Karen LaFleur ’97MA, a graduate of the Simmons Master’s in Children’s Literature, is a “Techspressionist” artist and writer who incorporates moving images, text, music, and artistic renderings of nature and scientific discovery into her artwork. We spoke to LaFleur about how her studies at Simmons shaped the development of her art.

• Careers and Internships

Teri Groome ’04MA is a winner of the Champion of the Arts Award by ArtsEmerson.

• Awards and Honors

Linda Rossetti ’86 is an entrepreneur, author, and researcher who specializes in transformational change. We spoke with her about navigating life’s changes and the supportive relationships she formed at Simmons.

• Careers and Internships
• Entrepreneurship
• Leadership
• Mentorship

Jonathan Lill ’03MS is Head of Metadata and Systems at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Archives, Library, and Research Collections (ALRC). We spoke with him about his multifaceted career, the essential training he received at Simmons, and the rewards of his profession.

• Careers and Internships

Nina Testa ’23, ’25DPT is an outpatient physical therapist at the Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital Network in Haverhill, MA. To honor National Physical Therapy Month (October) 2025, we spoke with her about the value of Simmons’ accelerated education, her recent research, and the University’s inclusive atmosphere.

• Careers and Internships
• Research

On September 14, Alexandra Yudelevich Newman ’08, a standout tennis player during her time at Simmons, was inducted into the Ronnie Arrow Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

• Athletics

Graduate student Ryan Harrington ’27MS recently returned from an exchange program at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea. We spoke with him about this unique opportunity, the superb training at Simmons, and the importance of historical memory.

• Study Abroad

Sam Geheran ’25MPH is passionate about the right to safe housing. We spoke with them about their research on unhoused populations, their interest in public health, and the inspiring atmosphere at Simmons.

• Research
• Social Justice & Advocacy

Julia Rush ’24 is the 2025 Cathy and Jim Gero Acadia Early-Career Fellow in Science Communication for the Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park. We spoke with her about her love of journalism and the outdoors, and the essential training she received at Simmons.

• Careers and Internships

Olawumi “Ola” Akinwumi ’13MA, who serves as president of the Roxbury Cultural District (RCD), is a dynamic cultural strategist, event producer, and community engagement leader who is committed to celebrating communities of color through arts, culture, and storytelling.

• Leadership
• Simmons in the News