Feature Stories 2026: Jessica Welsh '26: Code meets community

Computer science major Jess Welsh '26 has a knack for helping people navigate complex systems, whether she's coding software that connects communities, or helping new students find their place at UMass Dartmouth. 

On any given orientation day, Welsh is often one of the first people new students meet. She’s the one answering questions, easing nerves, and setting the tone for what their college experience might become. Just a few years ago, she was in their place: arriving as a first-generation student without a clear roadmap. Now, as class president, she’s made it her mission to help her fellow Corsairs have a memorable college experience.  

As a software developer, she brings that same drive to make systems more accessible, building tools like her capstone web platform that connects animal shelters, adopters, and volunteers in one place. 

"When I visited UMass Dartmouth, I saw that students were excited to be here. That's the kind of environment I wanted to be a part of."

Why UMass Dartmouth? 

As one of the top 20 students in her high school graduating class, Welsh had plenty of choices when it came to where to go to college. "I knew I wanted a diverse, vibrant campus community," she said. "When I visited UMass Dartmouth, I saw that students were excited to be here. That's the kind of environment I wanted to be a part of. 

"I also love that UMass Dartmouth allows you to explore a variety of interests and facets of who you are." 

The Pawhub: solving real-world problems with computer science 

Originally drawn to computer science through early programming classes in middle and high school, Welsh knew she loved coding for the same reason she loved puzzles: she enjoyed solving problems and seeing how different pieces fit together. At UMass Dartmouth, that interest evolved into a passion for software and web development. 

Now a senior concentrating in software engineering, Welsh is applying those skills to meaningful, hands-on work through her capstone project, The Pawhub: a web platform designed to connect animal shelters, adopters, and transportation volunteers to streamline pet rescue and adoption logistics. Built using React, database integration, and mapping tools, the project gives Welsh experience with the same technologies and workflows used in professional software development environments. 

As Scrum master for her capstone team, she has also gained firsthand experience in project management while collaborating with real clients and local animal shelters, like the Lighthouse Animal Shelter in New Bedford.  

"It’s exciting to work on something that has an actual purpose beyond the classroom," Welsh said. "We’re building something that can help real organizations and real people."

College memories 

Outside the classroom, Welsh stepped into student leadership roles, driven by a desire to help other students feel a sense of belonging and make the most of their college experience. 

After serving as an orientation leader for two years, she now coordinates the program, preparing and mentoring student leaders while helping new students navigate the transition to college. She understands how much those first interactions matter. "Those first moments can shape how a new student sees the university. I enjoy being able to help address their fears or just be a friendly face on campus they can come to with questions."   

Welsh also joined the Student Government Association, where she served as class senator, vice president, and ultimately president. What began as a way to get involved quickly became something more meaningful: an opportunity to shape the student experience in lasting ways. Through planning events, including senior week, she focused on creating moments that students would carry with them long after graduation. 

"I'm passionate about creating college memories. All I want is for people to have that sense of nostalgia and fondness for their college experience," she said. 

"Looking back, my favorite college memories include both ordinary moments like staying up all night with friends and watching the sun rise, and extraordinary ones like camping in Acadia National Park with the Outdoor Club.  

"Each year, I became a new version of myself. I learned new things and became more outgoing, more confident, and more comfortable being myself." 

Being first-gen 

"Being a first-generation student means a lot to me. I had to figure out a lot of things independently, and I'm so proud to have charted that path myself. I started a new student organization called The Firsts for first-gen students to create a community where we can help each other navigate unfamiliar territory.  

"As the oldest child in my family, it means a lot to look back on my own success in college and know I'm setting an example for my younger sister. 

"The best advice I can give to a new student, first-gen or not, is that you don't have to figure it all out at once. Take it one day, one class, one semester at a time."