Meet the P-PAC Team
Director of Pre-Professional Advising Center
(973) 275-2477
[email protected]
Ms. Vergara previously worked at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, where she provided academic support to 1st and 2nd year medical students. At RowanSOM, she also oversaw the EOF grant-funded Pre-Medical Research and Education Program (PREP) that provided an opportunity for pre-medical students who are often underrepresented in the medical profession a chance to explore medicine and gain experiences to support their medical school application. Prior to her work at the medical school, Ms. Vergara, was the Assistant Director of the Student Success Center at St. Thomas University, where she provided academic advising to students studying under Biscayne College, which included the pre-law students and students in the 3+3 accelerated BA/JD program. Chantal is a proud SHU alumna! She earned her undergraduate degree at Seton Hall University and her master's degree in Clinical Counseling from The College of New Jersey. She is a passionate individual that has dedicated her career to supporting young adults reach their academic and professional career goals. It is her professional mission to help diversify the face of medicine and to continue to carve out professional school opportunities for diverse student populations.
P-PAC Peer Advisors
PPAC Peer Advisors play a crucial role in the Pre- Professional Advising Center by performing a wide variety of tasks that support the office’s mission. Peer Advisors are carefully chosen and trained to assist and support students through the exploration, preparation, and application process of pursuing a professional school. PPAC advisors are leaders in the community, welcoming, knowledgeable, and personable undergraduates.
PPAC Advisors:
- Serve as a resource for students exploring, preparing, applying for health professional schools
- Meet with students to answer any frequently asked advising questions
- Assist with facilitating workshops and programming
- Assist with student outreach and follow up
- Provide exceptional customer service at the PPAC
- Assist with administrative and clerical tasks at the PPAC
- Assist with any P-PAC projects related to pre-professional advising, workshops, social media communication, marketing, data entry, or other tasks related to the goals of the office.
- Attend mandatory trainings and team meetings
Leo Chu (Class of 2026)
PPAC Peer Advisor/Academic Coach
Health Profession of Interest: Medicine
Leo is a First-Generation undergraduate Sophomore Biology major in the BS/MD program.
On-campus involvement: I am a member of Pre-med Connect, Biology Society, and the American Sign Language and Deaf Culture Club.
Hobbies: I love long phone calls with family and friends, de-stressing on the piano, and collecting overengineered stationery supplies.
Relevant pre-Health experience: Shadowed various healthcare providers, currently doing research with the biology department, summer volunteer at an outpatient health clinic.
What topics can students ask you about? Time management, study techniques, navigating pre-health opportunities, I’m happy to help however I can.
Alexa Fretwell (Class of 2026)
PPAC Peer Advisor/Academic Coach
Health Profession of Interest: Dentistry
Alexa is a current sophomore majoring in Biology and minoring in Fine & Digital Art with plans to apply to dental school after undergrad.
On-campus involvement: I am a member of the Pre-Dental Society, Biology Society, Seton Hall Best Buddies, and Kappa Kappa Gamma!
Hobbies: I love making embroidery and painting watercolors to hang up in my room! I also enjoy being with my family + my dog Emmett!
Relevant pre-Health experience: I have shadowed general dentists in addition to a variety of dental specialists including pediatric and orthodontic dentists. I have also volunteered as a dental assistant at a dental clinic back home.
What topics can students ask you about? How to find summer/winter programs, ways to manage a busy schedule, and especially anything dentistry related!
Prendha G. Mendez (Class of 2024)
PPAC Peer Advisor/Academic Coach
Health Profession of Interest: Medicine
Prendha is a current Senior Biology major interested in pursuing a degree in Medicine and is applying to Medical school.
On-campus involvement: I am a member of Alpha Phi where I also hold the position of Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. I am also a member of Gen1 and the University Blood Initiative.
Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my friends and family whether that be traveling to new places or even trying out new restaurants in the area. I am into fitness and recently got into hiking. My favorite place to be is the beach and just being near the ocean.
Relevant pre-Health experience: Shadowed various physicians in many different specialties ranging from Family Medicine, General Surgery, Plastic Surgery and more! I have worked as a Medical Assistant in my hometown for the last 3 years. I also have done volunteer work, working with children that have Special needs.
What topics can students ask you about? Time management, effective study strategies, building relationships with professors, how to acquire different volunteer/ clinical opportunities.
Hunter L Wachenheim (Class of 2026)
PPAC Peer Advisor/Academic Coach
Health Profession of Interest: Medicine
Hunter is a current sophomore and a biology major in the Joint B.S./M.D. program.
On-campus involvement: I am a member of HuMed and the University Blood Initiative.
Hobbies: I enjoy flying planes as a private pilot, as well as skydive out of them as a skydiver. When I am not in the sky, I love to spend time my friends and family.
Relevant pre-Health experience: Shadowed physicians and a dentist, hospital volunteer
What topics can students ask you about? Students can ask me about study strategies, ways to boost a professional school resume, and how to build rapport with professors.
Jonathan Zhang (Class of 2025)
PPAC Peer Advisor/Academic Coach
Health Profession of Interest: Medicine
Jonathan Zhang is a current Junior. He is a Biology major in the Joint B.S./M.D. Program.
On campus Involvement: Vice President of Pre-Med Connect, Researcher at the Institute of Neuroimmune Pharmacology, Biology Ambassador, Member of Dean’s Undergraduate Student Cabinet
Relevant pre-Health experience: Scribe, research, hospital volunteer
Hobbies: I like to spend time with family and friends, play frisbee and spikeball, workout, and binge watch tv shows.
What topics can students ask you about? How to study, contacting professors, finding summer opportunities. I look forward to working with you at the PPAC!