Campus News
August 26th, 2025
Support Education Foundation recognizes Tichinel
Garrett College assistant biology professor earns graduate award
Alyssa Tichinel, an assistant professor of biology at Garrett College, recently earned the Maurice Erly Professional Development Award from the Support Education Foundation (SEF).
Alyssa Tichinel, an assistant professor of biology at Garrett College, recently earned the Maurice Erly Professional Development Award from the Support Education Foundation (SEF).
Tichinel, who joined Garrett College as a full-time faculty member in 2022, used the Erly Award to complete a medical anatomy and physiology certificate through the University of Florida. The Erly Award is given annually by the SEF to K-12 and community college educators throughout the state.
"The University of Florida is really good at providing real-world, clinical-based scenarios," said Tichinel. "The scenarios apply directly to my students who are going into the healthcare field, and I'll be able to work them into our curriculum."
Prior to becoming a full-time faculty member, Tichinel served as a Garrett College adjunct faculty member, science tutor, program specialist, and College & Me instructor. She's also a former Garrett College student, having taken courses as a high school senior through the Dual Enrollment program.
Tichinel also worked two years at West Virginia University as an imaging specialist/research assistant, and taught science in Mineral County Public Schools and Washington County Public Schools.
Tichinel earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Frostburg State University and obtained a Master of Science degree in microbiology and cell science from the University of Florida.
Tichinel lives in McHenry with her husband, Joshua, and their daughter, Lola, who was born in July.
The SEF is a 501 (c)(3) organization founded in 2017 by the Educational Systems Federal Credit Union. Its mission is to assist with funding for student programs, scholarships, and professional development awards.
