Clinical social work graduate student Claire Sciandra has become an advocate for domestic violence survivors through her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, where she raised $120,000 to benefit survivors.

She organized numerous largescale events and fundraisers that sparked her interest in supporting more domestic violence causes, notably her volunteer work at the Refuge House. She most recently earned a certification in Resilience After Adversity from FSU’s Institute for Trauma & Resilience Studies to continue her advocacy efforts.

At Florida State University, Claire Sciandra served as a Graduate Assistant for the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Living-Learning Community during her fall and spring semesters before completing her 480-hour clinical internship at a nationally recognized residential behavioral health facility in Tallahassee. There, she provided clinical mental health services to individuals from across the country, supporting clients facing complex mental health, substance use, and recovery-related challenges. She is also a member and leader of many campus organizations, such as Garnet and Gold Key, the all-women’s leadership honorary, The Nineteen Ten Honorary, the Mental Health Council and the FSU Torchbearer 100 class.

Why did you choose FSU?

I chose to attend FSU because of its rich campus life, rigorous academics, vibrant athletics, beautiful weather, and the opportunities and communities that encompass the campus.  

When it came time to pursue graduate school, choosing FSU again was an easy decision. I wanted to continue developing as a future mental health clinician in an environment that would challenge and support me academically and professionally. FSU provided the mentorship, opportunities, and sense of community necessary to help me achieve those goals. 

What academic achievements are you most proud of?

Over the past three years, I have navigated the challenges of an iatrogenic chronic illness known as Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). At times, the physical and emotional demands of this condition left me uncertain about my ability to maintain the level of academic excellence I had always set for myself. Despite these challenges, I remained committed to my goals and continued to excel academically, consistently earning a place on the Dean’s List. 

During my senior year at Florida State University and throughout graduate school, I was honored to earn placement on the President’s List for five consecutive semesters. These achievements became more than academic milestones; they served as a personal reminder of the resilience, perseverance, and determination I had developed throughout my journey. Overcoming adversity while maintaining academic excellence reinforced my confidence in my ability to face challenges with strength and continue pursuing my goals with purpose. 

How do you serve the FSU community?

I represented the College of Social Work as the 2025 Humanitarian of the Year. This award is given to one student who “contributes meaningfully to the public good.” I received this recognition for my advocacy and fundraising efforts supporting domestic violence awareness and survivor services throughout the Tallahassee community, as well as my broader commitment to service and volunteerism. In 2024, I served as the VP of Philanthropy for my sorority, Alpha Chi Omega. I oversaw large-scale events with over 500 attendees, fundraisers, and community service initiatives aimed at raising awareness for domestic violence and pedestrian safety. Through these efforts, our chapter raised more than $120,000 to support domestic violence prevention, education, and survivor resources. 

Thousands of survivors in the Tallahassee area received access to transportation, shelter and mental health services that benefit those seeking aid at Refuge House in Tallahassee. A portion of the proceeds also contributed to national domestic violence awareness and prevention initiatives, extending the impact of our efforts beyond the local community. 

I was also selected for Garnet and Gold Key’s Senior Hall of Fame in 2025, one of Florida State University’s highest student honors. This recognition is awarded to a select group of 10 graduating seniors who have made a lasting impact on the university through exceptional leadership, service, and scholarship. Beyond these roles, my involvement with organizations such as the FSU Mental Health Council and The Nineteen Ten Honorary has allowed me to advocate for student well-being, foster meaningful connections, and contribute to a culture of service and leadership on campus. Through each of these experiences, I have sought to create positive change, support those around me and leave a lasting impact on both the FSU and Tallahassee communities.

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Pre-law student Kelsie Fernandez studies both humanities and English literature to build her academic portfolio for law school applications.  

Her interdisciplinary education shines in her position as the citation and research editor for the Undergraduate Law Review at FSU, where she mentors other students on how to properly cite law.  

