'>

Stories

Archive page description. This can be multi-line. This will be hardcoded in the `archive-story.php` file.
Clear

“Given Caro’s motivation with research and outreach excellence at Northeastern, I strongly believe that she makes significant advances in science and the world.”

-Leila Deravi, Assistant Professor, Chemistry and Chemical Biology

What are some of your hobbies and interests?

I love reading, I’m a big bookworm, and my current favorite book is called “The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea”. I have a big passion for drawing and painting—hence my love for cosmetic science—and love to visit art museums. I know the MFA by heart and can take you to any room, painting, or sculpture because I know that place like the back of my hand! I also enjoy knitting, watching anime, and hanging out with my friends!

What are some examples of your involvement in the Northeastern community and the community at large?

Throughout my time at Northeastern, I have been deeply involved in both the university community and the broader academic sphere. One significant aspect of my engagement has been my extensive involvement in the Biomaterials Design Group, where I have dedicated myself to advancing scientific knowledge and promoting sustainability. Within this group, I have conducted fascinating research on sustainable pigments and innovative ingredients for personal care products.

In addition to my research endeavors, I have also taken on leadership roles and actively engaged in mentoring activities that will help make a positive impact in the STEM community, hoping to get more young careerists involved in the industry. Starting as a research assistant, I have progressed to become an independent researcher and, ultimately, a mentor for fellow undergraduates. This journey reflects my commitment to personal growth and my dedication to supporting the academic and professional development of my peers. This is exemplified by my role as an undergraduate mentor, where I passionately strive to help others succeed and demonstrate my ability to inspire and guide them in their scientific pursuits.

Beyond Northeastern, I have extended my reach to the wider community through initiatives such as the Society of Cosmetic Chemists’ NextGen program, where I proudly serve as a member and volunteer, supporting young careerists in their pursuit of a career in the cosmetic science industry. The NextGen initiative focuses on educating, networking, and mentoring students and early careerists. My role has consisted of helping connect companies with young university students so that they might have more job, co-op and internship opportunities, as well as helping cosmetic science become more available to young people interested in the field. My passion and dedication to empowering others doesn’t stop there, I have also successfully spearheaded two NSF outreach programs, presented at Harvard and MIT at the Cambridge Science Festival, that promote STEM education so that young students, and people interested overall, are encouraged to join science and engineering.

Describe some of your achievements at Northeastern

During my time at Northeastern University, I have achieved significant milestones that reflect my dedication to academic excellence, leadership, and innovation. One notable accomplishment has been my pioneering research within the Biomaterials Design Group. Through extensive experimentation and collaboration, I have made substantial contributions to the field of sustainable pigments and novel ingredients for personal care products. These efforts have not only garnered recognition within Northeastern but have also been acknowledged on a broader scale, including prestigious awards and scholarships on the national level.

Furthermore, my commitment to innovation and problem-solving is exemplified by my role in developing a new serum delivery mechanism to mitigate single-use capsule waste in consumer goods. This innovative solution has led to patent-pending, and I’m currently finalizing this project to publish a paper on this innovation. My journey researching natural pigments, studying polymer chemistry, and applying it to cosmetic science and engineering have given me numerous awards for my outstanding contributions and discoveries such as winning multiple PEAK research awards and the Provost Research Award. Moreover, my recognitions have extended beyond Northeastern, as I have been awarded by the Society of Cosmetic Chemists the Madam CJ Walker Scholarship, a very competitive, prestigious, and international scholarship, given only to underrepresented minorities in STEM that have made significant contributions to cosmetic science and engineering. Similarly, I presented my research and discoveries in Los Angeles at the SCC’s 76th Annual Showcase. Notably, my research presentation not only received acclaim but also secured a 4th place prize in a competition with more than 20 posters competing against Ph.D. students from all over the country. Having secured both honors, the poster competition and scholarship, distinguished me as the sole recipient of two awards at the entire conference, whose accolades recognize only the brightest and most accomplished people in cosmetic science.

