Monday, June 24th

Description: Join Experiential Global Learning (EGL) to learn about study abroad opportunities and breaking down the barriers to understanding how you can create a journey abroad during your time in college. This presentation will explore program options and strategies study abroad, including hearing stories from students who have participated in an EGL program.

Facilitator Bio: Laura has been with Experiential Global Learning since 2013. Laura also manages the Global Student Mentor program and returnee students credits and grades. Laura graduated from UConn, where she majored in Psychology and minored in Business Administration. In the spring of 2005, Laura studied in Italy, through the UConn in Florence program. She holds her Masters in Organizational Leadership with a focus on Human Resources from Quinnipiac University. Prior to UConn, Laura worked as an Executive Recruiter, specializing in the placement of finance and accounting professionals. She spent five years at the Yale School of Management Career Development Office in New Haven developing career based workshops, maintaining internship placement and navigating MBA students through their career paths. Laura has a passion for higher education, re-entry programming and college athletics.

Description: Are you curious about what college life is really like? Join us for an engaging workshop where our Community Managers and/or Hall Coordinator will share their firsthand experiences and insights. During this session, you'll get a glimpse into the daily lives of college students and learn about the challenges, opportunities, and memorable moments they encountered. 

Description: This interactive workshop offers a road map to develop a personal leadership plan, including identifying your core values, your approach to work and school, and an awareness of both natural and learned leadership traits.  Students will explore SMART, and everything that has to do with setting SMART goals.  Let’s get planning!

Facilitator Bio: Tiffany Hoxie (she/her)- Assistant Director for Leadership

Description: This informative and interactive workshop increases participants' knowledge of the range of mental health resources on campus and helpful self-care and stress management strategies.

Facilitator Bio: Shireen Chitre is a fifth-year doctoral candidate in clinical psychology and is currently a doctoral intern at UConn Student Health and Wellness - Mental Health. Shireen's passion and clinical interests include multicultural psychology, mood disorders, and obesity medicine. She nearly has 9 years of experience working with individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) and its impact on mental health. Shireen's dissertation focused on the psychological impact of COVID-19 on racial and ethnic minority healthcare providers. Shireen will be doing her postdoctoral fellowship in obesity medicine in a hospital in Princeton, New Jersey following the completion of this internship.

Description: One of the most important skills you can develop to ensure a successful college career is to learn how to advocate for yourself. Self-advocacy is an important skill to develop and practice as it will allow you to create better outcomes and more easily overcome challenges. In this session, the Dean of Students Office will share insight and skills into self-advocacy and review some essential offices that can assist you throughout college.

Facilitator Bio:

Kim joined the Dean of Students Office in 2019. She previously worked at UConn in the Financial Aid Office, where she served for the past eight years as the Assistant Director of Scholarships and Student Employment. Prior to that, Kim held the titles of Program Assistant and Coordinator in the School of Engineering. She also serves as an FYE Instructor, providing support to incoming first-year students, and as a UConn Connects Program Facilitator. Kim has an MS in School Counseling and a BS in Agriculture and Natural Resources from the University of Connecticut. In addition, Kim is a first-generation college student who is passionate about supporting students who are the first in their families to attend college.

Luz joined the Dean of Students Office in 2017 after serving as the Assistant Dean of Students at Goucher College for the Dean of Students Office and the Center Race, Equity, and Identity (CREI). Luz previously served as the Director for the Campus Life ALANA Center, Co-Director of TRANSITIONS at Vassar College, and Director of Expansion for Sigma Lambda Upsilon/ Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority Incorporated. Luz has an MS in Counselor Education from CCSU and a BA in African American Studies from Wesleyan University. Luz is currently pursuing her PhD in Learning, Leadership, and Education Policy at the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut. Lastly, Luz is a first-generation college student from Hartford, CT.

Description: Join the Academic Achievement Center (AAC) for an interactive workshop focused on helping students develop skills and strategies relevant to the transition to college. In this workshop, you can expect to learn how to organize your course load, become a more efficient learner, and be better prepared to transition to the start of your college career. You will leave this presentation with knowledge of a new strategy or two and campus resources to help you be on your way to earning an A.

Facilitator Bio:  At the AAC, trained undergraduate coaches, mentors, and interns, as well as professional staff members, create a culture of support by providing strategic academic counseling that enhances student learning.
To do this, the AAC offers 4 signature programs and support services: Drop In Academic Coaching, Supplemental Instruction, Workshops and Presentations, and The UConn Connects program.

Description: In this workshop, we will explore the various situations and scenarios you may face as a college student. We will work together to discuss strategies for stepping in and helping someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis, bias-related issues, or Title IX issues such as intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The workshop is designed to be interactive, encouraging your participation as it equips you to support and protect your peers effectively.

Facilitator Bio: Alanna Torres-Laboy (She/her/Ella) is a master’s student in the Higher Education and Student Affairs program at UConn. She is from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and was raised in Hartford, CT. She previously graduated from UConn with a bachelor’s in Psychological Sciences and a double minor in Crime & Justice and Human Development & Family Sciences. As an undergraduate student, Alanna held various leadership roles where she took a holistic approach in supporting students to account for their various identities and lived experiences. Within the Dean of Students Office, Alanna helps to manage UConn’s Bystander Intervention Program (Protect Our Pack). Through Protect Our Pack, Alanna creates intentional programming and fosters collaboration to promote a safe, inclusive, and supportive UConn community.

Description: Learn the steps, patterns, and tricks that make for great conversations through the fun of ballroom dance! Yes, you read that correctly. This one-of-a-kind interactive workshop uses the basics of partner dancing, like “mirroring,” to better your communication skills with others. No previous dance experience needed, just a willingness to have fun while bringing out the best in others.

Facilitator Bio: Rey is a well-known Educator, Trainer, Speaker and Certified Enrichment Counselor with 30 years combined experience in education, nonprofit management, and youth and family development at local and national levels. He is also a Master Teaching Artist and creator of the Relational Dance, a creative skill-building experience providing the tools for successful relationships at home, work, school, and community using the fun of dance. He has a BA in Human Services from Springfield College and a MA in Human Service Counseling with a concentration in Marriage & Family from Liberty University. Rey has a passion for people and moving communities toward relational health one step at a time.

Description: Struggling to start your college essay or unsure where to begin? Don't worry, we're here to help! Our college essay workshop is all about equipping you with the skills and techniques to create an essay that stands out to admissions teams and improves your overall writing abilities. Additionally, we'll also tackle typical college essay prompts, providing guidance on how to approach them strategically and showcase the person you are and aspire to be. Join us and unlock the secrets to crafting a compelling and impactful college essay!

Facilitator Bio: My name is Abigail Piotrowicz, and I am a recent graduate from the University of Connecticut, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. I am currently pursuing a graduate degree in Curriculum and Instruction from UConn, with the ultimate goal of becoming a high school educator specializing in English Language Arts. Presently, I serve as the program assistant for PCS, and I previously held the position of residential assistant with PCS last summer. Beyond my role at PCS, I have also contributed as a judge for various panels, evaluating works across multiple genres including poetry, dramatic manuscripts, and composition essays.

