APNN Fuld Scholars 2007-2008

Hodan Ahmed-Hassan

I am originally from Mogadishu, Somalia. I received my bachelor’s degree in Community Health Education from the University of Arizona in December of 2006 where I was a McNair Scholar. Most recently I have been working with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health as a Disease Intervention Services Coordinator. I have also previously worked as a mentor for individuals suffering from developmental disabilities and refugee children. I also did an internship with the UNFPA in Uganda where I conducted research on the impact of HIV/AIDS on women. The prestige of UR and the contents of this nursing program are what supported my decision to study at this institution. My long term goals are to obtain an MPH/MSN and to serve underserved populations and tackle some of the health care disparities that exist in underrepresented populations.

Daniel Arellano

I graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology (cum laude). I have worked at Baylor University Medical Center’s Level I Trauma Center as a trauma technician for the past 2 years. I am a licensed paramedic in the state of Texas and have utilized my experience by volunteering with the American Red Cross relief efforts in Hurricanes Katrina and Rita that affected the Gulf Coast in 2005. My long term goal is to complete my ACNP and become part of a progressive trauma program at a Level I Trauma Center.

Krista Atchley

I graduated from the University of Tulsa in 2004 with a BA in Elementary Education. I volunteered as an Elementary English Teacher in Moldova and Uzbekistan with the Peace Corps in 2005-2007. My long term goal is to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

Babette R. Burgan

I graduated from Canisius College (Buffalo, NY) in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. In 2004 I graduated from GRC [Greater Rochester Collaborative] – Program at SUNY Brockport and Nazareth College with a Master’s in Social Work. I am currently a medical social worker on a pulmonary step down unit at Rochester General Hospital. I have experience working with very diverse populations and I would like to incorporate my social work skills with nursing, to care for underserved individuals. My goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner.

Sylvia Christie

I come from the tiny town of Rotterdam, New York (close to Albany). I have one older sister and recently gained a brother-in-law, both of whom live in Rome, New York. I am graduating with a BA in biology here at the University of Rochester with a minor in American Sign Language. I hope to eventually get my PhD and become a professor of nursing to encourage students like me to become nurses.

Corey DeLong

After a rewarding military career aboard a nuclear submarine in the Naval Nuclear Power Program I graduated from Thomas Edison State College with a BS in Nuclear Engineering Technology. I have been employed at the R.E. Ginna Nuclear Power Plant for the past seven years as a chemist. My sense of fulfillment and job satisfaction in my current position is inadequate and I feel I am not meeting my full potential.
My recent volunteer work at the University of Rochester on the SimMan project has convinced me that pursuing a career in nursing is just what I have been seeking to meet my full potential. Patient care is a valuable service and I feel the personal satisfaction and sense of fulfillment will be second to none!

Shannon Mariah Dillon

I graduated from University of Washington in 2007 with a BS in Public Health. I played collegiate Division 1 soccer, for my University for four years. Throughout the four years, we (as a team) volunteered multiple times for Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House. I personally volunteered in the oncology unit at Virginia Mason. I spent three months in Ecuador studying Public Health (Traditional Medicine, Tropical Diseases and Floriculture). We worked with all types of populations including the indigenous and impoverished. My nursing goals include becoming a nurse practitioner and a primary care provider for underserved communities. I would love to work with Spanish-speaking patients to break the language barrier that often hinders quality and accurate care.

Bethany Flaherty

I graduated from the University of Rochester in 2005 with a BA in psychology. Afterwards, I worked as a community-based sociotherapist, helping children with mental illness remain within their homes. For three years during college I volunteered as a pediatric volunteer and, currently, I work on an organ transplant unit as a patient care technician. After nursing school I hope to gain experience before continuing towards my eventual goal of becoming an advanced practice nurse. I have not decided what specific area of nursing I would like to pursue, but wherever I am practicing, I hope to be able to positively impact patient satisfaction programs, as well as those dealing with patient advocacy.

