Read about our students and the incredible hands-on experiences and opportunities that are helping them succeed in and outside the classroom.
Research with Faculty Helps Biology Student Prepare for a Career in Medicine
Biology major Rhiannon Lara ’26 is one of four students who recently had research published in Frontiers in Microbiology with biology faculty Associate Professor Adam Silver and Assistant Professor Laura Enz
Vidhi Patel ’25, M’26
Vidhi Patel ’25, M’26, a 3+1 student studying marketing and psychology, recently completed a pretty sweet summer internship at Ben & Jerry’s. During her time there, she took on a dual role, overseeing operations for the catering team while also contributing to the company's marketing efforts.
Tiana Notice '07
At the University of Hartford, Tiana became an activist committed to many issues facing the nation, including the plight of the disenfranchised.
Ronald F. Barisano ‘74
Ronald Barisano has a professional toolbox of skills that has served him well in a host of positions, many of them focused on community and educational initiatives.
Communication Alumna’s Marketing Agency Internship Turns into a Full-Time Position
Before graduation, communication student Natalie Vargas ’24 started working as a media coordinator for Cronin, a full-service advertising and public relations agency in Glastonbury, Connecticut.
Albani Hunt ’24 Joins NBC Sports as a Summer Olympics Production Intern
Albani Hunt ’24 says being accepted to the NBC Sports internship program for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 is surreal. She will be working as Olympic Games production intern out of the NBC Sports studios in Stamford, Connecticut.
Criminal Justice Student and Campus Activist Royston Lester ’26 Encourages Others to Get Involved
A criminal justice major with a minor in sociology, and a member of UHart’s Pre-Law Advising Program, Royston Lester's ‘26 academic journey has been guided by a passion for understanding the complexities of crime, law, and society.
Marren Roy ’24 is Heading to UConn Graduate School to Study Organic Chemistry
Chemistry major Marren Roy ’24 is heading to UConn graduate school to study organic chemistry and says UHart gave her a great deal of hands-on experience with lab instruments and techniques commonly used in the field.
Mackenzie Root ’24 to Attend Graduate School at UCLA
Mackenzie Root ’24 says her triple degree in criminal justice, politics and government, and sociology has prepared her to pursue a multidisciplinary master’s in social science degree at UCLA.
Jesus Rodriguez ’24 Joins CGI as a Software Developer
Computer Science major Jesus Rodriguez ’24 begins work in June as a software developer at CGI in Hartford, one of the largest IT and business consulting firms in the world.
Brianna D’Urso ’25 Presenting Computer Science Research with Faculty at International AI Conference
Thanks to a National Science Foundation Student Travel Award, Brianna D’Urso ’25 will be presenting research completed with Computer Science Professor Ingrid Russell at the Florida Artificial Intelligence Research Society’s (FLAIRS).
Alexa Schwartz ’24 Chosen for this Spring’s Connecticut Poetry Circuit Student Tour
Alexa Schwartz '24 is one of five Connecticut student poets who were selected to tour this spring and read their poetry at universities and other venues throughout the state.
Biology Student Abigail Howard ’24 to Attend Optometry School in the Fall
Abigail “Abby” Howard ’24 is well on her way of realizing her dream of becoming an optometrist. This fall, she’ll attend the Doctor of Optometry program at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Data Science Student Ty Millette ’25 Gets Real-World Experience at The Hartford
Ty Millette '25, data science major, had the opportunity to work on the data visualization project for The Hartford.
Jocelyn Dias ’24 Gains Valuable Experience Through Internship, Courses, and Campus Involvement
Digital Media and Journalism student Jocelyn Dias ’24 took a tour of NBC Studios in New York City during her freshman year of high school and was hooked.
Kadean Brown '16 M'24
Kadean Brown '16 M’24 is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Communication to build upon her undergraduate studies in communication. The academic journey that Kadean has been on while at UHart has helped to prepare her for an everchanging landscape in the corporate world.
Alumna Finds Criminal Justice Program Opens Up Many Career Paths
Alexia Desir ’21 worked for Children’s Services in community services before landing her current position as an investigator for the Child Support Enforcement Team of Rockland County, New York’s Department of Social Service, where her responsibilities include investigating absent parents with court-ordered child support obligations and enforcing them.
