Helping students plan courses, explore majors and research career opportunities.
The college’s advising model consists of a First-Year Advising Team, serving students from admission throughout the successful completion of the first academic year. To help students develop a connection with advisors who specialize in their area of study, there are two Discipline Teams for sophomores through to graduation.
One discipline team oversees the majors, minors and certificates in the Biology, Chemistry and Earth & Environmental Science (BCE) departments. The other team does the same for the Computer & Information Sciences, Mathematics and Physics (CMP) departments.
First Year Advising (FYA)
FUN FACTS
Worked for two Naismith Hall of Fame Basketball Coaches John Chaney and Dawn Staley
Favorite TV Show: ESPN SportsCenter
Favorite Dessert: Pumpkin Cheesecake
Favorite Vacation Spot: Cancun, Mexico
Favorite Color: Black
Favorite Sport: Football & NCAA Basketball
Favorite School Subject: Political History
I grew up 20 minutes outside of Philadelphia. I earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Temple University. As a graduate student I participated in six NCAA Basketball Championships with Hall of Fame Basketball Coaches Dawn Staley and John Chaney.
I also earned a master's degree in Secondary Education and a Master’s in Public Administration/Management. I worked at the School District of Philadelphia in the College & Career Readiness Department collaborating on projects with the City of Philadelphia Mayor’s Office of Higher Education to increase retention and graduation rates for underserved students. I also taught science in middle school for six years. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, and watching various sports.
Fun Facts
Favorite Quote: “I can accept failure, but I can't accept not trying.” - Michael Jordan
Favorite Food: Fried Chicken (especially from Popeye’s
Favorite Song: Gold Digger by Kanye West
Favorite Movie: Austin Powers
I began my college career as a math education major at Montclair State University. My original math placement exam results placed me in to pre-calculus, but I took a retest and placed into calculus I. I struggled with the material in calculus I. It took a full year, and two unsuccessful attempts at calculus I, for me to realize I was in the wrong major. I changed to elementary education, but after some field experiences, I found that wasn’t quite right for me either.
It wasn’t until my junior year, when I took my first on-campus job position, that I realized that I truly enjoyed working with college students. This led to my decision to go to graduate school and pursue a career working with college students. My experiences in my graduate program increased my interests in advising, which led to my position here at Temple as an academic advisor.
I’m originally from Northern New Jersey, and was raised a Mets fan. I’m really into action movies, especially superhero films. My favorite movie of all time is “Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.” Some of my other interests include spending quality time with friends, bowling, tracking severe weather, social networking and watching TV shows. Some of the items on my bucket list include: going tornado chasing, seeing a major league ball game in all 30 MLB parks, skydiving and earning a doctorate. One interesting fact about me that most people would never guess is that my favorite genre of music is Hip Hop and R&B.
Fun Facts
Favorite Movie: The Dark Knight
Favorite Dessert: Strawberry Shortcake
Favorite Sport: Football & Soccer
Favorite Band: Linkin Park
Favorite TV Show: Game of Thrones
I was born in Egypt and moved when I was six with my family to the US. I've lived in different parts of Philadelphia my whole life, originally south Philadelphia but now in the northeast. I graduated from Temple in 2021 with a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice. My first on campus job was working as a peer advisor within the College of Science & Technology. After graduating I transitioned being an academic advisor within CST. I have always enjoyed helping students whether it be simple questions or full-on crises. After struggling my first semester at Temple, it was actually my academic advisor who was able to help me get back on track and I have always wanted to help do the same for other students. Outside the office, I’m a massive sports fan. My favorite teams being the Eagles and Liverpool F.C. I am open to all football and soccer talk. I love watching TV/ Movies, listening to podcasts, working on puzzles, and traveling with my family and friends.
I look forward to meeting you all and helping you throughout your first year at Temple!
Fun Facts
Favorite TV Show: Seinfield
Favorite Dessert: Ice-cream
Favorite Vacation Spot: Ocean City
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite Sport: Football
Favorite School Subject: History
I grew up in Shirley, New York, which is located in eastern Long Island. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in History from the State University of New York at Cortland. As an undergraduate student, I took advantage of the opportunity to study abroad in London and travel throughout Europe. The experience of living and learning abroad sparked an interest in culture and travel that has remained with me ever since.
