Meet the Student Affairs Team

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We are the Student Affairs Team!

 

The Office of Student Affairs at the School of Global Public Health welcomes students of diverse backgrounds, interests, perspectives, and identities by embracing their individuality. 

 

We endeavor to provide the community with a student-centered, accessible, creative, and encouraging environment.

 

Our mission is to foster the development of our students as they grow into public health practitioners by facilitating their engagement in opportunities both locally and globally. We serve students through our resources, referrals, and connections. Through advising, diversity programs, and career services, we motivate student excellence by supporting intellectual engagement throughout their educational experience and beyond. 

 

Our students are our purpose.

We are here to help! 

Andrea Muraca

Andrea Muraca

MS, MPH, Associate Dean, Student Affairs    

Andrea Muraca was born and raised in Italy, where he developed his fondness for Tiramisu and A.C. Milan soccer team.

As Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Andrea will help current students thrive in a positive academic environment that will groom them into the kind of professionals the field requires. His understanding of the GPH culture is informed by the multiple roles he's played since 2014; as a GPH administrator, an alum of our MPH program, and a current student in the DrPH program. 

He is deeply committed to the perspective of public health as a holistic, equitable, and interdisciplinary practice. He works closely with many offices across campus, including the Office of Global Services and The Wasserman Center for Career Development. Whenever you need a calm and supportive advocate you can always count on Andrea to be there for you! 


Angelica Tirro

Angelica Tirro

MA, Director, Student Affairs 

A dedicated New Yorker, Angelica Tirro has been a vital part of the NYU community since 2013. As a trained educator, Angelica is driven by a passion for guiding students toward their educational and career aspirations. Her advising is truly invaluable, stemming from her comprehensive understanding of the university from the distinct viewpoints of a student, administrator, and alum. Angelica champions student success by strategically leading her team, offering a reasoned perspective rooted in deep pedagogical and systems expertise. She's a collaborative team player who thrives in interdisciplinary environments.


Miguel Silva

Miguel Silva

MA, Assistant Director, Student Affairs 

Miguel Silva was born in Portugal and raised in New Jersey and has been at NYU since 2012.

As Assistant Director of Student Affairs, Miguel works to ensure students have resources available to succeed academically while leading with purpose at GPH. He understands the University from a variety of perspectives: as both an undergraduate and graduate student, as well as an administrator.

Miguel believes students thrive when they’re both supported and appropriately challenged. He works closely with the Student Affairs team to ensure students have the necessary information and resources at appropriate times to succeed during their time at NYU.


Kristin

Kristin Cutler

MA, Assistant Director, Student Affairs

Born and raised in New Jersey, Kristin Cutler has been at NYU since 2021. Known for her approachable nature, Kristin enjoys getting to know students, learning about their goals, and helping them navigate their time at NYU with confidence. She creates meaningful connections with students and ensures they feel supported both personally and academically. Believing that students thrive when they are both challenged and cared for, Kristin works to provide the right resources, guidance, and encouragement to help students succeed and grow.


Alicia Ocasio

Alicia Betances

MA, Program Manager, Student Affairs

  • Email: ao58@nyu.edu
  • Phone: 212-992-6130
  • Office: 708 Broadway, 3rd floor, Room 333

Alicia Betances is a born and raised New Yorker with proud roots deeply embedded in Puerto Rico.

She is a dedicated higher education administrator who has been at NYU since 2017. Having found her passion for student affairs she received her M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from NYU Steinhardt in 2021.

She aspires to help build and sustain an overall successful student experience for individuals of all backgrounds that she encounters throughout higher education. Alicia hopes to inspire and be inspired by all the students she encounters as they navigate through their academic journeys!


Erica Garnes

Erica Garnes

BA, Program Administrator, Student Affairs 

Born in New York, raised in Indianapolis, and with beautiful roots deeply embedded in Zimbabwe, Erica Garnes is a passionate student program advisor with a love for fashion and a heart for guiding students through their academic journey. With a diverse background and an eye for style, Erica brings a unique perspective to mentoring and supporting students through their academic journey.

Having recently transitioned to a career in higher education, she has found admiration in making a meaningful impact on GPH students’ success. Committed to promoting development and growth, Erica aims to provide guidance and support for GPH students through her warm, enthusiastic, and bubbly personality. 


Jennifer

Jennifer Zapata

Program Administrator, Student Affairs

Born and raised in the Bronx, Jennifer Zapata has been with NYU since 2017. Jennifer's personal and professional experience as a first generation Dominican American drives her passion for providing students from diverse backgrounds with the equitable support needed to persist and attain success in their degree programs. Jennifer aims to provide a calming and empowering experience for all her students and colleagues.


Angel

Angel Levy

Administrative Aide II

Angel Levy grew up in Brooklyn, proudly, and maintains a fond connection to her South Carolina roots.

In her role as an administrative aide at GPH. Angel has an enthusiastic approach to people, giving confidence, and motivating others to be unapologetically authentic in defining as they find “their” success. 

Additionally, Angel is a great provider of inspiration as she spends her early mornings (often before the sun rises) volunteering with organizations such as God's Love We Deliver. She is a tireless advocate for her community and a true role model for those lucky enough to know her well.

Have a question? Connect with the Student Affairs team.