Program Staff

Beth A. Bailey, Ph.D.
Director
Beth Bailey has 22 years of experience in medical school admissions, most recently as the Assistant Dean for Admissions at the University of Virginia School of Medicine.  Beth is responsible for administrative oversight of the Post-Bac Pre-Med Program, and provides one-on-one advising to students, and serves as Chair of the Post-Bac Pre-Med Admissions Committee.  During the academic year, she also conducts program sessions on navigating the medical school admissions process and preparing for medical school interviews.  

Lori Nicolaysen, M.Ed.
Associate Director
Lori Nicolaysen has been a Career Counselor at U.Va. since 2000 and a Premedical Advisor for the Post-Bac Pre-Med Program since its inception in 2006.  With almost 20 years of experience in mental health, career planning, and counseling, Lori provides support to students in a variety of areas including glide year job searching, course planning, and maintaining wellness.  Lori also assists Beth Bailey in guiding students through the medical school admissions process and serves on the Post-Bac Pre-Med Admissions Committee. 

Robert E. Burnett, Ph.D.
Academic Director
Dr. Burnett has been a Professor of Chemistry and an enthusiastic adviser for premedical students for more than 35 years. In addition, he has held senior research leadership positions in both academic and pharmaceutical organizations.  For the Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program, Dr. Burnett serves as a member of the admissions committee and works closely with students on the academic components of the program from matriculation through completion and application to medical school.  He also teaches organic lecture and laboratory courses specifically for students in the program. 

Robert D. Powers, M.D., M.P.H
Medical Director
Dr. Powers is a physician with over 25 years in academic practice.  He is currently a Professor in the University of Virginia Departments of Medicine and Emergency Medicine, and sees patients and teaches in the Emergency Department, inpatient Internal Medicine wards, Palliative care, and outpatient adult clinics.  In the Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program, Dr. Powers serves on the admissions committee and contributes to program administration and student advising.  Dr. Powers also teaches a seminar on the structure, function, financing, and challenges of the American health care system.  He also supervises and coordinates clinical orientation and shadowing experiences for students to enable them to get direct exposure to patient care and medical practice. 

Susan Pott
Program Coordinator
Susan Pott joined the Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program staff in 2006 after working as a program assistant with the U.Va. Community Scholar Program.  As program coordinator, she works closely with students, faculty, and various departments across the university offering administrative support and coordinating many multi-faceted components such as events and seminars.  Before joining U.Va. in 2004, Susan taught elementary art education in Albemarle County, Virginia and in North Carolina.