APNN Fuld Scholars 2010
Keri Baker
Originally I am from Seattle, Washington, however I have spent the last six years abroad. My passions are sports, traveling, reading, and coffee. Recently, with three other friends I have started a healthcare non-profit in Peru, working with underserved populations.Myfuture plans include working internationally in the field of healthcare, further developing our non-profit, and continuing to travel the world.
Steven Berger
I live south of Rochester in the town of Sparta. I operate a jewelry store in Geneseo which I have been running for the last ten years; at the current time I feel I have taken that experience about as far as I can. I am a fair artist in most any medium including metal. I enjoy traveling and hope to be able to volunteer in other parts of the world, as well as here in the states, after finishing this degree program and gaining a couple of years of experience. I have a varied background having worked in everything from delivering milk growing up, no I'm not that old, to some construction work, potter, restaurants and six years in the Army National Guard during the Gulf War.
Eileen Boylan
I am originally from Minneapolis Minnesota. I just graduated from the University of Rochester in May 2010 with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Biology. I played on the varsity soccer team all four years as an undergrad and I still enjoy working out and competing in sports, especially soccer. Throughout college I volunteered at Strong Memorial Hospital, worked in a research lab at the Medical Center, and was a tutor at a local elementary school. My long term goal is to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner but I am excited to start my journey as an RN while staying another year here in Rochester and meeting new people.
Lindsay Campbell
I am a Rochester native and graduated from The American University in Washington, DC with a BA in Law and Society and a minor in Information Systems. After college, I stayed in DC working as a paralegal. I eventually moved back to Rochester to explore my interest in computer networking, but decided to go back to work as a paralegal and prepare for my LSATs. During this time, I realized that my interests didn't lie as much in the law as they did in the work I was doing as a Volunteer Rape Crisis Counselor. In that role I had the opportunity to see first-hand the critical role nurses play in providing health care for women in crisis – a major inspiration for me to become a nurse. I am so excited to start on this new path!
Jason Conklin
I am originally from Perth, New York, but Rochester has been my home for the last decade. Since graduating from St. Bonaventure University in 1999, I have been a business reporter and an editor for a legal publisher. I am excited to end my publishing career and begin one in nursing, as the change will allow me to make a more meaningful difference in our community. I live in Henrietta with my wife and two children who support me in my endeavors as a marathoner and triathlete. We also enjoy canoeing, camping, and hiking.
Anthony DiMattia
Originally from Trenton, NJ, I came to Rochester to attend the U of R in 1999. I graduated in 2003 with a BA in English and was commissioned as an officer in the US Navy. After my active duty service with the Navy I moved back to the Rochester area, and having previously volunteered as an EMT I was drawn to the medical field. Working at Highland Hospital in the Emergency Department and in the ICU, I have had the opportunity to work with and learn from many great nurses, and I am very excited to be returning to the University of Rochester to earn my degree. I've been married for 6 years, and along with my wife Kim, I enjoy camping, cooking, gardening, reading, and traveling.
Christina Dopp
Originally from Northern California, I am excited to experience a new part of the country in Rochester. I graduated from Villanova University in 2008, where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and played varsity water polo. With the many health problems our nation faces and the great need for health care reform, I look forward to promoting a positive change as a nurse. In my free time I enjoy running, cooking, and reading.
Rachel Forster
I’m graduating in May 2010 from Hobart and William Smith Colleges with a B.A. in International Relations, and a double minor in Biology and Public Policy Studies. I’ve worked as a Licensed Nursing Assistant for several years and have worked as a health assistant for the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth summer camp. I eventually want to become a nurse practitioner and possibly pursue a master’s degree in public health. I would ultimately like to focus on global health by working through an NGO or other organization.
Emily Griffin
I graduated in 2008 from University of Illinois with a BS in Community Health concentrating in Health Administration and Education. Since graduation I have been working at Carle Foundation Hospital in the Clinical, Community and Continuing Education Department. My long term goal and passion is to obtain a degree as a Nurse Practitioner specializing in oncology and to use my background in Education for nursing leadership, mentorship and research. My inspiration for pursuing a career in oncology nursing stems from the lasting impressions that exceptionally dedicated and progressive health care providers instilled upon me in my experiences with cancer. I am extremely excited for this adventure into the field of nursing and am looking forward to meeting all of my new classmates!