Description: Today’s world moves fast and is filled with distractions, making mindfulness more important than ever. Being present and aware of the details of your daily life will support not only your success on campus, but also in the workplace. According to the job site Indeed’s Career Guide, mindfulness is associated with observation skills, which “refer to the ability to use all five of your senses to recognize, analyze and recall your surroundings”. This workshop will empower you to sharpen your observation skills through group discussion of original works of art. Following the workshop, explore the museum with a scavenger hunt.

Facilitator Bio: Amanda Douberley is Curator & Academic Liaison at UConn's William Benton Museum of Art. She is responsible for connecting the Benton’s collections and exhibitions with teaching in departments across the university. She has curated numerous exhibitions at the museum, often in collaboration with faculty and other campus partners. Amanda holds a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin with a focus on 20th-century American sculpture and public art. Before coming to UConn in 2018, she taught in the Department of Art History, Theory, and Criticism at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Description: Are you curious about what college life is really like? Join us for an engaging workshop where our Community Managers and/or Hall Coordinator will share their firsthand experiences and insights. During this session, you'll get a glimpse into the daily lives of college students and learn about the challenges, opportunities, and memorable moments they encountered. 

Description: During this interactive workshop, students will explore their personal identities as well as values. Who Am I? Have you asked yourself this? Being an effective leader begins with understanding who you are, inclusive of your personal values. Explore yourself within this workshop.

Facilitator Bio: Trisha Hawthorne-Noble (she/her)- Associate Director of Student Activities & Director for Leadership & Organizational Development

Description: While college is widely acknowledged cultural milestone, providing opportunities to forge long-lasting friendships, we are seeing data that points to the increasing loneliness and social alienation of young adults, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Loneliness is often seen as an individual trouble in the realm of psychology, but using sociological theory we can examine how this surge of alienation may be shaped by social forces. This workshop will apply a sociological perspective to the “loneliness crisis” impacting American young adults, focusing on how social structures can inhibit or encourage connection, and ending with a student-led discussion about promoting social connection.

Facilitator Bio: Dunahay Pereyra is a doctoral student in Sociology at the University of Connecticut. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Franklin and Marshall College, and the experiences that she had at that small liberal arts college were invaluable in shaping her academic sensibility and career trajectory. As such, she recognizes the importance for students to choose the right kind of higher education experience for them. Her research focuses primarily on the ways that chronic illness treatment and experiences can reveal the limitations of the medical establishment. In her time at UConn, she has had the privilege to act as a teaching assistant for Sociology courses in Introduction to Sociology; Race, Class, and Gender; and Social Theory; in addition to instructing Race, Class, and Gender herself.

Description: Effective Communication and Team Building workshop features a variety of games and group initiative projects that are specifically designed to allow participants to explore their group and themselves.  Focus is placed on problem solving, interpersonal and group communication skills, leadership traits, organizational processes, adventurous daring-do, productive silliness and more!  Plus, K9 Tildy will be in attendance to meet all of the participants!!

Facilitator Bio: Sergeant Justin Cheney with K9 Tildy: I am the community outreach sergeant assigned to the Storrs campus. Along with Tildy, we provide educational programs and participate in various events that include UConn students, staff, and faculty. The team building program focuses on leadership, effective communication and problem solving.

Description: Are you curious about what college life is really like? Join us for an engaging workshop where our Community Managers and/or Hall Coordinator will share their firsthand experiences and insights. During this session, you'll get a glimpse into the daily lives of college students and learn about the challenges, opportunities, and memorable moments they encountered. 

Description: “Trust the science” is a phrase that gets tossed around in the public sphere, particularly on topics of gender identity and sex assigned at birth, but what does the science actually say about it? Discover myriad factors that contribute to what we think of as “sex” to prepare for pre-med programs or simply have informed conversations. We will explore case studies, factors determining primary and secondary sexual characteristics, and get a crash course on key moments in embryonic development, hormones, chromosomes, and medical conditions that impact sex determination. We will continue with updated language for best practices in medicine to improve patient outcomes and foster inclusion.

Facilitator Bio: ilia medina is a graduate student in the IIREP program under Political Science and teaches courses in Gender and Sexuality for WGSS. A Yale Graduate, ilia was recently an Anatomy and Physiology tutor for St Petersburg College in Florida before moving to Connecticut and continues to research disparities and inclusion in healthcare while educating others on the fascinating and complex science behind human sexuality. They previously taught a similar presentation for medical professionals through the Boston Congress for Public Health; this version includes more background, including medical terminology and developmental processes to better contextualize the topics explored.

Monday, July 1st

Description: Join Experiential Global Learning (EGL) to learn about study abroad opportunities and breaking down the barriers to understanding how you can create a journey abroad during your time in college. This presentation will explore program options and strategies study abroad, including hearing stories from students who have participated in an EGL program.

Facilitator Bio: Laura has been with Experiential Global Learning since 2013. Laura also manages the Global Student Mentor program and returnee students credits and grades. Laura graduated from UConn, where she majored in Psychology and minored in Business Administration. In the spring of 2005, Laura studied in Italy, through the UConn in Florence program. She holds her Masters in Organizational Leadership with a focus on Human Resources from Quinnipiac University. Prior to UConn, Laura worked as an Executive Recruiter, specializing in the placement of finance and accounting professionals. She spent five years at the Yale School of Management Career Development Office in New Haven developing career based workshops, maintaining internship placement and navigating MBA students through their career paths. Laura has a passion for higher education, re-entry programming and college athletics.

Description: Are you curious about what college life is really like? Join us for an engaging workshop where our Community Managers and/or Hall Coordinator will share their firsthand experiences and insights. During this session, you'll get a glimpse into the daily lives of college students and learn about the challenges, opportunities, and memorable moments they encountered. 

Description: Join the Academic Achievement Center (AAC) for an interactive workshop focused on helping students develop skills and strategies relevant to the transition to college. In this workshop, you can expect to learn how to organize your course load, become a more efficient learner, and be better prepared to transition to the start of your college career. You will leave this presentation with knowledge of a new strategy or two and campus resources to help you be on your way to earning an A.

Facilitator Bio:  At the AAC, trained undergraduate coaches, mentors, and interns, as well as professional staff members, create a culture of support by providing strategic academic counseling that enhances student learning.
To do this, the AAC offers 4 signature programs and support services: Drop In Academic Coaching, Supplemental Instruction, Workshops and Presentations, and The UConn Connects program.

Description: This informative and interactive workshop increases participants' knowledge of the range of mental health resources on campus and helpful self-care and stress management strategies.

