The goal of the Worcester/Central MA ASPIRE Regional Collaborative is to increase and support the success of students of color in our region by developing inclusive and diverse STEM faculty. This initiative builds upon several on-going collaborations among QCC, WSU, WPI, and Clark University fostered by the Central MA STEM Network (CMSN) Ecosystem. To complete the continuum of preparing PreK-12 teachers, 2-year faculty, and 4-year teaching faculty, this ASPIRE-RC focuses on building the capacity for 2-year faculty from underrepresented groups (URG) in STEM in the Worcester area.

Regional Collaboratives (RC) are networks of geographically related 2- and 4-year institutions. Currently there are ASPIRE regional collaboratives in California, Iowa, and Texas. In this model, institutions work together to share and develop programs and experiences that work towards two primary goals:

  1. Increase the number and diversity of the pool of graduate students and qualified professionals pursuing a teaching career in STEM at 2-year colleges;
  2. Expand and strengthen the skills of future, early-career and current STEM faculty to teach the diverse student population.

Current partners (and contacts):

Quinsigamond Community College (Adrienne Linnell)
Worcester State University (Daron Banard)
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Rory Flinn)

Teaching Training and Fellowship Program Overview

Your Title Goes Here

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

Fall 2022: Teacher Training and Cohort Building

  • Cohort experience beginning with orientation in late August 
  • Fundamentals of Scientific Teaching and Pedagogy course (WPI ID 527) 
  •  Fall each year, Grad Course, 3-5 PM Thursdays 
  • Teaching Workshops and other Professional Development offerings at each partner school 
  • optional conferences and workshops about teaching 
  • QCC Visit and Meet and Greet with QCC instructors and potential mentors 

Spring 2023: Mentored Teaching Experience

    • ASPIRE Fellows matched with QCC instructor mentors by January 
    • Shadowing of mentor teacher (e.g., course preparation, grading, office hours, etc.) 
    • Meetings with mentor to discuss teaching interests and practices 
    • ASPIRE Fellows give at least one guest lecture 

Spring 2024: Mentored Teaching Experience

    •  ASPIRE Fellows matched with QCC instructor mentors by January
    •  Shadowing of mentor teacher (e.g., course preparation, grading, office hours, etc.)
    • Meetings with mentor to discuss teaching interests and practices
    • ASPIRE Fellows give at least one guest lecture

ASPIRE Fellowship Program Components  

  • teaching training on pedagogy for effective STEM learning 
  • $500 Stipend for completion of Fall teaching training and $500 Stipend upon completion of Spring mentored experience 
  • Feedback on teaching (e.g., guest lecture) and potential letter of recommendation 
  • Opportunity to try out community college teaching and teaching overall 
  • Cohort of colleagues and support faculty/staff advancing inclusive STEM teaching  
  • Gain experience and professional network for teaching positions

Fellows Expectations

  • Meet with QCC mentor 1-2 times per month 
  • Fellows meet ups to reflect on, share experiences and feedback as a cohort 

Current ASPIRE Fellows Spring 2024

Talia Annese, Fellow

WSU

My name is Tallia E. Annese, currently I am an Adjunct Professor at Worcester State University (WSU) where I teach in the Biology and Chemistry departments. I was a 4+1 Combined BS/MS student at WSU in the Biotechnology program. Upon graduating with my Bachelor’s degree, I went on to start my thesis research, titled “Characterization of secreted compounds produced by the Blue Oyster mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus”. Secreted metabolites from Blue Oyster Mushrooms were collected and tested for antimicrobial effects, thus trying to test potential novel antibiotic compounds against common bacteria. After graduating with my Master’s degree in Biotechnology, I took a year to renovate an antique home with my parents. After some time off, I returned to WSU, as an Adjunct Professor. I am currently teaching Biology and Chemistry labs to students of all levels and majors.

Archana Mudbidri, Mentor

QCC Faculty

Archana Mudbidri is a Professor of Biology at Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester MA. In addition, she also oversees the Biotechnology program at QCC, as the coordinator.  She teaches a wide range of classes in biology at QCC, which include introductory biology for healthcare, introductory biology for biology majors, anatomy & physiology, microbiology for healthcare and microbiology for biology, biotechnology, pharmacy, and biomedical engineering majors and pathophysiology. She has a master’s and Ph.D. degree in microbiology from India.  

Januario Da Costa, Fellow

WPI

Januario Ribeiro da Costa hails from Viqueque, a quaint town in the eastern part of Timor-Leste. As the eldest of six siblings, Januario’s journey in academia led him to earn a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Chemical Engineering, encouraging his passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) since his undergraduate years. Presently, Januario is both a dedicated Research Assistant and a PhD student at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), where he contributes to solving global challenges through engineering innovations. Beyond his research, Januario harbors a deep passion for teaching, aiming to demystify the complexities of STEM subjects for his students. By employing relatable examples and visual models, he strives to make science accessible and exciting, inspiring the same enthusiasm for learning in his students as he possesses. 

Hirul Patel, Mentor

QCC Faculty

Professor Hirul Patel attributes her current role as a chemistry professor and coordinator to the foundational education she received at Quinsigamond Community College and Northeastern University. Proudly serving her QCC community, she is known for her approachability and leaves a lasting impact on aspiring chemists. Professor Patel employs innovative teaching methods, creating an inclusive atmosphere where students thrive. Recognized for her engaging lectures and supportive demeanor, she fosters a positive learning environment, shaping the academic pursuits of future chemists.

