Our Team

If you have general questions for our office, please use our general email at careerstudent@duke.edu!

If you are an employer looking to connect with our Employer Relations Team, you can connect with them directly at careeremployer@duke.edu!

Originally from Pennsylvania, Rachel earned an undergraduate degree in education with a minor in psychology. A former NCAA student-athlete, she went on to teach in the public school system. After completing a combined M.S./Ed.S. program in Counseling and Human Systems, she worked for more than six years at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, helping military service members navigate their career transitions.

Rachel is National Certified Counselor^TM (NCC^®) through the National Board for Certified Counselors as well as Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) in the state of North Carolina. She is currently a doctoral candidate at NC State, pursuing her Ph.D. in Counseling and Counselor Education.

Rachel has experience working in nonprofit and government sectors as well as primary, secondary, and post-secondary education. Additionally, she has experience with entrepreneurship and maintains a small private practice.

Trainings Rachel has completed:

• Duke P.R.I.D.E.
• UndocuAlly
• Neurodiversity at Duke
• Racial Equity Learning Arc
• Asexuality 101
• Trans 101
• Racial Equity Institute Groundwater Training
• Antisemitism 101

Nicole (she/her) is the Associate Director of Career Readiness at the Duke University Career Center, where she leads initiatives that empower students to explore careers, develop professional competencies, and confidently pursue their post-graduate goals. In her role, she supervises a team of Career Specialists and Student Career Ambassadors, develops innovative career readiness programming, and collaborates with campus partners to create meaningful opportunities that prepare students for success beyond Duke. She is passionate about fostering inclusive learning environments, mentoring emerging professionals, and helping students discover and pursue fulfilling career paths.

A native of Dallas, North Carolina, by way of Long Island, New York, Nicole earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Elizabeth City State University in 2006 and her Master of Science in Athletic Administration from North Carolina Central University in 2010.

Nicole’s career began in collegiate athletics while completing her master’s degree at North Carolina Central University, where she served as a Graduate Intern before transitioning into the roles of Athletic Academic Advisor and CHAMPS/Life Skills Coordinator. Those experiences launched a 16-year career in collegiate athletics, where she supported student-athletes at HBCU, Division II, Division I, Mid-Major, and Power Five institutions. In 2018, she joined Georgia Southern University as Associate Director of Student-Athlete Services, serving as the primary academic advisor for the men’s basketball and men’s soccer programs while assisting with the daily operations of the department.

At Duke, Nicole leverages her extensive background in coaching, advising, leadership development, and program management to help students build confidence, articulate their strengths, and make informed decisions about their futures. She has led the development of signature career readiness initiatives, including Spark Your Career, and works closely with academic departments, student organizations, employers, and campus partners to expand access to career education and experiential learning opportunities.

Outside of work, Nicole dreams of one day competing on The Great British Bake Off and can often be found experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. When she’s not baking, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, Ryan, and their miniature dachshund, Bruno, or discovering new local foodie destinations.

Michael Rudisill—known as Rudi, a nickname given to him by his fifth-grade football coach – has been at Duke since the fall of 2021. He has worked with students ranging from first‑years to PhD candidates, specializing in healthcare and biomedical science career pathways. Prior to Duke, Rudi spent 11 years at Campbell University as an athlete, volunteer, student, and employee. A three‑time Campbell graduate, Rudi loves getting lost on hikes in the North Carolina mountains, cheering on the Carolina Panthers, and spending time with his wife, son, and dog.

He enjoys working with students and draws on his counseling background and M.Div. training to engage questions of purpose and fulfillment, all while helping students discover what brings them joy in their pursuits.

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is more people who have come alive.” – Howard Thurman.

