Student Spotlight - Clara Tavarez '26

May 28, 2026 8:00 AM

Bobcat Bulletin Student Spotlight highlights students who are successful inside and outside the classroom. This edition of Bobcat Bulletin features Clara Tavarez '26.

Hometown: Hagerstown, Md.

Major: Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry

Why did you choose to attend Frostburg State University?

I chose Frostburg State University because it was affordable and close to home. I also liked the smaller campus environment.

What extracurricular activities were you involved in?

I was an active member of the Student Members of the American Chemical Society (SMACS) and mentored first-year students through the CAAR office's Guiding Peers to Success (GPS) program.

What is your favorite memory as a student?

My favorite memories as a student are the late-night study sessions and movie nights I shared with my best friends. We would stay up late watching Marvel movies while working on assignments and lab reports. It always made stressful schoolwork feel more enjoyable.

Which faculty and/or staff member has influenced you as a student?

A lot of the faculty at Frostburg have had a big impact on me, but if I had to pick, I would say Dr. Holly Currie and Dr. Katie (Johnson) Gares '11. They have both mentored and advised me throughout my time here, and I've always felt comfortable going to them for absolutely anything. They feel more like family to me than faculty members.

What advice would you give to a student currently studying your major?

One piece of advice I would give to chemistry majors is to never be afraid to ask for help. Some classes can be very challenging, and it's easy to become overwhelmed. Talk to your professors and classmates, attend office hours, and remember that asking for help is completely normal.

Tell us about a class or activity at FSU that has had a surprising effect on your life.

One of the most impactful classes I've taken at Frostburg was Research Methods in Chemistry with Dr. Currie. That class taught me a great deal about the research process in my field and allowed me to begin my own research project involving the heavy metal analysis of tampons with Dr. Gares '11. Through that experience, I learned how to conduct and present research, which are important skills for my future career.

What is a cause dear to your heart?

A cause that is very dear to my heart is the McNair Scholars Program. This program supports underrepresented students who want to pursue doctoral studies. As a McNair Scholar myself, I've seen firsthand how the program helps students apply to graduate schools and gain research experience. As a Latina, I find this program especially meaningful because increasing diversity in doctoral programs and research fields is incredibly important.

What do you do for fun?

For fun, I enjoy spending my time with my best friends, rewatching Marvel movies (I'm a huge Captain America fan), and listening to music.

What three words can you use to describe FSU?

The three words I would use to describe FSU are close-knit, challenging, and home.