Learn more about our students and the outstanding experiences that are helping them succeed in and outside the classroom.
Summer Evans ’25
Summer Evans ’25 has secured a full-time position as a CT Scan Technologist at MidState Medical Center, where she has been working while completing her radiologic technology degree at UHart.
Madison Carangelo ’25
Madison Carangelo ‘25, Pre-Professional Health Sciences major, was inspired to pursue a career in healthcare after facing her own medical challenges.
Kyla DeBenedetto '25
Radiologic Technology soon-to-be graduate, Kyla DeBenedetto '25 said she was drawn to the rad tech field because of her passion for helping people.
Ida Hoxha DPT '26
Ida Hoxha, DPT 26’ is a shining example of how embracing opportunities can lead to remarkable success.
Michal Szpara ’14
Michal Szpara ’14, a health sciences pre-podiatry major in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions (ENHP), graduated from the New York College of Pediatric Medicine and completed his residency at Memorial Hospital and Kent Hospital in Rhode Island.
Wendy Martinson DNP '24
Wendy Martinson DNP ’24, a devoted nurse of 34 years, is excited to have completed her degree from the Doctor of Nursing Practice program (DNP) in UHart’s College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions (ENHP).
Hillyer College Helped Student Build Strong Campus Connections from the Start
Health sciences major Frederica Dampson ’26 says she was drawn to Hillyer College, where she began her academic journey, because of its smaller class sizes and in her third year seamlessly transitioned into the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions.
Lakeisha Mitchell
Lakeisha Mitchell DNP'26, a dedicated nurse educator, is set to begin her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) journey at the University of Hartford this fall. With a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) focused on Nursing Education from UHart, Lakeisha has honed her ability to engage with learners in face-to-face, clinical, and online environments.
Céilí Leahy '24
Céilí Leahy '24 is completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing this May. Her education has helped her secure a job as a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) nurse at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital.
Kyla DeBenedetto A’24, ’25
Kyla DeBenedetto A’24, ’25 will receive her associate degree upon completion of the radiologic technology program this May and plans to return to UHart again in the fall to earn her bachelor’s degree and a certification in magnetic resonance imaging.
Amy Bousquet DPT'24
Amy Bousquet DPT'24 graduated with a doctoral degree in physical therapy from the University of Hartford's College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions (ENHP) program. While she was at UHart her career trajectory took an exciting turn as she landed a full-time position at Neuro Tour Physical Therapy, touring with Broadway shows prior to graduation.
Molly Yale '24
With a heart full of compassion and a commitment to advocacy, Molly Yale ’24 embarked on her nursing journey at UHart with a clear purpose—to be a beacon of light for her patients during their darkest moments.
Hillyer Honors Student Arohi Verma ’26 Serves as a Leader and Mentor to Others
In addition to serving as the manager of Hillyer College’s tutoring center, Arohi Verma ’26, completed fieldwork in a second-grade classroom last semester at Allgrove Elementary School in East Granby, Connecticut.
Jennifer Martin ’24
Jennifer Martin ’24 secured a position as a pediatric nurse in the Emergency Department at Connecticut Children’s Hospital upon receiving her BSN. She decided to return to UHart and pursue her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
Unstoppable Momentum: Matt Glassoff's Dynamic Rise in Physical Therapy
Matt Glassoff, a dedicated student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Hartford, is on the path to remarkable success. Set to graduate this May, Matt has made significant strides in the physical therapy field and within the UHart community.
Maggie Philpott ’24
Maggie Philpott ’24 is a senior health sciences major in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions (ENHP) and her journey at UHart has been marked by determination, exploration, and a commitment to her field of study.
Tyanna Stewart ‘24
Tyanna Stewart ‘24, a first-generation student, always harbored a passion for health care but initially lacked a specific career goal. She was attracted to the University of Hartford, where she had the chance to explore various opportunities.
Bharati Shah (Bobbie) Chakraborty '24
Since childhood, Bobbie harbored a dream—to pursue higher education. This led her to UHart, where she’s immersed herself in the field of educational leadership, aspiring to merge mental health and education for the betterment of higher education.