Fernandez also researched literature through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP). Her work explored the written power dynamics of 18th-century womanhood under a patriarchal system. She continued exploring this topic through an FSU IDEA Grant, which supported her ongoing work contributing to a literature podcast and an Honors in the Major thesis on Victorian literature.

Why did you choose FSU?

I chose to attend FSU because of the unique combination of academic rigor and commitment to student life. I wanted to go to law school, so I ensured that the university I attended had adequate opportunities for students pursuing graduate school. FSU was the complete package for me, and upon visiting and seeing the campus firsthand, I felt a sense of belonging.  

What academic achievements are you most proud of?

In my sophomore year, I did UROP, where I joined associate professor of Italian Irene Zanini-Cordi in her research. My topic was the application of social network theory to 18th-century literary salon culture.  

Our research matured into the creation of a podcast series dedicated to the topic. Over the course of summer 2024, my team and I researched, wrote scripts, edited, interviewed experts in the field and ultimately recorded our podcast series. We applied for the IDEA Grant in Spring 2024 and were awarded a grant to fund our research.  

I completed an Honors in the Major thesis titled “Lived Space and the Formation of Self in Jane Eyre,” which seeks to argue that the idea of the novel is more than a standard coming-of-age story. I argue that the novel is instead an example of a young woman negotiating her place in the world in a complex patriarchal Victorian society.  

How do you serve the FSU community?

I currently serve as the citation and research editor for the Undergraduate Law Review at FSU. I educate new members about how to use The Bluebook, the primary format for legal research. This role has helped me grow and learn as an editor while also educating younger pre-law students about a skill crucial to legal research.  

I also served as an EngageTLH volunteer facilitator, where I guided a group of students to the FSU Food for Thought Pantry. We sorted and counted the donations, then cleaned up the pantry after volunteering. Throughout the process, I asked them reflection questions, encouraging them to think about the impact of volunteer work.

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Biological science student and Presidential Scholar William Dhana researches several cellular biological processes related to the mitigation and understanding of cancerous compounds.

His research on these compounds in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) inspired him to take his work and elevate it as a research fellow for the Johns Hopkins Institute for NanoBioTechnology and the National Cancer Institute.

Dhana wants to explore the interdisciplinary cross-section between medicine and cellular research to provide new insights on cancer prevention in the community.

At FSU, he combines his academics with service as a crew lead on the FSU Medical Response Unit (MRU). His unit provides a safety net on the FSU campus in case of medical emergencies, broadening his knowledge of medicine.

Why did you choose FSU?

When I interviewed for the Presidential Scholars Program, I immediately connected with the group of students I met, even before I knew whether I had received the scholarship. With hundreds of student organizations, FSU creates an environment where anyone can find a niche and continue growing. 

Even in my final semester, I have continued to explore new communities. Becoming a Presidential Scholar only deepened that sense of belonging, and I have been incredibly grateful to be part of so many meaningful groups during my time at FSU. 

What academic achievements are you most proud of?

During my time at FSU, I have had the opportunity to grow both as a researcher and as an advocate for undergraduate research. My journey began at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering Tang Lab through the UROP. There, I worked on a project using specialized bacteria that mitigate cancerous chemical compounds in groundwater, which introduced me to experimental design and wet lab research. 

Building on that foundation, I was accepted into the U.S. National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates program at the Johns Hopkins Institute for NanoBioTechnology. This program led to a publication titled “PanIN or IPMN?,” which explored the use of artificial intelligence to classify early-stage pancreatic cancer. 

The following summer, I continued my research at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, where I studied a cell transporter that affects how well cancer drugs can reach the brain. 

None of these opportunities would have been possible without my introduction to research at FSU, and they have shaped my long-term goal of integrating scientific research with medicine. 

How do you serve the FSU community?

Outside of the classroom, I focused heavily on leadership and service through both emergency response and student advocacy. 

As a crew lead in the MRU, I ensure that team members are well prepared to respond to medical situations on campus while also mentoring newer trainees as they develop their clinical skills. 

