About Us
Our office provides overall communication to Stony Brook undergraduates about academic advising and the evaluation of transfer credits for general education requirements. We help students develop their academic plans for graduation and work with students in academic difficulty. In addition, our office evaluates transfer credits and serves as a central communicator regarding academic deadlines, policies, and events to all undergraduates.
Our office advises sophomores, juniors, seniors, and second bachelor degree students in the College of Arts & Sciences, College of Business, School of Communication and Journalism and School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences.
Staff Bios
Lisa Barry
Transfer Credit Evaluator
Lisa earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting at Queens College. Lisa worked in NYC for several years in multiple accounting positions before moving to Long Island. She has worked as an Office Manager for nine years where she was responsible for all customer correspondence, maintenance of company records, handling accounts receivable and accounts payable, in charge of payroll, purchasing and more.
Lisa is also a proud parent of a Stony Brook graduate!
Email: lisa.barry@stonybrook.edu
Isabella Bator, M.A.
Lead Academic Advisor
Isabella earned her Bachelor's Degree from Stony Brook University in Sociology. Following her studies, she joined the Peace Corps in China for two years as a volunteer English teacher. This sparked her passion for global education and she completed her Master’s Degree in International Development & Social Change at Clark University, focusing on education equity.
Isabella has vast experience in academic, advising, and student affairs services. More recently, she held an administrative and supervisory role working with diverse and underrepresented student populations entering Allied Health field, and managing faculty in the Liberal Arts & Sciences department. Isabella has also taught classes in subjects such as interpersonal communication, freshman seminar, and career development.
As a former Wolfie, she is excited to join the Academic and Transfer Advising Services team to help students realize their true potential and succeed in reaching their goals!
Email: isabella.kaganowski@stonybrook.edu
Nicole Chiuchiolo, M.A.
Lead Academic Advisor
Nicole realized her passion for higher education during her time at Fordham University, where she served as an orientation leader and student ambassador.
After graduating with her undergraduate degree in Communications, Nicole went on to pursue her Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration at Stony Brook. Nicole has previously worked at Stony Brook in Student Life, and St. Joseph's University in Institutional Advancement. Nicole is thrilled to be back at SBU to join the ATAS team!
Email: nicole.chiuchiolo@stonybrook.edu
Rebecca Geist, M.S
Academic Advisor
Rebecca received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with a minor in Speech Communication at St. Joseph’s University. She then obtained her Master of Science Degree in School Counseling from Long Island University. She has always had a passion for helping students succeed and greatly enjoys seeing students meet their goals. Rebecca has worked in a variety of roles in the education field specializing in tutoring, special education, counseling, foster care, and college admissions.
Rebecca is excited to be a part of the Academic and Transfer Advising Services Team and the SBU community!
Email: rebecca.geist@stonybrook.edu
Daniel Gross, M.B.A.
Assistant Director
Dan earned both his BA in Psychology and MBA at Stony Brook University. After receiving his masters, Dan worked for Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions helping college students across Long Island prepare for entrance exams for admission to graduate programs. After his time at Kaplan, Dan came back "home" to Stony Brook University. He first worked in the Graduate School in the records, course catalog, and admissions areas. Dan then shifted to the Registrar's Office where he was the Assistant Registrar for Departmental Degree Audit. After his time there, Dan advised students on New York State Aid requirements and eligibility from the Financial Aid Office.
Dan looks forward to continuing his passion of advising students in this role as Assistant Director in the Academic and Transfer Advising Services office.
Email: daniel.gross@stonybrook.edu
Zoe Fang, Ph.D
Lead Academic Advisor
Zoe holds a Bachelor’s in Law from Hubei University, China, and a Master’s Degree in Economics from ZUEL, China. She completed her Ph.D. in Economics at ZUEL and subsequently became a lecturer and faculty advisor for undergraduates in the Economics major. Her academic journey also involved advising graduate students and teaching Economics courses for both undergraduate and master's degree students.
Zoe spent four years as a visiting scholar at Stony Brook University, where she also completed her MBA in 2022. With over 20 years of teaching experience in China and the U.S., Zoe is dedicated to helping students succeed. She's excited to be part of the SBU community again and has joined the ATAS team.
Outside of work, Zoe enjoys reading, going to the gym, and participating in Toastmasters meetings.
Email: Shijiao.fang@stonybrook.edu
Alyson Hernandez, M.A.
