A delegation from Florida State University’s Tallahassee campus recently visited the university’s regional branch campus in the Republic of Panama to strengthen collaborations, expand student opportunities and deepen academic partnerships.

FSU Panama offers four undergraduate degree programs, three of which are housed in the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, making the college a central partner in the campus’s academic mission.

The FSU delegation included three representatives from the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy: Amanda Driscoll., the Dr. J. Elizabeth Garraway Professor and director of Undergraduate Studies for the Department of Political Science; Na’Ama Nagar, program director and teaching professor for the International Affairs program; and Ladanya Ramirez Surmeier, director of Undergraduate Studies and assistant teaching professor in the Public Health program and director of the Pepper Certified Peer Health Educator Scholarship.

Vilma Fuentes, a visiting associate in research at the Learning Systems Institute (LSI) and director of FSU’s Ukraine Task Force, was also part of the delegation.

“There is a clear opportunity for our Panama campus to serve as a hub for experiential learning and expanded academic engagement,” Nagar said. “With intentional partnerships and renewed focus, we can position the campus not just as an extension of the university, but as a strategic gateway for global impact.”

FSU has operated a campus in the Republic of Panama since 1957, when it was contracted by the U.S. government to establish an education center in the former Panama Canal Zone. The campus falls under the purview of FSU’s International Programs, which provides quality international learning environments and opportunities for students.

Throughout the visit, the group met with key stakeholders, students, alumni and academic partners to explore ways to promote collaboration between FSU Panama and the Tallahassee campus, particularly through internships, study abroad programs and alumni engagement. The visit also included meetings with Panama’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the U.S. Embassy and the United Nations, as well as a tour of the City of Knowledge facilities where FSU Panama is located. These organizations are all located near the FSU Panama campus, offering students access to hands‑on professional experience while completing their coursework.

As part of their engagement on campus, the delegation delivered a presentation to about 30 students, faculty and staff, highlighting programs within the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy and opportunities for collaboration between campuses.

Beyond the campus presentation, the delegation also participated in a meeting with Ambassador Kevin Cabrera, the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Panama, which focused on Embassy priorities and explored opportunities to connect FSU Panama with Embassy initiatives and internship pathways.

“We see impressive opportunities for enhanced scholarly exchange,” Driscoll said. “FSU Panama provides an ideal setting for international scholarly conferences and colloquia. As a multinational and multilingual crossroads of the Americas, the Republic of Panama presents minimal logistical or linguistic barriers for international participants and offers easier access for scholars traveling from Central and South America than most locations in the continental United States.”

The delegation also toured Panama City and the Panama Canal, providing context for the country’s strategic and economic significance. “FSU Panama has the potential to be a key partner for the Public Health Program,” Ramirez said. “After meeting with representatives from the UN-World Food Program and the UN-Food and Agriculture Organization, our students will be able to learn how to meet international public health needs while studying at FSU Panama. In addition, I look forward to identifying opportunities for students to work with the CDC Caribbean and Central American Regional Office.”

For more information about FSU Panama, visit panama.fsu.edu. To learn more about the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, visit cosspp.fsu.edu. For more information about FSU’s global footprint, visit global.fsu.edu.

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Ten Florida State University students earned the Global Citizenship Certificate (GCC) last semester, marking their dedication to cultural competency and global engagement.  

These students, including three who completed the certificate with honors, were celebrated for their achievements during a ceremony on Friday, Dec. 5, in the Globe Auditorium. 

Administered by the Center for Global Engagement and housed academically in the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy’s International Affairs Program, the GCC prepares students to succeed in a global workforce.

“Today, we honor ten students who have exhibited unwavering dedication to practicing global citizenship,” said Bryant Harden, instructional specialist and program director for the GCC. “Each of these graduates took the initiative to go beyond the surface and gain as much as they could from each experience. We are pleased to see all the achievements they have already made and will continue to make in our world.” 

