Meet Our Community
nnnnnnnnnneeeeeeeeeedddddddd innnntttrrooooooooooo
Read thoughts about UConn ECE from past students, parents, instructors and high school faculty on our UConn ECE Community Reviews page or be featured on this page by completing the Meet Our Community form.
Student
John Platt, Student, Berlin High School, BIOL 1107, BIOL 1108, CHEM 1127Q, CHEM 1128Q, ENGL 1007, MATH 1131Q, MATH 1132Q, PHYS 1201Q, PHYS 1202Q, SPAN 3178, and SPAN 3179, Intended college major: Biology
UConn ECE classes have provided me with an opportunity to showcase my preparation for college. This program is an exceptional method to earn college credits in a rigorous format before actually entering college. It has not only taught me academic subjects but also crucial soft skills that I can bring with me to any post-secondary institution. UConn ECE has allowed me to experience classes in a new aspect that I could not receive anywhere else.
Instructor
Mick Posner, Instructor, Conard High School, ASLN 1102: Elementary American Sign Language II
I’m excited to be teaching American Sign Language (ASL) Level 2 at Conard High School in West Hartford, Connecticut, through our partnership with UCONN ECE. This collaboration will offer students an unique to gain a deeper understanding of the language and Deaf culture. With the support of UCONN, I look forward to fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment where students can thrive and explore the rich linguistic aspects of ASL.
Instructor
Tina Roberts, Instructor, EO Smith High School, HDFS 1070: Individual & Family Development
This is my 12th year of shaping young minds, and my second year of bringing the wonders of Early Childhood Education and Human Development and Family Studies to EO Smith students. But that’s not all— I’m also a proud mom and a beloved mimi, juggling the joys of family life with the passion I try to pour into my teaching. It’s a pleasure to meet you!
Student Ambassador
Nariyah Lindsay, UConn ECE Student Ambassador, University High School of Science and Engineering
With two UConn ECE courses completed, she particularly enjoys American Studies for its intellectual engagement and platform for addressing real-world issues. This involvement not only earns her college credits but also acquaints her with the demands of college-level coursework in her supportive high school environment, says Nariyah. Beyond academics, Nariyah is deeply involved in sports like volleyball, basketball, and flag football, along with membership in clubs such as the Black Student Union, Student Council, and the Social Justice League. Her passion for dance and her role as a UConn Ambassador further demonstrate her well-rounded engagement in both school and community. Nariyah’s dedication to community service is evident through her active participation in initiatives such as Earth Day cleanups and fundraising events. Academically, she has received numerous awards, including High Honors and the Citizenship Award, and she plans to pursue a major in Astronomy in college. Her advice to fellow UConn ECE students emphasizes embracing challenging coursework and seeking assistance when needed, underlining the program’s accessibility and preparation for college-level academics.
Student Ambassador
Jonathon Ploma, UConn ECE Student Ambassador, Wolcott High School
With four UConn ECE courses under his belt, Jonathan’s favorite, CHEM1127Q, stands out for its enjoyable atmosphere and comprehensive learning experience. Through the UConn ECE program, Jonathan has honed his discipline and found potential career interests, particularly in statistics. Beyond academics, Jonathan is deeply involved in Scouts BSA, varsity track and field, varsity soccer, and FIRST Robotics Competition. His dedication extends to community service, where he volunteers at robotics events and a local BSA camp. Jonathan’s academic achievements, including Special Congressional Recognition, reflect his commitment to excellence. Planning to major in Mathematic, he advises current and future UConn ECE students to manage their time effectively, emphasizing the importance of discipline and organization. Jonathan is known for his intelligence, dedication, and confidence, and he has a fun fact—he was born on his parents’ anniversary.
Instructor
Marcie Vázquez, Instructor, Lyman Hall High School, SPAN 3178: Intermediate Spanish Composition and SPAN 3179: Spanish Conversation: Cultural Topics
This is my 26th year as an ECE instructor. I am so glad that my students have had this opportunity to earn college credits while in high school. My experience has been very positive. I appreciate the flexibility of the program. The professors have always been very respectful, accommodating and helpful.
Instructor
Rebecca Rabinsky-Ankrom, PhD, Instructor, Robert E. Fitch High School, ASLN 1102: Elementary American Sign Language
As a high school Teacher of the Deaf / American Sign Language teacher, I am truly humbled and beyond excited to continue to guide students in their ASL learning journey with the new ASLN 1102 ECE course! I am looking forward to networking with other ASL ECE educators and working again with the amazing Dr. Linda Pelletier.
