Florida State University chemistry major Ethan Messier is making his mark through high-level research and campus leadership.

As a participant in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), Messier collaborated with Assistant Professor Taylor Higgins at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering to study parental leave policies, a project he later presented at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.

In addition to his research, Messier serves the university community as an Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) chemistry tutor, an Honors colloquium leader and a learning assistant for organic chemistry.

He supports his peers as a resident assistant at Landis Hall, where he helps students navigate campus resources and find their home at FSU.

Why did you choose Florida State University?

The first time I visited FSU as a freshman in high school, I instantly fell in love with the campus. I toured FSU for the first time on a frigid January morning, staring in awe at the Gothic-style brick buildings and the vastly verdant expanse of Landis Green, and I took about 135 photos at the Westcott Fountain.  

When the time came to apply to college, I was unsure of where I might end up. However, when the garnet and gold confetti finally cascaded across my computer screen, I celebrated with my family. My dad later said, “As soon as we first took you there, I knew this was where you would end up.” He was right; I never looked back. 

I was fortunate enough to earn the National Merit Finalist / Benacquisto Scholarship and be accepted into the University Honors Program, which has supported my journey here. 

What academic achievements have you accomplished at FSU?

My two most significant accomplishments are my research presentation at the 2025 Undergraduate Research Symposium and my involvement in multiple teaching roles across campus.  

Through UROP, I researched parental leave policies in university STEM programs across the United States and their impacts on the recruitment and retention of women faculty in the physical sciences.  

I had several meaningful interactions with faculty who shared their personal experiences as professors or graduate students in STEM fields while balancing family and their research. This experience culminated in presenting my findings at the Undergraduate Research Symposium, where I was able to share this important work with dozens of individuals, but most importantly my dad and grandma.  

My teaching roles are equally significant. My first on-campus job was as a chemistry tutor at ACE, where I supported students in General Chemistry I and II. Watching students gain confidence, experience “lightbulb moments” and develop a genuine zest for chemistry was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. 

Later, as an Honors colloquium leader, I taught a weekly class to 15 first-year students, mentoring them as they transitioned to college life. 

Currently, I serve as a learning assistant for Organic Chemistry II with Instructor of Chemistry, Kevin Little, where I guide students in class and host weekly office hours. 

My experiences at Florida State have deepened my love for chemistry, teaching and mentorship, and have solidified my goal of incorporating education into my future career as a physician. 

How do you serve the FSU community?

My most significant leadership experience at FSU has been serving as a resident assistant in Landis Hall. I began by serving on Hall Council as the equity and inclusion representative, where I learned more about University Housing and got to know the RA team in my building. 

When I was hired as an RA, I was thrilled to be placed in Landis Hall, which has truly become my home away from home. 

As an RA, I help residents navigate the realities of adult life and encourage them to branch out and build community. I am now in my second year as an RA and third year living in Landis, and I have developed a deep and genuine love for the hall, my co-workers and my residents. This role has been one of the most formative parts of my time at FSU, allowing me to give back to the same community that welcomed me with arms wide open.

The post Ethan Messier appeared first on Florida State University News.

Criminology and Middle Eastern studies student Emma Brown uses her fluency in Arabic to fuel her Honors in the Major research. Through her ethnography, she conducts groundbreaking research exploring Middle Eastern resettlement communities in Tampa, Florida, focusing on local integration and support structures.

Brown learned Arabic early in life and studied abroad in Jordan this summer to expand her knowledge of the culture and Arabic language.

Outside of research, Brown is a legal intern for the Center for the Advancement of Human Rights, where she uses her multilingualism to help clients navigate the legal processes for U.S. residency and citizenship. This role inspired her ideal future career as an immigration attorney.

Brown has shone on campus at the Center for Global Engagement as a former Peer Mentor Coordinator. She used her extroverted interpersonal skills to create an environment where more than 300 international students were welcomed to FSU, hosting cultural events and helping them develop their English language skills.

Why did you choose Florida State University?

I chose to attend FSU because of the welcoming atmosphere and outgoing students. As an out-of-state student, I was intimidated by going to a school where I did not have any existing connections. I immediately felt like I belonged on campus and built a community through discussions and events with my fellow students.

What academic achievements have you accomplished at FSU?

I am conducting an Honors in the Major project using ethnographic research to study Middle Eastern communities in Tampa, Florida, with a focus on language usage, commerce, political identity and religion. 

I was awarded the FSU Center for Global Engagement’s Global Citizen Award for the 2025–2026 academic year. This builds on my recognition as the Outstanding Student in Arabic Studies by the FSU Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics in both 2024 and 2025. In addition to my academic honors, I currently serve as the Arabic Honor Society’s outreach coordinator and formerly served as the events chair, where I organized events that built community and encouraged others to explore a new culture.

I am now the assistant at the Middle East Center, where I aid the faculty in their development of the Middle East Center and its academic major. In previous years, I have taught a traditional Arab dance, the dabke, at cultural events and made my personal favorite Arab dessert, Om Ali. I enjoy sharing the opportunity to learn more about the different cultures and languages in the Middle East.

