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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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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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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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 THE BRONX, NEW YORK; PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR

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 the President of the Conn Christian Fellowship, and I also serve as a Resident Coordinator. My passions include dancing, creative writing, communicating with others, and babysitting.

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.