Golden Bull Awards
Award Winners
Congratulations to USF's 2024 Golden Bull Award recipients!
Photos of the event can be viewed here.
Folashade Adenuga
Lagos, Nigeria
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
During her time at USF, Folashade has demonstrated a commitment and passion to diversity and inclusion in the USF campus with a focus on the USF engineering community, and through her service and leadership has contributed significantly to USF and the Tampa Bay community. In her junior and senior years, she was the president of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and as president, she provided a platform for underrepresented groups in engineering to excel on campus through professional and academic development. During her tenure, she led the planning and execution of various professional, educational, and community-building events that have engaged over 200+ students on campus and through strategic partnerships with engineering companies in the Tampa Bay Area, has contributed significantly to student success.
Aside from her work in NSBE, she is one of the founders of the Female Engineering Mentor and Mentees student organization where through mentorship, this organization aims to increase the retention rates of female engineering students in the USF College of Engineering. Throughout her time at USF Folashade through her service has been dedicated to the upliftment of the USF community and supporting the student body by promoting an inclusive community on campus
Danya Awshah
Tampa, Florida
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Policy, Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
During her time at USF, Danya has made accessibility and inclusion in the research world her primary goals. Through her leadership with the Student Environmental Association, she has focused on creating an inclusive space within the geosciences, a historically underrepresented field. As a Palestinian, she has especially focused on highlighting the intersection of environmentalism with social justice issues such as racism and colonialism. These efforts have been supported by the Honors College where she is completing an undergraduate thesis on these topics and helping to organize USF’s Worldwide Climate and Justice Education Week. Additionally, she is most proud of the scientific progress she has made as a NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Scholar and undergraduate researcher in the Suvorova Lab. These opportunities have allowed her to present novel research at the AGU conference, NOAA Science and Education Symposium, and mentor fellow undergraduate student in the fields of molecular biology and genetics
Rachel Lynn Bryan
St. Petersburg, Florida
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Rachel began her student involvement with the Alumni Association, where she started as a student volunteer for the Student Alumni Association. Falling in love with alumni engagement, Rachel set her sights on joining the USF Ambassadors, which has become her favorite part of being a USF student. She now serves as the President of the prestigious organization. Additionally, she is the Secretary and Treasurer for The Order of the Golden Brahman, as well as a member of the Student Philanthropy Council. During the summer of 2023, Rachel had the opportunity to serve as an Orientation Leader, which has been the most rewarding. Commencing that position, she began her work at the USF Foundation, where she plans to remain upon graduation. Rachel is also a part of the Lambda Pi Eta National Communication Honor Society, and thanks to her profound leadership, was chosen to sit on the 2023 Homecoming Royalty court.
Alexis May Coiner
Saint Cloud, Florida
Doctorate of Philosophy in Cell & Molecular Biology
Alexis, a first-generation college student, has achieved many milestones during her time at USF that reflect her dedication to academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement. An inductee of the Order of the Golden Brahman and recipient of the Molecular Biosciences Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award, she is recognized for her commitment to scholarly achievement and mentorship. Alexis's receipt of the USF Cell Biology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology Phillip A. and Paulette C. Furman Scholarship and the USF Health Research Day Undergraduate Research Award underscores her contributions to cutting-edge research and innovation. As a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship recipient, she embraced global learning experiences to broaden her perspective abroad in Florence, Italy. Alexis's roles as the founding President of the Molecular Biosciences Graduate Student Association, New Student Liaison, and member of the Outreach Committee highlight her dedication to fostering a vibrant and inclusive academic community within the Molecular Biosciences department.
Suhas Das
Atlanta, Georgia
Bachelor of Public health and Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences
During his time at USF, Suhas has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills as president of USF Rotaract, the second-biggest collegiate based Rotaract club in the country, as well as being Rotary District 6890’s Rotaract chair. He has shown a commitment to Rotary’s value of “Service Above Self” through the 800+ community service hours he has obtained as well as many service projects planned from scratch both here in Tampa and abroad in Ghana while at USF. Suhas hopes to continue a life of service and curiosity as he will be attending graduate school for an MSPH at Johns Hopkins University, then utilizing his Peace Corps Prep certification obtained via USF to serve three years with the Peace Corps.