Facilitator Bio: Kelsey Gilbert is a fifth-year doctoral candidate in clinical psychology and is currently a doctoral intern at UConn Student Health and Wellness – Mental Health. Kelsey is passionate about providing affirming and compassionate mental health care. She has nearly 8 years of experience in eating disorder treatment and research. Her dissertation focused on the impact of weight stigma in eating disorder treatment for individuals with "atypical" anorexia nervosa. One of Kelsey's aims in her clinical work and research is to amplify the voices of clients silenced by weight stigma and enhance healthcare professionals' understanding of "atypical" anorexia as a significant eating disorder deserving of treatment. Kelsey will move on to complete her postdoctoral fellowship in eating disorders in a Massachusetts hospital following the completion of her internship year.

Description: Struggling to start your college essay or unsure where to begin? Don't worry, we're here to help! Our college essay workshop is all about equipping you with the skills and techniques to create an essay that stands out to admissions teams and improves your overall writing abilities. Additionally, we'll also tackle typical college essay prompts, providing guidance on how to approach them strategically and showcase the person you are and aspire to be. Join us and unlock the secrets to crafting a compelling and impactful college essay!

Facilitator Bio: My name is Abigail Piotrowicz, and I am a recent graduate from the University of Connecticut, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. I am currently pursuing a graduate degree in Curriculum and Instruction from UConn, with the ultimate goal of becoming a high school educator specializing in English Language Arts. Presently, I serve as the program assistant for PCS, and I previously held the position of residential assistant with PCS last summer. Beyond my role at PCS, I have also contributed as a judge for various panels, evaluating works across multiple genres including poetry, dramatic manuscripts, and composition essays.

Description: The primary goal of the workshop is to introduce the growing field of bioinformatics. Bioinformatics is a cutting-edge multidisciplinary field that merges computer science, biology, and data analysis to explore and understand complex biological systems. It empowers us to decode the mysteries of DNA, unravel genetic diseases, and comprehend the intricate workings of living organisms like never before. Through the interactive session and engaging discussions, students will explore the fascinating realm of genomic data analysis, learn about revolutionary tools and techniques, and uncover the endless possibilities bioinformatics offers in shaping the future of healthcare, agriculture, and beyond.

Facilitator Bio: Dr. Sheida Nabavi is an Associate Professor in the department of Computer Science & Engineering and the Institute for Systems Genomics at the University of Connecticut. She received her PhD from Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Carnegie Mellon University. Then she joined the Center for Biomedical Informatics at Harvard Medical School as a Research Fellow and received her Master's in Medical Science focused on bioinformatics. The focus of her research is on development of computational methods and algorithms, based on advanced statistical machine learning and signal/image processing techniques, to analyze genomics data and biological/biomedical images.

Description: Learn the steps, patterns, and tricks that make for great conversations through the fun of ballroom dance! Yes, you read that correctly. This one-of-a-kind interactive workshop uses the basics of partner dancing, like “mirroring,” to better your communication skills with others. No previous dance experience needed, just a willingness to have fun while bringing out the best in others.

Facilitator Bio: Rey is a well-known Educator, Trainer, Speaker and Certified Enrichment Counselor with 30 years combined experience in education, nonprofit management, and youth and family development at local and national levels. He is also a Master Teaching Artist and creator of the Relational Dance, a creative skill-building experience providing the tools for successful relationships at home, work, school, and community using the fun of dance. He has a BA in Human Services from Springfield College and a MA in Human Service Counseling with a concentration in Marriage & Family from Liberty University. Rey has a passion for people and moving communities toward relational health one step at a time.

Description: Navigating eating well for energy, academic success, and overall health can sometimes be challenging for a busy college student. Participants will learn the building blocks of nutrition and strategies for eating nutritionally sound food on a college campus. Participants will also hear the facts about common nutrition myths and diets and have the opportunity to ask SHaW’s registered dietitians questions.

Facilitator Bio: Julia is a registered dietitian and graduate assistant studying Health Promotion Sciences at the University of Connecticut. She graduated from UConn in May 2023 with a bachelor's degree in Dietetics after completing the Coordinated Program in Dietetics. Julia is passionate about behavior change counseling and helping people improve their diet quality while fostering a healthy relationship with food and body. In her free time, Julia enjoys hiking, teaching dance, cooking, and relaxing with a good book.

Description: Are you constantly doubting your accomplishments or feeling like a fraud, despite evidence of your success? If so, you might be experiencing imposter syndrome, a pervasive phenomenon that affects individuals across all walks of life. Join us for an engaging and empowering workshop designed to help you recognize, understand, and combat imposter syndrome. By the end of this workshop, you will have a deeper understanding of imposter syndrome and a personalized plan to overcome it.

Facilitator Bio: Hannah is a Licensed Master Social Worker, Advocate, and Educator based in the Dean of Students Office at UConn. She received her Masters in Social Work from the University of Connecticut where she focused her studies on violence prevention in families and communities. Hannah has experience working with individuals who’ve experienced sexual violence, dating violence, and stalking and also serves as a psychotherapist outside of UConn. In her free time, Hannah enjoys taking care of her plants, baking, and playing shows with her band.

Monday, July 8th

Description: Join Experiential Global Learning (EGL) to learn about study abroad opportunities and breaking down the barriers to understanding how you can create a journey abroad during your time in college. This presentation will explore program options and strategies study abroad, including hearing stories from students who have participated in an EGL program.

Facilitator Bio: Laura has been with Experiential Global Learning since 2013. Laura also manages the Global Student Mentor program and returnee students credits and grades. Laura graduated from UConn, where she majored in Psychology and minored in Business Administration. In the spring of 2005, Laura studied in Italy, through the UConn in Florence program. She holds her Masters in Organizational Leadership with a focus on Human Resources from Quinnipiac University. Prior to UConn, Laura worked as an Executive Recruiter, specializing in the placement of finance and accounting professionals. She spent five years at the Yale School of Management Career Development Office in New Haven developing career based workshops, maintaining internship placement and navigating MBA students through their career paths. Laura has a passion for higher education, re-entry programming and college athletics.

Description: This interactive workshop offers a road map to develop a personal leadership plan, including identifying your core values, your approach to work and school, and an awareness of both natural and learned leadership traits.  Students will explore SMART, and everything that has to do with setting SMART goals.  Let’s get planning!

Facilitator Bio: Trisha Hawthorne-Noble (she/her)- Associate Director of Student Activities & Director for Leadership & Organizational Development

Description: Professor, I Need to Get an A in Your Class: How to Successfully Navigate Your Relationship and Mindset with your College Professor will focus on the tips and strategies to assist students on how to understand the expectations of your professor as a college student.
This includes accountability as a college student while building a relationship with your professor, learning the importance of self-advocacy and understanding the expectations from start to finish.

Facilitator Bio: Regina Martin is an educator, motivational speaker with a decade in higher education, inspires audiences to dare to dream in their personal, professional and academic lives. Experienced in student success programs like GEAR UP and TRIO as well as an accomplished adjunct professor. She has trained at Cornell University Entrepreneurship Program and is currently enrolled in John C. Maxwell Leadership and Coaching Program. Regina is also featured as an author of a book anthology, The Fire Girl Code of Conduct :12 Laws to Living Her Life on Fire.

