Florida State University student Sebastian Ruiz has been selected by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) for its competitive Cech Fellows Program, a nine-week undergraduate research experience taking place this summer.

A rising FSU senior majoring in statistics with a focus on psychology, Ruiz was chosen for the inaugural Cech Fellows cohort of 176 undergraduate students from 109 institutions across 36 states and territories. Students are paired with scientists in HHMI labs and participate in a research symposium at the Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn, Virginia.

“Representing FSU in the first Cech Fellows class to me is both an honor and a responsibility because now I am representing FSU on the global neuroscience research stage,” said Ruiz, a transfer student from West Palm Beach. “It also shows a sense of confidence on behalf of Janelia in the level of preparation that FSU is providing me with in my coursework.”

The summer program at Janelia’s campus, 30 miles outside Washington, D.C., helps students contribute to scientific discovery, receive professional mentorship and learn about biomedical research careers. Students work alongside HHMI scientists who are actively engaged in biology and health research.

Ruiz will work in Janelia’s Turaga Lab studying how artificial intelligence can improve our understanding of neural networks. He will create a digital model of a fruit fly’s brain and will study how the brain responds when certain behaviors are performed. Ruiz hopes this research done on fruit flies will lay a foundation for large-scale human brain studies.

“Sebastian is a remarkable leader: independent, driven and with a clear vision,” said Carmen Varela, who has served as a faculty advisor and mentor to Ruiz. “Seeing him receive recognition through the HHMI Cech Fellows Program is incredibly rewarding and entirely deserved.”

“Representing FSU in the first Cech Fellows class to me is both an honor and a responsibility because now I am representing FSU on the global neuroscience research stage.”

– Sebastian Ruiz, FSU senior and HHMI Cech Fellow

Ruiz was also one of four FSU students selected this year for the Barry Goldwater Scholarship. The national honor recognizes outstanding sophomores and juniors pursuing research careers in the sciences, engineering and mathematics.

During his time at FSU, Ruiz has spent the past year as a research assistant at Brown University’s Sherif Lab, affiliated with the Carney Institute for Brain Science and the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, studying sensory noise degradation and the presentation of psychiatric illness following an earlier summer internship. In 2024, he participated in Carnegie Mellon University’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program in Computational Brain Science, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.

At FSU, Ruiz founded the registered student organization CompNeuroSociety, a campus group that connects undergraduate students interested in computational neuroscience through interactive workshops, journal clubs and collaborative projects. The group helps students build confidence in the field and engage in discussions about computational neuroscience.

The Cech Fellows Program is named in honor of Thomas R. Cech, a former president of HHMI. Cech discovered that RNA can function as a biological catalyst, which reshaped molecular biology and earned him the 1989 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Cech established the Janelia campus and expanded educational opportunities for undergraduate students.

Founded in 1953, HHMI supports scientists at all stages of their careers and partners with more than 50 institutions nationwide.

For more information about applying for the Cech Fellows Program and other competitive national scholarships and fellowships for undergraduate students, visit FSU’s Office of National Fellowships website.

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Florida State University awarded honors medallions to 548 high-achieving graduates during the spring 2026 Medallion Celebration at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center.

The FSU Honors Program supports the efforts and talents of some of the university’s most intellectually curious students who have the potential, dedication and drive for creating change.

The celebration included remarks by Associate Dean of Honors, Scholars, and Fellows D. Craig Filar and Dean of Undergraduate Studies DeOnte Brown.

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Florida State University hosted a national undergraduate research conference that celebrates top student researchers from across the Atlantic Coast Conference’s 18 schools.

FSU’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement (CRE) hosted the ACC’s annual Meeting of the Minds from April 10-12, inviting five students and accompanying staff from each participating school to present their undergraduate research and creative inquiry, network with one another and learn about FSU and Tallahassee.

“We were proud to host this year’s Meeting of the Minds conference, and I’m grateful to the ACC for investing in the academic success of undergraduate students,” CRE Director Latika Young said. “It was inspiring to see students from across the conference come together, share their work, and take part in memorable experiences in and around campus.”

Student delegates to the conference are chosen through a competitive refereeing process. They must present research that is original, student directed and under the advisement of a faculty member.

The event featured student poster sessions and oral presentations on a wide range of topics in the fields of medicine, music, education, technology, political science, psychology and more.

