STEM Leadership Connect
First-Year and Upper-Level Cohorts
STEM Leadership Connect helps students transition to college and STEM-related courses by providing a strong peer network, academic support, and close connections with faculty. Through shared classes, mentorship, and co-curricular opportunities, students gain preparation for internships, research, and career pathways in STEM fields. This community explores STEM majors through the lens of leadership, connection, and collaboration鈥攅mpowering you to grow as a student, a leader, and a future innovator.
Lead by Example! Dedicated upper-level students involved in different popular STEM fields and experiences, such as pre-health, study abroad, student clubs, etc., will be assigned as a STEM Leader for similar minded first-year students. There will be both large events, where the entire first year cohort is invited to celebrate together, and smaller group activities.
STEM tutors are available through registration system.
We will host two study sessions with snacks and access to STEM tutors this fall, one before midterms and one before finals. (Time and location TBD)
Program Leadership & Coordination
Mx. SaraBeth Baker, M.A.
Assistant Director, Academic Advising, Office for Exploratory Advising | The Ellis Center
STEM Leadership Connect Coordinator
sarabeth.baker@villanova.edu | St. Augustine Center, Room 107 | 610-519-7724
Dr. No毛l Dolan, ACSP
Assistant Director of the ACS Program; Communitas Director, STEM Leadership Connect
noel.dolan@villanova.edu | St. Augustine Center, Room 131 | 610-519-3838
Ms. Charisma Presley-Dougherty
Director of Student Success, Office for Student Success | The Ellis Center
charisma.presley@villanova.edu | St. Augustine Center, Room 107 | 610-519-7316
Faculty & Academic Guidance
Dr. Christina Winterton
Assistant Teaching Professor, Biology
Exploratory Science Advisor, The Office for Exploratory Advising | The Ellis Center
christina.winterton@villanova.edu | St. Augustine Center, Room 187 | 610-519-7444
Dr. Rachel Epstein
Assistant Director, Academic Advancement Program; CASA
rachel.epstein@villanova.edu | Falvey Library, 2nd floor | 610-519-4103
Ms. Jennifer Shendock Gannon, M.A.
Director, Health Professions Advising, The Office of Professional Development | The Ellis Center
jennifer.shendrock@villanova.edu | St. Augustine Center, Room 114 | 610-519-8040
Student Support Resources
Ms. Emily Wetzel-Ulrich
Assistant Director, Center for Research and Fellowships (CRF)
emily.wetzel-ulrich@villanova.edu | Garey Hall, 200 (Top Floor) | 610-519-5647
Dr. Natalie Sheridan, PsyD.
University Counseling Center
natalie.sheridan@villanova.edu | Health Services Building 206 | 610-519-4050
Prof. Juliana Studer
Assistant Director of Tutoring Services
juliana.studer@villanova.edu | Falvey Library, 2nd floor | 610-519-5862
Fri., Sept. 26 at 1 p.m. St. Augustine Center, East Courtyard - Welcome Gathering! Meet some of the STEM faculty/staff and tutors, current STEM Leadership Connect students, learn about research opportunities, and get information on fall events!
Sat., Sept. 27 at 11 a.m. - nature walk
Sun., Oct. 5 Noon to 2 p.m. - Midterm Study Session with STEM tutors on hand (Room TBD)
Wed., Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. - Annual Pumpkin Painting and holiday treats!
Tues., Nov. 18 at 5 p.m. - Friendsgiving Turkey 鈥淭hanksgiving鈥� sandwiches, pumpkin pie and 鈥淎 Charlie Brown Thanksgiving鈥�!
Fri., Dec. 12 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Falvey 205 - Finals Exams Stress Less Healthy Happy Hour with POWER (Peers Offering Wellness Education and Resources) and Pals for Life
Finals Study Session TBD
Wednesdays with Pals for Life
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Join the Office of Health Promotion and Pals for Life from 4 to 5 p.m. on most Wednesdays for pet therapy!
Health Services Building, Room 113
Wed., Sept. 24
Wed., Oct. 1, 22, 29
Wed., Nov. 5, 12, 19
Wed. Dec. 3
Cat Kits
FREE limited-edition boxes centered around aspects of well-being. Each box includes goodies, tools, information, and resources to help you THRIVE, and not just survive your 柑橘直播 experience! Cat Kits are released monthly. To sign up for advance notice of a new Cat Kit release, .
Check out all of the Office of Health Promotion鈥檚 Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 events here.