STEM Students of the Semester

We are pleased to share the stories of 18 of these amazing students, giving a peek into their journeys on the road to achieving student success. Congratulations to all!

Adriana Nunez Tang- selected by Computer Info Systems Professor Gargi Chug, who wrote, “Adriana is a dedicated student and a mother of twin toddlers, managing a very demanding schedule. Despite her numerous responsibilities, she has impressively completed all assigned coursework well in advance—covering more than half of the semester’s material. She consistently demonstrates commitment to her studies and is always willing to support her peers. I am confident in her ability to succeed and excel.”

Adriana wrote, "I am from Venezuela, and I always dream with the idea to study in the United States. My family and I were very poor and even when my parents tried to provide a good education for me, in my country this was impossible. Due to the critical situation, I decided to come to the United States, and pursue my dreams. In the beginning, I worked hard at two jobs, full-time, no free days, and at that moment it looked like I would never continue with my studies. Then, I got married and had twin boys and after two years, I separated, and became a single mom and I forgot the idea of studying. But my life changed when my social worker from the ABL program of the Worcester Housing Authority encouraged me to take GED classes at QCC. First, I had my doubts, and I thought I wasn’t capable of managing work, classes, and my two 1-year-old toddlers all at the same time. But I did great in my GED classes, and my teacher recommended the Future Focus Program. Since then, this program, together with my professors, my advisors, and my classmates motivated me and encouraged me to continue my path and follow my dreams. I’m currently in General Studies and I will start next fall Business Administration as my desired major and then I will pursue my law degree. My dream is to become an attorney and help women like me to fight against domestic violence and help them to be safe and do better in life. Being a student in QCC changed my life for good, reinforced my self-esteem, and made me believe in myself again. Now, I’m determined to succeed in life and I will always be grateful with QCC for helping me to achieve my goals.”

Alyssa Courtemanche - selected by Mathematics Professor Ulises Poyser, who wrote, “Alyssa is excelling in corequisite MAT 100 College Algebra! She is motivated, driven, and works hard to achieve success.”

Alyssa wrote, “I am a dedicated science major with a passion for understanding the world through exploration both in the classroom and in nature. While math has never been my strongest subject, this past semester marked a turning point for me, as I was able to fully grasp the material and excelled beyond my own expectations, leading me to earning this achievement in mathematics. Beyond learning in the classroom, I enjoy hiking and immersing myself in nature, where curiosity and exploration go hand in hand. My passion for learning is not limited to science and with determination and the right approach, even the most challenging subjects like math can become rewarding. Whether it’s navigating a mountain trail or solving complex equations, I embrace challenges with resilience and enthusiasm, always eager to grow and help others along the way.”

Apryl Harvey - selected by Biology Professor Opeyemi Odewale, who wrote, “She is first and foremost an awesome human being. She is collaborative and assists her classmates in understanding the subject. Her persistent spirit is infectious! “

Apryl shared, “I decided to return to school here at QCC after taking some time off when I became the legal guardian of my wonderful nephew. Now that he’s graduating high school and excitedly preparing for his freshman year of college, it feels like the perfect time to pursue my own educational goals again. With the support of the MassReconnect program making community college even more accessible, I feel determined to finish what I started! I’m excited to be working towards a career in Radiologic Technology because it combines two things I'm passionate about, helping others and understanding the human body. I’ve always been fascinated by human anatomy and radiology offers a unique window into that world. It’s a perfect blend of science, technology, and compassion. I’m excited to build a career where I can help make a difference in people’s lives! In my free time, I enjoy going on long bike rides with my friends, adding beadwork embroidery to clothing, and exploring antique shops and flea markets for unique vintage treasures. I even own a fabulous collection of vintage anatomy posters, which helps keep me inspired on my journey!"

