Senior Honors and Awards

Kelly Gende

• Graduated in December 2025 with a major in Molecular and Cellular Biology and minors in Chemistry and Psychology
• Honors Program
• D1 Soccer player
• EMT certified, NREMT licensed, Stetson University EMS club Captain
• Executive board member of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee
• Member of Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society, AED Pre-Med Honor Society
• Currently obtaining a master’s degree in biology at Charleston Southern University and will begin Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine medical school in the fall of 2027.

Pilar Astigarraga Harper (Molecular and Cellular Bio)

• Molecular and Cellular Biology Major
• Tennis athlete
• Presented research at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Students (ABRCMS) in 2024 and 2025
• Complete Research Experiences for Undergraduates at Wake Forest and Emory Universities
• Course Assistant for the Microbial Diversity program at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts in Summer 2024
• Will be a PhD graduate student in Genetics at Columbia University in NYC

Dyson Parker

• Biology major with a minor in Psychology
• Performed NSF-funded research in Dr. Jean Smith’s laboratory in 2025
• Presented his research at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology annual meeting in 2026
• Plans to enter the biomedical sciences workforce after graduation

Dyson's research was chosen for a poster presentation at a national meeting where he discussed his findings with experts in molecular biology. After graduation, Dyson plans to use the techniques he learned at Stetson to obtain a job in the biomedical science field.

Sarah Tunnell

• Molecular and Cellular Biology major, Psychology minor, Honors Program
• 2025 President of the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority, Vice President of Omicron Delta Kappa, Treasurer of the Order of Omega Leadership Honors Society, FOCUS group leader
• Emergency Services Club, Rho Lambda National Sorority Leadership Society, Tri-Beta, Club Volleyball
• Plans to become an EMT and then apply to medical schools next year

Sarah has also excelled as a member of the Club Volleyball team and Emergency Services Club. Sarah plans to become trained and work as an EMT after graduation and then apply to medical schools.

Abby Young (Aquatic and Marine Biology)

• Biology Tutor and member of the Tri-Beta Honor Society
• IWER research Assistant
• President of Stetson’s Color Guard
• Will apply to graduate programs in evolutionary biology

Abby has done impressive work on her senior research project, a behavioral study of pygmy rattlesnakes to determine the factors that influence snake foraging tactics. Abby has completed internships at both Marineland Dolphin Adventure and at the Manatee Critical Care Center at Jacksonville Zoo. After graduation, she plans to take a gap year and then start graduate school in evolutionary biology.

Promise Keshi

• Academic organizations: African Student Union and Stetson Public Health Association  
• Student athlete (Basketball)
• Post-graduation plans: Pursuing a master’s degree in Computational and Quantitative Biosciences at the University of Padua (Università di Padova)

Promise conducted computational research with Dr. Meghan McGreal on the [Ni-Fe] hydrogenase enzyme, examining how modifications to the active site influence catalytic reactivity. Her work contributed to a deeper understanding of the structure-function relationships that govern biological hydrogen activation, and she presented her findings at the Southeastern Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society (SERMACS). Following graduation, Promise will pursue graduate study at the University of Padua, where she will work toward a master’s degree in Computational and Quantitative Biosciences.

Michaela Hawthorne

• Member of Lambda Pi Eta, the official communication studies honor society of the National Communication Association
• Before joining the workforce, Michaela will spend the summer studying environmental journalism abroad in Auckland, New Zealand.

Michaela’s work is consistently thoughtful, well-crafted, and polished, reflecting careful attention to detail, steady effort, and a deep understanding of course material that sets her apart as an exceptional student and emerging professional.

Alicia Ferreira

• Lambda Pi Eta (honor society of the National Communication Association)

Alícia will take a gap year while seeking a job in journalism and exploring graduate school options.