As an Honors Colloquium Leader, I foster a supportive academic environment for those transitioning into the university. 

My involvement in Student Government, particularly through the Student Council for Undergraduate Research and Creativity (SCURC) and now the Student Department of Academic Affairs, has allowed me to advocate for students on a broader scale. I worked on initiatives aimed at expanding access to research funding, improving educational affordability and strengthening academic resources. 

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Marriage and Family Therapy doctoral candidate Carson Outler works as a therapist and on-call victim advocate for the FSU community.

She balances her clinical work with doctoral research on “sandwiched” caregivers, adults who simultaneously care for aging parents and dependent children. Her goal is to inform national policies that provide better support for caregivers.

Outler’s research has taken her to Japan, Scotland and Norway for the International Family Therapy Association conferences. She has also contributed to multiple peer-reviewed articles.

Outler also brings her research and clinical experience into the classroom, where she mentors undergraduate students in the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.

Why did you choose FSU?

FSU’s Marriage and Family Therapy department is a top training program. I was drawn to the opportunities to expand my research, clinical and teaching skills under the mentorship of knowledgeable and supportive faculty.  

During my campus visit, I quickly fell in love with the university and its extensive resources for students. I saw not only a place where I could advance academically, but a community where I could grow both as a scholar and as a person.  

What academic achievements are you most proud of?

I secured competitive external funding to support my dissertation research on sandwiched caregivers. I was honored to receive three funding resources: the American Dissertation Fellowship from the American Association of University Women (AAUW), the Doctoral Dissertation Grant from the Mental Research Institute and the Dissertation Grant from The Foundation for the Contemporary Family.  

These awards affirmed the importance of my research, provided the resources necessary to give back to my participants and the ability to travel to disseminate my findings.  

How do you serve the FSU community?

I provide therapy at the FSU Center for Couple and Family Therapy and the FSU Multidisciplinary Center. In these settings, I work with individuals, couples, families and groups facing a range of presenting concerns.  

I also serve as an on-call victim advocate, providing confidential crisis support to FSU students, faculty and staff who have experienced victimization. Witnessing clients’ resilience and growth continually reinforces why I chose this profession. This work reminds me of the importance of small, relational moments amid the larger systems that shape clients’ lives.

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Zachary Asarnow is an economics student who was inspired by his work in the FSU International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) team to co-found a biotech startup.

Asarnow worked as an entrepreneur on the team, sparking his love for innovation. The team’s gold medal placement at the iGEM Jamboree solidified his interest in the innovation field as it relates to medicine. He became the CEO and co-founder of Esperance Healthcare, where he advances work to treat the rare diseases he studied during his time in iGEM.

His interdisciplinary work between entrepreneurship and the medical field motivated him to start the FSU Business and STEM Association, where he connects students to learn about innovation through pitch competitions, networking, projects and startup workshops.

On top of his commitment to innovation, Asarnow has worked for FSU Housing for three years as a desk assistant and resident assistant.

Why did you choose FSU?

I chose to attend FSU because it is a place full of opportunity, growth and community. The fact that FSU has over 700 student organizations immediately stood out to me. I knew I wanted to be part of a campus where I could get involved, try new things and discover what I truly enjoy.

From studying abroad, joining sports clubs, participating in academic organizations and connecting with Student Affairs, I’ve explored so many different sides of campus life. FSU has given me the chance not only to get involved, but also to find passions I didn’t even know I had and to be surrounded by a community that feels like home.

What academic achievements are you most proud of?

My most significant research project and accomplishment at FSU has been my work with the 2024 FSU iGEM team. I joined as the entrepreneurship lead, and I spent over a year collaborating with an interdisciplinary team of students to develop solutions for the rare genetic disease trimethylaminuria (TMAU) that causes individuals to emit a strong odor. Our goal was to combine science, innovation and entrepreneurship to address this urgent unmet medical need.

