Aiden Leslie, a senior majoring in political science in the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy at Florida State University, was drawn to the university for its strong undergraduate research programs and the unique opportunities available to transfer students.

Inspired by the campus’s architectural beauty and walkability, Leslie quickly felt at home and appreciated the support provided throughout the transfer process from St. Petersburg College.

Leslie’s passion for research led to a fellowship with the Tyler Center for Global Studies, where he conducted an independent documentary project in São Paulo, Brazil. The film, “Lane Splitting,” explored the lives of young motorcycle couriers navigating urban challenges and labor rights struggles. Through this work, Leslie combines interests in journalism, filmmaking and advocacy, aiming to tell stories that inspire positive change.

In just two semesters, he has earned recognition on both the President’s and Dean’s lists. After graduation, Leslie plans to travel abroad and attend law school to practice human rights-focused or immigration law.

What made you want to transfer to Florida State University?

I began studying at FSU in the fall of 2024, after transferring from St. Petersburg College. I knew Florida State University was right for me because of the abundance of resources provided for transfer students like me. From the application process to registering for classes or attending orientation, I always knew that I had support. I remember being encapsulated by the red brick buildings on my first visit and the beautiful trees that were found all over campus. The overall walkability of the campus played a huge role in my choice as well. FSU has a great reputation for its undergraduate research programs, which made the decision easy.

The university’s proximity to the capitol has also allowed me to make valuable connections in my field of political science. The opportunities I have been provided to explore different academic disciplines and career fields at FSU are unparalleled and as a transfer student, I felt right at home from the moment I set foot on campus.

What did you explore in your undergraduate research project?

Funded by the Tyler Center for Global Studies as a Tyler Fellow in São Paulo, Brazil, I completed my documentary about young motorcyclists from disadvantaged backgrounds enduring a labor rights struggle. This short documentary “Lane Splitting” delves into the world of motorcycle couriers in São Paulo who navigate the city’s chaotic traffic at high speeds to deliver goods quickly, often risking their lives daily in a system that exploits their labor while offering little protection or recognition.

This opportunity has allowed me to begin my professional career in journalism and filmmaking. Whether it be through journalism, documentary filmmaking, academia or something else, I aim to tell stories that can facilitate positive change in the places where it’s needed most.

How has being a student at FSU helped you in achieving your goals and getting on the right path for your future?

My time here at FSU has been incredibly valuable in terms of learning about the possibilities of academia and research, as well as the importance of being a lifelong learner. I have made connections with my professors that have provided me with countless opportunities, such as traveling internationally to conduct research.

Speaking at the President’s Showcase for Undergraduate Research Excellence was an unforgettable experience, and I hope to inspire this generation of young researchers to spark positive change in their own lives and the lives of those around them.

What plans do you have for the future?

I intend to travel the world and share important stories, such as the one told in my documentary. I will continue to make documentary films and content while connecting with people in places most would not think to venture to.

After traveling, I plan to attend law school in the hopes of becoming a lawyer and practicing human-rights-focused law or immigration law. Using my background in law coupled with my experiences connecting with people from different backgrounds all over the world, I want to go into politics and fight for issues that I feel are important. I am committed to making positive change wherever I can.

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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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Madelyn Luther is a dedicated pre-law student who is committed to finding the overlap between her passions for writing, climate justice and law.

Luther is the president and editor-in-chief of the Undergraduate Law Review at Florida State University, which gives students the chance to define their legal research by publishing articles in a digital journal. She played a part in renewing the status of the Review as a Registered Student Organization in 2020.

She is also working on an undergraduate thesis project for the Honors in the Major program, in which she considers climate justice through an interdisciplinary lens.

What drew you to attend Florida State University?

I attended Florida State University because I wanted to pursue law school, and I was excited at the legal, political and civic engagement opportunities in the state capital. I participated in the Girls State program in high school at FSU, and I was captivated by the campus.

The most important factor in my decision to attend FSU was the university’s world-class programs in the humanities and social sciences. I wanted to study English, and I was passionate about writing, research and rhetoric. I could not be happier with the decision I made three years ago to attend this university. I have made invaluable connections with peers and faculty at FSU’s campus.

How have your academic experiences allowed you to explore interdisciplinary studies?

My Honors in the Major undergraduate thesis project under the guidance of Tarez Graban, an associate professor of English, honors teaching scholar and director of the Rhetoric and Composition Program in the Department of English, has allowed me to explore climate discourse from an interdisciplinary lens. I am passionate that climate change must be tackled using climate science in collaboration with climate justice, spatial justice and sustainable policymaking. My thesis allows me to consider climate justice issues from a rhetorical, ethical and decolonial lens. I have engaged with qualitative discourse analysis through my thesis project, and I will present my project at the President’s Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence.

How have you served your community through your work?

