RWJ Scholars Round Six

Paul Birch

I have lived in Rochester, New York my entire life. I graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a BS in Bio Medical Studies. I have been an employee of Highland Hospital for over 10 years now, and plan to continue as a Nurse after completing this program. At this point in time I do not have any long range goals, but I do enjoy the pace and array of care required in Emergency Medicine. In my free time I try my best to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. I am very excited to be a part of this program, and I look forward to working with all of you.

Timothy Kuhmann

Hello! I am looking forward to meeting all of you as we start our journey together as future nurses. I am from Rochester, NY, and currently reside in East Irondequoit. I have a BS in Physical Education and a Masters in Adapted Physical Education. In my spare time I am a husband and father of two (five year old son and a three year old daughter.) I enjoy running, spending time with friends and family, and watching the Redskins and Red Sox.

Jose Rios

I'm originally from Schenectady, NY. I graduated from SUNY Geneseo '07 with a major in Biology and a minor in Philosophy. After traveling abroad for some time and working as a caster for the past few years at Clinton Crossings Orthopaedics I'm looking forward to going back to school and working with everyone toward our R.N. licensure. Ultimately I'd like to pursue a career as a C.R.N.A. or nursing in a palliative care/hospice setting. In my free time I enjoy cooking, watching good movies and spending time with my two pups; Abby and Parker. See y'all soon!

Neacol Robinson

I was born in Springfield, Ohio, however, I spent the majority of my childhood in Germany. I graduated from Central State University in 1989 with a BS in Business Administration and concentration in Finance. My ultimate goal is to become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner serving the mental health needs of children and adolescents. I enjoy painting, dates with my daughter, reading, and creating memories with friends and family. I look forward to getting to know all of you as we take this journey together.

Hiwot Seyoum

I was born and raised in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. I graduated from Dilla University with B.Ed. in English in 2005. I relocated to the United States in 2011. At first my plan was to study my 2nd degree in Childhood Education. However, after I joined the healthcare sector being a CNA, I became more interested in the nursing field. My work as CNA has shown me that I have a good heart that I can consider as the most valuable possession. In the future, though I still do not have a clear image on which part of nursing I will be falling in love with, I may pursue my study and carrier as a public health nurse or family nurse practitioner. I am a mother of one. I enjoy reading, listening to spiritual songs and spending time with family and friends during my spare time. I am looking forward to meeting you all.

Kemba Latchman

I am originally from St.Vincent and the Grenadines but grew up in Brooklyn, NY. I graduated from Brooklyn College in May 2010 with a BS in Finance. I have held many positions at banks achieving the final title of Financial Advisor. My genuine love for people, medicine, and health care has led me here and I hope to become an awesome nurse. Outside of school and work, I love to frequent restaurants, take photography classes, spend time outdoors and have quality time with friends and family. I look forward to meeting all of you!

Robert Caughey

I was born and raised in Augusta, Maine. Last year I graduated from Carleton College with a degree in International Relations and a Minor in Chinese Language. Since graduating I have been an English teacher in rural China, a waiter at the local Olive Garden here in Augusta, and a financial adviser at one of the top firms in America (not necessarily in that order though!). My goal is to become a nurse at a large teaching hospital where I can explore every facet of nursing. I enjoy reading and eating sushi. I hope we all have an excellent year together in this program.

Barney Goldstein

I grew up in New York’s Finger Lakes region. For the next 30+ years, I lived in 9 different states (as well as Israel and the Virgin Islands) and pursued 2 different careers. After receiving a M.Ed. in Counseling, I worked in community mental health and then directed a Boston-area outpatient addictions treatment program in the 1980s. Then, in a fit of madness, I became a lawyer (after graduating from Boston College Law School), and practiced employment law for 16 years in Portland, Maine; New York City; and Syracuse. I returned to the Finger Lakes in 2004, retired from being a lawyer in 2007, and eventually decided to test the waters of becoming a nurse. I became an LPN and recently have been working in long-term care, currently at Clifton Springs Hospital. If I should live so long, my ultimate goal is to become a CGNP. I also enjoy acting, fitness, volunteerism, and gearing up for my 60s.

Andrew Porter

Norma Orellana

I grew up in Los Angeles, California and graduated from Pepperdine University in April 2013 with a BA in Psychology. My ultimate goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. I love sports, especially baseball; I enjoy working out, doing outdoor activities, and spending time with my family and friends. I look forward to meeting all of you!

Nate Lowe

Nate is a Rochester native, born and raised. He attended Spencerport High School, and continued on to the Rochester Institute of Technology, where he earned a degree in Biotechnology. After a brief stint with a biochemical manufacturing company, he turned to a position where he could more directly work with people at Fleet Feet Sports, a local running establishment. Over the last 5 years, he has trained, fitted, and cheered on thousands of follow Rochesterians as they ran everything from 5k run to Ironman triathlons. In keeping with that spirit, he eagerly anticipates providing care and support as a Nurse!

Stefan Chan

I am from Oakland, California. I have been working a few jobs related to anesthesia since I graduated from college. My future goal is to become a nurse anesthetist. I enjoy travel, biking and cooking.