Advising & Career Communities

Jodyi Wren
Interim Assistant Dean & Executive Director, Director, Advising & Career Communities

Jodyi Wren has been named as interim executive director of the Greene Center for Career Education and Connections and interim assistant vice provost for career education initiatives. Jodyi currently serves as director, advising & career communities, and has led the career education advising and communities services and programs to support our students and young alumni in designing their lives. Jodyi assumes this position immediately and will serve until a permanent executive director is hired, likely in late summer or fall 2022.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Places I’ve lived: Grew up in Idaho
Education: Bachelors of Science in Business Administration, Masters of Science in Higher Education Student Affairs
Role in the office: I lead our career education advising and communities services and programs to help our students and young alumni design their lives. Special initiatives include early student engagement, Handler Scholars, and first-generation college student engagement.
Most random job: Cleaning reusable baby car seats for a hospital program.
Fun fact: I’ll never turn down chocolate!!
Identity / Affinity Communities
First-Generation College StudentsPeople
AlumniCampus PartnersContact
Recent Posts
- 10 Ways Parents Can Support Their New College Student
- Top 3 Tips for First-Generation College Students
- A Double Life: The Thoughts of a First-Generation College Student
- Finding Your First Internship as a First-Gen Student
- How first-generation college students should find internships and entry-level jobs
Brad Rosenbaum
Advising Program Director

Pronouns: He/Him/His
Places I’ve lived: Rochester, NY
Education: BA in Economics from Hamilton College, MsEd in Counselor Education from SUNY Brockport, ABD PhD in Organizational Leadership from Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Role in the office: I help students find and use their voice along their path to discovering what and who they want to become. Career is not a destination, but a path. I help to link students with resources, networks, and opportunities along their career journey.
Most random job: My first, and most random job was as a summer camp counselor/lifeguard for many years!
Fun fact: I spend most of my time at my boys sporting events. You can find me at wrestling matches, soccer or lacrosse games on almost any evening of the week.
Career Communities
Consulting & Finance CommunityConsultingFinanceOperationsSalesContact
Recent Posts
David Cota-Buckhout
Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement and Career Support

Pronouns: He/Him/His
Places I’ve lived: Born and raised in Rochester, NY – lived in suburbs of Greece, West Irondequoit, and Fairport (current)
Education: Associate’s of Science in Liberal Arts, General Studies (Monroe Community College); Bachelor’s of Science in Development Sociology (Cornell University); Master’s of Science in Education in Counselor Education (The College at Brockport)
Role in the office: As the Assistant Director for Alumni Engagement & Career Support, my primary role is working with graduate students in the College of Arts, Sciences & Engineering within the GEPA office as well as the Greene Center. This is approached in many ways: individual and group meetings, programs and events, classroom presentations, and through email conversations. My goal is to help graduate students with locating and utilizing resources, tools and people to explore and establish connections and opportunities in industries and professions of interest to reach their short-term and long-term goals. Through academic department and student services relationships, I hope to create partnerships to help students succeed in their career development.
Most random job: My first job I had was through a high school co-op class; I worked for an entrepreneurial business owner who needed help with keeping his records organized (both physical files and Excel spreadsheets). I inputted data from receipts he gave me to help him keep track of his finances, as well as moving his paperwork around so he could better track his transactions in his home office. From this first job, I learned a lot about how I really enjoy keeping things organized and helping others.
Fun fact: At the age of 32, I discovered how to snap my fingers – I was not able to do so my entire life until then (even after so many attempts)! I still struggle with whistling; I wonder how long that will take me…
People
Graduate StudentsHire RochesterSchools
Hajim School of Engineering and Applied SciencesSchool of Arts and SciencesContact
Recent Posts
- Silencing self-criticism & redefining ‘success’: maintaining mental health in your post-PhD job hunt
- Big-Picture Thinking Can Start Now
- Continuing Questions Re: Careers Beyond Academe
- New Educational Video for International Students on Scams – How to Avoid & Take Action
- Meet Process Engineer Andrew Ferguson
Jonathan Bratt
Career Advisor