Stephanie V Harding
I am from our friendly neighboring city, Buffalo, NY. I graduated from Daemen College in 2007 with a B.S. in Biochemistry and received my M.S. in Chemistry here at the University of Rochester in 2009. For the past three years I have been a graduate student at the University of Rochester studying ncRNA discovery. Outside of work/school, I volunteer at Hospice, which led me to my future career of Nursing. I also enjoy playing the piano, playing volleyball, watching movies, camping, and spending time with my lovely family and friends.
Maggie Hendler
I am from the small town of Lyons which is about an hour east of Rochester. I graduated with my BS in Human Services from the State University of NY at Empire State. For the past ten years I have been a Residential Manager for a nonprofit organization that serves individuals with Developmental Disabilities. I am a trainer in Alzheimer’s disease as well as an American Red Cross trainer for CPR and First Aid. I am passionate about working with people especially people with disabilities and older people. I am excited to be beginning a new chapter in my life and my long term goal is to become a nurse practitioner working in geriatrics. Outside of work, I love spending time with my growing family. My husband and I have three children and one daughter-in-law. We have our first grandchild on the way. I am a proud Marine Corps Mom and will be surviving my son’s first military deployment to Afghanistan this summer.
Elizabeth Mastrianni
I am from the Albany region of New York and graduated with a B.S. in Mathematics and Psychology in 2004 from St. Lawrence University. Since then I have had various jobs in the education field from 2 years teaching E.S.L. in Hungary to teaching outdoor education and adventure in the Adirondacks. More recently I've worked as a mental health worker at a psychiatric hospital in Saratoga Springs New York. I feel passionately about my upcoming endeavor in the nursing field, and can't wait to get started here at the University of Rochester's School of Nursing.
Andrew (Cyrus) Marcy
Last year I graduated from Wells College which is located in a small town named Aurora about two hours from Rochester. I have a BA in psychology with minors in both management and science health and values (bioethics). During my undergraduate studies I worked part time in customer service and volunteered as an advocate for survivors of rape and sexual assault. My primary hope is that this program will jostle me out of my shell and provide some practical knowledge so I can begin making a positive impact on the community.
Tim Munier
I graduated from SUNY Geneseo in 2009 with a BA in Sociology. After that I spent a year working in Buffalo with the Homeless Alliance of WNY through the AmeriCorps VISTA program. Through nursing I hope to address inequalities in access to medical care. In my spare time I enjoy bicycles, reading, and listening to music.
Nana Nuamah
I was born in the Bronx, NY but then moved to Ghana, West Africa (where my family is from)when I was a year old. My dad was a diplomat and so we moved to Geneva, Switzerland when I was 3 then back to Ghana when I was 7. I moved back to the United States when I was 15. I graduated from NYU with a bachelor's in French and have since worked doing research in optometry and cardiac electrophysiology. I sang in my church choir for 6 years until I fell in love with the children's church and decided to invest more of my time there. I am excited about nursing because medical missions is a passion of mine and I also want to work with the elderly.
Fola Ogundiran
I am from the suburbs of Bowie, Maryland outside of Washington, D.C. I graduated from Howard University, and received a BS in Health Management. While in college, I have worked in numerous health care settings such as the pharmacy, volunteering in the emergency department at the local community hospital and working at an inner city clinic. For the past year and a half, I have been working for the Department of Health. I am truly excited to start my nursing career because of the strong passion that I have for direct patient care. My goal is to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. I am ready for the challenge because I know it will feel so fulfilling and rewarding at the end. I cannot wait to meet all of you as we start our journey to make a difference in many lives!
Karen Powers
I am originally fromChautauqua,New York. I received an A.A.S in Chemical Technology from Alfred State College in 1992. I worked at Eastman Kodak Company as a lab technician and a regulatory specialist for 15 years. During my time at Kodak I obtained my B.S. in Chemistry from RIT. In 2007, I started a new career at Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics (a division of Johnson and Johnson) where I perform testing on blood/urine analyzers going into production. I look forward to participating in the U of R nursing program as it will be something completely different from any other career I have had.
