As the world seeks normalcy during this extended period of uncertainty caused by the pandemic, 艾米丽·麦基, a 2012 graduate of 坎伯兰 County College (CCC) — now Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) — is playing a significant role in helping to save lives. 麦基, a research microbiologist with a top pharmaceutical company located in southeastern Pennsylvania, is among a group of scientists 谁 perform comprehensive research on a wide array of emerging viruses – including the coronavirus.
“这是我这一行日常工作的一部分,麦基说。, 她也是罗文大学的校友. “I perform Microbiological Examination Testing on products including vaccines and antiviral medications. I make sure that the products are not contaminated with microorganisms and test storage conditions/shelf life to ensure that the products remain free of harmful bacteria and fungi after it leaves our manufacturing facilities."
麦吉在坎伯兰大学入学的时候, she initially selected STEM courses in the hopes of going into Radiology; however, “After my first Biology course, I was hooked," admitted the scientist. “Then when I got to Microbiology, I just knew it was the path I wanted to follow."
RCSJ微生物学助理教授. Mark Randa has fond memories of 麦基 and holds his former student in high regard. “艾米丽是一个非常专注的学生. 有她在班上是一种荣幸。. Randa说. “She was a mother, a wife, and a student all at the same time. 我的生物导论课上有艾米丽. She was the top student in the class and was always making connections."
麦基 enhanced her networking skill set on the 坎伯兰 campus, which ultimately led to positive results for the married mother of three and her classmates.
“在我上大学的第二年, I became a Supplemental Instructor for Biology I and Microbiology,麦基说。. “I was able to tutor my fellow students and at the same time reinforce my own knowledge of the subjects. I forged friendships with the students I helped, and we are still friends to this day."
麦基 is a fine illustration of a person exhibiting the essence of what it means to have a helping heart. The Pittsgrove resident did everything she could to put herself in a position to assist her fellow human beings in a time of need.
“我加入了志愿者小组, 报名参加试验, 并帮助传播最新的信息,麦基说。. “So, when our team took on the Covid projects, I was overjoyed. I felt like I could finally do something to make a difference and help save lives."
“My contributions pale in comparison to the chemists 谁 create the formulas for these life-saving vaccines and medications,她接着说, “but it's very fulfilling to know that I'm helping on a global scale."
Dr. Randa, 他也是麦基的微生物学教授, has enjoyed watching the upward progression of one of his prize students.
“能关注艾米丽的教育和职业发展真是太棒了. I constantly use her as an example to my current students – that you can start at community college, 转到四年制课程, 为社会做出有价值的贡献," Dr. Randa透露. “I am truly impressed with what Emily has been able to accomplish."
麦基, 谁, 有趣的是, 高中时我不太喜欢科学, is thankful for the experiences she had on the 坎伯兰 campus and credits the school for the successes she's attained as a research microbiologist.
“I wouldn't be where I am today if I did not start my college career out at CCC,麦基说。. “Going to the school gave me confidence and the small class sizes allowed me to truly engage in classes and with the professors.
“I learned so much at the College and I have carried that knowledge with me through my career."
For more information about Rowan College of South Jersey's STEM program, visit RCSJ.edu/STEM.