In addition to healthcare, Rudi has a background in college athletics, religion (M.Div), and counseling. Rudi has completed the following training opportunities while at Duke: Mental Health First Aid, Duke P.R.I.D.E., and UndocuAlly

Career Communities: Business, Finance & Consulting | Data, Technology & Engineering 

Originally from the Buckeye State, Mariah attended The Ohio State University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She continued her education at Clemson University where she earned her Master of Education in Counselor Education/Student Affairs. While at Clemson, she worked in the Michelin Career Center as the Graduate Assistant for the Cooperative Education (Co-op) Program. It was during that time that her passion for early talent programs began to flourish. 

Mariah joins the Duke Career Center from Zoom Video Communications, where she worked as a University Technical Recruiter for the Global Emerging Talent (GET) Program. She is excited to utilize both her corporate experience and institutional knowledge to create a seamless recruitment experience for Duke students and Employers.

When she isn’t working, Mariah enjoys trying new recipes, listening to podcasts, and spending time with friends.

Prior to coming to Duke in September 2015, Marcus served 22 years in the Marine Corps. While serving, his duties included a myriad of responsibilities ranging from communications and information systems to administration and logistics. He currently serves as the Administrative Assistant to the department and provides support to the Career Center Senior Leadership staff, including the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Fannie Mitchell Executive Director, and Associate Directors.

Career Communities:  Discovery & Exploration; Education, Government, Nonprofit & Policy Career Community

Role:  Employer Relations

Specialty Areas:

• Employers: Assistance with Early Talent Engagement, Recruiting Resources and Services, Internship Program Development, and recruitment within Education, Government, Nonprofit & Policy industries
• Students: Summer Internship Funding for Undergraduates, Professional Development Funding for Interview Attire

Leigh Ann Muth-Waring joined the Career Center with a background in career coaching, employer relations, academic advising, academic policy, and teaching. She is a member of the Employer Relations team and serves as the primary liaison to organizations that offer internships, early talent opportunities, or exploratory programs for first-year and sophomore-level undergraduate students. In this role, Leigh Ann works with organizations from all industries and locations. She also acts as a knowledge source for companies that are in the beginning phase of developing their internship program, as well as organizations that have established programs. Additionally, Leigh Ann is the co-liaison for organizations within the Education, Government, Nonprofit & Policy sectors. She is available to assist employers with recruitment strategy, student engagement opportunities, campus and virtual interviews, and promotion of internships and professional-level positions to the Duke community.

Along with her Employer Relations teammates, Leigh Ann is a resource to employers who are seeking insight regarding benchmarking, program development, compensation guidelines, campus branding, and recruitment strategies. In addition, Leigh Ann also oversees the operations, application and selection processes, and assessment of the Career Center’s Internship Funding Program and the Professional Development Fund.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Leigh Ann earned her Bachelor of Science in Child Psychology from Clarion University of PA and her Masters of Arts in Higher Education/Student Personnel from Slippery Rock University of PA.  Outside of work, Leigh Ann loves spending time with her husband and two children, traveling, gardening, cooking, and live music.

Since joining the Career Center in Spring 2020, Kai has enthusiastically served in multiple different roles across the department. As the Assistant Director for the Entertainment, Media & Arts Career Community, Kai works to develop and deliver training, content, resources, and events emphasizing the entertainment industry by effectively utilizing e-learning to educate, empower and support students in their intentional professional development.

Though the responsibilities and focus of his roles have changed over his time at Duke, at the core of his work is his desire to bolster the center’s mission to provide students and alumni with guidance highlighting the iterative nature of self-awareness, options knowledge, decision making, and career readiness processes across academic disciplines. A responsibility well-fit to his background in student affairs spanning across housing and residence life, student leadership, and university admissions.

Kai received his B.S. in Geography, B.S. in Community & Regional Planning, and certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from Appalachian State University and his Master’s degree in Youth, Family, and Community Sciences from North Carolina State University. In his free time Kai enjoys spending time with family, listening to music, streaming the latest media content, and engaging the Durham community through participation on a local commission.