Description: This informative and interactive workshop increases participants' knowledge of the range of mental health resources on campus and helpful self-care and stress management strategies.

Facilitator Bio: Dr. Ashley Smith is a mental health clinician at SHaW and working towards obtaining licensure to become a licensed psychologist within the state of Connecticut. She has a rich academic background and diverse professional experience and completed her bachelor’s degree in applied psychology and Pre-Health at Bryant University, where she developed a strong foundation in psychological principles and their practical applications. Dr. Smith furthered her education at William James College, earning both her master’s degree and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

Description: In this workshop, we will learn how greenhouse gas works, and how we can approximate the effect of greenhouse gases by mathematically building a simple atmosphere model. We will also learn basics of computer programing and graphing.

Facilitator Bio: Dr. Feng is an assistant professor at Department of Earth Sciences. She has a PhD in Earth and Environmental Science from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Before joining UConn, she has been a postdoc at National Center for Atmospheric Research, one of the world’s leading institutions to study weather and climate. She is interested in understanding radiative forcing and climate feedbacks, cloud and precipitation processes, and the interactions between the hydrological cycle and mountain uplift. She currently serves on several scientific panels and journals as associate editor. She is also a National Science Foundation Early Career Award recipient.

Description: Are you curious about what college life is really like? Join us for an engaging workshop where our Community Managers and/or Hall Coordinator will share their firsthand experiences and insights. During this session, you'll get a glimpse into the daily lives of college students and learn about the challenges, opportunities, and memorable moments they encountered. 

Description: It’s Okay Not to Be Okay will focus on key elements that help you navigate mental wellness as you transition into college and in Life. Whether you are transitioning into college, employment or military, trying to find your voice while defining your journey, you will encounter a lot of twists and turns along the way.
These tips and strategies will allow to adapt to any scenario while developing a roadmap to success on your own terms.

Facilitator Bio: Regina Martin is an educator, motivational speaker with a decade in higher education, inspires audiences to dare to dream in their personal, professional and academic lives. Experienced in student success programs like GEAR UP and TRIO as well as an accomplished adjunct professor. She has trained at Cornell University Entrepreneurship Program and is currently enrolled in John C. Maxwell Leadership and Coaching Program. Regina is also featured as an author of a book anthology, The Fire Girl Code of Conduct :12 Laws to Living Her Life on Fire.

Description: In this workshop, we will explore the various situations and scenarios you may face as a college student. We will work together to discuss strategies for stepping in and helping someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis, bias-related issues, or Title IX issues such as intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The workshop is designed to be interactive, encouraging your participation as it equips you to support and protect your peers effectively.

Facilitator Bio: Alanna Torres-Laboy (She/her/Ella) is a master’s student in the Higher Education and Student Affairs program at UConn. She is from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and was raised in Hartford, CT. She previously graduated from UConn with a bachelor’s in Psychological Sciences and a double minor in Crime & Justice and Human Development & Family Sciences. As an undergraduate student, Alanna held various leadership roles where she took a holistic approach in supporting students to account for their various identities and lived experiences. Within the Dean of Students Office, Alanna helps to manage UConn’s Bystander Intervention Program (Protect Our Pack). Through Protect Our Pack, Alanna creates intentional programming and fosters collaboration to promote a safe, inclusive, and supportive UConn community.

Description: Learn the steps, patterns, and tricks that make for great conversations through the fun of ballroom dance! Yes, you read that correctly. This one-of-a-kind interactive workshop uses the basics of partner dancing, like “mirroring,” to better your communication skills with others. No previous dance experience needed, just a willingness to have fun while bringing out the best in others.

Facilitator Bio: Rey is a well-known Educator, Trainer, Speaker and Certified Enrichment Counselor with 30 years combined experience in education, nonprofit management, and youth and family development at local and national levels. He is also a Master Teaching Artist and creator of the Relational Dance, a creative skill-building experience providing the tools for successful relationships at home, work, school, and community using the fun of dance. He has a BA in Human Services from Springfield College and a MA in Human Service Counseling with a concentration in Marriage & Family from Liberty University. Rey has a passion for people and moving communities toward relational health one step at a time.

Description: Today’s world moves fast and is filled with distractions, making mindfulness more important than ever. Being present and aware of the details of your daily life will support not only your success on campus, but also in the workplace. According to the job site Indeed’s Career Guide, mindfulness is associated with observation skills, which “refer to the ability to use all five of your senses to recognize, analyze and recall your surroundings”. This workshop will empower you to sharpen your observation skills through group discussion of original works of art. Following the workshop, explore the museum with a scavenger hunt.

Facilitator Bio: Amanda Douberley is Curator & Academic Liaison at UConn's William Benton Museum of Art. She is responsible for connecting the Benton’s collections and exhibitions with teaching in departments across the university. She has curated numerous exhibitions at the museum, often in collaboration with faculty and other campus partners. Amanda holds a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin with a focus on 20th-century American sculpture and public art. Before coming to UConn in 2018, she taught in the Department of Art History, Theory, and Criticism at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Description: Participants will identify on campus risks and reduction strategies. Focus will be on risk awareness, recognition, reduction, and avoidance. Discussion about college specific risks, i.e. online scams, digital footprints, dating relationships, social media, etc.

Facilitator Bio: Sergeant Justin Cheney is the community outreach sergeant assigned to the UConn Storrs campus. Along with his K9 Tildy, they provide educational programs and participate in various events that include UConn students, staff, and faculty.

Description: During this interactive workshop, students will explore their personal identities as well as values. Who Am I? Have you asked yourself this? Being an effective leader begins with understanding who you are, inclusive of your personal values. Explore yourself within this workshop.

Facilitator Bio: Trisha Hawthorne-Noble (she/her)- Associate Director of Student Activities & Director for Leadership & Organizational Development

Description: While college is widely acknowledged cultural milestone, providing opportunities to forge long-lasting friendships, we are seeing data that points to the increasing loneliness and social alienation of young adults, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Loneliness is often seen as an individual trouble in the realm of psychology, but using sociological theory we can examine how this surge of alienation may be shaped by social forces. This workshop will apply a sociological perspective to the “loneliness crisis” impacting American young adults, focusing on how social structures can inhibit or encourage connection, and ending with a student-led discussion about promoting social connection.

Facilitator Bio: Dunahay Pereyra is a doctoral student in Sociology at the University of Connecticut. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Franklin and Marshall College, and the experiences that she had at that small liberal arts college were invaluable in shaping her academic sensibility and career trajectory. As such, she recognizes the importance for students to choose the right kind of higher education experience for them. Her research focuses primarily on the ways that chronic illness treatment and experiences can reveal the limitations of the medical establishment. In her time at UConn, she has had the privilege to act as a teaching assistant for Sociology courses in Introduction to Sociology; Race, Class, and Gender; and Social Theory; in addition to instructing Race, Class, and Gender herself.

