GREENWICH, CT (JULY 30, 2025) – Smilow Cancer Hospital proudly celebrated the graduation of eight nursing students who completed the 2025 Flynn Foundation Oncology Nursing Fellowship at Smilow Cancer Hospital locations in Greenwich, New Haven and Trumbull/Fairfield this summer.
The graduates — 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) — are members of the hospital’s 12th graduating class of Flynn Fellows and among 33 students selected nationally for this competitive summer program.
The 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, Radiation Oncology and Palliative Care.
The highly selective fellowship, created in memory of Susan D. Flynn by her husband, Fred Flynn, began as a pilot at Greenwich Hospital in 2014. It has since expanded nationally, offering nursing students unique exposure to the field of oncology and encouraging early interest in cancer care. Fellows also complete evidence-based research projects and present 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, director of patient services for Smilow Cancer Hospital at Greenwich and Bridgeport. “Our 2025 fellows brought enthusiasm, professionalism and a deep compassion for patients.”
Smilow Cancer Hospital remains committed to supporting the next generation of oncology nurses through partnerships like the Flynn Foundation Fellowship, helping shape future leaders in cancer care while honoring the legacy of Susan D. Flynn.
Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven is part of the nationally recognized Yale New Haven Hospital, and is affiliated with Yale Cancer Center (YCC), one of only 56 National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the nation and the only such center in Connecticut. Smilow Cancer Hospital, the most comprehensive cancer facility in New England, includes private inpatient rooms, multidisciplinary outpatient treatment centers, 12 operating rooms, infusion suites, diagnostic imaging services, and specialized women's and children’s services. Smilow Cancer Hospital also operates a dozen outpatient care centers across Connecticut. YCC and Smilow Cancer Hospital are members of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), an alliance of 28 cancer centers in the U.S., whose mission is to improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of oncology care. www.ynhh.org/smilow.