“Florida State is deeply committed to advancing undergraduate research,” said DeOnte Brown, dean of Undergraduate Studies. “Being part of the ACC’s Meeting of the Minds underscores the importance of investing in students’ ideas and academic curiosity.”

FSU’s five student representatives and projects were:

• Rameen Ahmed, Orthotropic Properties of Wood-Plastic Composites in Environmental Conditions
• Alex DeLise, Active Learning for Conditional Generative Compressed Sensing
• Varun Raju, Judging Judicial Elections in Mexico: Public Opinion, Democratic Accountability, and Judicial Legitimacy
• Sydney Wald, Who Turns to ChatGPT for Emotional Support? Clinical Predictors of AI Engagement
• Sophie Maclayne Works, Lacquer and Legacy: Opening the Box to Soviet Narratives and Baltic Realities

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Florida State University has appointed Austin McDonald as assistant dean of Undergraduate Studies and the new director of the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE), which serves first-generation undergraduate students and others who may face challenges in college such as economic or educational circumstances.

McDonald has served as program director in CARE since 2023, including as the faculty director for First-Generation Noles Living-Learning Community (FGEN-Noles LLC), a first-year residence hall community for first-generation students.

Dean of Undergraduate Studies DeOnte Brown, who previously served as director of CARE, said McDonald was appointed for his student-centered approach and innovative spirit.

“Dr. McDonald’s genuine and humble personality allows him to develop rapport with colleagues and students in a way that shows value for everyone,” Brown said. “I have appreciated his intentional engagement with students to support them in maximizing the opportunities in college and also in challenging them to exceed their own expectations. He has also shown a commitment to our staff and faculty in CARE by supporting and encouraging them to engage in research and assessment work or offering professional learning moments.”

The CARE director and assistant dean role works with both Undergraduate Studies and Student Affairs divisions. Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Brandon Bowden said he is excited to work with McDonald.

“We have full confidence in and commitment to Dr. McDonald’s success,” Bowden said. “His previous work in other Student Affairs divisions and his current engagement in our programs will only help to amplify our student services and support not only for CARE students, but so many students beyond CARE.”

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At Florida State University, student curiosity is driving innovation and research through FSU’s Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, or UROP. In labs and classrooms across campus, undergraduate students are gaining hands-on research skills to advance their academic careers.

On March 6-7, UROP students moved their research into the spotlight by presenting their findings at the Florida Undergraduate Research Conference, or FURC, one of the largest multi-disciplinary research conferences in the country and an opportunity for FSU students to showcase their own research and connect with students at other Florida institutions.

“FSU students produce outstanding research across a wide range of disciplines, and we’re grateful they had the opportunity to share their work at this prestigious statewide conference,” said DeOnte Brown, dean of Undergraduate Studies. “At FSU, one in four undergraduates participates in research, made possible by faculty and other research mentors who help prepare the next generation of scholars.”

Their UROP Journey

UROP offers opportunities for first-year and second-year FSU students to participate in projects as undergraduate researchers. The program is organized by the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement, or CRE, a hub for promoting student research and creativity at Florida State.

The program features three parts to prepare students: a colloquium, a research assistantship and presentation at a symposium. The colloquium class answers questions about the goals and methods of academic research, helps students build fundamental skills and guides them as they navigate finding a project. The research assistantship pairs students with faculty for mentorship and training. Finally, students present their work to the public, giving them practice translating technical research into easily understood presentations that highlight the impact of their research.

Brandon Bonamarte, a first-year mathematics and music student, completed a research project about autism spectrum diagnostic tests as a high school senior.

“After I finished that research project around autism, I wanted to see if I could keep doing research at FSU,” Bonamarte said. “That is when I started looking at different programs and got an email about UROP. I looked it up online, and I decided, what better place to start than a program specifically for undergraduate researchers?”

Bonamarte used machine learning models in his research into autism spectrum tests to examine whether evaluations that aren’t traditionally used to test for autism could still provide accurate diagnoses. He used similar machine learning models in his UROP project to study relationship formation in a tropical bird species called lance-tailed manakins under the mentorship of Professor Emily H. Duvall. His research focused on the birds’ courting displays, analyzing what components of these performances relate to success in mating pairs.

For her research, second-year nursing and public health student Sofia Martinez wanted to explore postpartum health care. UROP gave her a chance to jump into a project with the help of a mentor who could guide her work.

