Staff Page

Barbara joined the Career Services office at Penn in 1998 as a career counselor working with students in the College of Arts & Sciences.  In 2000, she was promoted to the position of Senior Associate Director working with Wharton undergraduate students and in the summer of 2018, assumed the role of Executive Director of Career Services.  Prior to joining the Penn Career Services team, she worked for two years in career services at the College of Wooster and for five years in career services at Dickinson College.  Barbara holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Spanish from Dickinson College, an MS in Counseling from Shippensburg University, and an Ed.D. in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania.

Supervising office technology, all aspects of our online presence, career surveying and statistics are just a few of the tasks that fall under Michael’s purview. He began work in Career Services in 2004 and has served as the assistant for the CAS and Graduate Students groups before moving into his current position. He also served as the Arts & Cultures Coordinator for College Houses and Academic Services from 2007-2009, and has been the Director of Penn Life Sketches for the office of New Student Orientation and Academic Initiatives since 2008. As part of his work in Career Services, he sits on the Health Professions Advisory Board and the Hoesley Digital Literacy Fellows Program committee. He received his B.A. in Theatre Arts from Muhlenberg College and studied performance and theater criticism at Goldsmith’s College, University of London. Outside of Career Services, Michael is a professional actor, director and playwright. He is the managing director of The Porch Room film and theater company. His award winning plays are available from Samuel French, Inc. He puts those talents to use as the co-host of the weekly CS Radio Podcast!

Debra Koita, a native New Orleanian, joined Career Services in 1991.  She came to Philadelphia in 1987 when asked by her former employer to join him in starting the Sickle Cell Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where she was Executive Assistant and Liaison to the Sickle Cell Parents’ Support Group.  Prior to her current role in the Career Services office, Debra was the assistant for the Graduate School Counseling unit as well as the Marketing Coordinator.  She is currently the Recruiting Manager where she manages and oversees employer relationship strategy and service delivery, marketing, and recruiting events across all industries.  She is also the marketing coordinator for the Career Services online support program.  Debra attended both Tulane University and the University of Pennsylvania in pursuit of her degree.   In addition to her current work, Debra is a calligrapher and wedding coordinator.  She is an avid and award-winning gardener, and enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, movies and relaxing in her urban garden oasis.

Dr. Joseph Barber is a Senior Associate Director at Career Services serving graduate students and postdocs.  He has a Ph.D. in animal behaviour from University of Oxford (UK), has previously worked as a Research Fellow at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and currently also teaches graduate students as an Adjunct Professor at Hunter College (CUNY).  Joseph enjoys thinking creatively to help people find and explore different career paths, and is always interested in hearing students and postdocs talk enthusiastically about their research.

Dr. Helen Pho enjoys working with graduate students and postdocs as Associate Director at Penn Career Services. Prior to joining Penn in 2017, Helen worked as a search consultant recruiting for higher education executive searches. Prior to that, she served as Director of the Freshman Scholars at Yale program and Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Yale University. She holds a Ph.D. in History from the University of Texas at Austin and a B.A. in History from Yale. Helen is delighted to be back in higher education and to support graduate students and postdocs in exploring and pursuing meaningful career paths.

Marianne joined the Career Services team in fall 2015 providing career and internship guidance to undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences.  She now advises graduate students and postdocs.  She has worked at Penn since 2004, starting at the Wharton School where she was an academic advisor to undergraduate students and more recently, in their alumni relations office.  Marianne is delighted to be back in the advising realm.  She graduated from Bowdoin College with a double major in Romance Languages and History, and earned her master’s degree in Higher Education Management from the Graduate School of Education at Penn.

Kate Lawrence is the Administrative Coordinator for the advising teams that serve graduate students, post-docs, and students from the schools of nursing, education, and social policy and practice. Kate received her MFA in Sculpture + Extended Media from Virginia Commonwealth University and a BFA from the University of Washington, where she studied abroad in Rome, Italy and Prague, Czech Republic. She is a Pollock/Krasner joint fellowship recipient with the Vermont Studio Center and has exhibited her artwork nationally, including at the Visual Arts Center in Austin, TX and the Woodmere Art Museum in Philadelphia, PA. Kate is always looking to engage in fresh conversations and to create spaces for communities to explore new ideas.

