MCC Celebrates STEM Week with In-Person and Virtual Events

In celebration of Massachusetts STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Week – October 18 through October 22 – Middlesex Community College hosted a variety of online and in-person events.

“Mass STEM Week is our chance to explore the opportunities that interest our students in the STEM fields,” said Joshua Felch, MCC’s Program Coordinator for STEM Starter Academy. “They help us to continue to support our STEM students on their academic journeys.”

Britney Trinidad is an MCC Biotechnology major from Wilmington who expects to graduate in 2023. At MCC STEM events, she enjoyed connecting with the community and learning more about where her STEM degree could lead her in the future.

“They are very resourceful and helpful to students wanting to know more about STEM degrees and careers,” she said. “I wanted to participate in these events to greater increase my knowledge on the STEM outlook. This will open up more opportunities education and career-wise.”

During the week, MCC’s Engineering division hosted a virtual panel featuring practicing engineers from different disciplines. Middlesex students were able to hear from experts about how they decided on their career, where they attended college, and what challenges they faced, as well as more about their career paths.

“I found it very rewarding to participate on the Engineering Panel and be able to introduce the attendees to an area of engineering they may not have heard about, Human Factors Engineering (HFE),” said Erika Darling, a panelist who works at The Mitre Corporation. “I loved hearing the interesting questions the participants posed, and I even had a student follow-up afterwards about how they can pursue a career in HFE. It doesn’t get any better than that!”

At an in-person event on the college’s Lowell campus, Dr. Marie Tupaj, MCC CAD & Engineering Professor, hosted MCC’s Science Café: Strategies for Engineering Neural Tissue. The event encouraged informal, science-based discussion on varying issues. Dr. Tupaj presented on the topic of biological processes behind peripheral nerve regeneration, including different tools she uses with her colleagues.

“Events like the MCC Science Café foster togetherness, therefore creating a conducive atmosphere to establish meaningful relationships with other students, staff and faculty,” said Kwadwo Bempah, an MCC Electrical Engineering student from Lowell. “You could tell that the speaker did lots of preparations for the Café, both in putting together their presentation and executing it. As a result, the Café was highly educational and informative, which made it enjoyable for myself and the other attendants.”

The MCC Libraries also hosted a workshop helping students explore scientific research. To make the research process feel less overwhelming, at the event librarians explored the peer-review process, offered tips for reading articles, and showed students how to cite sources.

“I wanted to learn more about the Libraries’ resources that are available at MCC for scientific research,” said Liana Nival, an MCC Biotechnology student from Lowell who expects to graduate in Fall 2022. “I am glad I attended the workshop because I learned a few new things, which I can utilize for future scientific research assignments. Events like these bring value to students because it provides them with the tools to improve their research skills.”

Part of being successful in a field is “seeing yourself in STEM.” The college hosted Dr. Ainissa Ramirez, an award-winning scientist and science communicator, who enjoys helping others feel excited about science. An international speaker and former associate professor of mechanical engineering at Yale University, she has given a TED talk on the importance of STEM education.

As the week was also National Transfer Student Week, Middlesex hosted an event to celebrate both STEM and Transfer possibilities at the college. MCC’s Transfer Office and STEM Starter Academy collaborated on an informational panel made up of representatives from Mass. four-year colleges and universities with ties to STEM. Students learned about what STEM programs are offered at each college, what careers graduates can pursue, and the different types of research and internship possibilities are available.

Middlesex will host two more virtual Engineering Panel Nights during the Fall 2021 semester, both being held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 27 and Wednesday, November 3.

MCC’s STEM pathway helps students go into – and succeed in – the workforce or transfer to four-year schools with its award-winning and affordable offerings, small class sizes and flexible schedules. For more information, visit https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/discover/dyp_stem.aspx to discover a path to a career in STEM at Middlesex.

MCC’s Mini-mester II starts on Monday, November 1. To take advantage of this opportunity and get started on a path to an education or new career, visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-3434 for more information and to register for the Fall 2021 semester at Middlesex.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, MCC has been a proven leader in education for more than 50 years. Middlesex puts the student first. Meeting each learner where they are, MCC provides them with a safe, welcoming and engaging place to learn. Offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – Middlesex features flexible course formats and a variety of award-winning student support services and resources. Student success starts at MCC!