“For a lot of research opportunities, you need experience. UROP helped me get into research,” Martinez said. “I thought the program was a great opportunity to get experience, because no matter what lab I was in, it would still be a research opportunity.”

She worked with Associate Professor Jessica Bahorski to study how maternal support and mental health influence breastfeeding for her UROP project. The project identified factors that influence recovery and support for new mothers, research that will help Martinez as she pursues her career goal of becoming a pediatrician.

“I got an incredible research opportunity through UROP, and it opened the door for so many more opportunities,” Martinez said. “I love the project that I’m working on. It aligns with my values and everything that I want to do in the future.”

Moira Shoffstall, a second-year art history student, turned to research as a passion project. UROP gave her the opportunity to explore research in a field outside of her major.

“I applied to UROP because I enjoy research. I like the process of investigating a topic and trying to answer the question that I am asking,” she said. “Humanities, art history especially, study the aftereffects of our culture, human interaction and history. Researching that is incredibly important to understanding ourselves and preventing history from repeating itself.”

Under the mentorship of Professor Ben Dodds, Shoffstall’s UROP project analyzed Spanish bandit Don Juan de Serrallonga through the lens of a biographical poem. The project compared this poem to historical records and earlier Spanish literary works to examine how historical figures are reconstructed through storytelling.

“By presenting at conferences like FURC, students gain the skills and confidence to communicate their ideas, connect with peers and imagine what’s possible in their future academic and professional paths,” said Latika Young, the director of CRE. “Those early research experiences shape how students think, communicate and engage with the world around them.”

The Florida Undergraduate Research Conference

After completing their research, Bonamarte, Martinez and Shoffstall prepared to present their work to a wider audience. With support from the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement, they joined fellow FSU undergraduates and students from around Florida at the University of North Florida for FURC. The conference marked their first major milestone in showcasing their research, and it offered valuable experience practicing public speaking for an audience that didn’t have the specialized knowledge they had developed. The event also gave students the opportunity to move beyond the classroom and engage with a wider community of researchers.

“My favorite part about FURC was not just presenting my research, but hearing others present theirs,” Bonamarte said. “I hunted down those in my field and had some really good discussions that I cannot really get elsewhere.”

Besides presenting their research, FURC attendees experience the chance to network with other undergraduate researchers and field experts, providing opportunities for academic growth and connection.

“I am not the most social person, and when I am social, I do not have a lot of practice at interacting with students my own age,” Shoffstall said. “By being given a very easy conversation topic — FURC and my own research — I had a much easier time connecting with and meeting people who are as curious as I am.”

More opportunities

The UROP students who attended FURC will also be presenting at the upcoming Undergraduate Research Symposium, or URS. The event is the largest symposium of undergraduate researchers at FSU, and it brings together student research from a variety of programs across campus, including UROP, the Garnet and Gold Scholar Society, the Honors in the Major program and more. Students with creative projects such as original films, dance and music projects present their work at Nourishing Creativity, a showcase of creative work at the symposium.

For many students, the symposium is their first time presenting their research. Bonamarte, Martinez and Shoffstall will bring their experience at FURC to the event.

“Presenting at FURC helped prepare me for URS by giving me practice explaining my research clearly and confidently to people who may not be familiar with my topic. It also reminded me that we all start somewhere,” Martinez said. “I met so many incredible high-achieving students who were also presenting for the first time, which made the experience feel very encouraging and collaborative.”

The Undergraduate Research Symposium will take place April 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Student Union Ballrooms.

Students interested in applying to UROP can learn more and apply on the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement website. Applications for incoming first-years and current first-year students are open until May 1 and Applications for transfer students with an AA starting in the fall close July 3.

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Florida State University’s Honors Program was ranked No. 1 in Florida by the college ranking publication College Transitions, a resource for high school students and college counselors and the primary source for honors college rankings.

On its 2026 list of “50 Best Honors Colleges,” College Transitions ranked FSU No. 17 nationally among all honors colleges and programs.

While some universities offer separate honors colleges, FSU offers a comprehensive program designed to meet student needs. The program placed No. 6 among honors programs on College Transitions’ list using methodology that considers selectivity, benefits and program rigor.

“Our Honors Program has seen so much exciting growth in the past few years, thanks to President McCullough’s visionary investments,” said DeOnte Brown, dean of Undergraduate Studies. “We’re proud to offer a vibrant community that nurtures highly inquisitive students, engages them in a dynamic academic experience with their peers and prepares them for a future where they can thrive out in the world.”