Student
Samantha Laguerre, Student, Staples High School (’23), MUSI 1003, HRTS 1007, Intended college major: Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Undeclared School of Business, Advanced Medical Imaging + Leadership (3+1)
I had a very great time taking these UConn courses. They gave me an idea of what a college course would be like and getting college credit at the same is also amazing.
Student
Adrien Girard, Student, Norwich Free Academy (’24), SOCI 1001: Introduction to Sociology, Intended college major: Psychology
Truly amazing experience. Between my teacher and the course load itself, I excelled in Sociology and learned a lot. It contributed to the way I look at the world and gave me greater knowledge on how to handle any scenario. I would take the class again if I could.
Student
Shelby Douglas, Student, Ansonia High School (’23), STAT 1100Q: Elementary Concepts of Statistics & ENGL 1007: Seminar and Studio in Academic Writing and Multimodal Composition
UConn ECE courses gave me the opportunity to discover the rigor that a college course would present. The instructors for these classes were very well skilled at teaching the material as well as meeting individual needs for students.
Student
Ava Naclerio, Student, Woodland Regional High School (’25). HIST 1501: US History to 1877 & HIST 1502: US History Since 1877
My UConn ECE experience was one I’ll never forget! Being enrolled in a class that reflected the same rigorous content as a class at UConn had unmatched value. Through this experience, not only was I able to earn credits, but I also was enlightened to what life in college is going to be like. This newfound information is helping me decide my desired workload and if certain accelerated college programs are right for me. Aside from the credits and experience, I was also able to cultivate relationships with my peers, and bond over the course. In my opinion, something that really separates an ECE course from a high school course is the quality of in class discussions and collaboration. The Socratic seminars and debates we held in class had very complex questions that challenged us to contemplate what was really being asked versus your typical black and white straightforward high school classroom discussion. This allowed me to enhance my critical thinking skills to a level unbeknownst to me prior to this ECE experience. I can’t express how thankful I am to UConn for permitting me to take part in these classes and expand my knowledge, collaboration skills, and critical thinking skills beyond what I thought I could get out of one year long course!
Alumni
Amanda Mueller, Alumni, Rockville High School (’20), Major: Molecular and Cell Biology with a Minor in Psychological Sciences
UConn ECE courses were some of my favorite courses in high school. By taking these courses, I was able to get ahead of my major and general education requirements. Due to this, I was able to add a minor, take on a job, and research while being in undergrad. My ECE instructors were a large part of my success as they provided me with a chance to prepare for college course work and even wrote me letters of recommendation. I highly suggest you take these courses if your high school offers them!
Instructor
Bryan Baker, Instructor, Waterbury Arts Magnet School, PHYS 1201Q, General Physics
I’m looking forward to teaching Physics with the UCONN ECE program in the years ahead.
Instructor
Andrea Schacht, Instructor, Canton High School, Intermediate Spanish Composition & Spanish Conversation: Cultural topics
This is my first year as a UConn Spanish 3178 & 3179 UConn ECE Instructor through Canton High School. Intermediate Spanish Composition & Conversation Cultural Topics are the two semester courses that we offer. It has been an amazing gift to offer my students 6 college credits for our course work while immersing them in the language, culture, music, food, film studies, dance, etc. of the Spanish speaking world.
Instructor
Laura Buffi, Instructor, Quinebaug Middle College, UConn ECE Courses: Introduction to Human Rights, American Politics
I love being able to share these UConn courses with our high school students. It is a great opportunity and challenge for them and they really get so much out of the experience.
Alumni
Dylan Gaffney, Alumni, New Fairfield High School (’17), Major: Political Science & History
I took an English ECE class under the title “Humanities” during my senior year of high school. It was an absolutely phenomenal experience that was foundational to my success in college. I learned how to tackle more sophisticated materials from a critical perspective that was not possible in my other college formats, which relied on standardized tests. Crucially, I had my first experiences writing real research papers that required diligent drafting in Humanities, and that basically gave me a method for how to succeed in writing papers at UConn. It was also just a lot of fun to have mature class discussions reminiscent of a small seminar, and we did very involved creative projects as well. The best part of the experience was that I was eased into these academic changes in a familiar environment, so once I got to college, I was able to hit the ground running.
