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Current STEM Scholars

Get to know a few of our most recent STEM Scholars.

Micah Chandler

**Major:** Mathematics, B.S.

**Career Goals:** Mathematical Oceanographer/Fishery Data Analyst

Ella Devries

**Major:** Chemistry/Biochemistry, B.S.

**Career Goals:** Professor/Researcher

Sarah Huck

**Major:** Biology, B.S

**Career Goals:** Microbiology & Marine Conservation

Shae Jolivette

**Major:** Mathematics, B.S.

**Career Goals:** Consultancy/Data Analysis/Actuarial Science

Grace Knowles

**Major:** Biology, B.S.

**Career Goals:** Pursuing a career as a physician assistant

Kadan (T.R.) Martin

**Major:** Biology, B.S.

**Career Goals:** Ornithologist

Luke Millaway

**Major:** Biochemistry, BS

**Minor:** Leadership (Military Track) & Korean

Connor Rummel

**Major:** Biology, BS

**Career Goals:** Research Immunologist

Emily Smyth

**Major:** Biology, BS

**Career Goals:** Geneticist

Miguel Angel Vilchis Tinoco

**Major:** Biology, BS

**Career Goals:** Ornithologist

Albany Zavarce

**Major:** Environmental Spatial Analysis (IESA), BS

Past STEM Scholars

Michael Guerrero

Major: Chemistry, B.S.

Career Goals: I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Materials Science, Polymers, or Analytical Chemistry, with a focus on sustainable materials and advanced polymers. My long-term goal is to work in materials R&D, either in industry or academia.

STEMS Program STEMS Faculty Mentors

Statement on concerns about textbook

Recently, questions have been raised about a passage in a course textbook. After fully reviewing the concern, we want to be clear: the reference in question was not describing Christians or Christianity. The passage refers to an extremist group that misuses Christian symbols to promote hate.

In today’s world, misunderstandings can travel quickly. But our foundation at the University of North Georgia remains steady. We respect people of all beliefs. We reject hate. And we are committed to preparing students to think critically, lead with integrity, and serve in communities across our state, nation, and world.

Education is not about avoiding difficult words or ideas — it is about teaching students to navigate them with context, discernment, and respect. The world is complex, and we are developing students to lead in both these times and what lies ahead. That is what this course, and this university, are about.

We also recognize that learning and scholarship sometimes touch on sensitive, complex, or controversial ideas. That is not a weakness of higher education — it is its strength. Our responsibility is to provide the context, freedom, and support that allow both students and faculty to engage with these ideas thoughtfully. Academic freedom allows us to remain true to our values: protecting freedoms, honoring all beliefs, rejecting hate in every form, and preparing leaders who can meet a complex world with courage and integrity.

While one line in a textbook can get lost in translation, our values have never wavered. For 152 years, the University of North Georgia remains committed to building leaders through debate, dialogue, and learning. That is who we are. And that is what we will continue to do.

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Current STEM Scholars

Micah Chandler

Ella Devries

Sarah Huck

Shae Jolivette

Grace Knowles

Kadan (T.R.) Martin

Luke Millaway

Connor Rummel

Emily Smyth

Miguel Angel Vilchis Tinoco

Albany Zavarce

Michael Guerrero

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