I earned a master’s degree in School Counseling from the C.W. Post campus of Long Island University. After completing my master’s I moved to Philadelphia and started working in higher education. I began advising at Temple University in 2008 and recently began working as an Assistant Director within the College of Science and Technology.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, movies and watching the Philadelphia Eagles play. I also love spending time with my family and friends.
Biology, Chemistry, and Earth & Environmental Science (BCE)
Associate Director of Academic Advising
scohen@temple.edu
Fun Facts
Favorite Quote: “Charcacter is who you are when no one is watching.”
Favorite Band: Mariana’s Trench
Favorite Dessert: Chocolate and peanut butter anything
Favorite TV Show: Bachelor in Paradise
I grew up in Yardley, Pa, a small suburb 40 minutes outside of Philadelphia. Wanting to experience something new I chose to attend college in Springfield, Mass. I loved my four years spent at Western New England College.
I was undeclared for my first 2 years and enjoyed getting involved in campus life in many different aspects, including peer advisor, orientation group leader, admissions associate and academic progress monitor, as well as being a member of the Step Squad and serving on Student Council. These experiences made me realize that I would enjoy a career in higher education, which is why I chose to immediately pursue my master’s in student affairs in higher education.
I have been working in the College of Science and Technology’s Advising Office since 2009 and continue to enjoy my daily interactions with my students. My interests include traveling to tropical locations, visiting friends, hanging out with family and relaxing.
FUN FACTS
Favorite TV Shows: Friends, Glee, Dance Moms
Favorite Artists: Taylor Swift, Renee Rapp, James Bay, Ed Sheeran
Favorite Dessert: Ice Cream, specifically Milk & Cookies or Gimme S'more from Ben & Jerry's
Favorite Song: "august" by Taylor Swift
Favorite Undergrad Courses: Creative Writing: Fiction, Intro to Sociology, Intro to Linguistics
I grew up in the suburbs of Philly and earned my bachelor's degree in English from Temple, so I'm excited to return as an academic advisor in CST! I also completed minors in Theater and Communication Studies during my time in undergrad. When I started college, I didn't know what I wanted to do after graduation. I knew I wanted to work in education to some degree, but besides teaching, I didn't know there were other options until I got to college. I declared a Communication Studies major in my freshman year but realized I was enjoying some of my English courses more than my Communications courses, so I decided to change my major to English at the end of my sophomore year. Throughout the process of changing my major, I met with a handful of academic advisors in Klein and CLA. As I met with my advisors, I could picture myself in their shoes. I always enjoyed planning out my classes and helping my friends do the same, so I was thrilled to discover that I could pursue this work as a career. I started talking to my academic advisors about their path to becoming an academic advisor, and I was excited to finally have a post-graduation plan for myself.
After graduating from Temple, I began my career in Higher Education. I worked full-time at Drexel University for a couple of years in Residential Life supporting students in a first-year residence hall and then as the Administrative Coordinator in their Student Life department. After my time at Drexel, I worked as a Program Coordinator at Penn Vet with Vet students pursuing dual degree programs, as well as supporting online students pursuing a graduate certificate program or master's degree in Animal Welfare and Behavior. While working full-time, I earned my master's degree part-time in Higher Education from Penn GSE.
When I'm not working, I enjoy going on walks around the city, watching tv, and trying different vegan/vegetarian restaurants. I also love spending time with my family and friends. I'm looking forward to meeting and working with you!
Fun Facts
Favorite Book: The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Favorite Band: Dave Matthews Band
Favorite Undergrad Course: Political Protest and Culture of the 1960’s
Favorite TV Shows: Chicago Fire and Nashville
Abby is “Temple Made” having earned a BA in Psychology (Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa) and Honors Program Certificate in 2010 and a M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology in 2012. Her Temple blood runs deep, as her grandfather, mother, aunt, husband, father-in-law, and several cousins are also alumni. During her time as a Temple student, Abby’s favorite class was “Political Protest and Culture of the 1960’s” with the late Dr. John Raines. Abby returned to Temple to work as an academic advisor in the College of Liberal Arts in 2014, after holding her first professional advising role as Student SuccessAdvisor at Walnut Hill College, a culinary college located in West Philadelphia. She is thrilled to move forward into the Senior Advising role within the College of Science & Technology in September 2018. Abby first developed her interest in helping undergraduate students through her college job experiences. As a student, Abby served as an academic tutor and classroom assistant in the Russell Conwell Center, participated in the Diamond Peer Teachers program, and worked in the Child and Adolescent Anxiety Disorders Clinic. She has also interned in several public high school guidance departments, including Central High. In her spare time, Abby enjoys spending time with her family, reading memoirs, shopping, and eating Chinese food.