In addition to my research achievements, I have excelled academically, maintaining a stellar 3.91 GPA and consistently earning recognition for my scholastic endeavors. Being on the Dean’s list every semester since my freshman year, receiving the NU Award for high-level academic performance and leadership, and being nominated for esteemed awards such as the Condit Award and Hodgkinson Award highlight my dedication to academic excellence and leadership within the university community.

Moreover, my involvement in extracurricular activities, such as volunteering with the Society of Cosmetic Chemists’ NextGen program and spearheading NSF outreach initiatives, underscores my commitment to serving the community and promoting STEM education.

Of the above examples, which do you consider your most significant achievement and why?

I am deeply proud of every single one of my achievements, but if I had to pinpoint the most significant one to date, it would undoubtedly be the journey of seeing my research evolve into a patent-pending discovery. The reason for this is that this honor is not just about the awards or the recognition, but rather the countless hours of dedication spent, the failures that turned into lessons, and the relentless pursuit of innovation that went into this endeavor, as I was the sole researcher working on this project—besides my PI who guided me throughout this process.

Witnessing my endless curiosity and ideas materialize into something tangible, with the potential to make a real-world impact, fills me with an indescribable sense of accomplishment, joy and purpose. This is the culmination of my professional growth as an engineer and scientist throughout my undergraduate studies at Northeastern, and it’s a testament to my resilience and passion, so I am extremely proud of it. This achievement is more than just a milestone on my academic journey—it’s a symbol of perseverance, creativity, and the endless possibilities that come with daring to dream big and never giving up!

What honors or awards have you received during your time as a student?

I have been on the Dean’s list for every academic semester since my freshman year with a current GPA of 3.91. Furthermore, I’ve been awarded the “NU Award”, which recognizes upperclassmen who demonstrate high-level academic performance and leadership at the university level. I’ve also been nominated for prestigious awards such as the Hodgkinson Award, Condit Award by the chemical engineering awards selection committee. Moreover, for my outstanding scholastic accomplishments, I was invited to become a member of Tau Beta Pi, the largest and most prestigious engineering honor society. Additionally, I have been awarded one of their prestigious scholarships, the Tau Beta Pi Scholarship, that recognizes students that show promise of substantial achievement in the form of educational, research, professional activities that have prepared them for their career. My research has garnered multiple awards, including the PEAK Summit Award, the PEAK Ascent Award, and the Provost Research Award. Beyond Northeastern, I’ve received prestigious recognition like the Madam CJ Walker Scholarship from the Society of Cosmetic Chemists. Presenting my work at the SCC’s 76th Annual Showcase earned me a 4th place prize among PhD competitors nationwide. I have also received a patent pending for my discovery at the Biomaterials Lab.

Linkedin
Carolina Aguilera

'>

Stories

Archive page description. This can be multi-line. This will be hardcoded in the `archive-story.php` file.
Clear

“She is a fantastic asset to NU and I have absolutely no doubt that she will remain one of our highly involved alumni after graduation.”

-Kirsten Fertuck, Biochemistry Director and Teaching Professor

What are some of your hobbies and interests?

I enjoy figure skating, watching figure skating, listening to a variety of music—from jazz to EDM to classical to punk, and watching TV shows—from the terrible to the sublime—with friends. When I have time, I also enjoy both reflective and creative fantasy writing. I am also interested in social justice movements and efforts to right historical inequities.

What are some examples of your involvement in the Northeastern community and the community at large?

I joined the [Northeastern Figure Skating] team during fall 2020 when the most we could meet was for weekly virtual workouts. During my second year, I joined the executive board as the assistant vice president of competitions and shows where the whole e-board was awarded Club Sports e-board of the year. The next year, I moved up to become VP of competitions and shows and hosted our first spring show in club history. Now I am the president of the club.

During my second year, I joined an initiative to expand health humanities programming and awareness on campus [through the Northeastern University Health Humanities Club]. This led to founding the Health Humanities Club with three other students at Northeastern. I was elected to be the present and since then, we have received official CSI recognition as a club and hosted several faculty speaker and student led panels.

The fall of my second year, I was offered a position as an undergraduate teaching fellow for general chemistry for science majors. During this experience, I discovered a love for teaching. Since then, I have been an undergraduate assistant for biology project lab two times and now I am a TA for the co-requisite lab for Foundations of Microbiology.

