MCC Student Participates in Station1 Frontiers Fellowship

Jodi Zangari, of Chelmsford, returned to school in the hopes of pursuing a career in something that could leave an impact. Middlesex Community College helped her rediscover a passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), which led to her acceptance into the 2022 Station1 Frontiers Fellowship.

“I always wanted to be able to contribute meaningfully to the world, but I wasn’t quite sure which way to do that,” Zangari said. “I love working hands-on, being in a lab, problem-solving, and being challenged by things."

Founded by researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Station1 provides innovative and inclusive opportunities for students studying STEM. Zangari – who is studying Mechanical Engineering – learned about the fellowship from MCC faculty member Dr. Madhu Dhar. Selected from hundreds of applicants worldwide, Zangari enjoyed learning about STEM from a humanistic and social science approach.

“The connections you make, the people you are interacting with on a daily basis, it’s incredible,” she said. “You’re put into the real world of work and given the opportunity to learn in that environment. The fellowship is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.”

In addition to completing coursework and research, students participated in an internship component with a partner company. Zangari worked with Bloomer Tech, a start-up that is working toward improving cardiovascular health for women. She was part of a team that performed research and data analysis that included a research summary, poster and presentation.

“It was fascinating,” Zangari said. “I learned more than I ever thought I could have. The work forces you to change your view on things. It expands your perception of the world and all the components that bring everything together.”

Coming to Middlesex was a second chance at higher education for Zangari. After previously attending a four-year school, she took a break to give birth to her son, travel and pursue dance. She started at MCC in January 2020 – just before the pandemic – choosing to study education.

The pull toward STEM remained strong, especially after taking a course on how the brain works. Enrolling in more STEM courses introduced Zangari to Professor Dhar and a passion for physics, which led her to pursuing a new major and ultimately, to her acceptance into the fellowship.

Dhar is one of a few professors who has made a positive impact on Zangari’s time at MCC. Having a connection with professors who go above and beyond for their students motivates Zangari as she moves forward and “makes all the difference” on her path.

After she graduates from Middlesex, Zangari plans to transfer to UMass Lowell to continue studying Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Physics. Looking ahead to her career, Zangari has a number of options to consider – from designing technologies used in discovery, working in astronomy and space exploration, to finding a way to improve the environment.

The options are available to her, Zangari believes, because of her time in the Station1 Fellowship, as well as her education from MCC.

“Middlesex has become my foundation,” she said. “It has opened up so many doors for me in such a short amount of time and has shown me that the sky is the limit.”