FUN FACTS
Favorite Book: "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
Favorite Band: Manchester Orchestra
Favorite Movie: When Harry Met Sally or Everything Everywhere All at Once
Favorite TV Show: New Girl or Stranger Things
Favorite Song: Vienna by Billy Joel
I grew up in the Midwest (Illinois & Wisconsin) and earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. While pursuing my degree, I first discovered my passion for advising and working in on-campus roles by becoming a Resident Advisor (RA) in the residence halls and a peer advisor for my major. After finishing my bachelor’s degree, I followed my dream of working abroad and ended up teaching English in Japan and Spain for four years. During that time, I spent a lot of time traveling and learning about other languages, which is what led me to getting my master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Pennsylvania. While in graduate school, I took on three jobs--an advisor, an ESL teacher to adult students in the West Philly community, and a graduate resident advisor (GRA) in the residence halls. It was this experience that reignited my love of advising in higher education settings, which led me on the path to becoming an academic advisor with the College of Science and Technology at Temple right now.
When I am not in the office advising students, you can usually find me hiking somewhere nearby, going to some Philly sports games, or checking out local coffee shops. I have a list of my favorite cafes, so stop by and chat with me about it sometime! Another one of my favorite things to do is to try new food/flavor combinations with foods at restaurants or cafes. So, if something sounds different and interesting--like a matcha, ube, and sesame donut--I will almost always buy it.
I am looking forward to getting to know you all through advising appointments or around the CST advising office!
michael.nicholson0001@temple.edu
Fun Facts
Favorite Quote: "Should you ever find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, smallness or insecurities, remember things could be worse...You could be them."
Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite Film: The Shawshank Redemption
Favorite Song: "Ain't it Enough" by Old Crow Medicine Show
Favorite Sports Teams: All things Philly
I came to Temple University after spending 20 plus years working in public education. I started my career as a high school teacher where I spent over a decade teaching all levels of English and also taught TV/Film Production. Gaining experience in educational leadership, I served in multiple administrative roles including assistant principal, principal and supervisor of curriculum and instruction for the humanities.
My passion in my professional life is serving and empowering young people, while my passion in my personal life is the joy I get from spending time with my wife, Courtney, and my daughter, Lucy.
I am a life-long Delaware Valley resident who has always held Temple and its commitment to the community of North Philadelphia in very high regard. I am thrilled to be serving the students at Temple University.
Computer & Information Sciences, Mathematics, and Physics (CMP)
Associate Director of Academic Advising
espiotta@temple.edu
Fun Facts
Favorite TV Show: Seinfield
Favorite Dessert: Ice-cream
Favorite Vacation Spot: Ocean City
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite Sport: Football
Favorite School Subject: History
I grew up in Shirley, New York, which is located in eastern Long Island. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in History from the State University of New York at Cortland. As an undergraduate student, I took advantage of the opportunity to study abroad in London and travel throughout Europe. The experience of living and learning abroad sparked an interest in culture and travel that has remained with me ever since.
I earned a Master’s degree in School Counseling from the C.W. Post campus of Long Island University. After completing my Master’s degree I moved to Philadelphia and started working in higher education. I began advising at Temple University in 2008 and recently began working as an Assistant Director within the College of Science and Technology.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, movies, and watching the Philadelphia Eagles play. I also love spending time with my family and friends.
Favorite TV Shows: Alias, Summer House
Favorite Dessert: Ice Cream (Blue Bell Cookies & Cream if it’s available)
Favorite Artists: Lucy Dacus, The National
Favorite Undergrad Courses: Cognitive Psychology, Food and the American City, Linguistic Anthropology
Favorite Restaurant: Pesto
I grew up in Houston, Texas and fell in love with Philadelphia as a first-year student at Temple in 2013! I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study, but after multiple major changes, I ultimately decided on Global Studies and Spanish and a minor in Cognitive Neuroscience. While in college, I was in the Honors Program, worked as a writing tutor at the Writing Center, and completed a semester in Oviedo, Spain. I also participated in the Singing Owls Community Choir and the service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega.
