Fall Class of 2025
Cecilia Adkison
Graduation: Spring 2028
Cecilia Adkison is a sophomore majoring in Sustainability Studies, double minoring in Hospitality Management and Geographic Information Systems at the University of South Florida. She is an Executive Board member of the Climate Teach-In at USF and an intern with the Alliance for Florida’s National Parks. Through her involvement with various environmental organizations, she has participated in over 20 community environmental events. She hopes to pursue a career in sustainability consulting and community outreach. Outside of her academic work, she enjoys volunteering, photography, and traveling.
Carol Agaiby
Graduation: Spring 2027
Carol Agaiby is a junior at the University of South Florida majoring in Biomedical Sciences with plans to pursue a career in medicine. She is the Co-Founder of End Overdose USF, Vice President of Programming and Communications for the Dean’s Student Leadership Society, and a Resident Assistant for the Rising Health Professionals Living Learning Community. Carol is also the Head Director of the BACE Program, where she helps students earn biotechnology credentials and connect with research opportunities. Deeply committed to service and mentorship, she volunteers at the USF Bridge and Refugee Clinics and conducts research at Tampa General Hospital and the University of South Florida. Originally from Egypt, Carol is passionate about empowering students to reach their full potential and about giving back to the Tampa Bay community that has supported her journey. She hopes to one day serve as a physician in the region she calls home.
Yuvika Arora
Graduation: Spring 2027
Yuvika is a Biomedical Sciences major, with minors in Nutrition and Leadership Studies. She is pursuing a career in medicine and is passionate about women’s health and serving her community. She is actively involved at USF in Phi Delta Epsilon and Kosove Society. She is also a student researcher at Moffitt Cancer Center and works as a medical assistant, gaining clinical and research experience that strengthens her attention to detail, communication, and teamwork. Her academic interests and involvement in service-oriented organizations reflect her commitment to supporting others and growing within the healthcare field. Yuvika’s friends would describe her as empathetic, reliable, and funny. She hopes to continue developing her skills and experiences at USF as she prepares for a future in medicine by learning and growing
Nikaela Bernard
Graduation: Spring 2028
Nikaela is a sophomore majoring in Chemical Engineering with a strong passion for helping others. She has demonstrated her leadership and dedication through her roles as a Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader, and active leader in several student organizations. Driven by her commitment to public well-being and safety, Nikaela aspires to become a professional engineer specializing in food regulation.
Lilly Chudyk
Graduation: Spring 2026
Lilly is a senior at USF with a Biological Health Sciences major and a minor in Psychology. She has a passion for USF and all that it offers for its students and the community. Lilly is the Volunteer Coordinator for the Student Philanthropy Council and Secretary of the Armenian Students’ Association at USF. Lilly spends her time volunteering, conducting research, working as a medical assistant, and attempting to be an impactful member of society.
Anastasia Crider
Graduation: Spring 2027
Anastasia is a junior Biomedical Sciences major with a minor in Deaf Studies. She is actively engaged in the Judy Genshaft Honors College, serving as Volunteer Co-chair for the JGHCSC Student Council, as well as a tutor in Jenkins and Holcombe programs. As a pre-medical student, she volunteers as a Patient Care Ambassador at AdventHealth Tampa and as a child literacy promoter with Reach Out and Read at USF Health Pediatrics. She is a research assistant and Team Lead in the USF Positive Aging Lab using music to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms for older adults with Alzheimer’s. Passionate about accessibility, she has volunteered as a Donations Manager for Magnify, an organization supporting developmentally disabled adults across Florida, and has studied American Sign Language to proficiency.
Glenda Vaillant Cruz
Graduation: May 2027
Glenda Vaillant Cruz is a PhD student in Sociology at the University of South Florida, where her research focuses on migration, higher education, belonging, and the experiences of Latin American international graduate students in the United States and Spain. Her work takes a comparative and transnational approach to understanding identity, mobility, community, and institutional experiences across borders.
