HPO, New Program Director Host Open House

In June, Nicole Ferentino, D.C., joined The University of Scranton as director of pre-medical and pre-health professions, bringing a wealth of experience - and a deep passion and expertise for student success - to the role.

Dr. Ferentino previously served as assistant director of the Center for Learning Excellence at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine and held a faculty appointment as assistant professor of medical education at Geisinger. Dr. Ferentino also taught anatomy and physiology as an adjunct professor at The University of Scranton for seven years and practiced 22 years as a chiropractic physician in Pittston.

Visitors at a recent Open House, hosted by the University's office of health professions, had the opportunity to meet Dr. Ferentino and explore the wide range of programs coordinated out of the office's location in the Institute of Molecular Biology and Medicine building.

"Our office helps and supports all of our pre-medical and pre-health students," Dr. Ferentino said. "This encompasses pre-medicine, pre-dental, pre-physician assistant, pre-optometry, pre-pharmacy and pre-veterinary students. We help them navigate from academics all the way through their application process. We also have a student-led group, the Health Professions Organization (HPO), that holds weekly meetings for students and provides them with updated information, tips, strategies and panels so that they are supported from freshman year all the way through graduation. …

"It's been wonderful and I'm grateful to be here. I have great visions and hope for what I can contribute and achieve in this role - to support our students and make it even stronger than it already is. We have events and workshops on the horizon and are establishing different committees to help support students, as well. A lot of different ideas."

This year's HPO officers include:

Drew Mauriello, a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major from Duryea, co-vice president of presentations

Nicole Baker, a biochemistry major from Clifford Township, treasurer

Sophia Vanesko, a biology major from Pittston, secretary

William Vinsko, a biology major from Shavertown, president

David Banko, a biochemistry major from Wind Gap, co-vice president of presentations

Matthew Jasienski, a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major from Duryea, service chair

Emily Cosklo, a biology major from Clifford Township, junior liaison