I gained experience in conducting market research, building a business model and commercialization strategy, and tailoring presentations for audiences. One of the highlights was traveling with my team to Paris for the iGEM Grand Jamboree, where we presented our work to an international audience and a panel of judges. Our team earned a gold medal, including recognition for the entrepreneurship report that I led.

I served as a public policy intern at the DeVoe Moore Center Think Tank, where I conducted research into the economic impact of space debris. I worked with a team to write and publish articles on the subject and co-authored a policy briefing with recommendations on how to approach space debris from both regulatory and economic perspectives.

How do you serve the FSU community?

I co-founded Esperance Healthcare, a biotech startup dedicated to developing and commercializing solutions for TMAU and other rare conditions. As CEO, I have led our team in product development, securing funding and creating strategic partnerships.

Esperance has received support from FSU’s Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases, which has been instrumental in advancing our work. Most recently, we were honored to be selected as one of only 15 startups worldwide to pitch at the iGEM Grand Jamboree Startup Showcase.

This work has inspired and engaged the community by demonstrating how research, entrepreneurship and collaboration can translate into real-world solutions. Through that, I co-founded the Business and STEM Association to help share the knowledge I learned from Esperance with students who want to build something they’re passionate about.

Our efforts have strengthened connections across interdisciplinary areas and highlighted FSU as a hub for innovation.

In Tallahassee, our presence as a student-led biotech startup contributes to the local entrepreneurial ecosystem by fostering partnerships, providing mentorship and promoting a culture of problem solving.

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Brooke Hagans was drawn to Florida State University because of the university’s support for undergraduate research and academic strength in the biological sciences. Now a biological science major, Hagans is involved with several labs conducting high-level research on animal behavior and marine ecology.

As a 2025 IDEA Grant recipient, she is investigating how parasitic accumulation contributes to physiological stress and energy expenditure in Atlantic stingrays during pregnancy — a project she developed after observing high parasite prevalence while working at the FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory. Hagans also works within Professor Emily DuVal’s lab, where she analyzes 26 years of behavioral data to map the social networks and male status dynamics of lance-tailed manakins.

Beyond the laboratory, Hagans supports the FSU and Tallahassee communities by volunteering with the FSU Animal Society and walking dogs for Champs Chance, local organizations that prioritize animal well-being and conservation outreach. After she completes her undergraduate degree, she plans to pursue a doctoral degree at Auburn University in Alabama under the supervision of Professor Geoffrey Hill and become a research professor. 

Why did you choose FSU?

I chose Florida State University because of its strong commitment to fostering academic excellence and hands-on research experiences. FSU’s research opportunities, particularly in the biological sciences, stood out to me. Additionally, FSU’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration aligns perfectly with my aspirations to bridge animal behavior with ecological research. 

I was also drawn to FSU’s vibrant community of researchers and the resources available to help students grow both academically and professionally. I knew that this university would provide an ideal environment for me to pursue my academic and career goals. 

What academic achievements are you most proud of?

I initially joined a project under the mentorship of Dean Grubbs, associate director of research at the Coastal and Marine laboratory and doctoral candidate Annais Muschett-Bonilla to investigate the energy expenditure of Atlantic stingrays during gestation. While working on this project, I noticed a high prevalence of parasites in the controlled environment, which sparked my curiosity about how parasites might affect the stingrays’ health and energy use. This led me to apply for the FSU IDEA Grant, where I now study how parasitic accumulation during pregnancy contributes to physiological stress in these rays.

I then joined Professor Emily DuVal’s lab to assist with a project that helps build social networks for each year of a bird called Lance-Tailed Manakins using 26 years of behavioral data. The primary goal of this work was to track and map the interactions between individuals over time, analyzing how social networks evolve within this species. My research focuses on understanding the role of social interactions in male status dynamics. This study represents an initial step toward understanding these relationships, with future research aimed at determining whether the frequency and nature of these interactions influence status changes over time.

How have you served the FSU and Tallahassee communities?

