Our goal is to have our students' learning extend beyond the classroom. Through experiential learning opportunities, students are prepared to excel in multiple environments—challenging them to innovate, grow and evolve in step with the changing nature of the world. Students are exposed to things like research opportunities, internship placements, and study abroad opportunities, and more. You can expect hands-on learning at UHart!
Jasmine Foote '25
Jasmine Foote had been studying health sciences at the University of Hartford when she decided to switch her major to international studies along with politics and government. As someone who enjoys helping people, she thought a career spent in global development would be rewarding.
Foote had never left the country. But once she switched majors and thought about how much travel might be required for her future career, she decided a study abroad trip would be a good way to start preparing for that.
She chose to travel to Granada, Spain, during her spring break in 2022. While there, Foote had the opportunity to not only see historic landmarks across the city, such as the city’s palace and the Arab baths, but also participate in a service day at a local bee farm. Another highlight for Foote, who loves the outdoors, was a hike from the highest village on the nearby mountains down to its lowest.
Jasmine Foote '25,This was the perfect warmup round for the other trips. It helped me understand the little things about traveling, like going through customs, which I had never done before, but also learn about cultural differences, which will be valuable as I travel in my career.”
Manny Diaz Suriel ‘23
Through networking, Manny was offered the opportunity to intern with Collins Aerospace. Suriel's Project Engineering internship at Collins Aerospace provided a valuable opportunity to apply classroom learning. He worked with Excel files creating spreadsheets for new products and part changes. Additionally, he worked on return parts. His favorite memory from the experience was visiting the Pratt & Whitney facilities where he saw the engines he worked with. “It helped me understand more about the engines and the military jets.”
Myalia Durno ‘24
Myalia Durno '24, a psychology major with minors in environmental studies and mathematics, was awarded a Connecticut Sea Grant to expand her research into how restaurant owners and managers in Connecticut deal with the challenges of single-use plastics. Her mentor and advisor, Professor Katharine Owens in the Department of Politics, Economics, and International Studies, encouraged Myalia to take on the research project and apply for the grant.
This summer, Myalia reached out to 80 to 100 restaurant owners in Fairfield, New Haven, and Groton, Connecticut, that are located within a two-mile radius of Long Island Sound.
When asked about her research opportunity, Durno said “This project is incredibly important because it gets to the bottom of the issue of why we aren't stopping the use of plastics and what is preventing us from being able to use alternatives. It also hints at what can be done to ease the process of switching to alternatives and how much restaurant owners actually know about the plastics problem.”
Derek Albiozek ‘23
As a finance major, Derek explored finance both inside and outside of the classroom since he was involved in the Q2 project and finance club on campus. He was able to complete two internships, one with the Pittsfield Cooperative Bank and one with Pratt and Whitney.
Derek Albiozek ‘23 ,The Barney School of Business helped me prepare for numerous job interviews and many professors allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone for the greater good. The professors were not just there to teach you but help prepare you for life after graduation.”
Alyssa Powers D’ 23
Alyssa's passion for helping others and her dream of bringing her dog, Willow, to work with her led her to pursue a career in physical therapy. During her time at UHart, Alyssa dedicated herself to training Willow to become a Certified Therapy Dog.
During her final clinical rotation at Crescent Moon Care, a pediatric outpatient physical therapy clinic, Powers discovered a deep connection with the staff and children, and their families. Recognizing the potential benefits of having a therapy dog in the clinic, Crescent Moon Care offered Powers a job and extended an invitation to Willow as well.
Now, Powers and Willow work together as a dynamic team, bringing joy, motivation, and emotional support to their patients. Their sessions at the clinic have become exciting and engaging, as the children exercise and play with Willow. From walks outside to practicing throwing skills with fetch, Powers incorporates nontraditional exercises that make challenging tasks fun and functional.