Rebecca Priebe
Originally from Buffalo, NY, I graduated from the University of Rochester in 2007, with a dual concentration in public health and political science. I have always been drawn to the health care field, but it was only after working in a fast paced highly stressful environment that I realize that the nursing profession was a good fit for my career goals. I have worked as a health educator and focus group facilitator both abroad and in the US. Currently, I work as a Patient Care Assistant which has led me to believe that Acute Care would be a rewarding career path. I intend to become a Nurse Practitioner, acting in the clinical, research and academic realm. I enjoy traveling especially throughout Africa, reading authors such as Augusten Burroughs, and spending quality time with my cat Sebastian.
Tiffany St. James
I was raised in Decatur, IL and have been in central Illinois for the majority of my life. I attended the University of Illinois -Urbana/Champaign and received a BS in Psychology with Sociology minor. While pursuing my undergraduate degree, I spent a good amount of my time doing research within the psychology department and volunteering at the Mental Health Center, The Center for Women in Transition, and Rape Crisis Services. My volunteer work was mainly geared towards the well-being of children. Upon graduation, I moved to Chicago and began working at Northwestern University in the Circadian Rhythms and Sleep Research Laboratory. I will be a student in the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with a specialization in Pediatric Behavioral Health Specialty program. I'm excited to attend the University of Rochester and embark on this new chapter of my life.
Karen Sarosky
A 1994 graduate from SUNY Brockport with a BS in Biology, I have worked at the University of Rochester for over 15 years. Until my decision to attend the School of Nursing, I was employed in the Strong Epilepsy Center as a Clinical Research Coordinator. Previously, I was a Research Associate at the Mt. Hope Family Center. I thrive on creating environments of continued improvement. I have served on the University’s steering committee for SCORE (Study Coordinators Organization for Research and Education), am a licensed Massage Therapist, and a mother of 2 young children. Becoming a nurse is exciting to me and is the first step in my goal to become a Nurse Practitioner.
Robert Shaw
While born and raised in Western New York, I have been lucky enough to travel extensively throughout the United States. I recently returned to SUNY Brockport in order to finish a B.S. in History, something which I began years ago. I made the decision back then to place my college career on hold in order to work fulltime as a firefighter and as a medic. I have been doing that ever since without regret. Now, however, I feel as though I am ready to move my career in a different direction. With an acute interest in emergency medicine, I see nursing as an exciting opportunity to delve further into that. It also happens that nursing, with its remarkable portability, will allow me to enjoy one of my other passions traveling.
Erin Smith
I received a B.A. in Spanish Literature from New York University and an M.A. in Spanish Culture & Language from NYU, Madrid. I spent three years in Spain, studying and working as a translator, English teacher, and assistant to the president of a Madrid-based non-profit organization. I returned to the U.S. five years ago and have since worked as an administrator at the University of San Francisco. For the past two years I have volunteered as a medical assistant at a community clinic serving underrepresented populations. I'm interested in Women's Health, International Health, HIV and working with communities that lack access to healthcare.
Asher Takoda
I grew up in the Rochester area, lived in Sweden and Mexico for significant periods of time, and have traveled extensively in the U.S. and Europe. I completed my bachelor’s degree in nutrition at Cornell University, my master’s degree in education at the University of Massachusetts, and my career has primarily focused on health and nutrition education in low-income communities. I am very excited about becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner, and I hope to create a nursing career that combines my love of travel with my passion for working with those most in need.
Incoming January 2010
Ruth Belflower
I am originally from KY where I attended the University of Kentucky and received a BS in Biotechnology. I moved to Rochester 6 years ago where I worked as a Molecular Biologist in the Center for Musculoskeletal Research at the University of Rochester Medical Center. I became interested in Public Health through a trip to the Centers for Disease Control and pursued my Masters of Public Health at U of R. I graduated with my degree in 2007. I then worked as a Health Project Coordinator in the Center for Community Health at U of R where I performed emerging infections surveillance and conducted population based research. I look forward to using my BSN to further my career and personal goals and feel the SON ABPNN program is the right choice for me.
Lynda Chauncey
I am originally from Rochester, NY and graduated from Nazareth College with a BA in psychology. I worked for three years as a research assistant in suicide prevention, first at the University of Rochester and then for the Department for Veterans Affairs. My career goal is to become a nurse practitioner in pediatrics. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and being outdoors.