I am the president and editor-in-chief of the Undergraduate Law Review, which I joined in the fall of my freshman year. I started as a writer and editor, and I worked my way through higher-ranking leadership positions like secretary, vice president and executive editor. I have played a key role in the organization’s growth by marketing it across campus and innovating ways to expand our reach. The Review helped me to develop my writing, editing and legal research skills and exposed me to the Bluebook legal citation style. I have made lifelong professional connections and friends through the organization, and I look forward to its continued growth during my last semester at FSU.

Where have you seen your impact on the community?

As a member of the executive board at the Undergraduate Law Review, I have furthered the organization’s mission of bringing like-minded students across FSU’s campus together to engage in legal discourse. The Review prioritizes peer education and support rather than prestige alone, values that I champion as president and editor-in-chief. My leadership played a significant role in expanding its reach across campus, which has allowed many of my peers to engage in legal research at the undergraduate level. When I joined the organization, it had lost its Registered Student Organization status, it did not have much of a following on social media, and it did not have a website or any way that students could learn more about what it was and how to join. I spearheaded marketing initiatives that grew the Review’s following on social media, re-registered it as an RSO and promoted applications to FSU students through tabling events.

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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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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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Alyssa Croft is a Florida State University student who takes her work beyond the classroom through research, volunteering and leadership opportunities.

As part of the Honors in the Major program, Croft is exploring scienceploitation, a phenomenon in which advertisers use misleading scientific claims with no backing to promote their product. She was awarded an IDEA Grant for her research, which she presented at the President’s Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence.

Croft has presented with her mentor, Dr. Patrick Merle, at the International Public Relations Research Conference and has volunteered with organizations such as Champ’s Chance, a local animal shelter.

Why did you choose to attend Florida State University?

I originally did not want to attend college but one of my friends asked me to come visit her at FSU. I fell in love with it here. There were so many opportunities. The school was beautiful, and I liked how large it was. It seemed like there would be something for everyone, which encouraged me to attend.

How have your research opportunities shaped your FSU experience?

In Spring 2024, I attended the International Public Relations Research Conference with School of Communication director Patrick Merle. I was in his research methods class the previous fall, and he gave his students the opportunity to join in on outside research. I was a student that sat in the back of the class, but I thought it wouldn’t hurt to take the opportunity I was being given. I applied and was accepted to the IPRRC. Attending this conference allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and interact with professionals in my topic of interest. I was able to practice public speaking and gained confidence while engaging with different projects.

After joining this research project, Merle, who is now my mentor, urged me to join Honors in the Major. I decided to give it a shot. My knowledge and confidence expanded in ways I never expected. Because of Honors in the Major, I applied and received an IDEA Grant to help fund my work in scienceploitation. I presented at the President’s Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence and met President McCullough and joined the Bachelor’s/Master’s Pathways program. Since, I have joined other research projects and have applied to more conferences. Most importantly, I have learned to care about the quality of my work and have confidence that I can achieve success in my future.

How have you served the community while at FSU?

In one of my classes, we were given a real client to work with as part of an in class “agency.” My job involves helping to “manage” the agency, so I help students both inside and outside of the classroom. Some of my jobs include providing resources to classmates, communicating concerns to the professor, and being a resource to talk to if anyone is stressed. Most of this work happens outside of the classroom, and I have learned a lot about being a leader because of this.

When I was a part of the FSU Equestrian Club, we engaged in multiple volunteering experiences in the local community. One that I attended was called Champ’s Chance, a local dog and puppy rescue. I was able to work with dogs that had been homeless or abandoned, and while it was sad, I was happy I could make a difference. It was a humbling experience, and I am thankful to have been a part of it.

What impact do your academic pursuits have on the community?

My Honors in the Major project is about something called scienceploitation, an understudied but prevalent occurrence in society. It occurs when advertisers use misleading scientific claims with no backing to promote their products. My inspiration for researching scienceploitation stemmed from my desire to buy healthy products I could trust. This was harder to do than I thought, because I realized many products market themselves using false advertising. When Dr. Merle invited me onto his initial study on the topic, I joined to help people avoid the same problems I have had. The goal of my study is to help educate the public on this occurrence and hopefully help them make well-informed decisions when they are purchasing products.

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Gladine Lamarre is a motivated Florida State University student who has dedicated time to helping her community through volunteering, leadership and research opportunities.

Lamarre is an ambassador for FSU’s Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE) program and has experience working in the Capitol for a state representative.

As part of the Honors in the Major program, she is conducting a literature review on the effects of the prison system on prisoners and society. She received an IDEA grant for her research and presented it at the President’s Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence.

In her free time, Lamarre volunteers with the International Rescue Committee, an organization which seeks to help refugees adjust to their new homes. Lamarre also volunteers with her church, Every Nation Tallahassee, where she serves as a leader, greeter and teacher.

Why did you choose to attend Florida State University?

