To ensure that students have access to consistent accurate advising, academic and career advisors are organized into teams that serve several majors in the same division of CAS. To meet your advising team, find your major below.
Division of HUMANITIES
Bethany Runsten, [BETH-uh-nee RUN-sten]
Academic and Career Advisor
they/them/theirs OR she/her/hers
brr@uoregon.edu
Bethany Runsten is an advisor within Tykeson College and Career Advising. They earned their B.A. in Global Studies and a minor in Economics from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. Bethany also earned an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy with an emphasis in Student Affairs from the University of Utah in 2019. Prior to coming to the UO in June 2021, Bethany served as a Residence Hall Director at Cornell University, and in various residential life, LGBTQIA+ student services, and multicultural student support positions in Ohio, Utah, and South Korea. In their free time, Bethany can typically be found reading, dancing to pop music, relaxing with their housemates’ two cats, or doing yoga.
Bethany advises for: Asian Studies, Chinese, French, German, German and Scandinavian Studies, Global Studies, Italian, Judaic Studies, Japanese, Latin American Studies, Romance Languages, Russian East European and Eurasian Studies, Scandinavian, Spanish
Nate Wilkerson
Academic and Career Advisor
natewilk@uoregon.edu
Nate Wilkerson has been involved with higher education in some way or another for more than fifteen years. His positions have included college dropout, transfer student, writing instructor, and graduate employee. His background is primarily in English and Education, but he also had a brief side quest into Veterinary Medicine. He is deeply attached to the West, having lived in Colorado, Oregon, New Mexico, Washington and Montana. He is incredibly excited to be advising for Global Studies and Languages programs, which allow students to utilize their personal interests as they create paths towards a variety of possible careers. Outside of work, he enjoys the outdoors and watching his kid throw dinner all over the floor.
Nate advises for: Asian Studies, Chinese, French, German, German and Scandinavian Studies, Global Studies, Italian, Judaic Studies, Japanese, Latin American Studies, Romance Languages, Russian East European and Eurasian Studies, Scandinavian, Spanish
Callie Treadway
Academic and Career Advisor
She/her
ctreadwa@uoregon.edu
Callie holds a BA and MFA in Creative Writing from the University of South Florida. Prior to moving to Eugene, she was an instructor of English at USF, teaching Fiction, Professional Writing, and Composition, with an emphasis in feminist and intersectional pedagogy. She has been a small business owner, hairstylist, and a dabbler in dozens of unconventional endeavors. Callie is a Humanities advisor at the University of Oregon, where she enjoys creating an inclusive and compassionate space for students to explore themselves as academics and individuals. Her priority is for students to feel safe and supported in all areas of their lives. She believes the Humanities are the gateway to world peace and creates a foundation for a more empathetic and just society. Most of Callie's downtime is spent writing, reading tarot, and wandering the Pacific Northwest.
Callie advises for: Cinema Studies, Classics, Comparative Literature, English, Folklore, Humanities, Medieval Studies, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Theater Arts
Division of SOCIAL SCIENCEs
Rebecca Falleur
Academic and Career Advisor
they/them
rfalleur@uoregon.edu
Rebecca graduated from the University of Oregon in 2017 with a BA in Women and Gender Studies and a minor in PPPM. As a first-generation college student, Rebecca was very involved on campus in student jobs, clubs, research, and activism. They completed two years of graduate coursework in College Student Services Administration and University and College Teaching at Oregon State University in 2020. Prior to this role, they have served as an Academic Advisor, Staff Instructor, Resident Director, and Admissions Counselor at various institutions. Rebecca enjoys advising social science majors and is passionate about supporting underrepresented and marginalized students. Rebecca is a lifelong Duck fan and has fond memories of going to Mac Court with their Dad as a kid to cheer on the UO volleyball and basketball teams. Outside of work, they are passionate about growing food, public libraries, volunteering, hiking, and spending time with their partner and community.
Rebecca advises for: Economics, General Social Science, History, Indigenous Race and Ethnic Studies, Native American and Indigenous Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Women Gender and Sexuality Studies
Lucy Rojas Henderson
Academic and Career Advisor
she/her/ella
lhender4@uoregon.edu
Lucy Rojas Henderson is an advisor within Tykeson College and Career Advising. Lucy earned her Bachelor of Arts in Media Communications - Film Production from Point Loma Nazarene University in 2013, and in 2019 she completed her Master's in Business Administration (MBA) from Bushnell University.
