Women's History Month: STEM & Pi Day by Alessandro Villarreal

As the week came to an end and everyone longed for the Spring Break, STEM Success coaches Kathleen Vancheri and Russell Gambino in collaboration with SGA hosted an event to celebrate Pi Day and Women History Month. This event, held this past Thursday at the Student Lounge behind the Gym, aimed to encourage students to socialize, unwind, and hear from a fellow PCCC graduate, who shared her journey in STEM, offered advice on overcoming challenges as an immigrant, and inspired students to pursue their goals with determination.

SGA President Tiffany N. Guerrero serving pizza to incoming students

While students arrived looking to take a break from their busy day, SGA members were ready, waiting by a table that offered some merch, STEM-themed stickers and food, including a variety of cookies, pies, snacks, soda and pizza.

"I'm really enjoying the event, it wouldn't have been possible without the support of SGA, I hope we can do more collaborations with them in the future." said Alissa Morton, a STEM mentor and student. "Also, the pastries and cookies were really good, I'm looking forward to more of them too."

Pizza: round by design, delivered in a square box, and shared in triangular slices—food for thought

Shortly after students finished eating , SGA member Venus John had prepared a Kahoot Trivia with questions related to Pi, STEM and historical women figures. A funny moment took place as the mysterious winner of the Kahoot game, under the alias "Archimedes", who had an almost perfect score, turned out to be STEM TRACS Director Patrick McQuillan.

He ceded his place so another student could earn a prize in a moment most students will definitely remember.

SGA member Venus John along the Kahoot Trivia finalists and the winner Alissa Morton

After this, the next game was a Pi Recitation Contest. Last year's Pi Recitation Winner Ariel Molina, came back to host the game, the winner PTK college project chair Gabriel Betancour recited 18 digits of the Pi number.  Among the prizes for this and the previous game, there were pizza-themed blankets, calculators, and Pi-themed shirts and tote bags.

PTK Vice President Ariel Molina along the Pi recitation contest finalist and the Winner Gabriel Betancur

At last the centerpiece of the event was guest speaker Keila Villanueva, who joined remotely to share her experiences after graduating from PCCC. Keila, a chemistry graduate from Rutgers Newark, recalled how the support of the STEM department and her professors helped her overcome the challenges of adapting to a new academic environment. As an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, she explained that without the guidance and mentorship provided at PCCC, she would have struggled to find her path.

Now working as a QC assistant chemist at a cosmetic product lab, Keila reflected on her journey and the role her passion for chemistry has played in her career. She shared how her love for the subject, along with her satisfaction in following procedures and using specialized instruments, feels natural to her, as she comes from a family that shares a deep appreciation for science.

Guest Speaker Keila Villanueva inspiring the next generation of PCCC alumni

Keila also recalled her time as a STEM tutor at PCCC, where she helped others while improving her own skills. She states that the support received at PCCC set her on the right path, despite the difficulties of transferring to Rutgers during the COVID pandemic as the preparation and connections compensated for the low general involvement there was during that period.

Offering advice to students interested in STEM careers, Keila stressed that despite the challenges of a STEM major; determination, collaborative study will lead to long-term rewards. She highlighted that the STEM department’s support extended beyond academics—helping her and her sister navigate their journeys. Her sister is graduating in biomedical engineering from NJIT and has received an offer from a biomedical engineering company in Minnesota.

Before leaving, Keila encouraged students to never stop asking questions and take advantage of the resources at PCCC. As the event came to an end, STEM success coach Kathleen Vancheri announced that the STEM department in E210 will remain open during Spring Break, continuing to provide the critical resources and connections that paved Keila's way to success.

For more information, head to E210 any weekday between 8 and 5pm or email rrgambino@pccc.edu/knvancheri@pccc.edu.

Schedule of remaining events