Eddie Fordham is a public policy student at Florida State University who symbolizes what it means to make a comeback. Fordham, a formerly incarcerated student, continues to push the boundaries of academic success and research to fuel himself and his passions through academic excellence and community leadership.

Fordham is enrolled in the Honors in the Major program to pursue his undergraduate thesis “Degrees of Opportunity: Understanding Degree Completion Among Justice-Impacted College Students.” His research was awarded an IDEA Grant. He completes his research while being mentored by public policy associate teaching professor Alexandra Cockerham.

Fordham was also selected as an FSU PURPOSE Fellow, conducting research pathways oriented to social justice in education under the mentorship of assistant professor Annie Wofford, in the Higher Education program.

Fordham will be continuing his education with FSU’s Combined Pathways Program for his master’s degree in public administration. One day, he hopes to become a professor and apply his research to support returning citizens and other justice-impacted students’ success.

Outside of academics, Fordham is a founding member of the Justice-Impacted Student Organization (JISO), on the board of directors for Big Bend AFTER Reentry Coalition (A Fight to End Recidivism), a member of the Florida Foundation for Correctional Excellence Lived-Experience Council, and a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies.

In 2025 through Phi Kappa Phi, Fordham became one of three Pioneer Award winners at FSU.

Why did you choose Florida State University?

Criminal conviction should not be a barrier to higher education. As a formerly incarcerated student, I arrived at Florida State University with lived experience and a deep desire to turn hardship into purpose. In many ways, through its commitment to service, research and social impact, I believe it was actually FSU that chose me.

FSU not only welcomed my background, it empowered me and gave me the tools and support to transform my personal journey into leadership and academic inquiry. Here, I found not just a campus, but a community that shares my mission to expand educational access for justice-impacted individuals. FSU became the place where my story could grow into something larger than myself.

What academic achievements have you accomplished at FSU?

One of my proudest academic accomplishments was being awarded the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. As a Cooke Scholar at FSU, I am committed to leadership and contribution, and FSU has furthered my love for research, selecting me as an Honors in the Major student to complete my undergraduate thesis and research project.

This work explores the barriers and real-life challenges that students like me face when returning to college after justice system involvement and offers evidence-based pathways to support their success. I will be gathering stories, surveying peers and studying the systems that either help or hinder our success — the data matters, but so do the people behind it and the IDEA grant and PURPOSE Fellowship I was awarded from FSU will help me build further on this project.

I also served in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) as a research assistant to Professor Alexandra Cockerham and her study on North Carolina’s Teen Court system. I was recently accepted into FSU’s Combined Pathways Program to begin earning credit toward my master’s degree in public administration while finishing my undergraduate degree.

Every step of this unconquered journey reflects my commitment to scholarship that serves people and drives system-level change.

How do you serve the FSU community?

As a founding member of the Justice-Impacted Student Organization (JISO) — the first of its kind at FSU — I am passionate about creating a space of belonging, empowerment and advocacy for students impacted by the justice system. Through JISO, we are planning to build peer support networks, host campus events, and connect with national reform leaders to help shape student-led solutions for educational success.

Beyond campus, I serve on the board of directors for Big Bend AFTER Reentry Coalition (A Fight to End Recidivism), where we support justice-impacted individuals across the Tallahassee region through education, advocacy and reentry support. I am also a passionate advocate before the Florida Legislature on reforms that unlock higher education in prison for others. Being named an FSU PURPOSE Fellow and inducted to Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies reflects the broader impact of my work both in and out of the classroom.

How do you impact the community?

My work has helped ensure that justice-impacted students are seen, supported and valued at FSU. Through JISO, we have created a space where students who have experienced incarceration, directly or through family, can find belonging and community. That visibility alone can be life-changing, which is why the recognition from FSU’s Student Government is so meaningful. Last fall, the 77th Student Senate passed “The Eddie Fordham Act,” which removed a longstanding felony-conviction barrier and gives justice-impacted students a represented voice in SGA.

In the broader community, my work with the Big Bend AFTER Reentry Coalition and the Florida Foundation for Correctional Excellence has helped build reentry pathways grounded in education, dignity and long-term success. I have advocated before the Legislature, connected community partners, and shared my story to help shift public perception.

Everything I do, whether it is mentoring, research or serving others, aims to turn personal resilience into public impact. I want people in Tallahassee and beyond to see FSU as a place where transformation is not only possible, but powerfully real.

