Senior Success: Awardees Shine at NJIT's College of Science and Liberal Arts
Each spring around Commencement, NJIT’s College of Science and Liberal Arts holds its very own celebration, awarding its standout student and faculty stars from across the college’s diverse academic spectrum of art, history and humanities to physics, biology and chemistry.
Among CSLA’s award winners this year, several graduating seniors took home 2020 CSLA Outstanding Student Award honors. Here, they share their unique university experiences, successes and plans after receiving their special recognition.
Mary McGuinness ’20, B.S. in Chemistry
Where did you grow up and what led you to NJIT?
I grew up in Spring Lake Heights, N.J. I was drawn to NJIT because of its abundance of student resources and research opportunities. I also loved the community of STEM majors on campus.
What research/academic focus were you most involved in leading up to your 2020 CSLA Outstanding Student Award?
My research has been in environmental chemistry. On campus, I study the structural and optical transformations of soot aerosols in the atmosphere and their effect on the climate with Dr. Alexei Khalizov’s research group. I have also participated in an National Science Foundation-sponsored Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program at The College of William and Mary where I studied algal blooms in the York River, and discovered my love of fieldwork. A recent highlight for me this spring was earning a Crandall Fellowship, which is an annual $20,000 fellowship given in recognition of dedication to community service and diversity inclusion.
Plans after graduation?
I’m pursuing a master’s in oceanography at the University of Connecticut and studying the alkalinity of the Long Island Sound. Eventually, I hope to work for a governmental agency such as the EPA or NOAA to study and protect marine environments.
What will you take most from your time at NJIT?
I learned the importance of going outside your comfort zone. My mentors and advisers always encouraged me to try new things and “just go for it.” Their support gave me the confidence to participate in research, apply for competitive programs, aggressively seek out opportunities and become a leader on campus. Now, I know that if I ever feel uncomfortable or afraid, it means that something exciting is right around the corner.
Samar Azizighannad ’20, Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering
Where did you grow up and what led you to NJIT?
I was born and grew up in Tehran, Iran, and I finished my undergraduate degree there. I enrolled at NJIT in 2015 to pursue my master’s degree in the Materials Science and Engineering program. After starting to do research in Professor Somanth Mitra’s lab for my M.S. project, I realized there are so many skills that I want to learn. So, my journey as a Ph.D. student at NJIT started in 2016.
What research/academic focus were you most involved in leading up to your 2020 CSLA Outstanding Student Award?
My research is in graphene and other carbon-based nanomaterials, which has a wide range of applications from membrane and water filtration to electronics and batteries. We’ve been developing more efficient batteries and experimenting with a technique to alter graphene oxide and carbon nanotube hybrid properties. I’ve been able to present this work at the American Chemical Society National Meeting & Expo the past two years, and participate in several published studies during my Ph.D., most recently in the Journal of Nanoparticle Research.
Plans after graduation?
I am now exploring postdoctoral positions and research and development positions to find a perfect fit for the skills and knowledge I’ve gained at NJIT.
What will you take most from your time at NJIT?
I had a great opportunity by coming to NJIT to improve my research skills and I had the advantage of working in well-equipped NJIT labs under a great mentor and supervisor in professor Mitra. Beyond that, I learned every failure is a lesson that leads to success. I have also met wonderful people and have made great friends!
Alexis Telyczka ’20, B.A. Theatre Arts and Technology B.A. and B.S. Science, Technology and Society
Where did you grow up and what led you to NJIT?
I grew up in Somerset, N.J. I initially came to NJIT because of the amazing scholarship Albert Dorman Honors College provided me with, and once I arrived, I was quickly able to find not only one, but two majors that suited me!
What research/academic focus were you most involved in leading up to your 2020 CSLA Outstanding Student Award?
My senior-year STS thesis project focused on examining perceptions of gender performance amongst viewers and nonviewers of the HBO television show, Game of Thrones. It was a yearlong project that I worked on under the supervision of professors Dr. Gareth Edel and Dr. Maurie Cohen, and I’m really proud of how that turned out! I’ve also been involved in independent studies/projects in poetry with Dr. Burt Kimmelman, where I’ve created a short collection of original poems, as well as in dramaturgy and applied improvisation with my professor and mentor, Louis Wells.
Plans after graduation?
I’m now exploring job opportunities as well as master’s programs in the social sciences. I’m also considering programs where I could gain more hands-on experiences, such as teaching English abroad, pursuing social research projects and volunteering.
What will you take most from your time at NJIT?
The most important lesson NJIT has taught me is that I may not feel like I fit in everywhere I go, but no matter where I am, I can adapt and find spaces for myself that support the development of my strengths!
Angel Cruz, ’20 M.S. Professional and Technical Communications
Where did you grow up and what led you to NJIT?
I grew up, and lived, in Jersey City most of my life. I entered NJIT through the Educational Opportunity Program in 2008 and graduated with my B.S. in communications and media 2012. Now, I work at NJIT full time as the operations and media coordinator within NJIT’s Career Development Services (CDS). I started as their co-op student and moved toward full-time employment after graduation. This gave me the opportunity to pursue my master’s in professional and technical communications.
What research/academic focus were you most involved in leading up to your 2020 CSLA Outstanding Student Award?
Most of my coursework has been focused on information and visual design, as well as the role social media is playing within our lives. I'm able to transfer the knowledge I’ve gained into graphics, flyers and social media content that will better communicate CDS’s message for the university community.
Plans after graduation?
My most immediate goal is to apply what I have learned, through my studies, to aspects of my work. While the current pandemic might have changed our approach, it has not changed our goal to provide resources and services to NJIT students. I plan to continue expanding our resources and find new avenues for our future programs.
What will you take most from your time at NJIT?
I think my first interaction with my CDS adviser set my current career in motion, and now, I'm able to assist them and provide opportunities for students that put in the effort and utilize our resources. At NJIT, you will always find individuals willing to learn, teach and discuss issues with if you have the courage to reach out.
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