I volunteer with the FSU Animal Society, where I assist with caring for farm animals and other activities. This club has given me the opportunity to directly contribute to animal welfare and support the FSU community in a meaningful way. Through my involvement, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for hands-on animal care and have been able to share my passion for animals with others.

I also walk dogs for Champs Chance, a local organization dedicated to animal welfare. This experience allows me to contribute to the well-being of animals in need and helps provide dogs with the exercise and socialization they need while awaiting adoption. It’s a rewarding experience that combines my love for animals with community service.

My work has positively contributed to FSU and the Tallahassee communities by combining my academic research with a commitment to animal welfare, conservation and education outreach. Through these efforts, I aim to make a lasting impact both at FSU and in the Tallahassee area.

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Allison Justice is a doctoral student in the Florida State University Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences and an assistant professor in the FSU School of Physician Assistant Practice whose career is built on a foundation of service to others. Long before guiding future clinicians or pursuing her doctorate at FSU, Justice served her country as a flight medic with the Florida Army National Guard, completing two deployments to Iraq in OIF 06-08 and OND 2011. Her military background forged a deep resilience and a mission-first mindset she carries into both her doctoral studies and her civilian career. 

This veteran spirit anchors her roles in education, clinical practice and advocacy. In the classroom, she shapes the next generation of medical professionals as an assistant professor, a responsibility that pairs with her leadership as president-elect of the Florida Academy of PAs. She also serves as the founding faculty adviser for the HOME (Homeless Outreach Medicine and Education) Street Medicine Program, managing the logistics and performing outreach that allow FSU students to support essential healthcare in Tallahassee’s encampments. Across all these responsibilities, she connects tactical military medicine, advanced instructional design and hands-on community advocacy.

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Charlotte Stuart-Tilley, a Tallahassee native, chose to attend Florida State University because of the opportunities for undergraduate research and the beautiful campus and Gothic architecture, which she has admired throughout her life.

During her time at FSU, Stuart-Tilley has been involved in research projects, ranging from archiving and tracking historical mentions of Dante, the 13th century Italian author of “Divine Comedy,” in popular media, to understanding how West Africans conceptualize human rights and discrimination.

The latter culminated in a Tyler Fellowship, which provided Stuart-Tilley with an IDEA Grant in addition to support from the Center for the Advancement of Human Rights to conduct fieldwork in Ghana.

How did you engage in academic research at FSU?

My first university research experience was with Elizabeth Coggeshall, professor in the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics, who has an incredible public access database of physical and digital references to Dante worldwide called Dante Today. My work with her was simple; she needed students to update the database with some technical tasks. For our final presentation, she allowed us to pick a subject related to the database and complete independent research. I chose to search for additional Dante references to add to the database from West Africa, a region that has interested me since I was in high school. One of my favorite references was from a Ghanaian artist, so perhaps the project influenced my decision to do my research in Accra, Ghana last summer. 

How was your experience conducting research in Ghana?

Building on my earlier research, I traveled to Ghana to study how Fulbe communities conceptualize human rights and discrimination. The idea connected to my work on West African cultural references during the Dante Today project, which sparked my interest in the region and led me to conduct fieldwork in Accra.  

In Ghana, I interviewed Fulbe individuals (a historically nomadic and Muslim minority), asking questions such as “Who are Fulbe?,” “What is your ideal world?” and “What do you think of human rights?.” I initially expected responses to center on concepts like “pulaaku” and “seemtende,” words that mean “responsibility” and “shyness” and are tied to Fulbe identity. Instead, a different theme emerged: “need.” Many participants emphasized their needs, in particular for access to education and land for cattle grazing, reflecting both economic realities and cultural traditions. Another recurring idea was “peaceful coexistence,” which interviewees described as the foundation of an ideal society. 

What did you gain from majoring in a second language?

My dual degree in French has helped me to make interdisciplinary connections that I don’t think I would have otherwise made. The classes I took on French culture and history tied into the classes I took on political science, terrorism and other disciplines. Making those connections between both majors has helped me to come to class with a different perspective and to relate to the material in an alternative way.  

