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With the Eiffel Tower in the backdrop, Isabella Coraci stops for the camera on the Seine River. (Photo credit: Caroline Coraci)Advance of Staten Island
New York’s Staten Island. In order to honor an inspiring young adult who is committed to improving environmental technology and public health challenges, we thought it would be appropriate to include them in this week’s Advance feature.
CONNECT WITH ISABLELLA CORACI.
Isabella Coraci graduated from St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School in 2021, but like many young adults, she wasn’t really sure where she was going or what she wanted to accomplish with her life.
The Prince’s Bay native started her first semester of literature and writing classes at Pace University’s Manhattan campus. However, she was mostly enrolled in general subjects and was hesitant to declare her major.
Not until the next year did Coraci discover which field she wanted to study the most and which career route would require the most of her attention. She quickly realized that she wanted to support the environment.
She clarified, “I want to use my degree to help others in the fields of environmental and public health by combining my love of technology with these fields.”
In the fall of 2022, she relocated to Pace University’s Pleasantville campus from Manhattan, where she announced information systems as her major and business as a minor. At Pace’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems, Coraci will receive his degree in May.
Coraci made sure she would have a substantial amount of professional and practical experience while attending Pace because she understood she didn’t want her degree to be simply another piece of paper.
Accomplishments of Coracia S
Her achievements include working in the university’s writing center, where she tutors new student athletes, helping at the information technology desk, and serving on the honors advisory board.
She is also interning this year at the University’s Blue CoLab, a group of academics and students committed to improving information, warning systems, and technologies related to the safety of our drinking water.
Regarding the incident, Coraci states: Since water is essential to all living things and biological life, I believe that the problem of safe drinking water is very significant. At Pace, we can ensure that our yearly water reports are easier to find. We also want other colleges’ students to be aware of the contaminants in their drinking water.
Nonetheless, Coraci is most happy of her selection as a 2024 United Nations Academic Impact-Millennium Fellow out of all of her recent accomplishments. This year, out of over 52,000 submissions from students at 6,000 colleges across 48 countries, she is one of 25 Pace students chosen. Additionally, only 5% of candidates were chosen.
In order to achieve one or more of the 17 UN Sustainability Goals pertaining to peace, justice, welfare, and sustainability, the Fellows worked on their selected social impact project both individually and in small groups during this semester. Additionally, they attended enrichment programs facilitated by peers and international leaders and made connections with students worldwide.
Right to Know H2O 2024, Coraci’s social impact project, aims to educate the public about the toxins in their drinking water.
In a poll, the team asked Pace employees and students if they were aware of the contents of their drinking water.
According to Coraci, it is very wonderful to be a part of an international initiative to advance the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, especially Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. Meeting kids from all over the world and hearing about their projects has been incredibly enjoyable.
ADVICE FROM CORACI FOR OTHERS
Coraci has wise words for prospective students as she gets ready to graduate.
She advises you to put yourself out there. I am aware that it is frightening. The first year is challenging, but it improves. You must put yourself out there, even though it can be frightening. To learn what you enjoy and don’t like, try taking a variety of classes. Challenge yourself and put yourself out there.
She continues by saying that she has gained practical experience managing and directing teams at Pace’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.
Being a Millennium Fellowship campus director, working at the ITS support desk or writing center, and eventually becoming a Blue CoLab team member and intern team lead have all been invaluable experiences.
She continues by saying that she is really appreciative of her instructors’ approachability and encouragement.
Seidenberg has undoubtedly given me experiences that I can discuss in interviews, on my resume, and elsewhere.
Festivities from November 24 to November 30
November 24
Greetings on Sunday for the birthdays of twins Andrew and Justin Ducey Chiacchiero, registered nurse Lucille Herring, and Ann V. McGinley.
November 25
Prudence Ingram, Justin Cauldwell, Alan Moses, Joseph B. Wilson, and Victor Reindl Sr. of New Springville all have birthdays on Monday.
Happy Monday, Elizabeth and Frank Palaia’s wedding anniversary.
November 26
Tom Gangemi, Martin Cusack, Phil Balletto, Charles John Romano Jr., who turns 15 in 2015, Kimberly Arale, Kevin Duffy, and Vito Arcabasio all have the finest birthdays on Tuesday.
To the pastor of Holy Rosary R.C. Church in South Beach, Rev. Michael Martine, happy birthday.
November 27
Wishing Eileen Kavanagh, Jim Turrisi Jr., Robert Pearsall, Lynn Sexton, Amanda Nicole Collins, Vebi Causevic, Anthony Tramontano, Lisa Andersen, and Rita LaFata the happiest of birthdays on Wednesday.
Susan and Jim Taranto, as well as Joanne and Andrew Ferris, have a happy wedding anniversary on Wednesday.
November 28
Happy Thanksgiving Day birthday to Kali-Rose DeCristoforo, now a Sweet Sixteen, Mary Carucci, Jim Purcaro, Collette Lamirand, and Charles John Romano.
To Dr. Larry and Susan Arann, happy 42nd wedding anniversary.
November 29
The twins Shannon and Danielle Piacentino, Lauren Ciocco, Maura Lee Wood, Lumy Rivera, Stephen Hart, Gene McIntosh, Brielle Smith, Patrick Connelly, Ann Marie Bumbalo, Edith Gerhard, and Marie D. Amica are all receiving birthday wishes on Friday.
November 30
Larry Guidice, Salvatore Gandolfo, Mark Quinn, Bonnie McDermott, Bob Kruse, Stefanie Bivona, Amy Warner (who turns 27), and Lilly Dimino (who becomes 17) all deserve special birthday wishes on Saturday.
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