On May 6 and 8, 2023, the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) and the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture will recognize graduates and celebrate their time at UConn.
Learn about a few of the nearly 600 stellar students who will soon turn will soon become CAHNR alumni.
Samuel Agyei, Allied Health Sciences
Hometown: Windsor, CT
As someone interested in the medical field, I was excited to learn that there was a centralized major, allied health sciences, that specialized in most of the main health care professions that society relies on today. I also learned I would be getting a comprehensive and complementary introduction to many of the other healthcare professions. I’ve had the opportunity to be surrounded by talented and intelligent students who share similar interests, passions, and ambitions regarding working in the medical field or a career path that intersects with other interests as well. Ultimately, I viewed allied health sciences to be a major that would equip me with the necessary skills to support those in my community and give me the opportunity to advance my professional skill set and networks here at UConn.
Noelle Maloney, Pathobiology and Veterinary Science
Hometown: North Greenbush, NY
I stumbled upon UConn’s pathobiology major late in my college application process and the curriculum really appealed to me because it was a more specific field of study than the majors I applied to at other schools like biology and biomedical sciences. After graduation I am planning to work in a patient-care position and gain clinical experience so that I can apply to physician’s assistant programs next spring. Now, I'm graduating in 3 years with a B.S. in Pathobiology and two minors in Physiology and Neurobiology and Molecular and Cell Biology. I also completed research for my honors thesis studying protective antibody responses to whole cell pertussis vaccines at the Wadsworth Center which was featured in UConn Today in November. I feel that I will be well prepared to enter a physician’s assistant program when the time comes.
Cameron Deslaurier, Natural Resources and the Environment
Hometown: Colchester, CT
During my time at UConn, I'm most proud of my growth as a person. I was a big people-pleaser when I got here, and I placed a lot of my worth in other people’s perceptions of me and external measures of value like grades. Since coming to UConn, I’ve gone from semi-closeted to working as a proud and unapologetically openly transgender and queer Resident Assistant. UConn gave me a place to grow, and to learn how to stand up for myself kindly–but with an iron backbone. And advice for first-year students: You don’t need to know what major you want to pursue, let alone what career. Life is nonlinear and a lot of soft skills are transferable, so give yourself breathing room to try things and discover what you like and dislike. It’s okay to change your major or your path–it means you’re listening to what life’s telling you.
Naniel Scott, Nutritional Sciences
Hometown: St. Catherine, Jamaica
I chose to major in nutritional science because I knew that I wanted to learn about what influences health outcomes in relation to our dietary practices, the mechanism, social and economic aspect to it so that I can implement this knowledge in my profession. Since my first class to now, I’ve been learning exactly that. And my favorite professor, Dr. Ji-Young Lee, assured me that I have time to figure out what I do and who I want to be, and I don’t have to have all the answers right now but trying new things and being open to different opportunities will help to reveal the answer. After I graduate, my larger plan is to pursue entrepreneurship in the Nutrition industry. Before doing so, I’d like to gain real word experience into how companies in this field run and continue my education doing research in pursuit of a Ph.D.
Francis Walsh, Kinesiology
Hometown: North Reading, Massachusetts
My major is exercise science and I chose it because I have always loved fitness, nutrition, and learning how the body works, so the program was a great fit for me. As a student, I studied abroad with the Kinesiology program twice - in 2022, I went to Dublin, Ireland and in 2023 I went to Milan and Venice, Italy. I am grateful for the opportunity provided to us by UConn and going on these trips was one of the best decisions of my life. My advice for incoming students is do not be afraid to fail. I am not referring to failing a class, but rather on their dream or a goal they have set for themselves. The only way to accomplish a goal you have is to give it your all and not be afraid to fail.
Amealia Maynard, Agricultural and Resource Economics
Hometown: Mansfield, CT
I chose my major, Applied and Resource Economics, sophomore year after taking my first course within the major. I realized I could apply my passion for environmental issues with marketable skills relating to economics and public policy. After attending many classes in CAHNR, I believe I will have the tools needed to graduate feeling as though I have been working on my career rather than just starting out. Every semester I saw improvement in my grades. As I got to take courses more specific to my career interests, I grew more confident and participated more in my courses. Being able to see that growth academically as well as emotionally is something of which I am proud of.
Victor Cizik, Plant Science and Landscape Architecture
Hometown: Danbury, CT
As a kid I always wanted to have a career that related to nature. As I grew older, I started to love all forms of design. Landscape architecture fused both of my passions into one. I took an intro class when I was a sophomore and ever since then I knew that it was a perfect fit for me. During my time at UConn, I was involved in many different activities like being a Resident Assistant, president and treasurer of the UConn Student Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architecture, a program mentor, and serving on the Black Landscape Architects Network Student council. Being involved in many different activities is where I was able to make long lasting connections. After graduation I plan on working for an engineering and environmental services firm in Boston, MA, where I'll be a staff landscape architect designing all kinds of landscapes and streetscapes in the New England area.