Sharon has been with Career Services since 2000 and serves as Senior Associate Director for students and alumni of the School of Nursing, Graduate School of Education, and the School of Social Policy and Practice. She graduated from University of Pennsylvania with her Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Computer Science and has earned master’s degrees from New York University’s Stern School of Business and Westminster Theological Seminary. Before coming to Career Services, Sharon had advisory roles in both corporate and non-profit settings. In addition to her current work on campus, she enjoys offering vocational guidance in the context of the local church and community.

Dr. Esther Ra is an advisor for students in the schools of Nursing, Education, and Social Policy and Practice. She has worked in the field of education in a myriad of roles, including administration, supervision, coaching, professional development, and teaching. She has also enjoyed teaching overseas for a time in Seoul, Korea. In addition to advising at Penn, Dr. Ra is also an Adjunct Professor at Cabrini University, teaching graduate students. She earned a Doctorate in Education in Reading, Writing, and Literacy from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University. She also holds a Certificate in TESOL from Biola University. As an undergraduate, she attended Barnard College, Columbia University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Sociology. She enjoys interacting with students, guiding and mentoring them towards a steered interest or passion.

John Tuton is a career counselor working with a variety of students and postdoctoral fellows. Since 2001, Dr. Tuton has been an independent management consultant based in Philadelphia, PA., providing a comprehensive range of services in the areas of executive assessment, leadership development, performance management and career planning. He has designed and delivered a number of individual and team development programs and workshops, and has also consulted on organizational realignment and human resources planning. Dr. Tuton began his consulting career in 1982 at the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for the Study of Adult Development (CSAD). When CSAD became Integra, Inc in 1984, he was promoted to Director of Assessment Programs. Dr. Tuton left Intergra in 1986 to join Manchester Inc. as a vice president in their Management Development division, and after a four-year tenure there, became principal of his own consulting firm. In 1994, he merged his practice with RHR International, where his services included management assessment, executive coaching, and succession planning. For the past several years, he has served as a career adviser for graduate students and postdocs at the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Carol Hagan has advised pre-health students and alumni at the University of Pennsylvania since 2008.  She also advises Quakers pursuing graduate degrees in humanities, social science and business.  She earned a Ph.D. from Penn in art history and has engaged with students as a lecturer and writing instructor.  Prior to settling in Philadelphia, she earned a B.A. in English and art history from Wesleyan University.  Carol enjoys helping students become professionals and hearing about their wide range of intellectual interests and service commitments.

Caroline Wilky advises Penn undergraduates and undergraduate alumni applying to graduate and professional school, especially health professions schools.  She joined the Career Services team in 2015.  Prior to coming to Penn, she worked at the University of Notre Dame’s Center for Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement, where she advised honors students on undergraduate research, fellowships, and graduate and professional school admissions.  She earned a B.A. in history and philosophy from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Ph.D. in history from the University of Notre Dame.

Ariana Alexander is an advisor to Penn undergraduates and alumni pursing law school and medical school. She joined Career Services in 2019. Her professional experiences include program development, student success coaching, and pre-health advising. Prior to joining the team, she served as a TRIO Student Success Coach advocating for first-generation college students with demonstrated financial need. During her time at New York University, she worked as a pre-professional advisor, graduating students in the area of pre-health. She earned her BA from Dartmouth College, majoring in English and ethnic studies, and a Ph.D. from New York University in history. She enjoys empowering students to navigate the next steps in their graduate and professional careers.