Katryana Vieira-Carreiro

• Lambda Pi Eta (honor society of the National Communication Association)
• Katryana graduated from Stetson last fall and is currently working full-time as the Assistant Director of International Admissions at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Katryana's thoughtful questions and consistent effort reflect a level of maturity that shapes her careful, intentional approach to learning. Through her engagement both in and beyond the classroom, Katryana exemplifies professionalism, reliability, and a sincere commitment to the academic community.

Arnold Shakirov (Digital Art)

Throughout his years of study in the Digital Arts program, Arnold Shakirov has demonstrated strong talent in animation and video game development. He is hardworking, never misses deadlines, and consistently exceeds expectations while producing high-quality work. He founded and organized the game development club at Stetson and represented the university by participating in numerous game competitions across the country. He is committed to using the power of technology to shape our world for the better.

Francheska’s dedication to her artistic practice has been heartening to witness as an educator. She has approached her work for senior project as an opportunity to process grief and to hone her own voice as an artist, and has shown an immense amount of curiosity and willingness to experiment in multiple mediums to make something meaningful. Over the course of the past 2 semesters, she has worked fluidly between sculpture and digital media to bring her ideas into existence.

Amarige Champion (Museum and Curatorial Studies)

Amarige has distinguished herself as one of Stetson's most accomplished student curators. After being awarded Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) and LaValle Experiential Learning funding, she curated "Bum Painter of 'so-called' Architect?: Oscar Bluemner's Transition to Painting" from the Hand Art Center's Vera Bluemner Kouba Collection. Her work did not remain confined to the gallery; she successfully defended her scholarship at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) and authored a formal exhibition catalogue through Vera Editions. Amarige operates with a level of academic rigor and professional poise that sets a new standard for her peers.

Maria Latour (Studio Art) 

Maria arrived at Stetson a talented painter, and it has been a joy for faculty to watch her ideas and skills blossom during her time here. Her senior project brings together her unique visual style, her interest in humanity's big questions, and her passion for animal and plant life. A high achiever in the Studio Art major and beyond, Maria’s greatest contribution may be the culture of kindness and patience she fosters within the studio. She is a scholar and an artist of the highest caliber.

Alex Faulkner (Economics)

Alex is a current senior at Stetson, majoring in Economics with a minor in Applied Statistics. With his decision to pursue his undergraduate degree at Stetson University, an underlying interest grew in the areas of Development and Environmental Economics. As a student research assistant, he has gained hands-on experience in Applied Economics, with a focus on building econometric models to support real-world decision-making. Through his research, Alex aims to promote environmental resilience and support forward-thinking policy solutions. After graduation, Alex plans to continue Economic Research in the fields of Environmental Resilience Planning or Urban Development

Jalexia Rivera (Elementary Education)

Jalexia is an elementary education major who completed her internship in a fourth-grade classroom at Citrus Grove Elementary, where her passion for teaching and learning was evident in her interactions with students. For her senior research project, Jalexia explored how diverse literature can support more inclusive elementary classrooms. Her dedication to creating positive and supportive learning environments reflects her belief that every student should feel encouraged, capable, and valued. Jalexia is a member of Kappa Delta Pi, the international honor society in education. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher, where she hopes to build a nurturing classroom that inspires learning and growth in every student

Eileen Seif (Elementary Education)

Eileen is an elementary education major who completed her internship in a second-grade classroom at Citrus Grove Elementary. For her senior research project, Eileen explored the role of morning meetings in supporting students’ social, emotional and academic development, addressing a topic that is both timely and impactful. Eileen is a member of both Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, and Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society in Education. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher, where she is committed to supporting students as they grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Elizabeth Myatt (Elementary Education)

Lizzy is an elementary education major who completed her internship in a first-grade classroom at Citrus Grove Elementary. For her senior research project, Lizzy examined the impact of multisensory phonics in the upper elementary classroom. Her work reflects her interest in effective literacy instruction and her dedication to helping students develop strong reading skills. Lizzy is a member of Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society in Education. Following graduation, she plans to continue her teaching career in the primary grades, where she hopes to inspire her students and foster a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

Sheridan Macon

• Sigma Tau Delta, Stetson Hillel, Touchstone, Standpoint, Second Stage Productions.

