Christine Keller
Director, Career Communities & 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.
Affinity Groups
First-Generation & Limited IncomeLenore Albee
Career Coach, Consulting

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.
Affinity Groups
Women +Career Communities
Graduate Business (MBA & SMP)Emily Albers
Assistant Director, Career Development

I seek 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. I have an MBA and bachelor’s in psychology and have been working with university students in several capacities, including career coaching, since 2016.
Affinity Groups
Women +Career Communities
Arts, Design & MediaEliza Angarano
Assistant Director, Career Development

I have been working with students in higher education for a little over seven years but I’ve always had a strong passion for helping students. My undergraduate degree is in Art Education and I have a master’s degree in Management and Leadership. It took me a while to find the right fit in a job but career coaching and counseling is definitely it! I have experience working in a corporate setting and as a realtor but none were as fulfilling as working with students to reach their goals and discover a career that really clicks with them.
I’ve worked with a variety of students and programs and concentrated on public health and health management in my most recent career counseling role but I love learning from students where they want to go next and helping them to explore how to get there. I’ve also had the pleasure of working to create programming for international students and have a strong perspective of what international students need to find work in the U.S. I like to take a personal approach to what my students need and I love a good challenge and finding answers they need together. In my spare time I love taking advantage of the great restaurants and activities here in St. Louis and I love playing with my two overly large dogs!
Affinity Groups
International StudentsWomen +Career Communities
Health Care & SciencesKhalia Benson
Assistant Director, Career Development

As a Career Coach, I have over 10 years of experience partnering with individuals from diverse backgrounds, providing guidance and life-changing career advice. I focus on helping individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves by empowering them to make career choices that align with their values and aspirations. I graduated from UMSL with a Master’s in Counseling and I am a National Certified Counselor with PCC level coaching experience. I believe that finding the right career is about embarking on a career path that brings stability, passion, and fulfillment. Whether that’s supporting you in career planning, defining goals, completing individual assessments, resume & interview preparation, or strategic networking, let’s connect and make it happen. One of my favorite quotes is “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do and liking how you do it.” ~ Maya Angelou
Career Communities
BusinessCynthia Bowdry
Assistant Director, Career Development

Fulfilling my role as a career coach is striving to meet students where they are in the most effective way. I strive to help students reach desirable and favorable outcomes by working together to determine realistic options for their career path.
What phrase or sentence explains how you define success?
Success is a result of self-satisfaction by making an effort to accomplishing a task, setting goals and making the effort to do my best to become the best that I am capable of becoming.
Book, person, podcast or resource you find inspiring:
7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Career coaching focus areas: Entertainment, General, Exploring / Deciding
Affinity Groups
BIPOC StudentsFirst-Generation & Limited IncomeCareer Communities
BusinessEmily Boyd
Assistant Director, Career Development

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration, and I have been working in higher education for 10 years in various coaching and training roles. I have served as a student success coach for the students in health sciences and nursing, a retention specialist for nursing students and an ombuds person for medical students navigating the medical learning environment. I have always loved engaging students in conversations surrounding academic success, finding belonging and embracing their strengths and passions. I have learned in my personal career journey and from working with students that many times your career trajectory isn’t a straight line. I love listening to what drives and inspires individuals and working together to find a path forward.
Amber Brown
Assistant Director, Career Development

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 the chair of two organizations (Missouri Career Development Association and Consortium for Career Development in Social Work Education).
Specialties and Interests
Government, Policy, Social Impact, Social Work, Nonprofit & EducationAffinity Groups
BIPOC StudentsNeurodiversityStudents With DisabilitiesCareer Communities
Government, Policy & Social ImpactMichael Chapin
Assistant Director, Career Development

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
Affinity Groups
Scholar-ChampionsCareer Communities
BusinessSusan Craig
Associate Director, Government, Policy & Social Impact Career Community

