University of South Florida | Be Bold
Being bold is who we are.
At the University of South Florida, it is more than ambition — it’s a commitment to
shape the future. From groundbreaking innovation and research to empowering the next
generation of leaders, our people make bold happen every day.
Step into their stories to learn how we’re breaking the status quo.
Bold is not settling for less.
Julio Blanco is the first in his family to attend college. Joining USF was a monumental
feat given the adversity he faced growing up, which included periods of homelessness
and his family facing financial hardship. But he never let that get in the way of
achieving his dreams.
Through hard work and perseverance, Blanco will soon graduate near the top of his
class with a degree in biomedical anthropology, on the pre-med track, and will continue
his quest to become a pediatrician. Read full story
How did USF help Blanco go from first-generation college student to future pediatrician?
Ranked as one of the top universities in the nation for advancing social mobility,
the University of South Florida provides the support, resources and community to empower first-gen students to reach their full potential.
Blanco found a home at USF by taking advantage of the countless resources made available
to students, including more than 700 student clubs and organizations. In fact, he created his own to provide students from all backgrounds with opportunities
to earn scholarships, take part in volunteer and research activities and make connections
within the medical industry.
Bold is leading the way in AI and cybersecurity.
John Licato is pioneering the future. His interest in video games led to a passion
for technology, and he has since dedicated his education, research and career to the
field. As an associate professor at the University of South Florida, he shares his
passion with students and teaches the future AI and cybersecurity leaders of tomorrow.
Later this year, Licato will join USF’s new Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence,
Cybersecurity and Computing, helping USF and Tampa Bay become global leaders and talent
hubs in advanced technologies. Read full story
How did USF help Licato go from enthusiast to entrepreneur and educator?
USF is at the forefront of emerging technology and workforce needs, demonstrated by
its new Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing. With programs beginning fall 2025, USF is paving the way for future leaders in these
disciplines.
Licato, currently an associate professor in the Computer Science and Engineering department,
will join the new college where he will be one of many faculty experts shaping Tampa’s
future innovators. He has also had the opportunity to found the Advancing Machine
and Human Reasoning (AMHR) Lab, which aims to advance AI and help people learn how
to think and reason better. Leveraging his work and research at USF, he then launched
his own startup focused on improving and building smarter AI systems.
Bold is building resilient coastal communities.
Libby Royer is helping future-proof Tampa Bay with doctoral research focused on the
impacts of hurricanes on the region’s coastlines and how to better prepare for future
storms. Her bold discoveries will contribute to a more resilient coastal community
through infrastructure improvements and storm damage predictions.
Once she finishes her doctoral degree, she will continue her environmental efforts
by going into consulting or local government in the Tampa area, helping to future-proof
our communities for years to come. Read full story
How did USF help Royer go from research student to changemaker?
As an Association of American Universities institution, USF prioritizes revolutionary research that benefits future generations, fuels economic
growth and expands the region’s talent pool.
Royer found unmatched research opportunities at USF. The university’s locations, outcomes-driven majors and programs of study have allowed her to do boots-on-the-ground research that was not possible at other
universities. Her research will ultimately have a direct effect on the Tampa Bay region,
helping make our communities more resilient to future hurricanes.
Bold is transforming health care.
Dr. Yael Bensoussan didn’t always dream of becoming a doctor. She started her career
as a professional singer but an injury to her vocal cords eventually altered her journey.
This experience sparked an interest in studying and treating the voice to help others
who go through similar situations.
In addition to treating patients, Bensoussan is currently leading a $14 million research
project that uses AI analysis of the human voice to diagnose and treat diseases. This
research will be transformative for patients globally. Read full story
How did USF help Bensoussan go from a laryngologist to innovator?
The only academic medical center in the region, USF Health integrates research, education and health care across its colleges to make lives
better. Future health care professionals train and practice here to improve quality
of care and drive innovation.
Dr. Yael Bensoussan came to USF Health with a bold vision of starting her own voice
center. In 2021, she launched Tampa Bay’s first and only multidisciplinary voice center
with support from colleagues and the USF community. The research opportunities at
USF also empowered Bensoussan to lead Voice as a Biomarker of Health, a $14 million research project focused on using AI analysis of the human voice to
efficiently diagnose, monitor and treat medical conditions.
Bold is walking on and breaking records.
Sean Atkins didn’t receive much attention coming out of high school as a 5’10” wide
receiver. He joined the Bulls football program as a walk-on, but he never stopped
believing in himself. During this time, he balanced a full-time job to pay rent, his
studies and early morning football practice, and he eventually earned a full athletics
scholarship.
Atkins is now the all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards in USF football
history. With this success under his belt, he strives to play professionally or start
his own sports marketing agency. Read full story
How did USF help Atkins go from a walk-on to record-breaker?
USF Athletics provides vast opportunities for students with a variety of athletics
programs and a new on-campus stadium coming in 2027. Each year, USF Athletics supports more than 500 student-athletes
across 21 varsity teams, including USF football.
Two years after he walked on to the football team, Atkins’ hard work finally paid
off. He received a full athletics scholarship which allowed him to focus solely on
football and classes. He joins nearly 70 percent of students who graduate from USF
without student loans and many more who benefit from USF’s financial aid opportunities, including academic and athletics scholarships.