Florida State University was my top choice because it stood out as the best in the state. The university’s commitment to academic excellence, both inside and outside the classroom, made it an ideal fit for me. Being admitted into the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE) program was a factor in my decision as I knew it would provide first-generation students like me with financial assistance and an environment necessary to achieve personal academic goals.

In addition, FSU’s College of Criminology & Criminal Justice, recognized as the top program in Florida, aligned with my aspirations to attend law school. The university’s proximity to the State Capitol and headquarters of various departments provided me with opportunities to prepare for my future career.

FSU’s campus and school spirit made it feel like home from the start. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.

What academic achievement are you most proud of?

One of my most significant academic accomplishments at FSU was participating in the Honors in the Major program, where I conducted a systematic literature review on the impact of solitary confinement on recidivism and social outcomes. This research focused on how our prison systems may adversely affect individuals and, in turn, society.

My perspective was shaped by both classes I took and my experience working at the Capitol, where in one instance my state representative advocated for clean drinking water in prisons. This opened my eyes to the issues of oversight and compassion in the prison system and the importance of advocacy and reform. I was honored to receive an IDEA Grant to support my research and present at the President’s Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence. This opportunity allowed me to connect with one individual who had been through solitary confinement and another who worked in a prison and witnessed its effects.

How have you made an impact on your community?

During my time at FSU, I have been committed to serving the community through leadership and volunteer roles. Since fall 2021, I have volunteered at Every Nation Tallahassee, a church dedicated to supporting a variety of people such as college students, individuals with sickle cell disease and the elderly among other local community members. Seeking to create a welcoming environment, some of my roles in volunteering include leading Bible studies, teaching children’s church and serving on the worship team.

I have also volunteered as a mentor with the International Rescue Committee, an organization whose mission is to help refugees rebuild their lives. As a mentor, I had the opportunity to work with two teen refugees in establishing a sense of normalcy in their new environment. By helping them learn English, navigate school and explore local opportunities, I welcomed them to our community.

Lastly, I served as a CARE Ambassador, supporting first-generation college students in their transition to university life. As an ambassador, I provided resources, a safe space and a support system to help them succeed in navigating the challenges of being the first in their families to attend college. By ensuring they feel supported and equipped to thrive at FSU, I contributed to their academic and personal growth.

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Shakthi Rajesh was playing video games at his friend’s house one day during high school in Chennai, India, when his friend’s mother started screaming from the kitchen. She had spotted a venomous saw-scaled viper on the floor.

Fortunately for her, Rajesh was a budding snake enthusiast and calmly ushered the unwanted reptile into a bucket and out of the house.

“Anything with venom I’ve always had a love for,” he said. “It’s really cool how they go from a snake that kind of just slithers around to something that can kill you in 30 minutes.”

Rajesh’s early snake-catching adventures grew into a more serious interest in venomous animals. He’s now a third-year computation biology student at Florida State University studying the Florida bark scorpion with guidance from biological science Professor Darin Rokyta and funding from an IDEA Grant, which provides summer funding for undergraduate research and creative projects.

This year’s IDEA Grant winners delivered oral and poster presentations during the President’s Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence held Thursday, Oct. 10. The event, which drew an estimated 800 attendees, is a collaboration between the Office of the President and the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement (CRE) and a signature event of FSU’s weeklong Discovery Days celebration.

“Your research is fantastic, and we’re so proud of each and every one of you,” said FSU President Richard McCullough during his opening remarks to students, their mentors and other guests. “This work makes a difference in the world, and we’re so pleased to be able to be here and interact with the students about their projects.”

Thirty-five students selected by the competitive grant program shared their posters and creative projects on their work exploring the role of diplomacy in the future of space exploration, rhetoric in the Polish constitution of 1791, innovation in 3D-printed devices for diagnosing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, the impact of solitary confinement on social outcomes and more.

“One of the best parts of administering the IDEA Grants is being able to see students really blossom into researchers,” said Latika Young, director of the CRE. “Something that might start out as just a unique interest – like Shakthi’s love for venomous animals – can transform, with the support and funding offered by the IDEA Grant and under the mentorship of our terrific faculty, into a project that makes a valuable contribution to the field and allows the student to cement their researcher identity.”

IDEA Grants include donor-endowed research awards from the Tyler Center for Global Studies and other privately funded gifts.

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Florida State University senior Rosalyn Wadsworth spent three weeks in Japan this summer studying the biological differences between inland and coastal inhabitants of a hunter-gatherer society known as the Jōmon.

Wadsworth’s research opportunity was made possible by her participation in FSU’s undergraduate research and honors programs. She presented her research Tuesday, Oct. 3, with about 45 other students at the President’s Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence, a collaboration between the Office of the President and the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement (CRE).

Part of FSU’s weeklong Discovery Days celebration, the showcase was the culmination of the IDEA Grant, Tech Fellows and FSU International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) programs. It was a chance for students who were selected by those competitive grant applications to share their research and creative projects through poster and oral presentations.

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