I have policy and political experience both in DC and beyond. I’ve been an intelligence analyst for the US government as well as a fundraiser for the Democratic Party. I have masters degrees in public administration and political management and teach graduate level courses on national security and intelligence for the School of Continuing & Professional Studies. I coach students interested in government, policy, politics and advocacy.
What do you most enjoy about working at the Center for Career Engagement?
I love helping students realize that they can build a career affecting change on issues that matter to them. I also enjoy connecting current students to ones who’ve charted a path before them. Our alums are so great and it’s fun to engage in professional match-making!
First post-college job or favorite job before working here?
My favorite job prior to coming to STL was working as the “Devil’s Advocate” for the Defense Intelligence Agency. Who wants to be in charge when you can be the chief skeptic and official assumption-challenger?! I still think of myself as a thoughtful disruptor, but it’s not on my business card anymore…
Career coaching focus area: Government / Public Policy, Public Health, General, Non-Profit / Social Work, Pre-Law, Sustainability
Affinity Groups
Veteran / ROTCCareer Communities
Government, Policy & Social ImpactBrett DeHekker
Assistant Director, Career Development

I hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in counseling with five years of experience in higher education academic advising and career coaching. I am a nationally certified counselor and a provisionally licensed professional counselor in the state of Missouri. I am certified in the Strong Interest Inventory Assessment and career coaching through the ICF. I also have four years of experience in the software-as-a-service industry and four years of combined counseling and non-profit work in the K-12 education sector. I’m passionate about empowering students to find their niche and discover their professional identity with the ultimate goal of finding success and satisfaction in their careers. Outside of WashU, I enjoy playing recreational basketball and going to trivia nights with my wife and our friends.
Affinity Groups
International StudentsCareer Communities
Technology, Data & EngineeringRoy Ferguson
Career Coach, Technology, Data, Engineering

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
Career Communities
Technology, Data & EngineeringJennifer Finney
Associate Director, Technology, Data & Engineering Career Community

As a career coach, I work with engineering students, both undergraduate and graduate. I also work with students interested in sustainability, counseling / licensure, and students wanting to working outside of the US. My background includes working for a biomedical startup and a large medical company, and I am a WashU alum.
What do you most enjoy about working at the Center for Career Engagement?
I love getting to work with students, meeting new people, getting to learn about their dreams and hear about their successes.
What is something interesting about you, your hobbies/passions or your life that might help someone connect with you?
I have lived and worked in Germany twice.
Career coaching focus areas: Data Science, Technology, Engineering, Sustainability, Pre-Graduate School, Assessments
Affinity Groups
LGBTQIA+NeurodiversityStudents With DisabilitiesCareer Communities
Technology, Data & EngineeringErika Fitzgibbon
Assistant Director, Career Development

For more than 20 years as a career coach and leader of career development in higher education and private practice, I have focused on the professional development and advancement of high-achieving individuals. I love building systems to serve communities, developing strong relationships, challenging folks when they get stuck, cheering them on during tough times, standing by their side as they make big leaps, staying connected, and watching phenomenal careers unfold!
While with the College of Architecture at Washington University in St. Louis, I developed, launched, and managed the college’s first comprehensive career development programming and cultivated institutional relationships with some of the world’s most elite architecture firms including: Skidmore Owings & Merrill LLC, HOK, Perkins + Will, Gensler, CannonDesign, and more. While there, I worked with multiple stakeholders, to elevate the College’s national ranking in Design Intelligence Magazine.
I have coached thousands, including graduate and undergraduate design students, first and second-year exploring undergraduates, as well as pre-med, health sciences, and international graduate-level business and technology students. Additionally, I have worked in private practice with high-achieving mid-career leaders and business owners, to move their lives and careers ahead.
Prior to my academic career services experiences, I worked with a number of government agencies and public education institutions in a similar capacity, running large grant programs and teaching career development workshops within underserved communities.
In addition to my work as a career coach, I am an accomplished, award-winning portrait photographer and my work has been recognized nationally in “American Baby” magazine and won various industry awards, including the SEEN competition for three consecutive years.
A mother of two active young women, I have evolved my private coaching and photography practices to focus on “empowerment career coaching & photography” – my work aims to contribute to stronger self-identity and confidence, with the ultimate goal of helping to move women ahead in their careers and lives, while challenging current perceptions of beauty, and contributing to the overall health, success, and equality of girls and women.
Affinity Groups
Women +Career Communities
Graduate Business (MBA & SMP)Kimberly Gerik
Career Coach