Description: Are you curious about what college life is really like? Join us for an engaging workshop where our Community Managers and/or Hall Coordinator will share their firsthand experiences and insights. During this session, you'll get a glimpse into the daily lives of college students and learn about the challenges, opportunities, and memorable moments they encountered. 

Description: “Trust the science” is a phrase that gets tossed around in the public sphere, particularly on topics of gender identity and sex assigned at birth, but what does the science actually say about it? Discover myriad factors that contribute to what we think of as “sex” to prepare for pre-med programs or simply have informed conversations. We will explore case studies, factors determining primary and secondary sexual characteristics, and get a crash course on key moments in embryonic development, hormones, chromosomes, and medical conditions that impact sex determination. We will continue with updated language for best practices in medicine to improve patient outcomes and foster inclusion.

Facilitator Bio: ilia medina is a graduate student in the IIREP program under Political Science and teaches courses in Gender and Sexuality for WGSS. A Yale Graduate, ilia was recently an Anatomy and Physiology tutor for St Petersburg College in Florida before moving to Connecticut and continues to research disparities and inclusion in healthcare while educating others on the fascinating and complex science behind human sexuality. They previously taught a similar presentation for medical professionals through the Boston Congress for Public Health; this version includes more background, including medical terminology and developmental processes to better contextualize the topics explored.

Description: Join the Academic Achievement Center (AAC) for an interactive workshop focused on helping students develop skills and strategies relevant to the transition to college. In this workshop, you can expect to learn how to organize your course load, become a more efficient learner, and be better prepared to transition to the start of your college career. You will leave this presentation with knowledge of a new strategy or two and campus resources to help you be on your way to earning an A.

Facilitator Bio:  At the AAC, trained undergraduate coaches, mentors, and interns, as well as professional staff members, create a culture of support by providing strategic academic counseling that enhances student learning.
To do this, the AAC offers 4 signature programs and support services: Drop In Academic Coaching, Supplemental Instruction, Workshops and Presentations, and The UConn Connects program.

Monday, July 15th

Description: Join Experiential Global Learning (EGL) to learn about study abroad opportunities and breaking down the barriers to understanding how you can create a journey abroad during your time in college. This presentation will explore program options and strategies study abroad, including hearing stories from students who have participated in an EGL program.

Facilitator Bio: Laura has been with Experiential Global Learning since 2013. Laura also manages the Global Student Mentor program and returnee students credits and grades. Laura graduated from UConn, where she majored in Psychology and minored in Business Administration. In the spring of 2005, Laura studied in Italy, through the UConn in Florence program. She holds her Masters in Organizational Leadership with a focus on Human Resources from Quinnipiac University. Prior to UConn, Laura worked as an Executive Recruiter, specializing in the placement of finance and accounting professionals. She spent five years at the Yale School of Management Career Development Office in New Haven developing career based workshops, maintaining internship placement and navigating MBA students through their career paths. Laura has a passion for higher education, re-entry programming and college athletics.

Description: Are you curious about what college life is really like? Join us for an engaging workshop where our Community Managers and/or Hall Coordinator will share their firsthand experiences and insights. During this session, you'll get a glimpse into the daily lives of college students and learn about the challenges, opportunities, and memorable moments they encountered. 

Description: This interactive workshop offers a road map to develop a personal leadership plan, including identifying your core values, your approach to work and school, and an awareness of both natural and learned leadership traits.  Students will explore SMART, and everything that has to do with setting SMART goals.  Let’s get planning!

Facilitator Bio: Tiffany Hoxie (she/her)- Assistant Director for Leadership

Description: This informative and interactive workshop increases participants' knowledge of the range of mental health resources on campus and helpful self-care and stress management strategies.

Facilitator Bio: Dr. Daveon McMullen is the Assistant Director of Training and the Director of the Multicultural Training Program of Mental Health Services at Student Health and Wellness. He has experience working in various treatment settings, such as prisons, colleges and universities, and hospitals. In fact, prior to working at SHAW, Dr. McMullen was the Military Sexual Trauma Coordinator and the LBGTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator at the Hampton VA Medical Center in Hampton, VA.  His professional interests include sexual violence treatment & prevention, multicultural counseling, training, and supervision, and concerns related to family of origin, identity, and relationships. Through his work, Dr. McMullen has come to view psychotherapy as an honest and collaborative effort to achieve personal growth and change marked by accountability. Dr. McMullen utilizes psychodynamic, object relations, client centered, feminist, and relational-cultural frameworks to guide his approach and strives to recognize the role of sociopolitical contexts as they relate to students’ presenting concerns.

Description: One of the most important skills you can develop to ensure a successful college career is to learn how to advocate for yourself. Self-advocacy is an important skill to develop and practice as it will allow you to create better outcomes and more easily overcome challenges. In this session, the Dean of Students Office will share insight and skills into self-advocacy and review some essential offices that can assist you throughout college.

Facilitator Bio:

Kim joined the Dean of Students Office in 2019. She previously worked at UConn in the Financial Aid Office, where she served for the past eight years as the Assistant Director of Scholarships and Student Employment. Prior to that, Kim held the titles of Program Assistant and Coordinator in the School of Engineering. She also serves as an FYE Instructor, providing support to incoming first-year students, and as a UConn Connects Program Facilitator. Kim has an MS in School Counseling and a BS in Agriculture and Natural Resources from the University of Connecticut. In addition, Kim is a first-generation college student who is passionate about supporting students who are the first in their families to attend college.

Paula Wilmot joined the Dean of Students Office in 2017. She previously worked at UConn in the Honors Program, where she served for seven years as Assistant Director of Honors Learning Communities and Programs, working closely with student organizations, co-curricular learning initiatives, and students in crisis. Prior to that, Paula has been Director of Co-Curricular Education and Programming, Career Counselor, Associate Director for Student Life, Residential Operations Coordinator and Residence Hall Director. Paula enjoys working with students and colleagues to support student success. She has a BA in English from the University of Connecticut and an MS in Education from Southern Illinois University. Paula also holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Luz joined the Dean of Students Office in 2017 after serving as the Assistant Dean of Students at Goucher College for the Dean of Students Office and the Center Race, Equity, and Identity (CREI). Luz previously served as the Director for the Campus Life ALANA Center, Co-Director of TRANSITIONS at Vassar College, and Director of Expansion for Sigma Lambda Upsilon/ Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority Incorporated. Luz has an MS in Counselor Education from CCSU and a BA in African American Studies from Wesleyan University. Luz is currently pursuing her PhD in Learning, Leadership, and Education Policy at the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut. Lastly, Luz is a first-generation college student from Hartford, CT.

Description: Are you curious about what college life is really like? Join us for an engaging workshop where our Community Managers and/or Hall Coordinator will share their firsthand experiences and insights. During this session, you'll get a glimpse into the daily lives of college students and learn about the challenges, opportunities, and memorable moments they encountered. 

