MxCC STUDENT RECEIVES NASA TECHNOLOGY SCHOLARSHIP

MxCC Biotechnology/Forensic Science student Nicole Mendes of Cromwell was awarded a $500 NASA merit scholarship from the Epsilon Pi Tau (EPT) Honor Society. The award was given at the EPT induction ceremony of new members which was held at Manchester Community College on April 15.

The scholarship is given to technology students who have demonstrated academic excellence and dedication to pursing a technology career. Mendes plans to use the award to help pay for tuition at the University of New Haven’s Forensics Science program, where she will transfer next fall to earn her bachelor of science degree. She is the first MxCC student to take part in the college’s new Forensic Science transfer program with UNH, and will focus her studies on DNA analysis and forensic anthropology.

“Our Forensic Science track is one of the most comprehensive introductions into this tremendously popular career, and Nicole certainly has excelled while meeting its challenges,” said Dr. Jonathan M. Daube, MxCC president. “We are really celebrating three achievements here – Nicole’s scholarship, her acceptance in the EPT Honor Society, and her honor at being the first transfer student into our new agreement with UNH. All three are testaments to Nicole’s hard work and MxCC’s exceptional efforts to fully prepare students for their next academic or professional step.”

Technology students are nominated for membership in Epsilon Pi Tau after they have completed 30 semester hours in prescribed courses and maintained a grade point average of 3.25 or higher. As an academic and professional honor society, Epsilon Pi Tau encourages academic excellence of technology students, faculty and administrative leaders in higher education, and promotes the values and contributions of professionals in technology.

Founded in 1966 as a branch campus of Manchester Community College, Middlesex Community College (www.mxcc.commnet.edu) is an independent member of the Connecticut Community College System. The school offers more than 50 degree or certificate programs on its three locations: the main, 38-acre campus in Middletown, the downtown Meriden Center, and the shoreline in Old Saybrook. The college promotes understanding, learning, ethics, and self-discipline by encouraging critical thinking. Current enrollment exceeds 2,950 full and part-time students, and 1,600 continuing education students.

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