Florida State University will celebrate the achievements of its newest alumni Friday as the fall 2025 semester draws to a close. FSU will award 2,982 degrees, and more than 2,000 graduates are expected to participate in commencement ceremonies. 

The ceremonies are scheduled for Friday, Dec. 12, at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. President Richard McCullough will preside over all three events: a doctoral hooding ceremony at 9 a.m., followed by ceremonies for bachelor’s, master’s and specialist degree recipients at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. 

Featured speakers include Florida State Rep. Lawrence McClure and retired FSU head men’s basketball coach Leonard Hamilton. 

FSU’s fall graduates are putting their education to work in fields from health care to the arts. The students featured here have strengthened the university through their research, service and leadership and are ready to do the same beyond FSU. 

Lagos, Nigeria native Bolade Olateju is on the verge of reaching another personal milestone as he earns his doctorate in exercise physiology with the FSU Department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Science. 

Following graduation, he plans to continue his work in biomedical research with a focus on preclinical and translation studies aimed at cardiovascular and metabolic health. Olateju values the significant work he has accomplished while mentoring his students at FSU. 

“During my time at FSU, I have been fortunate to build a diverse and impactful record of academic research and leadership accomplishments,” Olateju said. “I have trained and mentored numerous students, supported multiple federally funded research projects, and contributed to several publications focused on sarcospan, cardiac remodeling and cardiometabolic disease.” 

Olateju chose FSU’s Exercise Physiology Ph.D. program “because of its strong reputation in integrative human physiology and translational research.” Searching for a program that would accelerate his research — particularly in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases — Olateju is thankful for the challenge FSU provided. 

“I wanted a program that would challenge me, support my growth as a scientist and allow me to conduct meaningful research,” Olateju added. “FSU provided exactly that.” 

Jocelyn Muñiz, a graduating Master of Public Health (MPH) student, was recently promoted to program administrator of the Public Health Dental Program at the Florida Department of Health. 

The Public Health Dental Program guides the Florida Department of Health’s initiatives to strengthen and protect oral health across the state. The program has an incredible impact across Florida, managing statewide dental health data, setting policy priorities, supporting education and prevention programs and providing direct dental services.  

As the program administrator, Muñiz oversees dental health plans to increase access to oral health services, promote preventive care and improve outcomes across diverse communities.  

“Working at the Florida Department of Health, I already feel like I apply my education to my job,” Muñiz said. “Being a public health major really helped me understand the inner workings of policy and the reasons that health and health-related issues are in the state that they are. Knowing the system and its influencing factors impacted my desire to make a change from within.” 

Muñiz is a Tallahassee native and earned her bachelor’s degree in public health from FSU’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy (COSSPP) in 2023. Muñiz credits her time at COSSPP with helping her build the strong professional network that opened doors and propelled her toward her dream career.  

When asked what aspect of FSU has left a lasting impact on her, Muñiz said, “Dr. (Deanna) Barath has had the biggest influence on me as a student and as an individual in the field of public health. Not only does she give me feedback on my classwork, but she also provides guidance on my professional career, helping me build my résumé, serving as a reference, and offering insight into the public health system and how it functions.” 

Joanna Chowdhury, a graduating Master of Public Health (MPH) student and two-time COSSPP alumna, was named Northwest Regional Health Manager for Special Olympics Florida. 

In this position, Chowdhury works closely with clinicians and students, training them to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This role is hands-on and collaborative, supporting work with volunteers for health education classes at partnered community facilities and coordinating noninvasive health screenings at sporting events and partner sites. 

“What makes this role so special is that I get to do something I absolutely love, bridging the clinical side of health care with public health in a way that genuinely makes a difference,” Chowdhury said.  

Chowdhury chose to attend FSU because of the Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement (CARE), which provides first-generation students with academic preparation and support through programming and advising to face challenges due to educational or economic circumstances.  

“It was the deciding factor for me, and looking back, it completely shaped the trajectory of my education and career,” Chowdhury said. “CARE gave me access to resources I didn’t even realize I needed to be successful in college: life coaching, case management, university housing and a support system that showed up for me consistently.” 

