Joy

Joy's interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics began in middle school, but the terms “scientist” and “mathematician” were the extent of her understanding about a future career.

Then she got involved with robotics.

“I started in high school with the electrical team, moved on to sensors, then to operations – business, marketing, and outreach,” she said. “I had so much fun, built precious relationships with mentors and other students, and went through great experiences big and small.”

Her experience with the electrical team stuck with her, so she decided to pursue electrical engineering. Proximity and a wide variety of STEM programs lead her to Howard Community College (HCC).

At HCC, Joy excelled. She was accepted into the STEM Scholars program and built family-like relationships with several communities at the college, including the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) international honors society, Engineering Club/Society of Women Engineers, and Mixed Martial Arts Club. Her time at HCC culminated by becoming HCC’s Science, Engineering, and Technology Division’s Student of the Year.

Joy graduated in May, 2018 with an associate degree in engineering, with an emphasis on electrical engineering. She spent the summer completing an internship on campus and then transferred to the University of Maryland, College Park to continue her studies in electrical engineering.

She says HCC has helped her grow in many ways.

“I got more confident, I have a lot of support, I can see what I want to do in my life, I can define who I am a little better, and I feel more prepared.”

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