What’s your area of study and why did you choose it?
As an undergrad, I moved from Psychology to Physiology & Neurobiology, and then to Nursing. I loved biology and chemistry and knew that I wanted a career that was meaningful to me. Considering that it ranks as the #1 most ethical and honest profession year after year and has plenty of opportunities for professional growth, I knew nursing was right for me. I had always planned on eventually becoming a Nurse Practitioner, and as an RN I was able to see the value of a warm and friendly bedside manner on what may be one of worst days of a patient’s life. I chose the acute care track because it is designed to prepare Nurse Practitioners to practice in a hospital setting. Patients and families experience a lot of fear and uncertainty during a hospitalization for serious illness, and I would like to help relieve that any way I can.
What are your plans after graduation?
I would like to work in cardiology. I like that the heart has such a tangible function and fell in love with cardiology after seeing an ultrasound of the heart. It is beautiful to watch as the valves open and close with each beat.
How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?
The school of nursing has high expectations for their students in regards to academics and professionalism, and I felt that it set the stage for me to take on a leadership role in my career. UConn has strong ties to healthcare institutions in Connecticut and a great reputation, which I felt helped in my job search.
What’s something you learned in a class that you’ll always remember?
Professor McNulty from the School of Nursing told us “your patients won’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”
Who was your favorite professor and why?
I would say it was a tie between Professor Abbott for Biology and Professor McNulty for Nursing. The subjects they taught formed the foundation for everything I will do as a Nurse Practitioner, and I found their classes both fascinating and entertaining.
What’s one thing that will always make you think of UConn?
I will always be grateful to the School of Nursing because I first met my wife in the Widmer Wing of the Nursing building in 2012 when we were both undergrad nursing students.