Places I’ve lived: NY, KY, PA and MI
Education: B.A. in Religion/Philosophy (minor in Psychology and History), MDiv from ATS in Kentucky.
Role in the office: I listen to students exploring and sharing their thoughts, ideas, plans and questions regarding their career hopes and dreams. I meet with students both individually and in groups developing incentives and ways to explore “What I want to do and how do I get there,” in fun and memorable ways.
Most random job: Worked 7 years through college in libraries and served as a newspaper paste up artist in adverting – back when that was a thing!
Fun fact: I love music, play 6 instruments and have written over 100 songs/musical pieces.
Career Communities
Healthcare CommunityBiomedical ResearchBusiness of HealthcareHealth & Human ServicesPublic HealthIdentity / Affinity Communities
International StudentsContact
Recent Posts
- Gain a Great Experience with the CHeT Outcomes Research/Research Coordinator Positions at University of Rochester Center for Health + Technology
- 2023 AAMC Fee Assistance Program: 5 Things to Know
- “Health Professions Questionnaire now open for the 2023-24 Cycle
- Best Sport Psychology Degree Programs
- Scams that target International students
Alissa Roger
Career Advisor

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Places I’ve lived: Branford CT, Simsbury CT, Ann Arbor MI, Washington DC, Schenectady NY, Boston MA
Education: Union College – BS in Psychology, Suffolk University Law School – JD
Role in the office: I work with students to provide career counseling, advice, and insight. I really appreciate how dedicated UR students are to their academics and career goals and hope to work together with my students to help them tell their story. My favorite part of this job is how quick the days go by, you are all doing great things and I learn so much from you.
Most random job: I once spent a summer interning in the Coronary Care Unit of a local hospital in Michigan. I interviewed patients for a national study to determine if they had a near death experience before or after their operative surgeries!
Fun fact: I ran the Boston Marathon…in 2003 and tell most people I meet bc it was the first and last time that will ever happen.
Career Communities
Healthcare CommunityBiomedical ResearchBusiness of HealthcareHealth & Human ServicesPublic HealthIdentity / Affinity Communities
WomenContact
Recent Posts
Daniel Muhammad
Career Advisor

Pronouns: He/Him/His
Places I’ve lived: Rochester, NY, Queens, NY, Brooklyn, NY
Education: Master of Science in Human Development
Role in the office: I’m a creator at heart. I like to create new things but also improve existing things. I see my role in the office as not only a person who brings new ideas and perspectives but also a Relationship Builder, Connector, and Conversationalist.
Most random job: Recreation Assistant for the City of Rochester
Fun fact: My personality type is INFJ (The rarest in the world for men)
Career Communities
Healthcare CommunityBiomedical ResearchBusiness of HealthcareHealth & Human ServicesPublic HealthIdentity / Affinity Communities
BIPOC StudentsDACA and UnDocInternational StudentsJennifer Hall
Career Advisor

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Places I’ve lived: Halifax, NS; Montreal, QC; Calgary, AB; Toronto, ON; Buffalo, NY
Education: MA in Religion and Culture; PhD in Religious Studies (ABD)
Role in the office: I help students to navigate their university and career paths by connecting them with the right courses, internships, and job opportunities. In this process, I encourage students to explore their interests and discover the subjects and potential careers that resonate (or perhaps, just as importantly, do not!) with them. Although I focus on law, policy, education, and advocacy, I am happy to meet with any UR student.
First job: My first job, that lasted throughout my high school years, was babysitting for a witch. An actual witch. Yes, she had a black cat.
Career Communities
Social Good CommunityLaw, Intelligence & National SecurityPolicy, Advocacy & LobbyingSocial Good, Public Service & EducationContact
Recent Posts
Julie Moore
Career Advisor

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Places I’ve lived: Rochesterian born and raised
Education: Bachelors of Science in Anthropology with a minor in Interdisciplinary Social Research Methods from SUNY Brockport
Role in the office: Here at The Greene Center, I help students along their journey; cultivating their passions and pursuing their career goals. I feel privileged to be listening ear to each student’s story. Our experiences are what set us apart. My favorite part of my role is helping students incorporate their story and passions into their career goals.
Most random job: I once worked as a Sr. Psych Tech on an Inpatient Psychiatry Unit at URMC. I have fond memories of sprinting after escaped patients down to the Genesee in the summer heat.
Fun fact: I’m all about female empowerment. My party trick is beating guys in push-up competitions.
Career Communities
Consulting & Finance CommunityConsultingFinanceOperationsSalesIdentity / Affinity Communities
LGBTQ+Contact
Recent Posts
Max Robbins
Career Advisor

Pronouns: He/Him/His
Places I’ve lived: Rochester, NY, Pittsburgh, PA, Cambridge, MA
Education: BHA- Psychology and Trumpet Performance/Carnegie Mellon University; M.Ed.- Human Development and Education with a Concentration in Arts and Learning, Harvard University
Role in the office: I aim to help students, especially in creative majors, articulate their talents, skills, and passions. In the Greene Center, we encourage self-reflection to construct interesting, meaningful, and fulfilling lives. I like to approach career advising with levity and curiosity to make the job search/exploration feel more human and accessible.
Most random job: My most random job was playing Amy Winehouse tunes on piano for a drag brunch.
Career Communities
Marketing & Creative CommunityArt and DesignArts AdministrationFilm, Television, and MediaMarketing, Advertising, and Public RelationsMuseum StudiesMusic and Arts TeachingMusic BusinessPerforming ArtsPublishing, Journalism, and WritingCait Larson
Career Advisor

