A record number of graduates — 3,970 — will receive degrees at UMass Lowell’s 2017 Commencement. They’ve distinguished themselves in the classroom, on the playing fields, in the community and on campus. As the university celebrates their accomplishments, here are some of their stories:

News about the Class of 2021

Dannalee Watson works at a microscope
Dannalee Watson '21
Medical Laboratory Science

Dannalee Watson loves working in hospital labs, where she analyzes patient samples for signs of disease. She says it’s like being a medical detective.

No day is the same. It’s interesting: It’s like you’re figuring out a puzzle with your patient.
Read More About Dannalee Watson 
Danielle Poublon standing on a runway in front of a jet
Danielle Poublon '20
Marketing & Management

Just as she does in the high jump, junior business major Danielle Poublon reached new heights during her operations management co-op at Raytheon.

(Raytheon) threw me in the deep end, and I loved that … The experience gave me a lot of confidence in the work that I do and my abilities as a professional.
Read More About Danielle Poublon 
Ben Jeter and others stand around a table a meeting
Ben Jeter '21
Sociology

Ben Jeter’s experiences at UMass Lowell, including participating in the professional co-op program and his job as a resident advisor, turned him into a student leader.

My roles as an RA and within the Black Student Union really changed my life and informed who I am today.
Read More About Ben Jeter 
Jessica Amedee doing hurdles at a track event at UMass Lowell
Jessica Amedee '18, '20
Public Administration

Jessica Amedee interned at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce as the university’s first Civic Action Project fellow. The program for UMass graduate students in public policy and related fields introduced her to a network of inspiring professionals.

I met a number of people I would be able to reach out to. I also met great people from the other UMass campuses.
Read More About Jessica Amedee 
Headshot of Leslie Marrero.
Leslie Marrero '21
Education

Leslie Marrero says schools are already inviting her to apply for teaching jobs because she’s earning dual certification in teaching students with moderate disabilities.

The professors here are so great. They have their doors open at all times, and you can talk to them about anything.
Read More About Leslie Marrero 
Marvens Francois playing rugby
Marvens Francois '21
Economics

Marvens Francois says switching his major to economics was one of the best decisions of his life.

I’ve always had this love for economic theory and the stock market and things like that, so I said, ‘I’ll give it a try’ – and I’ve never looked back.
Read More About Marvens Francois 
Brigid Archibald holds up copy of The Connector
Brigid Archibald '21
English

Brigid Archibald always wanted to be a superhero. Now the editor of the student newspaper, The Connector, she sees journalists as today’s heroes.

I saw how journalism could be another form of justice.
Read More About Brigid Archibald 
Hannah Casey (far left) with the Taltys and her boyfriend (far right), who's the student trustee and also on Mock Trial.
Hannah Casey '21
Political Science

Hannah Casey signed up for the Model U.N. and Mock Trial teams and student government. She interned with a congressional candidate and a defense attorney. Now she’s student body president.

The verdict was ‘Not guilty.’ That was when I fell in love with criminal law.
Read More About Hannah Casey 
Kripa Joseph, right, on stage with another female student.
Kripa Joseph '18, '19
Peace and Conflict Studies

Honors student Kripa Joseph is earning her B.A. and M.A. in Peace and Conflict Studies in four years, while minoring in music and pursuing internships that promote diversity and respect among cultures.

Theater and music are a great way to teach people empathy. You’re telling a story, and stories move people.
Read More About Kripa Joseph 
Melanie Sunnerberg looks over her shoulder
Melanie Sunnerberg '21
Finance and Marketing

Business administration major Melanie Sunnerberg has a passion for finance that she’s honed through a co-op experience at MFS Investment Management and her leadership roles in student organizations.

The professors have industry experience, the dean really connects with students, and the students are so interconnected and supportive of one another.
Read More About Melanie Sunnerberg 
David Nguyen
David Nguyen '21
Nursing

Nursing student David Nguyen learned how to provide hands-on care to COVID-19 patients during the pandemic.

