Rick and Linette Brammer “toasting” to their chemistry meet.
In our MNT-EC Student Success Series, we’re delighted to highlight a slightly different student journey this month, a story of love, nostalgia, and a chemistry class that mixed to create an enduring connection.
Dr. Robyn Brammer (Vice President of Student Services at Cerritos College and former PCC student) recently brought her parents, Rick and Linette Brammer, back to PCC’s campus to celebrate Rick’s 80th birthday. This visit wasn’t just a sentimental journey but a return to where Rick and Linette first met in a Pasadena City College chemistry lab over 60 years ago.
The couple met in 1963 while taking a chemistry class at PCC, where they were assigned as lab partners. During one session, Linette spilled a chemical that stained her hands purple, which she later covered with gloves during a date with Rick. They passed the class with the lowest passing grade, beginning a marriage spanning over 58 years.
With assistance from Dr. Jared Ashcroft, a Chemistry professor at PCC, the family gathered in PCC’s Science Village, where Rick and Linette recreated the purple mixture using potassium permanganate. They observed the color change, recalling the joy and humor from their past. The event included a presentation by the Dean of Natural Sciences, Dr. Veronica Jaramillo, who gifted the Brammers with PCC memorabilia as a reminder of their connection to the campus.
Rick and Linette’s experience underscores PCC’s role in promoting academic achievement and nurturing enduring relationships. It exemplifies the connections fostered at PCC, bringing together individuals across generations and preserving memories that inspire everyone.
“It was wonderful to see their delight at PCC,” said Dr. Brammer. “It clarified why I began my college career at a California Community College. PCC forged their love and defined my life. I am so grateful.”
I am always interested to talk to students, faculty, staff, and industry professionals about micro, nano, and opportunities in the space. If you would like to learn more about MNT-EC or Nanotechnology or ways that community colleges are making a difference, please contact me directly here.
Ani Hakobyan: Engineering Her Future at Pasadena City College
Ani Hakobyan is a driven Electrical Engineering student at Pasadena City College (PCC), where her curiosity for problem-solving and hands-on learning shapes her academic journey. Balancing the demands of school and work, Ani has seized opportunities to expand her skills and network, positioning herself for a promising career in the semiconductor industry. Her experience showcases the impact of community college education in preparing students for future success.
Please tell us a little about yourself and your background.
I graduated from Pasadena High School in 2023 and am a sophomore at Pasadena City College (PCC), where I work part-time as a server. I’ve always been drawn to problem-solving and creating things, which fuels my desire to learn and get involved in projects that align with my academic goals.
What brought you to Pasadena City College, and what are you studying?
I chose to attend Pasadena City College for financial savings and PCC’s reputation as one of the top Community Colleges in California with excellent transfer rates. As an Electrical Engineering major, I was also drawn to PCC’s great opportunities for engineering students.
Academic and Career Goals
What are your academic and career goals?
My academic goal is to transfer from PCC with an associate degree and earn a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering. In terms of my career, I want to work in the semiconductor industry, and I’m participating in as many internships and programs as possible to help me get there.
How has your experience at this community college influenced or shaped your goals?
My time at PCC has opened doors to internships and clubs, giving me hands-on experience in electrical engineering. These opportunities have broadened my perspective on the field and helped me explore different career paths.
Experience at the Community College
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your time here so far?
The most rewarding aspect of my time at PCC has been the community here that supports my goals and helps make them possible. From the professors to the students, there is always someone I can count on.
Can you share a memorable experience or a highlight from your time at the community college?
A memorable experience at PCC has been engaging and working with other students whether it be during clubs, labs, projects, or extracurricular activities. Getting the chance to work with so many different people has prepared me for diverse work environments and made the community college experience more enjoyable.
How have the faculty and staff supported your educational journey?
The faculty and staff at Pasadena City College have made it possible for me to start my academic career by helping me get internships with organizations such as California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) and UCLA Samueli School of Engineering. My chemistry professor, Dr. Jared Ashcroft, has been pivotal in guiding my academic journey and connecting me with these valuable opportunities.
Challenges and Overcoming Them
What challenges have you faced at community college, and how have you overcome them?
Balancing the workload of honors classes and understanding complex STEM concepts while working part-time has been challenging. However, practicing time management and attending office hours has alleviated much of the stress.
How has the community college environment helped you to address these challenges?
The unique environment that community colleges provide allows me to overcome my challenges by reminding me that I am not alone in my struggles. Various resources on campus tailored to students in situations like mine have been a valuable source of advice and support.
Involvement and Activities
Are you involved in any clubs, organizations, or extracurricular activities? If so, which ones, and what has that experience been like?
I am a part of the Honors Program, the TRIO Program for Academic Support Services (PASS), and the CalTech Racing Club. These activities have allowed me to take academically challenging courses, receive academic support when needed, and work with other students on a project that teaches valuable engineering skills.
How have these activities contributed to your personal and professional growth?
Being a part of these spaces has helped me learn more about engineering, challenge myself with difficult subjects, test my problem-solving skills, and provide a supportive environment that pushes me to be the best version of myself.