Through CARE, Chowdhury learned about COSSPP’s Combined Pathways program, which allowed her to blend two of her interests — public health and social sciences — while saving time and money. The pathway helped her transition from her dual bachelor’s degrees (B.S. Public Health and Interdisciplinary Social Science) into the MPH program, giving her a clear direction toward the field she now works in.  

Chowdhury’s dual degree shapes her understanding of both fields. Taking courses such as urban and regional planning and public administration influenced her perspective on policies that impact health care. “It taught me to view public health as a connected system where history, policy and environment all shape outcomes,” Chowdhury said.  

The support from FSU aided her academic and personal development. One professor, specifically, Ladanya Ramirez Surmeier, made a lasting impact during Chowdhury’s most difficult moments. After the death of her father, Ramirez Surmeier encouraged her to seek mental health support. 

“She reminded me that I could not advocate for others if I was not willing to advocate for myself,” Chowdhury said. “Her advice became the missing piece in my healing.” 

Chowdhury is and has been involved in several organizations and programs, including Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., CARE, FSU University Housing and the Master of Public Health Student Association. These organizations provided her with community, mentorship, friendships and opportunities for professional development. 

After graduation Chowdhury hopes to continue advancing health equity and mentoring future public health professionals.  

Jada Llerena, of Stuart, Florida, is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She credits the FSU community and curriculum with strengthening her commitment to service and equipping her with the confidence to succeed. 

During her time at the College of Nursing, Llerena researched GABA migration in the developing brain after nicotine exposure. However, one of her most meaningful experiences was serving as an ACE Learning Tutor. 

“FSU taught me that knowledge is most powerful when it is shared, a lesson that continues to guide me as both a student and a future nurse,” she said. 

Llerena also notes that the faculty played an instrumental role in her development by challenging and supporting her growth. After graduation, she will begin her career at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville. She will work in the Neuro and Vascular Intensive Care Unit at the Level 1 trauma center, where she hopes to mentor other nurses and continue the cycle of guidance she found at FSU. 

Max Allen, of Cocoa Beach, Florida, is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from the School of Theatre, with a dual track in performance and directing. Drawn to FSU for its renowned arts programs and the ability to utilize the Bright Futures Scholarship, Allen said the campus environment was a major draw. 

“I’d known FSU for a long time. It has very strong arts programs with a lot of supportive faculty, and I’m really glad I made the decision,” Allen said. 

Allen’s undergraduate career was defined by high-level research. Through the IDEA Grant and the Honors in the Major program, he developed projects and attended graduate-level seminars, opportunities rarely afforded to undergraduates. He credits mentors such as Kris Salata, chair of the School of Theatre, and Assistant Professor Sarah Fahmy for guiding his journey. 

Allen plans to pursue a doctorate in theater to continue his work as a director, performer and scholar.

Mckenzie Simon, of Broward County, Florida, has made a lasting impact on campus through extensive service and leadership. A member of the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE) program, Simon served as a Summer Bridge Ambassador, supporting first-generation college students during their transition to campus life. 

Simon also served as an ambassador for the College of Nursing and a “Take Stock in College” student ambassador, mentoring students across Florida. 

“Obstacles aren’t stop signs, they’re invitations to push harder,” Simon said. 

Beyond his ambassador roles, Simon gained clinical experience as a nurse extern at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. He was also a featured speaker at the Horizons Unlimited Conference, where he offered advice to incoming nursing students. 

After graduation, Simon will join the Cardiac Surgery ICU at HCA Florida Capital Hospital. He plans to gain critical care experience before pursuing certification as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. 

At just 19 years old, Nicolas Monteagudo is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 

Monteagudo’s time at FSU was marked by academic distinction and advocacy. He was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi — becoming one of only two nursing students in his cohort selected for the nation’s oldest collegiate honor society, and Sigma Theta Tau, the International Nursing Honor Society. 

Through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), Monteagudo worked with James Whyte, director of the Ph.D. in Nursing Science program, to investigate HIV-related stigma. As a Hispanic student, he found particular meaning in his work with the Florida-Georgia Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation and contributed to initiatives that increase underrepresented minority students in STEM. 

He also conducted policy analysis for the Florida Department of Management Services regarding health care costs and advocated for cancer research funding. 

