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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

Biotech Major Wins ACS Overcoming Challenges Award


Congratulations to MCC Biotechnology major Susan Spencer (pictured below), the recipient of the 2005 Overcoming Challenges Award by the Women Chemists Committee of the American Chemical Society (ACS). Spencer received a plaque and monetary award at the ACS national meeting yesterday, Aug. 30 in Washington, D.C.

The award recognizes a female undergraduate currently enrolled in a two-year chemistry-related program or pursing a major or minor in a four-year chemistry program at a non-doctoral granting institution. In addition, Spencer was recognized for her overcoming hardships (economic, personal, and/or academic) in pursuit of her educational goals. The WCC evaluated applicants based on four categories: improvement, initiative, successes and grades from the previous two semesters.

Despite the demands of full-time work, raising her young daughter as a single parent, and a full course load, Spencer has excelled in the classroom as she works to complete her associate’s degree in Biotechnology. In addition to making the Dean’s List, other honors that she has received include the Thompson Family Scholarship (2004-2005) and the Thomas R. Kissel Memorial Scholarship (2005).  Upon completion of her A.S., she plans to transfer to RIT to earn B.S. and M.S. degrees in Biochemistry, to earn her science doctorate, and ultimately, pursue research in HIV/AIDS.

Within her nomination letter, Lydia Tien, Chemistry, said “From the first day, Ms. Spencer stood out in her class – she asks insightful questions that show thorough preparation, integration of ideas, and go beyond the typical freshman student’s understanding…. Her problem solving skills demonstrate a high level of reflection as she monitors her progress and evaluates the fruitfulness of what she is doing, why she is doing it, and how it fits into her conceptual understanding.”

Rosanna Condello
Public Affairs
08/31/2005