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As a Florida native, Ella Vizzini was searching for a university experience that could offer her the familiar feelings of home while simultaneously pushing her to grow in new directions — both of which she found at Florida State University. Her passion for health and fitness coupled with her love of science meant that FSU’s innovative exercise physiology program was another determining factor in her decision to attend.

Vizzini is both an Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) participant and a 2025 IDEA Grant recipient, dedicating a significant portion of her time at FSU to metabolic and vascular research. She has also served as the Director of Philanthropy for the Alpha Phi International Fraternity, raising more than $77,000 supporting the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Heart and Vascular Center and the Alpha Phi Foundation.

With a family history of heart disease, Vizzini has used her personal experiences as a driving force in her commitment to community service. She is a member of the FSU Medical Response Unit, where she has gained real-world experience responding to emergency medical situations on campus. Taking advantage of the opportunities presented to her at Florida State University, Vizzini will be applying to medical school this summer.

Why did you choose to attend FSU?

I chose to attend Florida State University for its stellar academics, breathtaking campus and unwavering school spirit. As a Florida native, I knew I wanted to continue my education at a university that gave me the comforts of home while still providing new and enriching experiences, and FSU gave me just that. While browsing FSU’s catalog of prospective majors, I came across exercise physiology and was immediately intrigued. It combined my passion for health and fitness with my strong interest in the sciences. Seeing all this program had to offer, I knew it would be one of my primary motivating factors in gaining acceptance to FSU.

What academic achievements are you most proud of?

Through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), I joined the Lab of Integrative Vascular and Metabolic Physiology under the mentorship of doctoral candidate Paul Baker. There I assisted in studying the effects of creatine monohydrate on vascular health in overweight and obese individuals. This experience was incredibly rewarding and deepened my passion for vascular and metabolic research. I had the opportunity to present our findings at both the FSU Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS) and the Florida Undergraduate Research Conference (FURC). This experience gave me the knowledge and confidence to apply for the 2025 IDEA Grant alongside my lab mate. We aimed to further explore the relationship between exercise interventions and metabolic health — specifically in women. With a shared interest in women’s health, we designed a study on the effects of exercise interventions on menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women. We conducted our research and presented our findings at the President’s Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence in October 2025.

How have you impacted your community?

I have a deep passion for giving back to the community in ways that are personally meaningful. With a  family history of heart disease, I’ve pursued opportunities that allow me to make a tangible impact on this cause. During my time in Alpha Phi, the funds I helped raise have gone on to support research advancements, purchase critical technology and fund programs that positively impact not only the Tallahassee community but others across the country. Through my involvement with Who We Play For, an organization that provides free or low-cost electrocardiogram screenings to help prevent Sudden Cardiac Arrest and raise awareness for heart health, I’ve been able to make a direct impact by providing affordable, potentially life-saving care to individuals in the community. As a researcher, the work we do in our lab contributes valuable scientific knowledge and informs interventions that can help individuals improve their overall health. Additionally, as a member of the FSU Medical Response Unit, I’ve had the opportunity to provide hands-on emergency medical care to those on campus.

All in all, my work at FSU and in the broader community is driven by my passion to help others and to positively impact their health and quality of life.

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Hayley Schermer, a fourth-year College of Medicine cell and molecular neuroscience major, has spent the past two years immersed in research through Florida State University’s Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), a Directed Individual Study (DIS) and an IDEA Grant.

During her time at FSU, she worked in the lab of Department of Exercise Physiology’s Linda Grizzard Owens Endowed Professor Robert Hickner. There she investigated how exercise influences sleep quality in pre-diabetic, postmenopausal women. As part of a four-week exercise program, she monitored participants’ health data using Oura Rings and surveyed them to assess psychological changes.

Beyond the lab, Schermer is making an impact in the Tallahassee community. She founded the New Horizons Network, a nonprofit dedicated to helping job seekers. Through résumé workshops at the Kearney Center, she has created, printed and distributed 30 resumes — giving individuals the tools they need to pursue employment opportunities.

Why did you choose Florida State University?

I chose to attend Florida State University for many reasons, but what really stood out to me was the strong sense of community. When I visited, the tour guides made FSU feel welcoming right away, and they were actually the reason I applied to the Honors Program. Talking with them, I could tell that FSU was not just a school, it was a place where students supported each other and took pride in being part of something bigger.