Tim Chapin, dean of the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, spoke at the ceremony. Na’ama Nagar, director of the International Affairs program and teaching faculty III in the Department of Political Science, also offered congratulatory remarks at the celebration.  

“You chose to engage with the world at a much deeper level during your time at FSU,” she said. “You were clearly curious, you were open-minded, you were reflective, and you’re clearly willing to step outside what is familiar, the familiar box that we all like to be comfortable in.” 

During their participation in the program, students enroll in the IDS 2431 Global Perspectives course, which explores global issues and helps build intercultural competencies. In addition, students had to choose three elective courses from a list of pre-approved courses with an international global focus and attend eight intercultural events. Students also had to complete one sustained intercultural experience domestically or abroad to earn the certificate.   

The program began in 2016 with less than 30 students and now has more than 400 enrolled. Since the start of the program, more than 300 students have earned their Global Citizenship Certificate. 

Leona Sophie Rindle, a senior majoring in Psychology and Human Rights and Social Justice, pursued the certificate to gain new experiences and broaden her perspective. She satisfied her sustained experience requirement while spending the fall 2024 semester studying at Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia, through FSU’s Global Exchange Programs.  

“I rediscovered my passion for traveling and learning about other cultures, as well as improving my adaptability to new environments,” Rindle said. “From scuba diving for the first time in the Great Barrier Reef to a monthlong road trip throughout New Zealand to exploring Bali, I had countless incredible experiences that I will never forget.” 

The experience also reaffirmed her commitment to a future in international human rights law after witnessing the struggles of the First Nations Australians to have their cultural rights respected. 

“As I continue on to law school and pursue a career in international human rights law, I will carry with me the intercultural knowledge and curiosity that the program has instilled in me,” Rindle said. “At its most basic level, (the) GCC has taught me the importance of acknowledging our shared humanity despite cultural differences.” 

She and her cohort will continue to draw from their global citizenship skills to approach their future endeavors with unique insight. 

“The world needs people who boldly bridge divides and show compassion, especially when it’s not convenient,” said Faith Parkinson, current student assistant for the GCC and a participant in the program. “Thank you for your commitment to building a more connected and understanding world.” 

For more information about the GCC, visit cge.fsu.edu/global-citizenship-certificate.  

Graduates are listed by name, major(s) and FSU graduation term and year: 

Graduates with a * next to their graduation year pursued the GCC with Honors, meaning they took an additional course (five in total), maintained a GPA of 3.5 or higher in all the certificate courses and completed an honors synthesis paper. 

Isabella Arruda Batanero, Japanese Language and Culture and International Affairs, Fall 2026  

Catherine Bouington, Literature, Media and Culture and Human Development and Family Sciences, Fall 2025 

Tanushree Dhage, Information Technology, Spring 2027 

Mia Gold, Biological Science and Russian, Spring 2026 

Natalie Gonzalez, Political Science, Spring 2026* 

Aleksandra Grechanik, Behavioral Neuroscience, Spring 2026 

Sandra O’Connell, Spanish, Spring 2026* 

Leona Sophie Rindle, Psychology and Human Rights and Social Justice, Spring 2026* 

Madison Rachelle Trusty, Global Club Management and Leadership, Fall 2025 

Carissa Tse, Public Relations and International Affairs, Spring 2026 

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Florida State University has named its largest cohort of Tyler Center for Global Studies Fellows, awarding nine students for their academic ambition and global curiosity. 

The award, sponsored by the national Tyler Center for Global Studies, is one of many among the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement’s IDEA Grants program, which funds original research projects and creative endeavors for students of all majors. 

“These fellowships combine undergraduate research, global learning and mentorship,” said Latika Young, executive director of the Tyler Center. “We are proud to offer these opportunities to our fellows, who grow as researchers and global citizens while preparing for future careers.”  

Hosted and coordinated by FSU, the Tyler Center was established through a generous gift from the Tyler Foundation in 2022. The goal was to cultivate a community of global scholars who shape the future through research, innovation and collaboration.  