Shira L Granote

I graduated from Hampshire College in 2004 with a degree in “special needs child studies” and Pre-Medicine. In 2002 I started SHiRACARE.org, a respite care service for medically complex children after a summer internship in IL working with children who have special health care needs and their families. In addition, I have worked as an EMT in an ER department and on campus at Hampshire College and most recently worked in children’s hospice in MN. I look forward to beginning my road towards becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. I enjoy being outside, swimming, and most of all dancing-Lindy Hop. “And they go dancing around and around without any cares”

Jen Gregory

I am a graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology, with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Over the past seven years, my career has been focused on assisting survivors of family and community violence through a variety of direct services, including crisis intervention, advocacy, referrals and case management. As a side interest, I am also a certified Spinning Instructor.

Rebecca Guidry

I graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe with a BBA in Management in 1999. From 2000-2005 I worked in my community to establish health care services for the medically underserved. My career goal is to become a Family Nurse Practitioner and to encourage health awareness among all populations with special emphasis on minorities and adolescents.

Seth Haymore

I’m a native Arizonian and attended Northern Arizona University where I graduated with a BA in Biology. During my undergraduate years I worked in a research lab helping create computer based models for cell pathways. I am an outdoor enthusiast and especially enjoy backpacking and almost any sport activity.

Jane Hwang

I graduated with a BA in Psychology from Wellesley College and a MPH, focused on Maternal and Child Health, from UNC Chapel Hill. For the last three years I have been working at the Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project in Washington, DC. I have always had an interest in adolescent and women’s health, but am excited to learn more about other areas during the program.

Lauren Isaacson

I grew up in Penfield, NY, and began my college career at the University of Rochester. During my studies there I was able to work part time at Strong Memorial Hospital in the clinical Microbiology Laboratory. I graduated in 2006 with a BS in Biochemistry and immediately began working in the clinical Microbiology Laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. My goal is to eventually become a nurse practitioner and work in an Infectious Disease Unit.

Lindsay LaFontaine

I graduated in 2005 from Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio, with a BA in Business concentrating in quantitative analysis and minors in biology, economics, and exercise science. Since then, I have traveled to Italy, enrolled into post-undergraduate studies for a semester, and took a class to become a State Tested Nurse Aide. After spending a few months in a nursing home working as a nurse aide, I was promoted to the corporate office first as an intake coordinator and currently as an internal auditor. I am here today because I found that the path I was traveling was not for me. I am thrilled for the opportunity to be a part of the program, and I am certainly looking forward to embracing all aspects of this profession.

Rebecca Martinez

I graduated from the University of Colorado with a BA in Psychology. After I graduated I went into the Peace Corps/Costa Rica and worked as a Community Development Volunteer. Since my return from the Peace Corps, I have worked at Outside-In Medical Clinic (a non-profit clinic serving homeless and uninsured youth/adults) in Portland, Oregon. I am looking forward to becoming an Adult Nurse Practitioner and working with underserved population in the US and abroad.

Zia Tahirih Nizin

Graduated from Eastman School of Music with a Bachelor’s in Harp Performance in 2004. While there she received many scholarships and awards, two of which were the Lois Rodgers Scholarship and the LINKS award. She has performed in numerous venues including Carnegie Hall, Steinway Hall, Lincoln Center, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, the Memorial Art Gallery, Eastman Theatre and Kilburn Hall. She currently teaches private lessons and performs solo and chamber music recitals in the Rochester area. Zia’s interest in healthcare was first sparked while volunteering for the not-for-profit organization, Health for Humanity, in the countries of Guyana and Uganda. She hopes to serve as a family nurse practitioner, teach, pursue doctoral studies and conduct research.

Kristy Palotti

I graduated from Niagara University in 1998 with a degree in Secondary Education. After teaching French and Spanish for eight years I decided to pursue nursing. My long term goal is to become a nurse practitioner.

Cheryl Peacock

I graduated from SUNY Alfred with an AAS in Medical Assisting and from the University of Rochester with a BA in General Studies (Psychology and Business concentrations). I have worked at Strong Memorial Hospital in the Hearst Station, Cardiology, and Radiation Oncology in the UR Cancer Center, as well as in the Emergency Department at Highland Hospital. Most recently I was an Administrator in the UR College Dean’s office and a nursing assistant at the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse in Pittsford. My husband and I like to bike, sail, and work on political, environmental and interfaith projects. I hope to combine my administrative and people skills with my love of medicine to make a difference in the field of nursing.

