On May 10 and 12, 2025, the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) and the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture will recognize graduates as they meet a major academic milestone.
Learn about a few of the nearly 600 stellar students who will soon become CAHNR alumni.
Bendy Al Zaatini, Allied Health Sciences
Hometown: Waterbury, CT
Why UConn? Throughout the chaos of the pandemic, I was positive that staying at home while simultaneously building my community at UConn Waterbury would be the right way to start my journey as an undergraduate student at the prestigious school. I was surprised by the number of resources that are available to students. There is always help when needed and many different pathways to achieve success.
Why your major? I am an Allied Health Sciences major, and I was drawn to it because of the different career opportunities that fall under this major. My plan after graduation is to receive my second bachelor’s degree through CEIN, the accelerated nursing program with UConn, starting January 2026.
Advice for incoming students? Stay busy, make your presence known, and make sure that everything you are involved in benefits you in different ways. Throughout your many involvements, never forget that you are a student first and prioritize your grades above all else.
Benjamin Angus, Agricultural and Resource Economics
Hometown: Avon, CT
Why UConn? I have been a UConn fan my entire life, so for me it was a no brainer. Coming to Gampel as a kid or tailgating at Rentschler, UConn sports for me wasn’t a hobby, it was a lifestyle.
Why your major? I am a double major in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Economics. I am eager to join the fight against climate change and am looking forward to wherever that takes me. It is the most pressing issue of our time. After graduation, I am exercising my Covid year and coming back to UConn to get my Masters in Applied Resource Economics. After that, who knows? Wherever the wind takes me.
Advice for incoming students? When you sit down in class on the first day, talk to the person next to you. Learn their name, get their number, ask them their life story - just put yourself out there and I promise you will meet some incredible human beings. Also, bundle up on a clear winter night and walk to the top of Horsebarn Hill. No one ever looks at the stars in the winter, they are breathtaking.
Matt Antunes, Plant Science and Landscape Architecture
Hometown: Smithfield, RI
Why UConn? UConn was a top ranked school in my choices for college, and I felt like I would get the best education for my major. I felt at home in my time at UConn with the friends and connections I made throughout my four years here.
Why your major? Plant Science (Sustainable Plant and Soil Systems) – with a turfgrass concentration. I always had a love for turf from a young age. Beginning with just mowing my home lawn as a teenager to eventually building a small putting green, I found I was always around turfgrass systems in my summers. I plan on continuing my education here as a graduate student studying turfgrass pathology, and I plan on working in the golf course industry as an assistant superintendent and hopefully a superintendent down the road.
Advice for incoming students? Go to a UConn sporting event (especially basketball even if you’re not into it). The energy and atmosphere are unmatched to any other sporting event I’ve been to in my lifetime.
Jillian Bowen, Pathobiology and Veterinary Science
Hometown: Trumbull, CT
Why UConn? The academics were the main draw for me. As an R1 institution, I knew that UConn had a lot of research opportunities, and that really drew me in.
Why your major? My major is Pathobiology, or disease biology. I attended an agricultural high school and was a member of Future Farmers of America, so I already had an interest in animal science, but the pandemic was definitely a big factor in stimulating my interest in infectious diseases. Pathobiology is a perfect combination of those interests! After graduation, I am planning to attend UConn’s Master of Public Health program with a concentration in epidemiology.
Advice for incoming students? Variety is the spice of life, so don’t be afraid to try something completely different – learn how to breakdance! Join an improv group! Start a book club! The world is your oyster.
John-Henry Burke, Natural Resources and the Environment
Hometown: Suffield, CT
Why UConn? I chose UConn because I thought it offered the best ‘bang for my buck.’ You get an incredibly large institution with a large number of resources and a diverse array of opportunities for a price that is much more affordable than other schools.
Why your major? I’m an Environmental Science major with a concentration in Sustainable Systems and a minor in Political Science and a minor in Environmental Economics and Policy. I was drawn to environmental science after taking a class in high school where I learned about climate change, plastic pollution, species extinction, and other threats facing our planet. I’m going to law school in the fall, and I would like to ultimately go into environmental law to advance environmental policy and protect natural areas.
Top UConn memories? One of the best parts of my UConn experience has been playing in the UConn Marching Band, where I served as Vice President. I’ve met so many amazing people through the band and accomplished a level of musicality I would’ve never imagined possible. Some notable UCMB performances were playing at a New England Patriots game and two Bowl games (Fenway and Myrtle Beach)!
Christian Carmona, Plant Science and Landscape Architecture
Hometown: Stamford, CT
Why UConn? I chose UConn because it helped me the most financially and it was not as far away from my house as others were.