Another big factor in my decision was Florida State’s impressive resources for students pursuing medical school. I knew I wanted to go into medicine, and FSU offered everything I needed to be supported on that path.

There is something so special about being surrounded by students who love where they go to school and show up for each other, not just in the classroom, but at games, events and everywhere in between.

FSU felt like the right fit from the moment I stepped on campus. It had everything I was looking for: strong academics, a supportive community and a campus culture that made me feel right at home.

What are some of your academic achievements while at FSU?

One of my greatest accomplishments during my time at FSU was my IDEA Grant project. Assisting in Professor Hickner’s lab for almost two years has taught me so much and working with postmenopausal women in the lab has been an incredible experience. As I got to know more about the challenges they face during this stage of life, I realized I was inspired. My mom, who is currently perimenopausal, opened up about her sleep issues, and that is how my IDEA Grant project came to life.

My IDEA Grant project is titled “The Impact of Exercise on Physiological and Psychological Indicators of Sleep Quality in Pre-Diabetic Postmenopausal Women.” We are especially curious to see whether their biological data aligns with how they feel, or if there are any discrepancies. I am really hopeful that our findings can make a difference. Menopausal women are such an understudied group, and I am proud to be working on something that could potentially help improve their quality of life.

How do you serve the FSU community?

My most meaningful community service experience has been co-founding New Horizons Network, a program aimed at helping the jobless population of Tallahassee. What has really made this experience meaningful are the conversations I have had with the people we serve. Hearing their stories, how their lives took unexpected turns and how hard they are working to get back on their feet has been incredibly moving.

One moment that really stuck with me was working with a Jamaican immigrant who came to the U.S. chasing the American dream but faced unexpected challenges that led to homelessness. He was actually the very first person we got to help through our program. A few weeks later, he returned to the Kearney Center wearing his new Waffle House uniform and gave us both a big hug, thanking us for helping him get back on his feet.

That moment reminded me why this work matters. I truly believe New Horizons Network has the potential to change lives. Not only are we helping people find jobs and regain stability, but we are also creating space for conversations that break down harmful stigmas surrounding joblessness.

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Raven Watkins, a dual anthropology and studio art major at Florida State University, is studying the intersection of art, academics and social impact.

Watkins immersed herself in Spanish culture at the FSU campus in Valencia, Spain, for the summer of 2024 under the Brooks Rogers scholarship. She attended the biological anthropology field school in Chelva, a region out of Valencia, where she learned the techniques of bioarchaeology by studying and cataloging a victim of the Spanish Civil War.

After her time abroad, Watkins researched under the Tyler Fellowship within the IDEA Grant program, and she is now pursuing the Global Citizenship Certification.

Inspired by her studies, Watkins’ current research focuses on telling stories of the Spanish Civil War through stop-motion animation. She promotes the importance of artists in research because they have the capability to build community and represent emotion.

Through these efforts, Watkins uniquely applies her artistic abilities in telling stories that connect people and uplift vulnerable communities.

Why did you choose to attend Florida State University?

I chose FSU over all other universities because I wanted a holistic perspective of university life with many strengths outside of the arts. For me, at the top of my list of importance was to have a broad and strong list of disciplines that create a well-rounded student body and staff. I was unsure of the path I wanted to take out of high school, so a big university with a multitude of options was ideal for me to be able to explore every avenue, and I continue to reap those benefits. 

What academic achievements have you accomplished at FSU?

My most significant academic accomplishments thus far while at FSU include my summer with FSU International Programs studying abroad in Valencia, participating at the biological anthropology field school in Chelva, Spain.  

I also stayed in The Conventual Franciscans, where St. Francis de Assisi famously founded the order of the Franciscans in the 14th century. I learned about the history of the region of Valencia, dating all the way back to its creation. This time is what inspired me on my first visit to Valencia to continue my research here, as Spain is often disregarded in the global discussion about the history of fascism. 

The Spanish song “Tatuaje,” by Concha Piquer, inspired my deep dive in this area. It highlights the cultural aspect of mourning loss while staying strong that the Spaniards exhibited during this time of history. In response to this work, I will continue my artistic research as a stop-motion animation. I’m proud to have received an IDEA Grant award to fund this work, and I will be defending the animation through Honors in the Major. 