Though I struggled to make decisions about my own major, I found that I enjoyed helping my friends choose their classes each semester and figure out how to fit things like internships and study abroad into their college experiences. Eventually I realized that I could turn these skills into a career in higher education. After working in enrollment management at another university for a few years, I returned to Temple to work in faculty affairs and earn my M.Ed. in Higher Education and Certificate in Diversity Leadership in Higher Education. I’m thrilled to now be working as an academic advisor and helping CST students make the most of their time in college!
When I’m not working, I love exploring Philadelphia’s restaurants, playing board games and trivia, learning different fiber crafts, and FaceTiming with my family in Texas. I also love reading and watching TV, so tell me about your favorite books and shows!
Fun Facts
Favorite TV Show: Archer
Favorite Artist: Carrie Underwood
Favorite Undergrad Course: Hip-Hop Dancing
Favorite Restaurant: Dim Sum Garden
Favorite Color: Blue
I am a born and raised Philadelphian, specifically Southwest Philadelphia. I wanted to stay close to home for my undergraduate experience so I attended and graduated from Drexel University in 2013, with a B.S. in Business Administration, Marketing.
I was the ultimate dragon my five years at Drexel, being a Resident Assistant, joining Greek Life as a member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, and singing in the Drexel University Gospel Choir, amongst other activities. I have always been someone who has his hands in a little bit of everything. From Greek Life to residence life to new student orientation, I tried to truly encompass every aspect of being a college student. These experiences showed me that, while I liked the business field, my heart is in higher education working closely with young people.
While attending graduate school, I was an intern in the Office of Orientation, New Student & Family Programs here at Temple University (shout out to my OTLs). I absolutely loved my experience here at Temple and I felt like I was a part of the Owl family. I graduated from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania with my Master's of Education in Educational Leadership: College Student Affairs in May 2017. I am very excited to work with the excellent students of the College of Science and Technology.
Outside of my position here at Temple, I advise the Phi Kappa Psi chapter at Drexel University. I love playing pool, learning about new cultures, trying new foods, and watching Archer, Big Brother, and Hell's Kitchen. Go Owls!
A lifelong Philadelphia resident, I left Philly for my BA in history from Colby College—a very small college in central Maine. After college, I returned to the Philadelphia area and earned a master’s (also in history), from Villanova University. After graduate school, I worked in the community college system, advising and teaching before starting at Temple in 2014, in the Klein College of Media and Communications. I started in the College of Science and Technology advising office in 2016. I love traveling and want to hear about your interests in Study Abroad!
Administration
Assistant Dean, Advising and Student Success
thomas.price@temple.edu
Fun Facts
Favorite Movies: Amélie, Elf, Moonstruck
Favorite Undergrad Courses: Women & Religion, The Choreographer’s Craft, Tours of Heaven & Hell
Favorite TV Show: The Office
Favorite Sport: Soccer
My first experience mentoring students came when I was a second-year graduate student at Temple University. Many years and several thousand students later, I happily accepted the opportunity to return to my alma mater to continue my mission of helping students achieve success.
As an undergraduate, I began as a math major and explored education before settling on religion and dance. I earned a bachelor’s in religion from Vassar College and an MFA in dance from Temple. I continue to be interested in how people move—and what moves them. I think my diverse experience, including time in Brooklyn, Jamaica, Greece, Georgia and Russia, helps me connect with the variety of students I am so fortunate enough to encounter here at CST.
Student service work is a real passion for me. I thoroughly enjoy the opportunities for professional and personal growth Temple provides. The successes of CST students serve as a constant inspiration.
Outside of work, I enjoy watching the English Premiership (COYS), rooting for the Eagles, and spending time with my lovely wife, Sarah, and our wonderful children, Owen, Declan and Theodora.
Professor of Chemistry
Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs, Science Education, & Community Engagement
suebee@temple.edu
The Allegra Family Math and Science Teacher Education Center
Gladfelter Hall, Room 629
1115 W. Berks St., Philadelphia, PA 19122
215-204-4073