With FSU as the coordinating institution, the Tyler Center acts as a network of schools, connecting undergraduate students across the country with goals of pursuing research to opportunities for global inquiry. This year’s fellows traveled to countries across Europe, South America, Africa and the Caribbean, exploring topics from human rights and migration to coral reef health and art history. 

The Tyler Center will host its second annual Virtual Summit from 4-6 p.m. ET on Thursday, Nov. 20. During this online event, Tyler Fellows from each institution will present their research findings and experiences abroad with the wider Tyler Center community. Afterward, a moderated Q&A panel will invite questions from the audience. Those wishing to attend must register for the Virtual Summit by the end of the day Monday, Nov. 10. Register here.

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As the spring 2025 semester draws to a close, Florida State University is preparing to celebrate the achievements of its latest cohort of graduates. This year’s commencement is particularly significant as FSU will honor its largest graduating class in history, with 8,926 degrees expected to be awarded.

The ceremonies, scheduled for May 2-3 at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, will be a testament to the resilience and determination of these students, especially in the wake of the tragic events of April 17.

Despite the challenges, graduates have demonstrated remarkable perseverance and dedication. From groundbreaking research projects to impactful community service initiatives, they have made significant contributions both on and off campus.
 
View Additional Graduates

Marilyn Barnwell’s journey to obtaining her doctorate in educational leadership at Florida State University is a testament to her resilience. 

More than 20 years ago, while working at Merrill Lynch, Barnwell was inspired by author Stephen Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” The book served as motivation for her to pursue a career in education at the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (Anne’s College). 

“It was something that was always kind of nagging at me — that I hadn’t gone back and gotten that piece,” Barnwell said of getting her doctorate. “That’s always been a dream and a goal of mine. That’s what drove me to going back.” 

The road was anything but easy. Nearly 18 months after beginning her doctorate program, her husband suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and stroke in December 2023 and remained in a coma for several months. He is currently in a minimally conscious state. 

“I remember having to make a decision about how I continue what I’ve already started, because one thing I know is he wouldn’t want me to stop,” Barnwell said. 

Barnwell remained committed to her goal. She balanced her studies with her responsibilities as a principal in the Duval County School System, while caring for her spouse. Her journey was supported by a strong network, including her daughter Kayla Barnwell, who is finishing a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction at Anne’s College and earned her bachelor’s degree last year while caring for her father.  

“She finished her bachelor’s on time because I told her that was a promise I made to her dad. No matter what happened, I would make sure she got it done,” Barnwell added. 

Barnwell’s dissertation focused on the Jacksonville Teacher Residency Program, highlighting the critical role of mentor-teacher relationships in preparing novice teachers. 

“I was really interested to know more about how the program really works,” Barnwell said. “I wanted to know more about how the program was structured, the expectations and how it helped teachers to be ready to lead a classroom.” 

She acknowledged the strong support from her faculty at FSU, noting their assistance in her and her daughter’s success despite their challenges.  

“Florida State really wrapped themselves around me and my family to make sure that my daughter and I could excel, and that we could complete the journey that we started,” she added. “I will be forever thankful for Florida State.”  

Sahari Walker of Lakeland, Florida will complete her master’s in science planning with a specialization in neighborhood planning and community development from FSU’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning.

“I decided to attend FSU because I did my undergrad here, and they really provided me with a lot of support and help,” she said.

As a first-generation college student, Walker’s achievements are particularly significant.

“It is important to me to be a leader and show people no matter where you come from, you can reach higher education,” she said.

During her time at FSU, Walker was involved in various projects and internships. She worked as a project manager for Hillsborough County and helped to update their comprehensive plan and address community needs. She also collaborated with the City of Tallahassee on safety and mobility issues in local neighborhoods.

Walker has accepted a position with the Florida Division of Emergency Management. There, she will be responsible for providing temporary housing and shelter during natural disasters.