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Places I’ve lived: Buffalo, NY and Rochester, NY
Education: BA in Childhood Education + Middle School Extension, MA in Curriculum & Instruction, Erie BOCES Certification for Secondary Education
Role in the office: Career Advisor, specifically working with students within the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
First job: WKIDS employee at Wegmans in high school.
Career Communities
Emerging Technology CommunityEngineering & Applied Sciences CommunityEngineeringAnna Maria Petkoska
Peer Career Advisor

Pronouns: | She/her |
Hometown: | Skopje, North Macedonia |
Majors and Minors: | Chemical Engineering |
Class Year: | 2024 |
Career Communities: | Engineering & Applied Sciences |
Social Good | |
Women | |
Campus Connections: | American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) |
Engineers Without Borders (EWB) | |
Fun fact about me: | I can speak 5 languages |
Contact
Daniel Hong
Peer Career Advisor

Pronouns: | He/him |
Hometown: | Suwanee, GA |
Majors and Minors: | Economics and Business:Finance, minor in Political Science |
Class Year: | 2025 |
Career Communities: | Consulting & Finance |
First Generation College Students | |
Campus Connections: | Model UN |
Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity | |
UR Investment Banking | |
TA for ECON 108 and 207 | |
Fun fact about me: | Mondays and dogs are my favorite animals! |
Rebecca Hibbard
Peer Career Advisor

Pronouns: | She/her/hers |
Hometown: | Woodbury, CT |
Majors and Minors: | Microbiology (BS) and Philosophy (BA) |
Class Year: | 2023 |
Career Communities: | Healthcare |
Campus Connections: | Cru (a Christian community on campus) |
UR Red Cross Club | |
Emergency Department Research Associate (EDRA) | |
Student Alumni Ambassador (SAA) | |
Fun facts about me: | 1) I have never broken a bone |
2) I like cats better than dogs | |
3) I cannot whistle |
Souleymane Diallo
Peer Career Advisor

Pronouns: | He/him/his |
Hometown: | Guinea |
Majors and Minors: | Undeclared, but leaning towards PPE or International Relations |
Class Year: | 2024 |
Career Communities: | Consulting and Finance |
Social Good | |
BIPOC | |
First Generation College Students | |
Campus Connections: | Hult Prize, Campus Director |
Muslim Students’ Association | |
Fun facts about me: | I am first generation high school and college student; I have lived in 6 countries; and I have 12 siblings. |
Career Curriculum Initiatives

Kellie Hernandez
Senior Career Advisor

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Places I’ve lived: Central NYS (Richfield Springs) and all around the Rochester area
Education: UR — BA in Psychology, MA in Education (Higher Ed Counseling)
Role in the office: In addition to my Advisor role, I’m also an Instructor for CASC 104 (Designing Your Life) and for the Internship for Credit part of our office. My position is a joint position between the Greene Center and Writing Speaking and Argument program where I’m an Instructor for WRTG27x (Communicating Your Professional Identity).
Most random job: Not sure how random this is, but, my student job at the UR was in the ‘Slide Room’ off of the Art/Music Library. I spent my days staring at a light table getting slides ready for faculty to use in the their lectures.
Fun fact: I like memes and animals and my dream job would be to have a wild life refuge.
Identity / Affinity Communities
International StudentsContact
Employer & Alumni Connections

Jake Gilmer
Director of Corporate Development & Engagement

Pronouns: He/Him/His
Places I’ve lived: North Carolina, Virginia, New Zealand, and New York
Education: B.S. in Geology – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and M.A. in Public Administration – James Madison University
Role in the office: I lead our Alumni and Employer Engagement team to connect students to mentorship, internship, and job opportunities. I build relationships with leading companies in the U.S. and around the world.
First job: My first summer job was working on an Army Corp. of Engineer’s boat drilling to collect sand samples offshore of NC’s Outer Banks.
People
Hire RochesterHire Rochester TalentBuilding Your Brand at URHiring International CandidatesHiring InternsPosting OpportunitiesRecruiting: Campus, Career Fairs + EventsMindy Peet
Volunteer Program Director