I have always been passionate about helping people achieve their dreams and goals in any way I possibly can. All of us need mentoring and guidance at some point in our lives, and I’m thrilled to be supporting students as they explore their interests, discover their strengths, realize their abilities, and fulfill their dreams.
My 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. However, as a passionate musician, supporter of the arts, wine salesperson and former college instructor, I also encourage and support students who choose and strive for meaningful careers in the humanities.
How I define success: I borrow 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 me: I tend to be passionate, enthusiastic and joyful about whatever it is that I am doing at the moment: working at my job, volunteering at a food pantry, hiking in the mountains, sailing, singing or playing my cello, traveling to a new place, exploring different foods and wines, pulling weeds, cleaning my house, or jumping out of an airplane (with a parachute, of course)!
Career coaching focus areas: Research / Science, Exploring / Deciding
Career Communities
Health Care & SciencesAndy Harber
Career Coach

After a 25 year career in human resources management, I transitioned to a career coach role in the Center for Career Engagement, coaching students with interests in educational leadership, policy foundations and charitable organizations; human services and advocacy; international relations; public policy and civil service; law, mental health, social work, federal careers, and community service. I have a particular passion to help students with interview preparation, salary negotiations, and alumni with continued career exploration.
What do you most enjoy about working at the Center for Career Engagement?
What I enjoy most is being able to experience the personal and professional growth of my advisees as they transition from career exploration to landing their first professional position or moving on to a graduate school program.
Favorite quote, motto or piece of advice?
One day at a time.
Career coaching focus areas: Educational leadership and policy; foundations and charitable organizations; human services and advocacy; international relations; public policy and civil service; law, mental health, social work, federal careers, and community service
Career Communities
Government, Policy & Social ImpactHealth Care & SciencesTawni Hoeglund, PhD
Career Coach, Career Exploration

As a career consultant, I am passionate about helping students identify and explore career possibilities that align with their interests, values, abilities, and strengths. I am also excited to help students at all levels identify and make next steps in their professional development—from exploration to accepting a new job.
As a psychologist with an emphasis in positive psychology, I have provided counseling for college students, taught courses in psychology, and conducted research. In my previous career, I wrote code as an electrical and computer engineer.
What do you most enjoy about working at the Center for Career Engagement?
I love connecting with students and helping them move from a sense of uncertainty or confusion, through the stages of exploration about themselves and the world of work, to eventually identifying one or more career directions that feel exciting and meaningful to them.
What is something interesting about you, your hobbies/passions or your life that might help someone connect with you?
My “best day ever” included an outdoor adventure at a ropes course, creating a painting, making our way out of an escape room, and a laughing hysterically at the end of the day over a board game.
Career coaching focus areas: General, assessments, exploring/deciding, counseling, and psychology
Affinity Groups
First-Generation & Limited IncomeCareer Communities
Career ExplorationMarcus Jackson
Assistant Director, Career Development

Marcus is passionate about leadership and the intersection of operations and strategy, and is excited to serve the MBA students at WashU. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and served as an officer in the US Army, winning the Bronze Star Medal as a task force intelligence officer during Operation Iraqi Freedom. After leaving the military, he earned 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.
Affinity Groups
BIPOC StudentsVeteran / ROTCCareer Communities
Graduate Business (MBA & SMP)Amy Johnson
Associate Director, Business Career Community

As a career coach, I love partnering with students and alumni who are navigating a career in business. I enjoy developing workshops and programs to enhance the career exploration and preparation experiences. My career at WashU began in employer relations and graduate business admissions. Previously, I was the primary recruiter for KPMG in San Francisco after working three years as a staff accountant in the St. Louis office. Personal branding and interview preparation are my favorite career topics. When I am not on campus, you will find me at my children’s sporting events or hiking with my husband and our dog, Casey!
Affinity Groups
Women +Career Communities
BusinessDanny Kim
Assistant Director, Career Development