“Graduating at 19 has taught me that there is no ‘perfect’ timeline for success,” Monteagudo said. “If there is one piece of advice I can impart, it is this: dreams without action become anxiety. When you think of your dreams, I hope you sing with rapture and dance like a dervish, fearlessly, freely and without hesitation.” 

Monteagudo plans to become a nurse practitioner and pursue a doctorate in nursing, following in his mother’s footsteps. 

When Olivia DeForest started at FSU in 2022, she wasn’t certain which direction to take. Fortunately, her strong math abilities and interest in practical applications led her to choose finance as her major. 

“I knew that I had a passion for making money, and that was about it,” DeForest said. “I honestly picked finance because I knew that I was much more of a math person. When I initially started taking my classes, I found myself really interested in the material.” 

This month, she receives her Bachelor of Science in Finance after thriving as a student at FSU’s College of Business. DeForest took a demanding courseload, worked multiple jobs, paid her way through school and was involved in Kappa Delta Sorority, Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity and Dance Marathon. 

Her biggest obstacle at FSU also became the turning point for her career ambitions. After her sophomore year, she applied for an internship at financial services company Raymond James but was rejected. She used the rejection as motivation and landed a finance and accounting internship with the company the next year and later secured a full-time position 

“I was heartbroken,” DeForest said about the initial rejection. “I kind of took that as ‘Okay, I can either completely redirect or use this as my motivation and go get it next summer.” 

In January 2026, her new position awaits her as one of Raymond James’ corporate banking credit associates. “From my first day of freshman year, my reason for attending FSU has been to get an education, secure a job and eventually excel in my career,” DeForest said. “It’s really cool to say in four years here, I did exactly what I wanted to do.” 

The post Honoring Achievement: FSU’s fall 2025 graduate spotlights appeared first on Florida State University News.

Two Florida State University College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences professors have been awarded food safety grants by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Prashant Singh’s and Hailey Kuang’s two-year grants will propel their research and help position FSU as a national leader in food safety innovation.

Kuang, an assistant professor of measurement and statistics in the Department of Education Psychology and FSU’s Learning Systems Institute, was awarded a $150,000 grant that applies artificial intelligence to address global food safety challenges.

Singh, a health, nutrition and food science associate professor, received a $150,000 grant aimed at developing a method to detect salmonella contamination in beef samples.

Both grants are sponsored by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Kuang’s focus addresses areas that contain antimicrobial resistance (AMR), one of the top global public health and development threats. According to the World Health Organization, misuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals and plants is the main driver in the development of drug-resistant pathogens.

“Our project, ‘AI4Food: Artificial Intelligence for Food Science Research and Education Initiative,’ positions FSU as a pioneer in integrating AI technologies with food safety research,” Kuang said.

“Our project, ‘AI4Food: Artificial Intelligence for Food Science Research and Education Initiative,’ positions FSU as a pioneer in integrating AI technologies with food safety research.”

– Hailey Kuang, assistant professor of measurement and statistics in the Department of Education Psychology and FSU’s Learning Systems Institute

Kuang’s goal is to develop an AI-enabled portable sensor that rapidly detects AMR in food supply chains. The research involves designing a portable device to assist in AMR testing, training machine-learning algorithms to identify AMR testing and validating the performance of machine-learning sensors for AMR detection by using meat and fresh produce as food models.

“By enhancing efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance — a growing global health threat — this technology makes FSU a leader in advanced food safety innovation,” Kuang said.

The outcome of her work could educate the students who specialize in food science and food safety. Kuang’s research has the potential to create a comprehensive program that equips students with cutting-edge AI, sensing techniques and food safety expertise.

Kuang specializes in developing and applying psychometric and statistical methods to measure cognitive and psychological traits and also collaborates with scholars across many disciplines, including food science.

Singh’s grant includes research-based and educational components in containing salmonella, one of the largest threats facing the global food industry. His research will be used to develop a novel digital PCR assay for the beef industry to measure the amount of salmonella contamination in samples.

A food safety microbiologist by training, Singh’s core area of research focuses on the development of rapid methods to detect foodborne pathogens. His work has been published in more than 30 food science publications.

Singh said the additional USDA funding enables his team to expand their research and develop solutions the food industry needs.

