This summer, Graduate Student Kaleigh Ligus will be the Greg O’Neil Student Policy Intern for the Gerontological Society of America. During this time, she will be immersed in aging-related policy development and participate in this process at the national level.
Students
HDFS undergraduate students selected to join CLAS Women’s Leadership Collective
Six HDFS undergraduate students were selected to join the 2021-2022 CLAS Women’s Leadership Collective: Makayla R Dawkins, Zarya B Hernandez Salto, Sierra R Jennings, Blessing Johnson, Bonnie Jurgensmier, and Maya S Reddy. The Collective provides undergraduate students with a unique leadership learning experience coupled with group mentorship from UConn alumnae. Congratulations to all of these students!
Sarah McKee and Marlene Schwartz featured in UConn Today


Graduate student Sarah McKee and Professor Marlene Schwartz were featured in UConn Today for their work on how color-coded nutrition information helps food pantry clients choose healthier options. Read the article here.
Breanna McFarlane and Maria Baratau featured in UConn Today
Two HDFS majors, Breanna McFarlane and Maria Baratau, featured in a story in UConn Today. Read the article here.
Alexandria Tomkunas selected to 2021 Southern Education Leadership Initiative cohort
Congratulations to Graduate Student Alexandria Tomkunas who was selected to the 2021 Southern Education Leadership Initiative cohort. She will partake in an 8-week summer fellowship funded by the Southern Education Foundation and work for the organization “Voices for Georgia’s Children,” on a project analyzing the 181 Georgia school districts’ codes of conduct and discipline policies, in order to provide information to be reviewed in light of known policies and best practices for student outcomes and equity.
Abagail Horton receives NCFR honors student recognition
Congratulations to Graduate Student Abbey Horton, who received National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) honors student recognition for her master’s degree.
Rachael Farina receives Summer Fellowship from UConn Graduate School
Graduate Student Rachael Farina was a recipient for one of the Summer Fellowships for Advanced Graduate Students from the Graduate School at UConn.
Eleanor Fisk selected for SRCD Fellowship
Graduate Student Eleanor Fisk was selected for the Society for Research on Child Development’s (SRCD) Pre-doctoral State Fellowship. Her 12-month placement at the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood will start in September. Caitlin Lombardi will serve as her faculty mentor.
Anne Thompson Heller, HDFS Graduate Student Spotlight, May 2021
Rachael Farina selected for scholarship award from UConn’s Women’s Center
Graduate student Rachael Farina was selected for one of the 100 Years of Women Scholarship Awards for the 2021 – 2022 academic year from UConn’s Women’s Center. The 100 Years of Women Scholarship fund was established in 1992 to honor a current UConn student or high school senior planning to enroll at UConn who, as a role model and advocate, has advanced the status and contributions of women in society. Rachael was selected for this award in recognition of her outstanding academic achievements, dedicated service, and significant contributions to the advancement of women in society. Congratulations Rachael!