Sh’Maughn is a National Certified Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate and has experience in working in various higher education based settings, as well as community work related to mental health. He has worked with the student body of NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences as well as the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Sh’Maughn has a specialty in individual, family and couple’s counseling and is also an Imago trained practitioner. Throughout his collegiate and work experiences, he developed a passion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for various cultures and analyzing ways to improve programs to advocate equality for underserved communities. It is with pride, he engages in a holistic approach to assist all communities in learning of their values, interests, skills, transferable skills and overall self-components to make informed decisions around careers and life. He enjoys helping students maximize their skills and values to make themselves marketable for their desired careers.

Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Jared earned his MA in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Leadership from Tufts University. Before joining the Duke Career Center, Jared worked to provide holistic care to first generation, low-income, and students with undocumented status at Tufts University’s FIRST Resource Center. 

As the Associate Director, Early Engagement, He is responsible for creating enrichment opportunities and access for all student populations at Duke. In this role, He will work closely with Student Leaders, Cultural and Identity Centers, and various offices tasked with supporting these student communities to enhance the resources for and experiences of career readiness and preparedness for Duke’s student communities. 

Jared strongly believes that supporting students starts with a holistic approach to their needs. He considers his work a supplemental support to every student’s eventual success. Outside of work Jared enjoys visiting new restaurants, reading, yoga, and dancing.

Trainings completed at Duke: Mental Health First Aid, Trans 101, Antisemitism 101, & UndocuAlly

Raised in eastern North Carolina, Shakeerrah received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from North Carolina A&T State University. While attending East Carolina University, she received her dual Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Vocational Evaluation. Her desire to guide the next generation of practitioners led her to pursue her PhD in Counselor Education.

Before joining the Career Center, Shakeerrah worked for over a decade in a variety of settings, including community rehabilitation programs, government agencies, and higher education. She reveled in roles as a vocational assessment specialist, learning disability specialist, and licensed clinical mental health counselor. Shakeerrah has supported a very diverse population with vocational assessment and career development needs.

During her time at Duke, Shakeerrah has supported students in the residential quads with advising, programming, and connecting with campus resources. She remains committed to enhancing student wellbeing and is excited to continue this work through experiential learning and professional development opportunities. In her free time, Shakeerrah enjoys spending quality time with her family, getting lost in a good book, writing poetry, cooking, impromptu beach trips, and continuing to build her Lego collection.

Shakeerrah has completed the following trainings:

• Racial Equity Institute
• Duke P.R.I.D.E. Training
• Asexuality 101
• Pronouns Primer

Andrea Larson, Ph.D., brings ten years of experience at Duke University with seven years overseeing international internships and supporting students in building global careers. As Academic Director for Duke in Berlin and Internship Coordinator, she has developed employer partnerships connecting students with international companies and organizations including Siemens Energy, the Volkswagen Group, the Fraunhofer Institute and the Max Planck Society— with a particular focus on expanding access for first-generation and underrepresented students.

Andrea is looking forward to working across disciplines and degree levels, paying particular attention to the visa complexities and structural barriers that often define international career pathways. A former international student from Germany, she brings firsthand insight into navigating these systems and helping students successfully translate their credentials across cultural contexts.

Grace Athy (she, her, hers) is an Assistant Director in the Duke Career Center and works with the Business, Finance, and Consulting Community. She is joining Duke with over four years of experience within Career Services. Most recently, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, within Kenan-Flagler’s Business School and University Career Services.

She achieved her BSW from Spring Arbor University and shortly thereafter, her MSW from the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. She is originally from Michigan, but has since lived in many other states, such as South Dakota, Texas, and now North Carolina. Prior to her time at UNC, she worked at the University of Texas at Austin within the Moody College of Communication as a Career Coach for the Radio-Television-Film department. (Fun-Fact: One of the professors within the RTF department is actor and UT alum, Matthew McConaughey, whom Grace was able to meet during a staff meeting).

