Academic Navigators work alongside academic advisors and other student support staff. They help connect students to appropriate resources and help them identify plans for achieving academic, personal and career goals. To refer a student to the Academic Navigator team, please complete the referral form.
Learn more about the Academic Navigators team or contact Joey Lynch, director, for additional information.
Sara Troupe
I’m Sara Troupe and I am the Academic Navigator for the colleges of Journalism & Mass Communications, Fine & Performing Arts, and Architecture. I’m a Mexican American originally from Monterrey, Mexico, and grew up primarily in Fremont, Nebraska. I was a first-generation student and graduated from UNL in 2018 with a B.S. in Secondary English Education. After graduation, I spent several years teaching 7th grade English. I love that my career journey has allowed me so many opportunities to connect with students and help them achieve their goals. I believe there is no problem too big or too small to seek support for, and I look forward to continuing to work with students as they navigate their time here at UNL.
Lindsay Daniels
Hello, I'm Lindsay Daniels. I am a longtime high school English teacher, and I'm honored to continue supporting and guiding students as an Academic Navigator for CASNR. I received my Bachelor of Arts in English and Psychology at the University of Kansas, and my Master of Science in Education from Fort Hays State University. Since then, I've lived and taught in some of the most rural areas of the country, in Hong Kong, one of the most densely populated places in the world, as well as here in Lincoln, Nebraska. I'm also a yoga instructor and currently pursuing a Master's degree in Counseling through Doane University. I enjoy using my experience and tools to help students create the best possible college education and experience.
Meredith Cain
My name is Meredith, and I am an Academic Navigator for the College of Arts and Sciences. I am a UNL and WHT alumna; I received my bachelor's in Women’s/Gender Studies, and my master’s in Child, Youth and Family Studies with a specialization in International Family Studies. My background includes a variety of roles supporting people, including working at a substance abuse treatment center for women, psychotherapy clinics, a national study on early childhood, and in community outreach at a local youth mentoring program. I also worked abroad for 2 years as an au pair. In my free time, I stay busy with crafting, reading, thrifting, and playing with my dogs Pearl and Olive. I am excited to join the Navigator team, as I am passionate about connecting students with the resources and opportunities that can enrich their college experience and personal well-being.
Stephanie Cerrato-Rodriguez
Hi I'm Stephanie, and I am an Academic Navigator for the College of Arts and Sciences. My family is from Honduras and I grew up here in Lincoln. I attended the University of Nebraska as a first-generation student. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with a major in psychology. Throughout my professional career, I have always tried to work with individuals from where they are and really enjoyed collaborating on their goals. I have worked as a case manager at a non-profit and as a student advocate for Latinx/Hispanic student through the public school system. I also have always tried support my community through group organizations such as Las Voces Nebraska and Latinas in Lincoln and through volunteering. I look forward to meeting students and helping them feel connected to our campus and the Lincoln community!
Cal Koch
I’m Cal, and I’m an Academic Navigator in the College of Business! My main role on campus is to support students through the inevitable challenges of college. My favorite part of my job is being on a campus where so many students are writing small (and sometimes, not so small) parts of their stories every single day. I grew up in Omaha, a lifelong Husker fan. I then attended UNL and got my bachelor's degree in psychology in 2019. After graduating, I moved to San Jose, California and began my professional career as a high school chemistry teacher. I also earned my master's degree in education from Creighton University in 2021. Outside of work, you’d probably find me hanging out with my younger siblings back in Omaha, walking my enormous Old English Sheepdog, Finn, or at literally any Husker sporting event. GBR!
Mara Counts
I’m Mara Counts, Academic Navigator for the College of Education and Human Sciences. I began my college journey at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2011. After transferring schools a few times and a not-so-straightforward undergraduate journey, I proudly earned my Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University in 2017! I then taught secondary Mathematics in Central Texas for six years, married my high school sweetheart, Chance, and spent my spare time painting. Soon after our son was born, we decided it was time to make our way back to Lincoln. I’m incredibly excited to work at UNL, the place I began my journey in higher education! My experience teaching fueled my passion for encouraging students to try their best and be persistent, and I know how important it is to have someone in your corner cheering you on. It’s my goal to be a resource for students in whatever way I can, making students’ journey to graduation just a little bit easier.
Nicole Binderup
I’m Nicole Binderup and I am originally from northeast Nebraska. I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from UNL in 2013 and graduated with a Master of Arts of Science Teaching from UNL in 2014. After teaching science with Lincoln Public Schools for 5 years I am now here as an Academic Navigator for UNL. I enjoy traveling and camping. I am also happy at home with my dogs and a good book or television show. I look forward to helping students navigate their academic success in the College of Engineering!
Schedule an Appointment with Nicole
Laura Britten
I’m Laura Britten, and I am an Academic Navigator in the Explore Center. I am originally from the suburbs of Chicago, and was born and raised a Chicago Cubs fan. I am alum of UNL, graduating with a B.A. in Psychology. After undergrad, I went back to Chicago to earn a M.A. in Mental Health Counseling. Prior to working at UNL I spent 3 years working for a nonprofit agency. I love being back in Lincoln, and especially being back on campus working with students. I have so much fun working with undeclared students, helping explore their interests, skills, and passions! I am a huge advocate for the destigmatization of mental health, and I believe in the power of community. The transition to college can be difficult and scary; it’s important to remember that you are not the only one feeling that way. I truly believe that you belong here, but I acknowledge that sometimes it takes a while to finally feel it. You are not alone on this journey, and I encourage you to come talk with me if you ever need someone to lean on.
Selma De Anda Gallegos
Hi, my name is Selma De Anda Gallegos, and I am an Academic Navigator in the Explore Center! At the Explore Center I meet with Pre-Health, pre-law, and undecided students. I grew up in South Sioux City, Nebraska. I am a first-generation college student and a Snoopy and coffee fanatic. I received my bachelor’s degree in Education and Human Sciences majoring in Nutrition Exercise and Health Science from UNL. I received my master’s degree in Child Youth and Family Studies specializing in Youth Development. Prior to joining the Explore Center, I served as an Education Specialist with one of the UNL TRIO pre-college programs. In my free time I enjoy working out, drawing, and going to coffee shops with friends. I am also bilingual in Spanish. I look forward to helping students feel connected to all the great opportunities campus has to offer! Feel free to message me or make an appointment if you would like to meet with me!