Connection to the Community
How do you feel your time at the community college has connected you to the broader community?
I get the opportunity to work with students in fields outside of STEM through classes, friends, programs, and clubs. In the CalTech Racing Club, not everyone is a STEM major, which has taught me the importance of collaborating with people from different talents and backgrounds.
Have you participated in any community service or outreach programs through the college?
While I haven’t been involved in outreach programs at PCC, I have volunteered through other parts of my community, such as my church.
Advice for Other Students
What advice would you give new or prospective students considering attending this community college?
I strongly urge new students at PCC to join clubs and make meaningful connections with professors and classmates. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to have a network of people who support you in achieving your goals, and PCC is a community where connections like this are everywhere – you just have to put yourself out there.
What resources or support systems have you found most helpful, and would you recommend to others?
I have found reaching out to professors to be the most valuable resource. Professors are there to help support your educational goals, so it’s crucial to take full advantage of their assistance. Additionally, make an effort to demonstrate your dedication and strengths as a student. By doing so, you’ll not only receive their support but also encourage them to invest more in your success and offer additional resources.
Reflection and Future Plans
Looking back, how do you feel your experiences here have prepared you for the future?
My experiences at PCC have allowed me to grow academically and personally. The skills I’ve learned from internships, clubs, and working with others have prepared me for the future and given me the confidence to continue learning.
What are your plans after graduation, and how has your time at the community college prepared you for these next steps?
After I transfer from PCC, I plan to attend a four-year college to earn my Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering. My time at PCC has prepared me for this next step due to the hard work and study habits I am implementing in my current studies. I have learned how to learn at PCC, which is by far the most critical skill I have acquired and will take with me no matter what the future holds.
I am always interested to talk to students, faculty, staff, and industry professionals about micro, nano, and opportunities in the space. If you would like to learn more about MNT-EC or Nanotechnology or ways that community colleges are making a difference, please contact me directly here.
Don’t miss this UCLA article about Ani’s experience at the workforce development program co-led by CNSI, UCLA Samueli and Pasadena City College aims to train California students for the growing semiconductor industry. You can read it here on page, or download the simple PDF version.
Vivian (Ngoc) Vu is a dedicated student pursuing the Photonics Certificate Program at Stonehill College. Despite challenges, Vivian’s hard work has enhanced her academic knowledge, opening doors to a career in high-tech manufacturing and highlighting the power of education.
Please tell us a little about yourself and your background.
I’m from Vietnam and came to the U.S. nine years ago. I used to work at a taxi company in Vietnam and now work at my aunt’s nail salon. I have an associate’s degree in accounting, and I’m currently enrolled in the Photonics Certificate Program at Stonehill College. When I finish this program in August, I will work at a high-tech job. I like to swim.
What brought you to Stonehill College, and what are you studying?
I saw an advertisement on Facebook about the Photonics Certificate Program at Stonehill College. It said that women, even 40 years old, could train to be technicians in this program and learn advanced manufacturing optics and photonics. It said that math and science backgrounds were not required and that we could become technicians to get a good job. It also noted that there was little homework, which I particularly liked. At the nail salon, there’s flexible time. It’s been rewarding to come to the Photonics Certificate Program at night.
Academic and Career Goals
What are your academic and career goals?
I want to use what I’m learning in the Photonics Certificate Program and get a job right away. I want to learn more on the job and not go to college.
How has your experience at this college influenced or shaped your goals?
I have more knowledge and made friends. I know more about the U.S. because it’s very different from Vietnam. In Vietnam, you listen to the professor’s lecture. In the U.S., you ask the professor questions and read more about the topic.
Experience at the College
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your time here so far?
Last month, it was most rewarding to attend and present at the TechConnect World Innovation conference in Washington, DC. It was good to talk with companies and learn what they do.
Can you share a memorable experience or a highlight from your time at the college?
I liked the trips to tour companies. We visited AccuRounds, EMI, and IQE and saw equipment. We understood the work with machines and safety, entered a clean room, and put on personal protective equipment.
How have the faculty and staff supported your educational journey?
The Director of the Photonics Certificate Program, Cheryl Schnitzer, has helped me with many things, like finding funding, helping with my resume, and giving me more confidence to know that I can present at a conference and do this work. My professors have taught me about electronics, optics, lasers, photonics, and tools and materials for advanced manufacturing. Professor Peter Rice taught about The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People during work and interviews, which have been very helpful in thinking and solving problems.
Challenges and Overcoming Them
What challenges have you faced at college, and how have you overcome them?
The English language is my biggest challenge! I work hard to listen and learn more words. When I read a book, I need to read it two or three times to understand it. Google Translate is only about 70% able to give the correct meaning. I still write in Vietnamese and then translate it into English.
How has the college environment helped you to address these challenges?
If I ask questions, people will repeat them and try to help me overcome my language barrier, but I mostly learn English by myself.
Involvement and Activities
Are you involved in any clubs, organizations, or extracurricular activities? If so, which ones have that experience been like, and what has it been like?
I’m very busy at work in the nail salon and classes in the certificate program. However, I joined a Facebook group about soccer and swimming at The Y for exercise in the early morning.
