Feature Stories 2023

Kailey Sousa '27 is one of two students to be awarded the university's inaugural Founders' Scholarship. The four-year, full ride scholarship recognizes Sousa's exceptional talent and drive.

Even as her life’s priorities shifted, Wang’s human resources management degree gave her a particular set of adaptive skills that allowed her to succeed, from consulting to higher education.

SMAST scientists examine the effects of offshore wind development on fish species and the local fishing industry

Inspired by her undergraduate research, Honors psychology major and first-generation college student hopes to earn a medical and PhD degree

Known affectionately on social media as the Shark Doctor, O’Connell ceaselessly searches for ways to conserve marine wildlife and protect oceanic species from extinction, specifically sharks.

Star-runner and computer scientist Bee Greenberg found community and a role model at UMassD. Now, Greenberg aims to fill that role for other women and LGBTQ+ people in STEM.

Quantitative finance MS student makes the most of investment in education

As the first in her family to attend college, Torres seized leadership opportunities at UMass Dartmouth that transformed her into the professional leader she was destined to be.

The Big Data Club at UMassD invites students to explore the world through the lens of data

Political science major finds academic and professional passion by getting involved on campus

Soccer captain and Honors College biology major aims for a career in environmental conservation

Cordasco, a New Jersey native and prominent engineering leader at Kimley-Horn, learned critical life lessons in and out of the classroom as a UMass Dartmouth student-athlete.

After beating Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Crociati’s art degree from UMass Dartmouth pushed him to get creative when he opened Sour Not Sorry, Massachusetts’ first sour brewery, in Plymouth.

Western Massachusetts native Cruz always dreamt of making a real difference one day and discovered her calling to serve others in adventures at UMassD & beyond.

Esports program lands new gaming space for 180+ members

Ruolin Zhou, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, is forging new roads in wireless communication.

Mechanical engineering capstone students build off-road vehicle for international competition

Junior chemistry major is working on solving HIV

Students in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) complete internships that equip them with real-world experience and prepare them for in-demand careers.

She also holds positions with the UMass Law Alumni Association and the American Bar Association

Judicial scholarship and fellowship named for former Chief Justice Ralph Gants and Chancellor Emerita Jean MacCormack

UMassD senior & UMass Law 1L fast-tracks his way to a career in public service

First-generation college student Filipe Pereira, PhD '23, was recently awarded the prestigious President's Postdoctoral Fellowship at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego (UCSD).

Staff supports students in meeting their goals and prepares them for graduate school and career success

Mechanical engineering major carves out a career path combining her talents and interests.

Group includes a former trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, a former staff member for the current U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice, and a former MA assistant attorney general

In the age of ChatGPT, Professor Ming Shao is working to make AI smarter and safer.

Dean Sam Panarella welcomes his first class of law students from around the U.S. and the world

After three decades, the boundary between student-athlete and alum is blurred for these Corsairs with hearts that continue to bleed blue and gold.

Human resources management major founds, manages growing Esports club

English major builds diverse résumé in English literature and communication

The class of 2027 includes students who graduated at the top of their high school class. Here's what they hope to achieve over the next 4 years.

SMAST student Emma Gallagher studies harmful algae blooms that can turn shellfish poisonous.

Completed a research internship this summer at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Health

Places third in ABA competition for essay on workplace protections for survivors of domestic violence, their employers, and coworkers

SMAST PhD student conducts research at sea to understand the driving forces behind powerful weather systems

Bettencourt’s fruitful academic experiences at UMass Dartmouth turned her life-long passion into a dream career and shaped her into the medical professional she is today.

Ramina Behzad grew up in Tehran, Iran before coming to UMass Dartmouth to pursue her PhD in Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology.

Scholarship award enables nursing and Spanish major to focus on her studies, volunteer in the U.S. and Senegal, participate in campus activities, and make memories

Computational oceanographer Iury Simoes-Sousa helps relocate Tico the manatee

Interior architecture + design major is well-equipped for a career in interior design

With an affinity for the written word, Lorello couldn’t keep her creativity confined in a box and returned to UMass Dartmouth to finally unleash it.

Junior healthcare services administration student returns from study abroad in Germany

Junior music major and incumbent pep band president gains real-world experience studying her passion

Animation and game arts major with illustration and graphic design minors finds faculty support in career plan shift

Montana native, art education major, and captain of the Corsair hockey team calls UMassD the perfect fit

First-generation and independent student finds community and support system at UMassD

PhD candidate Elizabeth Ells studies water quality on Cape Cod and the SouthCoast.

Honors College nursing major wrote a booklet of stories about her clinical experiences with patients

The Iranian Students and Scholars Association (ISSA) is building cross-cultural connections at UMassD.

Recent UMass Law graduates Riana Yaman and Augustus Duncan spent a semester at the University of Limerick School of Law in Ireland

Marine Science and Technology student Juan Gutierrez Bravo conducts research at sea, studying oxygen minimum zones in different parts of the world.

Jacqueline Horgan is a bioengineer, cheerleading captain, volunteer tutor, and Honors College student.

Sixty-seven students visited 15 countries, four continents, and the North Pole during 2022-23 academic year

A new group on campus is inspiring the next generation of students to see themselves as engineers.

