The Hub is staffed by experienced advisors who offer academic support for SOS departments and assist students in achieving their academic goals.
Chad Christensen, Manager of Student Services
Chad Christensen has a B.S. in Kinesiology from SUNY Cortland and an M.S. Ed. in College Student Services Administration from the College of Saint Rose. He has been advising students and working in higher education for ten years. He is a life-long resident of the Capital Region and enjoys hiking, fishing and boating with his family.
Emma Harmon, Pre-Health Advisor
Emma has worked in higher education since 2008, with roles including academic support, academic advising, and residence life. Emma is originally from Bidwell, Ohio, and moved to the Albany region from Indiana in January of 2018. She attended the Ohio State University for her undergraduate degrees in English and Psychology, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University for her graduate degree in Higher Education Administration. Emma’s hobbies include Dungeons & Dragons, swimming, tabletop & video gaming, and spending time with her partner and two cats.
Jianyou Zhao, Sr. Student Services Advisor
Jianyou has been working in higher education since 2012, with experience in academic advising, academic intervention and coaching, and residence life. Jianyou graduated with a B.A. degree from Xidian University, Xi’an, China and earned her M.Ed. in Student Affairs in Higher Education at Texas State University. She began her career at Miami University in July 2014 as a Resident Director/First Year Advisor in the Office of Residence Life and was working as an Academic Advisor in the College of Arts and Science Advising Office before joining the School of Science Advising Hub Team in the spring of 2019. Jianyou enjoys traveling, swimming, sleeping, and exploring cuisines from different countries.
Lauren Hartman, Sr. Student Services Advisor
Lauren grew up in Albany and attended American University in Washington, D.C. for her bachelor’s degree. A highlight of her undergrad experience was studying abroad in Nairobi, Kenya - something she will talk about forever with you if given the chance. Upon returning to Albany after graduation, she worked within the Academic Affairs and Student Services department at Albany Medical College and then joined the School of Science Advising Hub Team in the Spring of 2022. Lauren enjoys cheering on the Washington Capitals, attempting DIY projects, and checking out local antique and thrift stores.
Aimee Becker, Sr. Student Services Advisor
Aimee grew up locally in Cohoes, NY and received her bachelor’s degree in History Education from SUNY New Paltz in 2019. She moved to Boston, MA shortly after graduating and there worked at a school for neurodiverse adolescents and then as a social-emotional counselor at a middle school. She has been interested in Higher Education since her time working in the admissions office and residence life as an undergrad student and joined the HUB team in fall of 2022. Aimee enjoys watching movies, making playlists for friends, being outside, and bringing her dog Watson everywhere she can.
Jessey Snyder, Sr. Student Services Advisor
Jessey grew up in Queensbury, NY and received her bachelor’s degree in Digital Forensics from UAlbany in 2021. After graduating, Jessey worked at SUNY Adirondack as a TRIO Upward Bound Advisor where she worked with underserved high school students, preparing them to apply to college. She joined the School of Science Advising Hub Team in the Fall of 2023. In her free time, Jessey enjoys reading, spending time with loved ones, and talking to anyone who will listen about her dog, Jaxson.