Grace Coakley ’22, Mathematics
Grace Coakley ’22 ended up at Malone University by chance. After her first choice fell through, she made a last minute decision and chose to enroll at Malone. When she visited Malone, she sensed that the community would welcome her.
“The people, both students and staff, are what makes Malone so great,” Coakley said. “Their kindness and the community atmosphere were the primary reasons I chose to switch my plans and enroll at Malone.”
Coakley is working towards a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and is also minoring in business analytics and computer science. She believes that her future as a woman in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) could allow her to make plentiful and unique contributions in the world.
Coakley was initially interested in a STEM career after job shadowing in the research labs at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. She thought STEM careers seemed fun and challenging.
“Although it’s becoming more common for women to seek opportunities in STEM today than in the past, STEM majors and careers are still predominantly male,” she said. “Being a female in STEM is empowering, and I feel that it’s very important for women to continue to encourage and open opportunities for each other within STEM careers.”
Specifically, Coakley is passionate about the environment and conservation. She wants to care for creation through her future career endeavors.
“One day, I hope my work will positively impact the well-being of people, their communities, and our environment through technology,” she said. “There is a great opportunity to create data-driven positive change for both people and the planet.”
Coakley currently works as a systems analyst intern for the Donor and Volunteer Engagement Team at ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she completes analyses and graphical representations of volunteer demographics for use by the business units. In the future, she wants to work in the retail fashion industry using data to help companies work towards more sustainable and ethical practices.
“I think math, computer science, and data analytics are helpful to provide information for concrete decision-making as companies choose environmentally efficient and ethical practices.”
When she is not working at her internship, Coakley serves as a mathematics peer tutor through the Center for Student Success and as a student ambassador for the Admissions Center. She has also immersed herself in campus life as an active member of the cross country and track teams by competing and by co-leading the women’s cross country team in a weekly Bible study.
“I enjoy leading the team Bible study because it’s a meaningful time to be with my teammates and connect outside of running,” she said. “Building that fellowship of girls creates a much stronger team culture and helps us to look beyond our sport to things that matter more.”
Her Malone experience has centered around building up the communities she enjoys most and to grow as a role model for women in STEM and in athletics.
“I want to help women dream big - and to follow those dreams,” she said.