Academic advisors at the Saint Louis University School of Science and Engineering support individualized educational planning and encourage strategies for academic and transitional success.
Undergraduate Academic Advisors
Jennifer L.K. van Driest, M.A.
Director of Academic Advising
314-977-8225
jennifer.vandriest@slu.edu
Jennifer L.K. van Driest joined Saint Louis University in 2012. In addition to her master’s degree in student affairs administration, Jenn has over 15 years of experience in higher education, including the areas of academic advising, residence life, career services, orientation, admissions and intramural sports.
She enjoys building trusting relationships with students in order to help them make critical decisions in their college career. She involves student identity development theories in her practice, guides students through internships and co-op opportunities, and helps students through challenging academic and life situations. Ultimately, Jenn is most interested in helping students define and explore their goals so they can be realized.
Jenn has presented conference sessions at campus, state, regional, and national levels, including topics relating to academic probation, student retention, experiential learning, career development, and higher education mentoring. She received the Association of Parks College Students (APCS) Outstanding Staff Award in 2014 and taught the University 1010 (U101) freshman seminar for the engineering and innovation learning community.
In her personal time, Jenn enjoys outdoor adventures with her Missouri family, traveling to visit her Ohio and California families, exploring the St. Louis restaurant and food truck scene and cheering on the St. Louis Blues.
Karen Reyes, M.Ed.
Academic Advisor
314-977-2517
karen.reyes@slu.edu
Karen Reyes has worked for several universities, including Saint Louis University.
Her diverse experience with different universities has provided her with the opportunity
to take the best of each and apply those skills to her position now. Karen is interested
in encouraging students on a journey of self-discovery that happens during the college
years.
Combining her education and her work experience, Karen works together with students to create a college experience where the student will have the greatest experience of learning and personal fulfillment. Karen looks forward to building a respectful partnership with the students she sees.
Amelia Marsh, M.S.
Academic Advisor
314-977-8234
amelia.marsh@slu.edu
Amelia Marsh joined the School of Science and Engineering Advising team in 2022 bringing eight years of experience working in higher education. In 2018, Amelia graduated from Michigan State University with her master’s degree in Kinesiology. She has a background of working in Student-Athlete Support Services encompassing advising, career services & tutoring and strives to make a positive impact in students’ lives and campus community. Amelia’s favorite aspect of advising is having the opportunity to build rapport with students and creating an individualized plan to help them reach their academic goals.
In her spare time, Amelia likes to swim, read, explore St. Louis and spend time with friends and family.
Sarah Morris, M.A.
Academic Advisor
314-977-5395
sarah.morris.2@slu.edu
Sarah Morris joined the School of Science and Engineering Academic Advising Team in 2023. In 2021, Sarah graduated from the University of Arkansas with her master's degree in Secondary Mathematics. She has an extensive background in education and thrives on positive student encounters while helping students find and pursue their passions. Sarah looks forward most to helping students from their first day at SLU101 to the last day they walk across the stage at graduation. In her free time, Sarah adjunct teaches in SLU's Department of Mathematics and Statistics where she enjoys sharing her passion for math with students.
Sydney Eckell, M.S.Ed.
Academic Advisor
314-977-8263
sydney.eckell@slu.edu
Sydney joined the School of Science and Engineering Advising team in 2023. She brings previous experience in Academic Advising, Student Life, and Fraternity & Sorority Life and obtained her master's in College Student Personnel Administration in 2022. With a passion for student development and success, Sydney is excited to get to know SLU's students and to cultivate meaningful relationships. It is important for her to connect students to the resources that best serve them. In her free time, she enjoys being active, cooking and baking, and socializing with friends and family!
Graduate Academic Advisors
Graduate students in the School of Science and Engineering are supported through the Graduate Affairs team in the dean's office.
Students pursuing non-thesis master's programs will be assigned a graduate academic advisor at the start of their program. Students conducting master's and dissertation research will be guided by a faculty member in their department. To identify and schedule an appointment with your graduate advisor, please review your Success Team in EAB Navigate.
For questions related to registration and academic plans, please contact the Graduate Affairs team at ssegrad@slu.edu.