Honors nursing major researched knowledge and use of oral contraceptives among college-aged women

First-year biology major works long hours en route to medical school

Both graduated from UMass Dartmouth’s College of Nursing & Health Sciences and will pursue separate careers in nursing

Accounting and MBA 4+1 student made the most of her time on campus

Medical laboratory science major and native of Zambia plans to attend medical school and specialize in infectious diseases

Renowned illustrator Rousseau left UMass Dartmouth feeling more prepared than ever to face an evolving arts industry.

Civil and environmental engineering major Melody Veldorale '22, '23 is among the UMass Dartmouth graduates who walked across the commencement stage with a job offer already secured.

PhD student and campus community leader Gaspard Baye '25 came to UMass Dartmouth from Cameroon to pursue an advanced degree in cybersecurity studies.

From printmaking to art program management, Rosado remains inspired by her strong UMassD roots that taught her the true meaning of community.

Senior biology major gains valuable experience and network through undergraduate research

MSTM student credits faculty support for comprehensive education

Senior political science major and campus trustee will attend law school after graduation

After completing their early nursing studies during the pandemic, receiving their pins felt "surreal"

Chris Peter '23, Assistant Director of the STEM Learning Lab and Biomedical Engineering & Biotechnology MS graduate is driven by passion and purpose.

Also doubled minored in Business Administration and Art History

Christina Hart '23 puts her engineering knowledge to work solving real-world problems.

Senior history major finds his stride with help of College Now program

McCormick has taught elementary school in Bangkok and excelled in the recent ABA Client Counseling Competition

Nursing major and Commencement Speaker hopes to open a women’s birthing center in her native country of Haiti

English major finds sense of confidence and success in online return to UMassD

Physics major Viktoriya Balabanova has earned multiple competitive research opportunities and compiled an impressive record of accomplishments, all while raising a family.  

Nursing student enjoys comforting and caring for patients and families in transition

MIS alumnus and MSTM student is well-positioned for a career as a leader

Cause is a personal one for Dillan, who says “every survivor’s justice is my own”

UMass Law experiences prepared Davidson for litigation position after graduation

Civil engineering student Joao “John” Lucas Coelho Guimaraes is a leader with a passion for public service.

Club grows due to popular class taught by pioneering professor in the field

After a 35-year career in financial services, de Silva shares his guiding principles in his book, "Taking Stock"

Following an internship at the Mayo Clinic, MLS major fosters his confidence and leadership

Luca McGinnis ‘23 is a graduate student and researcher motivated by a love of the ocean and a desire to make a difference.

Lebanese transfer student overcomes adversity and completes two degrees in four years

Nearly 100 sophomore nursing students celebrate their transition from classroom to clinical education

Patrick Pasteris is disrupting the ocean tech market while creating meaningful learning opportunities for younger students.

Student-run club prompts networking for the advancement of women in the workplace

Physics major Mckenzie Ferrari is poised to join the next generation of leaders in astrophysics research.

Logan Cabral, a member of UMass Dartmouth’s first Physics BS/MS cohort, says UMassD gave him every tool he needed to reach even the most ambitious goals.

Senior marketing major credits on-campus job in developing business acumen

Senior interior architecture and design major believes she was meant for IAD program

Health & society major finds passion working towards a future that benefits all

Bioengineering major, student-athlete, and scholarship recipient Maggie McCafferty found UMass Dartmouth to be her perfect fit.

Senior marketing major and baseball player confirms passion for coaching in Cape Cod League internship

Computer Science major Cameron McAlpine says that getting involved on campus opened up a world of possibilities for him. Now, he looks ahead to what’s possible in robotics and artificial intelligence.

College of Nursing & Health Sciences professor is teaching two Honors classes in addition to nursing PhD courses

Senior art history major grows personally and professionally through research

Pre-Health Postbaccalaureate Certificate alum enters PA school ready for career change

Fred Lebow ’67 leaves a legacy for College of Engineering students inspired by his passion for learning

At Tripp Athletic Center, there’s a powerful laboratory of education, community, and physical performance, where UMass Dartmouth’s student-athletes develop the skills to become not just accomplished runners, basketball players, or football players, but high-performing citizens.

A focus on what’s needed to ensure student success powered a recent climb by the Charlton College of Business on the U.S. News & World Report’s rankings of Best Undergraduate Business Programs

Transfer accounting major and MBA student opens doors for himself through involvement in campus clubs and jobs

Senior chemistry major gains valuable experience as undergraduate research assistant

The newly renovated Arc of Justice Atrium at UMass Dartmouth's School of Law honors Chancellor Emerita Jean MacCormack, the late Margaret “MarDee” Xifaras, MBA ’78, and all those who worked to create an excellent, inclusive, and affordable public law school.

Kyle Furtado ’23 is a student, a scholar, a teacher, an advisor, a technology coordinator, a web designer, and a software engineer intern. In a word, he is ambitious.

When Mike Joyce’s team at PrimaLoft, Inc. needed a way to test its new biodegradable, recycled insulation and fabric, he knew just where to turn—UMass Dartmouth, his alma mater and an institution that has been on the cutting edge of textile technology since 1895.