I’m energized when I develop authentic and real relationships with students. I earned my MBA from WashU, master’s degree from The Ohio State University, and bachelor’s degree in psychology and broadcasting & digital media. I came from Korea and Paraguay as an international student for my undergraduate and graduate programs and have absolutely loved my college experiences. I love coaching students based on their strengths and partnering with them to navigate through their career choices.
Affinity Groups
BIPOC StudentsInternational StudentsCareer Communities
BusinessJennifer Krupp
Assistant Director, Career Development

From an early age, my aspiration to impart knowledge and facilitate the growth of others has remained unwavering. This intrinsic inclination has seamlessly culminated in my role as a career coach at WashU, a progression that feels remarkably aligned with my lifelong ambitions.
In my current capacity, I am dedicated to providing students with the essential skill set required for effective interview preparation and attaining placements. Sixteen years in the non-profit sector as well as a degree in Secondary Education have prepared me for the transition into higher education.
Every day serves as an opportunity for me to refine my coaching skills. The process of guiding students towards the realization of their professional goals is an endeavor that I embrace wholeheartedly, finding fulfillment in each moment dedicated to preparing them for successful career trajectories.
Strengths: Developer, Empathy, Communication, Adaptability, Connectedness
Career coaching focus areas: Specialized Masters at Olin Business School: Supply Chain Management, and Supply Chain, Healthcare and Talent Analytics
Affinity Groups
International StudentsCareer Communities
Graduate Business (MBA & SMP)Seth Looper
Assistant Director, Career Development – Architecture

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
Career Communities
Arts, Design & MediaApril McLellan
Assistant Director, Career Development

I love to support students through curiosity and discovery, trying out developing interests, and through pivots and changes in plan. I believe 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 true power in trying things, learning along the way, growth mindset, resilience and self-compassion.
What do you most enjoy about working at the Center for Career Engagement?
I enjoy building relationships with students over time – coaching them through exploration, epiphanies, trial-runs, growing experiences, pivots, and successes. I enjoy helping people discover the rewards that come with contributing to the world in a way that taps into their strengths and honors their values.
First post-college job or favorite job before working here?
My first post-college job was driving the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, managing mobile public relations and planning events in 25 states. I “relished” the opportunity.
Career coaching focus areas: Career Exploration, Graduate School, Assessments
Affinity Groups
First-Generation & Limited IncomeCareer Communities
Career ExplorationBrittney Meredith
Assistant Director, Career Development

Brittney Meredith is a career coach for SMP students, and 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.
Affinity Groups
International StudentsCareer Communities
Graduate Business (MBA & SMP)Jen Logan Meyer
Associate Director, Arts, Design & Media Career Community

I coach students and teach at the Sam Fox School where I lead the professional practices program for the College of Art, and am a lecturer in the College Writing Program. My fiction writing has appeared in The Sewanee Review, the Alaska Quarterly Review, The Los Angeles Review, December, Hobart, and other publications. I also write essays for artist catalogs and portfolios, and work with visual artists and designers on collaborative projects. I received my MFA in Fiction at the Bennington Writing Seminars and am at work on a collection of connected stories.
What phrase or sentence explains how you define success?
I don’t define, I inquire: are you learning? Having fun? Challenged? Meeting an intended goal? Living with investment and intention? Earning a fair wage? For me, it is not about starting salary or working at a blue-chip global enterprise — and I advocate, fiercely, for students who feel pressured to adhere to the hyper-conventional mythical template that many subscribe to. For artists of any discipline, success could be doing what one needs to do to support their practice and see growth and achievement of goals, ahead.
Favorite quote, motto or piece of advice?
Fake it until you become it.
Career coaching focus areas: Art
Affinity Groups
Women +Career Communities
Arts, Design & MediaCarol Moakley
Associate Director, Career Exploration Career Community

