The Judy Genshaft Honors College Podcast Network

The Honor Roll Podcast

Dive deeper into everything Honors with the flagship podcast of the Judy Genshaft Honors College: The Honor Roll Podcast.

Each week, we share conversations, interviews, and insights from the USF Judy Genshaft Honors College.

WHERE TO LISTEN

You can find the Honor Roll Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Don't forget to rate and review – we love your feedback. 

Episode 30 // Honors Advising with Ava Gomez, Krysta Banke, and Arnaldo Mejias

Honors academic advisors Ava Gomez and Dr. Krysta Banke, along with Director of Advising Arnaldo Mejias, join the Honor Roll Podcast to share insights on their roles and how they help students navigate college life by solving problems and planning for the future.

The trio discuss their own college experiences, what inspired them to become advisors, and how students have influenced their growth. 

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Episode 29 // Civic Literacy with Anna Gustafson, Grady Vickers, and Honors Professor Daniel Ruth

This week we ask Honors Students Anna Gustafson and Grady Vickers along with Honors Professor and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Daniel Ruth, what being an engaged citizen looks like? As the election approaches, we consider the significance of voting literacy, the role of education, and how information is exchanged in our digital age of mass communication. 

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Episode 28 // A Family Perspective with USF Honors Parent Maria Gerber

USF Judy Genshaft Honors College alumna and attorney Maria Gerber joins the podcast to share her experiences as a parent raising four sons who have attended USF. She discusses how the Honors College has influenced her sons' college journeys, guiding their career choices and enhancing student life at the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus, where her youngest son, Spence Gerber, is currently a sophomore and student governor.

Gerber also highlights her leadership role in the Judy Genshaft Summer Honors Institute: Mock Trial Intensive, which brings together community professionals, local high school students, and current USF students for a hands-on training program focused on law.

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Episode 27 // Obtaining Prestigious Scholarships and Finding Meaningful Opportunities with Christopher Oueis

2024 Phi Beta Kappa Key into Public Service Scholar, Gilman Scholar, and Public Policy and International Affairs participant Christopher Oueis joins the podcast to share his journey obtaining prestigious scholarships and internships. An international student from Lebanon, Oueis has channeled his passion for public policy, foreign affairs, and advocacy through his involvement at USF and beyond.

Currently studying abroad in Paris, France, Oueis joined the podcast virtually to discuss creating meaningful opportunities and impactful experiences, finding his place at USF, and his aspirations for the next steps in his career journey.

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Episode 26 // The Semester in Exeter Study Abroad Program with Jamie Powers, Reva Gandhi, Breno Nery Dantas, and Dr. Benjamin Scott Young

Each year, the Judy Genshaft Honors College offers students an immersive six-month study abroad experience in the U.K. through the Honors Semester in Exeter program. Students explore English culture, visit historic sites, and embark on a journey of personal growth while studying at the University of Exeter. In this week’s episode, 2024 program alums Jamie Powers, Reva Gandhi, and Breno Nery Dantas, along with Honors Professor Benjamin Scott Young, join us to discuss the lasting connections they formed while studying abroad in Southwest England.

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Episode 25 // The Sarasota Cybersecurity Lab with Kaylee Eckelman and Dr. Jordan Howell

Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field. As technology advances, so do threats to national security and personal privacy. Addressing these threats requires interdisciplinary teams, including computer scientists, forensic accountants, and more.

In this episode, Dr. Jordan Howell, assistant professor and director of the Sarasota Cybersecurity Lab, and Honors alum and current cybersecurity master’s student Kaylee Eckelman, discuss their work at USF’s Sarasota-Manatee campus, the importance of translational cybersecurity research, and how they offer enriching research opportunities for students.

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Episode 23 & 24 // From Undergrad to Starting Surgical Residency with Honors Alumni Dr. Ife Bolujo, Dr. Trent Lippert, Dr. Karina Bowers, Dr. Sabrina Awshah, and Dr. Lindy Davidson

In a special two-part episode, Judy Genshaft Honors College alums Dr. Ife Bolujo, Dr. Trent Lippert, Dr. Karina Bowers, and Dr. Sabrina Awshah join the show to share their journeys from aspiring undergraduates to completing medical school and beginning their surgical residencies. 

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Episode 22 // The Bulls Science Olympiad with Lalith Roopesh and Tehami Ammad

Honors students Lalith Roopesh and Tehami Ammad carried their high school passion for the Science Olympiad into their university careers by spearheading a new student organization and bringing the tournament to the University of South Florida for the first time. This week, Lalith and Tehami share how they overcame organizational challenges to host the event and their plans to grow the tournament at USF. 