“I want to help people, really alleviate any issues that they may be going through, just providing them with the resources to help them now,” she said.

Walker hopes to alleviate issues that people may face and provide them with the resources to help them through challenging periods. Her goal is to offer hope and stability.

“I want people to know that even in the toughest moments, they do not have to face it alone,” she said. “There’s strength in knowing someone is there to support you, to listen, and to help you move forward.”

 Rodrigo Santa Maria, a student from Rio de Janeiro, is graduating with dual degrees in International Affairs and Public Relations.  

Santa Maria decided to come to FSU for its academic rigor and social setting. He found a home that nurtured both his professional goals and personal growth. 

Although he was passionate about global issues from a young age, it was at FSU that Santa Maria sharpened his interest with classes in international affairs, history, economics and political science. He volunteered with the World Affairs Program, helping organize and run Model UN conferences that connected students from different schools for debates focused on international issues. 

Santa Maria chose public relations as his second major to develop his professional communication skills. For almost two years, he worked as a news writer for FSU’s Office of University Communications. He was also a member of the School of Communication’s news writing media team during his senior year. 

“I wanted to learn how to use the written word to my advantage,” he said. “It turned out I ended up learning way more than just that. My internship helped me develop a wide set of skills that will be useful in my professional life.”   

Santa Maria’s academic journey will continue at FSU, where he will pursue a master’s degree in international affairs. He will also serve as a teaching assistant in the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. 

Santa Maria described his time as an undergraduate as transformative. He is looking forward to graduate school and the opportunities that come with it. 

“FSU opened my eyes to a lot of things, both personally and professionally,” Santa Maria said. “I am graduating a much different person than I was when I first got to FSU. I learned a lot and developed skills I’ll be using for the rest of my life. I’m extremely proud to be graduating from a university that encouraged me to think critically, voice my opinions and allowed me to grow as an individual.”

Dylan Barton, a native of Sarasota, Florida, will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. After applying to several competitive programs, he ultimately chose FSU for its welcoming campus culture and the financial benefits of staying in-state. 

Barton’s passion for chemistry, math and physics led to his decision to pursue chemical engineering. 

“I wanted to apply all those skills in a real-world, industrial setting,” he said. 

During his time at FSU, Barton has been involved in academic and extracurricular activities. He is an honors student and has undertaken an independent research project as part of his Honors in the Major. Barton is also a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), through which he presented his research at a national convention in San Diego.  

Barton‘s research on using plasma to degrade harmful organic contaminants, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, prevalent in various industrial applications and pose significant health risks, earned him third place in the AIChE catalysis and reaction engineering section. 

“These compounds are really harmful to human health and are used in various products, so our goal is to find ways to degrade them,” he said. 

Barton credits his principal investigator, Bruce Locke, chair and distinguished research professor in the Department of Chemical & Biomedical Engineering, for guiding him through the research process. 

“The support and motivation from my professors have inspired me to pursue a doctorate in chemical engineering, with hopes of becoming a professor myself,” he said. “The recent events have allowed me to celebrate the supportive community at FSU, and I can only hope to experience that same sense of community as I pursue my Ph.D.” 

Steven Decesare, from Pensacola, Florida, is graduating with his undergraduate degree in biology. He chose to attend FSU because it offered a balanced mix of academic excellence and campus community where he could apply his curiosity to studying the mysteries of the natural world. 

“I’ve always been super interested in biology,” he said. “It’s incredible to understand how the human body works.”  

His passion for the subject has driven him to excel in his studies and pursue a career in medicine. 

Decesare transferred to FSU in the spring of his freshman year. He found FSU to be the perfect place to grow both academically and personally, benefiting from its supportive culture and proximity to home. 

During his time at FSU, Decesare served as the president of the pre-medical fraternity Phi Delta Epsilon, where he found mentorship and led community volunteer efforts. Under his leadership, the fraternity organized community volunteer efforts and raised funds for the Children’s Miracle Network. 

