MCC Students Awarded Scholarships Via Partnership with the NEPDA

“I chose Middlesex Community College because it has the best biotechnology associate program that helps students get jobs while still in school,” said Audrey Kaddu, a 2021 MCC graduate from Uganda who now lives in Lowell.

All of MCC’s 80+ degree and certificate programs are designed to help students transfer to four-year schools and enter the workforce. Part of Middlesex’s success stems from providing students with practical, hands-on experiences in addition to their academics – from lab and clinical work and internships to scholarships and career and networking events.

Kaddu is one of three MCC students awarded scholarships this year from the New England Chapter of Parenteral Drug Association (NEPDA). Kaddu and Susan Gamboa received $5,000 Transfer Scholarships while Gabriela Peroco was awarded the $1,000 Second Year Scholarship.

The organization formed a chapter at MCC for biotechnology students in 2008, according to Paul Patev, an MCC Biotechnology faculty member. In addition to financial support, the NEPDA has provided Middlesex biotech students with opportunities for advising and mentorship, membership to the chapter at a 90 percent discount and an invitation to a bimonthly dinner meeting at a 75 percent discount.

“To date, the NEPDA has contributed $101,000 in scholarships to MCC,” Patev said. “They have supplied several thousand dollars in poster prize money, money for t-shirts, countless pizzas, chicken wings and Cambodian food, dozens of guest speakers, and launched countless careers, many of whom now serve as committee members for the NEPDA.”

The NEPDA’s collaboration with MCC has made a positive impact on the college’s students – particularly this year’s scholarship winners.

Working toward a bachelor’s degree at Northeastern University, Kaddu’s goal is to earn a master’s and work at a gene therapeutic company, such as Pfizer or Moderna. With the lab work and support she received at MCC – in addition to participating in the NEPDA and other student activities – she built a foundation of knowledge to reach her academic and professional goals.

“Middlesex has a warm and welcoming diverse group of people, beginning with professors, advisors and other staff members who create a sense of belonging,” Kaddu said. “I am the former secretary of the NEPDA student chapter, and working in this position helped me get more knowledge about what to expect in my future career through asking questions and attending webinars and conference meetings.”

Now studying at Northeastern University, Gamboa ­ ­– who is from Ecuador and now lives in Burlington – will use the scholarship money to help pay her tuition. At Middlesex, she took advantage of MCC’s student support services such as the Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE) and participated in the NEPDA, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Club and ISPE (International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineers).

“The education at Middlesex is fantastic, especially in biotechnology where the program is hands-on and the professors are friendly,” Gamboa said. “Being a good student has helped me to get different scholarships. The NEPDA scholarship is a great help in my budget.”

From Ashland and now living in Leominster, Peroco started at Middlesex as part of the college’s Dual Enrollment program when she turned 16. In addition to getting an early start on completing college general education requirements, Peroco found her path at MCC. The NEPDA scholarship is another benefit that will help her transfer to Northeastern.

“The scholarship I received from the NEPDA means the world to me,” Peroco said. “I really appreciate them helping me make more connections in the biotechnology field and learning from different people. My education [at MCC] will impact me forever. I was taught many things that I'm not sure that other community colleges would take the time to teach.”

Scholarship and networking opportunities build upon the knowledge Middlesex students learn in their classes, lab work and internships. “The NEPDA has been a generous supporter, mentor and promotor of our Biotechnology program,” Patev said. “They have helped a great many students enter and succeed in the biotechnology field.”

Part of the STEM pathway, MCC’s Biotechnology program helps students go into – and succeed in – the workforce or transfer to four-year schools – including the Biotechnology Learn and Earn Experience – with its award-winning and affordable offerings, small class sizes and flexible schedules. Visit https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/discover/dyp_stem.aspx for more information and to discover a path to a career in STEM 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!