Congratulations to the 2024 Scholarship winners!
Congratulations to the 2024 Joel Goldenberg Memorial Scholarship winners Emily Cohen, Peter DiNatale, Adelyn Fisher, Megan Guros, Adam Hakansson, Andrew Medeiros, Ankitha Nagaraj Nayalk, Ritu Pandey and Padhmalakshmi Srinivasan and the Dan Rufo STEM Scholarship winner Era Kalaja. All of the recipients are planning careers in the industry and have proven that they excel academically and in service to their respective communities. The winners were asked to share how the scholarship has impacted their future careers and share words of encouragement to others entering the life sciences field.
Emily Cohen, Northeastern University | Behavioral Neuroscience
“I am entering my final year at Northeastern University, majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience. Receiving the Joel Goldenberg Memorial Scholarship has provided me with the financial relief to pursue my research interests while continuing my studies. I am grateful for this opportunity, as it allows me to explore my passion for the biotechnology industry and take advantage of the various opportunities ISPE offers. After graduation, I plan to work in the industry for a few years before going to graduate school to pursue my research interests in neuroscience, gut health, and women’s health. For those entering the life sciences field, I encourage you to take time to explore your interests, embrace change and the ability to adapt, and make the most of the connections and support that organizations like ISPE provide!”
Peter DiNatale, Northeastern University | Mechanical Engineering
“I am very grateful to be a recipient of the 2024 Joel Goldenberg Memorial Scholarship! This award will help me pursue my undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering, as I enter my 4th year at Northeastern University. As someone who has a strong interest in biotechnology, ISPE has taught me different ways I can leverage my skills as an engineer to contribute to advancements in this industry. Manufacturing and design skills hold tremendous potential for solving issues that relate to drug development, and being able to explore these challenges is extremely rewarding. I strongly encourage those entering the life sciences field is to embrace challenges with an open mind and always be willing to learn. I think it’s also important to take advantage of clubs, societies, and groups like IPSE that help you connect with and learn from others.”
Adelyn Fisher, Worcester Polytechnic Institute | Chemical Engineering major
“I am very honored to be a two-time recipient of the Joel Goldenberg Memorial scholarship. ISPE has provided me with great financial relief on my schooling expenses, as well as provided me with networking opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry. I will be able to graduate with my bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at WPI with minimal debt, which will allow me to concentrate on my career goals. After graduation, I plan to pursue a PhD in a biopharma-related field and hoping to perform research on autoimmune diseases. I understand the potential of modern pharmaceutical medicines and technologies to improve the lives of those with autoimmune conditions, and I am eager to contribute to advancing treatments or finding cures for these diseases. The pharmaceutical field offers ample opportunities to discover and pursue one’s passions. My best advice is to take advantage of opportunities ISPE offers like the Boston Product Show and conferences. Many successful professionals in the industry are enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge and are genuinely invested in helping students achieve their career goals.”
Megan Guros, Northeastern University | Biotechnology
“As I approach the completion of my bachelor’s degree and start my master’s classes as a Plus One student, I am incredibly grateful to be a two-time recipient of the Joel Goldenberg Memorial Scholarship. Thanks to the generous support of the ISPE Boston Chapter Scholarship Foundation, I no longer face the financial burden of my education, allowing me to concentrate on my studies and career goals fully. As a patient with a rare disease affected personally by pharmaceutical innovation, I aspire to make a difference in the lives of other patients in the same way my life has been improved. For those just starting their journey in the life sciences, remember that we share a mission to bring hope and healing to those in need. Know the profound impact your work can have. Every breakthrough advances science, transforms lives, and gives patients like myself new possibilities and hope. Pursue this path with passion and purpose.”
Adam Hakansson, Northeastern University | Bioengineering with a concentration in Molecular, Cell, & Tissue Engineering
“It’s been a great honor to receive the Joel Goldenberg Memorial Scholarship, and a big help in funding the homestretch of my Bachelor’s in Bioengineering as I look forward into pursuing a PhD. Overall I’ve had a great experience with the local ISPE chapter and my university chapter has been just as supportive and kind, and I’m very grateful for the financial support from ISPE on top of providing all these opportunities as I further my education. For those just starting with ISPE or breaking into the field, reach out and talk to people! There’s so much knowledge out there and so many people who are more than happy to tell you about it, and connections also can carry you a long way in the industry.”
Era Kalaja, Worcester Polytechnic Institute | Computer Science
“I am incredibly grateful to be a recipient of the 2024 Dan Rufo STEM Scholarship. This scholarship has significantly impacted my future by providing the financial support needed to focus more on my studies and professional development. With this assistance, I will pursue my passion for the intersection of research, innovation, and technology, particularly in applying computer science to solve complex problems.
