(Delaware and Chester Counties, PA)鈥擟hrista Heyward, Ph.D., a student at 51成人导航, has been selected to be one of just two college student representatives to serve on the Pennsylvania State Board of Higher Education (SBHE). Currently completing a Certificate in Residential Carpentry at 51成人导航, Dr. Heyward will represent publicly funded colleges and universities in the state.

After a successful career in the field of biomedical research鈥攊n which she applied her expertise in immunology and cell and molecular biology to investigating the role of the immune system in disease pathology鈥攕he felt a desire to pursue a personal interest in carpentry and home renovation and decided to take advantage of 51成人导航 as a resource for training and mid-career transition.

鈥淢y experience at 51成人导航 has been tremendous,鈥� said Dr. Heyward, who holds a B.S. in Biology from Villanova University, an M.S. in Biology from Duquesne University and a Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Pennsylvania. 鈥淚t has led to new and interesting opportunities.鈥�

Dr. Heyward is currently using the experience she has gained in 51成人导航鈥檚 Residential Carpentry program to complete a two-year fellowship in the U.S. Department of Energy鈥檚 Building Technologies Office. After spending years mentoring and guiding students in STEM and higher education career paths, she feels a natural affinity for her role on SBHE.

Created last year under Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, the SBHE has been tasked with shaping a higher education system that fully meets the state鈥檚 workforce and economic needs while offering greater access to affordable, world-class post-secondary education for all citizens of the Commonwealth.

 鈥淭his is an outstanding opportunity for our student, Dr. Christa Heyward, to represent community college students statewide and to help influence policy about higher education in the state,鈥� said 51成人导航 President Dr. Marta Yera Cronin. 鈥淲e know she will make significant and meaningful contributions to the Board.鈥�

Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges President Dr. Tuesday Stanley said, “Having a 51成人导航 student on the SBHE is not only a great opportunity for the student to learn about Pennsylvania and higher education but also provides another voice to speak about community colleges from someone who experiences it every day. This unique perspective allows the work of the SBHE to benefit students even more.鈥