David Pinto

I graduated from SUNY Buffalo in 1988 with a degree in Management and Finance. After working on Wall St. for three years and relocating to Rochester I transitioned my business experience to construction management, where I worked as a project manager for 10 years. I also returned to Berklee College of Music in Boston in 1999, earning a BS in Jazz Bass Performance. My nursing goals include advancing to the Master’s Degree level and becoming a Nurse Practitioner. I enjoy spending time with my wife and nine month old daughter, and my Labrador retriever.

Megan Quill

I graduated from Haverford College in 2003 with a major in Psychology and Concentration in Latin American and Iberian Studies. After college, I received an internship at the National Institutes of Health, where I studied health disparities. During my time at the NIH, I was able to travel to Kenya where I studied these disparities, particularly in the realm of reproductive health and education, on a global scale. Most recently, I worked out in Colorado as an adaptive assistant, where I taught individuals with mental and physical disabilities to ski and snowboard.

Julie Ryan

I graduated from Duke University in 2006 with a BA in Public Policy. I became interested in nursing when I worked in the children’s hospital on a sickle cell study. After graduation, I continued to work for Duke coordinating a chronic low back pain study. In the future, I hope to return to working with pediatric patients.

Todd Smith

I am a former Merchant Marine Deck Officer, having piloted ships over 1000 feet long on the Great Lakes for six years. In seeking a better work/life balance, I enrolled at Ohio University where I received a Bachelor of Specialized Studies in Recreation and Leadership. I am always ready to accept a challenge; I served in the Peace Corps-Bangladesh 2004-06, working with youth as a community development volunteer. I love to promote wellness in leading by example. I am avid distance runner and tri-athlete with many outdoor pursuits.

Adam Wojdyla

I graduated from the University of Rochester with my BS in Neuroscience. I participated in research on epilepsy and neuron-inflammation at URMC under Dr. Shirley Joseph. I worked at the CHC Learning Center, a school for children with multiple disabilities, in Buffalo, and volunteered at the Depew Boys’ and Girls’ Club in my home town. I also played on the University of Rochester Varsity Football Team. I am working towards a career as either a CRNA or Pediatric NP.

Jonathan Wolfarth

I have a diverse background with degrees from Rutgers, NYU and Bentley College, and experience in both the information technology and financial services industries. I have volunteered with the elderly, children and rescuing retired racing greyhounds. I am originally from NJ and have lived in NYC, MA, CO, and PA before moving to Rochester, NY. My goals include completing a master’s and a doctorate in nursing, and having clinical, managerial and teaching responsibilities. My interests include jazz, meditation, tropical fish, psychology and health & fitness.

Mike Fisher

Graduated from RIT, originally from near Cleveland, OH. I've worked for Xerox. During the last year, I got engaged, bought a house, and got a yellow Lab. I am a news junkie and watch a lot of movies.

Kristin Kelly

Graduated from SUNY Geneseo and Kansas State University with a BA and an MA in Geography. She has worked as a Programmer/Analyst for the Department of Pediatrics at the U of R for the last 6 years. She volunteers with Ronald McDonald House in the Hospital and plans to pursue pediatric nursing.

Gwendolyn Linn

Has studied theology, finance, various sciences and has lived in England. Her MBA led to a job as an information systems product manager at Xerox. She has cared for hospice patients and plans to become a nurse practitioner. She and her husband sail, skate and host exchange students from Russia. Gwendolyn speaks and reads Russian.

Aida Santiago

Graduated from RIT with a BS in International Business/Marketing, worked as a pharmaceutical representative for Merck, Inc., for seven years. Currently, raising my daughter Natalia, and son, David, with my husband, David Rodriguez. Last year spent 10 days on a mission trip in Ecuador. Enjoy volunteering, running and spending time with my family.