Alumni-In-Residence

Pronouns: he/him 

After graduating from UConn, I took an internship with the Florida Marlins in their Media Relations department, where I helped as a liaison between the club and the local and national press. It was a vital experience for me because it confirmed to me that I wanted to work in sports, but not in the way I previously thought I did (as a beat reporter).  

After my Marlins internship ended, I got a job at ESPN in a newly formed group that was charged with the data integrity for all the company’s platforms, both broadcast and digital. From there, I became a researcher where I learned how to use numbers to tell stories. And now, I work on the digital platforms as a Senior Editor, both writing push notifications for news and live events, as well curating content to best serve our fans.  

As an Alumni-In-Residence, I’ll be available to meet with students for one-on-one virtual appointments during office hours and to connect during virtual and on-campus events. I can help with questions about choosing a career path, the sports/broadcasting industry, navigating life after graduation, and so much more.  

Current Employer & Job Title: ESPN, Senior Editor 

Hometown: Stamford, CT 

Things I Enjoy: Sports, movies, reading, spending time with my family 

Advice to Students: It’s important to get out of your comfort zone. What I’m doing now is nothing I could have dreamed of as I left school, but I wouldn’t change a thing about where I am or how I got here.  

Fun Fact about Me: I’ve covered sporting events in four different countries on three different continents. 

What are you excited about as an Alumni-in-Residence?: Helping UConn students imagine places they can take their degree from this school to places they might not have previously thought. A CLAS degree is more versatile than you might realize! 

Education 

University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 

Bachelor of Arts, English (’04) 

Favorite activity: Working at the UConn Foundation as a fundraiser 

Previous Roles 

Senior Researcher – ESPN, Bristol, CT 

Senior Stats Analyst – ESPN, Bristol, CT 

Media Relations Intern – Florida Marlins, Miami, FL 

Pronouns: She/her 

As an Alumni-In-Residence, I’ll be available to meet with students for one-on-one virtual or on-campus appointments during office hours and to connect during events and classroom visits. I can help with questions about choosing a career path, getting involved in clubs and activities as an undergrad, careers in government, navigating life after graduation, and so much more.  

As an undergrad, I went to UConn Waterbury and became involved in the community. I was among the first students to live in the new off-campus housing, the Brown Building. I became involved with the building owner’s public relations campaign by taking on the role of Event Coordinator and being part of the Marketing Team. Simultaneously, I became a member of UConn’s Associated Student Government (ASG) and was elected President. Serving as ASG President in my junior and senior years was an honor. While ASG President, I worked closely with students and staff to organize and host UConn campus events and community outreach.  

As a junior undergrad, I took Department of Public Policy (DPP) courses in the Fast-Track program. I was delighted that the DPP’s location in Hartford allowed me to remain very involved in the Waterbury campus and surrounding community. This was particularly beneficial when, as a senior, I was hired as the Press Intern for the former Mayor of Waterbury, Neil M. O’Leary. I needed the flexibility to complete my courses and gain experience. When I started my Master’s degree, former Mayor O’Leary hired me to serve full-time as a Mayoral Aide for the City of Waterbury. As a Mayoral Aide, I conduct outreach that represents and advances the City’s public policies while maintaining a leadership role in the planning, staging, and executing City events. After the retirement of former Mayor O’Leary, I was honored to be asked to stay on and currently serve on the Mayoral Staff for Mayor Paul K. Pernerewski.  

Current Employer & Job Title: City of Waterbury, Mayoral Aide 

Hometown: Waterbury, CT. Grew up in Oxford, CT.  

Things I Enjoy: Spending time with my family and friends. Organizing and running events.  

Advice to Students: To always challenge yourself and do something outside of your comfort zone. 

Fun Fact about Me: While growing up, I did horseback riding, figure skating, and volleyball.  

What are you excited about as our Alumni-in-Residence?: I’m excited to be able to take part in the Alumni-in-Residence program to guide students in reaching their full potential personally, professionally, and through their education. 

EDUCATION

University of Connecticut, Hartford Campus 

Master of Public Administration (Fast-Track program, ’21) 

University of Connecticut, Waterbury & Hartford Campuses 

Bachelor of Arts, Human Development and Family Sciences (’20) 

Minor: Gerontology 

Favorite activity as a student: Taking part in the Associated Student Government events. 

PREVIOUS ROLES

Marketing Manager/Community Manager Assistant – The Brown Building Student Living, Waterbury, CT 

Therapeutic Recreation assistant – Saint John Paul II Center (Genesis), Danbury, CT 

Pronouns: She/Her 

I have a vast background centered around animals and their care that began at a young age. I attended a vocational agricultural high school and was actively involved in Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H. After graduation, I completed an Associate degree in Veterinary Technology and then transferred to UConn to complete my Bachelor’s, which provided me with a unique experience. 

During my time at UConn, I earned the American Society of Animal Science Undergraduate Scholar Recognition Award and the Babbidge Scholar Award. I graduated summa cum laude in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. While my primary focus was on academics, I also participated in clubs and volunteer activities, celebrating diversity and supporting fellow students. I took advantage of multiple independent study opportunities and a study abroad program. 

After graduation, I returned to a career in private veterinary practice, where I further honed my clinical skills and gained extensive hands-on experience in animal care. This period allowed me to deepen my understanding of veterinary medicine and patient management. Building on this experience, I transitioned to my current role at Boehringer Ingelheim. As an Animal Health Technologist, I provide comprehensive medical care for animals involved in research and development projects. My work adheres to stringent Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) requirements, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare and scientific integrity. In this role, I collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to advance research in human medicine and contribute to the development of innovative health solutions. 

As an Alumni-In-Residence, I look forward to connecting with students not only during office hours but also at events. I am happy to discuss any topics that can assist students in navigating the college experience, job field and beyond. 

