Smilow Cancer Hospital Honors 2025 Flynn Fellow Graduates

GREENWICH, CT — Eight nursing students completed the 2025 Flynn Foundation Oncology Nursing Fellowship this summer at Smilow Cancer Hospital locations in Greenwich, New Haven and Trumbull/Fairfield.

The students — 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 part of the program’s 12th graduating class at Smilow and among 33 students selected nationally for the competitive fellowship.

Over eight weeks, the fellows gained clinical experience in oncology nursing, working alongside medical staff across departments such as Medical Oncology, Infusion Therapy, Radiation Oncology and Palliative Care. The program also included evidence-based research projects, which participants presented at the conclusion of the fellowship.

"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, in a news release. "Our 2025 fellows brought enthusiasm, professionalism and a deep compassion for patients."

Launched in 2014 at Greenwich Hospital, the fellowship was established by Fred Flynn in memory of his wife, Susan D. Flynn. Since then, it has expanded nationally and aims to introduce nursing students to oncology early in their careers.

Smilow Cancer Hospital said it remains committed to preparing future oncology nurses through programs like the Flynn Fellowship.