Criminal Justice Alumna Finds Fulfilling Role Working for Connecticut’s Judicial Branch
“Criminal justice is a rewarding field,” says Kaylah Miller ’19. “You get to help the public and can make a difference in someone’s life.” Miller double majored in criminal justice and politics and government and is now working for the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch in the New Britain Superior Court as a family services court intake assistant.
Alumna’s Law Career Started with UHart’s Criminal Justice Program
Courtney Hyman ’20 recently graduated from Western New England Law School and now serves as a staff attorney with Community Legal Aid’s Family Law Unit in Northampton, Massachusetts.
Benjamin Weiner ’25 Applies Skills Learned in the Classroom to Marketing Internship
Benjamin Weiner ‘25 is interning this summer in the Field Marketing Division of A.P. Keaton, a marketing firm in Great Neck, New York, where he is researching event spaces for client launch events, assisting with scaling brands, and helping to come up with innovative ways to market their clients' products.
English-Secondary Education Student MaKenna Sweeney ’25 is Making a Difference in the Classroom and Beyond
MaKenna Sweeney ’25 says the tutoring and teaching experiences she’s had in the English-Secondary Education program has reaffirmed that she is on the right career path. “It has shown me that making a difference in students' lives is not only possible, but worth it,” she says.
Incoming Physics Student Conducted Research with UHart Professor While in High School
Many students in the College of Arts and Sciences can join a professor’s research team as early as their first year. But is it possible before their senior year of high school? Incoming physics major Andrew Rittenberg ’27 did just that when he worked with Associate Professor of Physics Brian Wells on a research project to measure and calculate the refractive properties of standard 3D printing filament, so it can be used to 3D print various flat lenses for microwave measuring equipment.
Connecticut Sea Grant Enables Myalia Durno ’24 to Expand Research Along Connecticut Coast
Myalia Durno ’24 cannot neglect her passion for the environment. The psychology major with minors in environmental studies and mathematics was awarded the well-respected Connecticut Sea Grant.
Independent Filmmaker and Cinema Major Leo Caserta ’23 Graduates with Impressive Body of Work
Cinema major Leo Caserta ’23 is well on his way to fulfilling his dream of becoming an independent filmmaker, having already completed a portfolio that earned him a Creativity Award from UHart’s School of Communication.
Criminal Justice Internship Leads to Full-Time Position for Mark Zocco ’23
Criminal justice major and sociology minor Mark Zocco ’23 is now working in the Hartford Superior Court’s family clerk’s office after completing an internship with the Connecticut Judicial Branch Experiential Learning Program (JBEL).
Digital Media and Journalism Student Cole Cayer ’23 Joins Hartford Yard Goats as Media Assistant
Experience both in and outside of the classroom has prepared Cole Cayer ’23, a digital media and journalism major with an emphasis in sports journalism, for his new media assistant position with the Hartford Yard Goats minor league baseball team.
Faculty Support Helped Caitlin Topping ’23 Find Her Voice
Digital Media and Journalism major Caitlin Topping ’23 secured a position before graduation with Enjet Aero, an aerospace component manufacturer in Manchester, Connecticut.
Nicholas Piscitelli '23
Nicholas Piscitelli is a senior in the Barney School of Business, majoring in Marketing with a double minor in Psychology and Communication. Following graduation, he has already landed a position at NextLevel Consultants.
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.
Hands-on Research Prepares Mariangelie Beaudry ’23 to Study Genetic Counseling in Graduate School
Biology major Mariangelie Beaudry ‘23 will study for a masters in genetic counseling at the University of Connecticut this fall, as she prepares for a career as a genetic counselor who works with couples and children.
Travelers Internship and Research with Faculty Prepares Computer Science Student for Graduate School
Computer Science major Rahul Kumar ’23 is heading to Fordham University to study for a master's in computer science. While at UHart, he completed an internship with Travelers as a claim tech, where he used machine learning to determine whether the company was paying the correct amount for its insurance claims.
Psychology Student Emily Schwartz ’23 Prepares for Graduate School
Emily Schwarts '23 started her academic career in UHart’s Hillyer College and says the experience helped her academically and prepared her to be more confident when she transitioned into the College of Arts and Sciences. Now she's moving on to graduate school.
