Theme: The Art of Possibility

In a world often shaped by real and perceived limitations, “The Art of Possibility” invites us to reimagine what is possible when we challenge conventional thinking. Whether in science, education, business, arts, humanities, or even personal growth, we are often constrained by the boundaries we assume to exist. However, recreating what is possible encourages us to break free from those confines, to ask “what if,” and to embrace innovation and optimism as tools for shaping the future. We hope to explore how the local UConn community transforms challenges into opportunities, turning uncertainty into inspiration. By seeing potential where others see obstacles, we open “The Art of Possibility” and unlock the potential for a better tomorrow.

University of Connecticut Alumni Center
2384 Alumni Dr
Storrs, Connecticut, 06269
United States

Alexander Bransby-Zachary

Digital Media and Design Undergraduate at the University of Connecticut

Alexander Bransby-Zachary is a Senior at the University of Connecticut, Stamford Campus. He is a full-time undergraduate student in the School of Fine Arts, pursuing a degree in Digital Media and Design while also working full-time as the Membership Coordinator at The J Fitness in Bridgeport, CT. He is an immigrant and moved to the United States when he was six years old. His lifelong goal is to educate and inspire people. He pursued live-streaming from 2020 to 2023 and achieved partnership on Twitch. During the second half of 2023, he researched the effect that generative AI has on the classroom and had the honour of presenting his findings to the Dean of UConn Stamford. He was the host of the incredibly successful DMCT Summit event in September of 2024, and completed a study abroad in Seoul, South Korea in the summer of 2024. He hopes to inspire others with his unique perspective and passion for education.

Alok Tewari

Accomplished Leader & Vice President of Strategy at Hartford Steam Boiler

Dr. Alok Tewari is an accomplished strategist and leader with expertise in technology, engineering, business management, risk management, and mergers and acquisitions. He is Vice President of Strategy at a leading insurance and engineering firm. He has successfully built and led multicultural, high-performing teams to deliver results and optimize returns. Alok is a Juris Doctor candidate at UConn and holds a Doctorate in Management, a Master’s in Insurance Management, and a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering. As a dedicated lifelong learner with numerous certifications, he has spoken at industry conferences and on podcasts, sharing insights on the transformative impact of technology. Beyond his professional achievements, Alok is deeply committed to community service, having volunteered for over five years with the American Red Cross and contributed to local shelters and the Legal Aid Society. His work drives positive change across industries and communities.

Amar Muratovic

Fine Arts Undergraduate at the University of Connecticut

Amar Muratovic is a fourth-year student at the University of Connecticut studying under the school of fine arts. As a first generation Bosnian American, I’ve had the experience of growing up in a community of refugees heavily affected by a recent genocide. I have been able to witness the different coping mechanisms of direct victims and learn more about the atrocities committed as I got older. Through my experience and upbringing, I have become familiar with and researched how victims of traumatic experiences specifically use art as a therapeutic tool in coming to terms with their past.

Bradley Wright

Sociology Professor at the University of Connecticut

Bradley Wright is a professor of sociology at the University of Connecticut in the Director of the Life Purpose Lab where he studies how people find purpose in life. He has studied behavioral change for several decades, and his publications have been cited over 5000 times. He teaches courses on social well-being and research methodology. Bradley lives in Connecticut with his wife and a small fluffy dog. They have two sons. His hobbies include cycling, hiking, and photography.

Katrina Schneider

EMT, Fitness Instructor, & University of Connecticut Alumnus

Katrina Schneider graduated from UConn on the premedical track as an Honors Laureate and double major in Biology and Psychology, with a minor in Molecular and Cell Biology. Dance is an integral part of Katrina's life, and she was Captain of the UConn D1 Dance Team. Katrina is a licensed EMT, fitness instructor for seniors, a hospice volunteer, and has studied medical neuroscience and ethics in Spain and Prague. She received the SURF award for her honors thesis studying synaptic proteins in the Lateral Amygdala, a region of the brain associated with emotional regulation of learning. During her undergraduate career, she took part in TEDxUConn as Curations Chair, the UConn Archery Team, Women’s Ultimate Frisbee Team, the biology fraternity Alpha Beta Epsilon, Phi Beta Kappa, and the Tap Team. She strongly advocates for altering our perspective on change and the “transition state” to avoid meandering through life merely stagnant.

Mallory Malz

English and Natural Resources and the Environment Undergraduate at the University of Connecticut

Mallory Malz is a passionate environmental advocate, researcher, and student at the University of Connecticut, where she is completing dual degrees in Honors English and Natural Resources and the Environment. A Division I pole vaulter and Big East Champion on the UConn Women's Track and Field Team, she has long balanced the rigor of athletic training with her dedication to environmental research. Her past two internships as a salt marsh technician and a museum educator at the Living Sharks Museum and Research Center underscore her experience and passion for coastal resilience and communities. Through an independent study she has been delving into the intersection of language and ecology through ecolinguistics, drawing on the philosophical insights of Henry David Thoreau. Mallory explores Thoreau's language in works like Ktaadn and Where I Lived and What I Lived For, analyzing how his introspective writings on nature can offer a deeper understanding of the ecological crisis.

Mohammad Amin Saeaei

Ecological Psychology Graduate Student at the University of Connecticut

Mohammadamin Saraei is a PhD candidate in ecological psychology at the University of Connecticut, where he works in the Experimental Anthropology Lab, specializing in the cognitive science of religion. His research explores how sacred and secular beliefs and practices shape individual and societal well-being by affecting our minds, bodies, and brains. With a background in clinical psychology, Mohammadamin is particularly interested in understanding how religion and spirituality can support mental and physical health. Using new technologies, he examines spiritual practices and rituals in an embodied, embedded way, aiming to diversify the study of spirituality and make its benefits more accessible to people.

Stephanie Bunnell

SVP of Marketing at Aki Technologies

With over 15 years of experience in digital advertising, Stephanie Bunnell leads marketing and creative solutions as SVP of marketing at Aki Technologies. Bunnell has generated an estimated $1.13 billion in incremental sales for Fortune 500 companies through high-performing digital media campaigns. Her leadership has steered three media startups towards acquisitions, and under her leadership, her teams have won over 30 awards for their innovative work with leading brands. In 2024, Bunnell was named among the Top Women in Media by Cynopsis in three categories: Tech Leader, Social Media Groundbreaker and Data & Research Trendsetter. She was also named among the 2024 Women of Excellence for Business Excellence and a 2022 40-Under-40 honoree by Path to Purchase. Stephanie holds an executive presence certification from Cornell University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Advertising and Intercultural Communication from Pepperdine University.

Tony Daise

Batchelor of Music at the University of Connecticut & Violinist

Tony Daise is a professional musician with 15 years of experience, performing with symphonies across the East Coast as a violinist, violist, teacher, and innovator in the arts. His expertise comes from a deep understanding of how creative choices shape artistic expression—on stage, in the classroom, and in life. Through years of performing, teaching, and engaging with the community, I have firsthand experience in how music cultivates a mindset of openness, innovation, and personal growth. My educational background includes a BM in Violin Performance from UConn, as well as being a pre-college scholarship recipient at the Peabody Conservatory of Music

Tyler Martin

Economics and Political Science Undergraduate at the University of Connecticut

Tyler Martin is a senior at the University of Connecticut, pursuing a dual degree in Economics and Political Science. As a three-time case competition champion, he has built a foundation in strategic problem-solving and consulting through roles at TEDxHarvardSquare, HIMCO, and as a Corporate Strategy teaching assistant. Fascinated by entrepreneurial journeys, he explores the traits and decisions behind lasting success, inspiring others to redefine success beyond material achievements.