How have you impacted your community?

As a legal intern at the Center for the Advancement of Human Rights, I assist individuals navigating the legal processes for U.S. citizenship and resettlement. In this pro bono role, I leverage my Arabic and Spanish language skills to facilitate client communication, documentation and application support.

I also volunteer as an English Conversation Program Partner Facilitator with the Center for Global Engagement and meet weekly with international students to aid them in their conversational English.

I contribute to Tallahassee by helping the community with pro bono immigration resources, providing people with excellent care without financial burden. On the weekends, I volunteer with Tallahassee refugees and enjoy showing hospitality and aiding in their transition to this new environment.

Outside of my efforts in aiding immigrants and international students, I also contribute to FSU with my passion for advocacy and connection-building. As director of the Women Student Union, I enjoy planning events and fostering spaces that empower women socially, politically and professionally.

The post Emma Brown appeared first on Florida State University News.

Doctoral student Dylann Lowery works directly with the Tallahassee community to provide award-winning research and resources that support healthy family relationships.

She chose FSU because of the university’s work with marriage and family therapy research students to expand access to mental health care in communities. The work aligned with her career goal to combine research and community support for families in need.

In her free time, Lowery began a parenting group that cultivates trauma-informed skills. Additionally, she leads a dissertation project that addresses how co-parents that have experienced childhood adversity shows up in family relationships families can pass on their trauma to next generations and how to break that cycle. She is also a registered play therapist for Tallahassee families who have experienced hardships in the home.

Lowery has taught undergraduate courses at the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences and mentors researchers in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program. She also serves on the Marriage and Family Therapy Graduate Student Organization (MFT-GSO) leadership team, where she helps junior clinicians develop professional skill sets.

Why did you choose Florida State University?

I chose FSU because it offers a combination of rigorous academic standards and real-world impact. While my previous focus centered on specialized minority mental health, FSU’s broader reputation for excellence, specifically its status as a top-tier research institution, provided a professional platform I couldn’t ignore.   

The Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program at FSU isn’t just well-regarded. It is nationally recognized as a leader in the field, and this environment pushes me to look beyond the classroom. The curriculum emphasizes a sophisticated blend of advanced statistics and qualitative analysis, which is exactly what I need to build a career that bridges the gap between high-level data and frontline clinical work.   

The chance to work alongside world-class faculty was a primary catalyst for my decision. Learning from experts provides a direct line to cutting-edge research in family systems and foster care dynamics.   

What academic achievements have you accomplished at FSU?

My most significant research accomplishment at FSU was spearheading a trauma-informed skills parenting group in the Tallahassee community. I connected clinical expertise with local families by adapting evidence-based trauma treatments into an accessible, culturally grounded group format.   

This project went beyond simple data collection. It established a sustainable institutional partnership and secured university grant funding that allowed the program to expand. By co-creating this research with the participants, I ensured that the resulting intervention was directly responsive to the needs of Tallahassee residents.  

I also received the Department of Human Development and Family Science Dissertation Award, an honor that recognized the academic rigor and innovation of my mixed-methods research. This project investigates how individual trauma histories influence parenting competence and co-parenting relationships. It effectively identifies the specific mechanisms that can disrupt cycles of generational adversity.   

The significance of this work was further validated through the receipt of both the McKnight Dissertation Fellowship and the Foundation for the Advancement of Human Systems Doctoral-Completion Fellowship. These prestigious awards supported a large-scale data collection effort involving nearly 200 participants. Additionally, my work was recognized at the International Family Therapy Association Conference as a Graduate Student Award winnerand I was recently award the Graduate Student Research Award by the Foundation for the Advancement of Human Systems 

How have you impacted your community?

My most significant contribution beyond the classroom is my work as a registered play therapist, where I provide specialized care to Tallahassee families navigating the complexities of foster care, intimate partner violence and generational trauma.  

This work is about advocating for trauma-informed care within local systems and ensuring that the most vulnerable families in our community have access to high-quality, evidence-based mental health support.  

I served as an overnight on-call advocate for FSU’s Victim Advocate Program, supporting students who experienced victimization.   

Beyond my clinical service, I have dedicated myself to professional leadership by serving on the Southeastern Council on Family Relations (SECFR) board and the MFT-GSO leadership team.   

On the SECFR board, I help steer regional conversations on family science and facilitate networking and resource sharing for practitioners across the Southeast. Closer to FSU, my leadership within the MFT-GSO has allowed me to mentor junior clinicians and advocate for the professional development of my peers at FSU.  

These roles have allowed me to build the infrastructure necessary for my colleagues and the families we serve to thrive.

The post Dylann Lowery  appeared first on Florida State University News.

Nicholas Montano is a master’s economics student at FSU who works at the DeVoe L. Moore Center (DMC) as a housing policy researcher.

He is one of the contributors of the Florida Housing Data Project (FHDP), a collaborative initiative with the DMC, the Reason Foundation and the Florida Policy Project that uses data analysis to address Florida’s affordable housing challenges.

