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Home > Profiles > Alumni

Alumni Profiles

Janelle Diaz, ’12

Psychology
Janelle Diaz says two things made her undergraduate experience at UMass Lowell really special: residence life and the club she founded, Disable the Label.
Roger Cressey, ’87

Political Science
Roger Cressey is a leading expert on counterterrorism and security, who has served in two White House administrations and the Departments of State and Defense, and gives expert commentary on NBC News.
Joe MacFadzen, ’09

Fine Arts, Photography
Joe’s connection to the Lowell arts and music scene began at UMass Lowell.
Tim DiFrancesco, ’06

Physical Therapy
Tim DiFrancesco '06 landed his dream job as the strength and conditioning coach for the Los Angeles Lakers. His doctor of physical therapy degree gave him the edge.
Bobby Tugbiyele, ’04

Political Science, History
Since graduation, Bobby Tugbiyele has become part of the growing community of young UMass Lowell alumni living and working in Lowell.
David Nader, ’12

Civil Engineering
As the mix captain for UMass Lowell’s 2012 concrete canoe team, David is charged with devising a concrete formula that can withstand being molded, transported and paddled — and stay afloat.
Anna Jabar-Omoyeni

Chemical Engineering
Anna Jabar-Omoyeni returned to UMass Lowell in spring 2012 to share some of her signature dishes with the University community.
Mark Lalli, ’12

Chemical Engineering
In just three years, Commonwealth Scholar and UMass Lowell alumni, Mark Lalli graduated with a B.S. in chemical engineering. Because of his research opportunities at the University, he's able to purse a Ph.D. in fall 2012.
Shaheed Mohamed, ’11

Clinical Laboratory and Nutritional Sciences
As a Fulbright scholar and international student, Shaheed Mohamed has his choice of programs. He decided to continue his studies at UMass Lowell because of the strength of the clinical laboratory sciences.
Matt MacDonald, ’06, ’11

Liberal Arts, Nursing
Careers don’t always follow a straight path. Twists and turns along the way can lead you to unexpected places. Just ask Matt MacDonald who graduated from UMass Lowell, not once, but twice.
Bob Manseau, ’72, ’85

Education
Bob Manseau was named Principal of the Year for his work in New Hampshire, but its his education from UMass Lowell that made the difference for him.
Thomas Wilson, ’87

Clinical Laboratory and Nutritional Sciences, Biomedical Engineering
When Thomas Wilson graduated from the University’s medical technology program in 1987, little did he know then that he’d return as a researcher and faculty member working side-by-side with his former teachers.
Paula Bustos, ’10, ’11

Electrical Engineering
Paula Bustos isn't afraid of a challenge. The Colombia native earned two degrees in electrical engineering in five years.
David Laurello, ’81, ’88

Electrical Engineering, master’s in Business Administration
When it comes to education, David Laurello values lessons that translate to life on the job.
Molly Clay, ’10, ’11

Chemical Engineering
Molly was looking for a high-caliber engineering program. The answer was UMass Lowell.
Susan Gordon, ’12

Doctor of Nursing Practice
With a dual nurse practitioner certification in adult acute care and gerontology, Gordon enrolled in UMass Lowell’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program to learn leadership skills to help her improve care, especially for older adults.
Mark Micire, ’11

Computer Science
Mark Micire’s unique work experience and education have been able to help people in their darkest hour. He designs robotics systems that help coordinate efforts at search and rescue sites.
Colleen Brady, ’02, ’04

Political Science, Criminal Justice
UMass Lowell government relations associate Colleen Brady’s path to the University wound its way from Bolton, England through the school system in Lowell.
Krystal Quezada, '13

English - Journalism and Professional Writing
Local, regional and international experiences have prepared Krystal for life after college.
Jack Neary, ’73

English
Jack Neary ’73 is a prolific playwright, director and actor with 34 published works to his name.
Aleksandra Tugbiyele, ’07