Successful Communication Student Hannah Shershow ’23 Values Start in Hillyer College
Communication major Hannah Shershow ’23 says her time at Hillyer College was academically challenging, fun, and the best way to transition from high school into college. When Hannah started at UHart, she was not sure of her academic goals and says with the help of her Hillyer professors, she soon found what she enjoyed and was able to fully delve into her academic journey.
Student Applies Data Science Skills to Risk Management internship and Insurance Company Project
Steven Rimdzius ’23 served on a team that conducted an in-depth analysis of the effects of COVID-19 on the insurance industry for The Hartford last spring.
School of Communication Alumni Working for ESPN’s SportsCenter
Experience gained both in and outside of the classroom has helped two recent graduates of UHart’s School of Communication land production assistant positions at ESPN’s SportsCenter program. Ryan Kelsey ’21 joined the sports broadcasting giant in fall 2021, and Derek Bennett ’22 was hired in August shortly after graduation.
Communication Student Gains Real-World Experience Through Connecticut Public Radio Internship and Work in Student-Run Agency Crested Communications
Sara enrolled in UHart’s MA in Communication program because she says she knew it would advance her career goals and give her the chance to continue to serve as the news director of the student-run television network STN.
Recent Digital Media and Journalism Graduate Lands Position as a Professional Reporter
Chad Charette ’22 started working as a multimedia journalist for WWNY in Watertown, New York, immediately after graduation, thanks to his involvement in the School of Communication’s student-run television station STN.
Kyle Conti ’20, M’22 Takes His Documentary Filmmaking Experience to NFL Films
Kyle Conti has accepted a position with NFL Films to work on HBO’s Hard Knocks, a reality sports documentary series that focuses on a new NFL team each year. Kyle is a recent graduate of the UHart School of Communication’s MA in Communication program, and also earned a double major in Cinema, and Digital Media and Journalism after starting his academic journey in UHart’s Hillyer College.
Elaysia Chambers ‘22 Heads to Grad School to Study Speech-Language Pathology
Elaysia Chambers ’22 is graduating with a degree in psychology from the College of Arts and Sciences, and will be attending Molloy College’s Master of Science Program in Speech-Language Pathology. In addition, she was the co-president of Women for Change, vice president of the Caribbean American Student Association, a resident assistant, and an Arts & Sciences Ambassador!
Morgan Hoadley ’22 Hired as Kindergarten Behavior Technician After Graduation
Morgan Hoadley ’22 is working as a Kindergarten Behavior Technician at Mary P. Hinsdale Elementary School in Winsted, Connecticut after graduating with a degree in criminal justice from the College of Arts and Sciences.
UHart Regents Award Recipient Daniel Baqaeen ’22 Considering Multiple Software Engineer Positions
Daniel Baqaeen ’22 is considering multiple software engineer job offers that will allow him to work remotely. A computer science and engineering major with minors in data science and mathematics, Daniel is a recipient of the 2022 Senior Regents Honors Award which recognizes high-performing students.
Keona Marie Gomes ‘25 Takes First Place in both the Connecticut Elevator Pitch Olympics and UHart Business Pitch Competitions
Keona Marie Gomes ‘25, a criminal justice major in the College of Arts and Sciences, was recently awarded first place in both the Connecticut Elevator Pitch Olympics and UHart’s Business Pitch Competition that is sponsored annually by the Barney School of Business. Her pitch for the Med-Buddy, a touch-screen daily pill dispenser and alert system, won the statewide $2,500 prize, and a $800 award from the UHart competition. The winner of the Connecticut competition is also provided with access to legal counsel and an engineering team to help the idea become a reality.
As Psychology Student Heads to Grad School, She Reflects on Faculty Support and Mentoring
Madeline Blinderman ’21 is heading to the University of Saint Joseph in August to pursue a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Madeline graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in December. She says she decided to study psychology because of her personal experiences with mental health difficulties and her passion for helping others. Her long-term goal is to become a mental health therapist.
Graduating Communication Student Appreciates the Strong Academic Foundation Offered in Hillyer College
When Communication major Ethan Frankel ‘22 started in Hillyer College, he was planning on a teaching career and took several education courses and completed fieldwork for those classes at the Farmington Valley Transition Academy. But the opportunity to explore various subjects beyond his major resulted in Ethan changing his major to communication. “Taking different courses allowed me to get a peek at multiple fields of study that the University has to offer,” he says.