I learned that you can’t save everyone, but you can still honor their lives and care for their families.
Read More About David Nguyen 
UML student ambassador Catherine de Groot with a group of students from M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women in Chennai, India, who came to campus for an intensive summer business program
Catherine de Groot '21
Marketing

Catherine de Groot enjoys using her marketing skills to help nonprofits in Lowell.

I kept hearing about all of the great opportunities here.
Read More About Catherine de Groot 
Sid Iyer stands in the lab with two other students holding a piece of smart fabric
Sid Iyer '20
Plastics Engineering

Sid Iyer has taken advantage of internships, research opportunities, the DifferenceMaker program and more to pursue his goal: a career in biomedical research and development.

Professor Nagarajan wants students to take responsibility for all aspects of a project and to think independently.
Read More About Sid Iyer 
Emmy Misail works on her comic strip
Emmy Misail '20
English – Journalism and Professional Writing

Emmy Misail won an Honors College creativity fellowship to draw comic strips under the guidance of an art professor.

Journalism and professional writing offer a really broad range of pathways to choose from.
Read More About Emmy Misail 
Vincent Ciaramella standing in front of a frozen waterfall
Vincent Ciaramella '21
Exercise Science

Even as a transfer student and a commuter, Vincent Ciaramella found friendship and a helpful community at UMass Lowell.

That community feel is where UMass Lowell really stands out.
Read More About Vincent Ciaramella 
Kanya Derisme speaks with a woman
Kanya Derisme '21
Marketing, Digital Media

Through her coursework, business student Kanya Derisme gained the skills and knowledge needed for a career in digital marketing. Through her leadership roles in student organizations, she learned something about herself.

I’m not a straight-A student, so I take pride in being in organizations and talking to my fellow students. We’re not all learning the same thing, but we still have that connection.
Read More About Kanya Derisme 
Surbhi Kanthed (center) and two other students pictured at Technica 2019, a hackathon.
Surbhi Kanthed '19
Computer Science

Surbhi Kanthed’s team won a huge hackathon for women students – and now she is working at Red Hat.

The professors help you, they groom you and they teach you so many things.
Read More About Surbhi Kanthed 
Arielle Joasil inside Thermo Fisher Scientific in Tewksbury, Mass.
Arielle Joasil '20
Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering major Arielle Joasil discovered a gold mine of opportunities at UML, including a co-op at Thermo Fisher Scientific, a fellowship at the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and a research assistant role at UML’s Center for Advanced Computation and Telecommunications.

UMass Lowell was easily one of the best decisions I could have ever made. I’ve grown so much as a person and as a leader, and I feel more prepared professionally.
Read More About Arielle Joasil 
Maxwell Aaronson shakes a man's hand while volunteering with the nonprofit Human Connection in Nayarit in Mexico
Maxwell Aaronson '21
Political Science

Maxwell Aaronson is pursuing international experiences and languages, with the goal of working in the Foreign Service.

I’ve developed this real passion for learning languages and learning about other cultures.
Read More About Maxwell Aaronson 
Jenna Kapp at scenic overlook
Jenna Kapp '19
Peace and Conflict Studies

Peace and Conflict Studies major Jenna Kapp has taken advantage of nearly every opportunity that’s come her way on campus. Now she’s finding more abroad.

I’ve tried to make the most of my opportunities at UMass Lowell. I love this university and all these things I get to do.
Read More About Jenna Kapp 
Madison Reed and Ram Nagarajan
Madison Reed '21
Plastics Engineering

Madison Reed works as a research assistant with Plastics Engineering Prof. Ramaswamy Nagarajan in the UML Fabric Discovery Center.

Prof. Nagarajan completely trusts me to get the results that we need from the experiments.
Read More About Madison Reed 
Kelsey Gonzalez (right) poses with a doctor outdoors
Kelsey Gonzalez '21
Public Health

Kelsey Gonzalez cares for asylum seekers as program manager for Global Disaster Response and Humanitarian Action at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Center for Global Health.

