Ace learned that she earned a nod for the award in an email from the NCWIT Western and Central Pennsylvania Affiliation. “Please accept this award as recognition of your passion for and dedication to computer science. It is well-deserved!” the group wrote. “The committee was especially impressed by your participation in a public health research program. Additionally, your teacher wrote you a glowing recommendation highlighting your natural leadership skills.”

According to the organization's site, “Awardees are selected for their aptitude and interest in IT and computing, solid leadership ability, good academic history, and plans for post-secondary education.”

Over the past two summers, Ace has been researching and learning about public health, which has helped her to develop a keen interest in it. Her mom recommended that she apply for the award based on the time she spends in data science, so she wrote a research paper with data analysis to express her concerns. She said the project wasn’t easy. “It was exhausting because it involved a lot of data collecting and accounting for all sorts of errors, but I found it to be very revealing because, in the end, we had so many numbers and results to work off of,” she explained. “I also think that this award helps me feel like I have something to show for all the hard work I put in during the summer and the achievements I have made.”

The NCWIT affiliation was planning an in-person ceremony but shifted to a virtual one instead, which was held on Saturday, April 18. Participants submitted a short video introducing themselves, sharing a fun fact, and talking about their aspirations in science.

Ace plans to keep up her research in public health. “I think that I would like to pursue something related to public health/technology in college because it's so empowering for scientists, and I have a strong interest in learning more about it,” she said.

Your aspirations are inspiring, Ace!