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Episode 21 // Let’s Talk About That: Finding Your Voice with Tianyi Li Bueso

Honors student Tianyi Li Bueso joins the show to share her journey as an international student who has embraced a multifaceted college experience. From mentoring peers as a resident assistant and dual majoring in statistics and econometrics & quantitative economics, to running her own podcast – Tianyi has done it all!

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Episode 20 // The Grand Challenge Experience with Reaghan Ard and Maria Lares-Galavis

Honors students Reaghan Ard and Maria Lares-Galavis join the show to share their experiences in the 2023 Grand Challenge Competition at the Judy Genshaft Honors College. Ard and Lares-Galavis were part of the winning team, ARThritis, in the pitch competition. Sponsored by the Richard and Jule Salem Scholars’ Fund for Disability, the Grand Challenge Competition empowers students to develop real, feasible solutions to issues facing the disability community.

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Episode 19 // 25 Under 25 with O’Carson Fils and Yuki Shao

Every year, the USF Muma College of Business 25 Under 25 program honors outstanding undergraduate and graduate students who have demonstrated excellence in scholarship, professional development, leadership, or service. This week, we are talking to two recent Honors grads and 2024 25 Under 25 honorees, O’Carson Fils and Yuki Shao, about what it means to be recognized with the award and their experiences as business students at USF.

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Episode 18 // The USF National Merit Scholar Experience with Daelyn Quinn

This week, Judy Genshaft Honors College and University of South Florida grad Daelyn Quinn joins the podcast to discuss the opportunities and support she received at USF as a National Merit Scholar. Hear about her journey to USF, her avid reading habits, advice for other students considering USF, and the time she almost ignored Dean Adams’ invitation to join the most prestigious honor society in the country ... 

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Episode 17 // Being an Honors Ambassador with Gabby Carroll and Kinsey Roth

At the Judy Genshaft Honors College, Honors ambassadors play a crucial role in connecting the college to the broader USF community. This week, special guest hosts Aakash Vijeesh and Nusheen Immen are joined by Gabby Carroll and Kinsey Roth to discuss what they love about working in the Honors College, how being an Honors ambassador has helped them grow professionally, and who they think would make the best Honors dean!

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Episode 16 // Reflecting on the Honors Journey with Audra Nikolajski

This week, recent Honors graduate and former Tampa Judy Genshaft Honors College Student Council President Audra Nikolajski makes a comeback as our first returning guest! Tune in as Audra reflects on her Honors experience, how she feels she has grown over the last four years, what initially drew her to USF, and the advice she would share with prospective students starting their undergraduate journeys.

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Episode 15 // Exploring Audio Storytelling with Amelie McLeod, Daniella Charco, and Professor Deepak Singh

This week, we’re sharing powerful audio narratives created by Honors students Amelie McLeod and Daniella Charco. Amelie, Daniella, and Honors affiliate faculty member Deepak Singh join the podcast to discuss their work and experiences in Professor Singh’s innovative 'Writing for the Ear' course. Caution: Segments of this episode contain mature subject matter. Audience discretion is advised.

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Episode 14 // The St. Petersburg USF Honors Experience with Taylor Herman and Abdul Muqeet Khawaja

You can't beat the Pete! This week, we dive into the St. Petersburg Honors experience with Taylor Herman and Abdul Muqeet Khawaja. Listen as they share their love for the St. Pete Honors community, discuss their time as leaders in student government, and reflect on their impressive individual achievements. 

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Episode 13 // Diving into Your Career and Finding Success with Honors Alum Corbyn Lichon

Our first alumni guest! Proud Honors and Muma College of Business alum, CPA, and recent recipient of USF’s 2024 Outstanding Young Alumni Award, Corbyn Lichon joins the Honor Roll Podcast to reflect on her career and time as a Bull. Stay tuned as we discuss Corbyn's favorite USF memories, mentorship, the keys to success, and finding fulfillment in your career.

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Episode 12 // Community Impact with Global Reach Featuring Tyler Briggs, Mykyta Nechaiev, and Dr. Michael Cross

Honors students Tyler Briggs and Mykyta Nechaiev discuss the potential for students to effect real-world change through the Honors course "Sustaining Your Future - Becoming Consultants for a Better Tomorrow." Joined by Honors faculty member Dr. Michael Cross, we explore how the Honors College empowers students to gain experience working with community partners like Project Dynamo, Celebrate Birthdays, and Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School. 

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Episode 11 // Patenting Your Invention While Still in College with Rohitram Upendram, Plus the New Sarasota-Manatee LLC with Dr. Cayla Lanier

Following a sudden knee injury, recent Honors grad Rohitram Upendram found himself without the appropriate medical device to elevate his leg for optimal healing. Inspired by necessity, he invented, built, and received a provisional patent for an innovative device to help others with similar injuries. This week, we talk to Rohitram about inspiration, ingenuity, and developing his own inventions while still a senior at the USF Judy Genshaft Honors College.

