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Where They Are Now

Jennifer Hanigan-Diebel

Jennifer Hanigan-Diebel was the first student to complete her Master of Science in Chemistry degree in one year at Central Washington University after transferring from CBC.

She had known she wanted to become a chemist since high school and returned to college in her 40s to pursue that career path. CBC offered the flexibility she needed.

“CBC provided opportunities a four-year university couldn’t,” said Jennifer. “My living situation didn’t need to change, and I didn’t have to quit my job.”

CBC’s Chemistry program faculty left a lasting impression on Jennifer.

“One of the reasons I succeeded was because the Chemistry department faculty are very invested in the success of every student,” she said. “Not just helping you pass the class – but they always cared.”

Jennifer’s path has come full circle. She is now an Adjunct Professor of Chemistry at CBC and carries on that tradition of caring.

“I want students to leave my class knowing they can succeed and that chemistry isn’t what holds them back,” said Jennifer.

Nathan Monk

Don’t tell Nathan Monk something can’t be done.

“When someone said it was impossible to get all my pre-med requirements at CBC, it became a challenge,” said Nathan.

Three years later, Nathan had earned his Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management and completed as many science classes as possible to qualify for medical school.

Nathan is currently a third-year medical student at Washington State University.

He credits his CBC science professors and the Foundation team for helping him reach his goal. Nathan’s favorite memory is about the late chemistry professor Karen Grant.

“She joked that if you accidentally did five bonds to carbon instead of four, it was a Texas carbon,” Nathan said with a chuckle. “Professor Grant had a Boston-New York combination accent and a feisty but friendly personality people loved.”

Nathan anticipates graduating from medical school in 2025 and helping fill the physician shortage in the Tri-Cities.