Livia Fernandes is an alumna of Middlesex Community College’s biotechnology program. In the Fall of 2024, she returned to the college to teach in the program as an Assistant Professor. In her role, she can guide students on a similar path of success as her own. The following is her MCC story in her own words.

I was born in Brazil and moved to the United States in 2001. After finishing high school here, I was fortunate to meet incredible teachers who encouraged me to pursue a degree in science. At the time, my biggest fear was the language barrier – I wasn’t convinced that I had mastered English enough to succeed in college here in the U.S.

One of my former high school teachers recommended that I apply to Middlesex Community College and introduced me to several supportive staff members, which led to me starting at MCC as a biology major.

My journey in biotechnology truly began during my time at MCC, where Dr. Mariluci Bladon opened my eyes to the wide-ranging possibilities of an associate degree. I then switched my major from biology to biotechnology.

While completing my prerequisites for the associate in biotechnology, I was fortunate to intern at Biogen, which led to a full-time job. The flexible hours in the biotechnology program allowed me to continue working full-time while finishing my degree part-time.

The flexible class schedule and the knowledgeable, supportive professors were key factors that contributed to my success at Middlesex. This is still why I recommend MCC as the perfect place to start anyone’s academic journey.

"I was born in Brazil and moved to the United States in 2001. After finishing high school here, I was fortunate to meet incredible teachers who encouraged me to pursue a degree in science," - Livia Fernandes, MCC Faculty.

After graduating from the biotechnology program, I transferred to Boston University and earned my bachelor’s degree in biomedical and clinical laboratory sciences. Later, I pursued a master’s degree in bioscience administration from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI).

My foundational experience at MCC and throughout my academic journey has been crucial to my rewarding career, which has spanned over 10 years in the biopharma industry.

One of the highlights of my career was at Biogen Idec, where I applied my industry knowledge to develop curriculum modules on Ultrafiltration Operations, Chromatography Systems, and Aseptic Operations. This hands-on experience has shaped my teaching approach, allowing me to provide students with real-world insights and prepare them for industry-relevant challenges.

As a professor, I strive to foster interactive learning. I have incorporated practical labs and real-world case studies into my classes, which has led to positive feedback from students who report a deeper understanding of the material. I’ve also seen significant improvements in student performance, with many achieving higher grades and enhanced critical thinking skills.

MCC’s dedication to academic excellence and inclusivity strongly resonates with me. I’m particularly drawn to the biotechnology program's focus on hands-on learning and preparing students for success in the rapidly evolving biotech industry.

 I am eager to contribute to the college’s mission of empowering students to become productive and socially responsible members of the community. I am thrilled to join the biotechnology department at Middlesex Community College as an Assistant Professor.