During the summer between my third and fourth year of university, I traveled to Ghana for a dialogue on the health systems, services, and education in Ghana. During my time there, I learned from local professors and healthcare practitioners and was given options to give back to the community there by leading dental and general hygiene classes for students at different schools in the cities we visited during our time in Ghana.

Describe some of your achievements at Northeastern

[My favorite achievement is] founding and leading the Northeastern University Health Humanities Club. [Additionally,] during my time as vice president of competitions for the Northeastern University Figure Skating Club (NUFSC), we earned our highest team placement in the program’s history [and] raised over $4,000 for NUFSC in the three shows I directed from fall 2021 – spring 2023. [I also] earned over $15,000 in research funding from several URF—undergraduate research and fellowship office—grants and Health Humanities Initiative funding, [and am] published on a bioethics paper through my second co-op.

Of the above examples, which do you consider your most significant achievement and why?

It is difficult to pick a most significant achievement as they vary greatly, but I am very proud of my leadership, especially as I see the next generation of leaders rise to continue the work that I have started. If I must pick a specific example of this, I would point to the shows I have directed for Northeastern University Figure Skating Club. During my tenure as assistant VP and vice president of Competitions and Shows, I expanded on the first holiday show we hosted in December 2019—before I attend the university—to include assistance creating large group numbers and a livestream. The next year, we added a spring show as an additional opportunity for our skaters to perform. This was a part of a larger reckoning on how to incorporate competitive aspirations with our desire for inclusivity on the skating team. By providing performance, and thus bonding, experiences outside of competitions, this allowed for a balance of these interests as well as more opportunities to raise funds which in turn, reduce dues and increase accessibility for skaters. Now the roles of VP/AVP of Competitions and Shows has been split into two roles because of how much I expanded on the existing shows content. The new directors ran two successful shows this past year and I feel confident that these shows will continue to be well run and an essential component of the team for many years. I look forward to watching them as an alumna.

What honors or awards have you received during your time as a student?

[I made the] Dean’s List every semester at university, [was an] Internal Admit to University Honors program, earned a University Honors Program Distinction with an anticipated graduation with Latin honors—summa cum laude. [Plus, I am a] Fulbright semi-finalist.

Instagram
@caffeine.canada

'>

Stories

Archive page description. This can be multi-line. This will be hardcoded in the `archive-story.php` file.
Clear

“Laurel Bellemore embodies the values of leadership, volunteerism, academic integrity, and a deep-seated commitment to Northeastern and the broader community.”

-Carmen Sceppa, Dean, Bouvé College of Health Sciences

What are some of your hobbies and interests?

One of the reasons I am so enamored with Boston is that it has so much to offer. In my leisure time, I enjoy being outdoors, whether it’s hiking scenic trails or strolling through the city, uncovering hidden gems. One of my favorite retreats from the city bustle is perched on a dock on the Charles, admiring views of the river and its intersecting bridges.

Although I wouldn’t consider myself a foodie, I enjoy trying new and diverse cuisines available in the neighborhoods of Greater Boston. Baking and cooking are my passions, and I find joy in expressing gratitude to friends and family through food. My “healthy” banana bread has been a real crowd-pleaser.

As an enthusiastic sports fan and a proud New Englander, I love being immersed in Boston’s passionate sports scene whether it’s singing along to “Sweet Caroline” or cheering on the Northeastern hockey teams in the Dog Pound at Matthews Arena.

What are some examples of your involvement in the Northeastern community and the community at large?

As a three-year starter on Northeastern University’s Division 1 Women’s Club Lacrosse team (with the 2020-21 season paused due to COVID-19), I not only contributed to our national ranking—as of today, we’re ranked 11th in the nation—but also served in an executive board position.

I’ve also been a member of the Northeastern University Student Nurses Association (NUSNA) for four years, where I have enjoyed mentoring undergraduate students on various aspects of their academic journey, including course sequencing, co-op placements, and the importance of self-care while navigating the rigorous demands of being a nursing student.

Beyond campus, I’ve extended my commitment to service by volunteering as a medical aid to runners during the Boston Marathon.

