Career Network Staff

Chase grew up in Blacksburg, Virginia, where she graduated from Virginia Tech with a BS in Business Information Technology and a BS in Hospitality and Tourism Management. In the fall of 2022, after working as a consultant in the corporate world, she took on the role of Data and Reporting Analyst for the SC Johnson College of Business Career Management Center. As the team’s data guru, Chase is responsible for overseeing the collection, analysis, and management of student outcome data. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for data-driven insights, she provides accurate and comprehensive reports to the College’s leadership team as well as external organizations, including ranking companies. Additionally, Chase ensures that aggregated student outcome data is accessible to current students, empowering them to make informed decisions in their own career journeys. In her free time, you’ll find Chase in the kitchen baking or spending time outdoors with her two pups, Bear and Koda. 

Christa is inspired by people who pursue their passions through work, service, and hobbies and is passionate about helping Cornell students find ways to connect their strengths and interests through unique opportunities. Christa is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC). She is the Director of the Engineering Career Center, where the team inspires and empowers Cornell Engineers to create life-long career success. Past experiences include leading the Arts & Sciences Career Center, facilitating groups on Cornell’s Hoffman Challenge course, teaching business math at a community college, and other roles in higher education. A first-generation college student and Pittsburgh native, Christa holds a B.S. in Industrial Management from Carnegie Mellon University, where she currently serves on the Alumni Association Board. She also holds an M.S. in College Student Personnel from Miami University (in Ohio – Miami was a university before Florida was a state). When she’s not working, Christa is likely outside, training for triathlons, camping, boating, traveling, or reading. Her favorite hike was in Poland’s Tatra Mountains, her favorite tri was the Timberman in Gilford, New Hampshire and she is always looking for new book recommendations.

Christine Holmes serves as the Director for Postdoctoral Studies at Cornell University, supporting over 800 postdocs in Ithaca, Geneva, and at Cornell Tech. Christine became the first director of the Office of Postdoctoral Studies in 1995, and prior to that worked in the College of Continuing Education. She received a BS in Management from Nazareth College and an MBA from St. John Fisher College. Prior to joining Cornell, she worked in the trade show industry supporting diverse marketing efforts for her clients. As a member of the Graduate School’s Office of Career and Professional Development, she monitors the status and needs of the campus postdoctoral community, serves as an advocate for postdoctoral issues to the Graduate School and Cornell’s administration, provides career advising for all postdoctoral associates and fellows, and organizes workshops, seminars and social activities for postdocs, including oversight of the new Postdoctoral Association.  

Book with Christine if you are: 

• A current graduate student considering a postdoctoral position as part of your professional trajectory or in need of advising on a faculty (professorial) job search process 

• A current postdoctoral scholar seeking advising on the academic job search, interview, and negotiation process or want general advising on success and belonging as a postdoctoral scholar at Cornell 

Colleen McLinn serves as the Associate Dean for Professional Development at Cornell University Graduate School. In this capacity, she serves as a member of the Graduate School’s Senior Leadership Team and supervises several offices comprising the Career and Professional Development Team, including the Office of Postdoctoral Studies. Collectively, these offices support career exploration and skill development for the nearly 5000 research degree students (doctoral and research master’s) enrolled within the Graduate School, as well as more than 800 postdoctoral scholars at Cornell University. Dr. McLinn was the founding director of Future Faculty and Academic Careers programs at the Graduate School, and her workshop and consultation programs prepare interested graduate students and postdocs for successful academic careers through development of teaching, presentation, and research mentorship skills. She is the institutional co-lead on several national initiatives, including managing Cornell’s participation in the North American Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL) Network. She serves on the planning committee for Cornell’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition and coordinates with Cornell’s wider Career Services network on effective programs and services for graduate students. Dr. McLinn received a Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior from University of Minnesota. 

Book with Colleen if you are: 

• A current PhD student or postdoc seeking advising, application material review, or interview practice for a faculty job search 

• A current research master’s student interested in professional development advice or review of your academic CV

• Looking to develop skills in teaching, research mentoring, and communication for an academic career 

Ellen has dedicated 18 years to higher education, starting her career in undergraduate admissions and advancing through diverse roles such as international admissions, overseas programming, and MBA academic advising. For the past eight years, she has specialized in career advising for business students, leveraging her expertise at private and large state institutions. Ellen joined Cornell University’s Career Management Center in 2021 as Associate Director, where she currently advises Master of Professional Studies students in Accounting, Management, and Applied Economics and Management at the SC Johnson College of Business.

Ellen earned her Bachelor of Arts in History from The State University of New York at Geneseo and her Master of Science in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from Canisius College.