Working on the border has further opened my eyes to how much advancement is needed at a global scale to improve the quality of life of vulnerable populations.
Read More About Kelsey Gonzalez 
Rachel Jordan and friend pose with classic car in Cuba
Rachel Jordan '21
Economics

Rachel Jordan says that discovering the chair of the Economics Department was a woman helped convince her to come to UMass Lowell.

The professors here have been absolutely amazing. I’ve only had good experiences.
Read More About Rachel Jordan 
Education major Sydney Fugundes works with student at Girls Inc.
Sydney Fagundes '21
Education

Sydney Fagundes has found her calling: teaching young children, with a focus on science and math.

For every education course we have taken, we have been in a classroom observing or giving lessons since the very first class of freshman year.
Read More About Sydney Fagundes 
Julie Lawton admires a mural in Coburn Hall
Julie Lawton '21
Political Science

Joining a club as soon as she arrived on campus got Julie Lawton experience on two political campaigns as well as internships in the Boston mayor’s office and the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus – all within a year.

I think it’s cool that I can connect my classes with what I learned in my internship.
Read More About Julie Lawton 
 Pratibha Gautam with a group of people holding a "Barracuda Bowl" M2D2 poster.
Pratibha Gautam '20
Economics

Pratibha Gautam’s job at a medical device incubator inspired her to pursue a career in health economics.

I came to understand that by studying economics, I could ... address equity issues.
Read More About Pratibha Gautam 
Amos Kungu in front of Herb Chambers backdrop
Amos Kungu '21
Business Administration

After a globetrotting career in IT, Amos Kungu of Kenya is setting his sights on starting his own company. He's working on a master’s degree in entrepreneurship — while working full time and raising a family.

It hasn’t been easy the last four years juggling work and family — and last year, the pandemic — but UMass Lowell has been really supportive.
Read More About Amos Kungu 
David Morton speaks at convocation
David Morton '20
Business Administration & Political Science

Whether it’s working to improve campus life as Student Government Association president or responding to an emergency call as a student EMT, David Morton has dedicated himself to making UML a better place.

I never thought I would be this happy at UMass Lowell, but it’s where I belonged.
Read More About David Morton 
Bradley Sherwood helps a child weave on a loom at summer camp at the Tsongas Industrial History Center
Bradley Sherwood '20
History

Bradley Sherwood explains history to school children and adults at the Tsongas Industrial History Center, an educational partnership between the university and Lowell National Historical Park.

The city appealed to me. There’s a lot to do here.
Read More About Bradley Sherwood 
Kelly Dankese outside of iRobot in Bedford, MA
Kelly Dankese '20
Accounting

As an accounting co-op at iRobot, business administration major Kelly Dankese of Wilmington discovered a symbiotic relationship between what she learned in the classroom and the work she was doing for the Bedford-based tech company.

I didn’t realize how lucky I was to get this co-op at iRobot. They have a lot of women in leadership roles, which was really cool to see. I could tell it was a really good fit for me.
Read More About Kelly Dankese 
Shaymus Dunn pictured with master of science in accounting student, Nam Dinh, who both work at EverQuote, visit NASDAQ as company files IPO
Shaymus Dunn '20
Accounting

Business student Shaymus Dunn got hands-on accounting experience – and an unexpected visit to the NASDAQ stock exchange – during his summer internship at EverQuote.

I’ve always been interested in the stock market, but to experience it firsthand is something I never expected I’d get to do.
Read More About Shaymus Dunn 
Nicolas Troisi works at a piece of equipment in a medical laboratory.
Nicolas Troisi '20
Medical Laboratory Science

Nicolas Troisi gained extensive experience from his clinical lab rotations and landed a full-time job as a medical laboratory scientist at Winchester Hospital. He started in April, before he even graduated.