Mia Carpiniello joined Penn Career Services in 2013 as a member of the Graduate and Professional School Advising team. She specifically advises students and alumni applying to medical school, dental school and law school. Mia received her B.A. from Columbia University and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center. As an attorney, she clerked for a federal judge and subsequently practiced law for several years at the City of Philadelphia Law Department and then at the Juvenile Law Center. Before coming to Penn, Mia started and ran her own professional organizing business, assisting individuals and businesses to organize their space, time and paperwork.

Jamie (C’98, GEd’99) has been a career advisor for college students for over 20 years, and joined the SEAS Team in the University of Pennsylvania Career Services office in 2009. Prior to Penn, Jamie spent time advising students at Saint Joseph’s University (Philadelphia) and Philadelphia University working with students from every academic path and specializing in programming for international and first-generation/low-income (FGLI) students.   Jamie says, “I love what I do – helping students identify their interests and career goals, and empowering those I advise with the specific tools to help make those goals a reality.”

Jamie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Education in Psychological Services, both from the University of Pennsylvania.

Tiffany joined the University of Pennsylvania Career Services team in 2014 and provides career and internship guidance to engineering students and alumni.  Prior to coming to Penn, Tiffany served as a recruiter on the technology team of an international staffing company and submitted candidates to top companies in Silicon Valley.  From 2006 to 2013, Tiffany worked at Vanderbilt University in the Center for Student and Professional Development.  In that role, she coached Arts, Media and Communications students, coordinated the Vandy-in-Hollywood summer internship program and traveled throughout the country meeting with engineering alumni  Tiffany launched her career in 1998 at Drexel University, where she advised students on all aspects of their co-op and job searches.  She is dedicated to helping students explore career options, craft resumes/cover letters that effectively highlight their experience and tell their professional story in a way that resonates with recruiters.  Tiffany earned her M.S.Ed. in Psychological Services from Penn’s Graduate School of Education and a B.A. in Psychology from Vanderbilt University.

Kevin joined the Career Services team in May of 2018. Prior to that, he worked as a Global Programs Manager at Penn Abroad, where he oversaw a portfolio of different countries where students lived and studied abroad for a semester or full academic year. Before coming to Penn, Kevin worked at Drexel University in a variety of roles: as an adjunct Spanish faculty member for the Modern Languages department, as the coordinator at the Drexel Study Abroad office, and as a program assistant at the Drexel English Language Center. He also worked at a start-up events and travel organization where he managed volunteer and community efforts in five U.S. cities. Kevin received his B.S. in Spanish and World Languages Education at Penn State. He later received his M.A. from Middlebury College while living in Spain. In his free time, Kevin enjoys traveling, music, exploring the restaurant scene in Philly, and going for runs along the Schuykilll River Trail.

David is a proud Penn alum and joined Penn Career Services in 2007, eager to leverage his professional experience working with students and alumni as they explore career options and embark on the future.  He has worked in career services for many years including employer relations at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business MBA Career Management Office and managing career fairs at Toppel Career Center at the University of Miami. A Washington, DC native, David has lived in several U.S. cities and enjoys discussing the possibilities of relocating to new regions across the country. He obtained a B.S.B.A. in Marketing, Management and Organization & Human Resources from Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis, an M.S.Ed. in Higher Education Management from Penn’s Graduate School of Education, an Ed.M. in Human Development and Psychology from Harvard University and a Human Resource Management Certificate from the Wharton Programs for Working Professionals, Aresty Institute of Executive Education at Penn’s Wharton School.  David leads the Wharton team as Senior Associate Director.

Jingy joined Career Services in 2017, first working with students in the College of Arts & Sciences and then transitioning to the Wharton team.  Prior to that, she spent six years as an advisor at the Washington University in St. Louis Career Center.  Jingy received her B.A. in Psychology from WUSTL and her MS in Applied Psychology from the University of Southern California.  She also has experience working as a recruiter in the tech industry, and a brief stint as a professional makeup artist.  Originally from New Jersey, Jingy is excited to be back on the East Coast, and especially at Penn!

Jerry is a second year MBA student and works with students as a Graduate Assistant on the Career Services team.  Prior to coming to Penn, he spent a total of four years in investment banking in Chicago and private equity in New York.  Jerry is originally from Alabama and Iowa, and received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Iowa.