English
Aleks came to UMass Lowell for an education she could afford. She left with the skills to help others.
Justin Lawler, ’09

Campus Recreation
Justin Lawler's job as assistant director of campus recreation has him working while others play.
Mallory Hillard, ’11

Community Health & Sustainability
Thanks to UMass Lowell, Hillard says she's found true satisfaction and happiness in her career and in herself.
Sarah Ross, ’10, ’11

Education
Sarah Ross found the path to her profession at UMass Lowell, and the young students of Lowell are reaping the benefits. Ross earned two degrees in five years through the Fast Track to Teaching program. "I wanted to teach in an urban setting, and the whole program seemed fit to what I needed."
Joanne Yestramski, ’76

Business Administration
As vice chancellor of finance and operations, Joanne overseas administrative departments such as accounting, facilities, human resources, budgeting, information technology, parking and more – all areas that keep the University humming.
Pranav Joshi, ’11

Management Information Systems
Pranav Joshi encourages incoming students to take advantage of the co-op program and the career-building seminars offered throughout the University.
Taniya Nayak, ’97

Marketing
From Fox Hall to your flat screen TV! Taniya Nayak can trace her interest in interior design to her days at UMass Lowell.
Tiffany Noel, '12

Photography
Asked for advice to would-be art students, Noel says, “Go for it. If you love art, you must pursue it. You’ll regret it if you don’t.”
Raymond Soto, '12

English/Writing
Getting out of the classroom can be the best way to learn, according to Ray Soto, a recent graduate who saw the power of his studies during a service-learning course his senior year.
Nicole Sambursky, ’10, ’11

Chemical Engineering, Innovation and Technological Entrepreneurship (MSITE)
Nicole has availed herself of opportunities for hands-on experience in her field and leadership.
Francisco Urena, ’10

History and Legal Studies
Francisco Urena balanced a full-time courseload with his job as Director of Veterans Affairs for the City of Lawrence. Now he works in Boston.
Sophie Hansen, ’12

Criminal Justice and Psychology
Sophie Hansen doesn’t just talk the talk – she walks the walk about getting involved with student activities and residence life. Watch a video interview to learn more about life at UMass Lowell.
Danielle Niles, ’06

Atmospheric Science
NECN Meteorologist Danielle Niles says that the meteorology program at UMass Lowell was amazing. "It provided me with a solid foundation not only in the atmospheric sciences, but in other critical weather-related fields such as math, physics and chemistry."
Wendy Sanchez, '11

Nursing
Originally planning to become a doctor, when Wendy Sanchez received the Tsongas Scholarship to UMass Lowell as a high school senior, she decided to pursue nursing instead. The high achiever who turned hardship into success has no regrets.
Kyle Coffey, ’10

Exercise Physiology, Physical Therapy
Kyle Coffey credits the strength of the UMass Lowell faculty for preparing him with the critical-thinking skills needed to pass his board exam the first time around.
Adam Norton, ’10

Graphic Design
Adam Norton’s experience at the UMass Lowell robotics lab and Revolving Museum allowed him to work with iRobot on educational school visits to get the next generation hooked on robotics.
Mohamed Omar, ’11

Work Environment
While working as an environmental management engineer at Harvard University in 2005, Mohamed Omar decided to “test the waters” by enrolling in Work Environment’s environmental risk assessment certificate program.
Jay Noble, ’11

Finance and Entrepreneurship
UMass Lowell graduate Jay Noble worked his way through college. As a real estate agent, the finance program at UMass Lowell appealed to him for its close proximity to home and the ability it provided him to keep working.
Allegra Williams, ’09

Community Social Psychology
With a background in psychology and international studies, Allegra Williams says the community social psychology master’s program was a perfect fit for her. Now, she’s turned her interest in community-building into a career as the neighborhood planner for the City of Lowell.
Steven Tello, ’80, ’02