Daileann Hemmings ’06, ‘11
Daileann Hemmings ’06, ‘11 is a shining example of passion and perseverance and has a remarkable journey in the field of nursing.
Mikayla Pascucci-Wallace ’20
Mikayla Pascucci-Wallace ’20 has turned her calling into a professional life that gives her a tremendous amount of personal satisfaction, while helping hundreds of others at the same time.
Camila Harris '22 M'25
Camila Harris ’22 M’25 is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) after completing her undergraduate degree at UHart in health science with a minor in psychology.
Jenna Atlas '21 M'24
Jenna Atlas ’21 M’24 is currently pursuing her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) after completing her undergraduate degree in health science with a pre-physical therapy track here at the University of Hartford.
UHart Prepares Students for Diverse Healthcare Paths
In a world where healthcare is evolving at an unprecedented pace, Health Sciences at the University of Hartford stands out for preparing students to pursue a wide array of healthcare roles.
Ryan Hegney ‘23
For Ryan Hegney ’23, it was simple: He wanted to become a nurse to make a difference in the world. He has already done that in so many ways at the University of Hartford, and is now taking his talents and compassion to patients at Northwell Health as a new registered nurse.
Paws-itive Impact: Grad and Therapy Dog Bring Joy and Healing to Patients
A graduate of the College of Education, Nursing, and Health Profession’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program (DPT) at the University of Hartford, Alyssa Powers DPT’23 has followed her dreams of combining her passion for helping others with her love for her dog, Willow.
Campus involvement sparks interest leading to internship
Campus involvement sparked interest in an internship opportunity for recent graduate, Dariana Rosario '23. She will be working as the equity and inclusion intern at the prestigious Miss Porter’s School in Farmington, CT.
Erin Daly '23
Wanting to be a ray of positive light during a patient’s darkest time is what inspired Erin Daley ’23 to study nursing at UHart. Now, 4 years after challenging classwork and hands-on clinicals, she has been hired by Hartford Hospital to work as a nurse in their Level 1 Trauma Center.
Internship Experience Confirms Student’s Desire to Pursue a School Psychology Career
Psychology major Kicha Pinthiere ’23 describes her internship at Intensive Education Academy (IEA) in West Hartford as an amazing experience that reinforced her desire to attend graduate school to pursue an education specialist degree in school psychology.
Kai Hobbs ’23
Growing up, Kai Hobbs ’23 saw several family members suffer from respiratory issues. So when Kai excelled in the sciences in high school, things clicked into place: Why not put those skills to use and help others suffering from similar challenges?
Clinical experience sparked Jillian Caldarola's interest in becoming a labor and delivery nurse
Nursing student Jillian Caldarola ’23 is excited to start her dream job as a labor and delivery nurse at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, Conn., and will probably feel right at home on her first day of work. That’s because Middlesex was one of her clinical placements in UHart’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.
Summer internship at Electric Boat’s health clinic helped Colin Larkin ’23 prepare for medical school
For Colin Larkin, a summer internship in the occupational health clinic at General Dynamics-Electric Boat in New London provided a first-hand look at treating patients and gave him valuable experience as he applies to medical school.
Breanna Karabeinikoff ’19 finds her path as a clinical dietician
Like many students, Breanna Karabeinikoff’s academic path didn’t follow a straight line. After starting out as a chemistry major, she decided to switch tracks to pursue her original dream of becoming a clinical dietician and is now working in a career she loves.
ENHP student prepares for medical school through summer enrichment program
Over the summer, Akosua Adu, a sophomore Health Sciences Pre-Professional student in the College of ENHP, was selected to participate in the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP), an enrichment program for students underrepresented in the health professions, including students of color and those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Gema Granados was immersed in the operating room through summer nursing fellowship
Over the summer, Gema Granados, a senior nursing student in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions, got a first-hand look at how the operating room works. Gema was accepted to the Hartford HealthCare Nursing Fellowship and was placed at Midstate Medical Center in Meriden. The eight-week fellowship included shadowing a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
Support from faculty prepared Nicole Gianakos ’22 for her teaching career
Even as a child, Nicole Gianakos always had an interest in teaching. “I had wonderful teachers growing up who made such an impact on my career choice and my life that I knew this was the career path for me,” she says. Nicole was able to fulfill her dreams at UHart and will begin her job as a third grade teacher at Dwight Belizzi Elementary School in Hartford this fall.
