Middlesex Community College is excited to announce Dr. Adrianna De La Torre as the new Program Coordinator for the STEM Starter Academy (SSA). Prior to working at MCC, De La Torre worked in life sciences consulting. Realizing a passion for higher education, she came to Middlesex to provide support and mentorship for students studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
“I’m very excited to help students navigate their academic journeys, build confidence, and pursue their goals,” De La Torre said. “With my STEM background and experience in both academia and the life sciences industry, my goal is to connect students with resources and career exploration opportunities.”
From California, De La Torre earned a bachelor’s degree in psychobiology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Continuing at Dartmouth College, she earned a Ph.D. in biochemistry and cell biology. During both academic experiences, she was involved in programs similar to MCC’s SSA, which offered her access to a clear pathway, resources, and the confidence she needed to pursue STEM.
In her undergraduate program, De La Torre learned the value of collaborating with a cohort of peers and networking with current professionals. At her graduate school, she was involved in a program supporting underserved students in STEM. As a student mentor, De La Torre helped design initiatives to foster academic and professional growth and community-building.
“As a first-generation college student, I didn’t even know what a Ph.D. was,” she said. “I just knew I loved science but didn’t envision myself being in the medical or dental field. That early support helped me imagine new possibilities and gain confidence to persist in STEM, and I hope to do the same for SSA students.”
After graduating, De La Torre learned more about the biotech and pharmaceutical industries in her consulting role. She also worked for the nonprofit BioBus New England where she visited Massachusetts schools to make education accessible and fun for young learners. In her position at Middlesex, she plans to share what she learned from these experiences with her SSA students to prepare them to be more successful in the workforce.
“I wanted to work at a community college because it offers the opportunity to support students at a pivotal stage in their academic and personal journey,” De La Torre said. “SSA is incredibly valuable – especially in an area like Boston – which is a hub for biotech and pharma.”
An initiative of the Mass. Department of Education, SSA began in 2013 through the leadership of Former Speaker of the House Robert A. DeLeo and support from Mass. legislature. In partnership with the Mass. community college system, SSA recruits, readies, retains and graduates students earning STEM certificates and degrees who go on to transfer to four-year schools and enter the workforce.
At MCC, De La Torre wants to help students stay on track, find a sense of belonging, and succeed in STEM fields. This includes through the Pathfinders Program – opportunities within SSA providing one-on-one coaching, scholarships, networking events, and a cohort of STEM and health sciences students. Through mentorship, resources and hands-on experiences, De La Torre believes MCC’s SSA program prepares students for success in both higher education and the workforce.
“I’m most looking forward to continuing building a strong, supportive community among SSA students,” she said. “Being the first in my family to pursue a STEM career, I know how important it is to have a reliable support network. Having mentors and peers who understand what you’re going through makes a huge difference.”