Assistant Director for Transfer Evaluation and Articulation
Alyson received both her BA in Sociology and Masters in Higher Education Administration from Stony Brook University. While attending Stony Brook, Alyson worked in the Athletics Department, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and the Undergraduate Transfer Office.
A huge advocate for the Study Abroad programs, her passion for Stony Brook and Higher Education grew stronger while she studied overseas. Alyson is thrilled to be a member of the Academic and Transfer Advising Services team!
Email: alyson.hernandez@stonybrook.edu
Tracey Iorio, M.S.
Assistant Director
Tracey Iorio is an Assistant Director in the Academic and Transfer Advising Services Office. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Fairleigh Dickinson University and her Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling and NY State license from LIU C.W Post in 2009. Tracey came to Stony Brook University in 2002 and worked as an advisor in the Transfer Office, which merged with Academic Advising Center in the summer of 2012. Prior to working at Stony Brook she spent 14 years as Senior Associate Director of Admissions at The Juilliard School.
Along with her role as an advisor to current Stony Brook University students, she coordinates the Joint Admissions program to admit students from Suffolk County and Nassau Community Colleges. Tracey provides these student with one-on-one advising each semester to ensure a seamless transition to Stony Brook. Another important role for Tracey is the Opening of School Committee, which provides incoming students with activities, workshops and community information during the weekend prior to the first day of school.
Email: tracey.iorio@stonybrook.edu
Melissa Klott, M.B.A
Transfer Articulation Specialist
Melissa received both her BS in Information Systems and Masters in Business Administration from Stony Brook University. While attending Stony Brook, Melissa worked in the Academic and Transfer Advising Services Office and for the Graduate Program in Public Health. She then worked at Stony Brook’s Registrar’s Office as the Assistant Registrar for Scheduling before working at St. Joseph’s College as an Enterprise Systems Programmer. Melissa is thrilled to be back as part of the Academic and Transfer Advising Services team!
Email: melissa.klott@stonybrook.edu
Marie Leen, MSW
Lead Academic Advisor
Marie received her Associate’s at SUNY Farmingdale and her BA in Sociology with a minor in Mathematics at SUNY New Paltz. She obtained her Master of Social Work at New York University’s Silver School of Social Work. She has worked in admissions at Caldwell University, Long Island University, and most recently at SUNY Old Westbury. She loves to work with students in figuring out their educational and career goals. Marie is delighted to be a part of the Academic and Transfer Advising Services team!
Email: marie.leen@stonybrook.edu
James Montren
Director for Pre-Health Advising
James serves as the Pre-Professional Advisor in the Center. He graduated from New York University, studying a wide-range of topics, languages, literature and linguistics - mainly Russian, German, Gothic, and Old Church Slavic - in pursuit of his bachelor's and master's degrees. Jim's advising and Pre-Health experience began at NYU in the early 90s.
Email: james.montren@stonybrook.edu
Mary Beth Powers, MSW
Associate Director
Mary Beth earned an MSW from Stony Brook University's School of Social Welfare and a BA in English from LeMoyne College. To date she has over 20 years of experience in higher education, primarily in residential life and academic advising. Among her current responsibilities in Academic and Transfer Advising Services, the one she values and enjoys most is working one-on-one with students to help them achieve their highest potential. Focusing on students' strengths, interests, and emerging talents, Mary Beth's proudest moments are when she witnesses students truly "seeing" themselves for the first time, and finding they like what they see.
Mary Beth is both self-proclaimed Dolphin (LeMoyne mascot) and Seawolf, an avid beach comber, collector of rocks, lover of antiques, tireless gardener, and pensive poet. "I just like to look for the beauty in the world...and create it where I can. And I see a lot of beauty in the efforts and achievements, both great and small, of our students."
Email: mary.b.powers@stonybrook.edu
Kimberly Schwartz, M.S.
Associate Director for Transfer Evaluation and Articulation
Kimberly Schwartz earned her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Delaware in 2005. She received her Master's degree in School Counseling at Long Island University/C.W. Post in 2008
Kim has worked in higher education for over 15 years and has been working at Stony Brook University since 2008. She began her career at Stony Brook working as an Advisor in the Transfer Office. She accepted the position of Assistant Director for Transfer Articulation in which she made the transition for transfer students easier by creating a database that allows incoming and current students to view their course equivalencies from their previous schools.