How do you serve the FSU community?

My most significant contribution beyond the classroom at FSU has been my time working for Assistant Professor Katie Kehoe in the College of Fine Arts as an art researcher in 2024 for the engaged art initiative in Steinhatchee, Florida. I planted fruit trees and bushes for a community dedication event that honors members of the community who exemplified resilience in the wake of Hurricane Helene. It was an experience I am honored to have been a part of as someone who was greatly impacted by Hurricane Michael in my hometown of Panama City, Florida.

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Florida State University’s Office of the President and the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement (CRE) hosted the annual President’s Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence on Thursday, Oct. 23. The showcase was part of FSU’s Discovery Days, a weeklong celebration of research, creative activity and discovery.  

About 900 people attended the event, where 36 students presented posters and led creative sessions to share the projects they completed during the summer with support from competitive grants and other FSU initiatives. 

“The students presenting their projects have enriched their academic journeys through directed research and creative endeavors, guided by the mentorship of some of FSU’s most distinguished faculty members,” said Latika Young, CRE director. “We extend our deepest appreciation to President Richard McCullough and Vice President for Research Stacey Patterson for their steadfast support of this event and of undergraduate research at FSU.”  

Student work represented multiple undergraduate research programs at FSU: FSU IDEA Grants, a program that funds undergraduate students’ scholarly and creative work; the Tyler Center for Global Studies, which supports a community of global scholars from 12 partner institutions coordinated by FSU; and the International Genetically Engineered Machine team (iGEM), the premier student competition in synthetic biology. 

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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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Miguel Arceo-Miranda is committed to making political education and information more accessible through research, fundraising and volunteering.

He serves as constituent director for the Dale Ramirez and Romero Wyatt administration of the Student Government Association. He was a delegate of the Florida American Legion Boys State program in high school and now returns as a counselor and social media manager.

In 2024, he presented research on the Florida Election Study at the Election Science and Reform Association conference, a project with the LeRoy Collins Institute at FSU.  He also received the David B. Ford Undergraduate Research Award through the IDEA Grant program for his research into the growing conservative movement in the Hispanic community.

In 2021, Arceo-Miranda founded the Heartland Scholarship, sponsored by Don Jose’s Mexican Restaurant in Sebring, to help academically talented students overcome financial barriers to college.

Why did you choose to attend Florida State University?

I chose to attend Florida State University because of the support system it provides students. I was amazed by the resources available to me, such as career advisers and the Office of National Fellowships. Having these resources helps me keep up with both my academic and career goals.

How have you furthered your academic journey outside of the classroom?

In June, I attended the Election Science and Reform Association conference in Tallahassee, where I presented research on the 2024 Florida Election Study with the LeRoy Collins Institute. I shared our findings and connected with election science scholars from across the country. 

Last semester, I also received the David B. Ford Undergraduate Research Award through the IDEA Grant program. With this funding, I have been researching the growing conservative movement in the Hispanic community within the United States. This work has allowed me to study an important trend in election science while incorporating my cultural background into the research.  

How do you give back to your community?

In 2021, I founded the Heartland Scholarship, which provides $5,000 scholarships to three graduating high school seniors each year. The program supports students who excel academically but face financial challenges.

I also volunteer with Florida American Legion Boys State, a program where high school students simulate local, county and state government. As a counselor and social media manager, I mentor participants and help share their stories online.

How has your work impacted others?

Elections are at the core of democracy, but only if people trust the process. Through my work with the LeRoy Collins Institute, I have contributed to research aimed at better understanding Florida’s electoral system. I have been able to mentor future leaders and help reduce financial barriers for students pursuing higher education. Sharing what I’ve learned and supporting others has been the most rewarding part of my journey. 

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Kate Everett, a dietetics student at Florida State University, chose FSU because of its beautiful campus and the community that surrounds it. She got involved with the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) and received an IDEA Grant to pursue research on cardiovascular function.

Everett plays an active role in advancing nutrition education and access both on campus and in the local community. At FSU, she collaborates with sports dietitians to support the nutritional needs of Division I student-athletes. Beyond campus, she engages in community-based research focused on improving food security, working with local food pantries to better align available resources with the dietary needs of families.

Through these efforts, Everett bridges academic knowledge with real-world impact, demonstrating a deep commitment to public health and service.

Why did you choose Florida State University?