Elizabeth Diloreto, Fellow

WPI

Elizabeth DiLoreto is a fourth year PhD student at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in the Biology and Biotechnology Department. She researches neurobiology in the lab of Dr. Jagan Srinivasan. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Assumption University in Biology with a concentration in neuroscience in 2017. She is passionate about outreach and STEM education, actively working with WPI’s Pre-Collegiate Outreach Office to provide biology summer camps for high school students.

Shanna Cawley, Mentor

QCC Faculty

Shanna Cawley is a Professor of Biology. Prior to moving to higher education, Shanna spent 11 years working in the medical device and pharmaceutical industry helping companies comply with FDA requirements. She first fell in love with explaining science topics during her training to be an expert witness through her Medical Forensics degree program.  She has enjoyed transferring those skills to her role at QCC and using case studies as a way to help students connect with the material.

Chudwudi Ezeala, Fellow

WPI

Chukwudi is a graduate student in biotechnology at Worcester State University. He completed his undergraduate studies in biochemistry with a minor in microbiology at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. He has been focused on biomedical research since he completed his undergraduate program. Prior to his current study, he worked at Worcester Polytechnic Institute as a research fellow with sponsorships from the World Bank Centre of Excellence (Pan African Materials Institute grant) and the Worcester Polytechnic Institute Global Impact Fund. At Worcester Polytechnic Institute, he researched the application of nanotechnology in triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis and in laser hyperthermia for the treatment of localized breast cancer. His current research at Worcester State University is focused on developing a functional assay for monoclonal antibodies produced against specific targets of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). He also has experience teaching STEM courses to senior high school students and freshman college students. He loves to add value to biomedical research and STEM teaching.

Opeyemi Odewale, Mentor

QCC Faculty

Opeyemi Odewale is a Professor of Biology. His research interests are focused on the correlation between the impact of social networks and the health-seeking behavior of men. He authored a children’s book titled Cooties on Norma Flora’s Cookies follows a bicultural young girl’s exploration and discovery of microbes, which she affectionally refers to as cooties. He teaches a wide range of biology-related topics from entry-level Introductory Biology to Medical Microbiology.

Gidraf Ruo, Fellow

WPI

Gidraf Ruo is a Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduate with a Master’s in Mathematics for Educators. He also holds  a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and Mathematics (Education) from Kenyatta University– Kenya. Having taught Physics and Mathematics in various high schools in United States and internationally for many years, he joined the ASPIRE program to gain experience, skills and professional network for Community College teaching with a goal to become a college professor. Outside of classroom, he works with African Catholic community of Worcester and has been instrumental in spearheading education programs in the African Community and supporting needy students access education in his Native country, Kenya. He likes playing soccer, kayaking, camping, hiking in the woods and spending time with his family.

Andria Schwortz, Mentor

QCC Faculty

Dr. Andria Schwortz is the Coordinator of Physics and Astronomy, is a tenured full professor, and has been teaching at QCC since 2004.  Andria recently completed their PhD in Physics at the University of Wyoming, studying issues in equity and empowerment in post-secondary physics and astronomy students, and STEM teacher professional development. They are currently working on publishing an open source astronomy lab manual.

Solange Uwera, Fellow

WPI

Driven by a deep passion for understanding the convergence of climate change, health, place, and communities. My educational background includes pursuing a master’s degree in Community Climate Adaptation at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, (WPI), which complements my extensive seven years of work experience focusing on environmental issues, public health, sustainability, and adept program management. Prior to joining WPI, I completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Urban Development in Urban Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change Specialization at the Institute of Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS) at Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands.   I am interested in teaching and educating others in those critical areas. I actively volunteered with youth and women’s organizations, dedicated to fostering their leadership potential. These enriching experiences have honed my abilities in multicultural settings, fostering exceptional skills in communication, and cultivating strategic partnerships.

Anita Soracco, Mentor

QCC Faculty

Anita Soracco has been a professor at QCC for 14 years.  She is a graduate of WPI and began her career in industry as an environmental engineer.  Anita always aspired to teach at community college, because she believes in the mission of community colleges in higher education.  She began her teaching career as a Visiting Scholar at the Massachusetts Academy of Math & Sciences teaching Physics.  At QCC,  Anita co-advised the Women in STEM student group, developed a lab manual for the introductory physics courses and developed the environmental science transfer program at QCC, in 2016.  Most recently, Anita published an Op-ed with the Boston Globe on Climate Change Education.

ASPIRE Fellows 2022-2023

Spring 2024 ASPIRE-RC Program

Developing Inclusive and Diverse STEM Faculty

Six ASPIRE Fellows will be selected for the 2024 Spring program to learn and practice teaching diverse learners at a community college. Selected ASPIRE Fellows will receive a QCC faculty mentor and a $500 stipend/semester.

ASPIRE-RC held an information session for the spring 2024 program on December 1, 2023. Watch the recording below to learn about the ASPIRE mentored STEM faculty training program for teaching at community college.

Program Components:
– (free) Pedagogy course
– Monthly teaching workshops
– Teaching experiences

Who can apply?
– Graduate students and post docs
– STEM students from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply

QCC Faculty Panel

On October 28, 2021, we held a virtual event, Teaching to Shape the Future of STEM. Five QCC faculty shared their path, experiences, and advice about teaching at community colleges. Watch the recording below. See this flyer for more information on our speakers!

Resources