Who We Are

Professional Staff

professional headshot of Jennifer Drake-Deese. While woman, straight blonde hair, with glasses, a green top, and a black blazer. She's smiling.
Jennifer Drake-Deese
Jennifer Drake-Deese, Director of Undergraduate Advising

Jennifer Drake-Deese

Director of Undergraduate Advising, Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science

Watson Undergraduate Academic Advising

Pronouns: She/Her

Jen has a Bachelor's degree from Oswego State University in Communications and Russian and a Masters from St. Lawrence University in Counseling and Human Development. Jen has been advising students for over 20 years. As an active member of NACADA , she is passionate about the profession of advising and the positive impact it has on student success.  

What's your favorite part about working with students?
My favorite part of working with students is watching their growth鈥攁cademically, personally, and professionally. I find it incredibly rewarding to help guide them through pivotal moments in their college journey and to witness their confidence and skills develop over time.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
One of my favorite spots on campus is the Brain. I love taking walks there during lunch鈥攊t鈥檚 a peaceful break in the day and a great way to recharge while enjoying the energy of campus.
If you weren鈥檛 an advisor, what job would you have?  
If I weren鈥檛 working in advising or administration, I鈥檇 likely pursue a role related to athletics, nutrition, or fitness. I鈥檝e always been passionate about health and wellness, and I enjoy helping others reach their goals鈥攚hether that鈥檚 in the gym, on the field, or through healthy lifestyle choices.  


Professional Headshot of Meghan Crist. A white woman with brown hair and glasses, in a red blazer and a beige turtleneck. She's smiling.
Meghan Crist
Meghan Crist, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Advising

Pronouns: She/Her

Meghan is a Watson College alumnae with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Electrical Engineering and a master鈥檚 degree in Systems Engineering, both from 成人AV视频.  She worked as a Systems Engineering for 8 years before becoming an Academic Advisor.  Meghan is an advocate and a mentor for all students and is involved with both the Society of Women Engineers and Girls Who Code on campus.

What's your favorite part about working with students?
I find such joy in working with students - it's why I decided to shift my career from engineering to advising.  The energy, excitement and dedication students bring with them is contagious.  I love to talk shop, hear about what they're working on and help support them in achieving their goals!
What is your favorite spot on campus?
The map room in the Science Library or the green houses
If you weren鈥檛 an advisor, what job would you have?  
Event/Party Planner!


Professional headshot of Shira Clark. A white woman, with brown wavy hair, in a dark red sweater. She's smiling.
Shira Clark
Shira Clark, Academic Advisor

Pronouns: She/Her

Shira is a double 成人AV视频 alumni with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Human Development and a master鈥檚 degree in Student Affairs Administration. She has worked in various roles at different colleges and has a love for advising students and serving as an advocate for them.

What's your favorite part about working with students?
My favorite part of working with students is watching them grow, build more confidence in themselves, and reach achievements. I love being part of their journey and celebrating wins, helping through challenges, and watching them get closer to their goals.  
What is your favorite spot on campus?
The outdoor steps next to the Fine Arts Building facing the garden
If you weren鈥檛 an advisor, what job would you have?  
Nail Technician 


A photo of Rachel Higgins
Rachel Higgins
Rachel Higgins, Academic Advisor

Pronouns: They/She

Rachel received their Bachelors in Media Studies from UC Berkeley and their Masters in Higher Education: Student Affairs from University of Redlands. They have worked at BU as a Resident Director since 2021, working in the Mountainview, College in the Woods, and Newing communities. They are an out member of the LGBTQ+ community and are an advocate for students of color and LGBTQ+ students.

What's your favorite part about working with students?
Seeing relief wash over them when I'm able to provide guidance or clarity for their concerns.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
Nature preserve
If you weren鈥檛 an advisor, what job would you have?  
I'd probably be the lead singer of a boy band.


A photo of Dean Tzivanis
Dean Tzivanis
Dean Tzivanis, Academic Advisor

Pronouns: He/Him

Dean has worked in a variety of student-facing roles in higher education, which have included positions in residential life, career development, and academic advising. He is a 成人AV视频 alumnus, receiving his bachelor's degree in Human Development and a master's degree in Student Affairs Administration. Dean is committed to providing a warm and welcoming advising experience to all Watson students.

What's your favorite part about working with students?
Being a warm and welcoming advisor to all of our new students!
What is your favorite spot on campus?
Bartle Library
If you weren鈥檛 an advisor, what job would you have?  
Social Worker


Photo of Tetiana Lockburner
Tetiana Lockburner
Tetiana Lockburner, Administrative Assistant

Pronouns: She/Her or They/Them

Tetiana has worked on campus since 2018, she started in Campus Mail Services. They are an open member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and are passionate about inclusion and labor rights.

