Career Fellows Program

JUNIOR CAREER FELLOW FROM PABNA, BANGLADESH; COMPUTER SCIENCE & GLOBAL ISLAMIC STUDIES DOUBLE MAJOR; ART MINOR; STUDENT SCHOLAR IN THE AMMERMAN CENTER FOR ARTS & TECHNOLOGY

Pronouns:  She/Her

I AM EVERYWHERE! That’s how my friends describe me on campus. As I have so many interests and I like to explore and try things, I seize every opportunity that gives me a new experience. As an international student, the first in my family to study in the United States, and a computer science major, my mission is to use technology as a tool for equity, cultural preservation, and global empowerment. My academic and research focus lies in human-computer interaction (HCI) & human-centered design. I explore how we can design inclusive, culturally aware, and emotionally intelligent digital spaces. My projects often sit at the intersection of activism and technology—whether that’s building sentiment analysis tools for underrepresented languages, developing VR interfaces, or designing FemTech rooted in South Asian craft traditions. At Conn, I’ve had the chance to channel these passions through leadership and community engagement. I re-founded the Muslim Students Association and currently serve as President of the International Student Association. I also work with the Walter Commons for Global Study and Engagement, and I am the founding president of the Girls Who Code College Loop at Connecticut College. Outside of academics and leadership, I find joy in creativity, whether that’s through digital photography, spontaneous community projects, or curating spaces where people feel seen and connected. I also love doing random coffee runs and making chai for my friends.

sahmed4@conncoll.edu

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SOPHOMORE CAREER FELLOW FROM BURLINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS; DANCE AND BIOCHEMISTRY, CELLULAR & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY DOUBLE MAJOR

Pronouns:  She/Her

Transferring skills from dance to medicine is my passion. The empathy I embody and receive influences my value for research in pediatrics. As I pursue majors in both dance and biochemistry, I am learning more about the importance of understanding the whole human body. My understanding of research has been furthered through internships. Most recently, I worked as a Research intern at Mass General Hospital in the Yeku Lab, where I completed antibody drug conjugate treatment on ovarian cancer cell lines. This experience, accompanied by my volunteer position at the Cambridge Women's Center, provided me with a well-rounded image of why research and advocacy are valuable, especially today. Pediatric oncology is a strong interest point as it involves my past experiences in the hospital.

As a first generation American, I see the importance of cultural values within my family. Traveling is a major part of my life and has influenced my wants for the future. For example, I am interested in creating a foundation to support underfunded orphanages in South India after visiting and talking to the wonderful people working there myself. My artistic goal is to continue to choreograph and share stories I have seen or experienced effectively through dance. After Conn, my goal is to attend medical school and further study pediatrics as well as learn more about global health advocacy. Outside of my majors and academic pursuits, I love to cook, watch movies (except horror), and experience new places.

sarokiara@conncoll.edu

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SENIOR CAREER FELLOW FROM CHANDLER, ARIZONA; NEUROSCIENCE MAJOR; HISPANIC STUDIES MINOR; STUDENT SCHOLAR IN THE TOOR CUMMINGS CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AND THE LIBERAL ARTS (CISLA)

Pronouns: She/Her

Originally from the border state of Arizona and a daughter of immigrants myself, my interests have always been inspired by protecting the health rights of those entering the southern front. My interests especially lie in understanding memory, and I study neuroscience to understand the burdens of memory, the privilege of forgetting, and the fragile line between what is remembered and what becomes distorted—because in that space, healing begins. After an eventful summer abroad in Spain studying migration and neuroimaging, I am currently setting the stage for my senior integrative project, “Invisible Shipwrecks & Neurological Endangerment: the Trade-Off in Seeking Asylum,” through CISLA. Outside of my major, I enjoy staying involved in music and have been taking voice and violin lessons! Also, I recently traveled to several countries, including the U.K., Denmark, Sweden, and South Africa.

egiran@conncoll.edu

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JUNIOR CAREER FELLOW FROM NATICK, MASSACHUSETTS; MUSIC, SOUND AND TECHNOLOGY & COMPUTER SCIENCE DOUBLE MAJOR; JEWISH STUDIES MINOR; STUDENT SCHOLAR IN THE AMMERMAN CENTER FOR ARTS & TECHNOLOGY

Pronouns: He/Him

I am a dedicated computer science student with a deep interest in digital signal processing. I am pursuing audio hardware development through both the Computer Science Department and the Ammerman Center for Arts and Technology. I am also a passionate musician and producer with over five years of experience in mixing and mastering. With a drive for exploring the intersections of music and technology, I hope to combine my majors with the goal of employment in the engineering side of the music industry. I am especially motivated by designing hardware that inspires creativity for others.