Glenda’s scholarship is informed by her own migration from Cuba to the United States and her long-standing commitment to equity in education and student-centered research. She was a Fulbright Student Research Grantee in Granada, Spain, where she studied migrant student inclusion and pathways to belonging in higher education systems. Her published work examines racialized Latinidades and the experiences of Latin American students in European universities.
Glenda’s work seeks to deepen understanding of international student experiences by centering migration, identity, community, and belonging within global higher education.
Caio Esmeraldi
Graduation: Spring 2027
Caio Lopes Esmeraldi is a Psychology major at the University of South Florida, graduating in Spring 2027. He serves as the Student Body Vice President, representing and advocating for students across all three USF campuses. In this role, he also helps lead the university-wide allocation of the Activity and Service Fee, ensuring resources are distributed responsibly and equitably. Caio additionally sits on the USF Alumni Association Board of Directors, where he contributes to strengthening long-term student and alumni engagement. Academically, Caio is on the pre-medical track with growing interests in genetics, psychiatry, and oncology. Beyond his leadership and academic commitments, he is passionate about writing and music, and he hopes to blend creativity, empathy, and service throughout his future career.
Carolina Gutfreund
Graduation: Spring 2026
Carolina Gutfreund is a Senior Honors student double majoring in English with Creative Writing and Interdisciplinary Social Science with a dual concentration in Environmental Science, Policy, and Geography. She is currently working for USF, under Bulls Media Student Government Agency as Co-Editor In Chief of Thread Magazine, and The CLEO Institute, as USF’s Lead Campus Organizer for GenCLEO. Her passions lie at the intersection between art and the environment and she aims to pursue both after graduation.
Sasha Hossain
Graduation: Spring 2025
Sasha Hossain is pursuing a double degree in Political Science and Information Sciences with a concentration in Intelligence Analysis. She works as a Student Assistant at the Global and National Security Institute, supporting the development of a mentorship program and internship resources for students in intelligence, defense, international relations, and national security. As Vice President of the Future Strategist Program, she helps guide students interested in strategy, diplomacy, and global affairs. She also has experience as an Economics Intern at the Embassy of El Salvador in Washington, D.C., where she gained insight into the intersection of economics, intelligence, and diplomacy and learned the value of interdisciplinary knowledge. She plans to travel to Spain to teach and strengthen her Spanish before pursuing a master’s degree in Washington, D.C. Outside academics, Sasha enjoys pottery, cooking, exploring Tampa’s food scene and engaging in new experiences
Anzhelika Kurnikova
Graduation: Spring 2026
Anzhelika is a senior Honors Computer Science major and Mathematics minor. She is serving her second term as the President of the IEEE Computer Society Student Branch Chapter at USF, where she led the organization of TechX Florida 2024 and 2025, USF technology conferences with 124 and 336 attendees, respectively. She is a recipient of the Richard E. Merwin Student Scholarship and serves as an IEEE Computer Society and TechX Student Ambassador (2025). Her leadership was recognized by the IEEE Florida West Coast Section's "Outstanding Leadership and Student Chapter Impact in Computer Society Events" award. Anzhelika is a member of USF's Bulls LEAD Program and IEEE HKN Honors Society. She volunteers in the Engaging Computing Design (EnCoDe) Research Lab, researching human-computer interaction, and is the Team Lead for the Honors College IT Support, leading development of the USF's Undergraduate Research Portal.
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Abhinav Muthiraparambath
Graduation: Spring 2028
Abhinav Muthiraparambath is a Biomedical Sciences major on the pre-med track at the University of South Florida, where he is a member of the Judy Genshaft Honors College and enrolled in the seven-year BS/MD program. He plans to continue his medical education at USF’s Morsani College of Medicine, with the goal of specializing in orthopedic oncology. Currently, Abhinav conducts cancer biology research at the Moffitt Cancer Center, contributing to advancements in lung cancer treatment. Beyond his academic pursuits, he is passionate about wrestling and serves as Vice President of USF’s wrestling team, balancing his rigorous studies with leadership and athletic dedication.
