About Us
Our Team
Our distinguished faculty and staff are dedicated to fostering an enriching educational environment that empowers USF students to excel. With a blend of innovative teaching, personalized advising, and a passion for student success, the Judy Genshaft Honors College proudly supports the next generation of leaders, scholars, and global citizens.
Whether you need to make an appointment to speak with an advisor, or have questions about the admissions process or scholarship awards, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to working with you!
CAMPUS LEADERSHIP
CHARLES ADAMS, PhD
JUDY GENSHAFT ENDOWED HONORS DEAN AND PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH
Bio.
Dr. Adams came to USF in 2014 from the University of Arkansas, where he was successively chair of the English Department, associate dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Arts and Sciences, and senior director of International Education. He has published three books and numerous essays and reviews in his academic field of early American literature, and has taught many different courses in American and British literature, world literature in English, world humanities, Native American literature, and African American literature. He is especially interested to promote international opportunities for USF students, having directed study abroad programs in several different countries over the course of his career. His completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in English and philosophy at Tulane University, where he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. He earned his doctorate in English language and literature from the University of Virginia.
Contact Charles Adams
LINDY DAVIDSON, PhD
ASSOCIATE DEAN OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
Bio.
Lindy Grief Davidson is the associate dean of academic affairs for the Judy Genshaft Honors College. She holds a B.A. in communication arts from Belmont University, an M.Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in communication from USF. Her specialty is health communication, and she has significant personal experience navigating the health care system as the parent of a medically complex child. Dr. Davidson's dissertation research focused on spirituality and parental decision-making in pediatric palliative care. Other areas of study include disability, ethics, global health and communication in the health clinic. As a qualitative researcher, her methods include interviewing, ethnography, narrative, poetic inquiry and autoethnography.
As associate dean of academic affairs, Dr. Davidson is committed to helping students explore their academic passions through engaging classes and rich experiences. Several of her publications, such as "Would you Like a Map? Explorations in Hospital Cartography," offer a look at her research, personal experience and creative use of performance to disseminate research findings.
Contact Lindy Davidson
CAYLA LANIER, PhD
ASSISTANT DEAN AND CAMPUS DIRECTOR
SARASOTA-MANATEE CAMPUS
Bio.
Dr. Cayla Lanier leads the expansion of the Judy Genshaft Honors College to USF’s Sarasota-Manatee campus. She has a passion for connecting with students to help them discover their potential, refine their goals, and pursue their purpose. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in marketing, with Honors College distinction, here at the University of South Florida, and Master of Arts degree in marketing at the University of Texas at Austin. She completed her doctorate in USF's Communication department, completing a dissertation related to storytelling and sensemaking amongst Honors College students about their transition to college and identity as honors students. Her favorite thing in life is good conversation over hot coffee and cookies.
Contact Cayla Lanier
REGINALD LUCIEN, PhD
ASSISTANT DEAN FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
Bio.
Dr. Lucien joined the Honors staff in August 2006, quickly establishing himself as a valuable member of the team. With a strong background in community development, he previously served as the director of a prominent not-for-profit community technology center in Miami, Florida. Dr. Lucien's academic journey includes a bachelor's degree in communication from Florida State University, a master's degree in education, and a doctorate in instructional technology from the esteemed University of South Florida.
In his current role, Dr. Lucien assumes a pivotal position overseeing various aspects of the college's operations. His passion lies in the realms of technology and students success, and he currently spearheads the academic advising, Living Learning Community, and IT services teams at the college.
Contact Reginald Lucien
CATHERINE WILKINS, PhD
ASSOCIATE DEAN
ST. PETERSBURG CAMPUS
Bio.
With her varied experience in interdisciplinary research and community engaged teaching, Dr. Wilkins brings a unique perspective to the Judy Genshaft Honors College. An alumna of the University of South Florida, Dr. Wilkins received her Bachelor of Arts degree in humanities in 2000 before pursuing graduate studies at Tulane University in New Orleans. There, she earned a Master of Arts in art history and a doctorate in interdisciplinary history.
Dr. Wilkins is deeply engaged in service-learning and community-based teaching practices. She offers signature capstone courses in the Judy Genshaft Honors College that pair students with partner organizations to cultivate practical skills while giving back to the community.
Prior to joining the Judy Genshaft Honors College in 2015, Dr. Wilkins taught at the University of Colorado Boulder and Florida Southwestern State College.
Contact Catherine Wilkins
Faculty Team
Advising Team
KATE ASHMORE
ACADEMIC ADVISOR
Bio.
