Smilow Cancer Hospital honors 2025 Flynn Fellow graduates

Eight nursing students recently completed the 2025 Susan D. Flynn Oncology Nursing Fellowship at Smilow Cancer Hospital locations in Greenwich, New Haven and Trumbull/Fairfield.

The graduates are: Cecelia Aversano (Monmouth University), Isabella Badagliacca (University of Connecticut), Katelyn Pondok (The Ohio State University), Ella Day (Emory University), Ashlyn Korpak (Quinnipiac University), Emma Quaranta (University of Vermont), Aubrey Fazzone (UMass Dartmouth) and Caroline Do (Boston College).

They belong to Greenwich Hospital’s 12th graduating class of Flynn Fellows and are among 33 students selected nationally for this competitive summer program. The fellowship, created in memory of Susan D. Flynn by her husband, Fred Flynn, began as a pilot at Greenwich Hospital in 2014 and has since expanded nationwide.

Fellows spent eight weeks gaining hands-on experience in oncology nursing, working closely with nurses, physicians and staff across various units, including Medical Oncology, Infusion Therapy and Palliative Care. They also completed evidence-based research projects and presented their findings at the end of the program.

“This fellowship continues to provide an incredible opportunity for nursing students to learn about oncology in a real-world setting,” said Kristina Capretti, RN, director, patient services, Smilow Cancer Hospital at Greenwich and Bridgeport. “Our 2025 fellows brought enthusiasm, professionalism and a deep compassion for patients.”