The Women’s Advancement Initiative is pleased to announce the 2024–25 Dorothy Goodwin Scholarship awardees. Scholarship recipients are women students who are conducting innovative research or developing creative projects in collaboration with faculty and staff mentors.
Launched in 2010, the Dorothy Goodwin Scholars Program was established thanks to a generous bequest from Dorothy Goodwin, an educator, political leader, philanthropist, visionary, and longtime trustee of Hartford College for Women, who inspired women and girls to live beyond limitations and realize their full potential. She recognized and modeled that reaching one’s potential requires challenging opportunities, committed mentors, and financial support. In honor of her influence and philanthropic spirit, and with gratitude for the generosity of her friends, The Women’s Advancement Initiative is proud to support these scholarly projects.
Awardees
Rhoddean Shanny Opinya ‘26 will explore the use of coumarin derivatives in cancer detection and therapy by integrating them into protein-coated nanoparticles to enhance selective toxicity for cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy cells.
Indiana Pellegrino ‘25 will examine the role of humor in psychoanalysis as a modern-day catharsis for repressed emotions and advocate for its integration into therapeutic practices and psychoanalytic training.
Talei Ricketson ‘27 will assist in creating life-sized animal portraits from non-recyclable plastics to highlight the impact of plastic pollution and linking this creative advocacy to public policy and community engagement.
Krista Segreti ‘28 will investigate the role of culturally competent parenting in promoting secure attachment and identity development among transracial and cross-cultural adoptees and foster children.
Olivia Wolk ‘25 will be studying the therapeutic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on the endocannabinoid system in Alzheimer’s disease using a transgenic mouse model to explore its potential in reducing neuroinflammation and improving cognitive function.
Sara Costa ‘26 will analyze the inverse problem in matrix theory to determine the necessary structural data to reconstruct a matrix from its eigenvalues, with potential applications in quantum information theory.
Jasmin Enriquez ‘27 will investigate the quantum state transfer between non-terminal vertices in a one-dimensional quantum chain, exploring fractional quantum state revival, and understanding the effects of spectral symmetry on state transfer efficiency.
Natalie Sherer ’26 will be learning Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and simulation skills using COMSOL software to create and analyze a 3D model of a delta wing.
Hazel Hill ‘25 will develop a personal development book, Create Yourself to Be Yourself, focused on self-awareness and intentional goal setting for young women.
Yougheeta Kumari ‘25 will do research on gender inequality and interhousehold economic disparities in emerging economies, with a focus on Pakistan.
Madison Carangelo ‘25 will study the effects of altering daily dietary water volumes on blood proteins related to health.
Grace Mohr ‘26 will investigate the effects of caffeine consumption on bone mineral density among young adults.
Niah Otieno ‘27 will develop an afterschool program in Nairobi, Kenya, to support underserved children aged 10-16.
Millie Hamlin ‘25 will be redesigning and enhancing the Navigating Grief Guide workbook with updated graphic themes and layouts, including digital, print-on-demand, and website accessibility options.
Dyani Maldonado ‘26 will explore brand identity for the University of Hartford’s Women’s Advancement LEAD program.
Roselyn Hobbs ‘26 will research women’s contributions to the viola in the 20th century, focusing on composers, performers, and educators.
We also applaud all faculty and staff mentors engaged in research, teaching, and mentorship. A special thank you to this year’s Dorothy Goodwin faculty and staff mentors for providing project oversight. These include: Elizabeth (Lisa) Rastede, Kat Owens, Ivana Milanovic, Amy Jaffe Barzach, Sarah Provost, Andy Wollner, Linda Yamamoto, Hyunjung Lee, Ben Berger, Anastasiia Minenkova, EB Caron, Colleen Munoz, Paola Sacchetti, Ning Jia, John Nordyke
Scholarship recipients will showcase their innovative research and creative projects at The Women’s Advancement Initiative’s Annual Symposium on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., in the Harry Jack Gray Center.