When Shakeil Thomas reflects on her journey, it didn’t begin with a perfectly mapped-out plan. It began with a moment. Working as a Patient Access Representative in a busy emergency room, she was often the first point of contact for patients. Every day, she handled critical patient information, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, something shifted. She saw …
Fatimah Alfarhood ’26 has never been afraid to explore, pivot, and ultimately find her path. A psychology major at SUNY Polytechnic Institute, her journey reflects both personal determination and the power of a supportive academic community, one that has helped her shape a clear vision for her future in optometry. As a first-generation Collegiate Science …
Read more “A Vision Through Her Lens: Fatimah Alfarhood ’26’s Path from Psychology to Optometry”
When John Nunez began his academic journey, he didn’t start in healthcare, he started in actuarial science. Drawn to data, analysis, and problem-solving, it seemed like a natural fit. But over time, John realized something was missing: a connection to people and a sense of purpose behind the numbers. As John explored new paths, he found himself …
Read more “From Numbers to Impact: How John Nunez Found His Path in Health Informatics”
John Pertell ’26 isn’t just earning a master’s degree in computer science—he’s doing it in just four years. A native of Northville, New York, a small town on Great Sacandaga Lake, Pertell took an accelerated path from the start. Through early admission, he completed his senior year of high school at Fulton-Montgomery Community College (FMCC), …
Justin Osmond, a senior in the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) program at SUNY Poly, has shaped his college experience around a clear priority: building a strong foundation for a career in engineering through hands-on learning, research, and real-world application. Originally from Boonsboro, Maryland, Justin came to SUNY Poly with a dual interest in academics …
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As a full-time Information Design & Technology (IDT) graduate student, Carly Pimpinella is building the technical and design foundation to match the creative work she already does every day at SUNY Poly. In her role as Enrollment Communications & Marketing Specialist, Carly helps shape the journey of undergraduate, graduate, and international students—from the moment they …
As a Senior Graphic Designer at The Paige Group, Ivan Popov’s work sits at the intersection of visual storytelling, strategic thinking, and execution. “I take ideas from concept to build, handling the logistics and technical details that bring each idea to life,” he explains. About half of his time is dedicated to hands-on design, developing …
For Cheri VanEtten ’96, helping people understand themselves has always been at the heart of her work. Long before she opened a private practice or earned advanced clinical credentials, that instinct, to listen deeply, connect authentically, and guide others through life’s challenges, was already taking shape during her time at SUNY Poly. A Utica native, …
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Alexander Golovchik found his passion in the intensity of critical care, where complex cases, quick decisions, and compassionate communication all converge. As a senior in SUNY Poly’s 1+2+1 nursing program, he has spent the past four years building the knowledge, confidence, and clinical skill required to be exactly that. Alexander’s academic foundation began with the …
You may not know his name, but if you’ve traveled through Central New York, you’ve likely experienced the impact of Anthony Roach’s work. Anthony’s path to a fulfilling career in transportation began in the Mohawk Valley through a route many local students know well: starting at Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) and transferring to SUNY …
Read more “Anthony Roach ’18: From MVCC to SUNY Poly to NYSDOT”
When Stacey Flenory first stepped onto SUNY Poly’s campus in 2013, she was already an accomplished nurse with a growing passion for patient care. Today, she stands as both an alumna and a current doctoral student, an inspiring example of lifelong learning and leadership in the nursing profession. Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, Stacey …
Read more “Stacey Flenory ’16 G ’23: A Lifelong Learner and Compassionate Leader in Nursing”
This past March, a delegation from SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly), led by President Dr. Wole Soboyejo, traveled to Ghana to strengthen international academic and research partnerships with local universities, as part of SUNY Poly’s bold “AI for All” initiative. The delegation included Postdoctoral Researcher Dr. Tabiri Asumadu, AIX Center Co-Directors Dr. William Thistleton and …
Read more “SUNY Poly Builds AI Partnerships During Trip to Ghana”