Student
Meredith Gendreau, Student, Berlin High School (’23), Intended Major: Nursing, Course taken: UConn ECE Biology
Being enrolled in a Uconn ECE course is an experience like no other; although it is challenging, it is extremely rewarding. I admire how during UConn ECE Biology, my peers and I have the opportunity to dig deep into our subject and analyze tedious, yet fascinating, skills that we wouldn’t otherwise get to encounter. Getting a glimpse into the post-secondary education world while still in high school makes me feel ready and eager to continue similar explorations in a little over a year. My UConn ECE instructor is one who is immensely knowledgeable, passionate, and dedicated. By prompting us to work individually, in small groups, and as a whole class, he challenges us all to perform our best but is always ready to guide us when questions arise. I have nothing but positive things to say about my UConn ECE experience thus far!
Student
Emily Borona, Student, Ansonia High School (’22), Intended Major: Undecided, Courses taken: UConn ECE Biology, UConn ART 1030
This class has provided numerous detail-oriented projects that have improved my ability to draw from real life. As the year has progressed, I’ve noticed an immense growth in my drawing skills and have seen progress throughout my projects. This class is very well rounded and provides opportunities to work with multiple different mediums in order to improve one’s skills in all areas of art. Each class is relaxing and our teacher provides helpful and honest criticism. I would recommend this class to anyone interested in improving their art skills.
Student
Devin Collins, Student, Berlin High School (’22), Intended Major in Biology, Courses taken: UConn BIOL1107 & 1108 and ENGL1011
My experience taking UConn ECE courses was a truly enlightening one that I feel has better prepared me for all of my future endeavors. By committing to this program it forced me to develop crucial skills that I will take with me into my future. Skills such as time management, diligence, determination, and commitment have all been further enforced in me through taking various UConn ECE courses. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to get a glimpse into the rigor of college courses and I think that if I had not taken these UConn classes I would not be nearly as prepared as I am today!
Instructor
Gina Gallo, Instructor, Bristol Central High School, Courses: Italian ILCS 3239/ SPRING: ILCS 3240
Teaching ECE Italian is a privilege, an amazing learning experience and a passion project all in one! The curriculum allow us to dive into art, music, literature, film and more. The varied units give the class a foundation to discuss current events as well as classical studies. These courses are designed to move our students up the proficiency scale and best prepare them for language use outside of the classroom. We have a great number of student who continue studying Italian after graduation!
Instructor
Brendan Wilkosz, Instructor, Berlin High School, Courses: CHEM 1128Q & CHEM 1128Q
It’s amazingly rewarding to teach Early College Experience Chemistry at Berlin High School. This is our tenth year collaborating with UConn through the ECE program. The rigorous course really allows students to get hands-on experience with laboratory experiments. Even more impressive are the wonderful outreach opportunities that ECE Chemistry offers. We are annually delighted to have the chance to interact with expert researchers from the UConn Chemistry Department and have often visited campus to tour the student laboratories and research facilities. Dr. Selampinar, the Faculty Coordinator in Chemistry for ECE, and everyone at the Offices of ECE, are fantastic to work with and always make the learning experience exciting and relatable for students.
Instructor
Jamie Cosgrove, Instructor, Christian Heritage School, Courses: Biology 1107 & 1108
I love being an ECE Biology Instructor! My students have gone on to take 200 level Biology courses at UConn and other colleges and universities and have excelled. Every year, I have former students tell me they were well prepared for college. I have even had students who decide years after graduating college to go into the medical profession, for example, and are able to dust off their UConn ECE transcript and use their Biology courses to complete prerequisites for nursing, etc. It is awesome to be able to provide rigorous college-level courses for my students.
Instructor
Chris Wisniewski, Instructor, Berlin High School, Courses: Biology 1107 & 1108
I have had a great time being a part of the UConn ECE community! The two ECE courses that I offer to my students provide a deep dive into the biological sciences via numerous field and laboratory investigations. These unique ECE experiences allow students to walk away with a greater appreciation of our natural world. In addition, the ECE biology program continues to provide my students with all of the tools they need to be successful as they move on to pursue careers in the life sciences. I look forward to being a part of the ECE community for many years to come!
Instructor
Erin Reed, Instructor, Central High School, Courses: ENGL 1011
Being a UConn ECE instructor has been such a rewarding experience. Creating and sharing my course with my students has gone beyond my expectations. My favorite aspect of being an ECE instructor is seeing the growth of my students and the connections they make with each other and with their communities. I also enjoy seeing how my students take our course to the next level in their discussions and projects. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me and UConn ECE!
Alumni
Dustyn Nelson, Wamogo Regional High School (’10), Ornamental Horticulture Major
The ECE program provided me a great opportunity to earn college credit towards my future major at UConn. Not only did the ECE class provide me with valuable skills and knowledge for my major, but I was also able to apply this to outside areas, such as my job and towards industry certification. After successfully graduating UConn, I now enjoy a successful and fulfilling career related to my ECE coursework.
