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Students

Meet the Student Academic Services team

Portrait of Shanai

Shanai ("Shuh-NAY") Lechtenberg   she/her pronouns
Senior Director, Student Academic Services

lechts@uw.edu
360 Loew

portrait of Dana

Dana ("DAY-nuh") Pierson  she/her pronouns
Office Support Supervisor

danap2@uw.edu
(206) 543-177
014 Loew

Advising and student engagement

portrait of Dana

Lauren ("LOR-en") Fryhle   
she/her pronouns
Associate Director of Advising & Student Engagement

lfryhle@uw.edu
014 Loew

I began my first year in undergrad as a Husky both excited and a little overwhelmed by the seemingly endless options that exist at a school of this size! I had to work up some courage to put myself out there, but once I did I found really amazing individuals and communities who helped shape my time at UW and to this day still give me support. The experiences I had teaching and mentoring here as well as abroad helped me discover that I find energy in helping empower others to reach their goals. I really love connecting with people and learning from others' life stories.

My goal is to be a sounding board and source of support for students as they navigate their own educational journeys. I recognize that academics are just one piece of the larger, often complex college experience, and strive to really get to know my advisees well so that I can be the best possible partner and advocate for them. I value the different perspectives each student brings that are shaped by their unique experiences and identities.

I enjoy spending my free time exploring new places with friends and family, whether it be the streets and culture of a neighborhood or foreign country, or a trail in the mountains. I also love to dance, see live music, and binge on berries! To my advisees: I can’t wait to meet you!

portrait of Dana

Allie ("AL-ee") Carpenter   she/her pronouns
Lead Academic Adviser

206-685-3714
alliecar@uw.edu
014 Loew

I was born and raised in Ohio and completed my undergraduate degree from Ohio University with a double major in Mathematics and Sociology. Initially, I was intent on becoming a teacher, but after my first teaching course I realized it wasn’t for me. I knew I wanted to finish my mathematics degree but fell in love with sociology and studying how humans interact, make meaning, and engage with one another. This ultimately led me to pursue my Masters in Higher Education from the University of Denver and a passion for academic advising.

I remember being a Junior at Ohio University and feeling uncertain about my future and what I would do after leaving Athens, Ohio. However, the curriculum and degrees I completed gave me critical and analytical thinking skills along with the jobs, mentors, goals, and experiences to be successful. My experiences at Ohio U guided me towards my passion for advising students and I have never looked back! I am excited to help you explore your interests, goals, and values as you navigate your experience here at the University of Washington! Go Huskies!

portrait of Dana

Jessica ("JEH-see-kuh") Par   she/her pronouns
Senior Academic Adviser

parj@uw.edu
014 Loew

Born and raised in Chin State, Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), I am a proud first-generation college graduate from UW! While I was nervous and excited to come to UW, my undergraduate experience is filled with amazing memories and meaningful connections that will last me a lifetime. I studied Education and was very involved with student support services when I was a student here, naturally leading me to a career in higher education. To my advisees, I am excited to connect and support you as you navigate the campus and resources here. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, binge (or re-) watching my favorite shows/movies and eating good food!

Jacob Schleusner's headshot

Jacob ("JAY-KUHB") Schleusner he/him pronouns
Senior Academic Adviser

jschleus@uw.edu
014 Loew

I grew up in small town in rural Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin - Madison for both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees. One of the things that I valued most about attending a large research institution was all of the amazing opportunities available not just in the classroom, but also within the larger campus community. I spent a year studying abroad in Denmark, spent time participating in student organizations, and worked a variety of on-campus jobs which all impacted my decision to pursue a career in higher education.

Working with students to make a large institution like the University of Washington more accessible and easier to navigate is something I am very passionate about. I enjoy learning more about students' interests and goals including what they hope to gain from their college experience. As an adviser, I am excited to meet with ENGRUDs and look forward to exploring new opportunities at the University of Washington together!

portrait of Dana

Katie ("Kay-tee") Schroder  she/her pronouns
Academic Adviser

schrok3@uw.edu
014 Loew

I came to UW as a freshman through athletics, and my experience was full of unexpected twists and turns. My college experience consisted of new friendships, weekend adventures, RSO leadership, internships, office hours, multiple degree audits, and many academic advising appointments. As I explored and honed in on my interests, I landed on a major from the School of Public Health with minors in Human Rights and Law, Societies, and Justice. My transformational time at UW is largely why I became an Academic Adviser!

In my years of supporting college students, I have found that the best thing I can do is champion you in your passions, strengths, and decision-making skills. I want to support you as you navigate your life in college that is preparing you for your life beyond college.