Briana Hooks - selected by Biology Professor Tatiana Gritsko, who wrote, “Briana is my student in both the lab and lecture portions of the biology course. She not only excels academically, but also has a positive influence on other students in her class. As a veteran, Briana brings discipline and problem-solving skills to the academic setting, serving as a great role model for her classmates. She has an excellent work ethic and takes initiative in helping other students with challenging scientific concepts. On a personal level, Briana is a very positive and hardworking student, successfully balancing her two small children, her job, and her academic studies.”

Briana shared, “I decided to enroll at QCC because I wanted to provide a better life for myself and my children. I knew that the best way to do that was to go back to school and earn a degree. I also wanted a fulfilling career and not just a job and I know that QCC will help me reach my goals of becoming a nurse. The QCC community is welcoming and very helpful when I need it. I can't see myself as a student anywhere else but here!"

Daniil Gurov- selected by Computer Science Professor Hao Loi, who wrote, “I am pleased to nominate Daniil for recognition due to his remarkable persistence, resilience, and dedication to both his own education and the success of others. Throughout the semester, Daniil has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to academic growth. What truly sets Daniil apart is his consistent willingness to assist fellow classmates—whether through tutoring, sharing notes, or encouraging others during challenging times. He never missed an opportunity to support his peers and remained fully engaged in his coursework. Daniil's determination, generosity, and positive influence make him a student worthy of recognition. Daniil embodies the values of perseverance, community and academic excellence.”

Daniil wrote, “It took me quite a while to explore different career areas and fully settle down in Worcester. By the time I decided to study Computer Science (CS), Massachusetts launched its MassReconnect program, which I thought was the perfect way for me to go back to college and get my first degree as an independent student without any support from my family. I am very grateful for all the opportunities brought by this program, and my academic success at QCC shows that. I'm happy I had a chance to contribute to other students' academic success by being a CS tutor this semester. For the first time in a while, I feel like my hard work is paying off after being accepted to WPI and offered an excellent financial package there. Thanks to the rigorous CS program at QCC, I feel fully equipped to continue my education with the same level of success and aspiration.”

Emily Briddon - selected by Engineering/Biomedical Engineering Professor Dadbeh Bigonahy, who wrote, “Emily is an Engineering student. She is dedicated, hard-working, conscientious, intelligent, goal-oriented, well-disciplined, and polite. Emily is planning to transfer to a four-year college or university.”

Emily shared, "I came to QCC two years ago without a clear goal of what I wanted for my future. The idea of having to choose a major that could define the rest of my career felt daunting. This college allowed me to explore who I am and my interests without a hefty price tag. After what felt like trying everything, I moved on to math courses and found myself loving them. I’ve always loved puzzles and found math to be similar to solving many of them. That passion landed me in engineering as the major I plan to stick with. In the future, I will be focusing on electrical engineering because of my past hands-on experience in a technical high school as an electrician. My favorite part about attending QCC is the flexibility to work a part-time job and pursue my hobbies. In my free time, I like to go rock climbing – especially bouldering. I love the physicality of the sport and the feeling of getting stronger, not to mention that every route is like solving a puzzle. I also enjoy hiking, reading, and playing video games.”

Harith Al Hamadani - selected by Engineering/Biomedical Engineering Professor Dadbeh Bigonahy, who wrote, “Harith is an Engineering student. He is dedicated, hard-working, conscientious, intelligent, goal-oriented, well-disciplined, and polite. Harith is planning to transfer to a four-year college or university.”

Harith wrote, “I moved from Baghdad, Iraq to Worcester in late 2023 after graduating from high school. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do after graduation. A friend of mine encouraged me to attend one of the open house events to see the campus and the opportunities that they offer. I was amazed by the variety of options they had. I decided to go for engineering because this is what I was interested in since I was a child. I spent hours watching documentaries about STEM and how things work. I show real interest in science. Growing up, I was especially inspired by Zaha Hadid, the iconic Iraqi architect whose revolutionary designs left an unforgettable mark on the world. Like her, I hope to leave behind a legacy that benefits humanity and inspires others. In my free time, I enjoy doing many activities. I love writing. It’s a good way to relax and express your thoughts. I also enjoy playing video games, watching Netflix series, playing sports, and volunteering in my community. These activities help me stay focused and motivated, as I work toward my future goals. Being recognized as one of the STEM Student of the Semester is an honor that motivates me even more to pursue excellence and make a positive impact in the world.”