Plus, we talk to Assistant Dean Cayla Lanier about the new Sarasota-Manatee campus residence hall and Honors LLC.

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Episode 10 // Inside the USF Undergraduate Humanities Conference with Tzuriel Garcia

Recent Honors graduate Tzuriel Garcia joins the show to discuss the 2024 USF Undergraduate Humanities Conference, which featured more than 100 projects from over 120 students. Tzuriel shares his experience presenting at an academic conference, offers advice on team building and teamwork, and provides insights into his team’s project using 3-D printing and design techniques to aid oyster restoration in the Tampa Bay region. 

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Episode Nine // Honors Living Learning Community Off-Campus Adventures with Alex Lewis and Daniel Woods

Honors student Alex Lewis and Honors Student Engagement Coordinator Daniel Woods join the show to discuss the Tampa Judy Genshaft Honors College Living Learning Community (LLC) and their recent trip to the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. The Honors LLC offers students experiential learning opportunities and encourages participation in a mix of engaging and meaningful community activities.

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Episode Eight // Advice From Honors Grads with Audra Nikolajski, Nafisa Uddin, and Nader Abdalla

This week, Honors seniors Nafisa Uddin, Audra Nikolajski, Mridula Singh, and Nader Abdalla share insight and advice from their undergraduate journey. Join us for a special roundtable discussion on how to get involved within the Honors College and around campus, marketing yourself for positions within organizations and in the workforce, and finding your academic path. 

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Episode Seven // Taking Your Undergraduate Research Beyond the Campus with Neha Dantuluri

This week, we talk undergraduate research and global experiences with Honors student Neha Dantuluri. Neha shares her experience working alongside Honors Professor Holly Singh on a humanities research project, which ultimately led her to take the project abroad to India through a grant from the Judy Genshaft Honors College. Neha recounts how she applied what she learned at USF in Hyderabad, India, and discusses extending her research beyond the traditional classroom setting.

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Episode Six // Transforming Your Interests into a Unique Honors Experience with Kobe Phillips

This week, Honors student Kobe Phillips shares how he transformed his passion for design and sustainability into a unique educational journey as a member of the Judy Genshaft Honors College. Kobe discusses his path, from exploring biodiversity and conducting research on bees to founding new student organizations, designing and teaching a class, earning prestigious scholarship opportunities, and taking advantage of everything USF has to offer!

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Episode Five // Helping New Students Find Their Footing with Joseph Ambrosino and Tanmayee Kanagala

This week, we speak with Joseph Ambrosino and Tanmayee Kanagala about their experiences as peer mentor leads and how the Judy Genshaft Honors College prepares students for life at USF through the student-led Honors Foundations course. 

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Episode Four // Hosting the 2024 USF Climate Teach-In with Morgan Mathews and Dr. Andrew Hargrove

If we don’t talk about climate change, we won’t act to stop it. That’s why this week, we’re going behind the scenes of the 2024 USF Climate Teach-In and talking with Honors student Morgan Mathews and Professor Andrew Hargrove about the campuswide event. Learn how to get involved with a week of climate education-themed events, art, activities, and action from April 1 - 7 and how to make a difference after the teach-in. 

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Episode Three // Fueling Creativity While Finding Success with Honors Student Sophia Montejo

This week, we talk love, relationships, and loss through the lens of creative storytelling with Honors student Sophia Montejo. Crafted in the Honors “Writing Resistance” course with Honors affiliate faculty member Dennis Mont’Ros, Sophia recently debuted her short story “Notions” in the Glass Mountain Literary Journal. 

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Episode Two // Becoming a Living Organ Donor and Biomedical Ethics with Aiden Jaskolka-Brown and Dr. John Dormois

Honors student Aiden Jaskolka-Brown shares his remarkable story as a living organ donor and his experience donating a part of his liver to help save an infant boy. Joined by Honors affiliate faculty member Dr. John Dormois, we dive into biomedical ethics questions and the journey of a living organ donor.

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Episode One // Study Abroad: Dominican Republic Beyond the Classroom

Honors students Nusheen Immen and Aakash Vijeesh join the podcast to talk about their recent trip to the Dominican Republic through the Judy Genshaft Honors College Beyond the Classroom: Dominican Republic Study Abroad Program. The 10-day immersive experience in culture and global health involves medical volunteering, shadowing physicians, and sustainability projects.  

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TRANSCRIPTS

Transcription are available upon request. Email Honors AV Studio and include the name of the episode you are requesting.