Raised in a hardworking family grounded in service and healthcare — with siblings in nursing and social work, and a mother in healthcare support. Daniella has followed a powerful path from Central to a career in medicine.
A graduate of Central’s Biomolecular Sciences program with a minor in Community Engagement, she made the most of her undergraduate experience, diving into research early with Dr. Barry Hoopengardner, studying fruit flies and genomics. Daniella presented this work at regional conferences and used it as a foundation for continued academic exploration. Following her freshman year, she was selected for the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program at Columbia University — a competitive six-week program that exposed her to clinical shadowing, mentorship, and a network of peers passionate about healthcare. Many of those peers are now practicing professionals across the country, and she remains closely connected with them today. Throughout the remainder of her time at Central, Daniella spent her summers in programs aimed at preparing underrepresented students for careers in medicine and science. She conducted research with a neonatologist on Necrotizing Enterocolitis, a serious gastrointestinal disease in premature infants, and later worked on health disparities through a partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). There, she examined legislative policies in Connecticut and their impact on individuals with mental health conditions — an experience that deepened her commitment to health equity.
Before beginning medical school, Daniella completed her EMT certification through a course taught by Jim Gosselin at Central and went on to work at Hunter’s Ambulance in Meriden. She later joined Hartford Hospital as a Patient Care Technician in the emergency department, where she worked throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, gaining critical frontline experience and solidifying her passion for emergency care.
Today, Daniella is completing her medical education and preparing to begin a residency in Emergency Medicine. With growing interests in sports medicine and critical care, she is exploring ways to continue serving diverse communities with compassion and leadership.
“Central gave me a foundation that went far beyond academics,” she reflects. “The mentorship, the hands-on opportunities, and the support systems here helped shape my path. I’m proud to be a Blue Devil.”
