Hudson County Community College Hosts Inspiring Women in STEM Discussion Featuring Dr. Nadia Dob

March 14, 2025

HCCC Celebrates Women’s History Month by Showcasing Successful Women Working in STEM Careers.


March 14, 2025, Jersey City, NJ
– To honor Women’s History Month, Hudson County Community College’s (HCCC) School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) hosted a Women in STEM Discussion featuring distinguished alumna Dr. Nadia Dob. The event celebrated women’s achievements in STEM and aimed to inspire the next generation—making Dr. Dob a perfect role model for the occasion.

The well-attended event, sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the American Chemical Society, the President’s Advisory Council on Institutional Engagement and Excellence, and Girls Who Code, welcomed 125 in-person and virtual attendees.

Dr. Nadia Dob pictured with members of HCCC’s faculty.

Dr. Nadia Dob pictured with members of HCCC’s faculty. Dr. Dob delivered an inspiring message to a full house at HCCC’s Women in STEM Discussion.

An HCCC alumna, Dr. Dob shared her remarkable journey from Algiers, Algeria, to earning her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Rutgers University’s Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, and currently completing her residency at Virtua Health on her way to becoming a clinical pharmacist.

Dr. Dob’s path to success began when she enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses at HCCC after emigrating to the United States. Despite the challenges of learning English as her third language—after French and Arabic—her passion for science and dedication to education propelled her forward. She earned an associate degree in Biology from HCCC, laying the foundation for her transfer to Rutgers University. In May 2024, she reached a major milestone by obtaining her Doctor of Pharmacy degree. According to Professor Raffi Manjikian, who coordinated the event, “It was inspirational for HCCC students to see one of their own come back to tell her story, discuss the challenges she overcame, and show them that they, too, can succeed in STEM careers.”

Dr. Dob offered valuable advice to current HCCC students, emphasizing the importance of utilizing available resources, engaging in mentorship and leadership opportunities, and building relationships with professors. She highlighted the necessity of perseverance, stating that success in STEM requires sacrifices, but that the reward of a fulfilling career is worth it in the end.

Reflecting on her budding career, Dr. Dob expressed her passion for helping others, stating that, to her, the most rewarding aspects of being a pharmacist are when patients thank her and when she sees her patients get better.

Dr. Dob is not satisfied with stopping here. She hopes to pursue a second year of residency with a focus on oncology. She is passionate about optimizing chemotherapy management and alleviating treatment side effects to ensure the highest standard of patient care.

Dr. Burl Yearwood, Dean of HCCC’s School of STEM, emphasized the importance of inspiring more women to participate in STEM. He stated, “Encouraging and supporting women in STEM is essential for fostering innovation, promoting equality, and driving progress in science and technology. Women bring unique perspectives and experiences that can lead to innovative solutions. Diversity in thought is crucial for tackling complex problems, developing unique solutions, and advancing knowledge. An often overlooked advantage is the economic impact. Increasing women's participation in STEM can boost economic growth. Women represent a significant portion of the talent pool, and their inclusion in STEM fields can help meet the growing demand for skilled workers.”

HCCC President Dr. Reber added, “Dr. Dob is an excellent role model for women pursuing STEM degrees and for all students. By showcasing inspiring role models like Dr. Nadia Dob at events such as the Women in STEM Discussion, HCCC reaffirms its commitment to empowering the next generation of students.”