Meet The Graduate
Read what Maddy Barry has to say
After graduating from the University of Maryland in May 2023 with a major in Biocomputational Engineering, I am excited to pursue a career in biotechnology.
In January 2022, I joined the Nvolve program with the intention of becoming part of a supportive community for women in STEM. I was particularly drawn to Nvolve because of its focus on leadership training, mentorship opportunities, and technical projects. These elements aligned with my goals of personal and professional growth.
During my time at Nvolve, I had the opportunity to participate in the Breast Cancer Biomarker 1 and 2 projects. Working on these projects not only allowed me to gain experience with new databases and technologies but also provided invaluable collaboration experience. I had the privilege of piloting the Biomarker 2 project alongside Hermioni Zouridis, the Director of Technical Projects, which was an incredibly rewarding experience.
I am grateful for the guidance and support of my mentor, Allison Stultz, as she played a crucial role in preparing me for the transition from college to the workforce. Allison provided valuable insights on interview preparation and taught me the importance of prioritizing my time and energy. From our very first meeting, I could sense that our mentor-mentee partnership would be remarkable. Her kindness, authenticity, and helpfulness made a significant impact on my professional development.
Throughout my journey in Nvolve, I had the opportunity to attend enlightening workshops, listen to inspiring speakers, and engage in thought-provoking group discussions. These interactions broadened my perspectives, nurtured my leadership skills, and enhanced my readiness for the post-graduation transition.
To further showcase my technical prowess, I am proud to share the links to my technical projects:
As I reflect on my time in Nvolve, I want to encourage college women majoring in STEM to embrace their presence and make themselves heard. Don't shy away from taking up space and contributing to the field. Each one of us has the potential to make a difference and shape the future of STEM.
My journey through the Nvolve program has been transformative. It has provided me with invaluable experiences, nurtured my skills, and connected me with a community of talented individuals. I am excited to embark on the next chapter of my life, armed with the knowledge and support I received from Nvolve.
Meet the Mentor: Allison Stultz
As a Senior Staff Quality Management System Specialist in the Spine Division of Stryker, I find myself encountering many new female graduates in STEM who are unprepared for what is to come post-graduation.
In the fall of 2021, I had an opportunity to explore volunteer opportunities on our company philanthropy page and came across Nvolve’s site and their need for mentors. I quickly connected with Faye O’Brien and immediately understood that Nvolve would fulfill my desire to provide the guidance I felt I missed during my undergraduate program.
My first interaction with Nvolve Scholar Maddy Barry was nothing short of incredible. I saw a tenacious, dedicated, and sharp young woman aching for experience and direction as she prepared for life after college. Maddy has far exceeded my expectations for a mentee. She challenged herself every step along the way, including participating in an impressive breast cancer biomarker research project sponsored by Nvolve. Most important, in all our interactions I have always felt that Maddy has led the way. She has prioritized her development in a way that will certainly make her a catch for whatever organization is fortunate enough to land her.
Working with Maddy has made me realize that mentorship should begin much sooner than it usually does, which is why I hope to continue working with Nvolve. The organization provides an amazing opportunity to work alongside the future female leaders in STEM and, if you’re fortunate, grow with them.