Rewarding careers await graduates of STCC’s Biotechnology Program

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – When she was a student at Springfield Technical Community College, Talia Sherbo was not sure what to study. She had tried different majors, from general studies to biology, but couldn’t find the right fit.

“My advisor, professor Lisa Rapp, said, what about my program, biotechnology?” said Sherbo of Agawam. “I never heard of it before, but she told me all about it. I enrolled and never regretted that decision.”

Today, Sherbo serves as an adjunct professor at Bay Path University, where she teaches laboratories for chemistry and forensic chemistry.   

Sherbo found her passion as a STEM teacher, thanks in part to the biotechnology program, one of several science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields of study offered at STCC, the only technical community college in Massachusetts. Other students who went through the biotechnology program at STCC took different career pathways, and say they are grateful to Professor Rapp and her program for inspiring them.

Rapp said over the years she has taught biotechnology to a diverse group of students at STCC, from recent high school graduates to individuals changing careers. A federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, STCC is composed of a diverse student body and encourages students of color to pursue degrees in STEM fields such as biotechnology.

“Some students transfer to a four-year college or university and pursue a more advanced degree. Others apply for jobs right after getting their associate degree from STCC,” Rapp said. “What’s exciting about our program is that it leads to opportunities. There are many potential career paths. Our graduates find satisfying careers in industries such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, agriculture, environmental technology, water purification and basic biological research.” 

Students who transfer to Westfield State University can pursue a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology. They can receive credits from Westfield State for program-related courses completed at STCC.

The faculty and professors were always there to help you succeed. You had one-on-one interaction with the professors. You could easily meet with the professors and talk to them, and discuss your problems and questions. Sundus Rehman, STCC biotechnology program graduate

The biotech program at STCC in 2018 earned a “Gold Level” endorsement from the Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation. MassBioTech concluded graduates of the two-year degree and one-year certificate program were ready for the life sciences workforce.

Jeff Townsend of East Longmeadow works as a quality engineer for Bristol-Myers Squibb, a biotechnology company in Devens. His biotechnology degree at STCC served as a springboard to a career he loves, where he earns a six-figure salary.

“I wanted to be happy. I haven’t tried to build a career. I have been successful in spite of myself. It’s a fantastic opportunity to be in the biopharmaceutical industry,” Townsend said.

Townsend enrolled in biotechnology about 15 years ago because he was unhappy with his career in marketing and sales. “It’s not a great fit for somebody who is an introvert,” he said.

“I enjoyed being at STCC,” he said. “You should follow your passion. That makes everything interesting.”

Like Townsend, Quynh Widmer, a biotechnology graduate who lives in Agawam, followed her passion. She grew up in Vietnam and moved to Western Massachusetts. “I love the biotech program. They have great faculty, especially Professor Rapp. She’s awesome. You get hands-on experience. In a bigger college, you don’t have the same kind of connection between the student and the teacher to help you and guide you,” Widmer said.

After earning her associate degree from STCC, Widmer transferred to Bay Path University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in biology with a concentration in biotechnology. Today, she works at SCA Pharma in Agawam.

In the two-year program at STCC, Widmer worked with microscopes and other tools used in the industry. STCC also helps students prepare resumes and write cover letters, Widmer noted. “That’s a very important skill when finding a job,” she said.

Another graduate of the program, Sundus Rehman, grew up in Pakistan, where she completed her high school education and then moved to Western Massachusetts. Her siblings graduated from STCC and encouraged her to enroll. After graduating from STCC, she transferred to the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where she’s a pre-med student.

At STCC, she chose biotechnology because she wanted to challenge herself. “It arose curiosity, and I was interested in the depth of how cells work, and how genes work and how you can manipulate things to produce new useful products,” Rehman said.

“The best part of this program is that you won’t just watch the instructor do everything. You get a lot of hands-on experience,” Rehman said. “The faculty and professors were always there to help you succeed. You had one-on-one interaction with the professors. You could easily meet with the professors and talk to them, and discuss your problems and questions.”

Enrolling in the biotechnology program at STCC was affordable for Rehman and the other graduates. “I saved a lot of money before I transferred to a four-year university,” Rehman said.

The graduates said biotechnology is a good fit for anyone interested in science and biology. Attending STCC will provide students with a network of support.

“This is a constantly growing field,” Rehman said. “The campus is a wonderful historic site. You will have a lot of resources to help you along your way, and you should take advantage of those resources.”

The biotechnology program is accepting applications for the fall 2021 semester, which starts Sept. 7. To apply and find out more information, visit stcc.edu/explore/programs/biot.as. To speak with someone in Admissions, call (413) 755-3333. To reach Professor Lisa Rapp, email lrapp@stcc.edu.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequalled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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