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Karenna Groff (1999 – April 2025) was an American biomedical engineer, student-athlete, and aspiring neurosurgeon. She was recognized for her academic excellence, leadership, and athletic accomplishments, most notably as a standout soccer player at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the recipient of the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year award.
Early Life and Education
Karenna Groff was born and raised in Weston, Massachusetts. She graduated from Weston High School in 2018 and enrolled at MIT, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering in 2022 and a Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering in 2023. At the time of her death, Karenna Groff was enrolled in the accelerated MD program at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, where she aspired to become a neurosurgeon.
Career and Research
During her time at MIT, Karenna Groff co-founded the MIT Slums & Informal Settlements Research Group (MIT SIS) and was actively involved in public health initiatives, including co-developing a course on COVID-19 responses in informal settlements. Karenna Groff worked as a neurobiology researcher at Boston Children’s Hospital, conducted brain mapping research at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and held several teaching and mentoring positions within the MIT community.
Karenna Groff also served as an Emergency Medical Technician with MIT Emergency Medical Services and volunteered as a counselor with Camp Kesem at MIT.
Athletic Achievements
Karenna Groff was a two-time captain of the MIT women’s soccer team and earned All-American honors. She led the team to multiple conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances. In recognition of her athletic performance, leadership, service, and academic excellence, Karenna Groff was named the NCAA Woman of the Year in 2022.
Awards and Honors
Karenna Groff received several prestigious honors, including:
- NCAA Woman of the Year (2022)
- Malcolm G. Kispert Award (2023)
- NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (2022)
- MIT Peter J. Eloranta Undergraduate Research Fellowship (2022)
- Membership in the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society
Personal Life
Karenna Groff was the daughter of Dr. Michael Groff, a neurosurgeon, and Dr. Joy Saini, a urogynecologist. She had one brother, Jared Groff, a 2022 graduate of Swarthmore College and a paralegal. Jared’s partner, Alexia Couyutas Duarte, is also a Swarthmore alum and future Harvard Law School student. Karenna Groff boyfriend, James Santoro, was an MIT graduate.
Death
On April 12, 2025, Karenna Groff died in a plane crash in Copake, New York, along with her parents, Dr. Michael Groff and Dr. Joy Saini, and her boyfriend, James Santoro. The incident was widely mourned, with tributes highlighting the family’s contributions to medicine, education, and public service.
James Santoro father, John Santoro, told the Associated Press: “The 25 years we had with James were the best years of our lives, and the joy and love he brought us will be enough to last a lifetime.”
FAQs
1. What was Karenna Groff real name?
- Her full name was Karenna Groff.
2. How old was Karenna Groff when she passed away?
- Karenna Groff was 25 years old at the time of her death in April 2025.
3. What was Karenna Groff career?
- Karenna Groff was a biomedical engineer, student-athlete, and an aspiring neurosurgeon. She was studying medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine at the time of her passing.
4. Where did Karenna Groff study?
- Karenna Groff attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for her undergraduate and master’s degrees and was pursuing a medical degree at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
5. What sport did Karenna Groff play?
- Karenna Groff was a standout soccer player and served as a two-time captain of the MIT women’s soccer team.
6. What was Karenna Groff connection to MIT?
- Karenna Groff earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering degrees at MIT, where she also played varsity soccer, taught courses, and conducted research.
7. Who were Karenna Groff parents?
- Karenna Groff parents were Dr. Michael Groff, a neurosurgeon, and Dr. Joy Saini, a urogynecologist.
8. Did Karenna Groff have siblings?
- Yes, Karenna Groff had one brother, Jared Groff, a Swarthmore College graduate and former paralegal.
9. Was Karenna Groff in a relationship?
- Yes, Karenna Groff was in a relationship with James Santoro, a fellow MIT graduate. They both died together in the plane crash.
10. How and when did Karenna Groff die?
- Karenna Groff died in a plane crash on April 12, 2025, in Copake, New York, along with her parents and boyfriend.
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