The Honors Program has grown during McCullough’s tenure from about 400 per class before 2023 to more than 800 in the Fall 2025 class. It is the only Honors program in Florida that has a dedicated faculty who design Honors Signature Courses — interactive, interdisciplinary classes available exclusively to Honors students.

Ten full-time Honors faculty members offer courses on a variety of topics such as superheroes and ethics, coffee and culture in the U.S. and gaming in the ancient world.

“I’m so grateful for the dedication of our faculty and staff across campus who mentor, teach and support our remarkable students every day,” said Joe O’Shea, vice president for Student Academic Success. “We are honored to serve the brightest scholars from across Florida and elsewhere so they can thrive as leaders in their fields and strengthen the future of our communities.”

“The Honors Program at FSU was such a meaningful part of my undergraduate experience. It gave me incredible professors and engaging courses, but most importantly, an amazing community and friendships that lasted throughout my time at Florida State.”

– Hayley Schermer, FSU Honors graduate

Former Honors student Hayley Schermer, who graduated in December with a cell and molecular neuroscience degree, is working as a patient care assistant in the Neuro and Cardiac Intermediate Care Unit at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare while she prepares to start medical school in the summer.

“The Honors Program at FSU was such a meaningful part of my undergraduate experience,” Schermer said. “It gave me incredible professors and engaging courses, but most importantly, an amazing community and friendships that lasted throughout my time at Florida State.”

Students can live in Honors housing in one of two centrally located residence halls and have dedicated program advising. They have access to classrooms, study spaces, gathering areas and resources such as advising, the Office of National Fellowships and the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement in the Honors, Scholars, and Fellows House.

More than 200 students are enrolled in Honors in the Major, an opportunity within the Honors Program that provides students from any major the chance to engage in graduate level research, either with an original thesis or creative project.

Last summer, the Honors Program debuted its new Honors Global Experiences program in London, where 15 students traveled with Honors Associate Director Michael Furman to explore the city and surrounding areas while taking the Honors Signature Course “In the Footsteps of the Ancients: Roman Britain.”

Hayden Thomas is a senior political science and economics Honors student from Tampa who is studying abroad at the FSU London Study Center and interning at a United Kingdom policy organization.

“The Honors Program gave me a community of intellectually curious student leaders who pushed me to grow academically, professionally and personally,” Thomas said. “That foundation made it possible for me to pursue transformative opportunities, including serving as president of the Honors Student Association, conducting research through Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program and Honors in the Major, and engaging in immersive professional experiences.”

To provide more opportunities for students, FSU has also doubled the size of its Presidential Scholars Program in recent years. Presidential Scholars is FSU’s premier undergraduate merit scholarship program that invests in students who stand out for their potential to be transformational leaders.

There are now 60 students admitted to each class of the Presidential Scholars Program, where students engage in a four-year sequence of learning and community engagement that focuses on four foundational tenets: wisdom, leadership, service and character.

On top of the generous scholarship funding, students in the program receive financial support for enrichment opportunities such as international study or service, internships, research and creative projects, and more.

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Student-athletes at Florida State University earned their highest ever collective GPA during the Fall 2025 semester.

FSU’s Student Athlete Academic Services (SAAS) reported that the Fall 2025 GPA among student-athletes was a 3.33, setting a record for any single fall or spring semester. Student-athletes also broke a record for overall cumulative GPA at 3.36.

“We’re so proud to celebrate our student-athletes for their accomplishments in the classroom” said Miguel Negron, director of SAAS, associate athletics director and assistant dean of Undergraduate Studies. “FSU supports student-athletes academically with crucial resources and guidance to address the unique challenges of succeeding in college while competing at the highest levels in a sport.”

“FSU supports student-athletes academically with crucial resources and guidance to address the unique challenges of succeeding in college while competing at the highest levels in a sport.” 

– Miguel Negron, director of SAAS, associate athletics director and assistant dean of Undergraduate Studies

Among FSU’s 471 student-athletes enrolled in Fall 2025, 76% achieved a 3.0 GPA or higher. One hundred forty-four earned a spot on the Dean’s List, which recognizes those who earn a 3.5 or higher for the semester. Thirty-one student-athletes landed on the President’s List, which recognizes those who achieve a perfect 4.0 semester GPA.