As a policy analyst, Montano has published many articles with the Reason Foundation discussing his opinions, recommendations and insights on the state’s housing industry.

Through the FSU Center for Global Engagement, Montano also volunteered as an English conversation facilitator, teaching new English speakers business jargon to expand their professional vocabulary.

Why did you choose FSU?

I first visited FSU during my senior year of high school while visiting a friend, and I immediately fell in love with the campus culture and the strength of its social science programs. After learning more about Florida State’s economics curriculum and the abundance of research opportunities, I knew it was the perfect place for me to grow both academically and personally.

What academic achievements are you most proud of?

My most significant research project at FSU was the Annual Highway Report. While at the Reason Foundation, I drafted reports evaluating surface transportation systems across all fifty states, analyzing data on performance, efficiency and funding.

It was an incredible experience contributing to a large-scale project with real policy implications. It aimed at improving transportation infrastructure and informing state and federal decision making.

How do you serve the FSU community?

My time at the English Conversation Club was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. I watched my students gradually find their voices and grow more confident in speaking English. It was deeply fulfilling to see that transformation, and it reminded me how building community starts with helping individuals.

At the DMC, I’m contributing to the development of a statewide housing market dataset for Florida. I develop reports to identify alarming housing market trends. By strengthening access to this data, policymakers can make informed, data-driven decisions that address the Florida housing crisis.

The post Nicholas Montano appeared first on Florida State University News.

Presidential scholar Melanie Mitchell has served numerous organizations, fraternities and councils during her four years at FSU, where she completed both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.

As senior class council president and director of many FSU Homecoming affairs, Mitchell works towards inspiring her classmates to dream big and achieve more with the available student organizations.

Her service inspired her niche for people skills and helping people succeed. While Mitchell studied neuroscience in her undergrad, she gained interest in the human side of medicine. That turned her attention toward exploring a master’s in public health.

Her interdisciplinary higher education shone in her research assistant internship with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where she worked on community engagement.

Why did you choose FSU?

When I visited for the first time during the presidential scholars’ recruitment weekend, the decision to come here was easy. I felt supported, safe and excited about what my life could look like here.  

Florida State offered everything I was hoping for, such as strong academics at a top research institution, opportunities to stay connected to dance and the arts, spaces to grow as a leader, communities that supported students and campus resources that provided guidance.  

FSU felt like a place where I would not have to shrink any part of who I was, but instead I could become more of myself. 

What academic achievements are you most proud of?

As I progressed through my coursework related to premedical sciences, I found myself becoming just as interested in the stories behind medicine as I was in science itself.  

I became deeply interested in public health, especially the ways in which health disparities, systems and lived experiences shape outcomes long before a patient enters a clinic.  

That interest pushed me to take the initiative to build my own bachelor’s to master’s pathway. By my junior year, I had completed a full year of graduate-level public health coursework. Completing both a bachelor’s in behavioral neuroscience and a master’s in public health in four years reinforced my curiosity, challenged my assumptions and made me more thoughtful about the kind of physician I hope to become. 

Another accomplishment is my research experience in the Nee Lab for Cognitive Neuroscience. I contributed to research focused on working memory and cognitive control. I completed MRI safety training and gained exposure to human subject research and neuroscience methods. 

How do you serve the FSU community?

I served as class president for three years for the FSU Class Councils. We introduced service chairs and initiatives that allowed us to partner with other programs and unions to create support around breast cancer awareness, mental health and food insecurity. 

The council also helped bring back the senior class gift for the first time in nearly a decade, raising nearly $10,000 over the past year to furnish the second-floor patio of the FSU Student Union with outdoor seating. 

I was involved with FSU Homecoming across my undergraduate years as director of several coordinating efforts and teams such as programming, parade, Chief and Princess. I also had the honor of serving on Homecoming Court during my graduate year, which recognized my leadership and helped me promote FSU as a place where everyone belongs and is celebrated. 

How have you practiced leadership during your time at FSU?

Mentorship has been the clearest thread through everything I have done here. I encourage my sorority life sisters, younger students and mentees to go for leadership roles, internships, research positions or jobs. More than anything, I want people to leave interactions with me feeling more confident in themselves than they did before. 

I feel the power of mentorship is to ensure your legacy extends beyond a classroom, a title and even a physical space. It lives in people by rippling into the next generation of leaders, scholars and students who will continue that excellence. Many of the doors that opened were because someone looked out for me, and because of that, I have always felt a responsibility to do the same for others.

The post  Melanie Mitchell appeared first on Florida State University News.

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.

The post Claire Sciandra   appeared first on Florida State University News.

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.

The post Kelsie Fernandez appeared first on Florida State University News.

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. 

The post William Dhana appeared first on Florida State University News.

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.

The post Carson Outler appeared first on Florida State University News.

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.

The post Zachary Asarnow appeared first on Florida State University News.

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.

The post Brooke Hagans appeared first on Florida State University News.

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.

The post Allison Justice appeared first on Florida State University News.