Angel Escalona, of Beverly, developed a passion for mathematics and science growing up in a small village in Venezuela. He was the first in his family to go to college, earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering from an important institution in his country. Now, he is an Engineering and Engineering Technology professor at Middlesex Community College.
“The main reason to work at MCC is to see how we can positively affect and improve students’ lives through education and knowledge,” Escalona said. “I see myself reflected in them because I shared a similar background to that of most of my students.”
After graduating from high school, Escalona moved to the U.S. for a year to study English, a skill he believes is valuable to working in engineering. He returned to Venezuela to work at car companies, including PSA Group and Ford Motors. These opportunities helped him gain relevant, hands-on experiences in the field, including working on processes and design equipment on the assembly floor.
Deciding to further his education, Escalona attended Merrimack College in North Andover where he studied and worked as a Teacher Assistant (TA). As a TA, he found helping struggling students to be a fulfilling experience, leading to his interest in teaching.
“When I came to teach here for the first time, it was just a job, but I quickly fell in love with the community, the students and my coworkers,” he said. “After one semester teaching, I decided to start my own business with my family and leave the position. Four years later, I decided to come back to teaching and MCC was my first option.”
In his return to teaching at MCC, Escalona is hoping to inspire his students with the combination of his experience, background and passion for science and knowledge. To the department, he wants to bring new ideas that will help continue to move the program forward. Escalona and the department’s focus remains on guiding students to success.
“The main reason to work at MCC is to see how we can positively affect and improve students’ lives through education and knowledge. I see myself reflected in them because I shared a similar background to that of most of my students.” - Angel Escalona, MCC Faculty
One project Escalona is working on is developing the Computer Aided Design (CAD) Learn and Earn Experience debuting in January 2024. The career integrated learning opportunity will allow students to work in a paid, full-time position in the field at a partner company while completing their associate degree at the same time. The curriculum and practical experience at Middlesex are developed to meet the needs of the company in which students are completing their internships.
Escalona believes students should come to MCC because of the “passionate, well-prepared” faculty and staff available to offer support. Because of the experiences he had during his own time in college, his goal is to “do everything possible to help you achieve your academic goals.”
“I feel very fortunate to have the privilege to teach at MCC,” he said. “My professors always made sure we had the opportunity to get the best possible education regardless of our background or our economic situation. For that reason, I like to work hard and be able to offer my students the tools they need to succeed regardless of their situation.”