Students Prepare to Make an Impact With Degrees in Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Stevens’ innovative Career Pathways program combines academic studies, research, internships and support to help students create and achieve their chosen career
The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Stevens Institute of Technology is paving the way for students to pursue rewarding careers that make a meaningful difference.
Through rigorous academics, hands-on research and individualized guidance, the program is preparing students to excel in diverse fields.
"The department is uniquely positioned to launch students into so many dream career areas including pharmaceuticals, product development, biotechnology, teaching, healthcare, medicine and environmental," said Patricia Anne Muisener, teaching professor and associate chair for undergraduate studies, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology. "These students are making an impact, and we are proud of all they have accomplished. The opportunity to work with current students and alumni and foster connections and careers is a special part of our role on campus."
Here’s a look at how Stevens is helping Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology students build their portfolios and shape their career paths to achieve their goals.
Forging new paths in consumer packaged goods product development
Laura Masciola credits the department for helping her discover her passion for consumer packaged goods (CPG) and biopharmaceutical research.
Her original career path involved cosmetics or academia, but through two internships— researching surfactants for Lysol products with Reckitt, and developing gummy vitamins with Nestle Health Science—she became fascinated with CPG research and development. Now she envisions herself creating products that improve lives.
"It’s important to keep an open mind," she noted. "There are so many career paths in chemistry and chemical biology. Don't be afraid to make your own career path."
She’s honing her lab and problem-solving skills through her master’s research, which involves building and modeling organic molecules and compounds with Sunil Paliwal, teaching associate professor.
"At the core of chemistry and chemical biology is critical thinking," she said. "While you need basic knowledge, you also have to be able to apply that knowledge and deeply think about a problem you're presented with in the real world."
Putting quality experiences and research at the center
Growing up in South Africa, Makeera Pillay planned to become a doctor. However, her experiences at Stevens drew her to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, where her passion for chemistry and biology could intersect to create real-world health solutions, particularly through drug design and synthesis.
Her coursework has supported her deep understanding of molecular biology and organic chemistry and exposed her to career opportunities such as gene therapy, forensic science and medicinal chemistry. Working with Sesha Alluri, senior lecturer, since 2023, Pillay has also been gaining problem-solving experience with advanced lab equipment as she helped develop novel antibiotics to combat resistant bacteria. Now, for her Senior Design project, she’s researching more stable and effective synthetic forms of curcumin for therapeutic uses.
The Stevens Career Center has connected her with relevant internships, strengthened her resume and bolstered her confidence.
"Research allows you to apply learnings to real-world problems, explore your interests and gain invaluable practical skills," she said. "Experiences and opportunities outside the lab and class open the doors to learning important soft skills and making lasting friendships."
After graduation, Pillay plans to pursue her master’s degree in chemical biology through the Accelerated Master’s Program, then gain industry experience in quality assurance, control or investigations.
Preparing to practice practical medicine
Michael Greenberg’s journey to becoming a physician began with his passion for biology and understanding the human body—and grew through the rigorous academic and research experiences he has pursued at Stevens through the seven-year accelerated Chemical Biology Rutgers New Jersey Medical School B.S./M.D. pathway.
Greenberg has appreciated working with Marcin Iwanicki, assistant professor, and Daniel Centeno Ph.D. ‘24, studying the effects of amino acids on cancer cells through the Pinnacle Scholars summer research program and his Senior Design project.
"Gaining practical lab skills and learning about the mechanisms behind ovarian cancer connected me to the scientific and medical communities and strengthened my devotion to practicing medicine," Greenberg said. "It prepared me to tackle complex real-world problems and reinforced my commitment to evidence-based medicine, where validated research guides clinical practice."
He also values the graduate student seminars; career guidance from dedicated faculty including Muisener; and the lasting friendships, support and welcome he finds throughout the department.
Greenberg encourages other students to pursue their interests at Stevens.
"The scientific community may seem a little intimidating," he noted, "but it is full of people who love to learn and share what they know. It’s OK if you don't know about a topic. If you're interested, just ask!"
Applying critical thinking skills in drug development
Angie Ruiz initially planned to major in literature, then switched to biology. However, her first-semester chemistry and career pathways courses at Stevens illuminated a stronger passion: chemical biology.
"My family has been affected by the side effects of antidepressants," Ruiz said. "I visualized myself working in a medicinal chemistry lab, solving the problems my family faced. But here at Stevens, I realized the broader opportunities a chemistry degree could offer."
Volunteering in the Synthetic Organic and Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory at Stevens confirmed that a research-heavy career wasn’t the right fit. Now, she’s exploring drug development and gaining team-building and communication skills through machine-learning research. Attending the Women in Chemistry conference at Bristol Myers Squibb expanded her network, helping her refine her resume and elevator pitch. A summer internship with Richman Chemical deepened her interest in project management and expanded her business connections.
Ruiz advises fellow students to explore their options. "Attend seminars and engage with alumni panels," she said. "Chemistry and chemical biology offer so many career paths beyond medical school and R and D."
Taking her own advice, Ruiz will study abroad in Japan in spring 2025 before applying to Stevens’ Accelerated Master’s Program, aiming to be the first in her family to earn a master’s degree.