Description: The primary goal of the workshop is to introduce the growing field of bioinformatics. Bioinformatics is a cutting-edge multidisciplinary field that merges computer science, biology, and data analysis to explore and understand complex biological systems. It empowers us to decode the mysteries of DNA, unravel genetic diseases, and comprehend the intricate workings of living organisms like never before. Through the interactive session and engaging discussions, students will explore the fascinating realm of genomic data analysis, learn about revolutionary tools and techniques, and uncover the endless possibilities bioinformatics offers in shaping the future of healthcare, agriculture, and beyond.

Facilitator Bio: Dr. Sheida Nabavi is an Associate Professor in the department of Computer Science & Engineering and the Institute for Systems Genomics at the University of Connecticut. She received her PhD from Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Carnegie Mellon University. Then she joined the Center for Biomedical Informatics at Harvard Medical School as a Research Fellow and received her Master's in Medical Science focused on bioinformatics. The focus of her research is on development of computational methods and algorithms, based on advanced statistical machine learning and signal/image processing techniques, to analyze genomics data and biological/biomedical images.

Description: Marching to the beat of your own drum can impact the way you connect with others. Learning to keep your BEAT in a world of changing rhythms, can help you identify and keep your true north. Using a BEAT acrostic and the basics of partner dancing, this interactive workshop will give you the opportunity to identify four fundamentals areas for healthy connections with others. No previous dance experience needed, just a willingness to have fun while moving from a secure self.

Facilitator Bio: Rey is a well-known Educator, Trainer, Speaker and Certified Enrichment Counselor with 30 years combined experience in education, nonprofit management, and youth and family development at local and national levels. He is also a Master Teaching Artist and creator of the Relational Dance, a creative skill-building experience providing the tools for successful relationships at home, work, school, and community using the fun of dance. He has a BA in Human Services from Springfield College and a MA in Human Service Counseling with a concentration in Marriage & Family from Liberty University. Rey has a passion for people and moving communities toward relational health one step at a time.

Description: Struggling to start your college essay or unsure where to begin? Don't worry, we're here to help! Our college essay workshop is all about equipping you with the skills and techniques to create an essay that stands out to admissions teams and improves your overall writing abilities. Additionally, we'll also tackle typical college essay prompts, providing guidance on how to approach them strategically and showcase the person you are and aspire to be. Join us and unlock the secrets to crafting a compelling and impactful college essay!

Facilitator Bio: My name is Abigail Piotrowicz, and I am a recent graduate from the University of Connecticut, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. I am currently pursuing a graduate degree in Curriculum and Instruction from UConn, with the ultimate goal of becoming a high school educator specializing in English Language Arts. Presently, I serve as the program assistant for PCS, and I previously held the position of residential assistant with PCS last summer. Beyond my role at PCS, I have also contributed as a judge for various panels, evaluating works across multiple genres including poetry, dramatic manuscripts, and composition essays.

Description: Are you curious about what college life is really like? Join us for an engaging workshop where our Community Managers and/or Hall Coordinator will share their firsthand experiences and insights. During this session, you'll get a glimpse into the daily lives of college students and learn about the challenges, opportunities, and memorable moments they encountered. 

Description: 

Facilitator Bio: 

Description: While college is widely acknowledged cultural milestone, providing opportunities to forge long-lasting friendships, we are seeing data that points to the increasing loneliness and social alienation of young adults, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Loneliness is often seen as an individual trouble in the realm of psychology, but using sociological theory we can examine how this surge of alienation may be shaped by social forces. This workshop will apply a sociological perspective to the “loneliness crisis” impacting American young adults, focusing on how social structures can inhibit or encourage connection, and ending with a student-led discussion about promoting social connection.

Facilitator Bio: Dunahay Pereyra is a doctoral student in Sociology at the University of Connecticut. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Franklin and Marshall College, and the experiences that she had at that small liberal arts college were invaluable in shaping her academic sensibility and career trajectory. As such, she recognizes the importance for students to choose the right kind of higher education experience for them. Her research focuses primarily on the ways that chronic illness treatment and experiences can reveal the limitations of the medical establishment. In her time at UConn, she has had the privilege to act as a teaching assistant for Sociology courses in Introduction to Sociology; Race, Class, and Gender; and Social Theory; in addition to instructing Race, Class, and Gender herself.

Description: During this interactive workshop, students will explore their personal identities as well as values. Who Am I? Have you asked yourself this? Being an effective leader begins with understanding who you are, inclusive of your personal values. Explore yourself within this workshop.

Facilitator Bio: Trisha Hawthorne-Noble (she/her)- Associate Director of Student Activities & Director for Leadership & Organizational Development

Description: Effective Communication and Team Building workshop features a variety of games and group initiative projects that are specifically designed to allow participants to explore their group and themselves.  Focus is placed on problem solving, interpersonal and group communication skills, leadership traits, organizational processes, adventurous daring-do, productive silliness and more!  Plus, K9 Tildy will be in attendance to meet all of the participants!!

Facilitator Bio: Sergeant Justin Cheney is the community outreach sergeant assigned to the UConn Storrs campus. Along with his K9 Tildy, they provide educational programs and participate in various events that include UConn students, staff, and faculty.

Description: Are you curious about what college life is really like? Join us for an engaging workshop where our Community Managers and/or Hall Coordinator will share their firsthand experiences and insights. During this session, you'll get a glimpse into the daily lives of college students and learn about the challenges, opportunities, and memorable moments they encountered. 

Description: “Trust the science” is a phrase that gets tossed around in the public sphere, particularly on topics of gender identity and sex assigned at birth, but what does the science actually say about it? Discover myriad factors that contribute to what we think of as “sex” to prepare for pre-med programs or simply have informed conversations. We will explore case studies, factors determining primary and secondary sexual characteristics, and get a crash course on key moments in embryonic development, hormones, chromosomes, and medical conditions that impact sex determination. We will continue with updated language for best practices in medicine to improve patient outcomes and foster inclusion.

Facilitator Bio: ilia medina is a graduate student in the IIREP program under Political Science and teaches courses in Gender and Sexuality for WGSS. A Yale Graduate, ilia was recently an Anatomy and Physiology tutor for St Petersburg College in Florida before moving to Connecticut and continues to research disparities and inclusion in healthcare while educating others on the fascinating and complex science behind human sexuality. They previously taught a similar presentation for medical professionals through the Boston Congress for Public Health; this version includes more background, including medical terminology and developmental processes to better contextualize the topics explored.

Monday, July 22nd

Description: Join Experiential Global Learning (EGL) to learn about study abroad opportunities and breaking down the barriers to understanding how you can create a journey abroad during your time in college. This presentation will explore program options and strategies study abroad, including hearing stories from students who have participated in an EGL program.

