She isn’t sure where her studies will take her, but Sequim High junior Kaitlyn Viada and other top young students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields recently got a chance to see what their future could hold.

Viada joined other students excelling in the field of technology at the National Center for Women & Information Technology’s Aspirations in Computing Scholarship Awards Ceremony earlier this year, held at the Amazon.com Inc. headquarters in Seattle, for student winners in the Seattle and West region.

“(It) was an amazing experience to be a part of,” Viada said. “I (had) the wonderful opportunity to 1) meet inspiring individuals working for Amazon, Microsoft and the University of Washington, 2) learn more about ubiquitous computing and its real-world applications in healthcare from UW students, and 3) discover a diverse and supportive community of smart women in STEM fields from all over the country.”

Viada said she chose to apply for the scholarship because “I love how NCWIT aims to support women in technology and promote diversity in STEM fields.

“I’m fascinated by science and technology and I want to incorporate both into my future plans, she said.

After high school, Viada plans to attend a state, four-year university to major in either computer science, statistics or physics.

Ultimately, she said, she would like to work in the medical field and use technology to make the world a better and healthier place.

“I initially found an interest in computer science through taking AP Computer Science Principles my sophomore year,” Viada said. “I’m not sure yet of more specifics regarding my after high school plans, but am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for the field of computer science.”