Outside my work, I have many hobbies! I love to swim, bike, surf, cook, travel, read, attend Seattle community events, and watch the Seattle Aquarium’s live otter cam on YouTube (a study break recommendation)! ENGRUDs, I look forward to meeting you!

portrait of Dana

Lee Liao (“L-ee”)   he/him pronouns
Academic Adviser

lliao8@uw.edu
014 Loew

Hello my advisees! Lovely to meet you all. I am from a small town called Silverdale in Washington, and I went to Western Washington University for my undergraduate and received my master’s in education from Saint Martin’s University. Throughout my college time, I have always enjoyed working with my professors, advisers, classmates, student clubs, and campus communities. After college, I pursued an oversea internship opportunity in Wellington, New Zealand, where I worked in the education field in promoting more cultural and interactive events with youth and adolescents. These fantabulous experiences made me realize my passion and interest in working with students and hearing their stories while helping them achieve their academic and professional goals. As an adviser, I want to be a good resource and support to help students navigate through this complex college journey.

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, playing the piano, hiking, live music, watching movies, food adventuring, and cruising my motorcycle around the PNW! If you have any recommendation for movies and food, please feel free to share away. I look forward to working and meeting with you all!

portrait of Dana

Kaleolani (“Kuh-LAY-oh-la-knee”) Laymon   she/her pronouns
Graduate Intern

klaymon@uw.edu
328/014 Loew

I was raised in San Diego, California, and Kailua, 'Oahu, and graduated from Emory University with a double major in Interdisciplinary Studies and Dance & Movement Studies. I am currently a graduate student at Seattle University studying Student Development Administration and am thrilled to have the opportunity to intern with the COE Advising team. At Seattle University I work as an Assistant Area Coordinator for Housing & Residence Life, so yes, I've lived in a residence hall for many, many years! I was very involved on campus during undergrad, particularly with Orientation Programs, and it was where I discovered my passion for fostering student support and success. Despite my love of learning and my involvements, college was difficult for me, and I took two Leaves of Absence that were transformational to my educational journey. Now, I aim to help other students with non-traditional college experiences navigate their educational journey and help them persist to graduation! In my free time, I love to get out into nature, crochet, and search for the best croissant in the city.

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Stella (“STAHL-aa”) Anastasakis   she/her pronouns
Peer Adviser

014 Loew

Area(s) of Impact of interest: Environment, Sustainability, and Energy

Major: Chemical Engineering

Why did you decide to become a peer adviser? I’m especially passionate about sharing the knowledge I’ve learned along my engineering journey with other peers. Engineering is quite the challenge, both academically and emotionally. As a peer adviser, I aim to create a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable asking for help. Overall, I hope to form meaningful connections with members of the engineering community.

ENGR-related classes taken at UW: ENGR 498 (Emerging Leaders in Engineering preparatory class), CHEM E 299/499 (undergraduate research), CHEM E 310 (Material and Energy Balances), CHEM E 375 (ChemE computer skills), CHEM E 325/326 (Thermodynamics), CHEM E 456 (Quantum Mechanics), CHEM E 330/340 (Fluid and Heat Transport)

Favorite non-ENGR classes: ENVIR 100 (Introduction to Environmental Studies), COM 200 (Introduction to Communication), PSYCH 210 (Diversity of Human Sexuality)

Extracurricular involvement: Women in Chemical Engineering (WChE), Undergraduate Research, Engineering Ambassadors, Phi Sigma Rho

Add’l interests: hiking, biking, running, cooking, traveling/going on adventures!

Tidbit of advice for ENGRUDs: You are not alone! Even in such a large school like UW, there are always people looking out for you. Getting involved in organizations like RSOs on campus is a great way to get to know your peers and build long-lasting friendships. Even just going to office hours and working on homework with other students makes the engineering community feel more tight-knit. You belong here and you are never going through this journey on your own.

Engineering Academic Center

portrait of Dana

Sheldon  (“SHEL-dun”) Levias   he/him pronouns
Associate Director, Engineering Academic Center (EAC)

srl1@uw.edu
207 Loew

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Lynne ("Lin") Spencer  she/her pronouns
Lead Engineering Educational Specialist, Engineering Academic Center (EAC)

lspencer@uw.edu
207 Loew

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Peter ("PEE-ter") Brodkin  he/him pronouns
Engineering Educational Specialist, Engineering Academic Center (EAC)

pbrodkin@uw.edu
301L Loew

Recruitment and outreach

portrait of Dana

Eli ("EE-lie") Williams  he/him pronouns
Recruitment and Youth Engagement Program Manager

(206) 616-3280
eliwill@uw.edu
340 Loew

I grew up in a small beach town in California, and completed both my BA in English and MA in Education at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. In my first year of college, I struggled with imposter syndrome: a feeling that I wasn't as cool, smart, or capable as everyone around me. But getting involved on campus helped me build self-confidence and a community of support. I attribute a lot of my success as a student to the peer leaders and mentors I had the privilege of befriending. Now, I've dedicated my career to creating those transformative relationships for others. I'm deeply passionate about developing emerging leaders, and empowering success for each new generation of students.

When I'm not at work, I love reading good books, seeing live comedy and theater, and exploring all the culture, coffee, and good food Seattle has to offer!