Facilitator Bio: Laura has been with Experiential Global Learning since 2013. Laura also manages the Global Student Mentor program and returnee students credits and grades. Laura graduated from UConn, where she majored in Psychology and minored in Business Administration. In the spring of 2005, Laura studied in Italy, through the UConn in Florence program. She holds her Masters in Organizational Leadership with a focus on Human Resources from Quinnipiac University. Prior to UConn, Laura worked as an Executive Recruiter, specializing in the placement of finance and accounting professionals. She spent five years at the Yale School of Management Career Development Office in New Haven developing career based workshops, maintaining internship placement and navigating MBA students through their career paths. Laura has a passion for higher education, re-entry programming and college athletics.

Description: Effective Communication and Team Building workshop features a variety of games and group initiative projects that are specifically designed to allow participants to explore their group and themselves.  Focus is placed on problem solving, interpersonal and group communication skills, leadership traits, organizational processes, adventurous daring-do, productive silliness and more!  Plus, K9 Tildy will be in attendance to meet all of the participants!!

Facilitator Bio: Sergeant Justin Cheney is the community outreach sergeant assigned to the UConn Storrs campus. Along with his K9 Tildy, they provide educational programs and participate in various events that include UConn students, staff, and faculty.

Description: Are you curious about what college life is really like? Join us for an engaging workshop where our Community Managers and/or Hall Coordinator will share their firsthand experiences and insights. During this session, you'll get a glimpse into the daily lives of college students and learn about the challenges, opportunities, and memorable moments they encountered. 

Description: This interactive workshop offers a road map to develop a personal leadership plan, including identifying your core values, your approach to work and school, and an awareness of both natural and learned leadership traits.  Students will explore SMART, and everything that has to do with setting SMART goals.  Let’s get planning!

Facilitator Bio: Tiffany Hoxie (she/her)- Assistant Director for Leadership

Description: This informative and interactive workshop increases participants' knowledge of the range of mental health resources on campus and helpful self-care and stress management strategies.

Facilitator Bio: Kelsey Gilbert is a fifth-year doctoral candidate in clinical psychology and is currently a doctoral intern at UConn Student Health and Wellness – Mental Health. Kelsey is passionate about providing affirming and compassionate mental health care. She has nearly 8 years of experience in eating disorder treatment and research. Her dissertation focused on the impact of weight stigma in eating disorder treatment for individuals with "atypical" anorexia nervosa. One of Kelsey's aims in her clinical work and research is to amplify the voices of clients silenced by weight stigma and enhance healthcare professionals' understanding of "atypical" anorexia as a significant eating disorder deserving of treatment. Kelsey will move on to complete her postdoctoral fellowship in eating disorders in a Massachusetts hospital following the completion of her internship year.

Description: Undergraduate research is a learning activity that enriches a student’s undergraduate experience. Students report that participation in research, scholarship, or creative activity broadens and deepens their classroom learning and supports the development of a range of skills. This presentation will explore what research is and why every undergraduate student should engage with research.

Facilitator Bio: Micah majored in Psychological Sciences as an undergraduate at University of Illinois and earned a Master or Arts in Psychological Sciences from Meridian University. Micah completed his Educational Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Connecticut. Micah’s research focused on racial microaggressions in higher ed and Black student experience in advising spaces. Before OUR Micah was a social worker working with families in the juvenile justice system and then went on to higher ed as an advisor and most recently the director of an advising office at UConn.

Description: Are you curious about what college life is really like? Join us for an engaging workshop where our Community Managers and/or Hall Coordinator will share their firsthand experiences and insights. During this session, you'll get a glimpse into the daily lives of college students and learn about the challenges, opportunities, and memorable moments they encountered. 

Description: Join the Academic Achievement Center (AAC) for an interactive workshop focused on helping students develop skills and strategies relevant to the transition to college. In this workshop, you can expect to learn how to organize your course load, become a more efficient learner, and be better prepared to transition to the start of your college career. You will leave this presentation with knowledge of a new strategy or two and campus resources to help you be on your way to earning an A.

Facilitator Bio:  At the AAC, trained undergraduate coaches, mentors, and interns, as well as professional staff members, create a culture of support by providing strategic academic counseling that enhances student learning.
To do this, the AAC offers 4 signature programs and support services: Drop In Academic Coaching, Supplemental Instruction, Workshops and Presentations, and The UConn Connects program.

Description: Marching to the beat of your own drum can impact the way you connect with others. Learning to keep your BEAT in a world of changing rhythms, can help you identify and keep your true north. Using a BEAT acrostic and the basics of partner dancing, this interactive workshop will give you the opportunity to identify four fundamentals areas for healthy connections with others. No previous dance experience needed, just a willingness to have fun while moving from a secure self.

Facilitator Bio: Rey is a well-known Educator, Trainer, Speaker and Certified Enrichment Counselor with 30 years combined experience in education, nonprofit management, and youth and family development at local and national levels. He is also a Master Teaching Artist and creator of the Relational Dance, a creative skill-building experience providing the tools for successful relationships at home, work, school, and community using the fun of dance. He has a BA in Human Services from Springfield College and a MA in Human Service Counseling with a concentration in Marriage & Family from Liberty University. Rey has a passion for people and moving communities toward relational health one step at a time.

Description: Navigating eating well for energy, academic success, and overall health can sometimes be challenging for a busy college student. Participants will learn the building blocks of nutrition and strategies for eating nutritionally sound food on a college campus. Participants will also hear the facts about common nutrition myths and diets and have the opportunity to ask SHaW’s registered dietitians questions.

Facilitator Bio: Julia is a registered dietitian and graduate assistant studying Health Promotion Sciences at the University of Connecticut. She graduated from UConn in May 2023 with a bachelor's degree in Dietetics after completing the Coordinated Program in Dietetics. Julia is passionate about behavior change counseling and helping people improve their diet quality while fostering a healthy relationship with food and body. In her free time, Julia enjoys hiking, teaching dance, cooking, and relaxing with a good book.

Description: Get a peek at what Huskies enjoy most — modern facilities, a dynamic campus community, and (literally) countless paths to take. Learn more about the UConn experience and how to apply to be a Husky!

Facilitator Bio: TBD

Description: This workshop will focus on the importance of exploration in finding your best career fit, pursuing your passions as a pre-health student, and articulating your strengths in terms of pre-health competency areas.

Facilitator: Krista Rogers (she/her), Assistant Director, Pre-Professional Advising
Krista serves as the Assistant Director of Pre-Professional Advising. She received her BA in Japanese Studies (IMJR) from UConn and her MA in TESL from Simmons University, returning to UConn as professional staff in Enrichment Programs in 2015. She enjoys connecting with everyone from first-semester students to alumni through advising. In particular, she encourages the development of their diverse passions while on a pre-health professional track–whether in the form of artistic/musical pursuits, parallel plans of study, or hobbies for fun. Anything can be tied back to the Core Competencies for professional school! She also takes a leading role in coaching applicants to medical and dental schools through the office’s applicant support processes. In her free time, Krista enjoys teaching Japanese at UConn, translating for an online news blog, teaching ice skating to young children, hiking, and playing with her energetic yellow lab, Lexi.