Jonathan Budnick - selected by Electronics Engineering Technology (EET) Professor James Heffernan, who wrote, “Jon is a highly motivated student with a strong work ethic. He completes assignments and lab work with minimal supervision, asking good questions when necessary. He often goes above and beyond the requirements of an assignment to expand his understanding.  He is generous with his time, helping other students in the lab.”

Jonathan shared, “I chose to enroll at QCC because its EET program offered a strong foundation in electronics, which aligned with my career aspirations to work in a technical field. For next year, I transferred to a bachelor's program in data science because of the many interesting areas of real-world application and its interdisciplinary nature. One area I am interested in is biomedical technology, and how electronics and data science can improve health outcomes. For fun, I like building things, 3d printing, and gardening.”
 

Joshua Geneus - selected by Physics Professor Anita Soracco, who wrote, “Josh has made incredible progress in physics, not only improving his grades but also transforming his study habits over time. He has developed a more organized and effective approach to learning, making the most of his resources and time. His persistence in mastering challenging concepts has been key to his success, and his exam scores reflect his hard work, positioning him as a top performer. As someone who aspires to be an engineer, Josh is driven by a clear sense of motivation, which has pushed him to excel. Beyond academics, Josh has gradually transformed into a leader, offering support to his peers as he becomes more confident in his abilities. His polite and respectful nature further enhances his leadership qualities, making him an inspiring role model in class.”

Joshua shared, “I chose to enroll at QCC because of the many resources that QCC provides for students to succeed, especially from the professors, like Professor Soracco, who strive to help every student personally. Professor Soracco continuously motivated and pushed me throughout the semester to develop better study techniques so I could excel on my exams. Winning this award is a great honor not only because of the recognition of the hard work I put in, but the support and encouragement of Professor Soracco. Her dedication to myself and many other students is what gives us the tools and determination to succeed. I have always been interested in engineering because my dad was an electrical engineer. When I was about 10 years old, my dad bought me a circuit kit. Playing with the wires, LEDs, and buzzers sparked my ambition to be an engineer and my dad encouraged my curiosity. Outside of college, I enjoy playing guitar and piano, cooking, and spending time with my family."

Kristi LaPerle – selected by Computer Info Systems Professor Gargi Chug, who wrote, “Kristi is very smart, and she sets such a great example of self-discipline.”

Kristi shared, “I first attended Quinsigamond Community College in 1992 after leaving the University of Massachusetts. I was still undecided on 'who I wanted to be' in life and I was very unfocused in my studies. I decided to join the workforce full-time and pushed school aside. I enrolled in QCC again in 1997 and while I put more focus on my studies, I still did not have a direction. I then started a family and put school out of my mind as I focused on raising my children and ensuring they had successful school careers.

I work full-time for the Clinton Public School District as a data specialist and love what I do. With my youngest in his first year at college, I decided it was time to pursue my passion for information systems, databases specifically. Again, I looked to Quinsig and found a program that sounded perfect for me. I enrolled right away and since then have been balancing my full-time job with a full course load, but I am determined to finish what I started once and for all.

Quinsigamond Community College opens doors for so many people, especially those going back to school a little later in life. I was worried at first about going back so late that I would be the oldest one in class, but I haven’t found that to be the case. I have made many new friends with shared interests in IT who are following a similar path. The CIS Enterprise program is fantastic and while it is rigorous, it covers so many programming languages and IT courses that I have not found in similar programs offered at other schools. And while it has been overwhelming at times, it has also been incredibly rewarding. I am so grateful for the opportunity QCC has given me to achieve my goals.”

