College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions Success Stories
Learn more about our students and the outstanding experiences that are helping them succeed in and outside the classroom.
Mikaela Nelson
Children love playing with dolls they can identify with. But for many kids with disabilities, it's difficult to find dolls that look like them. Mikaela Nelson ’19 is hoping to change that.
Jamie Rubinstein
Most summer interns don't get to watch brain surgery or conduct their own clinical research. But for Jamie Rubinstein ’18, these activities were all part of a day’s work during her summer Pre-Med and Research Fellowship at Hartford Hospital. She is now working as a clinical research assistant at Rhode Island Hospital.
Cameron McFarlane, Meghan Becerril, Jona Lalaj
For students aiming to become optometrists, pharmacists, or other health professionals, the opportunity to spend six weeks immersed in these professions can be invaluable. Three undergraduates were fortunate to have this experience as part of the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP). Meghan Becerril ’20, Cameron McFarlane ’20, and Joana Lalaj ’20 were selected for the competitive program this past summer.
BFit Physical Therapy Program
Nine-year-old Emma felt sad when she couldn't join her friends to play sports. She used a wheelchair because of cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that affects body movement and muscle coordination. Today, she’s using a walker more and able to participate in movement exercises thanks to BFit, a unique power-based exercise program provided by UHart Professor of Physical Therapy Mary Gannotti and 15 of her students in partnership with clinicians from Shriners Hospitals—Springfield.
Michael McCauley
Scuba diving can be challenging for amputees, but thanks to an innovative underwater study by alumnus Michael McCauley M’16 and Duffy Felmlee, assistant professor of prosthetics and orthotics in the University’s Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, there is hope for improved function of prosthetic devices under water.
Mikayla Pascucci
Mikayla Pascucci ’18 has kicked her career into high gear since graduating from the University of Hartford with a bachelor’s degree in integrated elementary and special education. She’s a sixth grade special education teacher, is enrolled in the master’s degree program in special education in ENHP, and is collaborating with Associate Professors Sheetal Sood and Lisa Zawilinski on a research project.
Mackenzie Ford
When Mackenzie Ford received her degree at Commencement on May 19, her achievement was not only a personal milestone. It was also significant for the University, as Mackenzie is the first graduate of its Montessori bachelor’s degree program.