Kim currently serves as the Associate Director for Transfer Articulation and loves being able to help students, faculty and staff “behind the scenes.”
Email: kimberly.schwartz@stonybrook.edu
Kaitlyn Seitz, M.A.
Asisstant Director
Katie received her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from SUNY New Paltz and Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from Stony Brook University. While completing her master's degree, Katie worked as a graduate assistant with Pre-Health Advising, Finish in 4, and the Health Science Department. She then worked at Stony Brook's Career Center as the Healthcare Career Coach and has always had an interest working with students who have a passion seeking careers in the healthcare industry.
Katie has instructed courses including ADV (Advising) 101 and WSE 381 (Service Learning in STEM) and has always had a passion for teaching. Katie is thrilled and excited to work with the Academic and Transfer Advising Services team!
Email: kaitlyn.seitz@stonybrook.edu
Deborah Serling, Ph.D.
Director, Academic & Transfer Advising Services
Dr. Serling earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Cornell University, her Master's in Public Administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs (Syracuse University), and her Masters of Arts and Ph.D. in Psychology from Ohio State University.
Dr. Serling has worked in higher education for over 20 years serving undergraduate and graduate students as an advisor, a psychologist, a faculty member, and an administrator. Dr. Serling's research interests have included undecided students, career development, and self-esteem. Prior to working in higher education, Dr. Serling worked for Reading Is Fundamental in Washington, DC and the New York State Senate.
Email: deborah.serling@stonybrook.edu
Rachel Sullivan, M.A.
Academic Advisor
Rachel received her BA in Psychology and Philosophy/Religious Studies with a minor in Mindfulness and Contemplative Living at St. Joseph's University, NY. She then went on to earn her MA in History of Philosophies, East and West at Stony Brook University and fell in love with the Seawolf experience and vibrant intellectual culture of SBU.
Rachel has been passionate about higher education administration since her days as an undergraduate student, when she served as an Orientation Leader, Campus Activities Board member, and peer tutor. In her professional career, she has previously served as an Assistant Director, Student Accessibility Services Counselor, and lecturer for First Year Experience seminars and World Religions classes at St. Joseph's University. She is excited to assist students on their academic journeys as part of SBU's Academic and Transfer Advising Services Team!
Email: rachel.sullivan@stonybrook.edu
Meghan Sweeney, M.S. Ed
Academic Advisor
Meghan received her B.A. in Applied Psychology and Human Relations from Pace University and her M.S.Ed in School Counseling from Hunter College. She previously worked for Eastern Suffolk BOCES as a School Counselor and at the New York Institute of Beauty as Student Services. Meghan thrives on organization and structure but understands that creative minds will need creative solutions in order to perform at their highest potential. She has a passion for finding potential where others would not, both at work and at home. In her free time she enjoys refurbishing antique furniture that deserves a new lease on life!
She is excited to have the opportunity to work with the Academic and Transfer Advising Services team and serve Stony Brook University’s students!
Megan Taranto
Transfer Credit Evaluator
Megan earned a B.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies at Stony Brook University with a focus in Business, English, and Sociology. While attending Stony Brook, Megan worked in the Undergraduate Admissions Office as a Student Admissions Assistant for Processing.
Megan is thrilled to be back at Stony Brook and a member of the Academic and Transfer Advising Services team!
Email: megan.taranto@stonybrook.edu
Lisa Vertucci, M.S.
Transfer Articulation and Data Coordinator
Lisa earned an Associates in Liberal Arts from Suffolk County Community College, a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Adelphi University, and a Master's in School Counseling from C.W.Post-Long Island University. In 2008 she began working at Stony Brook University in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, specializing in International student admissions. This experience really connected her to the University and the importance of helping students throughout the application process.
In November 2012, Lisa began a new position in Academic & Transfer Advising Services as a Transfer Advisor. She is happy to continue in a role that assists students in reaching their goals. She is also involved with the transfer articulation process in order to make transferring credits and transitioning to a new University easier for our incoming Transfer students.
She is also a veteran of the Stony Brook's unique Roth Pond Regatta, where students, faculty and staff race across Roth Pond in boats constructed only of cardboard, duct tape, and paint. Her advice to future competitors: "Use a lot of duct tape and prepare to get wet!"
Email: lisa.vertucci@stonybrook.edu