Current Employer & Job Title: Boehringer Ingelheim, Ridgefield, CT – Animal Health Technologist III

Hometown: Bethlehem, CT 

Things I Enjoy: I enjoy spending time in nature, letterboxing, spending time with my pets — I have quite a few! — and family gatherings. I also love traveling and learning about different cultures. 

Advice to Students: Take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow, both inside and outside the classroom. Get involved, seek out internships, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or guidance. Building a strong network and gaining diverse experiences will be invaluable as you navigate your career path. A trusted advisor once told me “When you graduate, you can have a nice pile of bricks, or you can have a true foundation to build on” and I couldn’t agree more.  

Fun Fact about Me: I love to travel and I have been all over the United States, as well as international travel to the Caribbean Netherlands, South Africa, French Polynesia, and Mexico.  

What are you excited about as our Alumni-in-Residence?: I am excited to connect with students and share my experiences and insights. I look forward to helping students navigate their academic and career journeys, and to being a resource for them as they explore their passions and goals. It’s a privilege to give back to the UConn community and support the next generation of leaders. 

EDUCATION

Old Dominion University (formerly Eastern Virginia Medical School) 

Master of Laboratory Animal Science (currently enrolled) 

University of Connecticut 

Bachelor of Science, Animal Science (’14) 

Favorite activity as a student: GUARD Dogs 

Northwestern Connecticut Community College 

Associate of Veterinary Technology (’12) 

PREVIOUS ROLES 

Veterinary Technician – Cat’s Corner Veterinary Hospital (AAHA), Southbury, CT 

Veterinary Technician – The Cat Clinic, Danbury, CT 

During my time at UConn, I was fortunate to spend my four undergrad years on the main Storrs campus, where I have many fond memories at Horsebarn Hill and along the Fenton River. In addition to my studies, I was active with the Wildlife Society and the Native American Cultural Society – ending as President in my senior year.  I was fortunate to work in the lab of Dr. Gary Robbins for a brief period while assisting in research and playing with groundwater wells. In my junior year, I spent spring break on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota providing outreach to the Oglala Sioux Nation. During my last semester, I took African Field Ecology with Dr. Morty Ortega; and following graduation, we studied abroad on a game reserve in Limpopo Provide, South Africa.  

Following graduation, I headed to Montana to work as a Fisheries Assistant on Ted Turner’s ranches, living in a cabin amongst a herd of bison, and restoring native populations of cutthroat trout species. After this temporary position, I returned to my hometown where I joined an environmental consulting firm. In this role, I performed site environmental investigation and cleanup on properties mostly in Connecticut. After five years, I decided I wanted to grow professionally into the field of wetland science and moved on to another consulting firm, where I worked on a variety of development projects preparing wetland delineations, habitat assessments, and wetland mitigation and restoration projects, among other such projects. Thereafter, I made the decision to return to my hometown to work for the Town of Stratford managing a variety of environmental programs for the municipality.  

Current Employer & Job Title: Town of Stratford, Environmental Conservation Superintendent

Hometown: Stratford, Connecticut 

Things I Enjoy: Most anything outdoors, hanging with my dog Boris, learning new things 

Advice to Students: Never stop learning and growing, stay curious 

Fun Fact about Me: I’m a professional Timbersports athlete, and I coach a high school timber team.  

What are you excited about as our Alumni-in-Residence?: I’m excited to connect with current Huskies, learn more about their aspirations, and assist them in making connections from their interests and degrees to their career paths.  

EDUCATION

University of Massachusetts 

Graduate-Level Coursework, Soil Science (2015-2018) 

University of Connecticut 

Bachelor of Science, Natural Resources & the Environment – Water Resources (‘10) 

PREVIOUS ROLES

Environmental Scientist – Milone & MacBroom, Cheshire, Connecticut 

Senior Project Scientist – HRP Associates, Inc., Stratford, Connecticut 

Pronouns: She/her 

Hello, my name is Dominique Teskey, and I currently work as a Grants and Research Specialist at CooperSurgical, a Connecticut-based medical device and pharmaceutical company. I hold a PhD in Biomedical Science and an MBA from the University of Connecticut, along with a B.S. and M.S. in Animal Science. My previous experience as a teaching assistant and guest lecturer in the Department of Animal Science at UConn sparked my passion for teaching and mentoring students. I’m excited to support students in their academic and professional journeys, especially in the fields of scientific research, science communication, and education. I’m also a huge UConn sports fan, particularly when it comes to ice hockey and basketball! 

Current Employer & Job Title: CooperSurgical, Grants and Research Specialist 

Hometown: Trumbull, CT 

Things I Enjoy: Reading, volleyball, hiking with my dog Nico 

Advice to Students: Start building your professional network while in college. Those early connections can shape your future career. A simple first step could be creating a LinkedIn profile and actively growing your network. 

Fun Fact about Me: I was born during a solar eclipse  

What are you excited about as our Alumni-in-Residence?: As an Alumni-in-Residence, I’m excited to connect with students and share my experiences from UConn and beyond. I look forward to mentoring and guiding students as they navigate their academic and career paths, especially in the areas of science, research, and education. Being able to give back to the UConn community and support the next generation of Huskies is truly rewarding. 

EDUCATION 

University of Connecticut 

Ph.D., Biomedical Science (’24) 

M.B.A., Master of Business Administration (’24) 

M.S., Animal Science (’18) 

B.S., Animal Science (’16) 

Favorite activity while a UConn student: Attending UConn basketball games  

PREVIOUS ROLES 

Medical Affairs Intern – CooperSurgical, Trumbull, CT 

Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant – University of Connecticut, Farmington & Storrs, CT 

Laboratory Manager – Providence College, Providence, RI