Vera Ntasin Turns Gut Feeling Into Academic Success
As a high school senior, Vera Ntasin made the decision to attend UNC Charlotte on a gut feeling. This spring, the Charlotte native will graduate with a mathematics degree from the Klein College of Science, a data science minor and extensive professional experience with top companies in her field.
“I honestly chose to come to Charlotte by a gut feeling. I didn’t even tour while I was a prospective student, I just applied, got accepted and enrolled,” Ntasin said. “Looking back, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself because it’s really been an enjoyable time here at Charlotte.”
Her undergraduate years have been shaped by academic discovery, community and a growing confidence in her abilities.
“The location of the University means that there are so many resources that we have access to and different companies that are looking for students to hire and support during their time here and beyond,” Ntasin said. “The resources, community and the support here in Charlotte have been incredibly helpful.”
Ntasin enjoyed her undergraduate experience so much that she is not leaving the University after commencement. Instead, she is continuing her education in UNC Charlotte’s Data Science and Business Analytics master’s program within the College of Computing and Informatics. Ntasin has already completed multiple courses, aiming to graduate with a master’s of science in 2027.
Finding Her Academic Path
Ntasin entered college planning to study biology and become a doctor but quickly realized it was not the right fit. After talking with her family, her father encouraged her to consider his major, mathematics.
“There are so many different jobs that you can go into with math,” Ntasin said. “For me, I’m an indecisive person, so I wanted to graduate knowing I have many career options.”
She gravitated toward her calculus courses, which challenged her and reshaped how she thinks. Then drawn to the field’s growth and opportunities in technology, Ntasin added a data science minor from the College of Computing and Informatics.
“As a STEM major, you won’t always understand what exactly is going on in every concept, it’s more about how it challenges you and teaches you to think,” she said. “But being able to see how the concepts that we’re learning are applicable in the real world has been really enjoyable as well.”
Campus Community and Leadership
Outside the classroom, Ntasin has built a strong campus community through mentorship and cultural connection.
As a Niner Guide, she learned more about UNC Charlotte’s history and strengthened her public speaking skills. She also served as a mentor for the Students Achieving First‑Year Excellence (SAFE) program, a full‑circle moment after participating as a mentee her freshman year.
“I think that set me up for success and gave me a head start on building my community,” Ntasin said. “After my positive experience, I wanted to come back and be a mentor. It’s been a really rewarding and fun journey.”
Her involvement with the Organization of African Students has been especially meaningful. As a first‑generation American with parents from Cameroon, she found connection in the group. Over the years, she has served as treasurer and dance coordinator and performed in the annual African Night showcase.
“That was one of the areas of community that I was looking for in college,” she said. “It’s been fun to express myself in different ways and meet students from other African countries with similar yet different experiences.”
To honor her outstanding scholarship and leadership during her college career, Ntasin received a 2026 Distinguished Leaders Medal awarded by the Office of Leadership & Community Engagement.
Gaining Professional and Global Experiences
Ntasin’s internships and externships have taken her across the Southeast. She spent two summers in Deloitte’s summer internship program as a government and public services intern, first supporting a data visualization project for the Navy in Arlington, Virginia and then working on data analytics for Medicaid in Georgia.
“I had no prior knowledge of consulting. I just went into the opportunity with an open mind and I learned a lot,” she said.
Most recently, she completed a Wells Fargo externship through the Data Science and Business Analytics program, working in corporate risk.
“It was definitely a challenge, especially because I was the youngest person in the program,” she said. “But I learned how to show up with my strengths and my capabilities in every room as authentically as I could.”
During her sophomore year, Ntasin studied abroad in Switzerland over spring break, her first time visiting the country. She loved experiencing a new culture, especially the public transportation system and the chocolate.
Family, Culture and What Comes Next
Ntasin credits her family as her greatest source of support.
“I can’t even express how grateful I am for my parents and siblings,” she said. “I have a very strong support system, which has been really helpful through this entire journey.”
She also draws strength from her Cameroonian heritage.
“In my culture, a phrase we say is ‘Wir Dze Wir Bii Wir,’ which translates to ‘Who you are is a reflection of those around you,’” Ntasin said. “The tribe that my family is from, Nso, was founded by a woman named Ngonnso. That has been really inspirational and a driving force in knowing I’m capable of anything I put my mind to.”
As she prepares to graduate, Ntasin says she will miss the spontaneity of undergraduate life, especially the late‑night Cook Out runs, impromptu pool days and the comfort of having friends just steps away.
“I’ve made so many good friends during my time here at Charlotte that I can definitely say that I’ll be friends with past college,” she said.
Ntasin will celebrate commencement with her family and friends before starting summer classes. She plans to carry forward the confidence she built at Charlotte, trusting the same instinct that brought her here to guide her into the next chapter.
“As they say, all good things must come to an end,” Ntasin said. “So I’ll cherish my undergraduate experience, while also appreciating that growth comes with new beginnings.”
Photos courtesy of Vera Ntasin.