I love accompanying and empowering undergraduate and graduate students and alumni on their holistic career development journeys. I enjoy the process of exploration, where we weave together best practices in career development with mindset approaches. My own path has been full of pivots and outright smack-downs, as well as successes. I bring deep presence, courage, kindness, generosity and humor to create authentic space for others to learn and grow.
What do you most enjoy about working at the Center for Career Engagement? The people! Students, alumni, staff, campus colleagues – so many amazing humans working to figure out what brings them joy and how to impact the world through their values and strengths.
First post-college job or favorite job before working here? Before grad school, I worked as a job developer for adults with severe disabilities. My clients were thrilled to land what most would consider a very menial job. And they worked hard. It was a humbling and deeply rewarding experience.
Career coaching focus areas: Exploring/Deciding, Assessments, Non-Profit/Social Work, Health Care, Public Health, Graduate School.
Affinity Groups
NeurodiversityStudents With DisabilitiesCareer Communities
Career ExplorationSally Pinckard
Career Coach

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.
Career Communities
Graduate Business (MBA & SMP)Karissa Rusu
Associate Director, Graduate Business Career Community

Hi there! I have been at WashU since summer 2019 and have absolutely loved my time coaching students within the graduate business programs. In addition to coaching, I provide strategic vision and coordination of programming to support the career goals and aspirations of our graduate business students. I have more than a decade of experience in higher education and international NGO work.
My career in higher education began in undergraduate and graduate business admissions, recruiting, and academic program support. After a nearly two year experience working for an international NGO in Burkina Faso, I re-entered student development with an international perspective and spent more than three years providing immigration advising to F-1 and J-1 students while also coordinating cross-cultural programming and leadership opportunities among international student populations. My experience with international students informs my strengths focused approach to coaching. This past summer, I had the opportunity to visit WashU students and alumni in Beijing and Shanghai! I am so grateful I had the opportunity to visit the country that many of my students call home.
In my free time I love being outdoors and exploring the STL food, coffee, and wine scene with my husband and walking our not-so-mini-golden doodle, Oliver – we love him to pieces!
Career Communities
Graduate Business (MBA & SMP)Mark Schlafly
Career Coach

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.
Career Communities
Graduate Business (MBA & SMP)Zach Schulte
Assistant Director, Career Development

Affinity Groups
LGBTQIA+NeurodiversityStudents With DisabilitiesCareer Communities
BusinessIsabella Schultz
Assistant Director, Career Development

Career Communities
Graduate Business (MBA & SMP)Burt Sheaffer
Career Coach, Finance

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.
Career Communities
BusinessRobin Shepard
Assistant Director, Career Development

I earned my Doctorate in chemical engineering from WashU in 1996. Since then, I have been an adjunct professor, started two companies, became a faculty advisor for Engineers Without Borders, and worked in water and sanitation in developing communities. My goal is to help students use their passion to find their career path.
What do you most enjoy about working at the Center for Career Engagement?
I love learning about what students have experienced during their time at WashU, whether it be in research, an internship, or within a student organization
Book, person, podcast, or resource you find inspiring:
One podcast that I find helpful when talking to engineering students is Alan Alda’s Science: Clear and Vivid. Alan Alda is a terrific interviewer and guides scientist to express their highly technical research as accessible stories that allow everyone to appreciate why that research is important, and most importantly, why it is interesting. I try to emulate him when I lead students to write about their research on their resumes, in cover letters, or in grad school applications.
Affinity Groups
NeurodiversityStudents With DisabilitiesCareer Communities
Technology, Data & EngineeringApril Shinell
Associate Director, Health Care & Sciences Career Community

I have more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit and higher education administration in addition to serving as an adjunct faculty member for multiple courses at the graduate school level. My professional experience ranges from membership development, volunteer recruitment and management, community engagement/relations to social services case management and child advocacy in court proceedings.
What do you most enjoy about working at the Center for Career Engagement?
I most enjoy building relationships with students, alumni and colleagues and managing projects.
Book, person, podcast or resource you find inspiring:
Book – Life Strategies: Doing what works, Doing what matters by Dr. Phil McGraw
Career coaching focus areas: Pre-Health, Non-Profit / Social Work, Pre-Graduate School, Assessments, Exploring / Deciding, General
Affinity Groups
First-Generation & Limited IncomeNeurodiversityStudents With DisabilitiesCareer Communities
Health Care & SciencesClarissa Smith
Career Coach

