Words of Wisdom from the 2023 Scholarship Winners

The ISPE Boston Chapter Scholarship Foundation is proud to award a total of $40,000 in scholarships to the winners of the 2023 Joel Goldenberg Memorial Scholarship. What an amazing way to help students with their financial burdens as they pursue academic excellence; preparing for their exciting futures in the pharmaceutical / life sciences industry!

Congratulations to our 2023 winners! We wish them endless success and good fortune in the years ahead! 

Cameron Carlin, Worcester Polytechnic Institute – Chemical Engineering

“I am honored to be a recipient of the 2023 Joel Goldenberg Memorial Scholarship. Winning this award relieves some of my financial burden and allows me to focus more on my academics. This year I will be graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering at WPI and plan to pursue my Master’s degree after that. I encourage others entering the life sciences field to make connections and continue to learn. There are so many opportunities in this industry, so explore your passions and seize new opportunities.”

Attrayee Chakraborty, Northeastern University – MS in Regulatory Affairs

“I am deeply honored to have been selected for the Joel Goldenberg Memorial Scholarship! Typically, I work throughout the semester to earn money that can go towards my college expenses. As an international student pursuing a career in regulatory affairs, this scholarship will allow me to graduate debt-free and focus more on my career goals. I am thrilled about continuing my contributions to the pharmaceutical and medical device industry and love my work: instilling quality in the culture of every organization I work with!

In my journey of earning a Master’s degree in Regulatory Affairs and having worked with medical device companies, I have never felt more enthusiastic about being part of the process of launching products globally that enhance patient health. I am truly grateful for the opportunities I have been given thus far, and I am determined to become an expert in my field of quality engineering and regulatory affairs.

To those working in the medical device and pharmaceutical fields, it’s important to recognize that your skills hold tremendous value—particularly at the intersection of different technologies. The rewards of working in a field where your contributions can reshape the landscape of healthcare are immeasurable!”

Adelyn Fisher, Worcester Polytechnic Institute – Chemical Engineering

“I am a junior in chemical engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. I am planning on pursuing a PhD in chemical engineering after graduation and hoping to do pharmaceutical research on autoimmune diseases. I appreciate the financial help I have received through the Joel Goldenberg Memorial Scholarship, as it takes some stress off of school expenses so I can focus on academics. ISPE has been very helpful in providing support, especially for making connections in the pharmaceutical industry. My advice is to take advantage of what ISPE has to offer, like the Boston Product Show and conferences. They are great opportunities to find connections, and to find out what pharmaceutical companies are currently developing.”

Megan Guros, Northeastern University – Biotechnology

“Receiving the 2023 Joel Goldenberg Memorial Scholarship has provided necessary financial relief while affirming my dedication to biotechnology. My personal narrative , marked by medical challenges, has served as a testament to the wonders of medical advancements. Living with a disability due to the diagnosis of Common Variable Immunodeficiency, a rare disease, has given me firsthand experience as to how longevity and quality of life are improved with advancements in pharmaceutical science. Not only did advancements in pharmaceutical science defy the odds set against me, but they also illuminated the path toward my purpose. The power of pharmaceutical technology, which dramatically enhanced my quality of life, has become a cornerstone of my academic and professional aspirations. My story emphasizes the marvels of medical breakthroughs. New advancements, including the progression of cell and gene therapies, have provided hope and, in some cases, treatment for previously hopeless diseases. My personal experience has inspired my commitment to the field and accentuated the pivotal role of pharmaceuticals in changing lives. So, to all burgeoning life science enthusiasts, let my story be a testament: The challenges we face and overcome only add to our resilience. Each effort you pour into this field could be the lifeline someone else needs. Dive into this field with a purpose-driven heart and remember that every small contribution you make might touch countless lives.”

Marissa Lemus-Reynoso, Northeastern University – Biotechnology

“As an immigrant juggling family responsibilities, the pursuit of higher education often appeared as a distant aspiration, occasionally feeling just out of reach. My academic journey as a student has been undeniably challenging, marked by financial constraints and numerous other hurdles. The 2023 Joel Goldenberg Memorial Scholarship award has surfaced as a pivotal source of financial support, alleviating a significant portion of the burden, and granting me the opportunity to enthusiastically follow my passion for science. I am profoundly grateful of the ISPE Boston Area Chapter and ISPE Boston Foundation for providing vital support to my educational aspirations. This scholarship has become the foundation that enables me to continue my quest for quality education as a master’s student at Northeastern University, specializing in the field of Biotechnology.

The challenges I’ve faced have contributed to forging my resilience and determination. To those venturing into the life sciences field, I encourage you to recognize that your distinctive journey and background can serve as your most potent assets. Allow the obstacles you encounter to sway your determination, permit your passion to guide your path, and embrace challenges as steppingstones towards personal and professional growth. In the realm of life sciences, every challenge met is an opportunity for further advancement.”

Zackary Walton, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth – Biomedical Engineering & Biotechnology

“I am truly thankful to have received this scholarship and for the recognition that comes with it. This award will be beneficial for planning my fall and spring semester financials, as well as helping my local ISPE chapter through scholarship and education. My plans to pursue my master’s in biomedical engineering have been a major driver in my career and social choices over the last few years and I can say that I am fortunate enough to be able to pursue said degree at my institution with the help of this award. With my plans to enter the biotech industry doing work or research into gene therapies or metabolic engineering, this award has been a massive source of encouragement for me to pursue work with the pharmaceutical community to help advance medicine and medical research. If I could give any advice to students seeking similar experiences or opportunities in life sciences, I would tell them to always be truthful to themselves and work hard for what they want in life, not what others want for them. Your ambitions can bring you to extraordinary places, don’t give up when times are hard because it is immensely rewarding to achieve your goals.”

Jillian Wilson, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth – Biomedical Engineering & Biotechnology

“Receiving the Joel Goldenberg Memorial Scholarship has been an enormous help to me in my academic and future careers and I am very grateful and honored to be a recipient! This scholarship is helping to relieve the financial burden of my degree and allowing me to focus on my Master’s work in biomedical engineering and biotechnology. I am now able to focus more on my Master’s thesis and classes without having to worry about working throughout the semester. I am also able to devote more time to networking and making connections to assist me as I prepare to enter the biopharmaceutical industry. Some words of encouragement I have for others entering the life sciences field are to get involved on campus and to take advantage of the opportunities that are presented. Getting involved in clubs or societies, like ISPE, are very important because they allow students to get to know each other, learn more about recent advancements in the field, and network to form connections with people in the industry. This will also give students opportunities to go to social, or networking, events that could help them in their future careers. In addition, they could be exposed to new research opportunities that will help to expand their knowledge in the field and give them more confidence in themselves and in their skills. This advice has helped me throughout my academic career, and I hope that it can help future students as well!”

As the charitable giving arm of the ISPE Boston Area Chapter, the Foundation is proud to be able to offer financial support to our local talented students and career professionals in the life sciences industry. We find that those who seek out peers/colleagues and learn to network with others at an ISPE Boston Educational Program or Social Event are very well-equipped for a successful future. We encourage you to join the ISPE Student Chapter nearest you to start making valuable connections today! If you have questions or need more information on anything, you may contact us by phone at 781-327-5121 or via email at office@ispebcsf.org.

**Scholarship applications are accepted from graduating high school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students, and professionals currently working in the life sciences industry looking to pursue higher education in STEM fields.**

For more information about the Scholarship Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.ispebcsf.org or contact the Foundation office via email at office@ispebcsf.org or by phone (781) 327-5121.