Decesare credits the supportive community and collaborative spirit at FSU for helping him achieve his goals and prepare for the next chapter in his medical career. 

“If nothing else, recent events have shown me that the FSU community has an inherent resilience and bond unlike any other, and I will be forever proud to be a part of the Seminole family,” he said. 

Decesare plans to attend the University of South Florida Health Morsani College of Medicine to start his medical journey this fall.

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When deciding where to go to college, none of the schools visited by Kaitlin Bell felt quite right until she set foot on Florida State University’s campus.

Her academic dedication is evident through her consistent inclusion on the Dean’s List across multiple semesters, despite the challenges of juggling two jobs alongside full-time studies.

Bell was proud to complete an internship at the United States Department of State in Washington, D.C., where she played a key role in advancing human rights resolutions at the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Additionally, she found fulfillment in community service through tutoring at the Leon County Public Library’s English as a Second Language program, where she helped students from different backgrounds improve their language skills and achieve their educational goals.

Now, Bell is off to Azerbaijan to study Turkish as a recipient of the prestigious Boren Award. Bell was also selected to participate in the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program after earning the Boren Award. After graduation, she hopes to join the Department of State’s Civil or Foreign Service.

As a student from Texas, what brought you to Florida State?

I knew throughout my high school career that I wanted to leave my hometown and go to school out of state. I narrowed down an entire country’s worth of schools by purely logistical factors in a spreadsheet and I compared them based on proximity to family, cost and AP credit acceptance; anticipating I would select my home for the next four years based on rational deduction alone. That summer, I toured schools all along the East Coast, from Syracuse, New York, to Tampa. While logically they checked all the boxes, none felt quite right.

Then I stepped onto Florida State’s campus. As the tour ended and I admired the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, former President Thrasher made his way around the group, shaking everyone’s hand and welcoming us to the university. At that moment, I realized that there was something special about Florida State that couldn’t be summed up in a spreadsheet or pro-con chart. The magic of Florida State is its people and the culture of truly caring for every student. I realized at that moment that my college experience was going to be defined by the strong sense of community and belonging that thrives at Florida State.

What have been some of your proudest academic accomplishments?

I have loved learning from a very young age, and my passion for academics is most clearly demonstrated in my inclusion on the Dean’s List for the 2020 Fall, 2021 Spring, 2021 Summer, 2021 Fall and 2023 Fall semesters. This not only demonstrates scholastic dedication over time but should also be recognized in the context of my employment working two jobs while being a full-time student.

How do you work to advance human rights through your position with the U.S. Department of State?

One of the things I am proudest of during my time at FSU was my tenure as an intern at the United States Department of State. I worked in the Human Rights and Humanitarian Assistance Office, which was primarily focused on passing human rights resolutions through the United Nations Human Rights Council. I spearheaded the Troika team response to the resolution for the “Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 30th Anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action,” which was passed by joint consensus at the Human Rights Council’s 52nd session. I learned so much about professional leadership through this experience and how imperative cross-departmental communication and collaboration are to the success of a project.  

This experience not only allowed me to be a leader in my workplace but also supported America’s initiatives to lead the world toward a future where human rights are protected everywhere. The result of United Nations resolutions will be microscopic alterations, but the lasting impact will be recognized on a macro level across the globe. I felt incredibly proud of my contribution to the small step toward improving human rights and the quality of life for people. Thanks to this incredible opportunity, I am now on a path to pursuing a full-time role at the Department of State, so I can continue leading American foreign policy abroad. 

What was your most rewarding community service experience?

I found an opportunity as a tutor for Leon County Public Library’s English as a Second Language program. Week after week I would work with members of the community to strengthen their language skills, helping students pass the GED, improving their language and vocabulary skills and practicing conversational dialogue. My favorite part of the entire experience was learning about different people’s cultures and perspectives, as our students hailed from Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. I found volunteering to be incredibly rewarding, seeing students’ progress and celebrating every triumph as students became ever more confident. 

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