Undergraduate Office Welcomes New Staff

The Mellon College of Science's Office of Undergraduate Affairs welcomed new staff members in the past year. Krystalyn Kovacs and Abigail Pinnow are new to Carnegie Mellon University, and Tara Primiero took on a new role within MCS.

Krystalyn Kovacs

Kovacs attended Clarion University of Pennsylvania, where after exploring interests in psychology, philosophy and chemistry, she graduated with a bachelor’s of science degree in biology with a focus on ecology.

Before joining MCS, she worked at the Carnegie Science Center on their Science on the Road program. There, she traveled across the United States, bringing interactive science programs to children and adults alike. Though she enjoyed her work, Kovacs said she wanted to make a change.

"I wanted to be closer to academia and college-level education and to work with students at a deeper level," Kovacs said. "I knew that working with MCS would put me in a great position to build long-term relationships with students while still being surrounded by the sciences I loved."

Kovacs’ current role is as an undergraduate programs coordinator. She said she hopes to make students feel safe and welcome, and she looks forward to working with them and answering their questions.

"Stop by to chat! We have candy," Kovacs said.

Abigail Pinnow

Pinnow graduated from Saint Mary’s College in 2022 with majors in theatre, humanistic studies and gender and women’s studies. Pinnow enjoyed her time in college so decided to apply to work in academia. She joined the MCS in August 2022.

"I work with a great team of people," Pinnow said. "Everyone is very friendly and welcoming. It’s a great place to learn new skills."

Pinnow’s role as an undergraduate programs administrator. Her work is a mix of administrative work and student-focused interactions. Often, she is the first point of contact when students visit the Office of Undergraduate Affairs in person, and she said she is happy to answer any questions when they stop by. She looks forward to learning more about MCS and the people who are part of the MCS community.

"I’m here to be a resource to faculty, staff and students," Pinnow said. "I want to be a bridge between them and to help as much as I can."

Tara Primiero

Primiero is a familiar face around MCS, having started in 2013. Initially in an administrative role in the Department of Biological Sciences, she moved to an administrative role in the college’s undergraduate office in 2019. In June 2022, she transitioned to her current role as a First Year Academic Advisor.

"MCS is a fantastic place to be," Primiero said. "I'm excited and passionate about what I do every day. The people I work with are wonderful, and that's everyone from the students to the faculty and the staff. Everyone's deeply committed and excited about what they're doing, and so it just makes you excited to come to work each day."

Primiero received her bachelor’s degree of arts in history of art and architecture from the University of Pittsburgh. She is passionate about learning, having worked in education programs at the Children’s Museum in Pittsburgh before coming to Carnegie Mellon.

In her new role, she said she hopes to expand her connections with students, showing them the opportunities that are available at MCS and beyond.