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Shayna Rumrill grew up homeschooled in New Jersey as one of three triplets—all of whom enrolled at Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) after graduating high school. Both Shayna and her brother Shawn earned dual Associate of Science degrees—hers in Chemistry and Physics and his in Chemistry and Pre-Med. Their sister Stephany earned an Associate degree in early childhood education. All three triplets graduated in 2016.

“The professors at RVCC were the best and made us love learning,” said Shayna, who received the Chemistry Graduate Award from RVCC as well as recognition from the American Chemical Society’s local section. 

“A professor from The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) was involved in that award,” she said. “He told me, ‘If you come to TCNJ, you can do research with me.’ That opportunity was huge—I was able to jump right into research as soon as I transferred.” 

Earning Her Bachelor’s Degree

The transition to TCNJ was smooth, thanks to RVCC’s strong transfer agreements. “It was a pretty seamless process,” she said.

At TCNJ, Shayna majored in chemistry and found herself increasingly drawn to the intersection of science and engineering. “I love chemistry, but I also like the engineering side of things because engineering is the application of science,” she said. “It’s about taking science and applying it to real-world products. That’s what excites me—seeing how research becomes something useful in everyday life.” 

The Road to PhD

After receiving her Bachelor’s degree at TCNJ, Shayna applied to multiple doctoral programs. Because she wasn’t technically an engineering major, she experienced a few rejections–but Drexel University accepted her directly into their PhD program.

Her six years at Drexel included extra coursework to get up to speed in engineering, research interruptions during the pandemic, and eventually a dissertation in polymer engineering. “It was very stressful, but also very enjoyable,” Shayna said. “You really have to commit, because it’s years of research and long hours. But in the end, it was worth it.”

Today, Shayna is exploring career opportunities in product manufacturing, focusing on polymer coatings for applications like automotive paints, flooring, and protective weather coatings. Her ultimate goal is to move into a leadership role, combining her technical expertise with project management.

Triple the Success

As for the other two triplets? Shawn went on to Rutgers University to do his PhD in chemistry, and is now working as a scientist at Merck. Stephany went on to earn a Master's degree in special education at TCNJ and is now a kindergarten teacher in NJ. 

Shayna credits RVCC with giving all three of the triplets a strong foundation for success. “RVCC is a great place. The faculty don’t just teach you facts—they teach you how to learn. They really do a good job having a solid, supportive community at RVCC.”

About Chemical Engineering
 

What can you do with an Associate of Science degree?

An Associate of Science degree can open doors to entry-level jobs in technical fields, serve as a foundation for further study, or provide the first step toward a bachelor’s degree and beyond. To find a program, search for “Associate of Science degree program at schools near me.”

How to Become a Chemical Engineer

Start by earning a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Gain hands-on experience through labs, co-ops, or internships. Some pursue graduate degrees for research or specialized roles. 

What do Chemical Engineers Do?

Chemical engineers take scientific discoveries and turn them into practical solutions for the real world. They design processes and materials used in everyday products, from clean energy and safe drinking water to medicines, paints, and sustainable packaging.

About RVCC

Raritan Valley Community College offers more than 90 degree and certificate programs, small class sizes, affordable tuition, a vibrant campus life, and more to set students up for success. The College is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. Apply today or click here to learn more.