Amrita Nayak
Graduation: Spring 2028
Amrita Nayak is a dedicated second-year student in the Judy Genshaft Honors College majoring in Public Health. She is committed to research and serves as a research assistant in both the Karreth Lab at Moffitt Cancer Center and the College of Public Health Lab. Amrita’s passion for leadership shines through her role as the President and Editor-in-Chief of The Capsule, where she mentors students to bridge the gap between medicine and the humanities. She also serves as an officer in the PAMSA Community Outreach division. Beyond academics, Amrita enjoys performing Indian classical dance and dedicating her time to volunteering with various non-profit organizations.
Vanessa Quiroz
Graduation: Spring 2027
Vanessa Quiroz is a Junior Honors student majoring in Health Sciences. She serves as President of Latino Caucus for Public Health and Captain of Latin Dance Club. She is a member of the Wilcox Scholars Program and a Social Marketing Research Fellow with the Vapes on Campus Fellowship. She works as a Career Peer at the Center for Career and Professional Development and Group Fitness Instructor with the Rec Center. Vanessa plans to pursue a Master of Public Health and earn her Health Education Specialist and Health and Wellness Coaching credentials, aiming to design and implement community health programs, with a focus on disease prevention and women’s health.
Poojitha Swaminathan
Graduation: Spring 2026
Poojitha Swaminathan is a Biomedical Sciences major serving as a Peer Advisor Leader, supporting first-year students and helping them navigate academic success, campus resources, and opportunities for involvement. Poojitha is an active undergraduate research assistant with a passion for neuro-oncology and currently interns at Moffitt Cancer Center, where she contributes to projects focused on cancer metastasis and tumor–astrocyte interactions. Her commitment to scientific research and outreach has taken her to national and international academic stages. She has presented her work and participated in conferences at leading institutions including Harvard, MIT, Brown, the University of Pennsylvania, and Johns Hopkins. Poojitha is dedicated to expanding access to research for undergraduates and hopes to pursue a PhD in cancer biology, with the long-term goal of advancing innovative therapies for patients facing aggressive brain tumors. Outside the lab, she enjoys marine biology and is a certified scuba diver.
Luke Vischio-Duffy
Graduation: Spring 2027
Luke Vischio-Duffy is a third-year Honors student majoring in English Education. On campus, he serves as the President of BLOOM, the Vice President of Community Relations for the Education LLC, and the Community Outreach Chair for SCATT. At work, Luke serves as a middle school tutor for the Tutor-a-Bull program, a student assistant for the Department of Leadership, Policy, and Lifelong Learning, and a Cashier at Publix. His research interests center on best literacy practices, young adult literature, and the climate crisis, and he is developing research that connects climate literacy with secondary English instruction. Further, he enjoys being a part of programs that foster a love of learning and community. After graduation, he plans to teach high school English and pursue graduate studies.
Victoria Drews
Graduation: Spring 2027
Victoria Drews is a third-year biology major with a concentration in pre-medical sciences at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. She serves as the Lieutenant Governor of the St. Petersburg campus, where she works to strengthen student engagement and advocate for campus initiatives. A passionate undergraduate researcher, Victoria has presented her work on microRNA–anesthetic interactions at the Florida Undergraduate Research Conference and the USF Research Symposium. She is also an active member of the Health Education Action Team, promoting wellness and health education among her peers. Outside of academics and leadership, Victoria enjoys drumming and creative expression that brings balance to her scientific pursuits. She plans to pursue a career in medicine with research, focusing on individualized applications and improved patient outcomes within anesthesiology.
Katlin Eaton
Graduation: Spring 2027
Katlin Eaton is a 3rd year Biomedical Sciences and Public Health Student in the Judy Genshaft Honors College. She is a passionate advocate for community health and social impact whose journey at the University of South Florida has been defined by service, leadership, and experiential learning. Katlin has addressed public health challenges through diverse initiatives, from combating food insecurity with Feeding Tampa Bay to advancing sexual health education as the founding Education Chair and current President of the Youth Health Collective. Volunteering at IDEA Exchange has strengthened her commitment to harm reduction, while global service in the Dominican Republic deepened her understanding of healthcare access and cultural humility. Katlin plans to become a primary care physician with a Masters in Public Health to address the rising demand for primary care and combat the growing burden of chronic disease among the most vulnerable populations.
