Three Eastern Connecticut State University Health Sciences alumni are advancing their careers to become a vibrant part of Connecticut’s public health workforce. After Brittany Cifarelli ’21 completed her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree at Eastern, she was admitted to the Doctor of Nurse Practitioner (DNP) program at Boston College. She is planning to be a pediatric nurse practitioner.

Cifarelli was an active student researcher at Eastern, mentored by Health Sciences Professor Anita Lee. Cifarelli’s research project, “Adverse health effects amongst pediatric population from environmental toxins,” was published in a national journal. “I was so excited for my research to get published in 'Metamorphosis,' a journal published by the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC). The Health Sciences and Emergency Medical Technician classes at Eastern provided me an enormous amount of intelligence into the medical world.”

Chase Hubbard ’21 graduated from Eastern in December 2021. He was accepted into doctor of physical therapy programs at three universities and will attend the University of Hartford. “Eastern’s Health Sciences program has provided me the foundation that I needed, not only in human anatomy and physiology, but also in the functions of healthcare,” said Hubbard. “Eastern has helped me become a well-rounded student and prepared me to step into the widely competitive and professional health industry.” At Eastern, Hubbard also played rugby and was involved in student activities.

Emily Fulton ’20 has completed the certificate entry into the nursing bachelor of science degree at the University of Connecticut. She achieved certification through the Direct Nursing Admission Agreement between Eastern and UConn in December and successfully passed the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses. This past January she was hired as a registered nurse resident at Backus Hospital in Norwich.

“Eastern’s Health Sciences program does a great job of preparing many graduates to participate in clinical programs and become part of the Connecticut workforce and beyond,” said Lee, who also serves as acting department chair.  “It does so by uniquely connecting liberal arts education with clinical and public health, with a strong emphasis on preparing students for employability.”

For more information about the Health Sciences major, visit: https://www.easternct.edu/programs/health-sciences.html.