“Only three commercially available test kits for testing salmonella load in food samples are available,” Singh said. “These commercially available kits suffer from reproducibility issues and complicated DNA isolation protocols. The assay developed in our lab solves these problems, is highly reproducible and is suited for high throughput industrial applications. The workflow developed through this grant can be expanded to other food commodities, enabling a bigger impact.”

His research is aimed at creating a faster development of robust foodborne pathogen detection.

By creating a standardized testing method, Singh is serving a wide user base that includes small and large food processors, federal laboratories, third-party testing laboratories, as well as students.

FSU’s department of Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences includes innovative programs that analyze physical performance, health and wellness. The department is home to two renowned centers in the Institute of Sports Science and Medicine and the Center of Integrative Nutrition and Food Research.

For more information, visit cehhs.fsu.edu/hnfs.

The post Two grants help position Florida State University as a leader in food safety innovation appeared first on Florida State University News.

The post Six FSU graduate students spotlight research from across disciplines at annual Master’s in Four competition   appeared first on Florida State University News.

Taking a break from drinking alcohol even for just one month can lead to surprising and significant improvements in both physical and mental health, according to Jennifer Steiner, an assistant professor at Florida State University.

While giving up alcohol in a society where social events often revolve around drinking may seem difficult, Steiner says the potential benefits of a Dry January make it worthwhile to consider.

Taking a break from alcohol in January can lead to several health benefits, says Steiner, who teaches and researches various topics related to nutrition and exercise science:

• Your cancer risk, blood pressure, and weight may go down.
• Your liver could start to heal in just two weeks.
• You may feel less stressed and sleep better.
• Your digestion and nutrient absorption may improve.

Steiner suggests several strategies to navigate this challenge successfully:

1. Understand why you are drinking. If you are drinking to relieve stress then finding other ways to lessen stress will be important like exercising, calling a friend, journaling, watching a calming show or trying a new hobby. If drinking has become a habit, you enjoy in your daily or weekly routine then finding a new habit to replace it may work best. For example, replacing drinking with a snack or another enjoyed food, or an activity like taking a walk or going for a drive which takes you out of the house and away from temptation may help. Establishing another (healthier) behavior to replace drinking is important.
2. Have an accountability partner. Doing the challenge alone or in a house where a partner or other roommates are still actively consuming alcohol will make it much harder for you to abstain. If possible, find someone who can provide encouragement, support and remind you why you are doing this challenge. Many people who stop drinking find that their friend groups slowly change over time as they spend more time with those who don’t drink or are at least supportive of their new lifestyle.
3. Set yourself up success. Don’t have any alcohol that is easy to grab in the house. Make plans with friends that don’t center around alcohol. Avoid places like bars where the main thing to do is drink.
4. Have a plan in place if you are going to be in a tempting situation. If you will be going out with friends make sure they know you are abstaining from alcohol and ensure there will be non-alcoholic drink options. Explain to friends how important this challenge is to you and express your wishes for them not to try to sabotage it. If the situation becomes uncomfortable, remove yourself (if possible).
5. Remember your why. The stronger your resolve and motivation to achieve your goal the more likely you will. At the start of the month, establish how you will reward yourself if you complete the challenge and tell an accountability partner. If you feel the urge to drink, remind yourself of the reward and the reasons you are doing the challenge.

If you are able stop drinking for the month, you may ultimately end up drinking less alcohol even after the challenge ends, Steiner said.

To establish healthier long-term habits around alcohol consumption, she recommends remembering that alcohol is toxic to the body and treating it as a delicacy for special occasions may be beneficial. Reflect on the positive changes experienced during the abstinent period, such as improved sleep, increased energy, and clearer thinking.

Steiner is available to speak to the media about Dry January.

Jennifer Steiner, assistant professor, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
jsteiner2@fsu.edu

Steiner’s research interests include the role of nutrition and exercise in the prevention and treatment of disease as well as the promotion of optimal health and performance. Her work investigates the impact of alcohol, and/or different dietary/exercise treatments on the maintenance of skeletal muscle health in relation to its interaction with other organ systems.

The post Dry January strategies and benefits you might not have considered appeared first on Florida State University News.