Lisa Choi
I lived in Texas for the past 3 years and prior to that I was in California where I earned a degree in Biology from UCLA. My experience with volunteering in hospitals and working closely with nurses brought me back to my original goal of becoming a nurse. Eventually, I hope to pursue a graduate degree in nursing and become active in medical research. When not working or in school, I love to read, dance, or just jump around to get my energy up.
Colleen Clark
I graduated from SUNY Geneseo in 2008 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and minor in Chemistry. While at Geneseo I worked in the Health Center for Health Promotion and as a member of Geneseo First Response. For the past year I have been working at Hill Haven Nursing Home as a Certified Nursing Assistant. In my spare time I enjoy working out, volleyball, and traveling. My future goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner.
Tahrin Ficchi
Originally from New Jersey, I graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2009 with a B.S. in Biology and minor in Community & Health Psychology. I have loved all of my opportunities to help people in my community, be it through Habitat for Humanity or as a volunteer at local hospitals. Now, it is so exciting to start a career that combines an ability to provide healthcare and an opportunity to educate people in the community, while always growing professionally and personally. Something fun to note about me I am a newlywed! My husband is an active duty Army officer and is currently deployed in Afghanistan. I would like to go on to become a nurse practitioner and use my education to care for our country’s soldiers and their families. I love exercise and sports (I come from a huge hockey family), everything outdoors, dogs, traveling, volunteering, cooking, reading, and being with my family and friends.
Jo Ann Gingello
I received an undergraduate bachelor's degree from the University at Buffalo in Medical Anthropology and also Spanish Language and Literature back in 2005. Upon graduation, I worked as a Customer Service Representative for a local telecommunications company. I have always enjoyed helping people and decided that I wanted to go back to school to become what I always wanted, a nurse. I look forward to working with the elderly and also hope to help the under-served populations. I can't wait to meet the rest of my classmates!
Emily Hermann
I am originally from Penfield, NY. I graduated from the University of Rochester in May 2009 with a BA in biology. I have always been interested in medicine and have explored different career choices in the field. However, after volunteering at the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, I decided to pursue nursing. Nursing will allow me to develop personal patient connections, yet still give me the ability to advance in my career. I am excited to begin the AMPNN program and start this new challenge!
Eric Huffman
I am originally from the Finger Lakes area of New York State. I graduated from Saint Bonaventure University with a BS in Biology and from the United States Naval Postgraduate School with an MS in Management Science. I attended the United States Army Field Artillery School, Airborne School, and Ranger School enroute to my first active duty assignment in Europe that was the beginning of slightly more than 20 years of service as a commissioned officer. I served in the functional areas of operations, logistics, maintenance, and research and development in a number of locations throughout the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands. I worked for British Airways in Germany for a few years after my Army service. I speak German fluently and some Dutch. I have always had a strong interest in the clinical side of health care. Outside of academics, I have strong interests in sports (especially hockey), mathematics (specifically the areas of probability and statistics), computers and research, and spending time with my parents, two brothers, three sisters, and their children.
Lynne Kalmbach
I have worked as an analytical scientist in the pharmaceutical industry for the past 7 years where I have been involved in every aspect of drug development spanning discovery to full development. I earned my BS in chemistry from Eastern Michigan University and my MS in chemistry from the University of Washington. I grew up in Chelsea, Michigan, and I spend my spare time reading, crocheting, trying new recipes, exercising and watching hockey. I am very excited about making Western New York my new home and anticipate the beginning of my nursing career.
Aaron Klein
I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. I have traveled a bit in my 27 years of life on this earth, but I have not lived outside of California for any extended period of time, so I am excited for the move to the east coast. I love the outdoors and the arts, so I am excited to see what Rochester has to offer in those departments. It has been a long and interesting journey that has led me into the nursing field, but I would say that I am here because I see it as a point where my passion for people and my passion for science can intersect.
Jane Kwon
I am fortunate to call Hawaii my home, but I look forward to experiencing seasons for the first time up in Rochester.I have held a management position at a tutorial institute for the past five years, working with children ranging in ages from two-years-old to high school seniors. To say that being a tutor has been fulfilling, would be an understatement for it has brought about many delightfully unexpected challenges. I currently hold a BA in psychology from the University of Hawaii and I am eagerly anticipating my future in nursing.