The professors in the medical laboratory science program set the bar high for how education should be designed and delivered.
Read More About Nicolas Troisi 
Shannon Gray headshot
Shannon Gray '18, '19
Public Health

Shannon Gray started earning her master's degree in Public Health with a focus on epidemiology as an undergraduate. Her internship with the Uxbridge Board of Health broadened her exposure to the role public health professionals play and strengthened her skills.

The curriculum, professors and internships for the MPH program are excellent.
Read More About Shannon Gray 
Jared Socolow meets with Associate Teaching Professor Mary Duell in her office.
Jared Socolow '20
Psychology

Jared Socolow turned his own struggles into a research project that he will present at the annual conference of the Association for Psychological Science.

I like to get out of my comfort zone and challenge myself.
Read More About Jared Socolow 
Roberta Rivera in his middle school classroom.
Roberto Rivera '18, '20
English, Spanish and Italian & Education

Roberto Rivera combined a B.A. in English literature and Spanish and Italian with a master’s degree in education to become an ESL teacher in the Lawrence schools.

My professors didn’t just make me an English teacher. They made me a teacher: someone who can work with children and teach them properly, whatever they need.
Read More About Roberto Rivera 
Dana Ibrahim, second from left in front, and fellow students touch a statue on street in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Dana Ibrahim '20, '21
Peace and Conflict Studies & Political Science

Dana Ibrahim chose UMass Lowell for its peace and conflict studies program, which lets her combine classes across the social sciences and humanities to suit her goal: to become a diplomat and aid refugees.

You’re not just getting a degree; you’re building your future as you go.
Read More About Dana Ibrahim 
Michael Hines helps a man lift weights on a bench
Michael Hines '21
Exercise Science

Michael Hines, a former college athlete who wants to own his own athletic or physical therapy facility one day, is following the exercise and fitness management degree pathway.

I have a passion for business. I always had that entrepreneurial spirit.
Read More About Michael Hines 
Brandon Aylaian at Mt. Rainier
Brendon Aylaian '21
Business Management

Army Rangers veteran Brendon Aylaian is working as a financial specialist for the Air Force.

I can’t say enough good things about working for the Air Force.
Read More About Brendon Aylaian 
Franchesca Arias takes a selfie in Spain during her study abroad program with a group of students and Assoc. Teaching Prof. Thomas Piñeros-Shields
Franchesca Arias '20
Sociology & Spanish

Honors student Franchesca Arias is passionate about studying abroad after completing a summer program in Valencia, Spain.

Study abroad is one of those life-changing experiences. When you’re immersed in the culture, you realize you have the ability to learn every single aspect of that culture and what they’re going through socially and politically.
Read More About Franchesca Arias 
Chanelle Cruz speaking in front of room
Chanelle Cruz '20
Marketing

During her six-month sales operations co-op at Kronos, business administration major Chanelle Cruz developed her Salesforce CRM problem-solving skills.

UMass Lowell is very diverse, not only socially and culturally, but also in the range of programs it has. I feel like I’m exposed to so many different types of people here. I love that.
Read More About Chanelle Cruz 
Jamie Smorczewski and his wife at Fenway
Jamie Smorczewski '09, '21
History, Security Studies

2021 Student Commencement Speaker Jamie Smorczewski knows what it means to persevere, over injury, health issues, the pandemic and life’s curveballs.

I’m from a blue-collar family and there wasn’t a ton of money for me to attend college, so I found my own way.
Read More About Jamie Smorczewski 
Maylis Brito stands in front of a Kronos sign
Maylis Brito '20
Finance

Thanks to her co-op and internship experiences at Kronos, business administration major Maylis Brito has broadened her career options beyond her concentration in finance.

Now that I’ve worked in marketing, I’m not just theorizing about my future; it’s actually something I can see myself getting into.
Read More About Maylis Brito 
Payal Patel sits in front of laptop
Payal Patel '21
Biology, UTeach

When Payal Patel started college as an engineering major, she missed tutoring and teaching – so she decided to make education her career.

At UMass Lowell, you have that flexibility to change your career path.
Read More About Payal Patel 
Flore Stécie Norcéide at laptop
Flore Stécie Norcéide '21
Computer Engineering

Flore Stécie Norcéide won an Oprah Winfrey Scholarship to study computer engineering here.