Mindy Peet is the new Volunteer Program Director for the Greene Center! Stay tuned for more details on her in the future!
People
AlumniVolunteerCampus PartnersSchools
Hajim School of Engineering and Applied SciencesSchool of Arts and SciencesChristina Pero
Employer and Alumni Experiences Manager

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Places I’ve lived: Rochester, NY
Education: BA in Psychology and an MS in Higher Education with a concentration in Student Affairs – University of Rochester
Role in the office: The versatility of my role at the Greene Center allows me to work with students, employers, and alumni. I really enjoy supervising and collaborating with our Peer Career Advisor team, managing the Career Clothing Closet, and planning events, programs, and other student-centered experiences in conjunction with my colleagues.
First job: I worked for five years at Wegmans in various roles.
Fun fact: I love spending time outside of work with my sweet but mischievous toy poodle puppy, Minnie! :o)
Career Communities
Emerging Technology CommunityArtificial IntelligenceBig DataVirtual & Augmented RealityEngineering & Applied Sciences CommunityEngineeringPhysical ScienceProgramming & SoftwareIdentity / Affinity Communities
Students with DisabilitiesPeople
Hire RochesterContact
Recent Posts
Brittney Turner
Employer Engagement Program Director

Brittney recently joined our team, and we will have more information shortly!
People
Hire RochesterHire Rochester TalentBuilding Your Brand at URHiring International CandidatesHiring InternsPosting OpportunitiesRecruiting: Campus, Career Fairs + EventsAdrija Bhattacharjee
Alumni Engagement Assistant

Pronouns: | She/her/hers |
Hometown: | Metairie, LA |
Majors and Minors: | Political Science, Bioethics |
Class Year: | 2024 |
Career Communities: | Social Good |
BIPOC | |
Women | |
Campus Connections: | Students’ Association |
Asian American Alliance | |
Mock Trial | |
ADITI | |
Fun fact about me: | My comfort zone is watching The Bachelor or Bollywood :) |
Emily Chan
Career Clothing Closet Assistant

Pronouns: | She/Her |
Hometown: | Mechanicville, NY |
Majors and Minors: | English-LMC track/Economics (double major) |
Class Year: | 2024 |
Career Communities: | Consulting & Finance |
Marketing & Creative | |
Social Good | |
BIPOC | |
Women | |
Campus Connections: | Class Council |
Residential Advisor | |
Meridian | |
Fun fact about me: | My favorite Rochester thing to do is go to the Museum of Play! |
Elli Harrison
Volunteer Alumni Program Assistant

Pronouns: | She/her |
Hometown: | Carmel, NY |
Majors and Minors: | Major: Biology, Minor: Music |
Class Year: | 2026 |
Career Communities: | Engineering & Applied Sciences |
Women | |
Campus Connections: | University of Rochester Chamber Orchestra (I play French Horn) |
Fun facts about me: | I have two dogs and one is named Percy and the other Jackson after the Percy Jackson book series because my family consists of a bunch of book nerds:) |
Communications and Marketing

Taylor Mende
Marketing & Communications Program Director

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Places I’ve lived: Jacksonville, FL, Windermere, FL, Cortland, NY, Geneseo, NY
Education: B.A. in New Media Design from the State University of New York at Cortland
Most random job: Seasonal Worker for the County Highway Department
People
Campus PartnersFaculty & StaffHire RochesterBuilding Your Brand at URRecruiting: Campus, Career Fairs + EventsContact
Recent Posts
London Chastain
Marketing and Communications Specialist

Pronouns: | They/them |
Hometown: | Chattanooga, TN |
Majors and Minors: | Anthropology and Creative Writing |
Class Year: | 2024 |
Career Communities: | Marketing & Creative |
Social Good | |
First Generation College Students | |
LGBTQ+ | |
Students with Disabilities | |
Fun facts about me: | I have a squishmallow addiction, I love to good, and I have a pet chinchilla |
Michelle Rojas
Marketing and Communications Specialist