What's your favorite part about working with students?
I'm not an advisor, but I do enjoy helping our students all the same. I love being able to help a student navigate a policy or process and seeing and hearing the relief once they have a way forward.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
This very hard to answer, but I do love the nature preserve behind Mountainview, especially the parts deeper into the hills, further from campus.
If you weren鈥檛 an admin, what job would you have?  
Another very hard question to answer as I like my job quite a lot. I think I'd like to be involved in travel some way. I think I could make a decent travel writer. Don't be shocked if this answer randomly changes.


Peer Advisors

What Are Peer Advisors?

They're engineering and computer science students just like you.

Peer advisers are typically stationed at the front desk as you enter the Watson College Advising Office.

These students have received special training to help you work through the experience of being a Watson College student. They have a deep knowledge of the campus, including our academic support systems, registration processes and policies, and how to navigate academic departments. They also know where to go for answers and will save you time and effort by pointing you in the right direction and making knowledgeable referrals.

From filling out forms to filling up a meal card, they've experienced Watson College from the inside. And if you need to complete a form, they're also helpful in directing you to the correct one to fill your need.

Peer advisers are usually rising juniors or seniors who have already experienced much of what you will go through as a student. They are selected for their strong communications skills, capacity for discretion, diplomacy, and resourcefulness.  

Theresa Murphy, Head Peer

Photo of Theresa Murphy
Theresa Murphy

Pronouns: She/Her

Theresa is a senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Economics. She is an intra-university transfer student from Harper College. This summer, she interned at Plug Power, a leading company in the hydrogen and fuel cell industry. On campus, she's involved in the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). Outside of school, she enjoys live music, exploring national parks, and biking.


Divya Aidasani

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Divya Aidasani

Pronouns: She/Her

On campus Divya am involved in the Institute for Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE), Society of Women Engineers (SWE), and a Fundraising Coordinator for KnitWits. She enjoys making fun drinks like coffee or matcha, and listening to her favorite artists. 


Wendy Jiang

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Wendy Jiang

Pronouns: She/Her

Wendy is a Senior studying Industrial and Systems Engineering. On campus she is involved with the Society of Asian Scientists (SASE) and Engineers and the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA).This past summer Wendy interned at Pratt Whitney RTX.


Jidechukwu "Jide" Obioha

Photo of Jide Obioha
Jide Obioha

Pronouns: He/Him

Jide is a senior majoring in Computer Engineering. This past summer he completed a software engineering internship at Capital One. He works as a Community Assistant in Newing Community and is also actively involved in the African Students Organization, the National Society of Black Engineers, and ColorStack.


Luis Ramon

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Luis Ramon

Pronouns: He/Him

Luis is a senior studying Computer Science. He is the President of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). He has interned at Microsoft twice, as a Software Engineer Intern and Explore Intern. In his free time, he enjoys taking portrait, nature, and street photography.


Ratnam Shah

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Ratnam Shah

Pronouns: He/Him

Ratnam is a senior majoring in computer science and founder of Jpdz, an AI-powered consumer electronics research platform. He's passionate about solving the problem of overwhelming and unreliable product research that consumers face when making tech purchases. When he's not coding or researching the latest tech trends, you can find him in the library, listening to music, or diving into podcasts.


Aishni Srivastava

Photo of Aishni Srivastava
Aishni Srivastava

Pronouns: She/Her

I'm a senior BME major and this is my second year at Watson Advising! The past two summers I've interned at American Regent, a pharmaceutical company. On campus I'm involved in SWE and am an incoming SSA for Dickinson.


Justin Vy

Photo of Justin Vy
Justin Vy

Pronouns: He/Him

Justin is a junior studying Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Sustainable Engineering. This past summer, he worked as a Summer Peer Advisor while conducting research in an Intimately Bio-Integrated Biosensors lab. On campus, he is involved with the Symphony Orchestra and likes to attend SASE and ICW events. In his free time, he likes hanging out with friends and family and going outside for walks.


Elaine Zou

Picture of Elaine Zou
Elaine Zou

Pronouns: She/Her

Elaine is a Sophomore studying computer science. She is a Watson Scholar, a TRIO member, and Comptroller Director with 成人AV视频 Escape. She is also part of the First Year Research Immersion Program in the Environmental Visualization stream. This summer, she interned at New York Department of Design and Construction as a Network Infrastructure Intern. 


Interested in becoming a Peer Advisor? Keep your eye out for the application on Handshake in the spring semester!