Eunyoung Lim
After graduating from UR, I pursued an MPH degree at the University of Washington. There, I became interested in cancer and traffic safety research. For the past four years, I have been working in Washington, DC at the US DOT/National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducting pedestrian safety and speeding research. I look forward to combining my public health and research experiences with nursing to help individuals and the public at large.
Christine Monahan
I was born in Ontario, Canada and grew up in a small town outside of Rochester, NY. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Training from Boston University and continued my education and earned my Doctorate in Chiropractic from New York Chiropractic College. Sports have always been a big part of my life. I started figure skating when I was three; however, my biggest accomplishment was training for and completing the Rochester Marathon in 2007. I currently own a small chiropractic practice in my hometown and teach in the science department at the Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage in Rochester. I look forward to starting my nursing career as it seems like a natural fit for me. Nurses have a holistic view of the human body and the ability to unite the science of medicine with the art of compassionate care; very similar to my philosophy and approach to overall health and wellness as a chiropractor. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, running, being by the water and spending time with family and friends. My long term goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner or obtain a Master’s Degree in Nurse Education. I look forward to meeting everyone and beginning my new journey!
Lisa Nadeau
After much research and thought, I come to nursing with the goal to combine my business and finance experience with a contribution to my community in a care-giving role. I hope to be able to teach, while still playing a role in leading teams and providing patient care. My husband, Bob, and I have three children, Robert, 26, is a rocket scientist (really), Katie teaches 5th grade outside of New York City, and Corey is a freshman in college. We live on a farm in Wayne County where I grow organic herbs, cut flowers, and raise chickens and horses. We also enjoy bicycling and sailing, though these extracurricular pursuits will be on hold for the next year!
Jennifer Netkin
I graduated from Houghton College in 2007 with a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. While in college I volunteered for several organizations which allowed me to serve the local community and travel to Honduras on two occasions. My involvement with the Houghon Volunteer Fire Department led me to work as an EMT in Rochester after graduating. For the past few months I have been working as a Patient Care Technician at Highland Hospital. I love working in health care and I'm looking forward to furthering my education to become a nurse. My long term goal is to be a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.
David Oldfield
I was born and raised in Rochester. I have a two year degree in Chemistry from SUNY at Alfred and a B.S. in Imaging Science from the Rochester Institute of Technology. I have worked at Bausch & Lomb doing synthetic chemistry and at Kodak as an image/color scientist and systems engineer. I am married to the love of my life and have two incredible kids. I enjoy golf and reading nonfiction. Although I have not taken a very direct route to becoming a nurse, I am confident I have finally found my true niche.
Alexandra Olsen
Originally from Massachusetts, I attended University of Rochester as part of the class of 2008. I graduated from the University of Rochester with a B.A. in Studio Arts and a B.S. in Evolution and Ecology. Having two quite different majors has given me a wide range of experiences. I have research experience with both sharks and copepods. As an artist I am interested in print making and installation. Last year, I created and performed a puppet show that was on display for University of Rochester for two weeks.
Through traveling in southeast Asia with a friend, I developed an interest in learning Chinese. Therefore, through the Take Five Scholar Program at University of Rochester, I was able to study Chinese at a university in Beijing for 7 months. This experience helped hone my interest in nursing.
Currently I work as a sleep technologist at Pediatric Sleep Medicine at Strong.
Joshua Redman
First I want to wish everyone luck and say I look forward to this opportunity that we are all about to take part of. I have a B.S. in Creative Writing from Ithaca College. I currently work for the Staples call center in Henrietta.
Kristen Weniger
I graduated from Hamline University in 2009 with a BA in Exercise and Sports Science. At Hamline, I competed as a collegiate gymnast and worked as a sports medical assistant. I have been interested in Sports Medicine since high school. I first became interested in nursing as a volunteer at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. I assisted the physical therapists with their group oriented joint replacement therapy program. As I continue through the APNN program, I look forward to learning more about the different avenues of nursing. In the future, I hope to work in orthopedic surgeries.