Describe some of your achievements at Northeastern

Participating in a Public Health Windshield Survey video as a representative of Bouvé’s School of Nursing epitomized Northeastern’s ethos of bridging theory and practice to tackle societal issues. It was an honor to have been selected to showcase Bouvé’s commitment to addressing inequities. This experience emphasized the significance of understanding the communities we serve, not only from a medical perspective but also socio-economically, culturally, and environmentally. To provide effective healthcare, we need to consider various factors beyond medical expertise by understanding the lives of those we care for—their daily struggles, living conditions, and the obstacles hindering their access to healthcare.

During my clinical placement at the Justice Resource Institute, where I supported individuals facing HIV/AIDS and treatment adherence challenges, I wanted to explore the psychosocial elements influencing their well-being. Recognizing the impact of loneliness and despair, I sought to modernize our approach to care.

My research revealed the importance of prioritizing social connection and community integration to address mental health concerns. To facilitate communal interaction and engagement, I surveyed residents and organized a social event at Behrakis that was informed by their preferences. The event featured facilitated conversations, refreshments, games, and giveaways. Residents responded positively, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to forge genuine connections in a way that resonated with them.

I have also completed two co-ops. My first was at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, specifically on Rosenberg 6, an Acute Trauma and Surgical unit. For my second co-op, I worked at Boston Children’s Hospital on the Solid Organ Transplant and Complex Surgery Unit (10 Hale). During this placement, I was honored to receive three staff-nominated “Way To Shine” awards, acknowledging my dedication to providing exceptional care to patients and their families, as well as my commitment to supporting fellow staff members above and beyond expectations.

Considering my achievements to date, nothing surpasses the feeling of knowing that I’ve made a positive impact on someone’s life or within an organization like Northeastern that entrusted me with responsibilities. Whether it’s the simple act of brightening someone’s day with a kind gesture, providing support during challenging times, or doing more than what’s been asked, bringing pride to my school, workplace, or loved ones, fills me with a profound sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

Of the above examples, which do you consider your most significant achievement and why?

Reflecting on my time at Northeastern, it’s difficult to pinpoint a single proudest achievement, as it’s more of a journey than a specific event. It’s woven into the fabric of my nursing education and volunteer experiences, which range from immersive clinical rotations to impactful co-op placements and everyday interactions. These opportunities have allowed me to engage deeply with individuals facing adversity or marginalization.

In nursing education, we stress the importance of empathy, the ability to understand and resonate with our patients’ experiences. While I naturally lean towards compassion, these experiences have broadened my perspective. They’ve shown me that true caregiving goes beyond empathy—it requires a genuine recognition of each person’s humanity, including their fears, vulnerabilities, and barriers.

My proudest achievements aren’t crowning moments but rather a series of “little wins” that have positively impacted others’ well-being. Whether it was successfully advocating for clients at the Justice Resource Institute, Inc., offering comfort to distressed caregivers, lending a helping hand to my co-workers, or seeing the tangible impact of my fundraising efforts for the Red Sox Foundation, these moments bring me deep satisfaction. They remind me that I’ve played a part in easing others’ burdens.

Ultimately, my most significant achievement lies in the intersection of understanding and action, where compassion meets advocacy. It’s in these moments of connection and support that I find the greatest fulfillment and motivation to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, both in my career and beyond. I am deeply grateful to Northeastern for providing me with unparalleled opportunities and I look forward to seizing each one to make this world a better place.

What honors or awards have you received during your time as a student?

[I have made the] Dean’s list every participating academic semester, [am a] candidate for Latin Honors—summa cum laude with a GPA of 3.89, [and received the] School of Nursing 50th Anniversary Scholarship Award, spring 2024.

Linkedin
@laurelbellemore

'>

Stories

Archive page description. This can be multi-line. This will be hardcoded in the `archive-story.php` file.
Clear

“[Diana] is an accomplished biochemistry researcher with an impressive academic record, but also a recognized champion of the underserved communities that she is passionate about, working tirelessly to improve NU’s resources and connections within these communities.”

Kirsten Fertuck, Biochemistry Director and Teaching Professor

What are some of your hobbies and interests?