Of the women’s teams, golf recorded the highest overall semester GPA at a 3.75. Among men’s teams, tennis scored the highest GPA for the semester: 3.53.

Six teams recorded their highest ever fall or spring semester GPAs: baseball, men’s golf, women’s lacrosse, softball, men’s tennis, and men’s track and field.

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Florida State University has once again received the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, a prestigious designation awarded by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching that recognizes institutional commitment to community engagement.

This is the third time FSU has earned the honor. FSU first received the Carnegie Community Engagement designation in 2010 and then again in 2020.

“We celebrate each of these institutions, particularly their dedication to partnering with their neighbors — fostering civic engagement, building useable knowledge and catalyzing real world learning experiences for students,” said Timothy F.C. Knowles, president of the Carnegie Foundation.

FSU is among 237 U.S. colleges and universities that have earned the 2026 classification. The Carnegie Classifications are the nation’s leading framework for categorizing and describing colleges and universities in the United States. Utilized frequently by policymakers, funders and researchers, the classifications are a critical benchmarking tool for postsecondary institutions.

“As a public Research I institution, Florida State University exists to serve the people of Florida and beyond, from our Tallahassee neighborhoods to communities across the nation and around the world,” said Jarrett Terry, assistant vice president and assistant provost for Academic Affairs. “Whether supporting local schools and economic development, contributing to state and national policy solutions, or collaborating on global health and sustainability initiatives, FSU’s community engagement reflects the scope and scale expected of a top-rated public university.”

The 2026 designation follows an intensive process of self-study and reflects the university’s community engagement efforts to ensure the work of faculty, staff and students is meaningful and furthers the work of community partners.

“The fact that we have been consistently successful with reclassification is an honor and testimony to FSU’s commitment to community engagement,” said Amy Hecht, vice president for Student Affairs. “It validates FSU’s efforts to fulfill our mission to unleash the potential of every student, enrich their experience through service, discovery and innovation, and be a supportive partner to the many communities we serve.”

“Whether supporting local schools and economic development, contributing to state and national policy solutions, or collaborating on global health and sustainability initiatives, FSU’s community engagement reflects the scope and scale expected of a top-rated public university.” 

– Jarrett Terry, assistant vice president and assistant provost for Academic Affairs

FSU defines community engagement as the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources between the university and local, regional, national and global communities. The application highlighted the importance FSU places on ensuring that university-community partnerships foster dynamic relationships based on mutually beneficial and reciprocal goals and that initiatives center around community voices.

Joi Phillips, director of the Center for Leadership & Service (CLS), led the nine-month long, university-wide team effort to earn recertification. She noted that over the last several years, FSU has refined and deepened their commitment to the community.

The team highlighted several of FSU’s many partnerships, such as the Experience Recognition Program hosted by the Experiential Learning team within the Career Center, formative experience opportunities offered by the Division of Undergraduate Studies, service and community-based learning options housed out of CLS, and participatory research that is connected to every academic unit and  initiative across the institution.

“For me, the focus is on appreciation and gratitude to the community for allowing us to share space with them,” Phillips said. “I don’t think we can express enough appreciation for their willingness to allow us to learn from them.”

FSU also provided data extracted from the ServScript Program, which has been the primary means to track student community engagement across the university since the system was implemented in the late 1990s. During the 2023-2024 academic year, more than 4,452 students documented 226,777 hours of service.

Here are some other noteworthy data shared:

• FSU students make a significant impact through community engagement and service in supporting the Tallahassee economy, contributing $7.5 million in volunteer hours.
• 427 faculty across 26 departments teach community-engaged designated courses accounting for 20.2% of FSU faculty teaching such courses.

• 14,697 undergraduate students (46% of the undergraduate student body) are enrolled in community engaged designated courses, an increase of 4,737 students since the last application cycle.

For more information about the Center for Leadership & Service and community engagement at FSU, visit community.fsu.edu.

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From refugee support in Central Europe to sustainability policy in Scandinavia, Florida State University students shared research shaped by firsthand global experiences at the annual Global Scholars Showcase. 

Thirty-three undergraduates presented independent research and community-based projects Dec. 5, 2025, in the Nancy H. Marcus Great Hall, marking the culmination of a yearlong program that blends international engagement with inquiry. 

Designing an independent research project or international experience is no simple undertaking. At Florida State, the Global Scholars Program helps students turn global interests into structured, ethical research through close mentorship and academic support. 