Jennifer Lauria-Errico '22 lands multiple imaging jobs at Connecticut hospitals
Jennifer Lauria-Errico ’22 graduated with a degree in Radiologic Technology from UHart’s College of Education, Nursing, and Health Professions. Her passion for the field, support from faculty, and clinical experience through UHart prepared her to enter the workforce with confidence. In fact, when it came time to apply for jobs, she was hired as a CT scan technologist at St. Francis Hospital, a CT scan technologist at The Hospital of Central Connecticut, and a radiologic technologist at The Hospital of Central Connecticut.
Cianna Winkler '22 is ready for her career in special education
Growing up, Cianna Winkler was always involved in helping others in her community. She participated in mentoring programs, coached elementary track, and taught dance to children with disabilities. She has turned that desire to help others into a career in special education, and was hired before graduation as a special education teacher at Betances Learning Lab Magnet School in Hartford.
Roheena Khan ’22 is headed to a Doctor of Clinical Psychology program this fall
For as long as she can remember, Roheena Khan has thrived on helping others in need. She will soon take the next step to meeting her goal of working in the health care field when she enters a four-year clinical psychology program (PsyD) at Alliant International University in Los Angeles this fall. She earned a BS in Health Sciences with a minor in psychology, and says the challenging courses prepared her to excel in graduate school.
Regents' Award Winner Teagan Devoe '22 balances athletics and the honors program
Teagan Devoe ‘22 has been interested in the medical field for a long time. Looking for a career on “the positive side of medicine,” as she puts it, led her to physical therapy. Teagan will graduate in May with a BS in Health Sciences and a minor in Psychology and will move directly into UHart’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program this summer. She has also received the Regents' Honor Award in recognition of her academic achievement.
Breanne Leblanc '22 will work at Rockville General Hospital as a CT technologist
Senior Breanne Leblanc ’22 is graduating from the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions with a BS in Radiologic Technology, and has been hired before graduation from her program. She plans to start a full-time third-shift position at ECHN Rockville General Hospital as a CT Technologist upon graduation.
Ruby Sweitzer ‘22 is headed to Nashville as a Montessori teacher
Shortly after graduation, Ruby Sweitzer ’22 will be packing up her things and moving to Nashville, Tennessee, where she is excited to start a job as a Montessori teacher. “I feel lucky to have found a wonderful Montessori school that aligns with my vision of how students should be taught through exploration and positive discipline,” she says. “I will begin teaching full time in a mixed-age classroom of 3-to-6 year olds.”
Hattie Hall '22 is ready to inspire students as a third grade teacher
Hattie Hall ‘22 was hired before graduation as a third grade teacher at Betances Learning Lab Magnet School in Hartford. She remembers wanting to become an elementary school teacher as early as third grade. Through her many years of babysitting, moving between school districts, and helping her younger brother, her love for teaching only grew stronger. She explains, “I took an interest in special education shortly after my brother was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder."
Christine Rogers '22 is headed to Hartford Hospital as a CT scan technologist
Growing up, Christine Rogers ‘22 always knew she wanted to work in the medical field. She came to UHart to find her way and hone her skills in the BS in Radiologic Technology program in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions (ENHP). An honors student, Rogers is graduating in May and has already accepted a full-time job at Hartford Hospital as a CT scan technologist. The support she received on campus and the exposure to real-life clinical opportunities have prepared her to enter the workforce with confidence.
Kelsey Galevich ‘22 Combines Softball with Her Love of Teaching
Kelsey Galevich ’22 studies hard, plays softball, does fieldwork, and student teaches. She has managed to do it all over the past four years at UHart and although she’ll graduate in May, she’s not yet finished achieving. “I plan to return to UHart to play my fifth year of softball and get my master's degree in special education,” she says when asked about future plans.
