Devin Kathleen Bownes
Undergraduate Admission Counselor
d.bownes@usciences.edu
215.596.7297
Travel territory:
Delaware; Maryland, Washington D.C.; In New Jersey: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean and Salem counties; In Pennsylvania: Adams, Chester, Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton, Huntington, Juniata, Lancaster, Mifflin, Perry, and York counties and Central and Central East Philadelphia
Application review assignment:
First year students with last names beginning with the letters C, D, E and G
Devin’s advice for students searching for colleges:
Visit, visit, visit. Never rule out a college or university without visiting first. The campus visit can provide you with the most detailed information about where you may choose to live and study.
Devin’s favorite thing about Philadelphia:
My favorite thing about Philadelphia is the culture, from food to the arts. Philadelphia has so much to offer!
Interesting fact about Devin:
I am an avid WWE fan. I love professional wrestling!
Gus DiStefano
Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission
a.distefano@usciences.edu
215.596.8934
Travel territory:
In Pennsylvania: Berks, Bucks, Dauphin, Delaware, Lebanon, Montgomery Counties along with North and Northwest Philadelphia
Application review assignment:
First year students with last names beginning with the letters T, U and W and all international students
Gus’s advice for students searching for colleges:
Visit the campus.
Gus’s favorite thing about Philadelphia:
Philadelphia Sports – I have been a lifelong Phillies fan!
Interesting fact about Gus:
I was a college baseball coach for 12 years.
Jacqueline Hane
Assistant Director of Admission
j.hane@usciences.edu
215.596.8821
Travel territory:
In Pennsylvania: Lehigh Valley, Northeastern PA, Center City, South and Southwest Philadelphia; In New Jersey: Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Somerset and Warren counties
Application review assignment:
First year students with last names beginning with the letters A, B, and F
Jacqueline’s advice for students searching for colleges:
When you visit, don’t be shy! Talk to current students and faculty and ask questions!
Jacqueline’s favorite thing about USciences:
The specialized curriculum means our students can focus on what they are most interested in – healthcare and the sciences.
Jacqueline’s favorite thing about Philadelphia:
I am a big art enthusiast—from the murals and outdoor sculptures all around town to Old City art galleries and the world-class Philadelphia Museum of Art, it’s impossible to run out of art, both new and old, in Philly.
Sabir Peele
Undergraduate Admission Counselor & Athletic Liaison
s.peele@usciences.edu
215.596.7495
Travel territory:
In Philadelphia: Northeast Philadelphia; In New York: the 5 Boroughs of New York and Long Island; Northern New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts & Rhode Island
Application review assignment:
First year students with last names beginning with the letters H, Mc, Q, R and S
Sabir’s advice for students searching for colleges:
Look for the college that fits your career path and personality. You really want to feel at home, but, you want a college that will help you get to your end goal.
Sabir’s favorite thing about Philadelphia:
As a Philadelphian, I love my city, its history and professional athletic teams. It’s easy to find something to fun to do no matter what you’re interested in.
Interesting fact about Sabir:
I was selected as one of the 5 “Best Dressed Real Men in America” by Esquire Magazine in 2010.
Elise Todderud
Undergraduate Admission Counselor
e.todderud@usciences.edu
215.596.7296
Travel Territory:
Illinois; Indiana; Maine; Michigan; New Hampshire; upstate New York; Ohio; In Pennsylvania: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Somerset, Venango, Warren, Washington, and Westmoreland counties; Vermont; and Wisconsin
Application review assignment:
First year students with last names beginning with the letters M, N, O, P, X, Y, and Z
Elise’s advice for students searching for colleges:
While visiting colleges and universities that interest you, try to get a feel for what student life is like by talking to students, including your tour guide, and visiting areas where students hang out. It is important to make sure that you can see yourself as a student on campus and to experience a sense of pride in the institution which you choose to attend.
Elise’s favorite thing about USciences:
University of the Sciences has a small student population, which means that students receive a more personalized education. There are many opportunities for students to gain experiences outside of the USciences classroom including participating in undergraduate research, experiential learning, and service learning, going on a study abroad trip, taking a University of the Arts course, getting involved in clubs, organizations, music and athletics, and much more!
Fun fact about Elise:
I’m 6’2’’ and I love being tall!
Justin Williams
Undergraduate Admission Counselor
j.williams@usciences.edu
215.596.7295
Travel Territory:
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia
Application Review Assignment:
First year students with last names beginning with letters I, J, K, L, and V
Justin’s advice for students searching for colleges:
Look at all options carefully. There is a school out there that is a perfect match for you, one that’ll take you far!
Justin’s favorite thing about USciences:
Our campus is the best of both worlds—a close-knit small campus that’s part of the thriving University City neighborhood, plus you have all the opportunities of Philadelphia at your fingertips.
Interesting fact about Justin:
I’m a recent graduate of USciences (BS in Microbiology, Class of 2011) and love sharing my experiences with new and prospective students.
Visit every school that interests you; experience the campuses with all the senses before making your enrollment decision.
As a USciences graduate, I love the friends that I have had since my freshman orientation. A strong sense of camaraderie permeates the campus and lifelong friendships are born every year. It is not uncommon for alumni to marry each other, have children and continue the legacy that is USciences!
Just about everyone in the admission office can weigh in on the “Greatest Cheesesteak” debate (Jim’s, Pat’s, Geno’s or Tony Luke’s) but as a vegan, I have never had any of them. However, I can tell you where to get the best vegetarian cuisine downtown or right here in our neighborhood!
Transfer and Post-baccalaureate students applying to Physician Assistant, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy or Pharmacy (PharmD) programs
If you are looking to get into a professional program make sure to take the time to not only research online but speak to people practicing in the profession already. Even better, look for opportunities to shadow or volunteer in your particular area of interest – then you know you are making a well-educated decision!
I love the location—you have the best of both worlds with easy access to all parts of the city but the campus is not overwhelmingly huge and there is a true sense of community.