Kerri Wakefield
Director, Engineering Advising Center
Kerri is a U-M alum (Higher Education PhD) who has held administrative and advising roles supporting undergraduate and graduate students at Stanford University, University of Maryland, and San Diego State University. She also earned an M.Ed. in College Counseling and a B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Delaware. She has extensive experience working with first-year, undeclared and STEM students and believes in a holistic approach to academic advising that promotes students’ academic, personal, and professional development.
Mark Collyer
Assistant Director, Academic Advisor & Peer Advisor Supervisor
Mark has his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience working in the aerospace industry. He completed a Master’s degree in Student Affairs and Higher Education at Miami University of Ohio, where he advised first-year students in science, engineering and mathematics disciplines. Mark enjoys helping students utilize their passions to set a path for the future.
Leonora Lucaj
Academic Advisor
Leonora is committed to helping all students transition successfully to college and achieve their academic and professional goals. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Social Work, both from the University of Michigan. Leonora has experience in academic advising, crisis management, student services, and teaching. She is extremely passionate about issues that impact first generation college students and underrepresented students.
Michelle Sonderman
Academic Advisor & Peer Mentor Coordinator
Michelle received her Master’s degree in Counseling from Oakland University and worked in the Interdisciplinary and Professional Programs office as a graduate coordinator at U-M before joining the EAC team. Her background consists of academic advising, counseling, and instruction of a first-year college success course. She enjoys assisting students with their transition from high school to college and helping them make a plan of success for their academic and professional future.
Shawn Salata
Academic Advisor
Shawn brings over 20 years of experience in the College to her advising role in the EAC. A proud Michigan alum, she also earned a Masters in counseling from Eastern Michigan University. She is dedicated to supporting students’ transition into the College, and is a big proponent of experiential learning. She encourages students to make connections on campus in order to make the most of their Michigan career.
Jennifer Taylor
Academic Advisor
Jennifer enjoys working with students to create an optimal curriculum balance for their personal and academic success. Note that she is currently not in the office on Wednesdays. She has advised students for over 11 years, and previously worked in the UM College of LSA – Psychology Department. Jennifer’s two degrees are from the University of Michigan: a bachelors degree in Elementary Education, and a masters degree in Higher Education.
Sarah Watkins
Sarah received her Bachelor's degree in Geography & History from Mount Holyoke College before starting her career at U-M as an admissions counselor in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Sarah is committed to promoting student success initiatives and hopes to create a welcoming and positive office environment in her role at EAC. She is currently pursuing her Master's in Higher Education at the University of Michigan, Go Blue!