From Hillyer College to Graduate-Level Courses, Communication Student Excels Beyond the Classroom
Ryan Gorneault '22 is enrolled in UHart’s School of Communication’s accelerated degree program which allows high-performing undergraduate communication students to take courses that count toward both an undergraduate and graduate communication degree. Ryan, who is pursuing a major in communication with an emphasis in media studies, and minors in creative writing, and digital media and journalism, started his academic journey in Hillyer College where he says his professors helped him cultivate his interests in writing and communication.
Faculty Support and Study-Abroad Experience Prepares Student for a Career in Foreign Service
It’s no surprise that Benedicta Kwarteng '23, who is pursuing a double major in international studies and politics and government, and a minor in French, is planning to work in foreign service in the hopes of becoming a career diplomat.
Criminal Justice Student’s Internship and Campus Experiences Prepare Her for Law School
Upon graduation, Dana Brooks '23 plans to attend law school to become a criminal defense lawyer. An Honors student pursuing a major in criminal justice and minors in sociology and Spanish, Dana is planning to graduate early and wants to work to reform the criminal justice system, particularly with regard to how it impacts marginalized and oppressed people.
Research Opportunity Helps Student Toward Goal of Becoming a Physician
Biology major Camryn Butera '22 has been a member of Associate Professor of Biology Paola Sacchetti’s Alzheimer’s Disease research team since her sophomore year. Camryn says becoming a physician is her life-long goal and that Sacchetti has had a profound impact on her.
Scholarship Recipient Appreciates Opportunities for Continued Growth and Achievement
Deja George '24 is excelling in the philosophy program’s new concentration in philosophy and social justice which includes courses from the interdisciplinary minors in Africana studies, environmental studies, and gender and sexuality studies. Students in the concentration learn about the causes of inequality and injustice, and how to apply moral and political philosophy to these issues.
Biology Alumna Accepted to 10 Dental Schools
Tanaya Williams ‘19 is attending the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine after considering offers from 10 dental schools across the country.
Veterinary School in Ireland is Next Step for Pre-Medical Advising and Honors Program Alumna
Jill Ernst ’21 believes UHart provided her with the support and foundation needed to achieve her next level of success in veterinary school in Dublin, Ireland, where she is studying conservation medicine with a focus on epidemiology. A UHart Honors Program alumna, Ernst graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences with a degree in biology and was part of the pre-medical professions advising program. She says the Honors Program offered her challenging courses that formed the foundation of her academic success, while the faculty provided the support that allowed her to follow her dream of “making a difference.”
Biochemistry Alumna Credits Her Overall UHart Experience With Her Success as She Pursues a PhD
Abigail (Abby) Myers is pursuing her PhD in neuroscience at the University of Vermont, but says it was the undergraduate experiences she had at UHart that set her up for success! A love of the subject matter, working hard in the classroom, being involved in extracurricular activities, and developing relationships with professors set Myers apart from other graduate school applicants as she began exploring her future beyond UHart.
Skills Gained in and Outside the Classroom Help Recent Alumnus in His New Role
Nate Carr '21 is working at The Travelers as a pricing analyst in the company’s Product Management Development Program and says the College of Arts and Sciences gave him an understanding of statistics, modeling, and economic concepts that are very helpful in navigating the insurance industry.
Alumnus Credits School of Communication Coursework and Faculty for His Success
Ryan Kelsey ‘21 says there aren’t enough words to describe how well UHart’s School of Communication prepared him for his new job as a photographer and editor for FOX61 in Hartford, Connecticut. “I would not be where I am today without these courses and help from my communication professors.”
Campus Involvement Enriches Student's Experience and Leads to Career
John Lamaita ’21, studied psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences. After what he describes as an “amazing” experience at UHart, he is headed to the University of Buffalo to pursue his master of education in higher education and student affairs.
Kimberly John M'21
Dedicated MA in neuroscience major, Kimberley John M’21, is graduating from the College of Arts and Sciences this spring and will begin a position as a Molecular Biologist for the Neuroscience department at PTC Therapeutics.
Computing Sciences Department Prepares Sisters for Successful Internships at Electric Boat
Sisters Amanda and Rachel Liang are a dynamic duo who are excelling both in and outside of the classroom in UHart’s Computing Sciences Department. Amanda ’21 is a computer science major interested in software design and development, while Rachel ’22, is a computer science and engineering major intent on a career in software development and the engineering side of electronics.
