Melissa Welch
Associate Director, Cooperative Educaton
Office Life
Melissa joined the Career Services team in 2017 as a Co-op advisor for the Manning School of Business, where she teaches co-op classes, advises students, and works with employers. Before joining UML, she worked at Middlesex Community College in leadership development, student engagement, and coordinating internships, all areas where she now supports UMass Lowell students.
Melissa says her ‘a-ha’ moment came about while working at Admissions and Alumni Relations at Northeastern University. While pursuing her master’s, Melissa felt her career trajectory pull towards working with first-generation students. Today, she is inspired daily by our Co-op students’ transformation in this program and realizing their career potential through this experience.
Out-of-Office Life
You can find Melissa and her family, with their dog in tow, almost anywhere. On a field, court, dance studio, or camping, preferably by the ocean. She is a lifelong learner of cultures, and as a daughter of Azorean immigrants, she enjoys sharing her heritage with her children and others.
Education
Northeastern University, Boston, MA
M.S. in College Student Development and Counseling
Providence College, Providence, RI
B.A. in Humanities
Pronouns
She/Her/Hers
Specialties and Interests
Manning School of BusinessAmanda Teixeira
Assistant Director, Cooperative Education
Office Life
Amanda joined UMass Lowell in 2019 and currently serves as the assistant director of Co-op for the Kennedy College of Sciences. She oversees the co-op program for all sciences majors, provides personalized coaching and advising to students, teaches a professional development seminar, collaborates with academic departments, and engages employers.
Prior to joining UMass Lowell, Amanda worked in the Career Center at Saint Anselm College and Merrimack College. Amanda is a proud first-generation college student and an alum of UMass Lowell. She loves being back at her alma mater, helping students achieve their goals. Go, River Hawks!
Out-of-Office Life
Amanda enjoys spending quality time with her husband, two kids, family, and friends outside of work. She loves the beach, being outdoors and is always up for an adventure. Amanda is an avid reader, book club leader, and Bookstagrammer!
Education
Merrimack College, North Andover, MA
M.Ed., Higher Education Administration
University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA
B.S., Community Health
Pronouns
She/Her/Hers
Specialties and Interests
Kennedy College of SciencesPharmaceutical SciencesApplied Biomedical Sciences - Clinical Science OptionBiomedical EngineeringTiffany Medeiros
Assistant Director, Cooperative Education
Office Life
Tiffany joined the Career & Co-op Center team in 2021. Before coming to UMass Lowell, Tiffany worked in roles within international education and academic advising at Northeastern University. As assistant director of Co-op, she oversees co-op experiences for the Francis College of Engineering and advises chemical and plastics engineering students.
Tiffany’s first-hand experience completing a professional co-op program fuels her passion for guiding our River Hawks through their own career development journeys. Tiffany shares UMass Lowell’s commitment to experiential learning and finds working with students to identify, explore, or strengthen their individual goals incredibly rewarding.
Out-of-Office Life
Tiffany can be found doing 1000-piece puzzles daily, reading books, and spending time with her dog Lola.
Education
Northeastern University, Boston, MA
M.S. in College Student Development and Counseling
B.S. in Industrial Engineering
Pronouns
She/Her/Hers
Specialties and Interests
Chemical EngineeringElectrical and Computer EngineeringPlastics EngineeringKathy Vaillancourt
Co-op Coordinator
Office Life
Kathy joined the UMass Lowell Career & Co-op team in 2022 as the Co-op Coordinator supporting mechanical/environmental and civil/industrial engineering students. She instructs the Professional Development Seminar, advises students, partners with employers, and collaborates across campus to support student success. Prior to UML, Kathy’s experience in higher education included roles in student success advising, first year experience, faculty-led study aboard, experiential learning, assessment and student involvement/leadership.
Kathy is extremely thankful for the educational mentorship she received throughout her professional journey and enjoys working with her students serving in the same capacity.
Out-of-Office Life
When not working with UML students, Kathy enjoys spending time as much as she can outdoors. She also enjoys traveling and tries to explore at least one new destination a year.
Education
Salem State University, Salem, MA
M.A. in Higher Education in Student Affairs
Bradford College, Bradford, MA
B.A. in Administration and Management
Pronouns
She/Her/Hers
Specialties and Interests
Civil and Environmental EngineeringIndustrial EngineeringMechanical EngineeringCatherine McLean
Co-op Coordinator
Office Life
Catherine has been working for the UMass Lowell Professional Co-op program since 2015. As co-op coordinator for computer science majors, she is passionate about helping students navigate the job search process both in and outside the classroom. Before UMass Lowell, Catherine worked in Career & Professional Development at Harvard Business School.
As an undergraduate student at Northeastern, Catherine completed three co-op experiences and is thrilled to share this unique perspective with UMass Lowell students. She firmly believes in the value of experiential learning and hopes to provide students with a professional framework they can use throughout their careers.
Out-of-Office Life
Catherine enjoys entertaining and having her friends and family over for birthday parties, holidays, and cookouts. She is married with two daughters and enjoys reading, yoga, trying new restaurants, and her daily iced coffee.
Education
Northeastern University, Boston, MA
M.S. in Corporate & Organizational Communication
B.S. in Business Administration; concentration in Marketing
Pronouns
She/Her/Hers
Specialties and Interests
Computer ScienceRae Perry
Director, Cooperative Education and Experiential Learning
Office Life
Rae joined the UMass Lowell team in 2012 and is currently an instructor for co-op courses and a co-op advisor. She was formerly the director of co-op and experiential learning until recently and is now enjoying semi-retirement. She is dedicated to continuing to work with students to take advantage of experiential learning opportunities. Before UML, Rae worked in public, private, and community college settings as an associate dean of students, academic planning director, and residential life director.
Rae has extensive experience in higher education, advising and leading students in career development and experiential education. Rae values the outstanding students, how they grow at this university.
Out-of-Office Life
Rae relishes spending time with her loved ones and dog near a beach or a lake. She loves traveling, reading, crafts, kayaking, and the arts.
Education
University of Vermont
M.Ed. in Higher Education and Student Affairs
Rutgers University, New Jersey
B.A. in Communication & English (double major)
Pronouns
She/Her/Hers
Becca Carnahan
Co-op Coordinator
Office Life
Becca Carnahan has been working with the UMass Lowell Professional Co-op team since 2025, teaching a section of the Professional Development Seminar and advising students in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Engineering. She enjoys guiding students through career exploration, co-op searches, building resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and interview skills.
Prior to joining UMass Lowell, Becca worked in Career & Professional Development at Harvard Business School and has extensive experience coaching students and professionals through career transitions. She believes strongly in the power of experiential learning and reflection, and strives to help students build confidence and clarity as they navigate their career paths.
Out-of-Office Life
Outside of UML, Becca is a mom of two and the creator of When Mommy Grows Up, a career clarity platform, book, and podcast for parents navigating work and identity. She enjoys coaching youth sports, strength training, writing, and expertly managing carpool. She values time with her family and finding small moments of calm and humor in the busy seasons of life.
Education
Harvard University Graduate School of Education
Ed.M. Higher Education
Boston College
B.S. Business Administration – Concentration in Marketing & Communications
Pronouns
She/Her/Hers