FSU reflects an environment that fosters growth in students both academically and personally. When the time came, FSU ended up being the best decision for my future. From the moment you step foot onto FSU’s campus, you get an overwhelming sense of the community that has been built here. The uplifting energy combined with the beauty of the campus truly supports an energizing and positive daily experience. Additionally, the dietetic program at FSU is an accredited program, providing engaging professors, supportive staff as well as numerous opportunities to gain experience in my chosen field.

What academic achievements have you accomplished at FSU?

My biggest academic accomplishment outside of classes has been the research I have been doing on campus. I was a part of the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program for the 2024-2025 school year. I had the privilege of joining Assistant Professor Andrea Lobene’s nutrition-based lab from the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, where I completed a secondary analysis of sodium density and its relation to cardiovascular disease risk. I applied for an IDEA Grant and was honored to receive funding to complete a research project this summer.

My research project involved designing and implementing a controlled feeding study to test a novel dietary sodium reduction intervention strategy against the current sodium recommendations for improving cardiovascular health. Unlike current guidelines that recommend a fixed sodium limit for all individuals, our novel approach indexes sodium intake to calorie consumption, tailoring recommendations to individual energy needs. The goal of this work is to support the development of more practical, personal sodium intake guidelines that are still effective at mitigating cardiovascular disease risk. I will be presenting this research at the 2025 President’s Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence. After this summer study has completed, I will be continuing future studies in Professor Lobene’s lab during the remainder of my time here at FSU.

How do you serve the FSU community?

I have become involved in a few things that help to serve the FSU community. One is the Fuel Bar. I volunteer under our sports dietitians to help give the FSU Division I student athletes their pre- and post-workout nutrition. I also help with practices, games and other miscellaneous things surrounding athletic nutrition. Volunteering here has been so fun and has given me a chance to gain knowledge about the sports nutrition side of my field, while also helping both the dietitians and athletes on campus.

I also had the privilege to work with the University of Florida on a research project involving local Tallahassee food pantries. My role is to go to food pantries and identify what food items are desired by families with young children and compare that with current available inventory. This project has given me valuable community nutrition experience while also serving the Tallahassee community.

Another way I contribute to the FSU community is by serving as a University Ambassador. In this role, my main responsibility is to provide tours of FSU. Through this position I have been able to foster and build community while interacting with future students.

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Annie English, a criminology and psychology student in the Florida State University Honors Program is an Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) leader, IDEA Grant recipient and Honors in the Major student. English uses her research experiences and involvement at FSU to teach and mentor fellow undergraduates about research.

As a leader in her sorority, she gives back to the FSU community by helping her fellow sorority sisters with community engagement, academic resources and finding opportunities at FSU. Through research and leadership, English’s commitment to service remains a highlight of her FSU experience.

Why did you choose to attend FSU?

From a young age, I knew I wanted to spend my life studying the criminal mind. I have encouraging parents who stopped at nothing to help me follow my dreams and foster my curiosity. In high school, when it came time to search for colleges, I discovered that FSU had one of the top criminology programs in the country. FSU quickly became my dream.

I heard stories from friends and family about the many academic opportunities that FSU had to offer, so FSU seemed like the obvious choice. I was admitted for the summer term and never looked back. I feel attending FSU was never a “choice” for me; it was always the goal.

What academic achievements are you most proud of?

I participated in UROP during my second year at FSU. I worked with a faculty mentor to conduct research about the presence of hostile men in online communities. I had the privilege of presenting our work at the Undergraduate Research Symposium in spring 2024. UROP increased my involvement at FSU and improved skills that led me to new opportunities.

After participating in UROP, I was empowered to further involve myself in undergraduate research. I am working on an Honors in the Major project on how perceptions of juvenile deviance are influenced by music genre preferences. I received an IDEA Grant to fund my research, and I am grateful for the guidance and support of so many incredible and intelligent mentors and faculty.

How have you served the FSU community?

The first significant contribution I feel I have made to FSU is my involvement in the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement (CRE) as a UROP leader. For the past two semesters, I have taught a UROP colloquium of students eager to get involved in research at FSU.

Beyond academics, I also was selected by the executive board of my sorority, Chi Omega, to serve as the 2025 Director of Career and Personal Development (CPD). This role gives me the opportunity to assist my sisters as they navigate their undergraduate experiences. The day-to-day workload as the CPD director involves individual advising, where I help them with resume writing, LinkedIn profiles, class schedules, financial literacy and personal well-being.