Ayron Espino-Nardi
Graduation: Spring 2029
Ayron Espino-Nardi is a freshman studying Business Advertising within the Zimmerman Advertising Program. One of his foundational values is Servant Leadership, which he displayed when earning his Eagle Scout Rank this past summer. As a student in the Judy Genshaft Honors College, Ayron plays violin in the Honors Orchestra and is an active member of the Honors Student Council and each of its committees and events. Professionally, Ayron is interning with USF Athletics in the spring through their Event Management program and hopes to continue working in sports alongside influencing and helping the people around him.
Giovanna Siega Novello
Graduation: Spring 2026
Giovanna is an Honors College student majoring in Integrated Public Relations and Advertising with minors in Hospitality Management and Literary Studies. A proud Bull, she is passionate about leadership, creativity, and building community through meaningful experiences. Giovanna serves as Associate Director of Marketing and Multimedia for Bulls Media Agency and has gained professional experience through internships with NVIDIA, ChappellRoberts, and the Muma College of Business. As Head of Marketing for BRASA Connect and former Event Planning Analyst for the Brazilian Student Association, she helped plan cultural and networking events that strengthened student connections across campus. Giovanna has also represented USF abroad through her study program in Barcelona, where she worked as a Brand and Design Intern. Recognized as a USF Ambassador and Honors Peer Mentor, she strives to use communication as a bridge to inspire inclusion, innovation, and global understanding.
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Aviral Gupta
Graduation: Spring 2027
Aviral Gupta is a junior Computer Science student at the University of South Florida and a member of the Judy Genshaft Honors College. He currently serves as a Faculty Honors Student Assistant at USF Research and Innovation, where he supports data organization, metadata management, and faculty award documentation. Previously, he worked as an AI Solutions Intern at Bake More Pies, developing automation tools and AI-driven solutions to enhance business processes and content generation. Aviral’s academic interests lie in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and software engineering. He is passionate about applying technology to solve real-world problems and create efficient, accessible systems. Outside the classroom, Aviral enjoys exploring open-source AI projects and building personal applications that integrate innovation with human-centered design.
Amanda Hartman
Graduation: Spring 2028
Amanda Hartman is a sophomore pursuing a Biomedical Sciences degree on the pre-med track. One of her proudest accomplishments at USF is serving as a Peer Leader for General Chemistry 1, where she supports freshmen in developing confidence and curiosity in their studies. She is a proud member of the Judy Genshaft Honors College and a recipient of the Freshman Thesis Award for her undergraduate research. Beyond campus, Amanda is deeply committed to community service, volunteering with both Pizzo Middle School and Feeding Tampa Bay to make a positive local impact. A proud Tampa native, she enjoys reading, baking, and running in her free time.
Catherine Jayaraj
Graduation: Spring 2029
Catherine Jayaraj is a Finance and Econometrics major with plans to pursue law school and graduate studies. She is particularly interested in public policy, with a focus on antitrust and regulatory law. At the university, Catherine is an active member of Delta Sigma Pi, the premier co-ed business fraternity, and contributes to the Undergraduate Law Review. Beyond academics and professional development, she is an avid reader and passionate about the humanities in all their forms. In her free time, Catherine enjoys exploring museums, libraries, and national parks.
Jasmine Kaur Kohli
Graduation: Spring 2027
Jasmine Kaur Kohli is a junior in the Judy Genshaft Honors College at USF, majoring in Computer Science. She is passionate about AI-driven innovation and exploring human-robot interaction through her work in the RARE Lab. Jasmine brings her leadership skills to campus as Vice President of the Students of India Association, mentoring members and organizing cultural events that foster engagement and inclusivity. She also serves as the Recruitment and Membership Chair for the USF Alumni Association, helping students and alumni maintain meaningful connections. Through these roles, she has strengthened her skills in collaboration, event planning, and mentorship while creating opportunities for others to thrive. Outside of her academic and leadership pursuits, Jasmine enjoys reading mystery novels, which inspire her curiosity and analytical thinking. She is proud to be a ‘Bull’ and looks forward to continuing to contribute to the USF community through service, innovation, and connection long after graduation.
