STEM Student of the Month - December 2019

Each month, the professors in QCC’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programs recognize and acknowledge the perseverance of one student in their perspective STEM areas. Below are the December 2019 STEM Students of the Month, with a few comments from the professors who nominated them.

Science - Ilan Grossman – nominated by Jessica Crowley, professor of Biology and coordinator of Biology and Biotechnology Programs

“Ilan Grossman is an excellent candidate for STEM Student of the Month. Ilan is a General Studies--Biotechnology Option major who not only performs well academically, but also shows many other characteristics that will ensure his success in the field. For example, in the Introduction to Biotechnology class, Ilan often led discussions on various aspects of biotech whether it was the ethics of gene-editing or the value of GMOs. He is also a valuable team player as he often led in-class groups to solve laboratory math problems. If you asked any of his classmates, they would whole-heartedly agree that Ilan is engaging, helpful, and is truly interested in what you have to say. His passion for biotech is evident in the internship he has completed and his performance in class. When Ilan graduates, he will be a valuable member of any biotech firm that is lucky enough to hire him.”          

Technology - Raven Clarico – nominated by Nathaniel Mello, professor of Interactive Media Game Design

“Raven is an excellent student and someone who is constantly trying to push himself and others in the class to do more. He is a budding game designer already and is showing that he will be an excellent one in the future; with original game design ideas he brought into class and new ones he is creating as the semester rolls on. Raven is always one to help a student who might be stuck on an issue, as well as lend his time to test and critique another’s work. In just his first semester, he and the other students have built a good relationship together which is important in working as a cohort for school and in their future career endeavors.”          

Engineering - Jason Chapman – nominated by Robert Recko, professor and coordinator of HVAC/R Technologies Program

“Jason Chapman entered the HVAC/R program like so many others have. After a series of unsatisfying jobs, he realized that he needed and wanted something more rewarding and fulfilling to his talents. In spite of having a family and all its responsibilities, he threw himself full force into the study and practice of the skills and knowledge required in HVAC/R. He compiled notes and technical information well beyond the stated requirements of the program, and spent hours mastering and applying this technical knowledge to his lab projects. Within the class he was a leader, counseling some of his classmates and taking others under his “wing” and helped with their study habits outside of school hours. The class was very fortunate to have him leading the way and helping to take all to a higher level.

Jason’s plans involve becoming employed as soon as possible so he can help to support his family. He even obtained a position at Huhtala Oil in Templeton several weeks before the end of our program. He has shown himself to be a valuable asset in the short time that he has been there and is held in very high regard by his employer. Jason has proven the old adage: Hard work will get you anywhere you want to go.”             

Mathematics - Bezaida (Betsy) Vilomar – nominated by Donna Dominguez, professor of Mathematics

“Bezaida (Betsy) Vilomar was years out of high school and her last math class, when she registered for MAT 100 this semester. She was also extremely anxious about the course. Betsy is two classes away from her bachelor’s degree at Worcester State and left her math requirement for the end because she has always found math to be difficult and intimidating.  As algebra does not come easily to her, she puts hours into each homework assignment, more than any of her classmates. In order to do this, Betsy has to juggle other responsibilities in her life, including those as a mother. Her efforts have paid off and she did quite well. She is an inspiration!”