Description: Participants will identify on campus risks and reduction strategies. Focus will be on risk awareness, recognition, reduction, and avoidance. Discussion about college specific risks, i.e. online scams, digital footprints, dating relationships, social media, etc.

Facilitator Bio: Sergeant Justin Cheney is the community outreach sergeant assigned to the UConn Storrs campus. Along with his K9 Tildy, they provide educational programs and participate in various events that include UConn students, staff, and faculty.

Description: In this workshop, we will explore the various situations and scenarios you may face as a college student. We will work together to discuss strategies for stepping in and helping someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis, bias-related issues, or Title IX issues such as intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The workshop is designed to be interactive, encouraging your participation as it equips you to support and protect your peers effectively.

Facilitator Bio: Alanna Torres-Laboy (She/her/Ella) is a master’s student in the Higher Education and Student Affairs program at UConn. She is from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and was raised in Hartford, CT. She previously graduated from UConn with a bachelor’s in Psychological Sciences and a double minor in Crime & Justice and Human Development & Family Sciences. As an undergraduate student, Alanna held various leadership roles where she took a holistic approach in supporting students to account for their various identities and lived experiences. Within the Dean of Students Office, Alanna helps to manage UConn’s Bystander Intervention Program (Protect Our Pack). Through Protect Our Pack, Alanna creates intentional programming and fosters collaboration to promote a safe, inclusive, and supportive UConn community.

Description: It’s Okay Not to Be Okay will focus on key elements that help you navigate mental wellness as you transition into college and in Life. Whether you are transitioning into college, employment or military, trying to find your voice while defining your journey, you will encounter a lot of twists and turns along the way.
These tips and strategies will allow to adapt to any scenario while developing a roadmap to success on your own terms.

Facilitator Bio: Regina Martin is an educator, motivational speaker with a decade in higher education, inspires audiences to dare to dream in their personal, professional and academic lives. Experienced in student success programs like GEAR UP and TRIO as well as an accomplished adjunct professor. She has trained at Cornell University Entrepreneurship Program and is currently enrolled in John C. Maxwell Leadership and Coaching Program. Regina is also featured as an author of a book anthology, The Fire Girl Code of Conduct :12 Laws to Living Her Life on Fire.

Description: Struggling to start your college essay or unsure where to begin? Don't worry, we're here to help! Our college essay workshop is all about equipping you with the skills and techniques to create an essay that stands out to admissions teams and improves your overall writing abilities. Additionally, we'll also tackle typical college essay prompts, providing guidance on how to approach them strategically and showcase the person you are and aspire to be. Join us and unlock the secrets to crafting a compelling and impactful college essay!

Facilitator Bio: My name is Abigail Piotrowicz, and I am a recent graduate from the University of Connecticut, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. I am currently pursuing a graduate degree in Curriculum and Instruction from UConn, with the ultimate goal of becoming a high school educator specializing in English Language Arts. Presently, I serve as the program assistant for PCS, and I previously held the position of residential assistant with PCS last summer. Beyond my role at PCS, I have also contributed as a judge for various panels, evaluating works across multiple genres including poetry, dramatic manuscripts, and composition essays.

Description: During this interactive workshop, students will explore their personal identities as well as values. Who Am I? Have you asked yourself this? Being an effective leader begins with understanding who you are, inclusive of your personal values. Explore yourself within this workshop.

Facilitator Bio: Trisha Hawthorne-Noble (she/her)- Associate Director of Student Activities & Director for Leadership & Organizational Development

Description: Are you curious about what college life is really like? Join us for an engaging workshop where our Community Managers and/or Hall Coordinator will share their firsthand experiences and insights. During this session, you'll get a glimpse into the daily lives of college students and learn about the challenges, opportunities, and memorable moments they encountered. 

Description: “Trust the science” is a phrase that gets tossed around in the public sphere, particularly on topics of gender identity and sex assigned at birth, but what does the science actually say about it? Discover myriad factors that contribute to what we think of as “sex” to prepare for pre-med programs or simply have informed conversations. We will explore case studies, factors determining primary and secondary sexual characteristics, and get a crash course on key moments in embryonic development, hormones, chromosomes, and medical conditions that impact sex determination. We will continue with updated language for best practices in medicine to improve patient outcomes and foster inclusion.

Facilitator Bio: ilia medina is a graduate student in the IIREP program under Political Science and teaches courses in Gender and Sexuality for WGSS. A Yale Graduate, ilia was recently an Anatomy and Physiology tutor for St Petersburg College in Florida before moving to Connecticut and continues to research disparities and inclusion in healthcare while educating others on the fascinating and complex science behind human sexuality. They previously taught a similar presentation for medical professionals through the Boston Congress for Public Health; this version includes more background, including medical terminology and developmental processes to better contextualize the topics explored.

Description: Are you constantly doubting your accomplishments or feeling like a fraud, despite evidence of your success? If so, you might be experiencing imposter syndrome, a pervasive phenomenon that affects individuals across all walks of life. Join us for an engaging and empowering workshop designed to help you recognize, understand, and combat imposter syndrome. By the end of this workshop, you will have a deeper understanding of imposter syndrome and a personalized plan to overcome it.

Facilitator Bio: Hannah is a Licensed Master Social Worker, Advocate, and Educator based in the Dean of Students Office at UConn. She received her Masters in Social Work from the University of Connecticut where she focused her studies on violence prevention in families and communities. Hannah has experience working with individuals who’ve experienced sexual violence, dating violence, and stalking and also serves as a psychotherapist outside of UConn. In her free time, Hannah enjoys taking care of her plants, baking, and playing shows with her band.

Description: This workshop will raise awareness on the opportunities for physical activity at UConn, as well as strategies to formulate fitness or wellness goals, and overcome barriers to doing exercise in the college setting.

Facilitator Bio: Alex is a physical activity counselor within UConn's Student Health and Wellness clinic, pursuing his doctorate degree in Kinesiology. He is a certified exercise physiologist and strength and conditioning specialist and will raise your awareness of the opportunities for physical activity at UConn.

Description: Professor, I Need to Get an A in Your Class: How to Successfully Navigate Your Relationship and Mindset with your College Professor will focus on the tips and strategies to assist students on how to understand the expectations of your professor as a college student.
This includes accountability as a college student while building a relationship with your professor, learning the importance of self-advocacy and understanding the expectations from start to finish.

Facilitator Bio: Regina Martin is an educator, motivational speaker with a decade in higher education, inspires audiences to dare to dream in their personal, professional and academic lives. Experienced in student success programs like GEAR UP and TRIO as well as an accomplished adjunct professor. She has trained at Cornell University Entrepreneurship Program and is currently enrolled in John C. Maxwell Leadership and Coaching Program. Regina is also featured as an author of a book anthology, The Fire Girl Code of Conduct :12 Laws to Living Her Life on Fire.