[My hobbies are] art, like painting and pottery, going on walks, crosswords and puzzles! [My interests are] activism and community-building and increasing resource accessibility.

What are some examples of your involvement in the Northeastern community and the community at large?

During my time at Northeastern, I’ve been involved in a number of organizations specifically aimed at creating more inclusive spaces for students with marginalized identities. In particular, I’ve spent a lot of time working on communities for Latine, first-generation, and low-income students. Creating and spreading resources as well as enhancing supportive communities is something I take pride in having been involved in. As the very first FUNL—First-gen, Undocumented, and Low-income—program assistant, I worked to support students of these identities by providing peer-to-peer mentoring, hosting events to build community and connect students to each other, and enhancing the FUNL Canvas page which provides resources for students. I have also worked to run the PODER Early Arrival Program for three years now to support the transition to Northeastern for Latine, first-gen, and undocumented/ DACA students. I’ve also held e-board positions for two-and-a-half years in the Latin American Student Organization and 1 year with the First-Generation Low-Income Student Union. I also served as biochemistry peer mentor for one semester to support first-semester biochemistry majors. I am also part of the Curry Student Center Staff as a crossroads attendant providing information and service to passersby at one of the busiest spots on campus.

Describe some of your achievements at Northeastern

Some of my academic achievements at Northeastern surround my two-and-a-half year involvement at the Day Lab in the biology department. I was awarded the AJC Merit Research Scholarship in their inaugural cohort to do my first co-op at the Day Lab. Other fellowships I’ve received to continue my research include the NU URF PEAK Trail-Blazer Award and the COS Advancing Women in Science Scholarship. As a part of my research, I was also able to present at the annual conference of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Here, I was awarded an honorable mention for my poster in the Undergraduate Poster Competition for my category in genetic information. Outside of academics, my achievements include my commitment to increasing resources, community, and overall success for students of marginalized identities.

Of the above examples, which do you consider your most significant achievement and why?

Of the activities during my time at Northeastern, I would consider my involvement in the PODER Early Arrival Program to be the most significant. As an incoming first-year, I was a part of the 2021 PODER Cohort. The peer-to-peer mentoring and community that PODER allowed me to have a smooth transition to Northeastern and set me on a path of success during my time here. In 2022, I was a program manager for PODER serving as the lead for the first-generation workshop where the goal is to affirm student identities and capabilities as a strength rather than a deterrent to success. I also worked to compile resources that serve this population of students. In 2023, I was the lead program manager where I oversaw the four-day planning of workshops and activities and secured funding. Currently, I am serving as a co-lead for PODER to enhance community and build longevity of the program through supportive transitions from year-to-year programming. In this role, I am working on building resources that will ensure the long-term success of PODER. This includes coordinating the launch of a website and Instagram to create a campus-wide appearance and to showcase our resources. I am also working with two other co-leads to mentor them on leadership and what it means to be a good leader. I’d say being involved in PODER is my most significant achievement because I have visibly seen the positive community and long-term student success that surrounds this organization. Students always offer resources and support to each other and are eager to be involved in PODER events and to act as mentors to incoming students.

What honors or awards have you received during your time as a student?

[I have made the] Dean’s List for fall 2021, spring 2022, fall 2022, and fall 2023, [and have received the] AJC Merit Research Scholarship, URF PEAK Trail-Blazer Award, College of Science Advancing Women in Science Scholarship, American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Student Chapter Travel Award, ASBMB Annual Meeting Honorable Mention in Genetic Information at the Undergraduate Poster Competition,. Root of Abundance Award at the 2023 Student Life Award, and the First-Generation Legacy Building Award.

'>

Stories

Archive page description. This can be multi-line. This will be hardcoded in the `archive-story.php` file.
Clear

“I know that Northeastern has a quality of learning and care, from [the university and] your professors,” says Careen Turner, CPS’18 of Savannah, Georgia, by way of Owensboro, Kentucky. “You don’t get that everywhere, and they’re going to make sure that you understand the material. It’s going to make a lot of sense, and I know that it’s going to be beneficial in the longrun.”

