5 Questions with Talia Klippel and Natalia Zehner about the New President’s Fellowship Program
By Amy Geduldig
When Talia Klippel ‘26 and Natalia Zehner ‘26 transferred to the University at Albany, they were excited to immerse themselves in their new academic home. But, like many new students, they experienced some nervousness as well. Learning to navigate a new environment and all the resources the University has to offer can be intimidating. However, when they were selected for the inaugural President’s Fellowship Program, they found a unique opportunity that would shape their experience at UAlbany.
Launched in the Fall 2024 semester, the President’s Fellowship Program provides undergraduate transfer students with mentoring, networking and professional development experience while working with UAlbany President Havidán Rodríguez, Chief of Staff Claudia Hernández and the staff in the president’s office. The program is currently accepting applications for the 2025-2026 academic year and is open to transfer students entering UAlbany as a junior from our dual admission partners. The deadline for applications is Aug. 1. For more information, visit the President’s Fellowship Program webpage.
During their time with the president’s office, Klippel and Zehner worked directly with UAlbany’s leadership team, gaining firsthand insight into higher education administration, strategic management, communication and collaboration. They participated in University events, supported UAlbany initiatives, and worked on individual capstone projects that will be showcased at UAlbany’s Academic Showcase later this month.
As their fellowship comes to a close, both Klippel and Zehner feel more confident about their academic path and life after graduation. We talked with them about their experience in the program and how it enhanced their academic and professional goals at UAlbany.
Why should transfer students apply for the fellowship?
Talia Klippel: This fellowship has been an amazing learning experience where I have been able to significantly improve my professionalism, communication and networking skills. It is a great opportunity to learn about the University and higher ed in general. Being a transfer student, I didn't know a lot about the University but through a variety of projects I worked on during the fellowship I learned a lot about UAlbany’s inner workings and history. It also is a great opportunity to meet important people and attend presidential events that students would not typically be a part of.
Natalia Zehner: I think transfer students should apply for the fellowship because it gives them connections on campus that will help familiarize them with their new environment. I was able to meet so many people in different departments around campus who answered questions I had and helped me find campus resources. Having a connection to the campus community is so helpful when transitioning to a new place and finding your way around. I learned about different things that take place on campus that I might not have discovered if I hadn't made those connections.
What was your favorite part of being a President’s Fellow?
TK: I really enjoyed being able to meet new people. When I transferred to UAlbany I didn't know anybody and now I have personal connections with people within the president's office. It has been amazing getting to know everyone in the office and I have learned so much from them.
NZ: One of my favorite parts of being a fellow was the research that we did. I was able to learn so much about UAlbany’s history and achievements. It was cool to see what the president does and the places he traveled. I liked getting to see the reach UAlbany has and how we interact with other universities all over the world. It made me feel pride in going here even though I just started.
How did the fellowship prepare you for success?
TK: I think the most important thing the fellowship taught me is communication, both verbal and nonverbal. The fellowship put me in situations where I needed to talk to important people, which gave me the opportunity to grow in how I communicate professionally, both through body language and by what I say.
NZ: The fellowship taught me valuable skills about the office environment and professionalism. I learned a lot about how to introduce myself and interact with people in professional settings. I learned how to convey information that I've researched and how to prepare for professional meetings and discussions. Even something as simple as how to write a professional email are things that I will be using all the time in future professional experiences
What is your capstone project for Showcase and how did fellowship help you prepare your presentation?
TK: My capstone project for Showcase is "The Role of Protective and Compensatory Experiences (PACEs) in Promoting Resilience in Children." The fellowship opened up this opportunity and pushed me out of my comfort zone to do something I wouldn't have considered on my own. However, after everything I learned and having the experience of being in the fellowship, I gained confidence in my abilities to present my research.
NZ: My presentation in the showcase is going to be about my experience doing the fellowship and how it impacted me. We have been preparing for the showcase since the beginning of the fellowship and I have always been able to talk to the people in the president's office to get help and ask questions, which has helped me feel more confident in presenting. It was comforting to know that everyone in the office had my back and was willing to support me in presenting.
As a new student, what is your favorite spot on campus?
TK: When the weather is nice one of my favorite spots to sit between classes is the fountain between the campus center and the Science Library. The fountain is relaxing and there are flowers that make the area look nice.
NZ: My favorite spot on campus is the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center. I have made friends and connected with old friends at the GSRC. They have fun events on campus and I also sometimes just go to their room in the campus center if I have free time.