Without scholarships, I couldn’t study computer engineering.
Read More About Flore Stécie Norcéide 
Sofia Savoca with her mom outside O'Leary Library on South Campus
Sofia Savoca '21
Civil Engineering

Sofia Savoca chose UMass Lowell for the opportunity to be in the Honors College and to study civil engineering. She’s found a dozen new opportunities since arriving on campus.

Opportunities, opportunities – it’s raining opportunities. They’re here if you work hard and know where to look.
Read More About Sofia Savoca 
Miranda Melo in UML scrubs working at a computer
Miranda Melo '20
Nursing

Miranda Melo feels well prepared for her nursing career. Her past clinical rotations included working at Lowell General Hospital, Winchester Hospital, Holy Family Hospital and the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of New England.

My dream was always to attend UMass Lowell with its renowned nursing program.
Read More About Miranda Melo 
Benjamin McEvoy and Edward Morante at DifferenceMaker boot camp with their Benji Ball prototype
Benjamin McEvoy '21
Business, Finance & Management Information Systems

Benjamin McEvoy has been racking up wins as a DifferenceMaker competitor with partner Edward Morante and their idea for an inclusive combination of baseball and cricket, Benji Ball.

I have always dreamed of being my own boss and at some point and having my own company.
Read More About Benjamin McEvoy 
Melissa DiPano poses with a large group of students in a classroom.
Melissa DiPano '20
Psychology & Spanish

A class in cognitive psychology inspired Melissa DiPano to do research with two professors and aim for a Ph.D.

I think I just lucked out as much as a psychology major possibly can.
Read More About Melissa DiPano 
Daphne Shakira Naut posing on a mountain during study abroad with views of rocky, snowy mountains in the background
Daphne Shakira Naut '20
Political Science & Philosophy

Honors College student Daphne Shakira Naut was already fluent in two languages and had started on two more by the time she finished high school. Here at UML, she’s picked up a fifth language and studied abroad three times – all while supporting herself.

Languages are like M&Ms. You just keep adding more.
Read More About Daphne Shakira Naut 
Rachel Sullivan with a campus shuttle
Rachel Sullivan '21
Music Education

Music studies major Rachel Sullivan discovered more than a way to earn money through her campus job with Transportation Services. She also found a genuine camaraderie that has enriched her college experience.

I’ve made so many friends through this job. Even people who have graduated, I’m still talking with them and hanging out.
Read More About Rachel Sullivan 
Bryanna Ippolito sitting on a bench outside working on her laptop
Bryanna Ippolito '20
Nutritional Science

After working with Alzheimer’s patients while in high school, Bryanna Ippolito is pursuing her bachelor's in nutritional science and developed a program for students who someday may be working with Alzheimer’s patients to understand what it’s like to live with the disease.

I fell in love with UMass Lowell when I toured here. It's close to my home in Billerica, and South Campus was the homelike feeling that I wanted to find in a school.
Read More About Bryanna Ippolito 
Music education student Josh Santana stands holding a microphone with members of the Me2/Orchestra in the background.
Josh Santana '20, '22
Music Education, Community Music

Josh Santana’s passion for community music grew from the UMass Lowell String Project.

Community is where I get the most passion and flow.
Read More About Josh Santana 
Jennifer Schultz posing during a hike between two large red rocks
Jennifer Schultz '21
Mechanical Engineering

When she was younger, Jennifer Schultz didn’t want to be an engineer. Yet here she is, a summer intern in the office of Nonspec, a company that offers low-cost prosthetic limb systems. She even trekked to India with UMass Lowell’s B.V.B. Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program.

There was no way I was going to be an engineer.
Read More About Jennifer Schultz 
Joyce Vega works in with students at different tables
Joyce Vega '21
Education

Joyce Vega is grateful for all of the scholarships she was able to apply for through UML’s scholarship portal.