Adam Mansoor
Graduation: Spring 2027
Adam is a junior double majoring in Biomedical Sciences and Public Health. As a Research Coordinator for the Undergraduate Research Society, he has mentored students new to research across five projects, three of which will present posters next spring. He also serves as Scholarly Article Editor for The Capsule, a student-led journal focused on the health humanities. Passionate about mentorship, Adam volunteers six hours each week with Bright Young Minds Alliance at Pizzo Middle School, tutoring students in science. His research interests include bioinformatics and epidemiology. He plans to pursue medicine after graduation.
Peyton McManus
Graduation: Spring 2026
Peyton is a double major in Creative Writing and Political Science with a minor in Education and is pursuing law school after graduation. Throughout her time at USF, she has most valued being a Resident Assistant on the Saint Petersburg campus and fostering human connection. This year, she is the Honors College LLC RA. She also is currently serving as the Chair of Events and Morale for the Saint Petersburg campus Ambassadors and has previously served as the Events Committee Chair for the JGHCSC. She founded the Books and Stuff club for Saint Pete and served as the president of Sigma Tau Delta for a year.
Emily Meeker
Graduation: Spring 2028
Emily Meeker is a second-year Exercise Science & Kinesiology major in the Judy Genshaft Honors College (JGHC). She is actively involved in campus leadership at USF, serving as the Professional Development Co-Coordinator for the JGHC Student Council, Treasurer for Circle K International, and Secretary for Healthcare Students United. She is also a founding member of the Mu Sigma Chapter of Tri-Alpha Honor Society, which celebrates the achievements and leadership of first-generation college students. With the long-term goal of earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, Emily is an aspiring physical therapist passionate about improving lives through movement, rehabilitation, and holistic wellness. She strives to embody the Order of the Golden Brahman’s values of promotion, protection, and preservation of the University of South Florida.
Sofia Mederos
Graduation: Fall 2027
Sofia Mederos is an Honors student majoring in Marine Biology with a minor in Environmental Science and Policy. Passionate about sustainability and environmental stewardship, she plans to continue her education at the USF Patel College of Global Sustainability, where she intends to pursue a Master’s degree in Sustainability Management. Sofia is a dedicated member of the USF Herd of Thunder Colorguard, now in her third year, performing at athletic and campus events to support school spirit. She also serves as the Community Outreach Coordinator for the USF Climate Teach-In Organization, a role that allows her to foster dialogue on climate solutions and strengthen connections between USF students and the broader Tampa Bay community.
Zayd Nayeem
Graduation: Spring 2026
Zayd Nayeem is a Senior Biomedical Sciences student in the Judy Genshaft Honors College at USF. He serves as Vice President of The Muslim Connection and Fundraising Chair for The Shifa Society of Muslim Pre-Health Students, where he helps organize service and mentorship initiatives for students. Zayd volunteers regularly at a local free clinic assisting with patient intake and vitals, as well as at a community food pantry supporting underserved families. This year, Zayd will begin conducting melanoma research at Moffitt Cancer Center and will serve as a Learning Assistant for Cancer Biology. Passionate about the intersection of science and service, he aspires to pursue a career in medicine focused on improving patient care and advancing health equity.
Mary Nguyen
Graduation: Spring 2027
Mary is a Junior Nursing major with a minor in Spanish. Deeply committed to service and cultural engagement, Mary currently serves as a Residential Assistant, Vice President of her Nursing Cohort, President of both the Japanese Culture Club and the Vietnamese Student Association, and Vice President of the Badminton Club, where she and her team participated in the regional and national competitions in Spring 2025. Beyond leadership, Mary completed over 200 volunteer hours at Moffitt Cancer Center and AdventHealth and was a Clinical Research Intern at Tampa General Hospital in Summer 2025. Her experiences reflect a dedication to both healthcare and community. Mary aspires to become an Emergency Room Nurse and later a Nurse Practitioner, using her multicultural background and leadership experiences to provide compassionate, efficient, and equitable care to diverse patient populations.
