College of Social Sciences and Public Policy names 18 new Social Sciences Scholars

David W. Rasmussen, dean emeritus of the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy and the James H. Gapinski Professor of Economics
David W. Rasmussen, dean emeritus of the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy and the James H. Gapinski Professor of Economics

The College of Social Sciences and Public Policy at Florida State University has chosen 18 juniors in the college to receive Social Science Scholar awards.

“This award is the highest honor our college can bestow on an undergraduate major,” said Dean David W. Rasmussen. “It recognizes the students’ academic and leadership abilities and gives them the tools and experience they will need to lead projects of their own.”

The highly competitive selection process for the awards emphasized students’ academic achievements as well as their leadership in campus and community organizations, internships and service activities.

The 18 new Social Science Scholars will attend a leadership seminar during the spring 2013 semester to develop and plan their own projects, putting what they learn into practice during the summer and/or fall semester. They will also receive up to $5,000 for travel and expenses related to their projects.

Social Science Scholars also are afforded other special academic and extracurricular opportunities during the remainder of their university careers. These include:

  • Seminars and symposia on domestic and international issues
  • Faculty mentoring
  • Interaction with campus and community leaders
  • Travel grants for independent research and service projects

The 2013 Social Science Scholars, along with their hometowns and majors, are:

DAVIE, FLA.

  • Rafael Batista, International Affairs

BRADENTON, FLA.

  • Caroline Burkholder, Sociology and Creative Writing

WASHINGTON, D.C.

  • Diamond Bynum, Political Science and Economics

MIAMI

  • Tara Catanach, International Affairs
  • Alex Montalvo, Political Science and International Affairs
  • Tatiana Pino, International Affairs and Economics

PALM BAY, FLA.

  • Rosalia Contreras, International Affairs and Women’s Studies

BAKER, FLA.

  • Paige Dabney, International Affairs and Geography

PORT RICHEY, FLA.

  • Mara Denny, International Affairs and Russian

WEEKI WACHEE, FLA.

  • Michael Fitzgerald, International Affairs

NAPLES, FLA.

  • Hillary Harlan, International Affairs and Economic

PARKLAND, FLA.

  • Brooke Holmes, Interdisciplinary Social Science

SARASOTA, FLA.

  • Stephen Mayers, Interdisciplinary Social Science

PENSACOLA, FLA.

  • Ian David Michaels, International Affairs and Political Science

CLEARWATER, FLA.

  • Maria Naranjo, International Affairs and Political Science

CAPE CORAL, FLA.

  • Alexandra Olsen, International Affairs, Sociology and French

JACKSONVILLE, FLA.

  • Cristina Omran, Environmental Studies

ST. PETERSBURG, FLA.

  • Kathryn Amelia Watts, International Affairs

For more information about the Social Sciences Scholars Program, contact Rasmussen at (850) 644-5488 or dwrasmussen@admin.fsu.edu, or Professor John Mayo at (850) 644-4321 or jmayo@fsu.edu.