This year’s cohort presented projects ranging from sustainability culture in Sweden and the Netherlands to Ukrainian refugee support in the Czech Republic and efforts to strengthen information technology (IT) infrastructure at mental health clinics in Peru. 

As part of the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement (CRE) at FSU, the Global Scholars Program supports students in designing and carrying out independent, community-based learning opportunities. The program offers undergraduate students the unique chance to engage in experiences tailored to their specific global interests. Through internships, research, and service-learning projects, students can explore questions related to social impact, social justice and social change.  

“Global Scholars is a sort of ‘choose-your-own-adventure program,’ where students are introduced to the idea that research is something that is inherently personal, yet still grounded to academic frameworks,” said Cary Wall, associate director for global programming at the CRE. “Students design their own research in global contexts, engage directly with communities and carry projects from early ideas through public presentation.” 

The program follows a three-phase structure that supports students before, during and after their experiences.  

In the spring semester prior to departure, students enroll in a preparatory course focused on the ethics of community-based work and qualitative research methods.  

The following summer, students participate in their chosen experiences. This can include an in-person or online internship with a social-impact organization domestically or internationally, or a self-directed research project addressing a social issue in a local context.  

The final phase takes place during the fall semester, when students reflect on their work, complete capstone projects and prepare to present their findings at the Global Scholars Showcase.  

“At the heart of Global Scholars is an ethos that urges students to ask questions rather than propose solutions, and to leverage research as a tool for engaging with issues of global and collective importance,” Wall said.  

This year’s cohort conducted research in 13 countries.  

Jordyn Bain, a junior studying International Affairs and Economics, presented her project “From Arrival to Integration: The Role of NGOs in Assisting Ukrainian Refugees in Prague” at the showcase. She studied abroad in Prague, Czech Republic, through International Programs’ Human Rights and Social Work program.  

While there, she interviewed representatives from different non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the area and found that community isolation, limited career opportunities and insufficient mental health resources most hinder the long-term integration of Ukrainian refugees in Prague. 

“I’d never done a professional research project like this before, so this program really did help me learn how to go about it ethically, especially since I was dealing with people from a different culture,” she said.  

Sebastian Abril, a senior majoring in Psychology and Information Technology, presented his project “The Health, Technology, and the Passion of a Community: Modernizing Peruvian Healthcare” at the showcase. He traveled to Cusco, Peru over the summer to intern at a mental health clinic through Proyecto Peru, an organization dedicated to supporting sustainable development in the country.  

While there, he found that health care workers at the clinic were spending unnecessary amounts of time doing tasks that could be significantly expedited with digital services. He found that an increase in digital infrastructure, government policy and education could enhance the efficiency of the clinic.  

“I like research and I like traveling, and this felt like the perfect blend of the two,” Abril said. “You really can design your own research, but you always know that they (the Global Scholars Program) are right there to push you, keep you going and make sure that you’re on the right track.” 

Kaetlyn Patnaude, a junior studying Environmental Science and Urban Planning, presented her project “Allemansratten” at the showcase, which looked at environmental justice in Sweden and the Netherlands, focusing on how cultural values and citizen mindsets shape these nations’ approaches to sustainability.  

She started in Sweden, serving as a field technician at the Abisko Scientific Research Station. Located roughly 124 miles north of the Arctic Circle, the station hosts about 500 scientists annually who conduct research in ecology, biology and meteorology. Patnaude found this opportunity with the help of Jeff Chanton, Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences. 

In Sweden, Patnaude conducted interviews to explore how cultural values shape relationships with nature and perspectives on paths toward sustainable cities. The phrase “Allemansratten” kept coming up, a Swedish saying meaning “every man’s right” to nature which refers to a cultural principle allowing free access to uncultivated nature. The phrase made Patnaude seek to further understand the shift from cultural concept to policy, so, she enrolled in an urban planning course at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.  

Next, Patnaude went to the Netherlands and enrolled in Delft University of Technology’s “Summer School Planning and Design for the Just City.” The program combines spatial planning, urban design and environmental technology to tackle issues of spatial justice, sustainability, climate adaptation and water management in urban transitions to sustainability.  

For Patnaude, the course helped her understand how urban planning projects in the Netherlands influence environmental governance and urban sustainability transitions.  

“I really learned a lot about communication and talking to people from different cultures,” Patnaude said. “I feel like I can talk to anyone now and approach interactions with curiosity.” 