She is passionate about equipping students for success within their future careers and empowering them during their educational journey. When Grace isn’t working, she loves trying new foods and spending time outdoors with her husband, Calvin, and dog, Rocket.

Trainings Grace has completed:

• Duke P.R.I.D.E
• Strengths Profile
• Racial Equity Learning Arc
• Antisemitism 101
• Trans101
• Pronoun Primer: A Path to Inclusion

Christina Plante (she, her) is an Assistant Director of Employer Relations and manages Duke career fairs and new employer outreach for

• Energy, Environment and Sustainability
• Entertainment, Media, and Arts
• Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Design

She has 10 years of experience in career services and focuses on employer development. Most recently, she was the Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Design Community Manager where she coached students interested in startups.

Christina joined the Career Center staff in August 2014 and advised master’s students in the Pratt School of Engineering. Here she managed job search work groups and predominantly coached international students through recruitment in the U.S. In August 2016, Christina transitioned to advise first years and sophomores on the undergraduate team. In this role, she developed strategy, branding, and programming for the “First Year Initiative.”  She then managed the Science and Sustainability Career community where she coached students interested in research, energy, and environment. Christina also helped lead a sophomore women’s first-generation, low-income career development group for 4 years.

Christina received her M.S. in Counseling with a concentration in College Counseling and Student Development at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She also holds a B.A. in Psychology from North Carolina State University.

During her free time, you can catch Christina practicing yoga, playing beach volleyball, or enjoying the outdoors with her family and dog.

Trainings and certifications completed:

• Duke PRIDE
• Trans 101
• Antisemitism 101
• Been Here, Still Here: Muslims and Islamophobia in the U.S
• Racial Equity Institute Groundwater Training
• Mental Health First Aid Certified
• Strengths Profile Certified

With experience ranging from advisor and instructor, program developer, and employer relations, Catherine (she/her) joined the Duke Career Center in 2019. As an Assistant Director, she oversees assessment projects and data management. She previously managed the Data and Technology, and Engineering Career Communities which included advising undergraduate and graduate students with interests across all areas. Catherine grew up in Seven Lakes, NC. In her first career as a licensed K-12 School Counselor, she worked at the middle school and district levels in Albuquerque, NM, with a focus on college and career readiness. Career development and education remained a primary focus for Catherine as she transitioned to Higher Ed career services in 2017 at UNC Chapel Hill. A fan of music, podcasts, food, and sewing, Catherine is always interested in discovering new bands, shows, and restaurants. Feel free to share your favorite listens or local eateries.

Carl Thompson, a native of Greensboro, North Carolina, holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Economics from Argosy University.

Before joining the Duke Career Center, Carl accumulated over seven years of experience in higher education, serving as a Career Services Director at Alamance Community College and as a Student Services Coordinator across various institutions. His earlier career includes roles in the private sector as a Professional Development Specialist and as a Career Specialist with the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

In his current role as the Senior Career Specialist for the energy, environment, and sustainability community, Carl has committed himself to building strong industry connections and gaining valuable insights that directly benefit the students he supports. Beyond his specialized focus, Carl is passionate about providing comprehensive life and career guidance to all Duke students. He thrives on helping individuals identify and achieve their strategic goals while emphasizing the importance of motivation and self-care throughout their educational journeys.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Carl enjoys reading historical fiction, playing the piano, cheering on the Carolina Panthers, and spending quality time with his loved ones. His diverse interests and experiences contribute to his well-rounded approach, making him an invaluable asset to the Duke community.