Assoc. Vice Chancellor, Entrepreneurship and Economic Development; Assoc. Prof. Management and Entrepreneurship
Steven Tello credits UMass Lowell with providing the education, skills and confidence he needed to accomplish significant success in his lifetime.
Sadrac Noel, ’12

Civil Engineering
When Sadrac Noel graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, he could look back on many twists and turns in his path – and one professor who was always there for him.
Jose Pino, ’07

Marketing and Management
Jose Pino earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management, worked as an intern at Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union while he was a student and was offered a full-time marketing job when he graduated. He is now the Credit Union’s virtual banking specialist.
Harish Hande, ’98, ’00

Renewable Energy Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Social entrepreneur Harish Hande is helping the poor in India in an economically and environmentally sustainable way, by bringing affordable solar power to the countryside.
James Ristow, ’11

Mechanical Engineering
James Ristow wanted to be an astronaut when he grew and now works at NASA as an aeronautical engineer. When given the chance to further his studies in structural dynamics, UMass Lowell was at the top of his list.
Adam Ayan, ’97

Sound Recording Technology
How many people can say they’ve worked with Madonna and the Rolling Stones? UMass Lowell alumnus Adam Ayan can.
Bill Lovely, ’92

Industrial Management/Work Environment
A bachelor’s degree in industrial management in 1992 helped Bill Lovely launch his career as an environmental scientist. Now he’s back pursuing a master’s in work environment with a concentration in cleaner production and pollution prevention.
Donna Lannan, ’96

Physical Therapy
Physical therapy alumna Donna Lannan chose UMass Lowell for its “affordable program that was within commuting distance to home. It also happened to have one of the best reputations around.”
Thayse Mota, ’12

Accounting
For Thayse Mota transferring to UMass Lowell from Northern Essex Community College was a seamless process.
Nathaniel Royer, ’12

Biotechnology
After attending a small, two-year college, Nathaniel Royer wanted a bigger school — but not too big — where he could work toward being a research scientist.
David Martins, ’79

Music Performance
Professor David Martins was one of the first two students to graduate from the Masters in Music Performance program. He liked the department so much that he’s been a faculty member for more than 30 years.
Danielle Bergeron, ’07

Community Social Psychology
Danielle Bergeron always knew she wanted to be involved with the Chamber of Commerce. She just didn’t expect to be its director in her mid-20s.
Mark Saab, '81

Plastics Engineering
Alumni donor Mark Saab's UMass Lowell education provided the foundation for a successful career. His gratitude to the plastics engineering program is expressed through the generous donations he's bestowed upon the University.
Matthew Olson, '07

Graduate School of Education
Matthew Olson, dean of humanities and social science at Middlesex Community College, says there is a direct connection between the doctorate he earned in Leadership in Schooling and his current job.
Jessica Saad, ’11

Community Health & Sustainability
Looking back, Jessica Saad doesn’t take for granted how much UMass Lowell —and community health especially— helped prepare her for life outside of college.
Ramez Antoun, ’10

Exercise Physiology & Physical Therapy
Ramez Antoun’s internship at the Institute of Performance and Fitness in Andover gave him real-work experience and access to leaders in his chosen field while he was still in the exercise physiology (EP) program.
Renee Elliott, '86

English
Renee Elliott's path from English major to expat entrepreneur was an unconventional one, guided more by serendipity than design.
Aaron Stella, ’08, ’10, ’13

Clinical Laboratory & Nutritional Sciences
Before Aaron Stella graduated from the medical laboratory science program, he had more job offers than he knew what to do with.
Norm Bazin, ’94, ’99

Men's Ice Hockey Coach
As an alum and a coach, Norm Bazin makes the River Hawks proud on and off the ice.
Lisa Brothers, ’84

Civil Engineering
Alum Lisa Brothers is an engineer. She is also an outspoken advocate for UMass Lowell.
Shannon Smith, ’08, ’09

Psychology, Elementary Education
Shannon Smith entered school planning to be a criminal profiler. Now she teaches kindergarten in the United Arab Emirates.

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