Feature Stories

Year in Review: 2017

Top news stories

Brandon Berkley '18: Corsairs Hockey & Business Management

Through athletics and internships, Brandon has developed the discipline that will translate into a successful business career.

Deborah Dele-Oni: Research in immunology

Deborah Dele-Oni '18 conducted research during her internships at UMass Medical and Brown University.

Sarah Riecke '18: Leadership and community engagement

Sarah, a management information systems major, is founder of the Big Data Club at UMassD

Greg DeCelles '14: Living Marine Resource Science and Management

Alum Greg DeCelles talks about SMAST's collaborative environment and the added value of working with faculty, peers, and local fishermen

Marcos Sastre-Cordova '14: PhD, Marine Observation Technologies

Alum Marcos Sastre-Cordova talks about his work as a systems engineer and explains how pursuing his doctorate degree at SMAST helped advance his career path.

Valerie Hall '14: PhD Marine Science: Living Marine Resources Science/Management

Alumna Valerie Hall talks about her studies at UMassD's School for Marine Science & Technology and the Intercampus Marine Science Program, which allows students to take courses anywhere in the UMass system.

Semirah Dolan '18: Internship at eBay

Semirah Dolan '18 views her software engineering internship in Silicon Valley as a priceless opportunity.

Amanda Prescott '18: pursuing a career in reliability engineering

Physics major forges her own applied physics track.

UMassD students experience the heart of Black culture

In celebration of Black history, legacy, and culture, UMassD students intersect with a crowd of thousands of participants and viewers during the African American Day Parade – one of the country’s most distinguished national processions.

Summer research for senior physics majors

Tia Martineau' 18 & Kiersten Nunes '18 participated in NSF-funded summer research programs.

Welcome, Class of 2021

The Class of 2021 is made up of 1,351 first-year students from 16 states and 5 countries.

UMassD's new chancellor, Dr. Robert E. Johnson

Embracing innovation with an agile mind.

Building a better future

Thoughtful renovation nurtures innovation.

Roxanne Leone '94: a leader in marketing

Roxanne Leone's accomplishments include winning the 40 Under 40 Leader Award from Dealerscope Magazine.

Michael Leone '94: master of illusion

Playing with your mind and your heart in the fast-evolving field of visual effects.

Danielle Czarnowski '15: encouraging women in STEM

Giving back to her alma mater and helping women succeed.

Sheri McCoy '80: Reviving a brand that empowers women

Sheri McCoy '80 is chief executive officer and director of Avon Products, Inc.

LaDonna Christian MSN '07, PhD

Associate professor and director of the Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program at Simmons College.

Brand new: Elizabeth Talerman '85

Elizabeth Talerman is an innovator in marketing and brand strategy.

Meet the Chancellor

Chancellor Robert E. Johnson introduces himself--and the summer issue of UMassD Magazine.

Mollie Madigan: Preparing for a career as a veterinarian

After visiting campus, Mollie Madigan '18 knew UMassD was where she'd accomplish her goals.

Rachel Allen: PhD in Nursing

Rachel Allen, PhD '18 is the first UMass Dartmouth recipient of a Jonas Center Nursing Scholarship.

Madison Boucher '18, three-time scholarship recipient

Political science and crime and justice major Madison Boucher talks about how receiving scholarships has allowed her to focus on academics, athletics, and community involvement.

Victoria Carter: Future in clinical psychology

Victoria Carter '18 found her passion for psychology after taking elective courses.

Matthew Najarian '17: Shared Voices

Senior design project promoted campus diversity and dialogue.

Callie Nunez '17: advocate for recovery

Callie Nunez '17 has been recognized for her efforts to raise awareness around combating the ongoing opioid crisis.

Brandi Bass '17: Management training at Aetna

The next step for Brandi Bass '17 is the management development training program at Aetna, Inc.

Dahlia Medeiros ’12: Environmental scientist and engineer

UMassD alum joins Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection's Waterway Protection Program to help address Commonwealth's statewide concerns

Tharima Ferdausi ’19, scholarship recipient

Mechanical engineering major Tharima Ferdausi talks about how receiving scholarship support has allowed her to focus on her career path.

Quinn Harris ’18, scholarship recipient

Illustration major Quinn Harris talks about how receiving a scholarship has enabled him to pursue his studies, develop as an artist, and engage in community service.

Matthew Phou ’18, two-time scholarship recipient

Bioengineering major Matthew Phou talks about the inspiration behind his interest in the engineering and medical fields, and the benefit of scholarships.

John Ferguson '17: From admissions ambassador to counselor

John Ferguson '17 gained professional experience in marketing & social media.

Michael Savaria, PhD '17: Graduate Student Commencement Speaker

Graduating with a PhD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies, he has previously earned three other degrees at UMassD.

Kevin Delaney '17: Student Trustee

From student leadership to study abroad, Kevin Delaney '17 has participated in many of the experiences and opportunities available to UMassD students.

