In the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (CNMS), undergraduates are advised by a combination of professional academic advisors and faculty members.
Professional Advising Staff
 mbulger@umbc.edu CNMS Dean’s Office, UC 116 410-455-5850Follow me on Twitter and Pinterest. |
Michelle Bulger is the Director of the Science and Mathematics Advising Resource Team (SMART). Aside from her administrative responsibilities, she advises upperclassmen who are new majors in the Natural Sciences (BINF, BIOC, BIOL, BIOE, CHEM, CHED, PHYS, & PHSE majors). She has been involved in programs for first-year student success from the time that she was selected as an undergraduate peer leader for the New Student Experience programs at her alma mater, Salisbury University. After earning her Bachelor’s (Biology) and Master’s (Post-Secondary Education) degrees at Salisbury, she spent several years in Student Affairs positions before coming to UMBC. Ms. Bulger has served as a Transfer Credit Evaluator for the Office of the Registrar, an Academic Advisor for the departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry & Biochemistry, and has been an instructor in the “Introduction to an Honors University” program.
Advising Philosophy: For many of our students, this will be one of the first times that they have assumed complete control over their academic decisions. I see advisors in a supporting role, providing students with the information that they need to make their own choices – ones that are appropriate for both their short-term needs and their long-term goals. |
 JulieCrosby@umbc.eduUC 205 410-455-1739 |
Julie Crosby is the Assistant Director for Student Transitions, primarily focusing on advising current and prospective transfer students in the Natural Sciences (BINF, BIOC, BIOL, BIOE, CHEM, CHED, PHYS, & PHSE). She has been a member of the UMBC community since her transfer to UMBC in 2008. During her time at UMBC, Julie has earned her Bachelor’s (Sociology) and Master’s (Applied Sociology) degrees and worked as an Orientation Advisor before transitioning to the role of an Academic Advisor for the Natural Sciences.
Advising Philosophy: Life is full of transitions and transitioning to UMBC (as either a freshman or transfer) will be an important step in maturing as a student and as an individual. I see the importance of advisors in providing support and guidance during this transitional period. It is my hope that students not only learn course material, but also learn lifelong lessons during their time here at UMBC. |
ChristinePowers@umbc.edu |
Christine Powers is the Assistant Director for Student Success in CNMS who — among her other duties — primarily focuses on advising freshmen in the Natural Sciences (BINF, BIOC, BIOL, BIOE, CHEM, CHED. PHYS, & PHSE). In 2004, Christine joined the UMBC community as a Sondheim Public Affairs Scholar and Honors College student. During this time she was able to study abroad in Rome, Italy and completed her Bachelor of Arts in History with minors in both Ancient Studies and Political Science. Upon graduation, Christine remained at UMBC in order to complete a Master’s in Historical Studies while also holding the position of a Teaching Assistant and participating in New Student Orientation as an advisor. Christine has served the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences since 2011. In addition to her role as an Assistant Director she is also an instructor in the “UNIV 101” program.
Advising Philosophy: Beginning college is often one of the most stressful moments for a young adult. One of the greatest privileges of an academic advisor is being able to guide, encourage, and support students during this time while also ensuring that they embrace their newfound responsibility. To me, advising is teaching students the way towards many measures of success both in and out of the classroom. |
 kracine@umbc.eduUC 205 410-455-8084 |
Kandace Racine is an Academic Advisor for CNMS, primarily focusing on advising freshmen in the Natural Sciences (BINF, BIOC, BIOL, BIOE, CHEM, CHED, PHYS, & PHSE). Before joining the UMBC community, Kandace earned her Bachelor’s (Business Management) and Master’s (Post-Secondary Education) from Salisbury University. While an undergraduate student, Kandace played collegiate soccer for Salisbury. During her graduate program, she served as an Academic Coach while also assisting students on academic probation.
Advising Philosophy: I want students to feel comfortable sharing both their successes and their struggles. In my mind, excellent advisors are empathetic, but firm when holding students accountable. Students should be heavily involved with their academic planning. I am here to provide the necessary resources and advice to make their plans a reality. |
ebarnaby@umbc.edu |
Emma Barnaby is the CNMS Student Success Coach, serving students across CNMS but focusing primarily on those taking introductory Biology and Chemistry courses. She works with professors, advocates in the Academic Success Center, career advisors, and many other campus partners to help students succeed. Emma earned her Bachelor’s degree in music history at the University of Toronto in 2016 and went on to pursue a Master’s degree in Musicology at the University of Pennsylvania, where she worked in residence life and taught undergraduate elective courses in music history while researching the history of professional child musicians in English cathedrals, with a particular focus on the absence (and recent inclusion) of women and girls. In her role at UMBC, she works with students on a variety of strategies for success, including time management, academic planning, study skills, and an introduction to university resources. You can make an appointment via Calendly if you’d like to schedule a success meeting with Emma!
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