Tanaka Chikosi is currently a second-year MBA student at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania. Prior to Wharton, Tanaka completed his undergraduate studies in mechanical engineering and economics from the University of Virginia. Tanaka then spent 6 years in the private sector with escalating roles in Management Consulting (Accenture), Corporate Strategy (CVS & Lenovo), and Technology Operations (Zenefits; high-growth Silicon Valley startup). This past summer Tanaka completed two internships, one as a venture capital associate at DNX Ventures and the other doing product operations strategy for Facebook. Tanaka is passionate about food & retail tech as is also currently the Co-Founder & COO of Blinte, a food-tech startup that is revolutionizing how diners and restaurants interact.

Dr. Claire Klieger relates particularly well to students who are unsure of what they want to be when they grow up because that is how she felt as an undergraduate double majoring in English and Anthropology at the University of Virginia.  Since then, she has worked in different areas of student services including admissions, student activities, and Career Services, where she has been an advisor since 2006.  She believes strongly in the value and versatility of a liberal arts education, and enjoys working with students on identifying their transferable skills.  Claire has also done international development consulting work in Morocco. Claire has a doctorate in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania, and spent her formative years living abroad in the Middle East and North Africa.

Mylene returned to Career Services in 2015 after four years planning events at The Ritz-Carlton in St. Thomas and at the Philadelphia Marriott.  She began working in the Career Services office right after graduating from the University of Richmond, where she was an English and History double-major.  Mylene assisted students and employers in her various roles as On-Campus Recruiting Coordinator, Assistant to the Wharton and Engineering teams and Information Resources and Web Manager.  In her current role, Mylene meets with students and works directly with employers to connect students with job and internship opportunities.  Although Mylene loved her few years planning weddings in the Caribbean, she is delighted to be back home in Philadelphia and also at Penn.

Natty joined the Career Services team in February 2017 and meets with students from the College of Arts & Sciences about their future career and internship plans.  He also manages the office’s job and internship boards.  Born and raised in Philadelphia, Natty’s high school mascot was also the Quaker.  His interest in higher education started when he was an RA at New York University where he majored in Media, Culture and Communication.  Loving the ability to explore multiple disciplines and subjects, Natty also minored in both English and Web Design.  Prior to coming to the University of Pennsylvania, Natty worked at Temple University as a Pre-Health advisor for four years.  While at Temple, he earned his M.Ed. in Educational Leadership.  He is now thrilled to be helping students at Penn plan for the future.

Emily joined the University of Pennsylvania Career Services team in February 2019 and meets with undergraduates in the College of Arts & Sciences to help them succeed in their future career and internship plans. She also manages reporting, analysis, and data visualization for the Career Services department as a whole. Emily holds a Master of Science in Information Systems from Drexel University and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Temple University.

Zaida Bryant is the Administrative Coordinator for the College team. Zaida received her BA in Anthropology from Susquehanna University, where she studied abroad in Cuba. She enjoys traveling and learning new things.

Leon Malloy joined Career Services in 2012 and became our Manager of Operations in 2017, having previously worked with employers on the On-Campus Recruiting team. Leon graduated from Loyola University Maryland in 2009 with a BA in English and a minor in writing, and previously worked abroad as an ESL instructor at Saint Gabriel’s College in Bangkok, Thailand.

Robin joined Career Services as Operations Coordinator in January 2019. He earned his BA in Environmental Studies from Oberlin College in 2016, where he enjoyed mentorship roles including serving as a Resident Advisor and Community Board Member. These experiences led him to contribute to academic teams at the University of Washington and New York University, where he cultivated a passion for building strong relationships and helping students move toward their goals. Robin is able to draw upon an expansive range of work experiences in the arts, entertainment, writing, sales and technology. He is energized by always learning new things and finding ways to improve. Robin enjoys exploring new places, listening to music, and finding the best vegan eats.