Maia Ryan
Graduation: Spring 2027
Maia Ryan is a junior Honors student majoring in computer science at USF. She has a passion for innovation, leadership and sustainability. On campus, she is an active leader in student organizations. She is Co-President of the Climate Teach-In Organization, where she engages fellow students in climate justice. She also helped plan HackUSF: Build with AI with the Google Developer Group, giving students a platform to improve their AI skills. Additionally, she has studied abroad twice with USF: in Germany and Ghana.
Sreehitha Sajja
Graduation: Spring 2027
Sreehitha Sajja is a third-year Biomedical Sciences Major with minors in Public Health and Health Informatics. She is a part of the early acceptance program with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine which she will attend after graduation to pursue medical school. As a deeply passionate pre-med, she is involved in Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity and works in research, including involvement in the SWIRL Lab, Moffitt Cancer Center, and the Undergraduate Research Society. She is also an alumni engagement intern for the Honors College working closely to preserve alum relationships. Outside of school, Sreehitha has been a dancer for 17 years and is excited to cultivate relationships and gain diverse knowledge.
Michael Sonsol
Graduation: Spring 2029
Michael Sonsol is a freshman studying Cell and Molecular Biology, aspiring to advance research in neuroscience. He currently volunteers in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, working alongside a PhD student to strengthen his lab skills and gain hands-on research experience. Michael serves as the Professional Development Workshop Junior Coordinator for the Judy Genshaft Honors College Student Council, helping students build professional skills that extend beyond the classroom. He is also a co-author through Florida MedConnect’s Publishing Program, contributing to a literature review on inflammation’s disruption of epithelial and endothelial barriers in acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Outside of academics, he volunteers at his church’s youth ministry program, guiding middle and high school students in their faith. Guided by his first-hand experience and compassion, he hopes to leave a lasting mark in Alzheimer's disease and in the lives of those his work may one day help.
Ava Tucker
Graduation: Spring 2028
Ava is a biology major minoring in Nutrition who is a proud member of the Judy Genshaft Honors College Student Council. She is passionate about healthcare and helping the Tampa Bay area. Ava is a volunteer with both Tampa General Hospital and the Tampa Bay Humane Society where she has gained first-hand experience supporting the Tampa Bay community as a whole. Within the Judy Genshaft Honors College Student Council she serves as a Professional Development Co-Coordinator where she plans and manages speaker events such as Law-a-palooza and Future-MD Fair, leads workshops, and connects students with career opportunities. In addition to her academic and leadership roles Ava works as a bartender at Four Green Fields Irish Pub downtown allowing her to grow both her interpersonal skills and love for the greater Tampa Bay Area.
Peter Kyriacou
Graduation: Spring 2026
Peter Kyriacou is an Anthropology major with a minor in Psychology. After transferring into the University of South Florida in the Spring of 2024, he became involved in several student organizations and was elected President of Anthropology Club after his first semester. He is currently working on his Honors Thesis, concerning the transfer of in-kind remittances to the Caribbean. In the past year, he conducted research on tourism dependency and democratic violence in the Dominican Republic, and he works as a research assistant at the USF Heritage Research Lab. He has presented his research at local, national, international conferences, and has a research paper under review for publication. In addition, he has won awards from the American Anthropological Association, the International Society for Landscape, Place, and Material Culture, and the Society for Applied Anthropology.
Nichola Lavaud
Graduation: Spring 2026
Nico is a Political Science and Professional Communications double major in his junior year. He is a Wilcox Scholar, and USF Ambassador. He is currently studying abroad in Dakar, Senegal on the Boren Scholarship and will be returning in Spring 2026. Outside of school he enjoys scuba diving, hanging out with friends, and being at the beach. Through his leadership, and dedication to others,