Navigating education as a first-generation student has been indubitably formative to Lucy's passion and dedication to equipping marginalized student populations for academic, professional, and holistic success. She considers it an honor to come alongside students as they navigate this pivotal chapter of their story.
A California native, Lucy loves to spend time outdoors (preferably in warm weather) rock climbing, diving, and identifying flora. You can often find her spending time with her family, trying new food trucks, humming about in the garden, or looking for something new to bake.
Lucy advises for: Economics, General Social Science, History, Indigenous Race and Ethnic Studies, Native American and Indigenous Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Women Gender and Sexuality Studies
Gretchen Hill [Gret-CHIN]
Academic and Career Advisor
she/her/hers
ghill3@uoregon.edu
Gretchen Hill is an advisor within Tykeson College and Career Advising. She earned an M.A. in Geography from the University of Oregon and a B.S. in Geography with a minor in Environmental Studies from the University of Nevada, Reno. While an undergraduate and graduate student, she was a first-generation, non-traditional student who was also a parent. As a TRiO and McNair Scholar, she studied abroad in the Basque Country and researched Basque peoples and their construction of place in the American West. Occasionally, she teaches Basque Studies workshops at Boise State University, highlighting ways a minoritized population creates a sense of belonging. She is working toward obtaining her M.S. in Counseling to further build upon her profession. Outside of academics, she is a mother of two adult daughters who enjoys hiking, camping, road and mountain biking, skiing, traveling, and simply being one with nature.
Gretchen advises for: Economics, General Social Science, History, Indigenous Race and Ethnic Studies, Native American and Indigenous Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Women Gender and Sexuality Studies
Sarah Lambert [SARE-ruh LAM-burt]
Academic and Career Advisor
they/them/theirs in English, o elle en español
slamber4@uoregon.edu
Sarah has been advising students within Tykeson College and Career Advising since June 2021.
After growing up in South Florida, Sarah earned a B.A. in Spanish and Linguistics (2015) from the University of Florida, as well as an M.S. in Student Affairs in Higher Education (2018) from Miami University with a dual emphasis in Student Development Theory and Diversity, Equity, & Culture. After working in the Midwest for a few years, they joined UO and the Tykeson team in 2021, where they also serve on the Latinx Strategies Group. They love living in the Pacific Northwest and spend their free time hiking, reading, and cuddling their sweet pit bull Freyja.
Sarah advises for: Economics, General Social Science, History, Indigenous Race and Ethnic Studies, Native American and Indigenous Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Women Gender and Sexuality Studies
Sam Smith
Academic and Career Advisor
he/him/his
ssmith44@uoregon.edu
Sam has a BA in English and Economics from the University of Georgia, and an MA and PhD in English and American Literature from Washington University in St. Louis. If you have a minute, he would love to talk to you about his dissertation, Modernist Amateur Economists, which he defended in 2021. Sam has a background in career advising, a perspective that helps inform his academic advising at every stage. Outside of the office, Sam loves playing hobby board games, reading fiction and poetry, playing and watching basketball, and enjoying the outdoors.
Sam advises for: Economics, General Social Science, History, Indigenous Race and Ethnic Studies, Native American and Indigenous Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Women Gender and Sexuality Studies
Kaylee Clarke
Academic and Career Advisor
She/Her/Hers
kcclarke@uoregon.edu
Kaylee grew up in Alaska, gaining a B.A. degree in Psychology with a minor in Children’s Mental Health at the University of Alaska Anchorage. She found her passion in Academic Advising while working with Alaskan Native high school students pursuing STEM degrees to better participate in work happening on their land. She values aiding students in navigating their education holistically and acknowledging their needs, wants, and wins both in and outside of the classroom. Through a winding career pathway involving becoming the principal of an accelerated high school to working at Walt Disney World, she eventually found her way to the University of Oregon with her wife and dog. Outside of work, she spends most of her time crocheting and pursuing other crafty interests while enjoying all the puppy snuggles she can get.
Kaylee advises for: Anthropology, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography, Linguistics, Psychology, Spatial Data Science & Technology
Ellen Fields
Academic and Career Advisor
she/her/hers
efields2@uoregon.edu
Ellen Fields is an Academic and Career Advisor who focuses on Social Science disciplines exploring how humans and environments interact. Ellen holds a B.A. in Psychology and Spanish from the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!) and an M.A. in Professional Mental Health Counseling from Lewis and Clark College. She has a career background in early childhood intervention and education as well as various roles supporting the mental health of children and families with non-profit organizations. Ellen is passionate about supporting students in their life-long personal, emotional, and professional development through academics and career exploration. Outside of work, Ellen enjoys spending time in her homegrown pumpkin patch, visiting family on the Oregon Coast, entertaining her labradoodle, and exploring the Eugene/Springfield area by bike.