In addition to my majors, I am also minoring in Jewish Studies. Outside of the classroom, I serve as the Co-President of Connecticut College Hillel, and I actively engage in opportunities to learn about conflict mediation. These experiences have strengthened my leadership skills and demonstrate my dedication to building inclusive campus environments.

bgoldsmit@conncoll.edu

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SENIOR PRE-HEALTH CAREER FELLOW FROM PORTLAND, OREGON; NEUROSCIENCE AND GLOBAL ISLAMIC STUDIES DOUBLE MAJOR

Pronouns: She/Her

Exploring the intersection of disciplines is a passion I apply in every aspect of my student experience. As a neuroscience major, I investigate the impact of our nervous systems to our day-to-day experiences. With global Islamic studies, I not only study the ‘Islamic World’ but the lived experiences of Islam all over the world. Over the summer, I conducted community based research in Uganda on potential care pathways for people experiencing severe mental illness in isolated rural communities. Aside from my academics, I am a part of the rowing team, alpine ski club, and Muslim Student Association. When I find time to relax, I love reading classic novels, baking, and taking hikes. After Conn, I will be studying to become a general surgeon serving rural communities.

sgrossman@conncoll.edu

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SENIOR PRE-HEALTH CAREER FELLOW FROM ACCRA, GHANA; NEUROSCIENCE MAJOR; EDUCATIONAL STUDIES AND CHEMISTRY MINOR

Pronouns: She/Her

I like to question everything that comes to mind. This habit of mine led me to question the nature of human connections and interactions during my high school career and now in my undergraduate years. In college, I found different outlets and resources to channel my curiosity about the science of humans. As a senior, I have spent summers on campus researching the experiences of Black and African American students in higher educational STEM settings, as well as the nature of trauma and trauma-informed practices in STEM education on a physiological and neurological level. I was introduced to a world of virtual STEM research at the University of California, San Diego, where we worked closely with instructors to make their teaching practices and philosophies more equitable. In the clinical setting, I have spent time as a patient transporter at Lawrence and Memorial as well as a student intern and research assistant at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana. Outside of the classroom and career office environment, I am the co-chair for the Health Professionals for Underrepresented Minorities (HPURM), as well as a member of the Pre-Health Club, the African Student Association, and the Black Student Union. In my spare time, I love to read, listen to music, and cook food from my home country.

lkoteifea@conncoll.edu

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SENIOR CAREER FELLOW FROM CHICAGO, ILLINOIS; ECONOMICS MAJOR; FINANCE AND HISTORY MINOR

Pronouns: He/Him

I am a dedicated advocate for social equity, with a strong focus on making higher education more accessible to minoritized communities. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, I draw inspiration from my Hispanic heritage and the challenges I’ve overcome as the first in my family to attend college. This personal journey fuels my passion for breaking down barriers and creating pathways for others to achieve their educational goals. I work passionately to collaborate with peers and mentors to support the academic and personal growth of men of color, advocating for policies and programs that address the unique challenges faced by students of different social and ethnic backgrounds. Beyond work, I enjoy video games, movies, and reading. My favorite book as of this moment is The Lord of the Rings, or if you like manga, I'm currently reading Hunter x Hunter!

jmarrero@conncoll.edu

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SENIOR PRE-HEALTH CAREER FELLOW FROM DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE; BIOLOGY MAJOR; MATH AND STATISTICS/DATA SCIENCE MINOR

Pronouns: She/Her

My favorite TV show growing up was Doc McStuffins, starring a 6-year old girl who treats her stuffed animals in her playhouse clinic. Since then, I knew I wanted to contribute to the world of healthcare. I initially began college as a pre-medical student until I explored other avenues, such as mathematics and statistics, which led to my main interest in bioinformatics. Last summer, I was able to participate in research in this field when I conducted a metagenomic analysis of soil microbial DNA samples. This past summer, I shifted my focus to a global scale through a public health advocacy internship with the United Nations. Outside of school, I am involved with the Office of Admissions as a tour guide. Being a tour guide is one of my favorite campus involvements because I get to continuously meet new people and talk about how much I love Conn! During my free time, I enjoy going on runs, doing pilates, going to the beach, and trying new restaurants.

bmuppala@conncoll.edu

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SENIOR CAREER FELLOW FROM SCITUATE, MASSACHUSETTS; ENGLISH AND STUDIO ART DOUBLE MAJOR

Pronouns: She/Her

I adore the arts in its many forms, and I think art should be experienced, not just looked at. The advertising industry has taken a leap into the experiential marketing arena. I’ve connected with creative directors across the globe, and through my searching, I think there’s a case to be made for the fine arts adopting these practices.

