Meet our Team

Headshot of  Britta Gibson

Britta Gibson

Director, Transition Advising Center

200 University Pavilion

513-556-2166

Britta is originally from Pikeville, Kentucky. She received a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Eastern Kentucky University and a master's degree in College Student Personnel from the University of Tennessee. Britta was a first-gen student which inspired her to help other first-gen students navigate the transition to college. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, watching college football, and attending concerts.

Headshot of  Dan Wright

Dan Wright

Assistant Director, Transfer & Transition Advising Center

200 University Pavilion

513-556-9000

Dan is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati in 2013 and has worked at UC in the Transition Advising Center since 2018. He loves helping students find their best-fit major and is passionate about promoting student success.

Headshot of  Nancy Coscia

Nancy Coscia

Sr. Academic Advisor, Clermont Campus

100 Student Services Building

513-558-1816

Nancy joined the TTAC team in 2019 when she returned home to Williamsburg, Ohio, and to work at UC. Her career has been focused on higher education and she served in several areas of student life prior to becoming an academic advisor. Nancy’s educational journey included Mars Hill College, the University of South Carolina for a master's in higher education, and Indiana Wesleyan University for a doctorate in organizational leadership.

Headshot of Joe Tran

Joe Tran

Sr. Academic Advisor, Blue Ash Campus

Muntz Hall 155

513-558-9442

Joe grew up just outside of Cincinnati in West Chester and is a proud UC alum, having attended both UC Blue Ash and Clifton campuses. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2017, and a master’s in Higher Education & Student Affairs from The Ohio State University in 2020. Before joining the TAC team in January 2026, Joe spent four years as an advisor in UC’s College of Engineering & Applied Science (CEAS). Joe’s passion for open-access institutions brought him back to UCBA professionally and is excited to help regional students navigate the transition to Clifton. Outside of work, Joe enjoys spending time with family, trying out new board games, volunteering with his church, and gaming on his Nintendo Switch. 

Headshot of Megan McCarren

Megan McCarren

Sr. Academic Advisor, Clifton Campus

210 University Pavilion

513-556-9000

Megan is a born and raised Cincinnatian and a proud first-generation college graduate. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from the University of Cincinnati, where she learned a lot about the brain, but even more about the twists and turns of the college experience. Now, she’s passionate about helping students navigate their own journeys, especially when it comes to finding the best path forward and prioritizing mental health along the way. When she’s not advising, you can find her traveling to new places, kayaking on the water, creating something fun, or simply soaking in the little joys of life.

Headshot of Manuela Botaka

Manuela Botaka

Academic Advisor, Clifton Campus

210 University Pavilion

513-556-9000

Manuela grew up in Lexington, Kentucky and is a graduate of the University of Louisville in 2019. Her passions lie in teaching and mentoring. During her time at UofL, Manuela served as a peer mentor helping first-year college students persist and achieve their goals. She is now excited to channel her passions into helping transfer students thrive and find their paths at UC. She enjoys the outdoors, Qdoba, and quality time with family & friends.

Headshot of Bailey Bamonte

Bailey Bamonte

Academic Advisor, Clifton Campus

210 University Pavilion

513-556-9000

Bailey is from Norwood, Ohio and a graduate of UC. She was a transfer student and started at the Blue Ash campus, eventually transitioning to the college of Arts and Sciences. For four years, Bailey was an admissions student worker and helped students get started at UC. Bailey was a first-gen student and wishes to help students who may feel lost on their college paths. In her free time, she likes to play The Sims, read, and spend time with her family.

Transition Student Mentors

Headshot of  Krischal Aryal

Krischal Aryal

Student Associate, Transition Advising Center

513-556-9000

He/Him/His

Hometown: Gorkha, Nepal
Major: 
Computer Engineering
Hobbies: Krischal is a second-year in CEAS! He enjoys cooking, listening to songs, participating in student clubs, and attending campus activities.

Headshot of Pratishara Bajracharya

Pratishara Bajracharya

Student Associate, Transition Advising Center

513-556-9000

She/Her/Hers

Hometown: Bhaktapur, Nepal
Major: 
Nursing
Background: Pratishara studied biology in high school in Nepal, dreaming of pursuing a degree in Nursing from UC. She was Exploratory in her first year, and was accepted to the Nursing BSN a sophomore!
Hobbies: Pratishara loves traveling, cooking, learning new things, hanging out with friends, and watching K-dramas.

Headshot of Samantha Paul

Samantha Paul

Student Associate, Transition Advising Center

513-556-9000

She/Her/Hers

Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Major:
Criminal Justice
Background: When she isn't studying or being a rockstar in the TAC, you can find her working as a Student Orientation Leader at BBO!
Hobbies: Sam enjoys theater-acting, singing, and dancing, playing board games, volunteering, and playing with animals.

Headshot of Sujata Karki

Sujata Karki

Student Associate, Transition Advising Center

513-556-9000

She/Her/Hers

Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal
Major:
Nursing
Background: Sujata is an international student majoring in Nursing. She is also the FDA Coordinator at the UC Learning Commons.
Hobbies: Singing, dancing, listening to music, writing, and watching a variety of entertainment genres.

Headshot of Saba Mazhari

Saba Mazhari

Student Associate, Transition Advising Center

513-556-9000

She/Her/Hers

Hometown: Persia/Iran
Major: Psychology
Hobbies: Playing the guitar and singing.