Working as the CPD director has allowed me to not only learn how to help in many situations, but it has also been a reminder that spending time with others in different fields is beneficial, and that there is so much to learn.

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Natalie Lusk is a standout Florida State University studio art undergraduate, whose sculptures confront consumer culture, question the definition of aesthetic beauty and spark conversations about critical issues.

She recently received an IDEA Grant for her project “On Iteration: Fabrication Arts and Plant Growth,” which combines hand-woven textiles with live plant materials.

Natalie’s work aims to educate others about the significant role of art in society and emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices in art creation. She explores a variety of mediums and collaborates with experts from different disciplines to achieve this goal.

In addition to her academic achievements, Natalie is dedicated to supporting her peers in the Department of Art. She serves as a Digital Art Fab Lab technician, where she assists students with advanced technologies such as 3D printing, laser cutting and other digital fabrication tools. Through this role, she helps foster a collaborative and innovative environment for aspiring artists.

Why did you choose to attend FSU?

I chose to attend FSU to become a part of its prestigious art program. I was excited about the opportunity to engage with faculty who create innovative research-based artwork. The Department of Art offers an amazing breadth of resources to students, including facilities for fabrication, gallery spaces to show work in and the opportunity to hold a personal studio as an undergraduate.

FSU’s strong Department of Art and academic reputation was what led me to apply, but when my mother and I visited for a tour of the university, I was impacted by the beauty of campus and the noticeable happiness of students. I got a feeling that this was where I was supposed to be. As soon as I received my acceptance, my decision was made.

What academic achievements are you most proud of?

The most significant part of my academic experience at FSU has been my combination of studying art with other disciplines. Courses in areas like astronomy, art history and English showed me how much I enjoyed studying. I realized that cultural and scientific knowledge can be the basis for deep inspiration in my art practice. I am especially proud of my commitment to each one of my classes, which has allowed me to maintain a 4.0 GPA.

I was awarded an IDEA Grant to create a project during the summer of 2024. Supervised by Professor Rob Duarte, my research focused on how the manipulation of materials can come to represent metaphysical questions about the nature of perception, the individual spirit, light and structure. The project culminated in two installations at the Carnaghi Arts Building and a research poster, which I presented at the President’s Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence.

How have you used your art education to serve others?

Working as a graphic designer for the Center for Leadership & Service and Sustainable Campus at FSU allowed me to use the aesthetic knowledge I have gained from my art study to communicate important initiatives to the community. Being a part of these teams also allowed me to do more than just design. Participating in team ideation sessions, tabling and generating ideas for how to increase campus reach were the most fulfilling aspects of these roles.

How has your research impacted the FSU community?

I have contributed to interdisciplinary collaboration at FSU by exhibiting my artwork and engaging in conversations about art’s potential to serve a purpose deeper than beauty. I hope that my engagement with undergraduate research at FSU has inspired other young researchers to explore creative methods of research and collaboration.

I strive to create artwork that becomes a site of knowledge production. My practice focuses on architectural materials, single-use materials, accumulation, waste, aesthetic beauty and how these aspects of our reality impact our actions. By showing my work, I hope to inspire others to engage with their surroundings and question the necessity of pervasive aspects of material culture more critically.

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Cody O’Brien, a Florida State University civil and environmental engineering student in the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, researches how architectural materials can use invasive species as an additive, making building materials stronger and mitigating an environmental issue at the same time.

As a member of the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) and an IDEA Grant award winner, he was able to develop and test these ideas further.

O’Brien was drawn to FSU’s vibrant campus life, research and networking opportunities, and location near downtown Tallahassee and the Florida Capitol. He uses his research to engage in the community by advocating for legislation that protects the environment. He serves the Big Bend area by educating young students about the importance of the environment and working with environment-based community service projects.

What attracted you to Florida State University?

Florida State University first drew me in with its vibrant campus and social life. Through its location at Innovation Park, the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering has close connections with research facilities like the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, the High-Performance Materials Institute and the Resilient Infrastructure & Disaster Response Center, which gave me many opportunities to build my engineering and research career. Florida State provides so many opportunities for research to undergraduates, through programs like UROP and the IDEA Grant. There are countless opportunities to build community service experience as well, as I have through the Environmental Service Program and Surfrider. There are also opportunities to work for FSU, as I have at the ACE Learning Studio as a tutor.