My scholarships made it easier for me to focus on my education. They really provided me with mental sanity.
Read More About Joyce Vega 
Kellsie-Howard
Kellsie Howard '19
Business Administration - Finance, Management

Kellsie Howard has managed to achieve a lot in her first two years in the Manning School of Business, including organizing a DECA competition, starting two clubs and working as a co-op at Putnam Investments.

We want to empower, diversify and help women find a voice in the classroom.
Read More About Kellsie Howard 
Matthew Clancy works on his CubeSat in UMass Lowell's MakerSpace
Matthew Clancy '20
Mechanical Engineering

As a sophomore, Matthew Clancy designed a small satellite with a vital mission: getting children and teens excited about their STEM studies and aerospace careers. Now he’s developing his LEARNsat for NASA launch.

We get to learn industry-relevant skills that aren’t offered in other programs.
Read More About Matthew Clancy 
Carla Gonzalez Hidalgo talks with a fellow UMass Lowell student in University Crossing
Carla Gonzalez Hidalgo '19
Business Administration

Carla Gonzalez Hidalgo is a full-time student and her family’s sole support. Yet she finds time to volunteer for causes she believes in.

I love business because it’s so diverse – there are so many things you can do with it.
Read More About Carla Gonzalez Hidalgo 
Katie McGourty works in a lab
Katie McGourty '18, '19
Applied Biomedical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences

Katie McGourty took advantage of UML's Bachelor’s-to-Master’s program and completed her master’s in one year. She landed a job with Pfizer Inc. in the inflammation and immunology department before she graduated.

I decided to do the accelerated B.S.-M.S. program in pharmaceutical sciences because it was a cost-effective way to get my master’s in a growing field.
Read More About Katie McGourty 
Kyleigh Clark-Moorman presents her research
Kyleigh Clark-Moorman '19
Criminology

Kyleigh Clark-Moorman is interested in how best to prepare inmates to rejoin their communities. She’s gotten a broad range of research and teaching experiences in the doctoral program in criminology.

Everyone is so welcoming, and the professors are so invested in student success. They want you to flourish and build your skills.
Read More About Kyleigh Clark-Moorman 
Akbar Abduljalil speaks with two other students
Akbar Abduljalil '20
Economics

Motivated by the loss of a lake he had enjoyed as a child in his native Uzbekistan, economics major Akbar Abduljalil has taken on the role of president of the Student Society for Sustainability.

Until I came to UMass Lowell, I didn’t understand what I could do about the environment and what I was capable of.
Read More About Akbar Abduljalil 
Andrew Sciascia participated in a debate held at UMass Lowell
Andrew Sciascia '20
Political Science & Criminal Justice

Andrew Sciascia’s studies in political science and homeland security are combining with his student newspaper experience to prepare him for a career as a political analyst.

We all come to this university with a different story, and we are welcomed with open arms.
Read More About Andrew Sciascia 
Victor Souza skydiving with a friend
Victor Souza '21
Accounting

Accounting student Victor Souza knew all about hard work when he arrived at UMass Lowell. His focus was on getting involved during his undergraduate career — while also gaining valuable professional experience through internships.

Graduating college and going out in the real world, ... I’m not going to stress about it. I’m excited. I’m ready to take it on.
Read More About Victor Souza 
Corrina Quaglietta abd four other study abroad students pose for a photo in front of the sun setting on a beach in San Sebastian, Spain
Corrina Quaglietta '19
Nursing

Honors nursing student Corrina Quaglietta studied abroad in San Sebastian, Spain, the summer after her freshman year. The experience turned her into a huge booster of study abroad.

I really think that in college, study abroad is the best thing you can do for yourself.
Read More About Corrina Quaglietta 
Oprah Winfrey with student scholarship winners
Nicholas Abourizk '20
Theatre Arts

Nick Abourizk started college with plans to pursue a biology degree – but he couldn’t deny his passion for acting. An Oprah Winfrey Scholarship affirmed his decision to switch his major to Theatre Arts.