Strong Curriculum and Internship Opportunities Help Communication Student Get Hired Before Graduation
Joshua Marcial was hired before graduation as the branch marketing creative manager for Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp in Auburn, Massachusetts, overseeing the creation of the company’s promotional videos, social media, marketing pieces, events, and advertising strategy.
Beyond the Classroom Experience Prepares Communication Student For Her Future
Upon graduation, Skye Trotter ’21 has a position waiting for her in Annapolis, Maryland, where she will be handling marketing and search engine optimization (SEO) work as a digital marketing associate for Frost Law, a corporate law firm. A communication major with an emphasis in public relations and advertising, Skye also has a minor in politics and government.
Research and Real-World Experience Prepares Biology Student for Pharmacy School and Beyond
Yousuf Al-Abduladheem ‘21 is heading to the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Pharmacy to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. An international student from Jordan, he is graduating from the College of Arts and Sciences with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minor in Chemistry. Yousuf says his dream is to eventually attend medical school and he’s made countless strides toward this goal by doing academic research with professors and getting hands-on experience outside of the classroom.
Student’s Passion for Mathematics, Plus Faculty Support, Equals Academic Success
Jared Rubin ’21, a mathematics major with a minor in data science, is getting ready to present his honors thesis at this spring’s UHart Undergraduate Honors Research Colloquium. This fall he will further his education in Drexel University’s MS in Data Science program
Variety of Internships Help Student Aspire to Wide-Ranging Career Goals
Chaz Young ’21 has held a variety of marketing and political internships to help him explore his interests and career opportunities. A double major in communication and criminal justice with minors in politics and government, and digital media and journalism, Chaz is currently completing an internship with the Connecticut General Assembly (CGA) where he is assisting State Representative Roland Lemar (D-96) and the legislature’s Transportation Committee.
Honors Student Launches Humanitarian Outreach Project for Ugandan Women
Thanks to the support of a Dorothy Goodwin Scholarship, Kerren Katembo ’22 is hoping to visit Uganda this summer to fulfill her dream of working with the Avon, Connecticut-based organization Guiding Light Orphans (GLO). A biology major and psychology minor in the College of Arts and Sciences, Kerren is also part of UHart’s Pre-Medical Professions Advising Program and is planning on a career as a pediatric surgeon.
Student's Love of Science and People is Leading to a Career in Medicine
Megan Anderson ‘21, a biology student in UHart’s Premedical Advising Program, is working with Associate Professor of Biology and Department Chair Aime Levesque on a cancer research project and is planning on a career in pediatric sports medicine.
Internships and Campus Experiences Prepare Communication Student for his Future
Joshua Marcial ’21 recently completed a communication internship with UHart’s College of Arts and Sciences that will help him achieve his career goal of working in corporate communications. A communication major with an emphasis in media & journalism, Joshua’s internship focused on writing stories about successful A&S students, alumni, and faculty. He also was an intern for Neighborhood Housing Services of Waterbury (NHSW), which he says helped him learn how vital a role communication plays in the success of an organization.
A Scientist in the Making, Abigail Myers Takes on Cellular Neurobiology Research
Abigail “Abby” Myers ’21 is working with Assistant Professor of Biology Andrew Koob on a research project to find treatments for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Abby says she chose to study biochemistry because it gives her the ability to relate scientific chemical processes to human life, and it will help her reach her goal of becoming a scientist.
Bryson Owens Secures Position with Newsweek Just in Time for the Election
Bryson Owens '18, M'20 is working remotely as an associate video producer for Newsweek providing video content for its social media channels and website including the presidential and vice-presidential debates, the Amy Coney Barrett supreme court confirmation hearings, as well as election night coverage.
Student Teaching Experiences, Opportunities, and Supportive Faculty Help Launch Recent Grad’s Career
Peter Graywacz ‘20 is realizing his dream as a ninth-grade algebra teacher at Classical Magnet School in Hartford, Connecticut. Although he could have never expected to begin his career during a pandemic, Graywacz says he was able to make that transition due to the opportunities he had for hands-on student teaching beginning in his first semester.
Erin Sussmann '20
Recent UHart grad Erin Sussmann double majored in electrical engineering and computer science through the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture (CETA) and the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S). She is now working as a software engineer in Target’s Technology Leadership Program. Through this opportunity, she will be rotating through different departments within Target’s Technology Services before being placed in a permanent position. As an aspiring female engineer, connections to industry organizations and much hard work helped Erin land a great professional position before graduation.