Jasmine Morris, Animal Science/Agriculture and Resource Economics
Hometown: East Hartford, CT
I chose to become an animal science major because ever since I was in kindergarten, I knew that I wanted to work with animals for the rest of my life. My applied and resource economics journey was less linear. I had always been interested in business and business management, but I originally did not believe that I could double major and still graduate on time, but I made it happen. After graduation, I plan to attend UConn's School of Social Work to pursue a masters. I would like to have a career in animal-assisted therapy and a MSW will help me towards my goal.
My advice for incoming first-year students is don’t be afraid to take classes outside of your major. At UConn, I took courses in ASL, educational psychology, and classical and ancient Mediterranean studies. These courses have expanded my worldview and knowledge about other cultures and civilizations.
Morgan Armour, Natural Resources and the Environment
Hometown: Bristol, CT
As a transfer, and commuter student, it was actually very hard for me to integrate into student life at UConn. I lightly integrated myself in clubs like the Wildlife Society and Paws and Claws, as I have a passion for animal species. I was also the treasurer of the Yoga Club, as a hobby and other passion of mine as well as fitness. I am considering getting a personal training certificate as well! If I could go back, I would likely try to dive deeper into student life on campus, talk to more people, but a lot of personal things held me back throughout my time at UConn. I think every UConn students should step out of their comfort zone and go out of their way to show their passion in everything they do. Be bold. Make friends!
Kaitlyn Tran, Allied Health Sciences
Hometown: Waterford, CT
My major is allied health sciences at the Waterbury campus, and I chose it for its flexibility. Not only did it help me get the prerequisites for physicians assistant school, but I was able to do a mix of courses related to the healthcare field and in other subjects like history and philosophy. My advice for incoming students is try and appreciate every day! Each day has something special to offer and I feel it’s important to remember that as it can get tough in the semester. Thus, taking time to be grateful for at least one thing every day can help motivate you to keep going.
Emma Forster, Animal Science
Hometown: Bloomfield, CT
I am an Animal Science major on a Pre-Vet track. I chose this major to take advantage of the opportunity to gain more experience with livestock before going to graduate school. I love the classes that I take within my major and working with animals, so I know it was the right choice! My biggest advice to first-year students is to make sure you’re taking care of yourself. Especially going into the veterinary field, burnout is a major problem. The curriculum is tough, but you will find time for yourself and meet some of the best people at UConn.
Catherine Mydosh, Kinesiology
Hometown: Granby, CT
I chose to major in exercise science to complement my plans to pursue a career in athletic training. A big pull for me choosing this major and UConn specifically was the incredible reputation of UConn's Department of Kinesiology and their best-in-class research faculty. During my time at UConn, I have been in the UConn Honors program, involved with research at the Korey Stringer Institute, worked as a student athletic trainer for UConn football and participated in intramural volleyball. I have also been fortunate enough to travel abroad twice over Spring Break with the Athletic Training program to Ireland and Italy. I am excited to say that I will be continuing my education here at UConn after graduation to pursue my Masters in Athletic Training.
Nicolas Lombardo, Applied and Resource Economics
Hometown: Newtown, CT
I’m studying toward a dual-degree in Applied and Resource Economics and Cognitive Science. I chose these fields of study because I’m interested in understanding the human behavior behind economic, political, social, and cultural aspects of addressing (and not addressing) the climate crisis. I hope to work at these intersections with a career in environmental policy. My advice for incoming students is to get involved with different student organizations! There is literally always something to do on campus to keep you busy, try new things, and meet new people. Besides my education, I'm most proud of having the opportunity to meet and connect with so many amazing people from around Connecticut, the US, and even the world while at UConn.
Linnette L. Vasquez, MSc Pathobiology and Veterinary Science
Hometown: Bronx, NY
I chose pathobiology and veterinary sciences, because it complements my DVM degree. After graduation, I am confident I'll pass my board exams and work as a board-certified Anatomic pathologist in the Tri-state area in either a research setting or as a diagnostician. While at UConn, I'm most proud of my role as a Teaching Assistant/Resident. It allowed me the privilege to be a part of undergraduate teaching and hopefully make a difference in the learning experience of my students. They made being a TA fun.
Kim Lash-Rosenberg, Nutritional Sciences
Hometown: Richmond, CA
I specifically chose the Masters of Personalized Nutrition program at CAHNR based on its strong emphasis on the molecular understanding of nutrient-gene interactions and metabolic heterogeneities in the context of applied dietary needs, as it directly translates to my goal to provide nutritional recommendations on a personalized level. After graduation, I plan on working towards completing my 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience in order to become a certified nutrition specialist (CNS). I hope to receive my certification by the end of the year. One thing that always makes me think of UConn is the community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about nutrition and making a difference!
Emily Syme, Plant Science and Landscape Architecture/Agricultural and Resource Economics
Hometown: Broad Brook, CT
My major is Sustainable Plant and Soil Systems and Applied and Resource Economics. I chose SPSS because I have always had an appreciation for plants and agriculture. I added ARE because I realized how important business is to my life and the agriculture industry. As graduation nears, I am most proud of the impact I have had on UConn and the impact it has had on me. I have grown professionally and personally while sharing my passions with peers and youth participants in UConn 4-H. I know I'll take these connections with me after graduation when I begin my career in the agriculture industry.