Kate Ashmore joined the Honors Advising Team in Spring 2024. They will be primarily advising for the JGHC Scholars Programs: Wilcox Scholars Program, First-Generation Brad and Terry Holcombe Scholarship, George W. Jenkins Scholarship, and Ableidinger Scholarship.
Kate graduated from USF in May 2016 with a BA in German Studies and with Honors College distinction. The 2016-2017 academic year saw them work as the Honors LLC Program Assistant before moving to Germany to complete their Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship.
After living Germany, Kate finished their Master of Arts in German at the University of Georgia in May 2021. They then stayed on as a German language instructor for the 2021-2022 school year before taking on an unexpected opportunity to work with a trucking company as a key account manager. They’ve now returned to their passion – higher education and working with students.
Kate is passionate about language and global education. They’re thrilled to return to USF and work with university students navigating their college journeys and deciding on the next steps for their futures.
Contact Kate Ashmore
KRYSTA BANKE, PhD
ACADEMIC ADVISOR
Bio.
Dr. Banke joined the Judy Genshaft Honors College in January 2015, after serving as an academic advisor in USF Engineering for three years. Before that, she was a first-year enrichment and study skills instructor and success coach at Rochester Institute of Technology. She advises computer science, humanities, and exploratory majors. Dr. Banke has taught English in the United States and Mexico. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Guilford College, a Master of Science degree in Education with a concentration in TESOL at Nazareth College, and a doctoral degree in English Rhetoric and Composition at USF. She loves helping people make their dreams come true.
Contact Krysta Banke
MEGAN BRAUNSTEIN
ACADEMIC ADVISOR
Bio.
Megan Braunstein graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and Chinese from the University of Florida in May 2013. She earned her Master of Education degree in college student affairs from USF in May 2016, and is currently a doctoral student through the University of Minnesota's Leadership for International and Intercultural Education program. As part of Northeastern University’s N.U.in Program, she led a STEM study abroad program to University College Dublin in Dublin, Ireland; then returned home to the Judy Genshaft Honors College. She advises College of Business, College of Education, and pre-law social science students. She also serves as coordinator of international programs and Secretary of the Eta of Florida Phi Beta Kappa chapter at USF.
Contact Megan Braunstein
AVA GOMEZ
ACADEMIC ADVISOR
Bio.
Ava graduated as a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society from the University of Florida in 2022 with Bachelor of Arts degrees in anthropology and geography. She then earned her Master of Arts degree in anthropology from UF in 2024, where her research focused on the intersection of digital and physical fitness environments.
Before moving back to the Tampa Bay area, Ava gained valuable experience in higher education through a graduate assistantship in academic advising, an internship with orientation programs, and holistic application review with admissions at UF. She joined the Judy Genshaft Honors College as an academic advisor in summer 2024, primarily advising students in the psychology department, the school of social sciences, and biomedical sciences.
Ava is passionate about helping students have a fantastic collegiate experience, both in and out of the classroom. She encourages students to take advantage of all the experiential learning opportunities that the Honors College offers. In her spare time, she loves to travel, try new foods, watch sports (especially soccer — her favorite team is Manchester City), and power lifting meets.
Contact Ava Gomez
CARTER HARBERT
ACADEMIC ADVISOR
Bio.
Carter Harbert earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in organizational leadership from Maryville University of St. Louis in 2014 before moving to Tampa. There, he pursued his Master of Education Degree in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in college student affairs at the University of South Florida. During his two years of graduate study, he worked as the graduate assistant for Living Learning Communities in Residential Life and Education, served on the University Conduct Board with Student Rights and Responsibilities, and interned at Boston College, benchmarking their residential ministry program with other Jesuit and Catholic institutions. Carter also had the privilege of serving as a representative on the Public-Private Partnership (P3) Committee at USF that was tasked with reviewing and selecting a private housing development partner and plans for the new residential village completed in 2019. He completed his degree and joined the Judy Genshaft Honors College as an academic advisor for pre-health majors in Spring 2016. He loves dogs, Star Wars, and video games.
Contact Carter Habert
KEVIN LEE, PhD
ACADEMIC ADVISOR
Bio.
Dr. Kevin Lee (he/him) earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology with a minor in sociology from Eastern Illinois University, a Master of Arts in educational administration with an emphasis in student affairs from the University of the Pacific, and a doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction with a focus on higher education administration from the University of South Florida. Dr. Lee has over 10 years of experience in higher education, including roles in academic advising, residential life, student conduct, and fraternity and sorority life. As a first-generation college student and an immigrant from South Korea, Kevin is dedicated to advocating for diversity and inclusion, supporting students in discovering their authentic selves. Originally from the Chicagoland area, he and his partner are excited to call the Tampa Bay area home.