Madison Day
Burnsville, Minnesota
Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology
Madison’s unwavering passion for marine science serves as a driving force in her academic and extracurricular pursuits. Madison was selected to participate in the inaugural Peerside Program through the Florida Institute of Oceanography, where she spent a week researching submerged springs in the Gulf of Mexico onboard the R/V Western Flyer, later presenting her findings at a conference with a scientific poster. Beyond academia, Madison fosters community and engages positively with her peers in her role as a Resident Assistant. Madison has led the BioLife LLC for two years, providing tailored support to 40+ biology students on campus. Outside her involvement through USF, Madison researches microplastics and writes grants as an intern for Keep Pinellas Beautiful and volunteers in Florida Fish and Wildlife’s sea turtle migration and ecology lab. After graduation, Madison plans to attend the University College Cork in Ireland to pursue a Master’s degree in marine biology.
Barbara Figueredo
Caracas, Venezuela
Bachelor of Science in Education
During her time at USF, Barbara has been an orientation leader, peer coach leader, associate justice on the USF Supreme Court, University Conduct Board member, career peer advisor, president of PRIDE Alliance, member of the USF H.E.A.T and Bulls that Serve, Judy Genshaft Honors College student and an ambassador. She was able to grow through experiences including studying abroad in London, completing a capstone research course and the Un-Bull-ievable Spring Break Experience, a volunteer trip in Atlanta where we worked with organizations aiding people experiencing homelessness. She also implemented instructional strategies in her internship experiences at Pinellas County Schools and completed a thesis on culturally responsive teaching and achievement gaps – all of which she applies as a teacher at an elementary school.
Taylor Herman
Omaha, Nebraska
Bachelor of Science in Political Science
Taylor began her time at USF involved in Student Government as a senator representing USF St. Petersburg in a university wide legislative body, volunteering with the USF St. Petersburg Center for Civic Engagement, and participating in international legal research collaboration in which she presented to USF, the Florida Political Science Association, and to the U.S. Embassy in Moldova. She then continued her work in student government as the coordinator of graphic design and marketing, later being elected as the campus Lt. Governor and working with students and administration to promote and advocate for sustainability, civic engagement and diversity on our campus. She is honored to have been an intern for local non-profit World Partnerships and intern lead for Tampa Bay Congresswoman Kathy Castor.
Kris-An Hinds
Kingston, Jamaica
Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Anthropology
While at USF, Kris-An has demonstrated leadership and a deep dedication to enhancing scientific knowledge as an applied anthropologist. As a first-generation immigrant student, Kris-An’s passion for advocating for equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM led her to join the USF NSF All-ABOARD Team. She also mentored first-year students, served on the executive board member for the Anthropology Graduate Student Organization, and acted as the Student Representative for the Department of Anthropology's Committee for Diversity & Inclusion.
As a Research Assistant for the NSF Strong Coasts program, she helps advocate for equitable solutions towards the conservation of coral reefs, mangroves, and cultural heritage in Belize, Miami, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. She also conducted interdisciplinary research focused on strengthening civic engagement in environmental policy across Florida and Belize. Kris-An’s academic pursuits have earned her many prestigious recognitions, including the Florida Education Fund McKnight Doctoral Fellowship and National Science Foundation Strong Coasts Research Trainee Fellowship
Bethany Jowers
Destin, Florida
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences and Bachelor of Arts in World Languages
and Cultures (with a concentration in Spanish and Latin American Studies)
While at USF, Bethany has demonstrated incredible work ethic, passion for research, and service to the USF and Tampa Bay communities. As an on-campus leader she helped re-establish the Undergraduate American Medical Women’s Association and served as its President for two consecutive years, and was also a Co-Executive Director of the USF BRIDGE Clinic Public Health Team and Swing of the Order of Golden Brahman. The highlights of her extensive research experience include conducting her grant-funded Honors thesis while studying abroad in the Dominican Republic, interning for two years with the Tampa General Hospital Transplant Institute, working with the USF Cancer Communications Lab on the federally-funded Project EXTRA, and presenting her research at numerous university, state, and national conferences. She is proud to be named the first Student of the Year at the USF Office of High-Impact Practices and Undergraduate Research, and has worked with HIPUR for years to make research more accessible to undergraduates
Julia Llanos
Gran Couva, Trinidad
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences
During her time at USF, Julia has inspired student involvement and strengthened the undergraduate research community through new initiatives. As President of the Undergraduate Research Society, she managed and created a system for mentored interdisciplinary research projects, which allowed 300 students to conduct and present research at USF conferences. Founding a scientific journal at USF and serving as Editor-in-Chief was another means by which she developed and highlighted student scholarship.
Alongside Moffitt Researchers, Julia developed immersive workshops, for which they obtained a grant to fund. In her own academic pursuits, she has maintained a 4.0 GPA and conducted environmental oncology research at both the College of Public Health and Moffitt Cancer Center. She has presented her research at USF’s Research Day and at the Global Health Catalyst Summit at the University of Pennsylvania. To further connect USF students to global health initiatives, she has also established a chapter of the Global Health Catalysts at USF.
