Dr. Johnathan D. Culpepper
Graduation Year:
Major(s): Environmental Science and Chemistry
Minor: Mathematics, English, and Art
Hometown: Trinidad and Tobago, and Brooklyn NYC
Current Professional Title: Materials Development Scientist
Name of Employer: Corning Incorporated
Why did you choose to attend Medgar Evers College?
I chose to attend Medgar Evers College for several reasons. I sought after a campus culture that I identified with since I am from the Caribbean and an institution with a standard for academic excellence. Furthermore, I chose MEC to explore interdisciplinary studies, play NCCA Basketball and grow as a visual artist.
What is one of your favorite memories, classes, professors, or activities while attending MEC?
Some of my favorite memories at MEC were playing every sport our college participated in Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, and Track and Field. Here, I competed regionally at a high level within each sport, while being able to have the freedom as a student to conduct research that was the inception of my confidence as an independent researcher. Moreover, I had the opportunity to design several fashion show set designs, illustrate the front cover of a Pearson publication limited edition art history textbook cover.
How has your education at Medgar Evers College influenced or helped you in your life and career?
Today, I am a practicing chemist and engineer. The training I received in Mathematics, Speech, English Writing, and the sciences, such as chemistry in research and laboratory safety and best practices, have all provided a foundation I built upon in graduate studies and currently in my professional career.
What are one or two of your proudest professional or personal accomplishments that occurred after graduating from MEC in which your education played a role?
Being awarded the prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, the National GEM Consortium Graduate Fellowship, achieving both a master’s degree with a thesis in Civil and Environmental Engineering and a Ph.D. degree with a focus in Inorganic Chemistry all within seven years while being a husband and a father.
What piece of professional advice would you give your fellow MEC alumni and current students?
Never hesitate to craft S.M.A.R.T (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based) short-term and long-term goals in your personal and professional lives. Don’t stop there. Always do your research to know exactly what it takes to get from one position to the next, and then as you strive towards your goals, reflect, and re-strategize. Make this an intentional yet iterative process. Moreover, never forget to help someone else along the way!