Contact Kevin Lee
ARNALDO MEJIAS
DIRECTOR OF ADVISING
Bio.
Arnaldo (Arnie) Mejias serves as director of advising. Until recently, he served as coordinator of the Judy Genshaft Honors College's articulated pre-health programs, including 7-Year BS/MD, 7-Year BS/PharmD, and Early Acceptance Programs (EAPs) with LECOM. After seven years as an advisor at SUNY New Paltz, Mr. Mejias joined the Honors staff in 2005 and has since served a variety of roles. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in psychology, with a minor in philosophy, from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. A lifelong learner, Arnie completed advanced graduate work in student development at the University of Rhode Island, earned a Master of Arts Degree in adult education at USF, and completed a graduate certificate in biomedical ethics through the Morsani College of Medicine
Contact Arnaldo Mejias
Dan Nguyen
ACADEMIC ADVISOR
Bio.
Dan Nguyen (he/him) earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from the University of South Florida in 2017. From 2017 to 2024, he served as the academic program specialist for the Industrial and Management Systems Engineering Department at USF. As a first-generation college student and a Vietnamese American, Dan is passionate about advocating for diversity and inclusion, providing guidance and support to help students realize their full potential.
With a deep love for student engagement, Dan is thrilled to return to USF and work closely with students as they navigate their academic paths and shape their futures. Prior to his current role in the Judy Genshaft Honors College, Dan worked for New Student Connections and INTO USF. He currently advises all Honors students majoring in engineering, mathematics & statistics, and physics.
Contact Dan Nguyen
DANI SOLUNA
ACADEMIC ADVISOR
ST.PETERSBURG CAMPUS
Bio.
Dani Soluna joined the Honors team in July 2017 and has since served in a variety of roles. Prior to joining the Judy Genshaft Honors College, Dani worked primarily in residence life at Texas A&M University – Commerce and at the University of South Florida.
Dani earned her Bachelor of Science degree in hospitality, recreation, and resort management from the University of West Florida and her Master of Education Degree in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in college student affairs from the great University of South Florida (GO BULLS).
Dani is a first-generation college student who loves helping current students through all the highs and lows of their collegiate journey. Dani currently advises all Honors students on the St. Petersburg campus.
Contact Dani Soluna
College Staff
SAMANTHA BARTON
EVENTS COORDINATOR
Bio.
Samantha joined the Judy Genshaft Honors College in May of 2024 as its dedicated events
coordinator. She graduated from the University of Tampa in 2020, where she received
a degree in business management with magna cum laude distinction. During her time
at the University of Tampa, she was a part of the honors program, National Society
of Collegiate Scholars, and volunteered for various organizations, including her favorite
– Paws for a Cause. During and after college, Samantha worked as a wedding & event
planner for Confetti Events, a local wedding planning company in the Tampa Bay area.
Samantha’s most recent experience in the event industry includes working at Armature
Works as a venue coordinator/event operations supervisor, where she planned and executed
around 130-150 events per year in four separate venue spaces, ranging from 25 to over
1,000 guests.
Originally from New Jersey, Samantha loves traveling back to visit her family and
eat some good pizza and pork roll, egg, and cheese. She spends her spare time reading,
watching NHL and NFL games with her (hopefully) soon to be fiancé, and planning weddings/trips/parties
for her friends and family. She also enjoys spending time outside with her golden
retriever puppy, Vasy, named after the Tampa Bay Lightning goalie.
Contact Samantha Barton
DIANA COHEN
FACILITY MANAGER
Bio.
As facility manager, Diana is dedicated to overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Judy Genshaft Honors College building, and ensuring its smooth functioning.
Prior to her current role, Diana served as assistant director of property management for USF Health. During her tenure, she expertly managed over two million square feet of educational, clinical, ambulatory, and office space. Her responsibilities encompassed diverse areas, such as project management, budgeting, negotiations, staff and vendor management, construction planning and execution, and providing valuable advice to leadership.
With a rich background as a real estate professional in the Tampa, Florida area for 15 years, Diana brings extensive experience and knowledge to her current position. Holding a Florida Real Estate Brokers license, a Florida Real Estate Sales Associates license, various professional certifications, and being a member of the National Association of Realtors, she possesses a deep understanding of both commercial and residential transactions.