A North Carolina native, Helen got her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Shortly after graduating from UNC, she moved to Charlottesville, Virginia and began working at the University of Virginia Career Center, where she realized her passion for student affairs. She then completed her M.Ed. in Higher Education at UVA and worked as the Student Services Coordinator for the Higher Education Graduate Programs from which she had just graduated. Working with the Higher Education students solidified her desire to advise students as they find their interests, talents, and paths forward, and in the Summer of 2018, she joined the Engineering Career Center as an Assistant Director.

With Connectedness as a top strength, Jennifer believes that successes and failures are the direct result of our ability to work together. She has faith in the links among all things and finds deep satisfaction in working hard to achieve goals. Jennifer has more than 10 years of experience guiding employers through University Recruiting at Cornell and has obtained her Executive Coach Certification (XCC) from Assenter Coaching, LLC. She provides oversight and direction for employer relations, recruitment services (with a special focus on opportunities targeting STEM students from all colleges and schools), and many aspects of external relations. Jennifer grew up in the heart of Wayne County, NY (the third-highest apple-producing county in the country!)  and completed her AS in Liberal Arts at Finger Lakes Community College (Canandaigua, NY). She began her career at Cornell University in the fall of 2006 as an Administrative Assistant in the Advising and Career Services office of the College of Arts and Sciences. She has been an enthusiastic member of the Engineering Career Center team since August 2012. Outside of work, Jennifer loves to enjoy all that the Finger Lakes Region has to offer!

I bring to my role many years of working in the financial services industry, career services and as a small business owner. I consider myself a lifelong learner, and the energy on a college campus invigorating. I was a liberal arts major in undergraduate with a minor in education and after quite a few years went back to school to pursue my interest in education, where I obtained first my master’s in liberal arts and then a master’s in educational leadership. I completed my dissertation for an accelerated EdD with a specialization in Higher Education Administration at the Warner School of Education at the University of Rochester. Previously I taught a class at Nazareth College, part of their required coursework, in Professional Communication. Most recently I was the Executive Director of Career Education and Professional Development at the Simon Business School at the University of Rochester. In my free time I enjoy supporting various not for profits that support animal welfare as a board member and a foster home for cats and kittens. My husband and I have three four legged spoiled children, two cats, Chi-Chi, Cha-Cha, and one dog, Rigatoni.

Julie began her career at Cornell in 2005, first at Cornell Health, then joining the Engineering Career Center in 2010. She is the proud mother of two (now young adults), residing in a rural area 20 miles south of Ithaca. A lifetime resident of the Finger Lakes area, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and greatly appreciates nature and the outdoors.

I graduated with an MBA from the University of Ottawa and spent the next 4 years working and traveling overseas in a variety of countries, loving every minute. Since returning I opened a travel business and also a pet apparel business which I still manage in my free time. At Cornell I get to work with students not only on the Career Team by helping with their career goals but also on the International side helping students travel overseas either via internships or study abroad.

Liz Hartman comes to CALS with a background in non-profit and political campaign management. She provides career support to students in all areas with a focus on experiential learning, including internships and research. Liz is the primary CALS pre-law advisor and is trained in two different career exploration assessments. In her role, she also promotes collaboration between the Career Development Team and CALS majors, explores new ways provide career resources for students, and oversees the Student Assembly Summer Experience Grant awards for CALS students. She has a Master in Public Policy from Harvard University and a BA from Bryn Mawr College.

Liz is thrilled to have the opportunity to help CALS students identify and secure opportunities that will help them achieve their goals.  Outside of the office, Liz loves spending time with her two school-aged boys and is an avid runner and community volunteer.

Maggie grew up in the Catskill Mountains before graduating from Stony Brook University with her BS in Business Administration and Marketing in 2017. She joined the SC Johnson College of Business Employer Relations Team in July of 2022 as the Recruiting and Marketing Coordinator.  

Maggie is responsible for managing all of the working relationships with the college’s many employer partners that come to campus to recruit students from the Nolan School of Hotel Administration and Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management. She is also responsible for planning and executing 3 to 4 career fairs and 3 student career exploration treks each year. Maggie is part of a two-person team with her counterpart, Amanda Hickey. Maggie’s results-driven and problem-solving mindset meshes well with Amanda’s detail-oriented and creative outlook, together forming a dynamic and successful Employer Relations team.  

When not at work, Maggie can be found spending time with her husband, son and golden retriever, exploring Seneca Lake or curled up reading a good fantasy novel.  

Marjorie (MJ) Mosereiff (she/they) is a multifaceted and energizing higher education professional with extensive experience in career advising and coaching, alumni and employer relationship building, and program management. They are enthusiastic about helping students build a professional development toolbox and inspiring them to be more empowered, proactive, and resilient life-long career decision-makers. They are a certified professional coach through the Academy for Creative Coaching and participated in the Successful Strengths Coaching course with Gallup. Marjorie is also passionate about cultivating safe and accessible educational spaces for all students.

