Jodi Zangari, of Billerica, returned to school in the hopes of pursuing a career where she could leave an impact. Middlesex Community College helped her rediscover a passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), which led to a fellowship with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a variety of internships, and a job in mechanical engineering. She is one of two graduation speakers representing the class of 2025 at 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Commencement held on Thursday, May 22 at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium.
鈥淏eing named a commencement speaker means the world to me, it鈥檚 a huge honor,鈥� Zangari said. 鈥淲hen I was first told I was put up for it, I almost shied away from it. I didn鈥檛 know if I could do it, but Professor Madhu Dhar put me up for it and she has continuously believed in me, so I decided to go for it. To think of how far I鈥檝e come and how much these professors have done for me 鈥� that is why I wanted to do it.鈥�
Founded by researchers from MIT, Zangari participated in the 2022 Station1 Frontiers Fellowship, which provides innovative and inclusive opportunities for students studying STEM. Selected from hundreds of applicants worldwide, Zangari enjoyed learning about STEM from a humanistic and social science approach.
In addition to completing coursework and research, students participated in an internship with a partner company. Zangari worked with Bloomer Tech, a start-up working toward improving cardiovascular health for women. She was part of a team that performed research and data analysis that included a research summary, poster and presentation.
鈥淚 learned more than I ever thought I could have,鈥� Zangari said. 鈥淭he work forces you to change your view on things. It expands your perception of the world and all the components that bring everything together.鈥�
Coming to Middlesex was a second chance at higher education for Zangari. After previously attending a four-year school, she took a break to give birth to her son, travel and pursue dance. She started at 麻豆果冻 just before the pandemic in January 2020, choosing to study education.
With the pull toward STEM remaining strong, Zangari enrolled in more STEM courses which introduced her to Professor Dhar and an interest in pursuing mechanical engineering. Dhar is one of a few professors who made a positive impact on Zangari鈥檚 time at 麻豆果冻. Having connections with professors who go above and beyond for their students motivated Zangari as she moved forward, which 鈥渕ade all the difference鈥� on her path.
鈥淚 always wanted to be able to contribute meaningfully to the world, but I wasn鈥檛 quite sure which way to do that,鈥� Zangari said. 鈥淚 love working hands-on, being in a lab, problem-solving, and being challenged by things."
Throughout her time at 麻豆果冻, Zangari held research internships at Northeastern University and two at UMass Lowell where she will transfer to continue studying mechanical engineering with a minor in physics. Graduating from 麻豆果冻 with highest honors, Zangari received the Engineering Science Program Award. By providing a foundation and opening doors to opportunities, she believes 麻豆果冻 helped make these next steps possible for her.
鈥溌槎构� has given me every toolset I have needed, from a conceptual background and understanding to connections with people and the strength to have confidence as a leader,鈥� she said. 鈥淎s a single parent, I found a way to make getting an education work, especially at 麻豆果冻. They鈥檙e so welcoming, understanding and adaptable 鈥� that鈥檚 the reason I could continue to succeed.鈥