I am a large format oil painter, and practiced in many different forms of installation. I plan to continue applying this knowledge my senior year, in the White Box Gallery for small scale installation, as well as in the main gallery of Cummings Art Center.

kpovost@conncoll.edu

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JUNIOR CAREER FELLOW FROM GLENWOOD SPRINGS, COLORADO; ENGLISH AND ANTHROPOLOGY DOUBLE MAJOR

Pronouns:  She/Her

Growing up, I always had my nose in a book. I wanted to get lost in as many stories as I could while learning about different people and cultures. As an English and Anthropology major, I love learning about humans and their differences, especially through texts. I hope to pursue a career centered around literature, diversity, and storytelling. I am interested in teaching English and sharing my love for reading, exploring opportunities in publishing, or opening an independent bookshop. Last summer, I completed an independent research project studying how Iranian women’s literature has been a site of expression both before and after the Iranian revolution. I became passionate about how Iranian women use different genres, such as graphic novels, poetry, and fiction, to express themselves both in Iran and in the diaspora. I hope to continue learning about writing and reading in Iran as well as other parts of the world. Outside of academics, I love to bake, crochet, and sew, and you can often find me curled up with a good book and a cup of tea.

erausch@conncoll.edu

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JUNIOR PRE-BUSINESS CAREER FELLOW FROM LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA; QUANTITATIVE ECONOMICS & ECONOMETRICS MAJOR; FINANCE AND GOVERNMENT DOUBLE MINOR

Pronouns: She/Her

I am a very competitive person, and since arriving at Conn, I have been able to channel this competitive drive both in academics and athletics. At Conn, I quickly found a passion for economics and finance. I am excited to begin my finance career path next summer at SMBC’s New York office in the Capital Solutions Group. I seek to use my experience with the recruiting process to help others avoid the mistakes that I made along the way. Aside from my role as a Career Fellow, I am also an accounting tutor, treasurer of the Women in Finance Club, and a member of Peggotty Investment Club. Additionally, I am a member of the Women’s Rowing Team and the Co-President of the Women’s Club Hockey team. 

rschmidt1@conncoll.edu

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SENIOR PRE-BUSINESS CAREER FELLOW FROM DERRY, NEW HAMPSHIRE; ECONOMETRICS MAJOR, GERMAN STUDIES MINOR; STUDENT SCHOLAR IN THE TOOR CUMMINGS CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AND THE LIBERAL ARTS (CISLA)

Pronouns: He/Him

Working as a Career Fellow has given me the unique opportunity to mentor and assist students in their career search. While Connecticut College’s alumni network is small, we have strong, tight-knit relationships with our alumni that provide great opportunities for our alumni. During my time as a Career Fellow, I aim to help students leverage these connections to explore their career options and achieve their goals. After college, I am joining General Reinsurance Company as a Treaty Underwriter Trainee. 

msharrett@conncoll.edu

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SENIOR CAREER FELLOW FROM JAMESTOWN, RHODE ISLAND; ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND GOVERNMENT DOUBLE MAJOR; SOCIOLOGY MINOR; PUBLIC HEALTH PATHWAY SCHOLAR

Pronouns: She/Her

I am passionate about environmental justice and public health, with a focus on how policy can improve community well-being. At Conn, I’ve gained experience through internships with Save the Bay, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, and Docs for Health, where I worked on projects ranging from water quality monitoring to climate policy advocacy and healthcare access. These opportunities have inspired my goal of pursuing a career in global health policy, addressing water insecurity and environmental health disparities in underserved communities. Through these experiences, I have developed the skills and perspective to support other students in exploring their interests, building their confidence, and achieving their academic and career goals. After graduation, I will be attending Johns Hopkins University for a Master of Science in Public Health in International Health with a concentration in Social and Behavioral Interventions. Outside of academics, I enjoy reading, outdoor activities, traveling, and connecting with others through advocacy work.

ssperry@conncoll.edu

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JUNIOR PRE-LAW CAREER FELLOW FROM SCHAUMBURG, ILLINOIS; GOVERNMENT AND ECONOMICS DOUBLE MAJOR; SLAVIC STUDIES MINOR; STUDENT SCHOLAR IN THE HOLLERAN CENTER’S PROGRAM IN COMMUNITY ACTION (PICA)