Beyond her professional achievements, Diana is passionate about giving back to her community. She actively participates in service activities, such as feeding Tampa's homeless and assisting underprivileged children. Additionally, she finds joy in spending quality time with her family and two dogs. Hosting events at her home is one of her favorite ways to bring people together. When she's not working or engaging in community service, you can find Diana cheering for the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Tampa Bay Bucs. A successful workday often concludes with her enjoying the drive home, accompanied by open car windows and the radio playing – loudly.
Contact Diana Cohen
HANNAH CRAIG
SPACE SECURITY SPECIALIST
Bio.
Hannah first joined the Judy Genshaft Honors College as an Honors ambassador and later transitioned to full-time staff as the college’s space security specialist and supervisor for the Honors ambassadors team in January 2024. She completed her undergraduate studies in criminology and psychology at the University of South Florida, earning a minor in sociology with Honors and magna cum laude distinction.
During her time at USF, Hannah participated in the Honors study abroad Semester in Exeter, England, played in wind ensembles, and volunteered for various non-profits in the Tampa community. She remains an active volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Hannah is actively working toward a career in the Air Force and is currently applying for Officer Training School. Her passion lies in collaborating with different USF departments and creating safe spaces through environmental design. Recently, she received a professional designation from the National Institute of Crime Prevention.
Hannah is a Florida native and spends her time rollerblading, reading, cooking, or doing puzzles.
Contact Hannah Craig
JOAN FIELD
ASSISTANT TO THE DEAN
Bio.
Contact Joan Field
ADAM DAVIDSON
MUSIC & AV PROGRAMS COORDINATOR
Bio.
Adam joined the Honors College in 2018 as an affiliate faculty member. An interdisciplinary scholar with degrees in history, music, and American studies (MA), he has taught courses related to music, pop culture, ethics, and disability, as well as the first-year Acquisition of Knowledge course.
In 2023, Adam began assisting the college with new initiatives focused on the audio/visual studio spaces in the new building. A multi-instrumentalist with a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance, he brings over 30 years of music performance and production experience to his role, including managing his own studio and music business, through which he created musical scores for live performance, film, and advertising.
Adam oversees music-related initiatives in the college, leads the Honors Choir and Contemporary Music Ensemble, and supports students, staff, and faculty in the use of the multimedia and video production studios. He also provides A/V support for Honors events.
Contact Adam Davidson
HANNAH FINEIS
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Bio.
Hannah graduated from the University of South Florida in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in public relations and advertising. During her time at USF, she served on the Panhellenic Executive Board as the vice president of public relations, raising awareness for multiple philanthropic organizations throughout the USF Panhellenic community, and working as a graphic design intern for USF Athletics.
In January 2024, Hannah began her journey with the Judy Genshaft Honors College, initially
joining as a student marketing assistant. Upon her graduation, she stepped into the
role of graphic designer in May 2024.
In her spare time, Hannah enjoys spending time with friends, visiting her family and
partner in her hometown, indulging in her love for reading, and going to concerts.
Contact Hannah Fineis
CATHY HSIEH
BUSINESS FISCAL ANALYST
Bio.
Contact Cathy Hsieh
JUDY KANE
HONORS SPECIAL PROJECTS
Bio.
Judy Kane works with the dean and the college leadership team to carry out special projects for the Judy Genshaft Honors College.
Prior to returning to her alma mater in the fall of 2005, Ms. Kane worked for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay for 15 years as Vice President of Development. After graduating from USF with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in mass communications (public relations and advertising), Ms. Kane spent 13 years working in the NFL at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in player personnel.
Contact Judy Kane
MARCO NARDIELLO
ADVANCEMENT ADMINISTRATOR
Bio.
Contact Marco Nardiello
Bio.
Audra joined the USF Judy Genshaft Honors College in 2021 as the Provost's Scholars Program advisor, after serving as an academic advisor to biomedical science majors and pre-health students in USF's Chemistry department. Prior to that, she coordinated co-ops and internships at Central Piedmont Community College (Charlotte, NC) and began her career in higher education as a high school recruiter in Central Piedmont’s admissions & recruitment department.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Wingate University (where she was an honors student-athlete), and taught elementary/middle school students for eight years before obtaining her master's in higher education administration from Western Carolina University. Audra has been working with college students for the past decade and is passionate about supporting students throughout their journey at USF, offering coaching and advising appointments for deeper conversations about setting and achieving personal and professional goals to prepare for life after college.
Outside of work, Audra enjoys reading, traveling, good food, films, and quality time with her husband and friends.
Contact Audra Santerre
JOEY SOUSA
ADMISSIONS COORDINATOR
Bio.