Why your major? My major is Landscape Architecture, and what drew me to it was that it was a form of architecture I had never heard of before. I was eager to try it out, and it gave me the opportunity to be creative and design spaces for communities. I hope to continue my education and pursue a master’s in architecture.
Advice for incoming students? Be open minded and ready to learn. You are here for a reason so stay focused on your goals and do not take anything for granted.
Laura Centanni, Animal Science
Hometown: Haworth, NJ
Why UConn? I was leaning towards UConn due to the diversity of species in our barns on campus; however, what tipped the scales in the end was the mascot!
Why your major? My major is Animal science. I have had a passion for animals and service for as long as I can remember, and I am pursuing my passion of becoming a veterinarian through animal science here at UConn. I have already received my first few acceptances to vet school! Wherever I choose, I know that UConn prepared me well.
Advice for incoming students? Expand your comfort zone. Let it get so big that nothing is outside of it. UConn is one of the safest environments to explore that you will ever have, so take advantage of it!
Jessica Harris, Allied Health Sciences
Hometown: Mansfield, MA
Why UConn? When it was time for me to look at colleges, I was excited to apply to UConn as is but I also discovered that CAHNR offered the major I was interested in, Allied Health Sciences, as part of the New England Regional Tuition Program. This made UConn such an easy choice for me because of its well-known academic excellence and affordability as an out of state school.
Why your major? I applied into UConn as an AHS major, because it would allow me to do my prerequisite courses to apply to physical therapy school, but I soon learned that it was not the right path for me. Luckily, AHS is such an adaptable major, intended to cater to your career interests, that I was able to stay on track despite changing paths, and ended up finding exactly what I wanted to do: UConn's CEIN program.
Top UConn memories? Going to the UConn Dairy Bar, and 2023 when we won the Men’s National Basketball Championship for the first time in a while.
Sungwan Kim, Kinesiology
Hometown: Gyeongju, Republic of Korea
Why UConn?UConn was my one and only choice because the research topics of my Ph.D. advisor, Dr. Neal Glaviano, perfectly align with my interests. Additionally, the collaborative research culture at UConn offers a unique opportunity to work with leading experts and engage in interdisciplinary projects, further enhancing my professional development.
Why your major? I am completing my PhD in Exercise Science. Working clinically as a certified athletic trainer, I witnessed firsthand the significant impact that orthopedic conditions have on individuals’ lives. This experience motivated me to investigate how musculoskeletal injuries or pain affect physical and psychological well-being and to explore optimal treatment strategies for rehabilitation and recovery. After graduation, I will start my postdoctoral research fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
Top UConn memories? One thing everyone should do during their time at UConn is take advantage of the Recreation Center. Whether it’s lifting weights, playing sports, or just taking a break after a long day, it’s a great place to stay active and recharge!
Gramos Mejdolli, Kinesiology
Hometown: Korça, Albania
Why UConn? I had heard a lot of great things about UConn from a few people I knew, and I learned what an excellent institution it is. In fact, UConn was the only university I applied to—it was UConn or nothing! I thought to myself, if it’s meant to be, it will be. And it was! At the time, I was living in Germany and already practicing as a physical therapist.
Why your major? My grandpa always said, “The flowing water always stays fresh.” That’s why I decided to pursue the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at UConn, even after already being a licensed PT in Albania and Germany. I wanted to be the best version of myself in my profession because I love what I do. I truly believe physical therapy is one of the best jobs someone can have. If you’re not making someone else’s life better, then you’re wasting your time. I also want to advocate for the field of physical therapy and create things that will benefit the community.
Advice for incoming students? Don’t stress too much in advance. He who suffers before it’s necessary will suffer more than necessary. You won’t remember how many hours you studied, but you will remember the beautiful moments and adventures you experienced.
Yasmin Rosewell, Agricultural and Resource Economics
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Why UConn? I chose UConn because of its diverse and upbeat environment. The student body is heavily involved in the sports teams, clubs, and educational opportunities the school has to offer.
Why your major? Economics of Sustainable Development and Management. I was drawn to this because I enjoyed the business aspects of the major, but the department was so involved in the students' learning and offered great connections and opportunities to learn through different outlets. As an athlete, all of my professors within the department were extremely supportive and accommodating of my absences during the season, and that helped me succeed and learn the material without being overly stressed. After graduation, I plan to travel and then move to New York City and pursue a career in logistics.
Advice for incoming students? Everyone on this campus is truly rooting for each other. The sense of comradery is one of a kind and the students and staff of UConn are encouraging, inclusive, and collaborative. So be bold. Don’t be afraid to be amazing. There is a place here for everyone and you will find yours. There are always people behind you and in your corner.
