Real Experiences, Real Success
There’s no better way to learn about your program of interest than directly from recent graduates themselves. Meet some of our alumni and hear how their experiences at Montclair helped them elevate their journey to success!
Huma Booter: Chemistry (MS)
When Huma Booter was finishing her graduate degree in Chemistry at Montclair State University, she could have never predicted the profound impact her research would have—not just on her career, but on the lives of patients suffering from rare diseases. Today, as a Bioanalytical Specialist at Kyowa Kirin, Huma is part of a team developing treatments for conditions with no cure. Read the full story.
Geena Taite: Mathematics Education PhD
When Geena Taite walks into her high school math classroom at PCTI STEM Academy in Wayne, New Jersey, she’s not just a teacher—she’s a trailblazer. A newly minted PhD in Mathematics Education from Montclair State University, Geena has reshaped how mathematics is taught in her district and beyond. Her journey is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets opportunity. Read the full story.
Shih-Chieh Chien: Environmental Science and Management PhD
For Dr. Shih-Chieh Chien, pursuing a PhD was about turning a lifelong passion for the environment into meaningful action. Originally from Taiwan, Dr. Chien dreamed of becoming a teacher and making a difference in how we approach sustainability. Today, as an Assistant Professor of Biology at Wartburg College in Iowa, he credits Montclair State University’s PhD in Environmental Science and Management with giving him the tools to bring that dream to life. Read the full story.
Matt Goodman: Teaching Middle Grades Mathematics (MA) Online
Matt Goodman didn’t always know he wanted to teach mathematics. In fact, it wasn’t until his junior year of high school, when he sat in his precalculus teacher’s classroom, that he found his calling. “She was so motivating and taught the material so well that I started to really love the subject,” he recalls. “That was when I thought, ‘Maybe this is something I could do.’” Read the full story.
Jhoniel Santiago: Nursing (MSN) Online
For Jhoniel Santiago, becoming an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse was always the goal. However, as a full-time night shift nurse in a fast-paced Cardiothoracic Surgical Unit, he knew that continuing his education to advance in the field would be challenging without the right program. Read the full story.
Marc Stern: Data Science (MS)
At Spotify, Marc Stern is behind-the-scenes making sure songwriters get the royalties they deserve. “One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is knowing that my work contributes to songwriters getting what they’re owed,” he shares. By collaborating closely with legal and licensing teams, Marc plays a key role in ensuring the artists we listen to are compensated fairly. Read the full story.
Andrea Alvare: Public Health (MPH)
In communities across the nation, public health professionals are the often-unseen force working to safeguard the public’s health. From disease prevention to health education and equitable access to care, these professionals form a frontline defense that operates quietly but effectively. Andrea Alvare, an alumna of Montclair State University’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program, exemplifies this dedication. Read the full story.
Jacqueline Conte: Nutrition and Food Science (MS)
How Montclair’s Nutrition and Food Science MS helped Jacqueline Succeed at Givaudan
Lauren Offermann: Industrial/Organizational Psychology (PhD)
Certify your Expertise in Montclair’s Industrial/Organizational Psychology PhD Program
Tamara Ogle: Social Research and Analysis (MS)
Why Montclair’s Social Research MA Was the Perfect Fit for Tamara Ogle
Priscilla Ramos: Computer Science/Cybersecurity (Combined BS/MS)
Breaking into Fintech: Priscilla Ramos’ Path to a Cybersecurity Career
Kaitlyn Comesañas: Clinical Psychology (MA)
Kaitlyn Speaks on Enrolling with Ease
Amanda Moctezuma Barbosa: Cybersecurity (MS)
Amanda’s Path to Secure Funding to Focus on Cybersecurity Research
Kaurin Cuello: Higher Education (MA)
Kaurin Brings Engaging Recruitment Tactics from the Classroom to her Career
We want to hear from you!
Are you a graduate from a Montclair graduate program or certification program? We want to hear from you! We would love to showcase your graduate student experience in either written or video testimonial! Let us know you are interested by filling out our Graduate Student Testimonial Inquiry Form and we will connect with you to hear your story!