I also love our French faculty’s style of teaching and the small classrooms that we have in our upper division courses. I really got to know everyone in my classroom, and many of us had multiple classes together from one semester to the next. One of the French courses which I took was centered around a book called Afrotopia by Senegalese economist Felwine Sarr. The professor who taught the course organized a conference on the book here at FSU where we had the opportunity to meet Sarr in person and talk to him about his work. 

What are your plans after graduation?

Long-term, I would love to work in human rights or sustainable development, especially as an analyst trying to understand big-picture environmental and sustainability issues. For now, I would like to work in Florida, either in the public or private sector. I love the natural environment here, and it is important to me that we can enjoy it for generations to come. 

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Aiden Leslie, a senior majoring in political science in the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy at Florida State University, was drawn to the university for its strong undergraduate research programs and the unique opportunities available to transfer students.

Inspired by the campus’s architectural beauty and walkability, Leslie quickly felt at home and appreciated the support provided throughout the transfer process from St. Petersburg College.

Leslie’s passion for research led to a fellowship with the Tyler Center for Global Studies, where he conducted an independent documentary project in São Paulo, Brazil. The film, “Lane Splitting,” explored the lives of young motorcycle couriers navigating urban challenges and labor rights struggles. Through this work, Leslie combines interests in journalism, filmmaking and advocacy, aiming to tell stories that inspire positive change.

In just two semesters, he has earned recognition on both the President’s and Dean’s lists. After graduation, Leslie plans to travel abroad and attend law school to practice human rights-focused or immigration law.

What made you want to transfer to Florida State University?

I began studying at FSU in the fall of 2024, after transferring from St. Petersburg College. I knew Florida State University was right for me because of the abundance of resources provided for transfer students like me. From the application process to registering for classes or attending orientation, I always knew that I had support. I remember being encapsulated by the red brick buildings on my first visit and the beautiful trees that were found all over campus. The overall walkability of the campus played a huge role in my choice as well. FSU has a great reputation for its undergraduate research programs, which made the decision easy.

The university’s proximity to the capitol has also allowed me to make valuable connections in my field of political science. The opportunities I have been provided to explore different academic disciplines and career fields at FSU are unparalleled and as a transfer student, I felt right at home from the moment I set foot on campus.

What did you explore in your undergraduate research project?

Funded by the Tyler Center for Global Studies as a Tyler Fellow in São Paulo, Brazil, I completed my documentary about young motorcyclists from disadvantaged backgrounds enduring a labor rights struggle. This short documentary “Lane Splitting” delves into the world of motorcycle couriers in São Paulo who navigate the city’s chaotic traffic at high speeds to deliver goods quickly, often risking their lives daily in a system that exploits their labor while offering little protection or recognition.

This opportunity has allowed me to begin my professional career in journalism and filmmaking. Whether it be through journalism, documentary filmmaking, academia or something else, I aim to tell stories that can facilitate positive change in the places where it’s needed most.

How has being a student at FSU helped you in achieving your goals and getting on the right path for your future?

My time here at FSU has been incredibly valuable in terms of learning about the possibilities of academia and research, as well as the importance of being a lifelong learner. I have made connections with my professors that have provided me with countless opportunities, such as traveling internationally to conduct research.

Speaking at the President’s Showcase for Undergraduate Research Excellence was an unforgettable experience, and I hope to inspire this generation of young researchers to spark positive change in their own lives and the lives of those around them.

What plans do you have for the future?

I intend to travel the world and share important stories, such as the one told in my documentary. I will continue to make documentary films and content while connecting with people in places most would not think to venture to.

After traveling, I plan to attend law school in the hopes of becoming a lawyer and practicing human-rights-focused law or immigration law. Using my background in law coupled with my experiences connecting with people from different backgrounds all over the world, I want to go into politics and fight for issues that I feel are important. I am committed to making positive change wherever I can.