Sydney Seldon, Natural Resources and the Environment
Hometown: Harker Heights, TX
Why UConn? I originally came to UConn to play on one of the athletic teams here but when that didn’t work out, I was launched into a time of self-discovery, which unleashed a deeper purpose and passion for spiritual formation and sustainability (both social and environmental).
Why your major? My major is unique - Environmental Science and an Individualized Major in Sustainable Communities with a Minor in Sustainable Community Food Systems. After graduation, I’ll be joining staff with the Navigators, an international, interdenominational Christian ministry, and walking alongside students as they explore faith and spirituality.
Advice for incoming students? Be courageous. College brings with it a host of new experiences and opportunities to grow so surrender to it. Allow yourself to be challenged and molded into not only a committed learner, but also a committed individual. Allow your conceptions about the world and yourself to be challenged. Find people who gracefully love you and push you to be the best version of yourself, so that out of that, you can contribute to being a positive influence in the world around you.
Noah Sneed, Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, Animal Science
Hometown: Natick, MA
Why UConn? I chose UConn because of the opportunities for hands-on learning, as well as their extensive commitment to academia and research as an R1 university.
Why your major? I came into college as an animal science major who was planning on going to veterinary school. I was drawn to it because I have always loved animals, and I was so excited to be able to get hands-on experience working with horses, pigs, sheep, chickens, and of course cows. I was drawn to pathobiology because I realized that further than just administering vaccinations, I was interested in how they worked and the process to make them. I was able to join a pathology research lab on campus, and it has been such an enriching experience. After graduation, I am taking two gap years before medical school. I will be working full time as an EMT in the Boston area, as well as completing a Post-Baccalaureate program at the Tufts Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
Advice for incoming students? Everyone should go to a men’s and women’s basketball game at Gampel Pavilion and sit in the student section. I have never felt so much pride for my school before; it is truly an amazing experience.
Mingda Sun, Nutritional Sciences
Hometown: Farmington, CT
Why UConn? I chose UConn because I am from Connecticut, and did not want to go to school too far away from home. I also chose UConn because it has a strong nutrition and pre-medical program, which were areas of study I wanted to pursue. Moreover, UConn is a large school with students of many different backgrounds, and I felt like it was a place where I could belong and find a community of friends.
Why your major? I am a nutrition major with a minor in Spanish. I am passionate about how nutrition relates to health and the human body and have worked in numerous community health and public health initiatives as an undergraduate that are related to nutrition and disease prevention. Learning different languages is something I enjoy and believe is an important skill for connecting with patients and populations as a future health care professional. After graduation, I plan to attend medical school and become a doctor!
Advice for incoming students? Do not be afraid to reach out for support, mentorship, or guidance when you need it. If you have an idea or a passion that you want to pursue, there are faculty and students at UConn who are willing to help you. Don’t be afraid to take the initiative for your own learning!
Matt Syrotiak, Animal Science
Hometown: Bethlehem, CT
Why UConn? I spent a great deal of time here at UConn through 4-H activities and high school FFA competitions. It’s safe to say that the Storrs campus was familiar to me from early on, despite my family having never been and never attending college themselves. While it was the campus and familiarity that drew me to UConn, it was the community of students, faculty, and staff that made me stay.
Why your major? My major is Animal Science, and I was drawn to it thanks to my involvement with the UConn Extension 4-H program where I worked on my dairy goat project. Through working with my goats, I gained a greater interest in the field, and it was reinforced by my time in agriscience classes throughout high school. UConn was the perfect fit to continue my work in animal science thanks to the proximity of the barns on campus and emphasis of hands-on class work. After graduation, I'll serve as State 4-H Program Coordinator with UConn Extension, and create meaningful connections for 4-H youth, volunteers, and educators to increase the reach of the college and its community.
Advice for incoming students? The connections that you gain through being a part of the UConn community are critical to future success whether its classmates, educators, or alumni. You never know when those people will make a new appearance in your life.
Jonathan Vasquez Garcia, Nutritional Sciences
Hometown: Willimantic, CT
Why UConn? Ever since I was little, I was always part of various programs associated with UConn, and when I came to campus, I felt that this school was my calling.
Why your major? I originally wanted to become a nurse. However, during my fall semester of sophomore year, I took my first nutrition class, where I gained valuable insight into the role of a registered dietitian. Ultimately, I changed my major to pursue a path aligned with my newfound passion for nutrition and sought out experiences that would deepen my understanding of the field. After graduation, I plan to pursue a master’s in clinical nutrition and complete my dietetic internship to become a registered dietitian. Eventually, I plan to work in a clinical setting to further gain foundational knowledge.
Advice for incoming students? My advice is to have fun and take advantage of all the resources UConn has to offer. And you should diversify your social network; you never know who you will meet.
