Albany Zavarce is the first University of North Georgia (UNG) student chosen as a STEMNetX Fellowship recipient and will be in the program from May through December. She applied after attending the 2024 S-STEM Scholars & PI Meeting in Chicago last fall and waited several months before hearing the decision.

"It is the perfect opportunity for me to challenge myself and learn more about data analysis and coding," she said.

STEMNetX is a STEM initiative supported by CCL-US.ORG, a nonprofit organization with a vision of empowering future STEM leaders through innovative experiential learning. The opportunity includes a one-week paid bootcamp at Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, Pennsylvania, in May with training in data analysis, coding and software tools. When she returns, she will see what the summer holds as she hopes to do research or an internship.

The junior from Dacula, Georgia, said she was apprehensive about the opportunity at first.

"I know I'm smart and I know I can do it. I was just afraid of applying and not getting in. Dr. Brittany Barron, coordinator of Nationally Competitive Scholarships, asked me questions and helped me work through my ideas and concerns," she said.

Zavarce added that she hopes to inspire others who are pursuing a degree in Environmental and Spatial Analysis especially young women. She mentioned that she was one of only five female students out of 22 in Steven Hooks' survey class.

"Sometimes I think of myself as a role model," she said. "I remind myself and others that no matter how challenging a situation might seem, it is important to remember your goals and your purpose. It is not about comparing yourself to others. What truly matters is knowing why you are there and where you want to get."

Among her supportive loved ones is one woman who is very impressed by Zavarce's accomplishment: her 83-year-old grandmother.

"My grandma is incredibly proud of my achievements, both academic and personal. She loves sharing with family and friends the picture of me being on the UNG website or my pictures as a tour guide," she said.

Zavarce has impressed many others, including Barron.

"As a woman in STEM, Albany is a trailblazer, setting an example for her peers who likewise not only want to pursue a career in a male-dominated field but also apply for competitive fellowships and other opportunities," Barron said. "Albany is a determined, diligent and disciplined student. When she sets her mind to do something, she carries out the task with care and precision."