Cinema Alumnus Turns Movie Idea Into Reality
Jake Fay ’16 started writing the screenplay for his first feature film, The Process, during his senior year as a cinema student in UHart’s College of Arts and Sciences. Featuring 35 speaking roles and 50 extras, the film marks Fay's directorial debut and is already earning notoriety.
Gabriella Silva '20 Heads to Fordham University School of Law
Gabriella Silva ‘20 is attending Fordham University School of Law this fall, focusing on public interest law due to her strong desire to expand her knowledge in immigration law, criminal law, and economic development. Silva says her UHart professors have contributed enormously to her academic growth and ultimately helped her in deciding to attend law school at Fordham.
Salman Hussain ’20, M’21
Computer engineering and computer science double major plays active role in robotics at UHart and local private school. He is continuing his studies at UHart for graduate school in the MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering program.
Hands-On Research Experience Helps Psychology Honors Student Launch Her Career
Caitlin Cabral ‘20 was hired as a project research assistant for Optum, a pharmacy benefit management company that is part of UnitedHealth Group. Cabral, who earned a degree in psychology with a minor in gender studies (now gender and sexuality studies) from UHart’s College of Arts and Sciences, joined Optum’s Patient Insights Division to support scientists who are working on patient-reported outcomes.
Caitlin Maralack '20
Senior Caitlin Maralack, explains that “UHart gave me the education, confidence and opportunity to get involved and explore my passions and interests in different areas.” This is exactly what the triple-majoring graduate and D1 athlete did. She made the most of her four years at the University of Hartford.
Alumna Grateful to UHart for Shaping Her Successful School Psychology Career
Elementary School Psychologist Amanda Gonzalez ‘08, M’12, C‘13 was hired by a bilingual school district during her last year at UHart—a job she’s held for the last eight years. earned an undergraduate degree in psychology and a minor in sociology in just three years by taking extra classes. She then completed UHart’s Master’s in School Psychology program and earned her Sixth-Year Certificate in school psychology.
Jade Soto '20
Jade Soto ’20 is an entrepreneur, so an internship with The Entrepreneurial Center and Women’s Business Center in East Hartford, Conn was a perfect match for her. Soto, who will graduated in December 2020 with a degree in communications with an emphasis in digital media & journalism, was an intern without course credit at the Entrepreneurial Center (EC) in fall, 2019.
Recent Graduate Launches Country Music Podcast by Applying Skills Learned in Podcasting Course
Kyle Corbliss ‘20 says he decided to start a country music podcast called Remember Country Music because he has a strong desire to work in the country music industry.
Olaleye Onikuyide Receives John G. Lee Award
From organizing political campaigns to designing an outreach program for Hartford’s homeless population, Olaleye Onikuyide ’20 shows his commitment to community service. The University is recognizing this dedication by presenting him the John G. Lee Award, given annually to an exemplary graduating senior based on three criteria: academic excellence (based mainly on cumulative grade point average), community service, and a home address in one of 30 designated towns in the Greater Hartford area.
Communication Student Finds Commuting Doesn’t Hold Her Back
When Eve Betterini ‘20 chose to start commuting to the University of Hartford after completing her first year, she was unsure of how she would continue interacting with the campus community. Eve found commuting did not limit her undergraduate experience. In fact, it motivated her to stay active within the campus community and pursue more clubs and organizations than she had before.
Yavana Ganesh '20
When Yavana Ganesh first declared her dual degrees in chemistry and politics and government, along with an environmental studies minor, she was unsure of what her future career would be. However, with the help of UHart’s supportive, connected, and resourceful faculty, she found find a path that would integrate her dual interests.
Jacob Lamoureux '20
Upon graduation with a communication and sociology (minor) degree, senior Jacob Lamoureux will begin a customer success specialist position at Madison Logic, a marketing-technology company headquartered in New York City. Jacob says, "UHart helped provide me with the resources I needed to be successful and to secure a job before graduation."
The Sky’s Not the Limit for Computer Science and Engineering Student
Maggie Piotrowski ’22 is an aviation enthusiast and pilot in training who actively pushes the boundaries of a hardworking UHart student every day.