What are some of your proudest academic achievements at FSU?

I participated in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, where I worked with FAMU-FSU College of Engineering Professor Sungmoon Jung, a graduate student and two undergraduates to design, create and test clay bricks enhanced with small amounts of algae. We saw an improvement in strength and are working toward a publication.

During the summer of 2024, I completed an IDEA Grant project with Associate Professor Qian Zhang in the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. I performed the first documented extraction of cellulose nanocrystals from the invasive algae species Sargassum muticum, commonly known as Japanese wireweed. I examined these extracts with transmission electron microscopy and other methods and summarized these findings in an article that is pending submission in The Owl, FSU’s undergraduate research journal.

How have you engaged in the Tallahassee and FSU community?

Through the Surfrider Foundation, an environmental organization that works to protect and preserve the world’s oceans, I participated in 2023 Coastal Recreation Hill Day, where we met state lawmakers at the Florida Capitol and discussed key environmental and water-related legislation. The two bills we advocated for passed later that year. Through our work, Floridians can enjoy improved environmental and water protections.

Also, through the Environmental Service Program at FSU, I became involved in numerous environment-related community service projects in the Big Bend area. These projects included invasive species removal, native plant preservation, habitat restoration, beach and park cleanup/maintenance, water monitoring and educational outreach.

I am actively involved in the newly established Astronomy Club at FSU, where we coordinate dark-sky events during significant astronomical occurrences. I enjoy bringing my telescope and being engaged in public outreach initiatives.

How has your research and community service positively impacted students in Tallahassee?

I am optimistic that my discovery in nanocellulose extraction from Sargassum muticum could open the door to more research in finding sustainable uses of invasive plant species. As of this year, there is another student at FSU continuing research on nanocellulose extraction and testing.

One of the more memorable community service projects I participated in was the creation of a native species garden at a school in Wakulla County. Projects like these will help ensure that conservation efforts are passed down through generations.

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Audrey Lendvay, a studio art major and museum studies minor, engages in the Florida State University community by developing research initiatives dedicated to sustainable art making and has reestablished a student organization for other art students.

She strives to generate a strong sense of community in the College of Fine Arts by providing opportunities for art students to showcase their work and develop professional skills.

Lendvay, who participated in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, is an IDEA Grant recipient and serves as a leader in the Art Students League at FSU.

What made you excited to attend FSU?

I was elated when I was accepted into FSU, which was my first choice, because of its variety of programs and high performing, close-knit fine arts program.

What academic achievements are you most proud of?

In my academic career so far, I have developed a passion for inquiry-based and research-driven practices through undergraduate research initiatives. I have worked with two initiatives called “Open Worlds: An Exploration of Unacknowledged Spaces,” a painting investigation funded by an IDEA Grant, and “Salvage Material Supply,” a project through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program to make eco-friendly art materials accessible. Both experiences strengthened my project management, creative problem-solving and professional writing abilities.

How have you helped build the FSU community?

Since my sophomore year, I have been a part of the effort to reinstate the FSU Art Students League, the only student-led art gallery associated with FSU. I have engaged in an effort to coordinate with faculty and students to expand the club’s parameters and reenergize a new member base to continue the club’s more than 10-year legacy.

My goal is to consistently organize new and exciting student art shows while facilitating a strong and meaningful community among FSU art students through this league. Now, the club has increased from one member to 30, and we opened our second show of the spring semester on Feb. 14.

How have you engaged in the FSU community and beyond?

I am committed to building community in the fields of the arts, cultural heritage, gallery management and creative research. Not only have I established a meaningful source for connection between students and the Art Students League, but I have also facilitated professional opportunities for young artists by organizing eight art exhibitions so far.  

I have also helped cultivate a free campus resource for sustainable materials and information about sustainable art making for all FSU students through Salvage Material Supply. I have participated in two student-organized museum exhibitions, including “The Art of Persistence: Exploring Symbols, Materials, and Function in Southwestern Indigenous Art” and “Zooarchaeology: Decoding Decay,” to help bring culturally significant knowledge to new audiences. I am now a collections and research intern at the Museum of Florida History, where I have authored research spotlight publications to enrich Floridians’ understanding of our history. 

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