Respiratory Student Kaitlynn Oudekerk ’22 is Headed to Mass General Hospital
Being a respiratory therapist requires a solid understanding of advanced technology and the desire to compassionately care for people with breathing disorders. Kaitlynn Oudekerk ’22 exhibits both skills. She graduated from the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions (ENHP) with a degree in Respiratory Care and will work as a respiratory therapist at the prestigious Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Participation in clinical internships and the faculty attention she received equaled success for Kaitlynn, who was hired before she graduated from UHart.
DPT Student Emma Brown Published in Physical Therapy Journal
Emma Brown, a first-year student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions, has published her research in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Journal, a prestigious scientific journal. Emma started the research as an undergraduate in the University's honors program and earned her BS in Health Sciences in 2021 before continuing into the DPT program.
Lauren Abrams helps Running Club hit its stride
With more than 100 student clubs and organizations at the University of Hartford, chances are a student can find a club that fits their interest. And if not, the University will help them start a new one, as Lauren Abrams learned when she founded the UHart Running Club last year.
Health Science alum Vincent Pecorelli lands research fellowship with the U.S. Army
Since graduating from UHart in 2019 with a B.S. in Health Sciences, Vincent Pecorelli has pursued his passion for research through a fellowship at the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, an Army medical research lab, in Natick, Mass. Vincent is participating in an injury prevention research study of Army trainees, and travels to Army basic combat training installations around the country for field research and data collection.
Rad Tech program sparked Rachel Malinowski's interest in medical physics
For Rachel Malinowski ’21, the clinical experiences in UHart’s Radiologic Technology curriculum created a deepening interest in her field. In May, Rachel earned her bachelor's degree in Radiologic Technology with courses in advanced mathematics and physics, setting the stage for her next adventure, working as a radiologic technologist at Midstate Medical Center in Meriden. Furthermore, Malinowski will be pursuing a master’s degree in medical physics.
Support from faculty and peers propelled Ashleigh Capriotti '21 to success in Rad Tech
First generation college student Ashleigh Capriotti ’21 landed a job at Manchester Memorial Hospital as an X-ray and MRI technologist before she even graduated from UHart. The four-year program that she finished this May leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in Radiologic Technology. Graduates of the University of Hartford’s Radiologic Technology program enjoy nearly 100 percent job placement within 12 months of graduation.
Next steps for Hinal Rana ’21: Working at Griffin Hospital and preparing for medical school
For Hinal Rana ’21, taking advantage of opportunities at UHart and stepping outside her comfort zone helped her excel as a pre-med student. Hinal graduated with a bachelor’s degree in the Health Sciences Pre-Professional program and plans to spend the next year studying for the MCAT admission exam and gaining experience in a health care setting. She will be working as an executive assistant at Griffin Hospital in Derby, CT and will also conduct COVID-related research with Dr. Frederick Browne from Griffin.
Managing athletics and the honors program prepared Brittany Braun '21 to become a physician assistant
During her time at UHart, Brittany Braun ’21 perfected the skill of time management, successfully juggling varsity volleyball with the honors program. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in the Health Sciences Pre-Professional program and is planning to apply to graduate school to become a physician assistant.
Navy veteran Lee Page '21 moves into new career in radiologic technology
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Radiologic Technology, Lee Page ’21 is working at Manchester Memorial Hospital as a radiologic technologist after receiving three competitive job offers. He is also planning to pursue a master’s degree in education with the goal of teaching in the radiologic sciences.
Sarah Burke '21 is ready for her career in radiologic technology
Sarah Burke '21, a Radiologic Technology major in UHart’s College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions (ENHP), plans to work at Manchester Memorial Hospital as a radiologic technologist and after a year, begin training in mammography.
Hillyer College Experience Ensures Student’s Smooth Transition into ENHP’s Integrated Elementary and Special Education Program
Shannon Hammer ’22 is going to be working as a special education paraprofessional in the Oxford, Connecticut, school district this summer. The integrated elementary and special education major, who started her academic journey in Hillyer College, says she’ll be placed in an elementary or middle school under the guidance of a special education teacher.
Rachel Huynh '21 is on her way to becoming a pharmacist
Rachel is graduating from the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions (ENHP) with a degree in Health Sciences and has secured a place in Temple University School of Pharmacy to earn her Doctor of Pharmacy degree starting in the fall of 2021.