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.
Career Communities
Health Care & SciencesKirsten Smith
Assistant Director, Career Development

I have been at WashU since 2001 in a variety of roles, but at the center of all the work I’ve done is the student experience and supporting students as they develop their values, passions and interests. I started my 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. Over the years, I have served as a four-year advisor in Arts & Sciences to more than 300 students. Now as a career coach, I work with undergraduate, graduate and alumni interested in exploring fields in healthcare and the sciences. In my free time I play tennis both recreationally and competitively and love to travel and try new restaurants.
Affinity Groups
Scholar-ChampionsCareer Communities
Health Care & SciencesArlene Taich, PhD
Career Coach

For nearly two decades I have proudly served as a career strategist for PhD students, postdoctoral appointees and alumni with doctoral degrees in all disciplines. My earlier experience includes 17 years as a tenured professor, dean and provost followed by ten years in industry which included service as an officer of two Fortune 100 corporations.
What phrase or sentence explains how you define success?
Success is creating balance in both your private and professional lives and finding a career doing something you enjoy and are good at.
Favorite quote, motto or piece of advice?
“In the time of your life, — live so that in that good time there shall be no ugliness or death for yourself or for any life your life touches. Seek goodness everywhere, and when it is found, bring it out of its hiding place and let it be free and unashamed…………..In the time of your life, live —-so that in that wondrous time you shall not add to the misery and sorrow of the world, but shall smile to the infinite delight and mystery of it.” William Saroyan
Career coaching focus areas: Academia / Faculty, Consulting, Business
Career Communities
PhD & PostdocSean Thoma
Assistant Director, Career Development

I am excited to be supporting the students of WashU find their passions and achieve meaningful career opportunities. I received my bachelor’s degree in computer science and worked in different engineering roles within the aerospace industry for close to 10 years before transitioning to career counseling. I am passionate about supporting students through their career journey by identifying their strengths, passions, and career aspirations culminating in career fulfillment. Outside of Washington University, I enjoy playing racquetball, pickleball, and board games with my family and friends.
Affinity Groups
Scholar-ChampionsVeteran / ROTCCareer Communities
Technology, Data & EngineeringAhmar Ursani
Assistant Director, Career Development

Most of my professional background is in higher education, where I served as an academic advisor, success coach, program coordinator, instructor, and career counselor. In addition to general career coaching, I enjoy conducting mock interviews, supporting students in strengthening their networking skills, helping students explore the relationship between major and career, and teaching career-related courses.
What phrase or sentence explains how you define success?
Success is ending your day with a smile on your face.
What do you most enjoy about working at the Center for Career Engagement?
I enjoy learning from my students and colleagues. We challenge ourselves to be better every day.
Career coaching focus areas: Academia / Faculty, Non-Profit / Social Work, Pre-Law, Other Industry, Exploring / Deciding, Pre-Graduate School, General
Affinity Groups
BIPOC StudentsLGBTQIA+Career Communities
Government, Policy & Social ImpactZhiling Xu
Assistant Director, Career Development

Zhiling has more than 30 years of experience as an educator in China and has worked with more than 10,000 students, been awarded nationally and internationally for her achievements, published 5 books and 11 articles, and traveled widely as an exchange scholar. She was also involved in helping do the recruiting work for over ten years. In January 2022, she moved to St. Louis with her husband to reunite with her family (both her daughter and son-in-law are WashU alums). She is thrilled to join the SMP team and excited to help students, who want to go back to China to pursue their goals. If you want to share your stories, concerns and dreams with her, she will be there, listening to you, encouraging you and getting you to get closer to your dream.
Affinity Groups
International StudentsCareer Communities
Graduate Business (MBA & SMP)Chuanmei (Mei) Zhu, PhD
Associate Director, Career & Professional Development for PhD & Postdoc

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.