A Multifaceted Path to Personal Growth

Allyson Impallomeni ’10 acquired a wide-ranging set of skills and a wealth of experiences at UAlbany

ALBANY, N.Y. (November 20, 2013) — Allyson Impallomeni didn’t ask for too much when she arrived at the University at Albany in 2006 — just “a phenomenal, affordable education,” she said. She found that and a lot more through her own initiative and the broad range of opportunities offered at UAlbany.

The Hewlett, N.Y., native, who graduated with a BA in psychology in 2010, was a frequent concert-goer at the Performing Arts Center. She was also a contributing concert-giver: playing clarinet in the University Orchestra. She was a member of the Dance Club, and expanded her academic reach by founding the campus Darwin Club, whose focus was evolutionary psychology.

“If I had to pick one word to describe my UAlbany experience, it would be well-rounded — both academically and socially,” said Impallomeni. “I took classes in almost every department and was in The Honors College, so I got to attend a lot of events where professors would come in and discuss their work and their research.”

In the Honors College setting, Impallomeni said she found a more intimate atmosphere that allowed her to create a stronger relationship with her professors — “as well as educating them on my personal goals." While her degree was in psychology, she aimed for a medical degree in neuropsychiatry or neurosurgery. After UAlbany, she went on to earn an MS in biology from New York University.

“I found that a UAlbany education provides an excellent foundation, no matter what you hope to accomplish after graduation,” said Impallomeni. “Most of my friends from UAlbany either went on to terrific jobs or to Ivy League institutions. I’m a perfect example too. I was accepted at NYU for graduate school, and because of my UAlbany education I went there with everything I needed to be successful.”

Today, while waiting to hear from medical schools, Impallomeni works at a school for social needs children and volunteers at the NYU Medical Center.

She credits her “fabulous experience at UAlbany” with giving her with the confidence, determination, and educational background to pursue a medical career. Academically, it also provided her with special skills.

“I have an understanding of culture, behavior, history, tradition, sociology, and anthropology,” she said, “all of which will help me empathize with my patients and be a better doctor.”

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