Rockefeller Leadership Fellow: Gillian O'Connell '15

This ongoing series introduces the Rockefeller Leadership Fellows for the 2014-2015 academic year. The Rockefeller Leadership Fellows (RLF) program provides fellows with resources in leadership theories and practical skills. Selected their Junior Spring, these Seniors take part in the workshops, dinner discussions, and team-building exercises as they gain a better understanding of the qualities and responsibilities necessary for leaders and successful leadership styles. Throughout the program, fellows learn from the insight and experience of distinguished guests as well as from each other.

Gillian O’Connell '15 graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School in Prairie Village, KS where she was president of the National and French National Honors Societies and a top 1% academic award recipient. At Shawnee Mission East, O'Connell enjoyed lighting design and stage managing and served as a member of the Theater Executive Board. At Dartmouth, O'Connell has continued her involvement with theater by directing the Vagina Monologues. She is also a co-founder of Women’s Forum, a member of the Dartmouth College Committee on Standards, a student innovator in Dartmouth Roots, and executive treasurer of her sorority. She is majoring in Biology with an additional focus of studies in Government. O'Connell extends her academics outside of the classroom by conducting molecular biology research at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. After Dartmouth, O'Connell hopes to pursue a career in oncology and continue treatment-based research.