Alesha Heacock, Kimberly Sorrentino Named the 2021 Regents' Award Winners for ENHP
Alesha Heacock, a student in the Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics (MSPO) program, and Kimberly Sorrentino, a recent graduate of the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EdD) program, are the recipients of the 2021 Regents’ Award for Graduate Students in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions.
Health Science alumna tackles the challenges of COVID
For Megan Westcott ’16, working in public health during the COVID-19 pandemic has been “hectic yet incredibly rewarding.” As an epidemiologist for the West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District, her job involves everything from investigating disease outbreaks to organizing COVID vaccine clinics – and even getting dressed up in a COVID costume.
Physical Therapy student takes research to the baseball diamond
On many days last fall, ENHP honors student Matt Glassoff ’21 was hard at work on his senior project – but not in a classroom or laboratory. Instead, Matt was out on the athletic fields working with UHart’s Division I baseball team, conducting research to help improve the team’s batting performance.
Faculty Support Helps Hillyer Alumna Prepare for Respiratory Therapy Career
Wiktoria Milewska, a respiratory care major in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions (ENHP), has been named as an associate board member of the American Lung Association (ALA), Northeast Region, based in East Hartford, Connecticut. Wiktoria, who began her academic journey in Hillyer College, was recommended for the position by a current board member this summer after she helped the organization with its fundraising efforts.
Meghan Becerril '20, Health Sciences
Sometimes a student’s college journey takes a different path than they expected. That was the case for Meghan Becerril, who graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and a minor in Communication. Meghan’s original plan was to become a pre-pharmacy major.
Brianna Tribble-Bryant '20
Graduating senior Brianna Tribble-Bryant will begin work as a kindergarten teacher at CREC’s Museum Academy come the fall. She credits the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions (ENHP) with providing the guidance and support she needed to truly learn and understand the field of education.
A UHart Parent's Experience
One of the main reasons Gayle Silver's daughter Erica chose the University of Hartford was because of its physical therapy program. Gayle says, “When we learned about the combined Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Physical Therapy program at UHart, we realized this was a wonderful option. Erica will earn her bachelor’s degree and then move directly into the graduate physical therapy program.”
Quimby Wechter '20, Health Science/Pre-DPT
Quimby Wechter ’20 is the recipient of this year’s Belle K. Ribicoff Prize, awarded for academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and originality of thought. She will work at Boston Children's Hospital as a clinical research assistant in the neurology department and looks forward to helping children with spinal muscular atrophy and muscular dystrophy.
Nick Foucault '20, Radiologic Technology
UHart's superb Radiologic Technology program allowed graduating senior Nick Foucault to rotate to various clinical settings, ranging from outpatient facilities to busy hospitals. His clinical experience led to a job offer at Manchester Memorial Hospital at the end of his junior year.
Kieu-My Nguyen '20
Graduating commuter student Kieu-My Nguyen will be attending medical school this coming fall at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine to become an osteopathic physician. Her passion for medicine, the faculty and classroom guidance in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions, and involvement on campus equipped her for this exciting endeavor.
Alyssa Clifford '20
Since 2017, Alyssa Clifford spent every summer as a working intern and patient coordinator at Harvey and Lewis Opticians in West Hartford. It was there that she developed a love of optometry and was able to learn the optometry business and insurance skills. In the fall, Alyssa will be pursuing a Doctor of Optometry degree at the New England College of Optometry in Boston.
Lydia Farmer, Health Sciences, '20
As a Health Sciences major and member of the Honors Program, Lydia Farmer was able to use the knowledge and skills she learned in and out of the classroom to form a connection with faculty and students that eventually lead to her taking the next step in her academic career, going to graduate school.
Student's Invention Gives Children with Cerebral Palsy Freedom in the Pool
The Water Strider, an innovative device for children with cerebral palsy, was designed and built by Josh Breighner ‘20, a student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Mackenzie Ford
When Mackenzie Ford received her degree at Commencement on May 19, her achievement wasn't only a personal milestone. She's also the first graduate of UHart's Montessori bachelor’s degree program.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.