In the first episode of our two-part chapters mini-series, we highlight the two NAGAP Special Interest Chapters: BioGAP and JGAP. Chapter presidents Brandy Wood and Colleen Sommerfeld discuss the opportunities these chapters present, how to get involved, and even how to form your own special interest chapter.

About the guests:

Brandy Wood serves as president of BioGAP and currently leads all aspects of the graduate recruitment and admissions counseling for the Indiana University School of Medicine Graduate Division. She manages a team responsible for retaining and preparing graduate students from diverse backgrounds for academic, professional and personal success. Additionally, she serves as an advisor to first-year doctoral students and provides holistic services related to academic and career advising to all graduate students beyond their first-year in graduate school thru alumni status.

Brandy holds a BS in Public Affairs Management from Indiana University School of Public & Environmental Affairs and both a graduate certificate in Human Resource Development and an MS in Technology with a concentration in Organizational Leadership from the Purdue School of Engineering.

Colleen Sommerfeld is a seasoned professional in the field of admissions, currently serving as the President of JGAP (Jesuit Graduate Admission Professionals) and holding the position of Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies at John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio. John Carroll University is one of the esteemed 28 Jesuit Colleges and Universities in the United States.

With over two decades of experience in admissions, Colleen has cultivated a rich background, having worked in various capacities within undergraduate admission offices and high school admission. Her passion lies in fostering relationships with prospective students as they navigate the educational landscape to find the best-fit graduate programs.

This episode was hosted, produced, and edited by Lauren McGowan.

Learn more about NAGAP, the Association for Graduate Enrollment Management, at www.nagap.org.