Gabriel Mocelin
Porto Alegre, Brazil
Bachelor of Science in Finance
While at USF, Gabriel has served as president of the largest student organization at USF, the Investment Club. He spearheaded the fundraising of $45,000, leading to the foundation of the first endowment fund by a student organization at USF. Concurrently, he was president of the largest Brazilian Student Association in the world at USF. He led the team in fundraising $45,000, culminating in the foundation of the second endowment fund by a student organization. Both funds provide scholarships. Professionally he started his career as an intern at Star Mountain Capital in Tampa, where he assisted in creating the internship program. The program has since hired a dozen USF students, and three received full-time offers. He joined Goldman Sachs as a Global Banking & Markets Summer Analyst in NYC in 2023, and upon graduation, will start full-time as a Structured Credit Analyst in New York City.
Nicole Nagib
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences
While at USF, Nicole has demonstrated resilience, curiosity, respect and compassion. Nicole has served in several leadership capacities, most notably as the President of the Dean's Student Leadership Society (DSLS), where she led diverse initiatives, and fostered connections among students, alumni, and donors. Nicole’s passion for teaching emerged through roles as an Honors Foundations instructor and Chemistry I Peer Leader. A defining aspect of her research journey was being able to publish and present several research projects on the national stage at conferences dedicated to healthcare, including the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.
Nicole is committed to global citizenship, and has pursued experiences in Japan, attended international events, and engaged in impactful research. Nicole is dedicated to public health, medicine, and supporting women in STEM. Nicole embodies USF's core values and will carry them forward as she begins medical school in the class of 2029 at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, Florida.
Aarya Satardekar
Mumbai, India
Bachelor of Science in Public Health
During her time at USF, Aarya has actively participated in a variety of research and health education initiatives, illustrating a profound commitment to advancing public health. In her role at Moffitt Cancer Center, she undertook diverse responsibilities in research, including tasks such as data analysis and recruitment efforts, enabling her to contribute significantly to healthcare research. Additionally, publishing a paper in the American Society for Microbiology Journal during her sophomore year underscores her dedication and capability to contribute to the scientific community. As the President of the Peer Health Educators, she cultivated a collaborative learning environment for student development. Serving on the Health Education Action Team (HEAT), she orchestrated innovative outreach campaigns addressing crucial health topics such as body positivity, trauma-informed care, consent, and contraceptives, showcasing her readiness to embrace novel approaches and address the evolving needs of the student population.
Dylan Schmucker
Bradenton, Florida
Bachelor of Science in Biology
During his time at USF, Dylan has demonstrated exceptional leadership and academic excellence throughout his time at USF Sarasota Manatee. Dylan achieved a 4.0 GPA and graduated as a member of the Judy Genshaft Honors College. Dylan also became the inaugural Judy Genshaft Honors College Peer Mentor at the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus and taught two classes of honors freshman in 2022 and 2023. Dylan served in Student Government as the Campus Council Vice Chair to advocate for students and make USF Sarasota Manatee a better place. Looking towards the future, Dylan was accepted into the USF Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and will begin his Physical Therapy journey in August 2024.
Samay Shah
Tallahassee, Florida
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
During Samay’s time at USF, he explored addiction from psychological, social, biological, and clinical perspectives. His research has led to numerous posters and oral presentation awards as well as multiple manuscripts. Outside of the lab he is particularly proud of co-founding,
Prevent Overdose, a non-profit organization that has distributed over $40,000 of Narcan to individuals likely to witness or experience an overdose. He also co-founded and leads Fluer Labs, a biotech startup aimed at researching and developing treatments for Xylazine-induced skin ulcers. As Samay prepares for his post-graduate plans, he aims to continue pursing research opportunities and developing Fluer Labs, leaving behind a legacy of curiosity and ambition at USF.
Theo Sher
Los Angeles, California
Doctor of Medicine
During his time at USF, Theo has demonstrated exceptional dedication to research, with ten published articles in peer-reviewed journals and numerous conference presentations. His work not only addresses healthcare equity, such as his research on Spanish readability of medical websites, but also innovative solutions in areas like bariatric surgery for patients with complex conditions. In addition to his research, Theo's leadership and volunteer work at the USF BRIDGE Clinic have exemplified his commitment to underserved communities, while initiatives like founding the Morsani College of Medicine Green Club have showcased his leadership acumen and promoted environmental stewardship. His roles as a tutor and mentor within various USF organizations have further highlighted his passion for education and mentorship. Theo's diverse contributions underscore his commitment to advancing healthcare, fostering inclusivity, and inspiring future medical professionals, reflecting his dedication and impact within the USF community.