Eve Kuzmech '17: One of "29 Who Shine"

Peer health educator Eve Kuzmech '17 took on leadership roles and conducted research to improve student health and safety.

Ellie Paris-Miranda, MBA, PhD '17: Doctorate in Luso-Afro-Brazilian Studies & Theory, MBA in International Entrepreneurship

Ellie Paris-Miranda's vision of the "Afro-shentrepreneur" focuses on the empowerment of African women and women of the African diaspora.

Talia D'Ambruoso '17: bioengineering to improve lives

Well-rounded: Talia D'Ambruoso '17 combined her studies in bioengineering with women's soccer, study abroad, and two internships.

Heather Jo Davis, MFA '17: creating social commentary through visual art

Ceramics artist Heather Jo Davis, MFA '17 champions the value and preservation of wilderness areas.

Mabel Tejada '17: working for change

Mabel Tejada '17 envisions a career that will be driven by her values and beliefs.

Vanda Depina '17: achieving goals, caring for fellow students

As the founder of C.A.R.E., Vanda Depina '17 created a supportive environment for students who are on their own.

Sofia Reppucci '17: President, Student Government Association

As a student leader, Sofia Reppucci '17 has learned the "true power of change."

Etienne Niyonsaba '17: journey to education & achievement

From school days in a refugee camp to the pursuit of a degree in accounting, education has been a constant for Etienne Niyonsaba '17.

Danielle Tinkham '09: award-winning teacher of physics

Physics alumna Danielle Tinkham was a regional winner of a PhysTEC Teacher of the Year Award.

Alumni Feature: Molly Harrington '12

Photography major Molly Harrington '12 is a photographer and photo editor for a Boston-based online fashion retailer.

Myles Dias '17: business studies, social justice, professional networks

MIS major Myles Dias '17 has broadened his horizons with involvement in DECA, Unity House, and the founding of an NAACP chapter on campus.

Travis Weiland, PhD '17 accepts tenure-track position

After graduation, Travis Weiland plans on moving to Boone, North Carolina to start his tenure-track position as an Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education at Appalachian State University.

Dustin Roderigues ’17: motorcyclist, mechanical engineer, entrepreneur

A passion for motorcycles led Dustin to build the Tachyon, a prototype electric motorcycle.

UMass Dartmouth celebrates Cape Verdean culture

Carlos Wahnon Veiga, Ambassador of Cape Verde to the US, will deliver keynote address “Cape Verdean Communities and Belonging in Challenging Times” at the University’s 1st Annual Cape Verdean Cultural Day on Friday, April 7

Elizabeth Cross '17 is planning a career as a pediatric surgeon

A research internship at Yale and her studies in biology at UMassD have prepared Elizabeth for the challenges of medical school.

Rahul Kashyap, PhD, '17 pursues the rhythms of the universe

One of the first graduates of the PhD in Engineering & Applied Science program, Rahul studied supernovae using some of the largest supercomputers in the world.

Acclaimed filmmaker Clennon L. King to visit UMassD

Award-winning film Passage at St. Augustine chronicles movement that led to passage of Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Alex Siddall '17: Washington internship

An internship at the State Department and a semester abroad in Germany have convinced Alex Siddall '17 of the value of international education.

Crime and Justice Studies alumna finds her calling for business

While working as an insurance underwriter for Sun Life Financial, Elizabeth Beshansky decided it was time to earn her MBA.

Jennifer Legee '17: Peer mentor

As the Connect program's peer mentor lead, Jennifer Legee '17 helps other students discover their potential.

Samantha Gottlich: learning on the job through multiple internships

For marketing major Samantha Gottlich '18, gaining hands-on experience is an important step toward her dream job in social media.

Lexie Almeida: Admissions ambassador

Lexie Almeida '20 chose a biology major to prepare for a future as a physical therapist.

Share Esperanza: Haiti service mission

Students working with the service organization traveled to Haiti in January to donate clothing, food, and supplies.

Biology and French alumna joins Brown University

After graduating in 2009, Lauren Watka blended her love of scholarship with adventure and experienced many exciting opportunities.

Meaghan O'Neill '17: Career in animation

Planning for a career in animation, Meaghan O'Neill '17 is a dual major in graphic design and digital media.

Black History 4 Seasons programming begins January 15

UMass Dartmouth's Black History 4 Seasons Council announces events for 2017.

Gabrielle Monteiro '17: Future in sustainable urban planning

Gabrielle Monteiro received the 2015 Campus Compact Newman Civic Fellows Award for her commitment to community engagement.

The Master in Professional Writing Program prepared Kris Cambra to work in higher education

Kris Cambra, Director of Biomedical Communications at Brown University, used her master's degree in professional writing to help her advance in higher education.

Jenyka Gassnola '17: Advocate for women who need a second chance

During her internship at Together We Bake, Jenyka Gassnola '17 gained new skills, was featured in an NPR article, and was invited to a White House event.