Exploratory Advising

Deirdre holds a Masters of Education, specializing in Adult Learning and Higher Education, and bachelor degrees in General Studies and Education from the University of Calgary. Prior to working in post-secondary student services, Deirdre was a secondary school teacher who taught Social Studies in both Calgary and Germany. In her current role, Deirdre supports prospective, Open Studies and current undergraduate degree students in choosing an educational pathway that fits their motivators, personality traits, interests, and academic backgrounds. Once admitted to the University, Deirdre also provides registration assistance for incoming first-year and Open Studies students. Passionate about educational planning and career development, Deirdre is committed to facilitating students’ smooth and positive transitions into degree programs. Good days for Deirdre include a combination of helping students, yoga, squash or long walks, and great vegan food!

Dan is an Academic Advisor for Exploratory, Prospective, and Open Studies students and joined the Student Success Centre after working for several years in Admissions and Recruitment and as an Academic Advisor in the Faculty of Arts. He attended the University of Guelph-Humber where he completed a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Guelph and a Diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion from Humber College. Dan enjoys talking to students about their interests and helping them find a degree program that suits them and will allow them to pursue their passion and reach their goals. He also thrives on helping students understand the pathway and requirements to be admissible to their program of interest. Outside of work Dan is a very active person and spends his spare time running, playing sports with friends, and hiking and camping in the mountains.

Karen Quinn holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and a PhD in Physiology & Pharmacology from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK. She has also just completed a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from the University of Calgary. Originally from Northern Ireland, Karen enjoys running, hiking, listening to the radio, and anything to do with art. She is experienced in supporting students who are undecided about their degree program, whether they are prospective or a current University of Calgary student. Karen also advises students in Open Studies on educational planning towards achieving their academic goals.