How have these activities contributed to your personal and professional growth?
This was the first time I joined a group. Now I read books and magazines more to learn.
Connection to the Community
How do you feel your time at the college has connected you to the broader community?
I have become more connected with companies and people in this field. I am also part of Stonehill College’s LinkedIn Photonics group.
Advice for Other Students
What advice would you give to new or prospective students considering attending this program?
The equipment at Stonehill is excellent. Learn it and be confident using it. If you have a question, ask, and don’t be shy.
What resources or support systems have you found most helpful, and would you recommend them to others?
Talk with the professor and the students. Read about what you’re learning in class and watch YouTube videos to learn even more.
Reflection and Future Plans
Looking back, how do you feel your experiences here have prepared you for the future?
The program is outstanding, and I learned a lot about measurements and repairs. If something doesn’t work, I have the confidence and skills to make it work.
What are your plans after graduation, and how has your time at the college prepared you for these next steps?
This program means an exciting high-tech job with benefits and opportunities to grow! I will complete the coursework in the certificate program on August 14th. I am applying now for jobs. I hope to work at 3DEO as a technician building airborne LiDAR mapping systems.
As Center Director, I am always interested to talk to students, faculty, staff, and industry professionals. If you would like to learn more about MNT-EC or Nanotechnology or ways that community colleges are making a difference, please contact me directly here.
If you are interested in learning more about the Photonics & Optical Engineering Certificate Program at Stonehill College, email the director of the program, Cheryl Schnitzer or visit her LinkedIn profile.
If you want to read Vivian (Ngoc) Vu’s TechConnect World 2024 presentation from our Washington, D.C. trip, the PDF is here or you can download it just below the viewing window.
Welcome to our new series, “Student Success Stories,” where we highlight students’ journeys who have made significant strides in their education and careers through community college. Today, we feature Anton McFadden, a community college graduate with an inspiring story.
You can learn more about Anton at this LinkedIn profile here.
Personal Background
Jared Ashcroft: Anton, can you give us a quick background about yourself and your educational experiences?
Anton McFadden: I graduated high school in 2013 and started at the Community College of Philadelphia in 2015, majoring in Cellular Molecular Biology. It took me seven years due to my desire to gain extensive research experience. My first job was as a lab assistant at the college, and now I’m pursuing my bachelor’s in biology at Cheyney University with plans for a PhD.
Academic and Career Goals
Jared Ashcroft: Why did you choose to start at a community college?
Anton McFadden: The financial feasibility and the personal attention at the Community College of Philadelphia made it an ideal choice. It provided a supportive environment with many resources and partnerships.
Jared Ashcroft: Have your academic and career goals changed since starting at the community college?
Anton McFadden: Yes, somewhat. While my ultimate goal was always a PhD, the community college illuminated additional pathways and connected me with people who supported my aspirations.
Experience at the Community College
Jared Ashcroft: Who at the Community College of Philadelphia supported your academic progress?
Anton McFadden: Professor Linda Gerz offered me a job in the chemistry lab, which was pivotal. Other supportive professors included Professor Edward Miskiel, Dr. Catherine Malele, and Dr. Kerri Armstrong, who encouraged me to pursue higher education.
Jared Ashcroft: What has been the most rewarding aspect of your time at CCP?
Anton McFadden: The network of supportive peers and faculty was invaluable. Graduating and honoring the support of my professors, family, and friends was the proudest moment of my life.
Jared Ashcroft: Can you share a memorable experience at CCP?
Anton McFadden: Carrying out experiments and learning to think critically like a researcher was very rewarding. Adapting to different courses and excelling in them was also a significant achievement.
Challenges and Overcoming Them
Jared Ashcroft: What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
Anton McFadden: Financial challenges were significant, but scholarships and my job in the chem lab helped. Understanding coursework was also challenging, but office hours and support from professors made a big difference.
Involvement and Activities
Jared Ashcroft: What extracurricular activities were you involved in?
Anton McFadden: I was part of the International Students Association, which raised awareness about international students’ challenges. I also worked as a cleanroom assistant in the nanotechnology center.
MNT-CURN Program Experience
Jared Ashcroft: How did the MNT-CURN program benefit you?
Anton McFadden: The networking opportunities were crucial. The program exposed me to various fields and helped me develop valuable skills through interaction with professionals and peers.
Advice for Other Students
Jared Ashcroft: What advice would you give to new or prospective community college students?
Anton McFadden:
Don’t give up.
Take the first step, and everything else will fall into place.
Communicate with your professors and peers, and utilize available resources and support.
Reflection and Future Plans
Jared Ashcroft: What are your plans, and how did CCP prepare you for them?
Anton McFadden: I plan to pursue a PhD after completing my bachelor’s at Cheyney University. The confidence, skills, and training I received at CCP were instrumental in preparing me for this journey.
Jared Ashcroft: Thank you, Anton, for sharing your inspiring journey with us. Your story is a testament to the value of community college education and its impact on one’s career and personal growth.
If you would like to learn more about MNT-EC or Nanotechnology or ways that community colleges are making a difference, please contact me directly here.
