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 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 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!
Fun Facts
Favorite Movie: Up
Favorite TV Show: The Amazing Race
Favorite Book: Blindness by José Saramago
Favorite Songs: Waiting in Vain by Bob Marley and If I Ruled the World by Nas
I earned my bachelor’s degree in biology at Swarthmore, and was involved in variety of student activities, campus jobs and an active member of different clubs and organizations. More specifically, I worked as a Biology I & II lab technical assistant, as well as for the genetics and ecology professors. Since I had an interest in pursuing a medical career, I also had the opportunity to pursue my EMT certification and worked as volunteer EMT for three years as an undergraduate. After I left Swarthmore, I worked as research technician in a neuroscience lab at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in NYC. I also worked at a youth program where I developed an interest in helping to guide and develop student interest in the sciences.
I had the opportunity to come to Temple University to work with their Math Science Upward Bound program, to focus on developing high school students’ interest in pursuing STEM careers. While at Temple, I was able to earn my master’s degree in Educational Psychology. The relationships I built with the high school students as well as the college students I worked with really help me to realize my passion for guiding students in higher education. As a former undergraduate STEM major, I look forward to sharing my perspective and experience with the students in the College of Science and Technology.
Fun Facts
Favorite Quote: People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”-Maya Angelou
Favorite Singer: Ed Sheeran
Favorite Dessert: Peanut butter ice cream
Favorite TV Show: Avatar the Last Airbender
I grew up across the bridge from Philadelphia in South Jersey. I originally started at a local community college after high school where I earned an Associate’s degree before transferring to Rowan University to finish a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. After completing, I went to Widener University for my Master of Education in school counseling. I worked as a grad assistant in the office of education where I became really connected to undergraduate college students. After my graduation, I returned to the community college setting as an academic advisor before starting my advising position at Temple in January 2022.
I am a firm believer that everyone has room to grow—even me! I am so happy to see my students grow during their time here at Temple. Outside of work, I enjoy getting lost in nature, cuddling up with my cat, and exploring New York City on the weekends.
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.
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!
Fun Facts
Favorite Band: The Grateful Dead
Favorite Food: Home grown tomatoes
Favorite Book: Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Favorite Quote: “The truth is rarely pure, and never simple.” – Oscar Wilde
I started my undergraduate degree at Temple in 2011 as an anthropology major but soon found out I am not interested in anatomy. Switching to geology, I found I was not passionate about the research nor a job in industry, so I switched to Earth and Space Science with Teaching. I didn’t necessarily want to teach, but I was able to get involved with informal science education programs through the CST Dean’s office and work on my public speaking skills. After working in the Dean’s Office in undergrad, I was given the opportunity to apply for a full-time position there. I worked there for a little over a year and began to plan my life around continuing this path. Fall of 2019, I felt my motivation dropping and after about a year into Temple’s College of Education Science Ed PhD program, I had a change of heart. This change of heart resulted in my career switch to advising.
Though I have never been to a Temple sports game, in undergrad I was vice president of Geo Club and a member of STEM Teach Society, I was part of numerous interdisciplinary research projects, and I even met my husband here. As a CST graduate and experienced Temple student worker and employee, I am excited to share my experience and knowledge to help other students reach graduation and plan for their futures beyond Temple.
While I am a Philly native, I don’t know much about city life; I am very much a homebody. I’d rather spend time at home working in my garden, walking around the local woods, working on my research, or hanging out with my husband and our cats, Frybo and Poopaw, listening to jam bands or watching The Office, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Letterkenny or some other random show someone suggested.
Administration
Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Affairs
evleck@temple.edu
Fun Facts
Favorite Animal: Horse
Favorite Dessert: Pecan Pie
Favorite Vacation Spot: Bahamas
Favorite School Subject: Biology
Favorite Sports: Softball and Volleyball
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.