Krystyna Benitez-Rivera – selected by Biology Professor Arielle Strzelewicz, who wrote, “Krystyna deserves recognition this semester not only for her own academic accomplishments in the BIO-100 class, but also for her dedication to supporting her peers. I have seen Krystyna help other students map out assignment due dates, adjust their microscopes, and more—all with kindness and thoughtful explanations. She is an outstanding member of our lab community.”

Krystyna shared, “I enrolled at QCC because I was unsure of what path I wanted to pursue. Since I had many interests, I decided that QCC would be a good school to do some exploring. After studying here for a few semesters, I realized I have a passion for science, biology specifically. I was very lucky to have a great professor who supported me and encouraged me to explore different topics of study in the science field. I love animals and nature; ever since I was little, I have been interested in learning how the natural world works. I am excited to continue my studies, and to continue to grow as a student.”

Lawrencia Kyei Baffour – selected by Biology Professor Lauren Klosowski, who wrote, “Lawrencia is a wonderful student in my BIO 111-02 class. She is dedicated to her studies and will often stay longer than other students in lab in order to study the material or just gain further understanding. She is the ultimate motivator. She not only is determined to achieve her own success, but she encourages her fellow lab team members to study harder and learn the material. This is why I chose to nominate her. She is the 'team mom,' The entire group is all from areas of Africa and she has taken the younger team members under her wing. She is always on them to study and encouraging them to the highest level to do well and work hard. She plans study sessions to study with them and help them achieve excellence as well. They call her bossy; I think she is the best thing for them, and they owe their grades to her. In addition, Lawrencia is a mom herself of two little girls, and she owns her own catering business. She manages all of this and has not missed a single class of mine, or lab, and she has a 97 average at this point in the semester. She is also kind and funny and makes teaching more enjoyable too. I think she is a great example of a STEM Student of the Semester.”

Lawrencia shared, “My name is Lawrencia Kyei Baffour, and I am a proud pre-nursing student, wife, mother of two beautiful daughters, group home manager, and part-time Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). I was born and raised in Ghana, where I learned the importance of hard work, compassion, and community, values that continue to guide me on my journey today.

My decision to pursue nursing is deeply personal and rooted in a lifelong desire to care for others. Growing up, I witnessed many families struggle to access proper healthcare. I saw how nurses often stood in the gap, providing not just medical assistance but emotional support and hope. Those experiences planted a seed in me. When I moved to the United States and began working in the healthcare field, that seed blossomed into a calling.

In my current roles as a group home manager and CNA, I have seen firsthand the difference that kindness, patience, and skill can make in a person’s life. These experiences have reinforced my passion for nursing, and I am committed to becoming the kind of nurse who not only treats illness but uplifts the human spirit.

But nursing isn't the only passion I am pursuing. I have always loved cooking, especially traditional Ghanaian cuisine, and recently, I’ve begun turning that passion into a small business. Preparing meals brings me joy; it’s a way of nurturing others, expressing my culture, and connecting with people through flavor and hospitality. What started as a personal love has grown into something more, and I now cook for friends, family, and customers who crave homemade, authentic food. It’s exciting to build something of my own while staying rooted in what I love.

Outside of caregiving and cooking, I find peace in music, singing, and reading. Singing has always been a way for me to express myself and bring joy to others, whether at home or in my community. Reading helps me relax, grow intellectually, and stay inspired, even on the toughest days.

Balancing school, work, motherhood, and entrepreneurship is a challenge, but it’s one I embrace with gratitude. Each role I play adds meaning to my life and strengthens my commitment to becoming a nurse. I want to be a role model for my daughters and for others who may be walking a similar path, proof that with faith, perseverance, and heart, it’s possible to follow your dreams and serve others at the same time.

I look forward to the day I can proudly wear my nurse’s badge and continue making a difference, in the hospital, at the table, and beyond.”

