RWJ Scholars Round One

Randy Arguel:

I graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a BS in Medical Microbiology, and from Keller Graduate School of Management with an MBA in General Management. For the past fourteen years, I have worked as a scientist and reagents manufacturing supervisor in the clinical diagnostics and biomedical research divisions at Beckman Coulter, Inc. Through volunteerism, I have explored my potential as a clinician; working at a group home for developmentally disabled adults introduced me to a broad range of medical problems and treatment plans, and my experiences at the VA Medical Center and St. Jude Medical Center as a nurse aide volunteer gave me the opportunity to work in a geriatric setting and intensive care unit. Ultimately, with my science and research background, I would like to be a nurse scientist, conduct valuable research studies, and teach nurse scholars – an important role given our shortage of nurses and nurse educators.

Christopher Chang-Ross:

I was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in Los Angeles, California. My work experience has included holding leadership positions at a start-up youth development organization for Filipino high school students, working as a researcher and program manager for Reverend Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, and analyzing education policies devised to improve teacher quality in high-poverty public schools. Most recently, as a clinical research coordinator, I collaborated with board-certified physicians to conduct clinical trials for adolescents and adults with various psychiatric disorders. I have a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of California at Berkeley and a master’s degree in history from Duke University.

Cindy Chaves:

My name is Cindy Chaves and I consider myself to be a quite diversified individual. I am often seen as a joker, and most people wouldn't guess that I worked on Wall Street as an Analyst. I also danced at Radio City in the Nutcracker. My dance instructor taught me the 4 D's (Desire Devotion Dedication and Determination). I have lived by those four D's (in that when I desire, devote, dedicate and am determined about a thing, I can achieve it). For fun, I like to snowboard, mountain bike, rock climb, draw, hike, camp or go to a yoga class. I believe in God and feel he works through all of us.

William Clark:

My name is Bill Clark and I am a retired public school administrator who just moved to the Rochester area 2 years ago with my wife Pat from the Long Island, New York City area where I lived my whole life. I earned my doctorate in Educational Administration and Policy Studies but I’m very excited to be called nurse instead of doctor! I am currently an online graduate professor for Stony Brook University. Pat and I have 3 married children and 3 grandchildren. I can’t wait to get started!

Hannah Dominick:

I took the scenic route (train) here from Eugene, OR where I was a clinic assistant at Planned Parenthood. I feel worlds away from the Pacific Northwest but, if I can adjust to the long winters, I hope to stay here beyond my first year in order to pursue a Family Nurse Practitioner degree. I would love to eventually take my nursing practice abroad, and have a special place in my heart for India. I have a BA in Political Science, but my interests are varied and I have always been fascinated by the human body. Some of the things I am hoping to squeeze in during this hectic year are hiking, cooking, sleeping and a good novel!

Sara Fagan:

I graduated from the University of Rochester with a BS in Microbiology and a minor in Chemistry and Spanish. During school I participated in musical theater, juggling club, intramural basketball and soccer. This past fall, I studied abroad in Quito, Ecuador, to improve my Spanish. It was such an amazing experience traveling the country (Galapagos and the Amazon jungle) and volunteering in a children's hospital. My main interest is in pediatrics and in the future I would love to go back to South America on a nursing mission of some sort.

Marlena Fisher:

I graduated from the University of Rochester with a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Society. I participated in an internship in the health and human services department, focusing on poison control and prevention in Concord, New Hampshire. I also played on the University of Rochester varsity basketball and lacrosse teams. My future goal is to become a nurse in the Emergency Room and then work towards getting my Masters in Forensic Nursing or Emergency Nurse Practitioner.

Michelle Jiang:

I graduated from UC Berkeley in 2007 with a major in Public Health and Education. After graduation, I worked in the California Public Health Department, microbiology division. I also have a strong interest in health care policy and management.

Samantha Jones:

I graduated from Hobart and William Smith in 2005 with a BS in Biology. I grew up in Lyons, NY as the seventh of nine children. For the past six years I have been a certified respite for a family care home. My passion for helping others has fueled my desire to pursue nursing, and my ultimate goal of becoming a nurse practitioner. I look forward to starting this journey with the rest of you!

John Millspaugh:

Prior to beginning the APNN, I worked in brand management for large companies including Colgate Palmolive and Constellation Brands. I have an undergraduate degree in Communications from Boston College and an MBA from Babson College. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my wife and 3 children; mostly working on projects around the house, playing sports or exploring nature. I also volunteer time coaching and serving on a board for a non profit organization. For a variety of reasons I have decided to begin a new career in health care and I am excited to become involved in direct patient care. I am confident that I will find this decision fulfilling and rewarding.

Nic Nguyen:

I graduated from Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA, with a B.S. in Exercise and Sports Science. I enjoy doing anything active, trying new foods, traveling, and learning about different cultures. I have worked numerous jobs (too many to even count really) but my most recent jobs are as a caregiver at an HIV/AIDS hospice for low income individuals and as a weight room coordinator/personal trainer at the YMCA. My goal in life is to be able to serve underserved populations, especially minorities, and eventually move on to become a nurse practitioner.

Chinwem Nwanyanwu:

I graduated from St Joseph’s College, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources Management and a Master of Science degree from New York Polytechnic University in Organizational Behavior. I worked as a Job Opportunity Specialist for New York City Human Resources Administration. I currently work as a Child Protective Services caseworker in Administration, for Children’s services. I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the nursing program and I am eager to explore all areas of nursing. My long-term goal is to become a nurse practitioner.

Cristopher Palomino:

I was born in Lima, Peru and came to Burbank, CA when I was 13 years old. After high school, I attended University of Rochester and graduated with a B.A. in Biology, May '08. After completing this program, I plan on working in Acute Care for a year and entering a Nurse Anesthesia Program. My plan is to go back to California and practice there. I love the beach scenery, camping, and any kind of outdoor activities in general. Rochester has been great to me and vey welcoming, but really looking forward to starting a professional career in California and enjoying the warm weather ;).

Alison Perry:

I grew up in Brunswick, Maine, and just graduated from the University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia. Last year I studied abroad in Sydney, Australia, while working on my degree in psychology. I’ve spent the past 4 summers teaching preschool which has led to my interest in pediatrics.

I am graduating this year from Rider University with a BS in Behavioral Neuroscience and a minor in health administration. I decided my sophomore year that I would rather help people then study them and became interested in the accelerated nursing program. I grew up in a small town but have been lucky enough to have a lot of experience volunteering and working in hospitals and a nursing home in both New Jersey and New York City. The gratification that comes with helping people is something that I truly value. I feel extremely lucky to be able to help people with my profession for the rest of my life.