The Open Rivers Scholarship

The pursuit of science, math, environmental studies and related fields is critical for the success of our society going forward. In 2017, Open Rivers Scholarship was established at my alma mater, Bethel High School. This scholarship supported those who are passionate about these fields and who believe they can make a difference through the pursuit of these disciplines. I believe that individuals who nurture their passion and expertise will be best able to contribute to the creative and novel solutions our world needs. Without significant participation and contribution from women, these fields of study will not achieve their full potential.

Between 2017 and 2020, 8 remarkable women received scholarships to pursue their passions at the University-level.

Awardees

Featured

Sophia Chiaia

2020 Open Rivers Scholar

Sophia is a 2020 Open River Scholar going into her freshman year at Western Connecticut State University, where she intends to study biology. She is a member of the University’s Kathwari Honors Program, which was founded to foster and nurture both academic and civic excellence among students.

Danielle DaSilva

2020 Open Rivers Scholar

Danielle is a 2020 Open Rivers Scholar and is going into her freshman year at Elon University studying mathematics. She was a member of the Bethel High School chapters of the Science National Honor Society and the president of Mu Alpha Theta, the mathematics honor society.

Tara Donohue

2019 Open Rivers Scholar

Tara is a 2019 Open Rivers Scholar and is currently a rising sophomore at Tufts University studying mechanical engineering. She is an active member of the Society of Women Engineers where she helps organize women in research events to provide research opportunities to underclassmen. She is also a part of Engineering without Borders, a student group that works to provide clean water access to a community in Silvio Mayorga, Nicaragua.

Jillian Paulin

2019 Open Rivers Scholar

Jillian is a 2019 Open Rivers Scholar and is currently a rising sophomore at Colgate University studying astronomy and physics. She is a recipient of the Edwin Foster Kingsbury Prize from the Physics and Astronomy department and the Donald Lloyd Cotton ‘36 Prize from the Music department as well as a Dean’s Award recipient. Jillian is currently involved in research with her department on dark matter and stellar evolution.

Purna Dalal

2018 Open Rivers Scholar

Purna is a 2018 Open River Scholar and is going into her junior year at the University of Connecticut with a double major in biology and sociology and a minor in neuroscience. She is currently a co-coordinator for the WiSTEM Mentoring Program, working with UConn’s Women’s Center to pair first year women in STEM with upperclassmen mentors to give the first-years a helping hand when entering a large public university.

Brynne Bosworth

2017 Open Rivers Scholar

Brynne is a 2017 Open Rivers Scholar and a 2020 graduate of Unity College with a major in Captive Wildlife Care and Education. After finishing a four-year program in three years, Brynne is looking forward to starting work as a full-time zookeeper in an AZA accredited zoo, and, following a gap year, starting graduate school in Conservation Biology.

Jill Rodgers

2017 Open Rivers Scholar

Jill is a 2017 Open Rivers Scholar and is currently a rising senior at Bucknell University studying mechanical engineering. She is a B-WISE scholar and the Co-President of the Bucknell chapter of the Society of Women Engineers, providing both internal support to other students and conducting outreach with Lewisburg children's groups and girl scout troops.

Awardees not pictured.

Juleydi Ramon - 2020 Open Rivers Scholar