From Russia With Hope: Iana Garbuzova ’23 Excels in Her Newfound Career
By Judith Kelliher
Iana Garbuzova ’23, who was an international student from Russia, never seemed to have time to sit still while she studied Computer and Information Sciences at Springfield College. She excelled in her coursework (A+ student), worked four on-campus jobs, and participated in a number of outside-of-the-classroom activities.
Coming to Springfield College from Russia, Garbuzova knew she had to work extra hard to meet the challenges of continuing to improve her English and adapting to a new landscape and culture from the one she grew up in. She chose the Computer and Information Sciences major because she felt it combined fundamental concepts and a chance to learn more about a specific career path, such as a software engineer or digital designer.
“I have always admired Iron Man movies when I was little. Back in Russia, I had opportunities to study in top Russian science universities, but my dream was to be like Iron Man (the Tony Stark character who studied in Massachusetts). I always wanted to work with computers and design and develop something,” said Garbuzova, who served as vice president of the Computer Science Club while at the College.
While adjusting to her new life in the U.S., juggling her coursework, and holding a job as a student assistant in both the Department of Computer Science and Department of Literature, Writing, and Journalsim; working in the campus post office; and serving as a resident assistant, Garbuzova relied on the kindness and support of a number of faculty and staff in the Department of Math, Physics, and Computer Science (MPCS). In particular, Kellie Lavoie, administrative associate, and Jeremy Castagno, former assistant professor of Computer Science, were instrumental in helping her balance college life as she worried about her family and friends back in Russia as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine escalated.
“The MPCS department became my family during my years in college, as I came here alone and I needed support. Kellie and all staff helped through a very tough two years as I was navigating being a full-time student and working at the time,” she said. “Professor Castagno was a huge resource for me. I am still grateful for every class I had with him. He was my mentor and ‘guidebook’ into the technology world.”
Since graduating in 2023, Garbuzova’s diligence and perseverance while on Alden Street led her to a job as a digital fellow at Springfield-based Tech Foundry, a nonprofit organization that specializes in computer science workforce training programs to support the region’s growing tech needs and to elevate the underrepresented groups in sustainable IT careers. There she performs multiple duties—from teaching digital literacy workshops to providing individualized technical support for people in need.
“We are a nonprofit with the mission to serve the western Mass. community by providing free computer classes and (services of) the Help Desk. I adore the mission of the organization I’m a part of because I can combine both of my passions: community service and technology,” Garbuzova said.
Before her job at Tech Foundry, Garbuzova volunteered on her own to help the Russian/Ukrainian community navigate the immigration system by showing them how to access information, forms, attorneys, etc. And once at Tech Foundry, she expanded ways in which she could serve her community, including teaching people about digital literacy.
“I feel fulfilled both professionally and personally by my work, and I hope to continue being an advocate, not only for the Russian/Ukrainian community, but for all of western Mass.,” she said.
If Garbuzova has any advice for prospective students about being a Computer and Information Sciences major at Springfield College, it would be to take advantage of the support, community, and mentorship opportunities in order to grow both personally and professionally.
“Also, the MPCS department staff are aligned with trends in the tech sphere and are willing to listen to ideas and thoughts. Technology is evolving every day, and it is hard to say where exactly it is heading, but I strongly believe that a passionate Springfield College graduate can make an impact on both the local and global tech community,” she said.
Help us share more stories like this! We’re proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our alumni. If you or someone you know would make a great feature, please reach out to marketing@springfield.edu.
