Foundations of Success: A STEM Journey with 4Cs Student, Emily Pensak

By Chelsea Crowley | May 1, 2025

Meet Emily Pensak, a dedicated Biology major at Cape Cod Community College (4Cs) and a member of STEM Starter Academy (SSA), a program that supports current and prospective STEM students as they explore and pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

When Emily first started college, she was considering a career in physical therapy or psychology, but as she explored different fields, she found herself increasingly drawn toward environmental science and conservation, a passion that had been building for years.

"I like nature a lot," she explained, describing how growing up near the ocean sparked a deep appreciation for the environment. In high school, that love of nature evolved into a new academic interest. “I really liked my biology class early in high school, and my teacher recommended me for AP classes. Then I really liked my AP Environmental Science classes during my senior year," she added, calling it a formative experience that shaped her interests.

That path led her to biology, a major that felt like the right fit because of its wide-reaching applications and flexibility.

“I like that biology is broad, and I can go a lot of different directions with it," she said. "I'm still figuring out exactly what I want to do, and having a broad foundation gives me the space to explore different paths."

Along the way, Emily realized that not having a set plan from the beginning was perfectly okay, and that staying flexible often leads to new possibilities.

"I know everyone wants to have a plan, to pick their thing and say, 'This is what I'm going to do my whole life.' But I know my mind could change a bunch of times, and it already did," she shared.

That open-minded outlook made joining SSA a natural next step. Emily first heard about the program during a classroom visit by SSA Interim Director Mananjo Jonahson and STEM Success Coach Chelsea Crowley, who were promoting a site visit to the renowned Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, a global leader in marine science research open to all 4Cs STEM students. Seeing real-world STEM careers firsthand was eye-opening.

"It was really cool to actually see what people do as a career in STEM," she said, adding that the chance to visit labs and meet researchers deepened her enthusiasm and helped her envision her own path forward.

Following the trip, Emily joined SSA, gaining access to one-on-one Success Coaching, personalized support, skill-building workshops, and more career exploration opportunities. Support from faculty has also played a meaningful role in her journey.

"My biology professor recommended me to be a Supplemental Instructor [SI] next semester," she shared. This opportunity not only acknowledged Emily’s academic strengths but also allowed her to step into a leadership role, helping her peers as they work through STEM coursework of their own.

Looking ahead, Emily is excited to transfer to a four-year university to study biology and focus on conservation. She’s currently considering Bridgewater State University among others.

Her advice for students considering STEM? Focus on building a strong foundation early.

"Try not to take shortcuts. It makes things so much harder when you get to the next class that builds on the material from your intro courses. If you don’t really learn it the first time, you’ll get to the next level and realize you still don't know what's going on," she said.

Emily encourages students to take advantage of the many support systems available at 4Cs, from tutoring and study sessions with Supplemental Instructors or peers, to connecting with advisors or meeting with the STEM Starter Academy Success Coach for extra guidance.

"You’ll feel so much better if you’re actually prepared," she added. "It’s so important to really understand the material because it’s going to follow you.”

That mindset - grounded in preparation and persistence - continues to shape her academic journey and inspire those around her.

With her open mind, curiosity, and dedication, Emily Pensak is showing what’s possible, inspiring other students to pursue success and find their own path in STEM at Cape Cod Community College.