Charlotte Stuart-Tilley, a Tallahassee native, chose to attend Florida State University because of the opportunities for undergraduate research and the beautiful campus and Gothic architecture, which she has admired throughout her life.

During her time at FSU, Stuart-Tilley has been involved in research projects, ranging from archiving and tracking historical mentions of Dante, the 13th century Italian author of “Divine Comedy,” in popular media, to understanding how West Africans conceptualize human rights and discrimination.

The latter culminated in a Tyler Fellowship, which provided Stuart-Tilley with an IDEA Grant in addition to support from the Center for the Advancement of Human Rights to conduct fieldwork in Ghana.

How did you engage in academic research at FSU?

My first university research experience was with Elizabeth Coggeshall, professor in the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics, who has an incredible public access database of physical and digital references to Dante worldwide called Dante Today. My work with her was simple; she needed students to update the database with some technical tasks. For our final presentation, she allowed us to pick a subject related to the database and complete independent research. I chose to search for additional Dante references to add to the database from West Africa, a region that has interested me since I was in high school. One of my favorite references was from a Ghanaian artist, so perhaps the project influenced my decision to do my research in Accra, Ghana last summer. 

How was your experience conducting research in Ghana?

Building on my earlier research, I traveled to Ghana to study how Fulbe communities conceptualize human rights and discrimination. The idea connected to my work on West African cultural references during the Dante Today project, which sparked my interest in the region and led me to conduct fieldwork in Accra.  

In Ghana, I interviewed Fulbe individuals (a historically nomadic and Muslim minority), asking questions such as “Who are Fulbe?,” “What is your ideal world?” and “What do you think of human rights?.” I initially expected responses to center on concepts like “pulaaku” and “seemtende,” words that mean “responsibility” and “shyness” and are tied to Fulbe identity. Instead, a different theme emerged: “need.” Many participants emphasized their needs, in particular for access to education and land for cattle grazing, reflecting both economic realities and cultural traditions. Another recurring idea was “peaceful coexistence,” which interviewees described as the foundation of an ideal society. 

What did you gain from majoring in a second language?

My dual degree in French has helped me to make interdisciplinary connections that I don’t think I would have otherwise made. The classes I took on French culture and history tied into the classes I took on political science, terrorism and other disciplines. Making those connections between both majors has helped me to come to class with a different perspective and to relate to the material in an alternative way.  

I also love our French faculty’s style of teaching and the small classrooms that we have in our upper division courses. I really got to know everyone in my classroom, and many of us had multiple classes together from one semester to the next. One of the French courses which I took was centered around a book called Afrotopia by Senegalese economist Felwine Sarr. The professor who taught the course organized a conference on the book here at FSU where we had the opportunity to meet Sarr in person and talk to him about his work. 

What are your plans after graduation?

Long-term, I would love to work in human rights or sustainable development, especially as an analyst trying to understand big-picture environmental and sustainability issues. For now, I would like to work in Florida, either in the public or private sector. I love the natural environment here, and it is important to me that we can enjoy it for generations to come. 

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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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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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The national Tyler Center for Global Studies, hosted and coordinated by Florida State University, has named 12 partner institutions who will act as a network of schools that connect undergraduate students across the country with international research and global inquiry.

William H. Tyler III established the Tyler Center for Global Studies in 2022 with the goal of encouraging undergraduate students to pursue global research to positively shape the future. Since 2022, the Tyler Center for Global Studies has awarded 49 students across the United States with funding to conduct international research.

“The Tyler Center believes that the issues and challenges facing society today are more global in nature than ever before, and that the key to successfully meeting and overcoming these challenges hinges on building an awareness of and appreciation for global solutions,” said Tyler, who passed away in 2024.

“FSU is proud to coordinate the Tyler Center Network, and to work with partner institutions who share our commitment to global education and research.”

– Joe O’Shea, FSU associate provost and dean of Undergraduate Studies

In addition to FSU, Tyler Center grants totaling $222,000 will be awarded to Austin Community College, Johns Hopkins University, Monroe Community College, SUNY Oneonta, Syracuse University, University of California-San Diego, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, University of Missouri-Kansas City, University of Texas at Austin, University of Washington and William & Mary.

“FSU is proud to coordinate the Tyler Center Network, and to work with partner institutions who share our commitment to global education and research,” FSU Associate Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Studies Joe O’Shea said. “We look forward to working with other Tyler schools to support even more students as they engage in important work and learning abroad.”

As the host institution, FSU coordinates the Tyler Center Grant Program, where public and private post-secondary institutions can apply for a grant from the Tyler Center. Undergraduate students from these respective institutions can then apply to become a Tyler Fellow and receive funding to conduct international research.

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