Sophia Rotondaro

Discipline and date of your BA or BS degree: BA- English (2026) & BS- English Education (2026)
What influenced your decision to pursue a Master of Public Health at UConn?: I have transitioned from a background in public education into the field of public health to pursue a career that aligns with my personal passion for health, my foundational value of service-driven work, and my interest in the systemic forces driving healthcare delivery. I chose to pursue an MPH at UConn because of the variety of connections the program will help me make within Connecticut, particularly through the Integrative Learning Experience. I also appreciate the variety of courses offered by the program, as well as the evening class schedule that will allow me to simultaneously work in the field and gain experience while earning my master’s degree.
Background: I have lived in Connecticut my whole life, and I attended UConn for my undergraduate degree in English Education. While pursuing a career in education, I was an intern, student teacher, substitute, and tutor in a variety of school districts across the state. I enjoyed learning about the unique experiences of my students from many different backgrounds. Although my background is concentrated in the public school setting, I have also worked as a Personal Care Attendant for an individual with disabilities for several years, and recently accepted a position with Hartford Healthcare as the Administrative Secretary for Cardiac Rehab at Manchester Memorial Hospital. Additionally, I have spent the summer pursuing my certificate to become a Certified Nutrition Coach.
Life Outside Work and School: Outside of work and school, I love staying active and being outdoors. I enjoy running and lifting, and have run several marathons. If I am not training, I am spending time with my family, hiking, biking, watching documentaries, or exploring lakes around Connecticut.
Your immediate (next 1-5 years) career goals: My immediate goal is to learn about the hospital setting through my new position as the Administrative Secretary for Cardiac Rehab at Manchester Memorial Hospital. I hope to grow within my role and the organization, becoming a program coordinator or manager in the upcoming years. This role nicely complements my long-term goal of an administrative leadership role managing chronic disease prevention initiatives. I also hope to gain a better understanding of the breadth of the public health field through my academics to help me choose how I can best make an impact through my work.
Anything Else: I am very excited to begin this program! I am also interested in any fellowship or graduate assistantship opportunities available for MPH students!