History Alumna Applies Research and Analytical Skills to Newman’s Own Fellowship
Marissa Jayawickrema ’19 is completing a year-long fellowship with Newman’s Own Foundation of Westport, Connecticut, which she says is giving her valuable transferable skills that she can apply to any future position. “The most important thing I've learned is how nonprofits operate,” says Jayawickrema, who majored in history in UHart’s College of Arts and Sciences.
Teaming Up: UHart students from different disciplines work with manufacturing giant
At the University of Hartford, hands–on learning to prepare students for the future takes place in class and through job shadowing, internships, and independent study. Last spring, Chelsea Chaves ’20 was one of four students in an interdisciplinary independent study working with Hubbell Incorporated conducting market research on Arc Fault Current Interrupters (AFCI), a circuit breaker that breaks the circuit when it detects an electric arc in an effort to prevent electrical fires.
Inside the Press Box: UHart’s Hands-On Sports Beat Course
UHart’s School of Communication students often express that the best part of the curriculum is the hands-on field experience it offers. The Sports Beat course taught by Assistant Professor of Communication Abe Hefter is no different. This insightful class replicates the responsibilities and expectations of a sports reporter who covers a particular “beat,” with students spending their class time in the press box of the XL Center, home of the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League, the top New York Rangers’ minor-league affiliate.
Exploratory/Undecided Student Finds Economics Program Complements His Strengths
Nate Carr ’21 came to the University of Hartford with a diverse skill set that made it a daunting task for him to narrow down his passions and interests into a single area of study. He decided his best option was to enter UHart as an exploratory—or undecided—student to help him experience a variety of courses that complement his strengths, and help him pinpoint the area that would best fit his talents.
Alumna’s Journey to Success Began With Immersing Herself in the UHart Community
Karishma Pinto '17 M'18 is a great example of a student who found a fulfilling career path through the many opportunities UHart offers.
Summer Internship Leads Computer Science Student to Full-Time Employment
James Pinckney ’20, a computer science and multimedia web design and development double major, has a full-time position waiting for him at Travelers in Hartford when he graduates this spring. James received the job offer after successfully completing a summer internship at the company, which led to his current part-time position as an associate software developer while he finishes up his senior year.
UHart’s English Secondary Education Program Helped Alumna Create Her Own Teaching Style
Allison Wheeler ‘17, says the English Secondary Education program at UHart prepared her tremendously for her position as writing teacher for grades 6-8 at St. James School in Stratford, Connecticut.
Opportunities and Essential Skills Lead the Way for a Successful Career
Taylor Zitkus is a good example of how a College of Arts and Sciences education can help build a solid foundation for success
From Lab to Operating Room, Summer Experience Leads to Ideal Career Choice
For the second consecutive summer, Willie Taylor ’20, a biology major in the College of Arts and Sciences, participated in the Health Careers Opportunity Program’s Research Fellowship at UConn Health in Farmington, Connecticut. The program not only gave him a research laboratory enrichment experience, it exposed him to clinical medicine—from family medicine to the operating room.
Bonaparte Triplets Ready for Their Future
College of Arts and Sciences Graduates Set of Triplets
Driving Social Change at the Local Level
Politics and government major Genesis Guzman ’19 of Fort Lee, New Jersey, became a Palestinian American Youth Civic Engagement program fellow and attended an intense two-and-a-half-week podcasting workshop at Princess Sumaya University in Amman, Jordan.
Cinema Students, Alumni, and Faculty Collaborate on Set of TV Spot
Cinema students and alumni served as production assistants for the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s “See Something, Say Something” ad campaign and worked on the set of ad shoot at the West Haven, Conn., train station.
Knocking It Out of the Park
The University of Hartford’s School of Communication partnered with the Hartford Yard Goats minor league baseball team to give students the chance to know what it is like to work as a sports-beat journalist.
Richard Owen Morgan ’02
After graduating in 2002, Richard Owen Morgan, went on to graduate study at the University of Oxford, and later Yale Law School. Starting in August 2013, he has been on a fellowship with New York University School of Law’s Center on Law and Security, where he focusses on comparative intelligence oversight.
Brian Damico '02
After earning his BA in cinema Brian D’Amico headed to New York City with the hopes of breaking into television or film production. He was soon able to secure an assistant editor position on a Food Network series. Since then, he has edited and produced shows for various networks on many "reality TV" shows.