• Seton Hall University
• Pre-Professional Advising

At the Pre-Professional Advising Center (P-PAC), our dedicated team is here to guide and support you throughout your pre-professional journey. With a wealth of experience, our advisors provide personalized guidance, and resources tailored to your unique professional school goals. We empower our students by offering the support, programming and knowledge needed to succeed.

We are devoted to helping you achieve your dreams. Make your appointment today. 

Chantal Vergara, M.A., N.C.C.

Director of Pre-Professional Advising Center
chantal.vergara@shu.edu
(973) 275-2477
Make an Appontment Here

Ms. Vergara serves as the Director of Seton Hall University’s Pre-Professional Advising Center and Co-Chair of the Pre-Health Committee. She leads the development of pre-health advising and oversees all aspects of the center's operations, including strategic planning, advising services, resources, student outreach and programming.

With over a decade of experience in higher education that includes academic, pre-health, pre-law, and medical school advising, she is dedicated to guiding students through every step of their journey. Passionate about the holistic development of our future professionals, she provides expert advising, academic coaching and intentional programming. She leverages her extensive experience to successfully navigate students through their pre-professional tracks, standardized exam preparation and the meticulous application processes that lead to top professional school acceptances. She is dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment that meets the needs of a diverse student population, implementing targeted support systems and resources to help students thrive and achieve their academic and professional goals.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Ms. Vergara enjoys traveling the world, spending quality time with family and friends, and embracing adventurous activities like skydiving and paragliding.

Brian Nichols, Ph.D.

Faculty Director and Advisor, Pre-Health
Pre-Professional Advising Center
College of Arts and Science
daniel.nichols@shu.edu
(973) 761-9054
Make an Appointment Here

Dr. Nichols is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department within the College of Arts and Science. As a dedicated member of the Pre-Professional Advising Center (P-PAC), he provides expert pre-professional advising and application preparation for Juniors and Seniors aspiring to enter health professional schools. Dr. Nichols also is the Co-Chair of the Pre-Health Committee. He has extensive experience in reviewing personal statements and crafting letters of recommendation.

In addition to his advising duties, Dr. Nichols leads a research lab on campus, where he focuses on understanding and characterizing virus-host interactions and the mechanisms of viral antagonism of host innate immune responses. His research contributes to the broader scientific community's understanding of viral behavior and immune response.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Dr. Nichols enjoys soccer, martial arts, boxing, motorcycles, playing saxophone/piano and spending time with wife, four kids, and three cats.

Alexa Fretwell, Class of 2026

P-PAC Peer Advisor
preprofessional@shu.edu

Alexa is a leader in our pre-health community that majors in Biology with a minor in Fine & Digital Art. In her role at the P-PAC she provides peer advising, administrative support and social media outreach. Alexa coordinates the Peer Mentoring Network, fostering a supportive community for students navigating their pre-health journeys.

Health Profession Track: Pre-Dentistry
On-Campus involvement: She is the Vice President of the Pre-Dental Society, and Community Service Chair for the Biology Society, a member of Seton Hall Best Buddies and in Kappa Kappa Gamma.
Relevant Pre-Health Experience: She has shadowed general dentists in addition to a variety of dental specialists including pediatric and orthodontic dentists. She volunteers as a dental assistant at a dental clinic back home and volunteers with the KinderSmile Foundation.
Ask Her About: How to manage a busy schedule, the best ways to prepare for exams, general advice for college students and anything dentistry related.
Hobbies: She enjoys making embroidery and painting watercolors to hang up in her room. She also enjoys being with her family and her dog Emmett.