Natalia Arroyo, who graduated with her degree in Social Work and Political Science last semester, presented her project “Bridging Communities in Tallahassee: Through Education, Refugee Support and Justice” at the showcase. Focusing on how education, refugee resettlement and legal advocacy work together to strengthen community systems, Arroyo drew from three different experiences to combine the lessons learned. 

From working with the International Rescue Committee to supporting refugees in Tallahassee to serving as an early childhood educator for underprivileged kids and helping victims of violent crimes through the State Attorney’s office, Arroyo found one common theme: that compassion in the structures of social services is key to creating lasting change.  

“Day-to-day things might be a little more difficult for other individuals,” she said. “Being empathetic and an advocate in the workforce, no matter what you decide to go into, can really make a difference.” 

For more information about the Global Scholars Program, visit cre.fsu.edu/global/globalscholars. To read the Global Scholars blogposts, visit hsfhouseblogs.fsu.edu/blog/global-scholars/.

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Florida State University awarded honors medallions to 75 high-achieving graduates during a Dec. 11 ceremony at the Augustus B. Turnbull III Florida State Conference Center.

The FSU Honors Program supports the efforts and talents of some of the university’s most intellectually curious students who have the potential, dedication and drive for creating change.

The ceremony included remarks by Paul Marty, associate vice provost for Academic Innovation and professor of information technology; Alanna Densmore, Outstanding Senior Scholar Graduate; and Julie Decker, associate vice president of University Advancement, Alumni Engagement, and president of FSU Alumni Association.

The breakdown of the honors awardees is as follows:

57 Graduates, University Honors Program

Completed the University Honors Program, earning at least 18 Honors points in fulfillment of the FSU Honors Program requirements.

13 Graduates, Honors in the Major Program

Completed an Honors thesis in fulfillment of the requirement for the distinction “with Honors” in their major department.

5 Graduates, Outstanding Senior Scholar

Completed both the University Honors Program and the Honors in the Major Program, with a 3.9 cumulative GPA or higher.

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Florida State University is ramping up its efforts to help first-generation college students participate in study abroad programs, offering new resources and targeted support. These initiatives coincide with the university’s annual Celebration of International Education and its participation in the national First-Generation College Celebration Nov. 5-12. 

A centerpiece of this expansion is the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement’s (CARE) new Global Learning Community, a cohort-based program launching in Summer 2026.  

Led by instructional specialist Emily Leyava, the program will send 10 CARE students to South Africa for eight weeks of internships, Zulu language classes and cultural immersion. The initiative is designed to lower barriers for first-generation students, who often face financial and informational hurdles when considering international experiences. 

“We will be working with financial aid to see what opportunities are available to our students, including experiential learning grants and private donations,” said Leyava, who will accompany the group as faculty leader. “We don’t want cost to be prohibitive.”  

The program includes a preparatory spring course on global citizenship and international higher education, followed by an immersive summer experience. Students will be matched with internships in sectors like public health, community development and education, and will participate in weekly debriefs, reflective journaling and excursions outside of their home base in the coastal city of Durban. 

“We want our students graduating, going into the job market, going to grad school, whatever they want to do,” Leyava said. “We want to offer them every opportunity possible.” 

The Global Learning Community is coordinated with and supported by FSU International Programs, which operates three study centers in London, Valencia and Florence, a regional branch campus in the Republic of Panama, and faculty-led programs in places such as Croatia, Costa Rica, France, Switzerland, and more.   

“We understand the importance of providing intentional and creative ways to support first-gen students who wish to have an international experience,” said Interim Director of International Programs Louisa Blenman. “We are so pleased that our first partnership with CARE helps us diversify the locations offered by International Programs. Further, this partnership is a vivid demonstration of a transformative program coming to fruition through collaborations among several divisions of the university.” 

Funding opportunities such as the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, the Tyler Center for Global Studies Fellowship, Dr. Jai’s First-Gen Explorers Fund from FSU First Lady Jai Vartikar, FSU International Programs scholarships and other resources — both across FSU’s campus and externally — can help first-generation students defray costs associated with studying abroad.

Yasmeen Masanti, a senior dance student, studied in Paris through FSU’s Dance in Paris summer program, a four-week immersive experience for dance majors. She said scholarships, including a Gilman Scholarship, made her trip possible. 

