Learn about Dornsife’s academic advisors! For program and contact information, see our Academic Advising page.

Erin Durkin (she/her) oversees the academic advising and student affairs team in Dornsife. Erin is committed to using a holistic approach to student development when providing vocational and academic guidance to students as they strive to achieve their goals. She has 12 years of experience in advising students in health-based programs. Prior to coming to Drexel, she worked as the associate director of academic advising at Northeastern University and the health professions advisor at Moravian College. Erin holds a Master of Science in College Student Development and Counseling from Northeastern University and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Communications from Boston College.

See the programs Erin advises, or schedule an appointment!

Rachel Benjamin-Bannett (she/her) is so excited to be a part of the advising team at Dornsife. Rachel is a licensed social worker who brings a strengths-based perspective to advising. She strongly believes in meeting students where they are as they strive towards achieving their academic and professional goals. In her free time, Rachel enjoys taking walks along the Schuykill River Trail, going to shows at the Kimmel Center, and spending time with her cat. Rachel holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice and a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies and English with a minor in Theatre Arts from Brandeis University.

See the programs Rachel advises or schedule an appointment!

Olivia Hamilton (she/her) is glad to be part of the advising team at Dornsife. Olivia comes with a background in social services, specifically in foster care and domestic violence agencies. In her past work as a case manager, Olivia developed a passion for helping clients in a one-on-one relationship and uses this skill to connect with students. She hopes to guide students to academic success by encouraging their individual strengths and life goals. Olivia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and a Bachelor of Arts in French and Francophone Studies from Villanova University. In her spare time, Olivia enjoys traveling, collecting jigsaw puzzles, and yoga.

See the programs Olivia advises or schedule an appointment!

Jessica Tortu (she/her) is thrilled to join the advising team at Dornsife. In addition to being K-12 school counselor certified in the state of New Jersey, Jessica has worked in higher education as an academic advisor since 2017. She is passionate about building relationships with students and helping them maximize their potential, while also advocating for self-care and mental, physical and emotional health and wellness. In her free time, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, trying new restaurants, and soaking up the sun at the Jersey Shore. Jessica holds a Master’s Degree in School Counseling and Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Rowan University, and is a Certified Career Services Provider. Jessica is able to speak, read and write the Spanish language in a literate-to-proficient capacity.

See the programs Jessica advises or schedule an appointment!

Ariel Varghese (she/her) is excited to be part of the advising team. She previously worked as the Program Coordinator in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. Ariel holds a Master of Public Administration from Shippensburg University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from York College of Pennsylvania.

See the programs Ariel advises or schedule an appointment!