Joey Sousa joined the Judy Genshaft Honors College as its admissions coordinator in September, 2021. He earned his Bachelor of Science in environmental science & policy from USF in 2015. Prior to joining the Honors staff, Sousa has worked for various departments across USF, including the Office of Admissions, Innovative Education, and Undergraduate Studies. Aside from his role as the admissions Coordinator, Sousa also oversees the team of Honors student tour guides. Outside of his professional career, he enjoys playing board games, collecting vinyl records, and spending time with friends and family.
Contact Joey Sousa
DANA TAYLOR
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING
Bio.
Dana Taylor is a creative leader with a passion for sharing the remarkable stories of the Judy Genshaft Honors College. Joining the Honors College in 2022, Dana brings years of experience from across the advertising, digital marketing, and higher education industries. Previously, Dana served as assistant director of marketing for the University of Missouri, where he helped spearhead multiple award-winning university initiatives and brand awareness campaigns.
Dana is originally from London, Ontario, Canada, where he earned a bachelor's degree with an honors specialization in English language and literature from Western University.
Contact Dana Taylor
DANIEL WOODS
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
Bio.
Daniel Woods joined the Judy Genshaft Honors College as the Honors student engagement coordinator in August, 2022. While completing his undergraduate degrees in international studies and administration of justice at Salve Regina University, Dan also spent a semester abroad in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Dan is dedicated to forging international relationships and interned for World Partnerships in St. Petersburg as special projects manager for five years. In addition, Dan worked in corporate investigations for TJX Corporation. Dan is passionate about the Atlanta Braves and spending time with his dogs, River and Sami.
Contact Daniel Woods
Bio.
Bezawit joined the Judy Genshaft Honors College as an Honors and Office of National Scholars ambassador in 2021 and transitioned into the role of facilities coordinator in May 2024. She is passionate about building and sustaining a collaborative, supportive, and healthy community for all. This passion has led her to various roles in customer service and environmental health and safety, including positions as a customer service representative and a student lab manager at the Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute.
Bezawit earned her bachelor's degree in public health with a minor in environmental health from the University of South Florida. She now aims to continue learning and making a positive impact at the Honors College by aiding in building management and ensuring that guests and students are provided with a safe and welcoming environment.
Contact Bezawit Zewdie
Office of National Scholars Team
SAYAN BASU, PhD
DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF NATIONAL SCHOLARS
Bio.
Dr. Sayandeb Basu joined the Office of National Scholars (ONS) as its new director in May 2016 from the University of the Pacific in California, where he was faculty in physics and the honors college. Dr. Basu is a theoretical physicist and has published on quantum physics, and on the physics of black holes for more than a decade. He experienced a global education, including in India, at the University of Cambridge UK, and at the University of California, Davis, where he obtained his doctoral degree. Dr. Basu’s passion is nurturing students to become architects of their personal academic and professional goals. He had a successful stint at the University of the Pacific as the chief STEM liaison for the office of fellowships; where he combined his love of culture, language, international study experience and mentoring skills to help foster the cause for a campus culture where faculty, students, and peers joined forces to make student success a habit rather than a cliché. At the University of South Florida, he brings this enthusiasm and commitment to the ONS, to make his office one of the key hubs of achievement and intellectual accomplishments for USF students.
Contact Sayan Basu
LAUREN CHAMBERS
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF NATIONAL SCHOLARS
Bio.
Ms. Chambers joined the Honors College in 2008, and the Office of National Scholars in 2011. She is currently the associate director of the Office of National Scholars (ONS), and the Fulbright Program Advisor (FPA) for USF. Ms. Chambers has lived in the Tampa Bay area for over 20 years and received her bachelor’s degree in public relations and master’s degree in public health from the University of Florida. She is a member of the National Association of Fellowships Advisors (NAFA) and has presented at NAFA conferences on the connection between appreciative advising and fellowships advising. Ms. Chambers published an article in the Journal of Appreciative Education titled “The Subtleties of Appreciative Advising: Expanding Practices Beyond the Conversation.”
Contact Lauren Chambers
LAUREN ROBERTS
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF NATIONAL SCHOLARS
Bio.
Ms. Roberts joined the Office of National Scholars as assistant scholarship advisor in October 2017. Lauren holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and biology from Denison University and a Master in Education, focusing on college student affairs, from the University of South Florida. She studied abroad in Kenya and Tanzania as an undergraduate and has wanted to work in international education ever since! She is excited to help students have amazing experiences that will change their lives forever.
Contact Lauren Roberts
BRETT BRATTVET
FIRST AND SECOND-YEAR ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
Bio.
Contact Brett Brattvet