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in communications studies, Turner moved to Hilton Head, South Carolina to become a coordinator at World Disney World, specializing in guest relations. Eventually joining the Americorps and dipping her toes in the nonprofit industry, she transitioned to a career in higher education—yet, after the pandemic, Turner longed for the inherent human connection and feeling of giving back to the community she garnered while working at Disney. As a result, she pivoted towards a permanent role in the nonprofit sector, eventually climbing the ranks to being named the director of philanthropy for the largest farmers’ market in southern Georgia, the Forsyth Farmers’ Market.

However, prior to her promotion at the Forsyth Farmers’ Market, Turner compounded her experiences and passion for the nonprofit sector by adding a master of science in nonprofit management from Northeastern’s College of Professional Studies to her resume. “The degree itself helped me [get] an overall understanding of how nonprofits work [and] what to expect when going into the field…I think it provided a well-rounded look at the industry.”

With a degree in hand, Turner was ready to tap into the power of the Northeastern global network and utilize their career services to the fullest potential. “I used the Northeastern career center a lot,” she says with emphasis, explaining the process of building a resume, applying for jobs, and taking advantage of networking connections. “Don’t forget about your university career center. They’re here for you, even years after you graduate.”

The future is bright and full of hope for Turner as she helps the Forsyth Farmers’ Market pivot towards a new philanthropic challenge of providing 12 services that support the local community for food access and security. “Philanthropy is multi-facted,” she says with a smile. “We’re looking to provide affordable food opportunities and access to fresh and local produce. Our market really [does that and] supports local producers and growers.”

Turner’s passion for philanthropy and elevating the community is a cornerstone of Northeastern University, and she is an embodiment of that spirit. If you would like to follow in her footsteps, select your favorite fund to donate to on Northeastern’s Giving Day, this coming Thursday, April 11, 2024, to help other Huskies continue to have a transformational Northeastern experience.

Follow the Forysth Farmers’ Market on Instagram @forsythfarmersmarket

Click here to donate to the Forsyth Farmers’ Market

Instagram
@forsythfarmersmarket

Website
https://www.forsythfarmersmarket.com/

I know that Northeastern has a quality of learning and care, from [the university and] your professors. You don’t get that everywhere, and they’re going to make sure that you understand the material.”

Careen Turner, CPS’18
'>

Stories

Archive page description. This can be multi-line. This will be hardcoded in the `archive-story.php` file.
Clear

Meet Ammy Lowney, SSH’05! A school teacher by day, Ammy moonlights as one of Boston’s most prolific entrepreneurs—the founder of the growing health cafe, JUICYGREENS. Learn more about her favorite Northeastern professors, her plans for expanding JUICYGREENS, and what it feels like to be a Women Who Empower Innovator award winner.

Instagram
@Juicygreens

Website
https://juicygreensboston.com/

'>

Stories

Archive page description. This can be multi-line. This will be hardcoded in the `archive-story.php` file.
Clear

Meet David Wyatt, E’88! The president of Wyatt Engineering, David has made a name for himself in his industry through his incredible accomplishments—his most recent being designing the flow meter that helped The Odysseus Lander touch ground on the moon. Learn more about his co-op experience, starting Wyatt Engineering, and being asked to be a part of this mission to the moon.

Website
https://wyattflow.com/

'>

Stories

Archive page description. This can be multi-line. This will be hardcoded in the `archive-story.php` file.
Clear

“[Northeastern] gave us the perspective on why we do what we do,” says Jamie Riesenberg, S’22 as she sits next to her best friend, roommate, and fellow Husky Caroline Zagoren, S’22 in an apartment in Philadelphia and recalls her time at Northeastern. “It’s all worth it because now I’ll be able to do the one thing that I’ve always dreamed of doing.”

Riesenberg, from South Florida, and Zagoren, from the greater Boston area, are no strangers to each other—they have known each other since moving into neighboring dorm rooms in Stetson West during their first year at Northeastern. After spending their first year communicating with each other through knocks on the wall, Riesenberg and Zagoren formed an inseparable bond that would last throughout their undergraduate experience.

