Over the next four weeks, as we approach the commencement ceremonies for the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences Class of 2026, we will be sharing senior spotlights featuring some of our exceptional students from each CEMS program.

How did you choose your major?

I've always enjoyed solving math problems in school, and wanted a major that supported other areas of focus and opened doors to cross-disciplinary collaboration. I chose a major in statistics because of how statistics can be used, in conjunction with other methods, to elevate and support all kinds of different disciplines with foundations in math.

Did you choose to include a minor or certificates?

I have a minor in music, which complements my studies in math. I've played violin/viola since I was in elementary school, so incorporating a music minor into my degree was a natural way for me to allocate time in my academic schedule and keep music in my life. 

I have three certifications from the Collaborative Institute Training Initiative in Responsible Conduct of Research, Research Involving Prisoners, and Social-Behavioral-Educational Research. 

I have one certificate for AmeriCorps Membership and Service Completion.

What extracurricular organizations and activities did you enjoy at UVM?

I am currently president of the UVM Philharmonic club, which is a student-led string orchestra. Before this, I was a club member since the spring of my freshman year. We rehearse Fridays from 3:30-5:30, and anyone who plays a string instrument can join! No audition required. I love this club because it’s a totally fun and relaxing way to end your week. I have a vivid memory of playing “Themes from Harry Potter” during a rehearsal and being in awe of how it sounded. It was the perfect way to experience the cozy vibes of winter and enjoy it with others by making music together!

Is there a class or professor who had a significant impact on your academic journey at UVM? 

Dr. Abigail Crocker taught my Statistical Computing and Data Analysis class and leads the Justice Research Center. Dr. Crocker is a welcoming and encouraging professor and has had a profound impact on my confidence as an aspiring statistician. She taught me how to handle data with care through principles of data equity, how statistics can empower cross-disciplinary collaboration, and how to think deeply and broadly about research questions and methodology.

Do you have a memorable research experience from your time in CEMS?

My most memorable project has been composing the string orchestra piece Quilted Forest. I composed Quilted Forest through a partnership with incarcerated individuals at Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield, VT. My involvement with the facility began through UVM’s Justice Research Center, where I learned about community-engaged research and how it brings together the JRC, incarcerated individuals, and staff through the Prison Research Innovation Network (or “PRIN” for short). 

Sitting in on a few PRIN meetings at SSCF, I was moved by the collaborative environment and sense of community they fostered. I later began bringing music that I played on my viola to PRIN-supported quilting workshops at the facility and felt similarly moved by the sense of community and calm that emerged from these workshops. It reminded me of playing music with the Philharmonic, which cultivates joy and togetherness in its own unique way. 

Inspired by PRIN council meetings, The Prison Quilt Project, and the Philharmonic, I started composing Quilted Forest in hopes of capturing the community-centered atmosphere felt in these vibrant spaces. Quilters were inspired by the musical dimension of the quilting process, and they incorporated music notes from the melody line of Quilted Forest into their work. 

On Sunday, April 26th at 7:30pm in the UVM Recital Hall, the Philharmonic will perform Quilted Forest among 6 other pieces. We will share an image of the quilt with the audience and a projection in the hall. The concert is free and open to the public. Come enjoy an evening of art and creativity!

Has an internship helped to guide you on your career path?

Outside of the JRC, I currently hold an internship with UVM's Proctor Maple Research Center. I was also matched with an internship at Preserve in Waltham, Massachusetts, through UVM's partnership with Semester in the City that allocates for-credit internships in the Boston area to students. My Preserve internship allowed me to quantitatively assess environmental and human health protection planning, and I was able to meet wonderful people in Boston! My current internship with the Proctor Maple Research Center is a lot of fun because I get to support environmental science research. Working at the PMRC has shown me various data collection methods and how they relate to maple science and tree health. It’s rewarding to fully understand where the data comes from.

Is there an achievement during your undergraduate years at UVM that you are particularly proud of?

Sharing my first-ever research poster at the 2025 UVM Student Research Conference.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I will be attending the University of Michigan as a biostatistics master's student. The Justice Research Center solidified my aspirations to continue studying statistics, specifically with the “bio” angle, which highlights collaboration in its teaching and practice. The JRC allowed me to widely explore different ways of working with data, ranging from visualizations to model building and assessment.

How do you envision your future in the next five years?

I want to be working towards advancing human and/or environmental health using statistical applications. I also really love universities because they foster so much learning and creativity, so I sometimes see myself working for a university in five years.

Is there any advice you would share with incoming first-year students?

Maintain an open mind and try new things! UVM is great at making sure students don’t feel limited or defined by just one of their interests. Also, make sure you are incorporating fun and relaxation into your time and protect that time - it’s special and important!

Would you like to include any "shout-outs" to people who helped support you?

Outside of math and statistics, I really loved a class taught by Dr. Sean Witters titled “Using Addict: Drug Addiction in Literature.” Dr. Witters gave engaging and thought-provoking lectures. I have a new appreciation for literature and how it explores different dimensions of the meaning of "addiction," thanks to this class. 

Will Edwards, who graduated last year, put an inspiring amount of dedication into the Philharmonic and taught me everything I needed to know about leading the club. Thank you, Will!

Dr. Julie Skarha played a large role in guiding me through my capstone project and helping me approach data from the appropriate angles to keep my focus on track. With Dr. Skarha, I learned about how to engage with the data independently, which is a skill I have a lot more practice in now.