Mridula Singh
Valrico, Florida
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
While at USF, Mridula has demonstrated Mridula has demonstrated leadership as the Research Coordinator for the Undergraduate Research Society, scholarship in the College of Arts and Sciences Deans Student Society, and service in Phi Delta Epsilon, a medical fraternity. Throughout my undergraduate career she was able to be a research assistant for a Cardiovascular Surgery Lab at Morsani College of Medicine, a research assistant and thesis lead for Addiction and Neuroscience at the USF HEALTH Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, as well as spearheading a research project creating an application to integrate Art Therapy in curriculum. Additionally, demonstrated leadership through working for the Marketing and Communications for the Judy Genshaft Honors College, Student Advancement Photographer for the USF Foundation, serving as the Photography Editor for the USF SPARKS magazine, and a multimedia assistant for The Oracle. She was also recognized for leadership by being initiated into the Order of the Golden Brahman.
Monica Stevens
Dover-Foxcroft, Maine
Doctor of Medicine
During her time at USF, Monica has pursued experiences in community service, leadership, and research. Monica has served as a Director for the Tampa Bay Street Medicine Continuity Clinic. This student run free clinic provides medical visits, medications, vitals checks, and healthcare supplies to those transitioning out of homelessness. Monica has additionally served her class as a senior Class President, clerkship liaison, and Collegia Events Director. Monica has focused on multidisciplinary collaboration in research, completing a capstone project with colleagues in Industrial & Management Systems Engineering and publishing a manuscript with professors in the College of Nursing. The Summer Scholarly Award Experience strengthened her basic science skills and the Surgical Outcomes Research Team added clinical research.
Monica is a wife and mother of two young children, Lex (4) and Ruth (2).
She is pursuing general surgery and hopes to study healthcare delivery in underserved rural populations.
Bethsagesna Thalon
Bradenton, Florida
Bachelors of Science in Biology
Bethsagesna has demonstrated unwavering dedication, leadership, and a commitment to academic excellence while at USF. Bethsagesna exceptional leadership extends to their role as the USF Sarasota-Manatee Lieutenant Governor for the 2023-2024 term. In this capacity, they have demonstrated outstanding organizational skills, fostering a dynamic and inclusive campus community. Bethsagesna adeptly navigated the demanding role of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at a local hospital and seamlessly integrated responsibilities as a medical scribe, all while maintaining a delicate equilibrium with their academic commitments. Beyond the campus borders, Bethsagesna has showcased a global perspective through a transformative two-month experience in South America. Shadowing and volunteering in Chile, Argentina, and Peru, they immersed themselves in diverse healthcare settings, gaining insights into global health challenges and displaying a dedication to addressing healthcare disparities on an international scale. In the spirit of the Golden Bull Award, Bethsagesna Thalon stands out as an ambitious and compassionate leader.
William West
Niceville, Florida
Doctor of Medicine
During his time at USF, Will has demonstrated a commitment to community building and scholarly endeavors. As President of the Collegia Board, Will led the organization of social events for new medical students and the institution of two new annual student wellness events. He connects classmates with physical activity opportunities within USF and in the community as Intramural Chair for his class. As President of the Plastic Surgery and Surgical Interest Groups, Will expanded opportunities for students to learn about a career in surgery by recruiting surgeons to give talks and lead skills clinics. Will is the co-founder of Athletes in Medicine, a group of former student-athlete medical students and residents providing mentorship to Tampa Bay undergraduate student-athletes pursuing medical school. Will’s scholarly activities at USF have focused on plastic surgery and other surgical fields. Will has co-authored many presentations given at society conferences and papers published in peer-reviewed journals.
Tess Zambella
Parrish, Florida
Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics and Information
Systems
While at USF, Tess has undertaken diverse leadership roles, driving impactful initiatives within student government. Notably, she served as the executive producer for TEDxUSFSM, overseeing all aspects of planning and video production. Additionally, she chaired the Campus Allocation Funding Committee (CAFC), facilitating the approval of budget requests for the fiscal year 2023-2024. My commitment to student government was recognized with the Unsung Hero at the Annual Campus Involvement & Leadership Awards ceremony, underscoring her behind-the-scenes contributions to organizational efficiency. Additionally, she was recently honored as part of the Muma College of Business's 25 Under 25 program for her community service, leadership, and academics. Beyond campus, she has led an Alternative Spring Break trip, exploring homelessness issues, and facilitated a local school cleanup post-Hurricane Ian. Despite juggling various commitments, Tess has consistently maintained a high GPA, earning placement on the Dean's List multiple semesters.