• Seton Hall University
• Pre-Professional Advising

At the Pre-Professional Advising Center (P-PAC), our dedicated team is here to guide and support you throughout your pre-professional journey. With a wealth of experience, our advisors provide personalized guidance, and resources tailored to your unique professional school goals. We empower our students by offering the support, programming and knowledge needed to succeed.

We are devoted to helping you achieve your dreams. Make your appointment today. 

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Chantal Vergara, M.A., N.C.C.

Director of Pre-Professional Advising Center
[email protected]
(973) 275-2477
Make an Appontment Here

Ms. Vergara serves as the Director of Seton Hall University’s Pre-Professional Advising Center and Co-Chair of the Pre-Health Committee. She leads the development of pre-health advising and oversees all aspects of the center's operations, including strategic planning, advising services, resources, student outreach and programming.

With over a decade of experience in higher education that includes academic, pre-health, pre-law, and medical school advising, she is dedicated to guiding students through every step of their journey. Passionate about the holistic development of our future professionals, she provides expert advising, academic coaching and intentional programming. She leverages her extensive experience to successfully navigate students through their pre-professional tracks, standardized exam preparation and the meticulous application processes that lead to top professional school acceptances. She is dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment that meets the needs of a diverse student population, implementing targeted support systems and resources to help students thrive and achieve their academic and professional goals.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Ms. Vergara enjoys traveling the world, spending quality time with family and friends, and embracing adventurous activities like skydiving and paragliding.

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Brian Nichols, Ph.D.

Faculty Director and Advisor, Pre-Health
Pre-Professional Advising Center
College of Arts and Science
[email protected]
(973) 761-9054
Make an Appointment Here

Dr. Nichols is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department within the College of Arts and Science. As a dedicated member of the Pre-Professional Advising Center (P-PAC), he provides expert pre-professional advising and application preparation for Juniors and Seniors aspiring to enter health professional schools. Dr. Nichols also is the Co-Chair of the Pre-Health Committee. He has extensive experience in reviewing personal statements and crafting letters of recommendation.

In addition to his advising duties, Dr. Nichols leads a research lab on campus, where he focuses on understanding and characterizing virus-host interactions and the mechanisms of viral antagonism of host innate immune responses. His research contributes to the broader scientific community's understanding of viral behavior and immune response.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Dr. Nichols enjoys soccer, martial arts, boxing, motorcycles, playing saxophone/piano and spending time with wife, four kids, and three cats.

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Joan Brenan, M.P.A.

Pre-Health Advisor
Pre-Professional Advising Center
[email protected]
Make an appt here!

Joan Brennan is excited to join the P-PAC team as a Pre-Health Advisor. With over twenty-five years of experience working with pre-health students in various advising roles, Joan is eager to support SHU students and alumni on their pre-health journey as they EXPLORE, PREPARE, and APPLY to health professional schools.

Joan understands that each student’s pre-health path is unique, and she takes a personalized approach to advising. She encourages students to make the most of available resources, develop strong study habits, and refine their time management skills to balance rigorous coursework, extracurricular involvement, and clinical experiences. Dedicated to shaping well-informed and prepared future healthcare leaders, Joan will support students through advising, programming, and outreach. 

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Joan enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, experimenting with new baking recipes, tending to her garden, and immersing herself in a good book.

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Ayame Ciocoiu, Class of 2027 

PPAC Peer Advisor
[email protected]

Aya is a leader in our pre-health community that majors in Biology. In her role at the PPAC, she provides peer advising, administrative support, and student outreach. Aya supports the P-PAC with all projects, student engagement and is a great addition to the team. 

Health Profession Track: Pre-Medicine

On-campus involvement: She is actively working to establish a new club on campus.

Relevant pre-Health experience: She is a nationally certified phlebotomist, with additional certifications in BLS and CPR. She has also shadowed various physicians, including pediatricians and family medicine specialists.

Ask her about: How to get the most out of your studying, time management, commuter life, creating networks on campus, and anything else!

Hobbies: She enjoys figure skating and scenic hikes! She also enjoys watching movies with her friends and family!

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Aditya Kasina, Class of 2026

PPAC Peer Advisor
[email protected]

Aditya is a leader in our pre-health community that majors in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. In his role at the PPAC, he provides peer advising, administrative support, and social media outreach. Aditya supports the PPAC with his MCAT expertise, pre-med advice and is a great addition to the team!

Health Profession Track: Pre-Medicine

On-campus involvement: He is the President of South Asian Student Association, Vice President of Hands on Healthcare, and an active EMT.

Relevant pre-Health experience: He has shadowed general doctors in addition to a variety of specialists including transplant surgery and trauma surgery. He volunteers at his local EMS squad back in Freehold, New Jersey and does research with Dr.Cottrell.

Ask him about: How to manage a busy schedule, the best ways to prepare for exams, general advice for college students, and anything pre-health related.

Hobbies: He enjoys lifting, cars, going surfing and snowboarding, and spending time with his dog Sparky!