University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota
College of Biological Sciences
http://www.cbs.umn.edu/

Meet the staff

Undergraduate advising
229 Snyder Hall | 612-624-9717
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University honors program
20 Nicholson Hall | 612-624-5522
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CBS admissions
240 Williamson Hall | 612-625-3419
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View staff accomplishments

 

Undergraduate advising
Nikki Letawsky Shultz
Director
 nlshultz@umn.edu

From what institution did you receive your undergraduate degree? University of Alberta
What one piece of advice would you give to a CBS student? Get involved in experiences that connect to what you are learning in the classroom (research, internship, etc.). It's a great way to apply your coursework to your activities and develop your skills.
What is one fun fact about you? I am Canadian!

Jennifer Decker
Student Services Specialist
 decke118@umn.edu

From what institution did you receive your undergraduate degree? University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Piece of advice:  There is a wealth of opportunity here at the University, but always strive for balance.  Determine your limits for course credits and group involvement to ensure you can fully explore coursework and participate more deeply in student organizations.  You never know when an interesting academic experience or leadership opportunity might come along and you want to have time and energy to wholeheartedly pursue it!
Fun Fact: I love learning about world languages and cultures.  Thus far I have learned English, German, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, and a bit of Korean and Bengali.

Chad Ellsworth
Academic Advisor
 chade@umn.edu

From what institution did you receive your undergraduate degree? University of Nebraska-Lincoln
What one piece of advice would you give to a CBS student? Stand out. The University of Minnesota is a big place, and it's easy to be one of the crowd. Be the person who challenges herself or himself, who engages in meaningful conversations with faculty after class, who learns her or his classmates names, and who makes a difference by volunteering for a community organization.
What is one fun fact about you? I challenged myself (as a serious introvert) to take an improv class at the Brave New Workshop, and it was one of the best experiences I have ever had.

Kelaine Haas, Ph.D.
Undergraduate Research Coordinator
 khaas@umn.edu

From what institution did you receive your undergraduate degree? Wake Forest University, NC
What one piece of advice would you give to a CBS student? Take advantage of the undergraduate research opportunities here at the University of Minnesota. There are many options available to students including directed research, UROP, volunteering, summer research opportunities, and more.  To get started check out the Roadmap to Research.
What is one fun fact about you? I am an avid knitter, and have won a couple of ribbons at the MN State Fair!

Lisa Novack
Academic Advisor
 nova0148@umn.edu

From what institution did you receive your undergraduate degree? University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
What one piece of advice would you give to a CBS student? Take time to reflect upon what you've learned in both your academic and co-curricular experiences.
What is one fun fact about you? During college, I studied and interned in London.

Sasanehsaeh (Suzi) Pyawasay
Transfer Coordinator/ Academic Advisor
 pyawasay@umn.edu

From what institution did you receive your undergraduate degree? University of Wisconsin-Madison
What one piece of advice would you give to a CBS student? Take advantage of all opportunities and resources available to you during your time here at the University of Minnesota.
What is one fun fact about you? I really enjoy playing sports, especially basketball and volleyball.

Katie Russell
Academic Advisor
 russellk@umn.edu

From what institution did you receive your undergraduate degree? University of Minnesota, Duluth
What one piece of advice would you give to a CBS student? Step outside of your comfort zone! Whether this means joining a student organization, participating in an event, or visiting your professor's office hours you'll learn so much about yourself and the world.
What is one fun fact about you? I studied abroad in Greece over winter break while I was an undergraduate student.

Phoebe Smith
Academic Advisor
 pjsmith@umn.edu

From what institution did you receive your undergraduate degree? University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
What one piece of advice would you give to a CBS student? Don't be afraid to ask for help if you feel you're struggling in a class! Take advantage of professor office hours, the SMART Learning Commons, tutoring, and other campus resources.
What is one fun fact about you? I studied abroad in Spain for a year as an undergraduate student.

Meaghan Stein
Coordinator for Student Engagement & Retention
 mestein@umn.edu

From what institution did you receive your undergraduate degree? Occidental College
What one piece of advice would you give to a CBS student? Go abroad, whether through studying, working, interning or volunteering! My biggest regret is not studying abroad.
What is one fun fact about you? Despite my intense fear of being in water with fish, I have gone snorkeling in Mexico, Australia and Fiji.

Stefanie Wiesneski
Academic Advisor
 swiesnes@umn.edu

From what institution did you receive your undergraduate degree? University of Wisconsin-Madison
What one piece of advice would you give to a CBS student? Get involved! There are a number of ways you can do this at the University of Minnesota (student groups, undergraduate research, volunteering, etc.), so take a look at your options before you decide. Check out engage.umn.edu for some ideas.

What is one fun fact about you? I climbed a "fourteener" (mountain with an elevation of 14000 ft+) while living in Colorado for a summer.

University honors program
Bryan Kuzel
Honors advisor
 kuze0014@umn.edu
Jeremy Burke
UHP Academic Advisor
 jtburke@umn.edu

From what institution did you receive your undergraduate degree?  St. Ambrose University--Davenport, IA
What one piece of advice would you give to a CBS student? Listen to yourself. Paying close attention to how your experiences here make you feel will allow you to continue to choose the best courses, activities and opportunities to help you achieve your goals. Taking the time to reflect on your days and weeks will help you stay on the right track. 
What is one fun fact about you? I had several poems published in my undergrad institution's arts and literature journal. 

 

CBS admissions
Dawn Graff
Admissions Counselor
 graff073@umn.edu

From what institution did you receive your undergraduate degree?University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
What one piece of advice would you give to a CBS student? Utilize the resources catered towards social involvement on campus.  Gophers After Dark occurs on the weekends and is a great opportunity to eat free food, watch free comedy shows and movies, attend concert events and much more!
What is one fun fact about you?I have played the cello since I was 5 years old and was an active member of the Campus orchestra for non-music majors at the University of Minnesota!