Ellen advises for: Anthropology, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography, Linguistics, Psychology, Spatial Data Science & Technology
Jennifer Greenlaw
Academic and Career Advisor
she/her/hers
greenlaw@uoregon.edu
Jennifer is an Academic and Career Advisor who focuses on the Social Science disciplines. Jennifer has a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Linguistics from University of California, Santa Barbara, as well as a M.S. in Speech Language Pathology from Boston University. Jennifer has a passion for supporting students across their lifespans – from helping students communicate and find their voice to discovering their interests and values. In her free time, you can catch Jennifer out in nature: whether that be hiking, skiing, riding her bike, or exploring lakes and reservoirs on her paddle board. She also loves trying new food places, playing board games, crocheting, and hanging out with her husband and cuddly dog, Cooper.
Jennifer advises for: Anthropology, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography, Linguistics, Psychology, Spatial Data Science & Technology
Sarah Harder
Academic and Career Advisor
she/her
sharde@uoregon.edu
Hailing from South Florida, Sarah has a BA in English and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of South Florida, with a specialization in poetry. She has worked as a university instructor, teaching a variety of English classes, from Creative Writing to Technical Writing courses. As a Social Studies advisor, Sarah is passionate about creating a welcoming and collaborative environment where all students can feel safe and supported. When not geeking out about the newest poetry publications, she enjoys baking, crocheting, and all things outdoors—and loves to hear about your favorite local hikes!
Sarah advises for: Anthropology, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography, Linguistics, Psychology, Spatial Data Science & Technology
Geoffrey Henderson
Academic and Career Advisor
he/him/his OR they/them/theirs
ghender3@uoregon.edu
Geoffrey is an Academic and Career Advisor within Tykeson College and Career Advising. He is a Duck Alumna with a Bachelor of Arts in Planning, Public Policy, and Management as well as Music. He has roots from Michigan, Hawai’i, and California and brings his ancestors with him every day. His work centers on community empowering people to achieve. Geoffrey has worked in various departments across U of O as a student for 4 years and hopes to use that experience to improve connections across campus. Outside of work, you’ll find Geoffrey gardening, mountain biking, playing music, or ice skating.
Geoffrey advises for: Anthropology, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography, Linguistics, Psychology, Spatial Data Science & Technology
Division of NATURAL SCIENCEs
Sonia Gordillo
Academic and Career Advisor
she/her/ella
sgordill@uoregon.edu
Sonia Gordillo is a Pre-Health Advisor within Tykeson College and Career Advising. She received her Bachelors of Arts in Social Work from Portland State University with a double minor in Spanish and Child & Family Studies (2018). In 2019, Sonia received her Masters in Social Work from Pacific University. Sonia is a first-generation Mexican-American from Eugene, Oregon. As Sonia states, “Being a first-generation student going through the University system was challenging, to say the least. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the wonderful support of mentors and advisors who have guided me along the way. I now hope I can be a strong guiding force to first-generation and underrepresented students at the University of Oregon.” Outside of work, Sonia loves to play and watch soccer, cook traditional Mexican food, and spend quality time with her toddler.
Sonia advises for: Pre-health
Amanda Kong
Academic and Career Advisor
she/her/hers
akong@uoregon.edu
Amanda advises pre-Health students at all stages of their undergraduate careers. She is a transfer student with a B.A. and M.A. in English from Cal State Los Angeles and a PhD in English from UC Davis (she is also happy to talk about these experiences with non-pre-Health students). Amanda has been teaching and working in higher ed for the past seven years and looks forward to helping students develop healthy and sustainable methods for achieving their goals. She is an avid baker from California, where she won First Place and Best of Class in two cookie categories at the California State Fair, and has logged hundreds of hours playing Stardew Valley.
Amanda advises for: Pre-health
Barbara Kessel
Academic and Career Advisor
barbarak@uoregon.edu
Barbara has called Oregon home since 1998, previously living in the Midwest. She has two master’s degrees, a Master of Arts in Sociology from Ohio University and Master of Education in College Student Services Administration from Oregon State University. Since earning her degree from OSU, Barbara has worked at both community colleges and state universities, mostly within Oregon but did include a short stint at Idaho State University. Deciding the snow was not preferable, Barbara returned to Oregon landing in Clackamas. Most recently, Barbara has been advising for Tykeson College and Career Advising since 2019 and is currently working with students who major in Human Physiology, Biology, and Neuroscience. As a first-generation college student, Barbara especially enjoys working with underserved student populations focusing on the most successful path for each student. Outside of work Barbara enjoys yoga, trips to the Coast, and spending time with family.