Student
Justin Farinango, Bethel High School (’22), Intended Major in Environmental Policy
UConn ECE classes have been a big step to furthering my education. The teachers who teach these subjects are super nice and friendly, and really become engaged with us students in not only letting advance our knowledge in particular subjects, but give us a sense of purpose and provide a pathway for our futures. Myself being in UConn Physics, and for loving science all my life, has really gotten me interested in major in a science field. The work habits, time needed to study, and the strong attention needed in these classes is preparing me for college, and I couldn’t be more thankful for that.
Faculty Coordinator
Alexia Smith, CLAS: Department of Anthropology, Courses: Anth 1000 Peoples and Cultures of the World; Anth 1500 Great Discoveries in Archaeology
This is the first year that Anthropology courses are being offered through ECE. Anthropology is not typically offered at the Highschool level, so we are really excited to be able to offer students the opportunity to learn more about cultures across the world, both today and in the past, through Anth 1000 (Peoples and Cultures of the World) or Anth 1500 (Great Discoveries in Archaeology). Both courses come with access to online resources and instructional materials for teachers and provide great opportunities for students to discuss race and racism, explore complex social issues from multiple perspectives, and hone their critical thinking skills (while meeting 2 university General Education requirements at the same time)!
Student
Eliana Markowitz, Jonathan Law High School (’22), Intended major in Psychology
So far It’s been great! I love being able to be officially registered at UConn while still being a high school student and I feel it’s a great opportunity.
Student
Britley Learnard, Bridgeport Regional Aquaculture Science and Technology Education Center (’19), majoring in Psychology
UConn ECE classes have provided me with the opportunity to develop study habits, learn time management skills, and challenge myself in various academic subjects that I will be studying in the future.
Site Representative
Dina DeRosa, East Haven High School, School Counselor
The UConn ECE Program is an incredible opportunity for our students at East Haven High School. This unique program helps enhance students’ knowledge all the while assisting them to get a head start on their future. I enjoy working with the phenomenal staff at ECE.
Student
Sophia C. Zagaja, Wethersfield High School (’19), Intended Major: Allied Health Sciences
Through the many ECE classes I have enrolled in, the teachers and advisers at my high school, and even the supervisors at UConn, have been a great help to my and other students’ learning process. This experience has given me an academic advantage, and has taught me that planning ahead for your future is important, and by taking ECE courses provided by UConn, I am already starting to prepare for my next journey.
Student
Gary Brownbill, South Windsor High School (’19), Intended Major: Anthropology
The program is amazing. At our school alone, I have seen enrollment almost double over the past two years. The students love the work they are doing and are gratified being able to earn college credit. I can only imagine as to in another two years, how immense UConn ECE will become.
Principal
Anthony R. Salutari, Jr., Principal, Daniel Hand High School
Offering UConn ECE courses has allowed our school community to develop an incredibly positive and valuable relationship with the university. Additionally, our students have an opportunity to participate in college level courses during high school that will prepare them for greater success when they enter the next phase of their educational careers.
Alumni
Melissa Levin, Hall High School (’15), Currently Attending UConn, Major: Communication
Taking ECE courses in high school prepared me for the rigorous and intensive courses I would be taking during my time at UConn. By taking both ECE Economics and ECE Statistics at my high school, I was able to come to UConn with two major classes already completed. Now a graduating senior, I could not imagine my UConn experience without the preparation from my ECE classes.
Student
Kaylee Morosky, Middletown High School (’19), Intended Major: Pharmacy
UConn ECE has helped my school by providing my fellow peers with a way to experience a true college-level course and possibility to earn credits for a very generous price before even entering college. Personally, my French V UConn ECE course gave me the confidence and ability to have conversations with French citizens when I went on a school field trip to France last spring.
Site Representative
Daniel Cote, Christian Heritage School, Science Department Chair
I have been part of the UConn ECE program since 2001. It is hard to overstate the positive impact of the UConn ECE program on our students. The courses offered in the UConn ECE program stimulate the intellectual development of young minds in a way that standard high school curriculum cannot. Many students have found their path forward through the varied UConn ECE courses they have taken. The UConn ECE program leverages taxpayer dollars invested in the university by providing excellent academic opportunities for Connecticut high school students.
Alumni
Jessica Hinckley, Windham High School (’16), Graduated UConn 2019, majoring in Psychological Sciences with a minor in Neuroscience
The UConn ECE program allowed me to take challenging and intriguing courses while in high school as well as equipped me with the courses necessary to fulfill all of the requirements for my major and minor after only three years at UConn.