HARRISBURG, PA — At Harrisburg University of Science & Technology (HU), students take center stage. Our Student Spotlight shines a light on the internships, career outcomes, published research, and other ways our learners are demonstrating their skills in science, business, technology, and more – and making an impact in the world around us.
Sidney Jose Joaquim Andre is pursuing a Master of Science in Biotechnology with a concentration in Biomanufacturing and is set to graduate in 2026. Originally from Angola, Sidney came to the United States in 2014 to pursue his education.
After earning a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from Georgia Tech and gaining hands-on experience in the biotech industry, Sidney chose Harrisburg University to continue his academic journey. Beyond the classroom, Sidney is also the founder of A Great Work Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding educational opportunities for students in Africa.
To learn more about his journey, experiences at HU, and the mission behind his nonprofit, we asked Sidney to share his story in his own words.
Why did you choose HU and the Biotechnology program for your graduate studies?
I chose HU because of its strong programs, quality of teaching, and flexibility. When I decided to go back to school, I wanted a university that would fit into my busy schedule while also supporting my career growth. A friend suggested HU, and I’m glad I took their advice.
At HU, my professors have been more than just instructors – they have been incredible resources who have helped me navigate both academics and the work environment. I especially enjoy how interactive the classes are and how much freedom we have to research and discuss topics we are passionate about within biotechnology. That level of engagement has been my favorite part of this program.
What has your experience at HU been like so far? Do you have a favorite class, project, or research opportunity?
My experience at HU has been excellent! I would give it an A+. The professors, staff, and students have been so supportive and welcoming, and I am very happy here.
In terms of classes, Biomaterials with Dr. Leena Pattarkine has been one of my favorites, along with any class taught by Dr. Anna Reeves. I’ve learned so much from both of them. I also greatly value the industry-focused classes taught by Dr. Kiran, particularly in bioprocessing, enzyme, and protein technologies.
Currently, I am working on my thesis titled, “Enhancing Breast Cancer Detection with AI for Early Prediction and Recurrence.” This project is very personal to me because my sister was diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer last year, despite doing regular mammograms. Her diagnosis made me question how many women experience the
same situation where existing tests fail to detect their cancer early. Through my research, I’ve discovered new approaches that give me hope, and I aim to publish my review article by the end of the semester.
Have there been any professors who have had an impact on your journey at HU?
Yes. I have taken three classes with Dr. Reeves, and each one has been an incredible learning experience. She has had the greatest impact on me. I would also highlight Dr. Leena, who has been another favorite professor.
What skills or knowledge have you gained at HU that you feel will help you in your career?
Before starting this program, my knowledge of biotechnology was limited, and my background in biochemistry was not very strong. Through HU, I have been able to strengthen both, while also expanding my knowledge into new areas.
Professionally, I have worked in downstream processing since the start of my career, but this program has motivated me to explore upstream processing and cell line development. I also gained knowledge in cell therapy and gene therapy – areas I knew little about before. These skills are highly valuable and will help me advance in the biotech field.
Can you tell us more about your organization, A Great Work Foundation? What motivated you to start the organization, and what is its mission?
A Great Work Foundation was founded in 2022, about a year after I graduated. When I first came to the US in 2014, I faced financial challenges after Angola entered a financial crisis. My parents, who were supporting both me and my siblings, could no longer afford my tuition and asked me to return home. It was devastating news.
During that time, a friend encouraged me to share my story. She sent my letter to her network, and one of her connections offered to support me for a semester. What I thought was just temporary support turned into five years of funding. During this time, my friend also reminded me of the promise in Philippians 1:6: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”
That experience shaped my belief that many talented students, especially in Angola and across Africa, lack the opportunities they need to succeed. A Great Work Foundation was born out of that conviction. Our mission is to support college students by providing scholarships for tuition, school supplies, transportation, and mentorship. We started in Angola, but our vision is to expand across Africa and eventually build A Great Work University to make higher education accessible to underserved communities.
What impact has A Great Work had so far, and what are your hopes for its future?
So far, we have supported about 50 students. This year alone, six of our students are graduating – including a doctor, a computer science major, a business major, an education major, and a computer engineering major. Last year, we graduated two economists.
Many of our students come from extremely challenging backgrounds. For example, several computer science majors had never owned a computer before joining our program. Now, thanks to our support, they are learning programming languages and developing skills that will allow them to thrive. For many, A Great Work Foundation has been the light at the end of the tunnel, giving them hope that they can finish their education.
Looking forward, we plan to expand our reach across Africa, beginning with the opening of our first office in Luanda, the capital of Angola. Our long-term dream is to establish A Great Work University in Angola.
What are your future goals after graduating from HU?
I am keeping my options open. I plan to continue growing as an engineer while also focusing on expanding the foundation. I am also considering pursuing a Ph.D. in education with a focus on leadership and strategy, since our long-term vision includes building a university. I believe this additional training will equip me with the skills needed to lead effectively in the education sector.
What advice would you give to other HU students who want to make an impact in their communities?
My advice is simple: Just start.
When I thought about starting A Great Work Foundation, I had no resources, and the idea seemed unrealistic. But I overcame those doubts by focusing on the mission. I began writing down what I wanted the foundation to look like and the small steps I could take. I handled what I could do myself, and for the rest, my friend Luke helped me. Before I knew it, the foundation was established.
You don’t need to have everything figured out or all the resources in place. What matters most is your willingness to take the first step. Small, consistent actions add up – and one step at a time, you can create real change. Let’s get it done, and let’s change the world by reaching one person at a time.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University was recently recognized by US News & World Report as one of the nation’s most innovative colleges. HU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, nursing, and other health science fields. For additional information about HU’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay updated by following Harrisburg University on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