Pronouns: She/Her

Growing up an immigrant in the city of Chicago, I am dedicating myself to lifelong passions of law and justice, with a greater goal of becoming a Supreme Court Justice. Studying both government and economics has allowed me to explore the academic reasonings behind legal practices and institutions. In addition, my time as a PICA Scholar has allowed me to further my interest in the criminalization of poverty, an interest I hope will be encompassed by my senior integrative project. Last year, I interned under a local immigration attorney. This past summer, I furthered my interest in the legal system by interning at the Cook County Circuit Court in the Adult Probation Department. As a Pre-Law Career Fellow, I hope to aid my peers in exploring their future career paths and accessing opportunities through the rich Conn alumni network. Outside of the Hale Center, I am a Captain of the Women’s Rowing Team, a Roth Writing Center Tutor, a member of the Government Student Advisory Board, and a Copy Editor of Gray Area Magazine.

ezhakypba@conncoll.edu

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SENIOR OPERATIONS FELLOW FROM BROOKLYN, NEW YORK; COMPUTER SCIENCE MAJOR

Pronouns: He/Him/His

I was born in Nigeria and moved to Brooklyn, New York around the age of eight with my parents and brothers. Growing up, I discovered a passion for technology, so it wasn’t a surprise when I decided to declare Computer Science as my major here at Conn. A Posse Scholar, I also like to play chess.

JUNIOR OPERATIONS FELLOW FROM THE BRONX, NEW YORK; UNDECLARED MAJOR, PROBABLY PSYCHOLOGY

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

When I was choosing a college, I decided to attend Conn because of my school counselor’s recommendation that it would be a perfect fit for my personality. I’m currently a member of the Conn Christian Fellowship, the Student Government Association (SGA), and the Women of Color Collective (WOCC). I also serve as the house senator for Morrison. I’m looking forward to playing different sports along with other students during my spare time. My passions include dancing, creative writing, communicating with others, and babysitting. Since I’m a first-year student, I have not declared my major yet. My hope, however, is to major in Psychology. I also plan on studying abroad and giving back to my community as much as I can.

SENIOR OPERATIONS FELLOW FROM THE BRONX, NEW YORK; BIOLOGY MAJOR; COMPUTER SCIENCE INTENDED MINOR

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

I’ve always been passionate about healthcare because I find meaning and purpose in serving others. On campus, this passion has led to an interest in Biology and Chemistry. A first-generation college student, I plan to obtain an MSN in hopes of becoming a pediatric travel nurse.

During my first year at the college, I quickly became a vital member of the Conn community. I’m the owner of “Carmen’s Beauty Room,” a space where I provide culturally-significant hair services to the African/African American and Hispanic communities. On campus, I work for both the Hale Center and the Holleran Center for Community Action. I’m also a member of Posse, the Black Student Union (BSU), the African Student Association (ASA), and the Conn Christian Fellowship (CCF). Outside of school involvement, I enjoy spending time with my friends, working out, and listening to music.

SENIOR OPERATIONS FELLOW FROM HOUSTON, TEXAS; NEUROSCIENCE MAJOR; DANCE INTENDED MINOR

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Coming to Connecticut College was a dream come true for me as a first-generation college student. Conn offers a wide array of academic options due to its liberal arts focus, which was extremely important to me. As soon as I arrived at the college, I started to dive deeper into Neuroscience and Dance through various events and classes. In the future, I’m interested in being part of the Neuropsychology field. Throughout my first year at Connecticut College, I’ve been involved with the Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán (MECHA), Dance Club, and the Dance department. I want to study abroad and join one of Conn’s Connections Pathways. With the experiences I’ve had at Conn, I plan to return to Houston, TX after graduation and give back to my community.

JUNIOR OPERATIONS FELLOW FROM WATERVILLE, MAINE; UNDECLARED MAJOR

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

I found out about Conn after getting a letter in the mail from the cross country and track and field coach asking if I’d be interested in coming to Conn. I was excited that it would give me an opportunity to continue not only my academic career, but my athletic career as well. Being away from home was very hard for me at first, but being a part of a supportive team has opened my eyes to the benefits of having a family away from home. Although I’m undecided about my major, my courses have sparked an interest in Sociology, Literature, and Environmental Studies. Being from Maine, I’ve found a passion for the preservation of the outdoors. Other than running, I also enjoy the outdoors, reading, ice fishing, kayaking, and spending time with family, friends, and dogs.