Please welcome Kristie Stramaski, Senior Coordinator of Career Advising, to the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology. This is a new position for the school and we are thrilled to have her join us!
She spoke with us about the topic of career and academic advising, her path to Illinois, and her goals for the coming year.
What drew you to academic and career advising? What’s the difference between the two?
I came into academic advising somewhat unexpectedly. While supporting my family during a transition into academia, I accepted a part-time advising role in the Department of Educational Psychology at Texas A&M. What I initially saw as a practical step quickly became meaningful work—I found that advising aligned closely with my strengths in problem-solving, relationship-building, and helping individuals navigate complex systems.
Through that experience, I also began to see the distinction between academic and career advising. Academic advising focuses on helping students successfully navigate their educational paths—understanding degree requirements, making informed course selections, and overcoming institutional barriers. Career advising, on the other hand, extends beyond the classroom to help students connect their academic experiences to long-term professional goals, develop career readiness skills, and navigate the evolving labor market.
My interest in career advising is also informed by my Master’s in Human Resources and Industrial Relations, where I developed a deeper understanding of workforce systems and the challenges individuals face in accessing equitable and sustainable employment. Together, these experiences have shaped my approach to advising as both a supportive and strategic partnership with students.
What interested you in this position and the School of MCB?
I was particularly drawn to this position because it integrates both academic and career advising, allowing for a more holistic approach to student support. The opportunity to work with students in Molecular and Cellular Biology is especially exciting, given the wide range of career paths available—from research and healthcare to industry and emerging interdisciplinary fields.
The School of MCB’s commitment to student success, combined with its strong academic foundation, creates an environment where advising can have a meaningful impact. I was also interested in the opportunity to help shape a relatively new role, contributing to the development of advising structures and resources that will support students both during and after their time at the university.
What impact do you hope to make on students’ academic and career journeys?
I hope to help students feel more confident and informed as they navigate both their academic and career paths. For many students, these processes can feel overwhelming or unclear, especially when they are balancing multiple responsibilities or facing uncertainty about the future.
My goal is to provide clear guidance, practical tools, and individualized support so that students can make decisions that align with their interests, strengths, and long-term goals. I also want to help students see the connection between what they are learning and the opportunities available to them beyond graduation, empowering them to take an active role in shaping their own paths.
Granted this is a new position for the school and you just joined us in April, but what are your goals for the coming year/years?
In the upcoming academic year, my focus is on listening and learning—understanding student needs, identifying common challenges, and building strong relationships with faculty and staff. This will help ensure that any initiatives are responsive and well-informed.
Over time, I would like to contribute to developing more structured career exploration resources for MCB students, including clearer pathways for different career interests, opportunities for skill development, and stronger connections with alumni and industry professionals. I also see value in integrating career conversations earlier in students’ academic journeys, so they can make more intentional decisions throughout their time in the program.
How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my spouse, children, and fur-legged children, as well as activities that allow me to recharge and stay balanced. I value time lone, so I can recharge and reading is an excellent way for me to do that. I also very much enjoy staying engaged with topics related to organizational and workforce development, which continue to be areas of personal and professional interest.
Do you have a favorite quote? Why is it meaningful to you?
“Your Honor, years ago I recognized my kinship with all living beings, and I made up my mind that I was not one bit better than the meanest on earth. I said then, and I say now, that while there is a lower class, I am in it, and while there is a criminal element, I am of it, and while there is a soul in prison, I am not free.” By Eugene V. Debs.
This quote resonates deeply with me because it reflects a commitment to empathy, equity, and shared humanity. Debs’ words emphasize that our well-being is interconnected—that we cannot fully succeed or feel fulfilled while others are excluded, marginalized, or struggling within the same systems.
In both my academic and career advising work, I see this play out in real ways. Students often navigate complex institutional, economic, and personal challenges, and it’s important to approach that work with the understanding that each person’s experience is shaped by broader systems. This perspective keeps me grounded in meeting students where they are, advocating for fairness, and helping them access opportunities that may not always feel readily available.
More broadly, the quote aligns with my belief that meaningful work involves not just individual success, but contributing to environments where others can succeed as well. It serves as a reminder to approach my role with humility, responsibility, and a focus on collective progress.