Luca Silver – selected by Engineering/Biomedical Engineering Professor Dadbeh Bigonahy, who wrote, “Luca is an Engineering student. He is dedicated, hard-working, conscientious, intelligent, goal-oriented, well-disciplined, and polite. Luca is planning to transfer to a four-year college or university.”

Luca wrote, “I chose to enroll at QCC through the ACE (Access College Early) program because I strive to always be challenging myself to greater heights. I had taken a few dual enrollment classes with QCC last year, and found them to be a good experience, so when I learned about the ACE program I jumped at the opportunity to further my growth. I’ve always been the type to find interest in many diverse topics, but I am currently studying computer science, with the addition of some engineering courses, in pursuit of a career in software engineering. I chose this path to chase the rush I get seeing something I designed working as intended after all the time spent making and troubleshooting it. After getting some experience in the industry, I’d like to try starting up a small company so I can work on my own project ideas. If things work out well, I might broaden the scope of the company past software as well. Outside of school I divide my time between training in martial arts, helping out my high school’s FIRST Robotics team, and, more recently, working as the head programmer for a game being developed in collaboration with a small group of peers.”

Mia Crizer – selected by Biology Professor Asavari Jatiani, who wrote, “Mia is a high school student taking 4-5 classes at QCC. She has been proactive from the 1st class; she works hard and is doing wonderfully in BIO101. She is respectful, engaged in Lab classes- works well individually and in a group, and is consistently getting As in lecture, without missing deadlines. I feel that with proper encouragement, the future is bright, for this talented student.”

Mia shared, “My name is Mia Crizer and I am a junior in high school enrolled in ACE. ACE is a program that gives me the opportunity to attend college early as a high school student. As a sophomore, I learned about this amazing opportunity from my mom, who also attended college early as a high schooler. She is one of my biggest role models and sets an example for me in everything she does. She motivated me to join this program, and now finishing up my second semester of college, it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. When choosing to enroll in this program, I took into consideration my passion to become a therapist one day. This love for psychology is rooted in my own struggles, but more importantly, seeing others around me experience the same. I want to be a light in others' lives and help theirs shine just as bright. By going to college, I will be able to begin my educational path early and assist others sooner. Besides my career path, I love to sing, go on long walks, and surround myself with positive influences. It’s the little things that give me drive, whether it's putting a smile on someone’s face or the sound of birds on a spring day; it's the minute things in life that make me appreciate it more. The reason I am here today is because I didn't take opportunities and the little things for granted.”

Nicole Abbondanza – selected by Biology Professor Judy Pavao, who wrote, “I selected Nicole because she truly embodies the qualities of persistence, humility, and leadership through example. She is currently earning a 98 in Bio 101—an impressive accomplishment on its own—but even more so when you consider she hadn’t taken a biology class in over a decade. On top of that, she’s working full-time as a vision therapist. In her introductory survey, she shared, 'I am both incredibly intimidated and excited for this class.' I’ve seen none of that intimidation—only full engagement and commitment. Nicole has jumped into the coursework with both feet and has shown not only a strong grasp of the material, but also a genuine desire to support those around her. In lab settings, she is remarkably patient and kind, often taking time to explain concepts to peers who may be struggling. What stands out most is the way she does this—with quiet confidence and humility that makes her both approachable and respected. Nicole is the kind of student who lifts others up simply by being herself, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of recognition.”

Nicole shared, “I enrolled at QCC because I was looking for a change in career path that allowed me more independence and better flexibility. I was interested in healthcare, specifically dental hygiene, because I currently work as a vision therapist and knew I enjoyed a specialized field where I could work with patients one-on-one. While I'm currently in the Pre-Dental Hygiene program, I'm looking to become a dental hygienist. Outside of school and work, I play D&D, do community theater, and have been getting more into rock climbing.”