“Having the opportunity to dance in Paris and seeing the French culture was a completely different experience than I’ve ever had,” she said. 

Masanti spent her time taking dance and film classes, exploring the city, attending performances and living at Cité Universitaire, a student housing complex bustling with international students.  

“I went to the Eiffel Tower quite a lot because as a kid, I always dreamed about seeing the Eiffel Tower,” she said. “It was just so magical.” 

Masanti credits the CARE Summer Bridge Program for helping her adjust to college and find a community. “I don’t know if I would have still been at FSU if I hadn’t been in the CARE program,” she said. 

Tafari D’Aguilar, a mechanical engineering student and Presidential Scholar, attended John Cabot University in Rome, partially funded by the Gilman Scholarship.  

“Before FSU, I didn’t know what studying abroad meant. I couldn’t imagine affording it,” D’Aguilar said. “It was a culture shock at first. It was my first time out of the country, and I was alone.” 

But he quickly settled in, befriending his roommates and balancing rigorous engineering courses with adventures across the city and broader Italy. 

“We walked cobblestone roads, ate local food and traveled,” D’Aguilar said. “We visited the Pantheon, Vatican City and Milan. One highlight: I canoed in a volcanic crater. It was incredible.” 

The experience, he said, was empowering: “Before, I feared traveling alone, but now I know I can handle it. Once you know you can handle it, there’s no stopping you.” 

FSU’s Celebration of International Education runs through Dec. 5. 

For more information about how Florida State University supports first-generation students and available resources, visit firstgen.fsu.edu.

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Florida State University is hosting a weeklong series of events for First-Generation College Celebration (FGEN) week from Wednesday, Nov. 5, through Wednesday, Nov. 12. Created in 2017 by the Council for Opportunity in Education and FirstGen Forward (formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success), the celebration recognizes students, faculty and staff who are the first in their families to earn a college degree.

The Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement (CARE), which is part of the Division of Student Affairs and the Division of Undergraduate Studies, has partnered with multiple departments to organize events that honor and empower first-generation students.

As a cornerstone event of FSU FGEN Week 2025, the Legacy Conference will span three days and include interactive workshops, student panels and networking opportunities. Rooted in the theme, “From First to Fearless: Legacy in the Making,” the sessions celebrate the resilience and brilliance of first-gen college students and will further connect students with professionals and campus resources to support their continued success.

“The Legacy Conference is more than an event; it’s a student development experience,” said DeOnte Brown, who will begin his new position as dean of Undergraduate Studies Nov. 14. “It affirms the unique strengths and stories of first-generation students while equipping them with tools to thrive academically, professionally and personally. By centering personal experience, community and legacy, FSU fosters a culture of excellence that reverberates across campus and beyond.”

For the full schedule of FGEN week events, visit care.fsu.edu/fgen-celebration-week.

Upcoming Legacy Conference Schedule of Events:

Thursday, Nov. 6

Self-discovery, Wellness and Global Mindset

Exchange Programs
3:45 p.m. | Thagard Building, Room 202

Stress Management Workshop
4 p.m. | Thagard Building, Room 105

Values, Voice and Victory
5 p.m. | Thagard Building, Room 202

Mindfulness Workshop
5 p.m. | Thagard Building, Room 211

Monday, Nov. 10

Leadership, Legacy and Motivation

From First to Fearless
2:30 p.m. | Thagard Building, Room 202

DREAMing Forward: First-Gen Student Leaders Panel
3:45 p.m. | Thagard Building, Room 105

The Tailored Man
3:45 p.m. | Thagard Building, Room 202

Locked In: Goal Setting Workshop
5 p.m. | Thagard Building, Room 202

Additional FGEN Week 2025 events:

THURSDAY, NOV. 6

First-Generation Shark Tank Competition
4-6 p.m. | Innovation Hub

Put your problem-solving skills to the test and step into the spotlight for the First-Generation Shark Tank Competition. Co-sponsored by Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship and FSU Innovation Hub, this exciting competition is open to all FSU students. Innovative ideas should tackle real challenges faced by First Gen college students. Compete for cash prizes, enjoy refreshments and join a community of changemakers ready to turn bold solutions into reality.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 12

Market Wednesday
10 a.m. – noon | Thagard Building

Stop by the CARE table to connect with other first-generation students and staff and take a photo to share the moment.

For more information about the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE) and the programs they offer, visit care.fsu.edu.

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