These Spring 2024 Florida State University graduates have worked hard to reach this moment, and all have unique stories about their time at FSU. From research to community involvement, their experiences have shaped who they are and prepared them for what’s next.

Conor Andrich

Sarasota native Conor Andrich completed his Master of Arts in Museum and Cultural Heritage Studies (MCHS) in the Department of Art History. During his two years at FSU, Andrich pursued his interests in vernacular art — a genre of visual art made by self-taught artists — and community-centric heritage.  

“I decided to attend FSU because the MCHS program presented what I saw to be the perfect balance between the conceptual/theoretical elements of art history and the practical elements of museum work,” he said. “I have really broadened my horizons both intellectually and professionally through this program.” 

While attending classes at FSU, Andrich worked with the Carrabelle History Museum, a small museum with a local focus on the panhandle town of Carrabelle, helping them catalog their collection and create oral histories with community members. He also interned at Everglades National Park in the South Florida Collections Management Center.

“I am proud of the work I have done with the Carrabelle History Museum, which tells the story of Carrabelle through objects that are sourced from the community,” Andrich said. “The Carrabelle History Museum is a labor of love and the truest reflection of its community, and I believe that is what museum work, at its heart, should be about.” 

After graduation, Andrich will work at the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum in Hollywood, Florida, where he will assist in the cataloging, conservation and curation of a 200,000-object collection of Florida Indigenous art, artifacts and material culture. 

“I am eager to contribute to the preservation of Indigenous history and knowledge, as well as to a greater public understanding of the fact that Indigenous cultures remain vital today, especially in Florida,” he said. 

Narjes Dridi

International student Narjes Dridi earned her Ph.D. in chemistry and biochemistry from the College of Arts and Sciences this semester. Born and raised in Tunisia, the northernmost country in Africa, Dridi wanted to pursue a doctorate in the U.S. because of its reputation in scientific research.  

She learned about Florida State from her chemistry professor at the Faculty of Sciences of Tunis in Tunisia, where she earned her master’s degree. His daughter had started her doctoral studies in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at FSU and touted the program’s interdisciplinary nature.  

After a two-year application process and five years of research, Dridi made the dream of completing her Ph.D. a reality.

“I met so many people, including my best friend who’s a visiting scholar, got two pet cats, traveled to different states, tried new cuisines and learned about different cultures and, most of all, I feel proud of myself for finally getting my Ph.D.,” she said. 

Dridi’s research focuses on the clinical application of nanomaterials. Her primary project makes polymer coatings and inorganic materials biocompatible for clinical applications like drug delivery and cancer detection.  

“Using my research to detect cancer enzymes is my favorite application so far,” Dridi said. “If any cancer enzyme is detected in the sampled blood, the solution’s color would change, indicating its presence, which could allow the user to get treated in the earlier stages of the disease. It’s almost like an at-home pregnancy test: easy to read and saves time, energy and money.” 

Nanomaterials are toxic and not yet safe for medicinal use, but Dridi’s goal is to become an entrepreneur and use her research to develop functional nanotechnology materials to benefit society and the environment.  

Following graduation, Dridi will remain in the U.S. to continue learning about the business and technology industry as the next step in her journey of making “nanotechnology truly useful for everyone.”

Julie Kuper and Tessa Spaulding

Julie Kuper, a first-generation college student from Naples, Florida, graduated with a doctorate in criminology. What could make it more meaningful? Her sister, Tessa Spaulding, is graduating, too, with a bachelor’s in editing, writing and media. 

“This is a really special moment for us,” Kuper said. “I am beyond excited to just enjoy and drink that in. Our family gets to gather here, all in one place, just to celebrate and dream up what the future might hold.” 

The post FSU spring 2024 graduate spotlights appeared first on Florida State University News.