Originally from Winston-Salem, NC, Ängela received a Bachelor of Arts in Athletic Training from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2005 where she was also a Student-Athlete on the Track & Field Team. She continued her education earning a Master of Science in Athletic Administration from North Carolina Central University in 2007. During her time as a Graduate Assistant, she had dual roles within the Sports Medicine and Compliance units of the athletic department. After completing her studies, she worked with the NCCU Student-Athlete Academic Support Services. Her interest in student academic success and development propelled her into academic advising and program development for first time freshmen, sophomore, and transfer students. Ängela joins us from North Carolina Central University where she most recently served as interim Academic Advising Coordinator. Ängela truly enjoys engaging with students assisting them in creating their pathway of success and seeing them reach their full potential. Ängela is also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and when not working she enjoys traveling (especially to a beach), crafting, going to an athletic event and spending time with family and friends.

Sandhya grew up in California and received their bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Saint Mary’s College of California. They have always been greatly invested in supporting and growing their community, and helping people flourish as the best versions of themselves. In this role, they hope to be able to continue to do so and mitigate the barriers to career and academic success faced by many students, especially those with marginalized identities, through events, outreach, support, and curating other resources. In their free time, they enjoy anime, K-pop, dance, playing baseball, many aspects of transformative fandom, learning new languages, writing fiction, and digital art.

Their work involves connecting students to the Career Center via social media, including Instagram (@dukecareers), Facebook and Youtube (@DukeCareers), and LinkedIn (Duke University Career Center), so go give us a follow!

Originally from Trenton, NC, Alicia attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University where she earned her Bachelor of Art in English. Her undergraduate years were a pivotal moment in her life as she navigated college as a first-generation student. While at A&T she had the pleasure of being a part of student groups and pledging Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. She continued to further her education and has earned a Masters of Business Administration in Human Resource Management from Strayer University and a Masters of Career Counseling & Placement from North Carolina Central University.

Prior to joining the Career Center, Alicia worked at Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment as a Career Coach and at Duke University’s Career Center as an Undergraduate Career Counseling Intern. Before beginning her career in higher education, she spent over 10 years working in private sector organizations fulfilling customer interfacing roles.

Alicia loves helping people explore, reflect, and identify and accomplish their goals. When she’s not working, she enjoys taking peaceful walks, spending time with her family and friends, exploring new places, and watching movies.

A born and raised New Yorker, Sarah attended the State University of New York at Plattsburgh receiving both her bachelor’s in psychology and master’s in student affairs counseling. She has experience working with college students in the nonprofit world, in higher education as a career counselor, and in the corporate sector as an early-careers recruiter.

A quote that guides her work is “I see you. I hear you. And what you say matters.” – Oprah Winfrey. Sarah lives with her three wild dogs: Oliver, Franklin, and Winfrey in Raleigh.

Career Community: Engineering

Sam (he/him) is a career specialist with a background in directing experiential learning programs that focus on career readiness, identity development, and industry connections. In his work he’s committed to making career opportunities more available and accessible to all students.

Originally from Apex, North Carolina, Sam stayed in the triangle area and earned an undergraduate degree in social work with a minor in philosophy from North Carolina State University. After graduation he completed an M.A in College Student Personnel at Bowling Green State University working for their career and life design team. He has more than 6 years experience practicing career counseling and helping students navigate their college journey. Through his work Sam engages students in holistic, life design focused career development focused on transferable skills and an understanding of their personal values.

In his free time Sam enjoys playing chess, staying active through cycling, and is a lifelong fan of the Carolina Hurricanes.

At Duke University, I lead the Career Center’s initiatives focused on the Education, Government, Nonprofit & Policy sectors and oversee the Sanford School of Public Policy’s Undergraduate Internship Program.  My role emphasizes fostering a robust environment for student success.

I have an unwavering commitment to a culture of inclusivity, which aligns with my career trajectory and passion for leveraging and empowering students towards opening doors for a pathway of career excellence.

People consider me entrepreneurial who approaches project management by proactively evaluating the competitive landscape, building relationships, and optimizing resources to find solutions that advance learning and enhance user experience.

I am a Navy veteran, retired Commander, Medical Service Corps.  An advid hockey fan and enjoy time with my familty and our labradoodles (Pepper and Peaches).