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Johnnie Allen Jr. is a first-generation doctoral candidate in higher education who has continuously served FSU in numerous leadership roles. His research focuses on the leadership experiences and development of students of color in higher education.

Amongst Allen’s publications are an article with Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life Freddy Juarez “(Re)designing leadership engagement to center learners,” published in the New Directions for Student Leadership journal and a co-edited special issue in the Journal of Higher Education Policy and Leadership Studies.

Allen instructs students at FSU as a graduate teaching and research assistant, adviser and instructor at the Leadership Learning Research Center (LLRC) and teaches the undergraduate certificate and leadership studies program.

Outside of FSU, Allen is a presidential intern for ACPA–College Student Educators International, where he plans leadership summits and prepares his own panels for ACPA symposiums.

Why did you choose Florida State University?

I chose to attend FSU because of the faculty, staff and students in the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies’ Higher Education program. I learned about the Higher Education program from Higher Education Associate Professor Cameron C. Beatty. Together, we would discuss professional development opportunities, doctoral programs and advice on navigating higher education as a Black man.

For me, these early conversations and meetings highlighted his sincere care and interest in supporting my personal goals through an early mentoring relationship. Currently, Professor Beatty is my dissertation chair, adviser, mentor and research collaborator. He solidified my decision to choose FSU, as he assured me that I would continue to be supported professionally, personally and academically.

Why did you choose to pursue a degree in higher education?

I chose higher education because of my undergraduate experiences. I was heavily involved in fraternity and sorority life, housing and new student orientation while working at the Black Cultural Center at Indiana University Bloomington. Those experiences sparked a passion for student affairs, and I realized I could pursue it as a career.

I earned a master’s in higher education student affairs and am currently a doctoral candidate. I also co-edited journals with colleagues, which was an excellent way to practice editorial skills and prepare for my professional career in higher education.

How do you serve the FSU community?

When considering how I positively contribute to the FSU community, I reflect on my work at the LLRC. I am an instructor and adviser within the undergraduate certificate and leadership studies program. During my tenure, I teach approximately 100 undergraduate students in person, primarily through courses such as Black Male Leadership, Leadership and Ethics, and Leadership and Change. Additionally, I serve as a teaching assistant for two of the core online leadership courses in the certificate program which supports 60 students a semester.

I have enjoyed each experience, as the undergraduate students at FSU are constant reminders of why I chose a career path in higher education. I hear from past students about how our leadership readings and discussions have impacted their leadership positions on and off campus. I enjoy hearing about their jobs and internship opportunities, continued personal growth and development as leaders and people.

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For doctoral student Ashley Ippolito, the future of communication sciences and disorders isn’t just found in a clinic. It’s also written in code.

Driven by her research on children’s language development, Ippolito developed ScriptToolKit, a language analysis program designed to bridge the gap between technical programming and clinical care. Her work highlights a powerful interdisciplinary intersection, demonstrating how custom software can reduce time spent on manual analysis, allowing researchers to focus more on the children, fulfilling Ippolito’s primary goal: research with definable real-world impact.

Her passion lies in working with student-generated classroom data to build tools that address real needs in research and practice. By analyzing a corpus of children’s writing samples, she has made key connections about how students understand word structure, formation and meaning.

Ippolito is also committed to ensuring the field evolves alongside her. By integrating her research directly into her practice, she is supporting fellow students in the School of Communication Science and Disorders through new learning modules for coding and data analysis. Beyond the university, she works as a speech-language pathologist in a neighboring school district, applying her findings to support children’s language development.

Why did you choose Florida State University?

I chose to attend FSU because it felt like a place where I could grow in more than one direction at once. I wanted a program that took research seriously, valued applied community work and encouraged students to build things that don’t exist yet. FSU offered strong mentorship, access to meaningful data and the freedom to design projects.

What really stood out to me was how supported student-led ideas are here. From faculty who treat students like collaborators, to funding opportunities and interdisciplinary spaces, FSU has given me room to take risks, build tools and pursue work that matters.

What academic achievements have you accomplished at FSU?