Marjorie is the Graduate Career Exploration Specialist with the Graduate School Office of Career and Professional Development. Prior to their current role, they worked in the career development units in CALS and AAP. They have a master’s degree in Southeast Asian Studies from Cornell University and bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Russian from West Chester University.

Mark Mandych (pronounced “man-ditch”) joined CALS Student Services in 2022 after completing his M.A. in German Studies at Cornell. Having taught language, literature, and writing courses in the US and abroad, Mark aims to mentor and support students of all backgrounds and interests, especially those considering non-traditional paths during and after college.

As CALS Zone Coordinator, Mark manages the CALS Zone multi-use space in Mann Library (Room 112). Through partnerships with Cornell departments, student groups, alumni, and employers, the CALS Career Team cultivates a variety of programming in the CALS Zone aimed to facilitate engaged learning opportunities in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Stop by during drop-ins for coffee, snacks, and top-notch advising!

Melissa has advised Cornell Engineering students on a variety of academic, career, college transition, and personal issues for the last 12+ years and has worked in higher education for over 15 years. She is particularly interested in leveraging educational technology to create efficiencies and improve learning outcomes for students. She enjoys working with engineering students and faculty because they work hard, are dedicated, and strive to create innovative solutions to complex problems. Outside of the office, she enjoys camping in the Adirondacks, spending time on Cayuga Lake, and watching recreational youth sports with her family. Melissa has a bachelor’s degree in international management, a master’s degree focused on college student development, and recently completed a second master’s degree in instructional systems technology.

Pam is a seasoned student services professional/career coach with 25 years of service to Cornell University. As a career coach she works closely with students on their career strategy, interview prep, resume writing, and networking. She previously served as an academic advisor and understands the important role academics can play in developing a student’s career goals. She is a Gallup-certified Strengths coach and certified coach for MBA/University career coaching, and Brain-friendly job searches (The Academies/International Coaching Federation.) Pam studied political science and sociology at Nazareth University in Rochester NY. She is a sports FANATIC, an ally and advocate, and a mom to Matthew. In her free time, she loves cooking (with her son) and listening to podcasts.

Ryan is a dedicated education service professional with over eight years of experience in the higher education sector. Before joining Cornell, he served as the Director of Career Development at Keystone College, where he led initiatives focused on empowering students through career preparation, skills development, and international opportunities. 

Prior to his tenure at Keystone College, Ryan held various roles at Hartwick College, advancing from Global Education and Service Learning Advisor to Senior Career Coach. In these positions, he provided comprehensive career advising, facilitated workshops, and improved employment outcomes for students. 

Ryan earned a BA in History with a minor in Political Science from Westminster College and later obtained a Masters degree in Corporate and Community Education from Elmira College. He also gained valuable international experience through a study abroad program at the University of Limerick in Ireland. 

Passionate about helping students achieve their educational and professional goals, Ryan thrives on collaboration and enjoys guiding students in translating their skills into future opportunities. In addition to his career services responsibilities, he is actively involved in various professional associations, striving to enhance career development programs for students. 

Strengths: Maximizer, Includer, Communication, Analytical, Futuristic 

I am originally from Rochester, NY, but have lived in Ithaca for over 15 years.  I received a bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences from Daemen University in Amherst, NY and a master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Canisius University in Buffalo, NY. Before working within career development, I held professional roles in college residential life, student engagement, and leadership development. I am a highly relational professional that puts students at the heart of my work. I love helping them make meaning of their experiences in order to find their strengths and passions. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time exploring Ithaca with my family, cooking, gardening, crafting, and getting to the beach for vacation.

Sarah Day is the Professional Development Program Coordinator for the three career-focused initiatives of the Graduate School Office of Career and Professional Development (Future Faculty and Academic Careers, Careers Beyond Academia, and the Office of Postdoctoral Studies). Since joining the Graduate School in 2021, she has coordinated key academic success and professional development events and series such as the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition, Pathways to Success Symposium, and Graduate School-wide events like orientation and reunion panels. 

Contact Sarah at CareerAndProfDev@cornell.edu or 607-255-6741 for: 

• General service questions and workshop requests for the Graduate School Office of Career and Professional Development. 

Susi Varvayanis is Executive Director of Cornell Graduate School’s Careers Beyond Academia program. After many years at the bench in virology and cancer cell biology research, as well as managing a flow cytometry core lab, Varvayanis pivoted toward workforce and business development. In her current role at Cornell, her research involves experiential learning in graduate education to ensure alignment of skills, experiences, and aspirations with employer needs without contributing to the length of time needed to complete the PhD degree. 

Book with Susi if you are: 

• A current PhD or research master’s student looking to rule in or out various career options 

• Interested in gaining professional experience during the PhD or discussing doctoral career outcomes data 

• Wondering what transferrable skills you should develop while completing a research degree