To get a scholarship while pursuing a degree in the arts is really validating.
Read More About Nicholas Abourizk 
Mya Neary volunteers at Mill City Grows' largest urban farming site
Mya Neary '20
Entrepreneurship & Management

Mya Neary won an honors fellowship to learn more about running an urban farming nonprofit. Now she’s volunteering with Mill City Grows while developing her own business plan.

UMass Lowell has let me spread myself out so I can try new things, and that’s helped me figure out what I want to do.
Read More About Mya Neary 
Hayley Buonodono at her mom Jaylene's store, Trendsetters Boutique in Amesbury
Hayley Buonodono '20
Marketing

As a merchandising co-op for TJX in Framingham, senior business administration major Hayley Buonodono of Amesbury took a giant step toward her career goal of working as a buyer in the retail industry.

It’s really exciting to go into the stores and see everything set up and be able to say, ‘I shipped that!’ I love that you can feel the product and see what you’re shipping. It’s very tangible. It’s just a really cool feeling.
Read More About Hayley Buonodono 
Meredith Ritze, a registered nurse, pictured at Lowell General Hospital with a patient.
Meredith Ritze '20
Family Health Nursing (NP)

After 12 years working as a registered nurse at Lowell General Hospital, Meredith Ritze developed specialized skills caring for people who struggle with urology issues. She applied to UMass Lowell to become a nurse practitioner to further her career.

I think science and art fuse in nursing because you need compassion, care and the desire to make improvements to the problems you confront.
Read More About Meredith Ritze 
Louis Cirignano speaks at a UMass Lowell branded podium.
Louis Cirignano '20
Business Administration

A born entrepreneur who was tuning up old lawn mowers and selling them online at the age of 6, Louis Cirignano made the most of his opportunities at UMass Lowell. He’s using his degree in business administration to launch a financial management app that he developed through the DifferenceMaker program.

There are so many opportunities to learn outside of the classroom. You’re really doing yourself an injustice if you turn them down.
Read More About Louis Cirignano 
Kyle Mehan at his desk
Kyle Mehan '21
Nutritional Science

Kyle Mehan began researching nutrition when trying to heal his own injuries. Now he promotes a plant-based diet.

I knew that fitness and nutrition go hand in hand, so I thought if I wasn’t going to go into sports medicine, I’d go into the nutrition side of it.
Read More About Kyle Mehan 
Tim Murphy reading "My Big TOE."
Tim Murphy '21
English Literature

Tim Murphy says his experiences at UMass Lowell have increased his confidence along with his expertise.

School has helped me learn how to work toward any goal and accomplish it.
Read More About Tim Murphy 
headshot of Marbella Leal
Marbella Leal '20
Nursing

An Honors College student fellowship gave Marbella Leal a chance to work with at-risk students and do research with a professor.

I felt like I made a difference in their life, even if it was a small one.
Read More About Marbella Leal 
Members of the Korean Student Association
Christina Han '21
Criminal Justice

Christina Han’s work with Multicultural Affairs, her club leadership and her studies in criminal justice converged in her honors capstone: running a “Support Space” for Asian American and Pacific Islander students during a surge in hate crimes.

Just being able to help others and educate others, knowing I was able to make a difference in someone else’s day, that’s a coping mechanism.
Read More About Christina Han 
Nicole Haas sits at a table and works at her laptop at Revive Recovery Center in front of a decorated blackboard
Nicole Haas '18, '20
Public Health

Nicole Haas always knew she wanted a career helping people. The Master of Public Health major landed an internship with the Revive Recovery Center and is taking on one of the most challenging public health crises of the last 20 years: the opioid epidemic.

These face-to-face experiences are how I learned so much about the recovery community and how to continue finding ways to help people and prevent fatal outcomes.
Read More About Nicole Haas 
Evelynn Cousey in front of a canyon
Evelynn Cousey '21
Environmental Science

As co-president of the Society of Environmental Scientists student organization, Evelynn Cousey has developed leadership skills that she plans to take into a career in environmental policy and law.

