. in the History of Art from the University of Kansas and an M.A. in Art History and Museum Studies from Case Western Reserve University. She is a proud mom, spouse and St. Louis City resident and enjoys running and gardening.