To other young students pursuing STEM, I encourage you to stay curious and resilient. The challenges you face will shape you into a stronger person, and the breakthroughs you achieve will have a lasting impact on the world. Keep pushing forward!”
Andrew Medeiros, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth | Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology
“The Joel Goldenberg Scholarship will significantly ease the financial challenges that have limited my ability to perform at my best. With this award, I can devote more time to my research as I progress through my Accelerated Master’s Degree and deepen my passion for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. This scholarship brings me closer to my goal of becoming an exceptional candidate for future opportunities in the field of rare disease research.
To my fellow students aspiring to enter the pharmaceutical industry: stay focused, give 110% in everything you do, and never let anyone question your strong work ethic. It’s essential to not only be confident in the skills you’ve worked hard to develop but also to demonstrate your ability to communicate your ideas effectively.”
Ankitha Nagaraj Nayalk, Northeastern University | Regulatory Affairs
“I’m grateful and honored to receive the 2024 Joel Goldenberg Memorial Scholarship! As a master’s student in Regulatory Affairs at Northeastern University, this scholarship has been a huge relief for me. It’s taken the financial pressure off, which means I can really focus on my studies and get the most out of my education. Now, instead of worrying about how I’m going to cover tuition or other expenses, I can delve further into my passion for regulatory strategy, making sure that life-saving innovations reach the people who need them. To my fellow students who are just starting out in the life sciences field, I want you to know that this journey is as rewarding as it is challenging. There will be tough moments, but each one is an opportunity to learn and grow. It’s important to stay curious and keep pushing forward, even when things get tough. Don’t be afraid to reach out and connect with others, whether it’s classmates, professors, or professionals in the field. Building those relationships can open doors and give you the support you need. Every step you take in this field brings you closer to making a real impact on healthcare. Whether it’s through research, regulation, or any other role, your work has the potential to change lives. So, keep going, stay passionate, and believe in the difference you can make. You’ve got this!”
Ritu Pandey, Framingham State University | Biotechnology-Quality Assurance
“I’m incredibly grateful to receive the Joel Goldenberg Memorial Scholarship. It has significantly eased the financial burden for me as an international student, allowing me to fully focus on my studies. When I moved to Massachusetts and joined ISPE at the start of my master’s program, my goal was to make connections, find mentors, and secure a good job in the biotech industry. A year later, I’m proud to say that ISPE has helped me achieve all of that. I’ve met incredible people, found supportive mentors, and continue to grow in my studies. This scholarship has been more than just financial support; it’s a reminder that even as an international student with limitations, I am seen, supported, and capable of making meaningful strides in my career. For those just starting out, my advice is to embrace every opportunity with an open mind. The biotech industry is vast and constantly evolving—every role, no matter how small, plays a part in your growth. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from mentors who can help you navigate this complex field. Persistence is key, and every challenge you overcome brings you closer to your goals. Good luck!”
Violet Smiarowski, Worcester Polytechnic Institute | Chemical Engineering
“I am honored to be a recipient of the 2024 Joel Goldenberg Memorial Scholarship. This award is enormously impactful in allowing me to pursue graduate school without the financial strain. I am excited to be graduating this fall with my master’s degree in chemical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. I am grateful for all my education has allowed explore and I am looking forward to applying my learnings in the biopharmaceutical industry after graduation. For others entering the life science I encourage you to not be afraid to try new things, meet new people. Make an effort to never stop learning and stay updated with current innovations in the pharmaceutical industry.”
Padhmalakshmi Srinivasan, Northeastern University | Biotechnology
“Receiving the Joel Goldenberg Memorial Scholarship has been a transformative experience in my journey at Northeastern University, where I am pursuing an MS in Biotechnology. As an international student, managing the financial pressures of studying abroad has been challenging, and this scholarship has provided the crucial relief I needed. It has allowed me to shift my focus entirely toward my education and passion for cancer biology. The opportunity to engage in advanced research and hands-on training has been invaluable, and I am deeply grateful for the support that has made this possible. For those venturing into the life sciences, I encourage you to embrace every learning opportunity and remain dedicated, even when the path is difficult. The impact you can have on human health is incredibly rewarding. The support I’ve received from this scholarship and the ISPE Boston Area Chapter has not only eased my financial burden but has also opened doors for networking and professional growth. Take full advantage of the resources and connections available through organizations like ISPE; they can be pivotal in shaping your career. Remember, every step you take, no matter how small, has the potential to make a lasting difference in the world.”