I know what it’s like to be a transfer. I understand what I needed when I was joining the group, and I try to give that to them.
Read More About Evelynn Cousey 
Abigail Lipski talks to a staff member at UML's Disability Services
Abigail Lipski '20
Criminal Justice

Abby Lipski has taken advantage of assistance from Disability Services to succeed – and excel.

Disability Services has provided me the mechanisms I need to succeed. You build relationships with the people there.
Read More About Abigail Lipski 
Brianna Atwood volunteering at St. Patrick's School in Lowell
Brianna Atwood '20
Plastics Engineering

Brianna Atwood came to UMass Lowell to study plastics engineering – but she’s done so much more. The honors student started a volunteer program that connects UML students with a local school. She has also participated in the professional co-op program, working on fire-resistant seals for airplanes.

UMass Lowell just keeps getting better – everything improves. The campus itself is awesome, and I really love the city, too.
Read More About Brianna Atwood 
Coral Gonzalez poses for a photo with Oprah Winfrey and five other students who won Oprah Winfrey Scholarships in 2018
Coral Gonzalez '21
Nursing

Coral Gonzalez set her sights on becoming a nurse after she was hospitalized in middle school. The Honors College student won one of the first Oprah Winfrey Scholarships to help her succeed.

I like that the campus is spread out, so you can go on walks. It’s not in the middle of the city, it’s not in the middle of nowhere, it’s not too close to home, but not so far that I can’t see family and friends. It was the perfect fit.
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Molly Tecce in her office with 3D Printer
Molly Tecce '21
Plastics Engineering

Plastics Engineering major Molly Tecce and partners from the 3D Club leapt into action to make PPE when the pandemic struck.

It was a great project. And we learned a lot while doing it.
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Daryle Lamonica stands with two other students, all in suits, holding certificates for completing a summer enrichment program
Daryle LaMonica '21
Biology

Marine Corps veteran Daryle LaMonica is on the fast track to becoming a doctor through the UMass Medical School Baccalaureate to M.D. Pathway Program.

I have a new appreciation for arts and the humanities.
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Christopher Ingemi works on a model of a bridge
Christopher Ingemi '18, '19
Civil & Environmental Engineering

A former carpenter sidelined by the recession, Christopher Ingemi went back to school at Middlesex Community College and then transferred to UML. Now, thanks to his job in a lab, he’s completed his master’s in civil engineering and found a great job as a bridge designer.

Because I had worked in construction, civil engineering seemed like a natural fit.
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Professional co-op student Jack Goutier stands outside of Bose global headquarters in Framingham, Mass.
Jack Goutier '20
Electrical Engineering

For electrical engineering major Jack Goutier of Attleboro, failure was part of the job during his six-month product safety co-op at Bose Corp.

The co-op program is why I chose UMass Lowell ... I knew I wanted to get a taste of the real world before fully devoting myself to my career.
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Rachel Record sitting at a table with Asst. Prof. Jill Portnoy and another person at UMass Lowell
Rachel Record '20
Criminal Justice

Honors student Rachel Record won a full scholarship to law school, thanks to the Legal Studies Program and research and practical experiences.

I grew up on this campus. I love it here.
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Bian Kor performs at Suitcase Stories
Biar Kon '21
Business Administration

Biar Kon grew up in refugee camps in Kenya. Now he gives back to the city’s refugee community through his work with the International Institute of New England.

As a business person, you get to interact with people and identify needs in the community — and then fulfill those needs.
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Shruti Jain sits at a desk with her supervisor at University Relations, Sarah Eisenklam
Shruti Jain '19
Computer Science

Shruti Jain came to UMass Lowell for its hands-on teaching approach. She’s gotten lots of opportunities to apply what she’s learning – as well as a coveted internship with Red Hat.

Once recruiters knew that I was a student at UMass Lowell, you could just see it in their faces – they were really interested in talking to me. People know what UMass Lowell is, and it’s all really positive.
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