Barbara advises for: Biology, Human Physiology, Neuroscience
Daniel Mitchell
Academic and Career Advisor
he/him/his
dmitc@uoregon.edu
Daniel is an Academic Advisor for Biology, Human Physiology, and Neuroscience majors within the College of Arts and Sciences. He is originally from Michigan and spent four cold years on the shores of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula. Most recently, he spent three years in New Hampshire teaching anatomy/physiology and cellular/molecular biology labs and climbing mountains. Daniel has undergraduate degrees from Michigan State University (go green!) in Genomics & Molecular Genetics and Anthropology, as well as a master's in Postsecondary Biology Education from Northern Michigan University. Besides college teaching, Daniel has spent time in college admissions, advising at the high school level, and working in campus housing as a Resident Assistant. Daniel likes to make and consume a variety of baked goods, read, listen to podcasts, and earn splat points at Orangetheory in his free time. Don’t ask him about his car.
Daniel advises for: Biology, Human Physiology, Neuroscience
Dane Eckweiler
Academic and Career Advisor
he/him/his
deck@uoregon.edu
Dane earned his BS in Cinema Production from Ithaca College (Ithaca, NY) and worked in the graphic design field for 3 years. Deciding that he preferred coaching youth track and field over his graphic design job, he made a career shift to become a teacher. He earned his Master of Arts in Teaching for middle school math (Western Governor’s University) during COVID and taught in alternative education before transitioning careers again to become an academic advisor with the University of Oregon. Dane has lived in Eugene since 2021 and in Oregon since 2017. He enjoys riding his bike, taking his dog to the park, and trying local restaurants.
Dane advises for: Computer Science, Data Science, Math, Math and Computer Science
Elizabeth Milner
Academic and Career Advisor
emilner@uoregon.edu
Elizabeth is a Tykeson College and Career Advisor with a focus in STEM fields, particularly Data Science and Computer Science. Elizabeth holds a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology and an M.A. degree in Linguistics from University College London. A member of the Queer Ally Coalition and of the Ducks On The Air ham radio club, Elizabeth has been part of the UO community since 2010. When not at work Elizabeth might be reading science fiction, riding a recumbent trike, weaving, or making something in the workshop, but is most likely parenting.
Elizabeth advises for: Computer Science, Data Science, Math, Math and Computer Science
Michelle Alexander [MI-shel ah-lehk-SAHN-dehr]
Academic and Career Advisor
she/her/hers
malexan2@uoregon.edu
Michelle Alexander is an advisor within Tykeson College and Career Advising. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Portland State University and PhD in Sociology from the University of Oregon. Her dissertation title is Roles of the Dice: Play and Community in Roleplay Practice. Michelle enjoys being in the classroom and communities of learning, whether at the head or in the crowd. Michelle spends as much time as she is allowed walking through real and virtual worlds, marveling at the beautiful ways we construct each other as we pass through. Michelle brings with her the experience of a non-traditional student and passing through spaces where she was non-typical. She uses these experiences to inform her advising. In her free time, she makes sure her three cats are just as pampered as possible, and yes, does play Dungeons and Dragons. She prefers 5th Edition because of its elegant and mutable design but appreciates the crunchiness of 3rd Edition. Digitally, Michelle prefers more discreet, narrative games like the Dragon Age or Witcher series rather than open-world sandboxes, having spent time in both.
Michelle advises for: Biochemistry, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Marine Biology, Multidisciplinary Science, Physics
Anthony Whipple
Academic and Career Advisor
abw@uoregon.edu
Anthony advises for: Biochemistry, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Marine Biology, Multidisciplinary Science, Physics
Leadership & ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Melanie Jones
Senior Director
melj@uoregon.edu
At the heart of Melanie’s education and professional history is advocacy and student support. Melanie has worked within social services and higher education throughout her career and has over sixteen years of academic advising experience. She began advising at Oregon State University while completing her Master’s in Education within College Student Services and Administration. In addition to advising, Melanie also has experience within academic coaching, student success initiatives, and assessment and accreditation which she feels deepens her perspective on advising outcomes and the development of intentional advising models. Melanie embraces proactive, collaborative, and regular communication at all levels of the university. Outside of work, you can find her coordinating activities with her teen children, gardening, and enjoying the pursuit of unique shoes.
