Our team is here to support you in becoming a competitive applicant for graduate programs, health professional schools, or law schools through personalized guidance and a variety of workshops and events designed to strengthen your preparation.
Michael Aldarondo-Jeffries
Raquel Aurora Toro-Espinal
Jennifer Farran, Ed.D.
Arlene Ollivierre
Erin Renee Jackson
Kelsey Limonta
Heba Akbar
Erin Smith
Makenna Meisenbach
Priya Geer
Alexander Acevedo
Arianna Lopez
Daniel Burzumato
Emily McCoy
Paola Villarroel
Director
Assistant Director
Responsibilities: Oversee the McNair Scholars Program and mentor students pursuing PhDs. Coordinate graduate school preparation programming; develop institutional partnerships; and cultivate a strong McNair Scholar community at UCF.
Education: Master of Arts in Counselor Education, Career Counseling Graduate Certificate, Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Fun Fact: I enjoy adrenaline-filled adventures like paragliding, waterfall repelling, motorcycle rides and am always open to seeing a beautiful sunrise or sunset at the beach.
Assistant Director
Academic Support Coordinator II
Responsibilities: Management and support of the McNair Scholars Program grant and other University funding, which includes setting up the award through the project closeout.
Education: Master of Science in Health Services Administration, University of Central Florida; Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, University of Central Florida.
Fun Fact: Love smooth jazz music, sunrises, and family gatherings.
Administrative Coordinator
Responsibilities: GPS Prep support and management of front desk for Dixon Career Development Center.
Education: Masters of Science in Criminal Justice from University of Central Florida, Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Criminal Justice from University of Central Florida, Bachelors of Business Administration in International Business and Information and Records Management from Davenport University, Associates of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems from Detroit College of Business, certificates in Criminal Profiling and Victim Advocacy from University of Central Florida.
Fun Fact: I am the second oldest in the building!
Academic Support Coordinator II
Responsibilities: Support student success by providing guidance in in Pre-Health, Pre-Law, and Pre-Graduate planning, supervise and provide training to Peer Mentor team, and assist in management of structured programs: Pre-Health Scholars, Pre-Law Scholars, and Pre-Graduate Knights.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education ’16 from University of Central Florida, Master of Arts in Instructional Design and Technology (in progress) from University of Central Florida
Fun fact: Can be lured to almost any location with the promise of a cold Dr. Pepper.
Academic Support Coordinator II
Responsibilities: Develops partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, coordinates programming for pre-graduate, pre-health, and pre-law students, and leads GPS Prep’s Ambassador Program and Student Advisory Council, supporting students in becoming competitive applicants for graduate and professional school.
Education: Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, University of Central Florida; Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design, University of Central Florida
Fun Fact: I enjoy traveling and discovering new cities, cultures, and experiences.
Graduate Assistant
Education: Master of Science in Clinical Psychology (In Progress)
Fun Fact: Yellow is my favorite color!
Graduate Assistant
Education: Bachelor of Science, Master of Science in Kinesiology (In Progress)
Fun Fact: I love making music, traveling, playing sports, and finding great food with great people!
Graduate Assistant
Education: Juris Doctorate in Law ‘23, Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration ‘20, Master of Arts in Counselor Education, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program (In Progress)
Peer Mentor
Responsibilities: Provides guidance and support to students preparing for graduate, health professional, and law school by helping them navigate the application process.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (Spring ‘28) and Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences – Neuroscience (Spring ‘28), with a minor in Sociology
Fun Fact: I’m a second-degree black belt in karate.
Peer Mentor
Responsibilities: Provides guidance and support to students preparing for graduate, health professional, and law school by helping them navigate the application process.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (Spring ‘27)
Lead Peer Mentor
Responsibilities: Provides guidance and support to students preparing for graduate, health professional, and law school by helping them navigate the application process
Education: Bachelor of Science in Integrated Business, ‘26
Fun Fact: I have been skydiving and hope to go again soon.
Peer Mentor
Responsibilities: Provides guidance and support to students preparing for graduate, health professional, and law school by helping them navigate the application process.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (Pre-Clinical) with a minor in Psychology (Fall ‘26)
Fun Fact: I enjoy reading literary fiction, running, and researching neuroscience!
Peer Mentor
Responsibilities: Provides guidance and support to students preparing for graduate, health professional, and law school by helping them navigate the application process
Education: Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology, ‘26
Fun Fact: I have been an undergraduate research assistant for two years!