One of my most meaningful academic accomplishments at FSU has been developing ScriptToolKit, a platform that includes ScriptSense, ScriptPrep and ScriptGuide. It helps speech-language pathologists, educators and researchers analyze language samples more efficiently and equitably.

Another significant academic project has been my work on written language development and morphological complexity using large-scale datasets. I have been involved in cleaning, analyzing and interpreting a corpus of children’s writing samples to better understand how morphological knowledge appears in student writing.

How have you impacted your community?

Beyond the classroom, one of my most meaningful contributions has been my clinical and community-based work with preschool-aged children and families in a neighboring school district. I conduct evaluations, provide intervention, and collaborate with teachers and families to support children’s early language development.

I have also taken on leadership and mentorship roles with undergraduate and graduate students at FSU, particularly research assistants. I design training materials, workflows and coding systems that help students develop real research skills while contributing meaningfully to ongoing projects.

Together, this work contributes to FSU and Tallahassee by strengthening community partnerships, supporting early childhood development and creating pathways for students to engage in applied, socially meaningful research.

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CJ Morales is an accounting major at Florida State University who consistently raises the bar in community impact. He serves as chapter president for the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, where he oversees all operations and serves as the liaison between the chapter and its national organization.

After the passing of his grandmother in 2015, Morales and his family founded the nonprofit The Abuelos Foundation, which serves the senior community through projects such as house painting and grocery shopping. Through the foundation, Morales raised an estimated $125,000 worth of groceries for senior citizens and contributed an estimated 30,000 community service hours for student volunteers in Miami-Dade County over the past decade.

Looking toward the future, Morales intends to return to FSU to earn his Master of Accounting degree. Over the next 18 months, he will focus his efforts on preparing for and completing the CPA Exam.

Why did you choose Florida State University?

I was looking for a public university in Florida, and FSU gave me the opportunity to save money because I earned the Florida Academic Scholars Award through the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program.

In addition, I wanted to go to a university outside of my hometown of Miami. In my opinion, Tallahassee to Miami is the perfect distance where I am not too far from my family, but I am far enough to be independent and deal with adversities myself.

FSU has been instrumental in my professional growth, and I look forward to carrying the skills and insights I’ve gained into the next chapter of my life and career.

What academic achievements have you accomplished at FSU?

My most significant accomplishment at FSU has been using the university’s resources to secure and complete an internship with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) at its Miami office last summer. As a tax intern, I participated in a tax case study and completed a Pro Bono Client Project, while shadowing seasoned professionals across both the tax and audit departments. 

I was able to land this internship through hard work as well as regular guidance from the Department of Accounting and the Herbert Wertheim College of Business. Finding internships can be hard, and I believe they make it easier for students to prepare for these internships through mandatory classes and guest speakers.

How do you serve the FSU community?

I was initiated into my fraternity, Beta Theta Pi, in the fall of 2024. As a newly initiated brother, I served as the fraternity’s philanthropy chair. I’ve created entertaining events that combine both community service and philanthropy. My favorite event was our collaboration with Kappa Kappa Gamma during the Halloween season. It was a five-minute tour around a self-made route filled with scare-actors and tour guides. We had 700 participants in three hours and raised $11,000 for multiple beneficiaries. 

The Abuelos Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that my family and I started in 2016 after the passing of my grandmother in June of 2015. “Abuelos” means “grandparents” in Spanish, and the mission is to combat solitude within the elderly communities of Miami-Dade County and Leon County. Last year, we held multiple philanthropy and community service events to benefit the Abuelos Foundation in Tallahassee, in addition to continuing our monthly events in Miami. Having recently surpassed The Abuelos Foundation’s 10-year anniversary, I am incredibly proud to see the impact grow from its roots in Miami to supporting senior citizens across the state. 

After graduation, I plan to return to PwC to build expertise in asset and wealth management or mergers and acquisitions. I also hope to continue to improve the Abuelos Foundation and expand our mission statewide or on a national scale. 

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