Athlete trains mind, body for success after college

Photos by Lee Ferris

Over the last four years, Christopher Christiano of Waterbury, Conn., captain of the Men’s Cross Country and Track and Field team, has been one of the busiest students on campus.

Christiano majored in Biology and double minored in Chemistry and Psychology. It’s a potent mix that’s opened many doors for the dedicated student both on- and off-campus. 

For example, he earned the titles of Ralph Scholar and Aquinas Scholar, two of the most prestigious academic awards offered at the Mount, and has been on the college’s Dean’s List since his first semester. He’s also a member of many honor societies, including Tri-Beta (Biology), where he has served as president for the last two years; Alpha Chi (general scholarship); Gamma Sigma Epsilon (Chemistry); and Psi Chi (Psychology). Outside of the Mount, he received the American Chemical Society (ACS) College Recognition Award for his excellence in the field. 

Christiano’s educational aptitude is matched only by his love of Cross Country: “Being an athlete has been the best part of my time at the Mount and will be the thing I miss most,” he said. “The memories, friends, emotions, and hard work paying off has been something that I have tried to cherish to the fullest…I also learned valuable time management skills, better discipline habits, and leadership qualities.”

After graduating from the Mount, Christiano has taken an unusual path tailored to his unique interests. Currently he’s applying to summer 2025 Physical Therapy (PT) programs at schools like the University of Connecticut, Sacred Heart University, and the University of Hartford. But before his graduate work begins, Christiano is going to spend the next year traveling and competing in triathlons and Ironman races. 

Christiano became interested in PT thanks to the success of his sister, 2016 Mount grad Gloria Christiano, who has been a practicing physical therapist in Westport, Conn., for the last five years. 

“My sister had an enormous impact not only on my decision to come to the Mount, but has also influenced my plans to enter the physical therapy profession,” he said. “She’s the smartest person I know and she continues to push me to be better in nearly every aspect of my life.”

At the Mount, there were many people, from coaches to professors, who helped Christiano to thrive. One was Suparna Bhalla, associate professor of Biology.

“Dr. Suparna Bhalla has had a tremendous impact on me throughout the last four years,” he explained. “She has challenged me academically, professionally, and personally, and has really shaped the person I’ve become in the last few years.”

Christiano also praised Douglas Robinson, associate professor of Biology and Study Abroad Academic Coordinator, for his dedication to his students.

“His interest, investment, and desire to be a part of my athletics, training, travel, and family has shown me that professors can play a crucial role in a student’s success in ways outside of the classroom,” Christiano said.

As he begins the next chapter of his life, Christiano has some simple advice for students who are just starting their college career at the Mount: “I would recommend getting involved in as many things as possible early on,” he said. “Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and talk to others. Joining a sports team or club is a great way to make friends and find other people with the same interests. The more you do, the more fun you'll have!”