Operations, Data and Customer Experience

Amber Graham
Director of Data and Operations

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Places I’ve lived: I grew up in Norwich, NY, and lived in both Cortland and Syracuse, NY prior to moving to Rochester.
Education: Foundations in Design Thinking and Advanced Design Thinking – IDEO, Masters Degree – Higher Education – Syracuse University, Bachelors Degree -Human Development and Theater – Binghamton University
Role in the office: I work with all of our data streams, from getting information into platforms like Handshake and the Meliora Collective to investigating the outcomes of our graduates. I also head operations for the Greene Center (space, human capital, virtual operations) and budgeting for the department. At my heart is always a focus on customer experience for the Greene Center, and love feedback on how we can serve folks better!
Most random job: After graduating with my Masters Degree I worked for 3 months at JoAnn Fabrics at the fabric cutting counter (making my costume designer heart sing!)
Fun fact: I love to travel and tend to pick up accents and dialects and mannerisms from wherever I travel, so you can tell if I’ve recently seen family in the southern US, been hanging out in a Spanish speaking country, or returned from a trip to Europe or Asia. I also have my own company as a wedding officiant, with a focus on inclusive ceremonies for non-traditional, non-binary and creative clients.
Specialties and Interests
Data Management and Visualization, Operations, Project Management, Technology Integration, User Experience, Customer ExperienceIdentity / Affinity Communities
LGBTQ+People
Campus PartnersContact
Recent Posts
- unDocuGrads – Real stories from the grad school front
- How to Write a Powerful Personal Statement
- Should You Really Go To Law School? Introducing The Ghost Of Legal Future
- Your Guide to Informational Interviews: How to request, prepare, and follow up after informational interviews
- Grad School Application | Tips for Finishing Strong
Rory-Stefan Affoon
Systems Administrator & Project Manager

Pronouns: He/Him/His
Places I’ve lived: Grew up in Trinidad and Tobago, lived in Rochester, NY and Dallas, TX.
Education: B.A. Geological Sciences at the University of Rochester
Role in the office: I’m the go-to guy for everything technical related within the office and for how students interact with the Greene Center digitally.
Deborah Baker
Operations & Administrative Coordinator

Jake Lewis

Pronouns: | He/him |
Hometown: | Clinton, NY |
Majors and Minors: | Mechanical Engineering |
Class Year: | 2024 |
Career Communities: | Emerging Technology |
Engineering & Applied Sciences | |
Campus Connections: | American Society of Mechanical Engineers – Events Coordinator |
Solar Splash – Chief Mechanical Engineer | |
Fun fact about me: | I love karaoke |
Onika Phillips
Customer Experience Assistant

Pronouns: | She/her |
Hometown: | East Hartford, CT |
Majors and Minors: | Environmental Health |
Class Year: | 2023 |
Career Communities: | Healthcare |
Social Good | |
Women | |
Campus Connections: | Humanities for Life Scholar |
Society of Undergraduate Public Health Students | |
Creative Arts Club | |
Fun facts about me: | I was born in Jamaica, and raised partially in Florida. I don’t like ketchup and most condiments and I like to crotchet and paint in my free time. |
Pari Nasimjonova
Customer Experience Assistant

Pronouns: | She/her |
Hometown: | Buffalo, NY |
Majors and Minors: | Political Science and Business |
Class Year: | 2023 |
Career Communities: | Social Good |
First Generation College Students | |
Women | |
Campus Connections: | Mock Trial |
Fun fact about me: | I am a dual citizen |
Louise Shi
Customer Experience Assistant

Pronouns: | She/her/hers |
Hometown: | Aberdeen, MD |
Majors and Minors: | Psychology |
Class Year: | 2025 |
Career Communities: | Healthcare |
Social Good | |
BIPOC | |
First Generation College Students | |
Women | |
Campus Connections: | Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc. |
Fun fact about me: | I actually don’t have a hometown! I have lived in 7 different places, including 3 continents and 4 states. |
Jane Oliver
Customer Experience Assistant

Pronouns: | She/her |
Hometown: | Auburn, NY |
Majors and Minors: | English: Language Media and Communications Major, Political Science Minor |
Class Year: | 2025 |
Career Communities: | Marketing & Creative |
Women | |
Campus Connections: | Writing for the Campus Times |
Sigma Delta Tau, Beta Phi Chapter – Public Relations | |
Fun facts about me: | I love fashion and you should read my CT articles about fashion |
Maryam Feknous
Customer Experience Assistant

Pronouns: | She/her |
Hometown: | Manhattan, NY |
Majors and Minors: | Political Science and American Sign Language |
Class Year: | 2025 |
Career Communities: | Social Good |
First Generation College Students | |
LGBTQ+ | |
Students with Disabilities | |
Women | |
Campus Connections: | Salsa |
Fun fact about me: | I got bit by a scorpion in the Bahamas |
Samuel Zeltman
Customer Experience Assistant

Pronouns: | He/Him |
Hometown: | Buffalo, NY |
Majors and Minors: | Mechanical Engineering |
Class Year: | 2026 |
Career Communities: | Engineering & Applied Sciences |
Campus Connections: | American Society of Mechanical Engineers |
BAJA | |
Fun fact about me: | I’m a big Buffalo Bills fan! |