Megan Weiler [why-ler]
Associate Director
she/her/hers
mweiler@uoregon.edu
Megan Weiler is the Associate Director for Tykeson College and Career Advising, focusing on operations. She earned a BA in Sociology and M.Ed in Higher Education Administration from Washington State University. Megan has been working in advising at the University of Oregon since 2011. She has a background in pre-health advising, which has really reinforced her passion for connecting academic and career advising to provide holistic support for students as they not only not only plan for graduation but explore and plan their post-graduation goals. Outside of work, Megan can be found chasing around her toddler at a local park, exploring new restaurants, and relaxing on a walk in the beautiful PNW.
Falyn Edwards
Interim Assistant Director
she/her/hers
fedwards@uoregon.edu
Falyn is an Academic and Career Advisor, supporting College of Arts and Sciences students in the Humanities; she has been advising since 2017. As a student, Falyn’s curiosities for how people navigate their human experience led her to a BS in Psychology and a Masters in Counseling from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. As a Humanities advisor, Falyn is passionate about being a resource to and collaborating with students as they move through their academic journeys and the world around them. Falyn believes the humanities help us to see the diversity of lived experiences; she would love to encourage you to explore your relationship to the humanities, which can inspire you to dream and enact a better society for all. Outside of the office, Falyn likes to try new recipes, get out and about, and consume stories about alternate universes (in one, she thinks she’s a moss-covered tree).
Courtney Garcia
Assistant Director
she/her/hers
cgarcia6@uoregon.edu
Courtney joined the Tykeson Hall advising team in 2019 and is the assistant director working with natural science majors and pre-health students in the College of Arts and Sciences. She majored in Speech Communication and holds master's degrees in Conflict and Dispute Resolution and International Studies from the University of Oregon. Courtney is passionate about helping students achieve their academic, personal, and career goals, supporting historically excluded students to access higher education and celebrating student successes. She is a member of the UO Dreamers working group focusing on meeting the needs of the UO Dreamer student population. Courtney loves working in higher education because it aligns with her values of continual learning and personal growth. In her free time, Courtney enjoys spending time with family, dancing (all the Latin dances), learning Spanish, and traveling.
Kim Marshel [kim mahr-shull]
Assistant Director
she/her/hers
kmarshel@uoregon.edu
Kim Marshel is the Assistant Director for College & Career Advising. She has worked at the University of Oregon since 2019 and has nearly 18 years of educational leadership experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, Certificate in Women’s Studies and a Master’s degree in Educational Policy from Portland State University.
As a former student-athlete, she understands how difficult finding balance can be when managing multiple roles and enjoys helping students put the puzzle of college life together in a way that gives them the confidence and support needed to know they can accomplish great things. When not working with students, Kim enjoys being outdoors hiking, biking, skiing, playing soccer, or anything that provides an adrenaline rush.
Bil Morrill
Assistant Director
bmorrill@uoregon.edu
Bil is the Assistant Director for College and Career Advising and for Advising Technology. He has worked at the University of Oregon since 2003 and received his Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and his Masters of Science in Counseling both from the University of Oregon. He spends most of his free time backstage at Cottage Theatre stage managing shows there. When he can, he loves to travel with his wife and they both love visiting their three children and two grandchildren.
Jake Ryan Beck
Intake & Operations Specialist
he/him/his
jbeck7@uoregon.edu
Jake Ryan is the Intake & Operations Specialist for Tykeson College and Career Advising. Jake Ryan earned a Bachelor of Arts from the Planning, Public Policy, and Management School at the University of Oregon in Spring of 2022. What Jake Ryan enjoys most about working with TCCA is the ability to help students navigate their way through their time here at the UO so they are on the best path possible. A native Texan; when not at work, Jake Ryan can be seen biking around town, exploring local eateries, or hitting up a jazz club.
Lisa Van Liefde [Van Leef-da]
Office Manager
she/her/hers
lvanlief@uoregon.edu
Originally from southern California, Lisa earned a BA in Sociology from LMU in Los Angeles, and an MSW from San Diego State University. Before coming to UO, she spent the majority of her career owning and managing a business. A resident of Eugene since 2017, Lisa is an avid outdoor enthusiast and feels very fortunate to be living in the beautiful state of Oregon.