Sam Bui – selected by Biology Professor Shanna Cawley, who wrote, “Sam has shown outstanding dedication, engagement, and performance in BIO 106. He consistently puts in exceptional effort both in the classroom and in the lab, demonstrating a deep curiosity and passion for scientific learning. His ability to balance rigorous academic work with hands-on lab activities reflects excellent time management and discipline. He is an active participant in class discussions, a thoughtful collaborator, and a reliable lab partner. His commitment to academic excellence and his enthusiasm for science make him deserving of this recognition.”

Sam shared, “My name is Sam Bui, and I’m a first-year student at QCC majoring in Biology and currently on a pre-dental track. I recently enrolled in the Dental Assisting Weekend Option program, which I’ll begin this summer, and I plan to continue completing my prerequisites for dental school while gaining hands-on experience through the program. I chose QCC because it offered both the flexibility and affordability to explore my interests without feeling rushed into a four-year university. I had also taken Early College classes here in high school, so the transition felt familiar and comfortable.

Dentistry stood out to me as a career path that combined everything I enjoy — working with my hands, solving problems, and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Shadowing general and specialty dentists while also studying the sciences has helped me grow more confident in that direction.

Outside of school, I enjoy going to the gym, spending time with friends and family, watching and playing sports like basketball, hockey, golf, and learning more about cars.

Being selected as a STEM Student of the Semester is a huge honor, and I’m grateful to Professor Cawley for the nomination and support.”

Sarah Treska – selected by Biology Professor Jessica Crowley, who wrote, “Sarah is an excellent student who will soon graduate from the Liberal Arts Biology program. Sarah is organized and efficient, and works hard to do well in her classes, but also to really understand the subject matter.  She reaches out for help when she needs it, which is a great quality in a scientist. Sarah is also building up her lab skills and can tackle tough protocols and document them beautifully in her notebook. As a person, Sarah is kind and helpful to her fellow students and is a pleasure to have in class!”

Sarah shared, “I enrolled at QCC after my post-high school plans did not work out. I always knew of QCC, many people in my family have graduated from the school, but I never planned to enroll myself. Originally, I attended QCC just to take a few classes until I figured out where I wanted to go next. After several failed attempts of trying to attend other schools, I decided to choose a major at QCC and finish it (which was my aunt’s advice). I chose biology and quickly found that I really understood the material and thrived in my classes. In my second year as a biology student, I started thinking about plans to continue my education. With the help of Professor Crowley and the transfer office, I decided to apply and enroll as a biology major at Worcester State University for the fall of 2025. While taking Principles of Genetics in the spring semester, I began to explore what possible jobs I could do after finishing school. I am thinking about something with the ocean, marine animals and conservation. I grew up visiting family on Cape Cod and have always loved going to the beach. I’ve also always found sharks and the ocean as a whole interesting and would really like to find a job where I aid in helping to protect the ocean. QCC helped me to figure out my academic plan, allowed me to meet many kind and helpful people and helped to boost my overall confidence. I am very happy and proud to have attended and graduated from Quinsigamond Community College.”

Stephen Kett – selected by Physics Professor My Nguyen, who wrote, “Steve consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership, collaboration, and academic excellence. He has a deep understanding of the material, and what truly sets him apart is his ability to work seamlessly in group settings. He goes above and beyond to offer clear explanations and patiently guide his peers through challenging concepts. His ability to maintain high personal standards while supporting others’ success makes him not only a top performer but also a respected and valued member of the classroom community.”

Stephen shared, “I enrolled at QCC due to the great financial opportunity it offers, the fact that it is very close to home, and the recommendations I have heard about its Engineering program, as I am interested in Engineering. I currently have an internship as an engineering technician in which I work with engineers. I have enjoyed this and look forward to taking the next steps in becoming an engineer. I hope to get my degree at a four-year school in Electrical Engineering. I really hope to become a sales engineer as I like talking and selling to people as well as traveling. For fun I like to watch and play sports in my free time and play with my dog."