Graduating in 2022, they both went their separate ways to further their career aspirations—Zagoren moving to Philadelphia to attend the University of Pennsylvania’s acclaimed veterinarian school, and Riesenberg staying in Boston to work as a dental assistant at Boston Dental.

However, their paths soon crossed again in 2023, with Riesenberg’s acceptance into the University of Pennsylvania’s dental school. “It was never on my radar, and I never thought that I’d get in, but Penn is the only school that has a vet school and dental school on campus,” says Riesenberg. “We definitely didn’t anticipate being here together,” chimes Zagoren. “It was very unexpected, that’s for sure.”

Both Riesenberg and Zagoren credit their respective Northeastern experiences with being the catalyst for not only their aforementioned career aspirations, but for preparing them to take on the challenges of graduate schools. “The co-op program really helped prepare me. Being able to get experience in the real world definitely has its advantages,” says Zagoren as Riesenberg shakes her head in agreement. “The hands-on experience [that the co-op program provided] prepared me so much.”

It’s no secret that Riesenberg and Zagoren both cherished their Northeastern experiences—and they want to be sure that the current generation of Huskies is able to do the same. “Even if you know what you want to do, I think it’s important to experience both sides of the field that you’re interested in,” says Zagoren. “Northeastern does a really great job of providing those opportunities and helping us keep an open mind.”

The co-op program really helped prepare me. Being able to get experience in the real world definitely has its advantages,”

Caroline Zagoren, S’22
'>

Stories

Archive page description. This can be multi-line. This will be hardcoded in the `archive-story.php` file.
Clear

Meet Professor Dave Hagen, CJ’80! An associate teaching professor for the College of Professional Studies, Dave wanted to return to give back to the Northeastern community by teaching at his alma mater. His research revolves around what exactly critical thinking is and its different applications in both the world and the classroom. Learn more about his undergraduate experience, what it means to think critically, and the next phase of his research!

'>

Stories

Archive page description. This can be multi-line. This will be hardcoded in the `archive-story.php` file.
Clear

“To my students, I always like to talk about how impactful the Northeastern community was for me,” says Marie Ganim, Ph.D.’05. “I hope you’re able to appreciate the program that you’re in and I hope you’re able to appreciate Northeastern professors, because to me, it was very significant and impactful in my life…a lot of [my career] had to do with my Ph.D. [in public affairs] from Northeastern.”

Dr. Ganim, a native of Lincoln, Rhode Island, is no stranger to serving the public sector—her leadership qualities and dedication to public service have landed her positions as Commissioner of the Rhode Island Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner, deputy chief of staff for the Rhode Island Senate President, her current service on an ad hoc committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, and as a college instructor.

While at Northeastern, Dr. Ganim embraced the academic community, specifically through her connections with her professors, one of which being former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis. “These professors were second to none…and some are still friends and individuals that I can call. We share emails when we find things [in our field] that are of interest to each other.” 

However, Dr. Ganim’s Northeastern experience didn’t end with her doctorate—she made a transition to the other side of the classroom, teaching one class each year in urban affairs and public policy. “The way I was connected to [teach the class] was from my Ph.D. professors,” says Dr. Ganim. “When they knew that I was retiring from the state government…they reached out and said ‘we have this one class we would like you teach’…and it was perfect.” 

Dr. Ganim’s teaching style is reflective of her community-based thinking and emphasis on individualization, as shown through her effort to have one-on-one Zoom calls with her remote-learning students and to get to know them on a personal basis. This philosophy runs parallel with her worldview and the leadership style expressed in her professional career, as proven through her recent appointment to the Board of Directors for PACE-RI, a not-for-profit health plan that offers health services to Rhode Islanders above the age of 55. 

A program operating in Rhode Island for just less than two decades, the concept was created in the 1970s in California through the tradition in Asian-American culture of tending to your elders in your home opposed to in an institutional situation. With that in mind, Dr. Ganim is optimistic about her new board membership and the future of PACE-RI. Beaming, she says that …“it feels like a culmination and good use of my years of experience and advocacy [for public health].”  

To my students, I always like to talk about how impactful the Northeastern community was for me.”

Marie ganim, Ph.d.’05