Graduate Student Finds Passion for Organ Donation at UToledo

Graduate Student Finds Passion for Organ Donation at UToledo

Emma Bonnell discovered transplantation and donation sciences at a graduate school fair and hasn't looked back.

"The curriculum, hands-on opportunities and the program's strong connections within the donation and transplantation community all made it clear that this was the right path for me," she said.

Emma Bonnell graduated from Defiance College in spring 2025 with a bachelor of science degree in molecular biology. She joined The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences and its Transplantation and Donation Sciences program the following fall to earn a master of science in biomedical science degree.

UToledo's Transplantation and Donation Sciences program is the first and only academic program in the country to prepare students to coordinate and oversee organ donation and transplantation, preparing them to become an organ and tissue donation transplant coordinator.

Students enrolled in the Transplantation and Donation Sciences program receive a multidisciplinary education that includes basic science and medical courses alongside classes that touch on the legal, ethical, sociocultural and behavioral dimensions associated with death, organ and tissue donation and transplantation. They also complete two paid internships before graduating with a master of science in biomedical science degree.

Bonnell describes her experience in the program as exceptional.

"I've had the opportunity to build meaningful connections across the field through guest speakers, travel experiences, and targeted coursework," she said. "Each class and interaction has helped me develop a stronger, more detailed understanding of the donation and transplantation process, and I feel increasingly confident in the direction of my future career."

Bonnell said she finds the personal connection to donor families and recipients to be the most impactful and that these personal relationships confirmed that she is pursuing the right career path.

"Listening to their stories and seeing the profound, real-world impact of donation has been incredibly moving," Bonnell said. "It showed me that I will truly have the opportunity to make a difference and help create something positive out of someone's tragedy."

During her time as a Rocket, she has found countless ways to get involved. She recently joined the Advanced Leadership Academy, a leadership program organized by the John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation that's designed to provide graduate students with opportunities for professional development and career preparation.

She also volunteered at the Hero Hustle 5K, an event hosted by Life Connection of Ohio, where 1,300 participants - including donor families and organ recipients - promote, support and celebrate organ, eye and tissue donation.

As a part of her program, she completed clinical rounds in the surgical inpatient care unit to observe the daily flow of an ICU and understand real-time collaboration between healthcare professionals. This experience prepares students for their internships and future full-time placement.

Students in the program complete two five-week internships during the summer. With the program's strong network, internships and experiential learning, it has a near-perfect job placement rate. Bonnell has not been placed in an internship; however, she is eager to showcase her skills and prepare for a full-time role.

Julie DeSantis, director of the Transplantation and Donation Sciences program and an assistant professor, said that Bonnell has been an inspiring, dedicated student.

"She fully participates in class discussions, asks invigorating questions and will prove to be a tremendous asset to the transplantation and donation field," she said. "Emma leads by example in her core courses and exemplifies the program's standard of greatness. Additionally, she goes above and beyond by mentoring her fellow classmates and volunteering in the local donation community, supporting our invaluable mission in her personal time. We look forward to watching her put her program experience into action by making an invaluable contribution to donors, recipients and families in her future mission."

Bonnell found the community at UToledo to be supportive and made connections across campus through classmates, faculty and staff.

"I appreciate how welcoming and inclusive the environment is," she said. "And how easy it has been to build relationships with people who share similar goals and interests."

Bonnell is expected to graduate this summer and said she looks forward to exploring roles as an organ recovery coordinator within an organ procurement organization.

Her advice to future Rockets in this program? Be open-minded and curious.

"This program offers a unique combination of academic knowledge, hands-on experiences and professional networking opportunities," she said. "Getting the most out of it means actively engaging in all aspects of the curriculum."