Suhaily Penix received her Molecular and Cellular Biology doctorate at Brandeis University in 2024. Accomplished in the sciences, Suhaily has received many awards and recognitions, including being named one of the 29 Who Shine by the Department of Higher Education, which recognizes the best students from the 29 state universities and colleges. She graduated from Mass Bay Community College with a GPA of 3.99 and completed her bachelor’s degree in biology at Wellesley College.
In March 2015, Suhaily Penix achieved an Honorable Mention from the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship Foundation, an exceptionally rare feat for a community college student. This foundation is renowned for awarding the highest and most prestigious undergraduate prize in science, engineering, and mathematics, and Suhaily’s recognition came after competing with students from research powerhouses like Harvard and MIT. She was also the sole student nationwide from a community college to receive such an honor. In addition, she was awarded The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, the largest private scholarship for three-year and community college transfer students in the country. The selection criteria focused on academic ability and achievement, financial need, persistence, leadership, and a desire to help others.
Dr. Penix’s achievements extend beyond her personal success. She was selected as the first McNair scholar at Wellesley College, a post-baccalaureate achievement program established in memory of Dr. Robert E. McNair. This program aims to encourage low-income, first-generation college students and students from historically underrepresented ethnic groups to pursue educational opportunities. Her Nomination for Associate Membership in Sigma Xi further underscores her commitment to academic excellence and her potential to contribute significantly to her field.
Dr. Penix graduated from Wellesley College with high honors. She was then awarded a second scholarship from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, the Graduate Scholarship, to continue her education at Brandeis University. Suhaily Penix began her studies at Mass Bay Community College primarily to show her three daughters, now ages 23, 20, and 16, how important it is to prioritize education.