Sheridan Macon is a brilliant writer and thinker, a Sullivan scholar whose plays have won awards, and an ardent fan of Oscar Wilde. Equally noteworthy, he contributes to Stetson and his community as the Social Chair for Hillel; an actor, dramaturg, and playwright for Second Stage productions; a peer tutor in the Writing Center and a teaching assistant; the executive editor of Touchstone; and the inaugural Editor-in-Chief for Standpoint, the academic journal of the Stetson Honors program. He plans to take a gap year to work and apply to graduate programs in Theatre and Performance Studies.

Rowan Geddes

• President, Stetson Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta

Rowan Geddes is a true intellectual, at home in the library and the study, with a breathtaking scope of literary interests. As a research apprentice, he has done serious work with sixteenth- and seventeenth-century manuscript poetry, and as a teaching apprentice, he has helped dozens of students understand texts as old as Beowulf and the Welsh stories of the Mabinogion. His research focuses on a new subgenre of Korean web novels. He will take a gap year in Dayton, Ohio, before applying to graduate programs in Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies.

Megan Vaughn ( Environmental Science)

• Organizations: Stetson Audubon and Stetson Friends of the Everglades
• Research assistant with the Institute for Water and Environmental Resilience

Megan's senior research project, “Shoreline Profile Changes Associated with Beach Nourishment and Regional Sediment Characteristics in Volusia County, Florida,” includes extensive field data collection along the Volusia County coast related to an important local environmental issue (beach erosion) and has already led to an accepted abstract for presentation at the regional ShORE conference in New Smyrna Beach. 

Phoenix Medley (Environmental Studies)

• Phoenix served as both an Environmental Fellow and a research assistant with the Institute for Water and Environmental Resilience.

.Last summer, Phoenix participated in the CSAW Research Experience for Undergraduates at Georgia State University, studying the urban heat island effect in Atlanta, and presented that work at the American Association for Geographers conference. Her senior research examines how towns like DeLand can implement green stormwater infrastructure and low-impact development strategies. Phoenix will be pursuing an M.S. in Planning in the graduate program in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Florida State University

Mary-Kate Hoang

Mary-Kate has been recognized for her academic achievements through numerous honors and scholarships, including the Stetson Honors Scholars Award, the Stetson Select Honors Scholarship, the P.E.O. International STAR Scholarship, and the Patricia First Memorial Scholarship. She is also an active member of the Stetson Pre-Dental Club, reflecting her long-standing dedication to the dental profession. Her hard work and preparation have culminated in her acceptance to LECOM School of Dental Medicine, where she will continue her professional training.

For the past four years, Mary-Kate has worked as an Orthodontic Assistant at DeLand Orthodontics, gaining hands-on experience in patient care, orthodontic procedures, and dental practice operations. Her senior research project explored the relationship between oral health practices and psychological well-being among college students.

Caleb Chilvers

Caleb is a veteran currently serving our country in the United States Army Reserves as a Combat Medic and Casualty Care Instructor, playing a critical leadership role in training others in lifesaving medical care. In addition to his military service, Caleb serves the local community as an Emergency Medical Technician with Volusia County Emergency Medical Services. Following graduation, he is likely to be deployed and plans to continue his education with the goal of becoming a Physician Assistant.

Within the Department of Health Sciences, he has demonstrated strong research capability and is currently completing his senior research project examining electromyography data as a measure of fatigue during maximal unilateral leg extension.

Filippa Jansson

Filippa has demonstrated a strong commitment to scientific inquiry through her undergraduate research examining how viruses contribute to cancer development. Her ability to critically analyze complex scientific questions and engage deeply with challenging material reflects the intellectual curiosity and analytical rigor that characterize outstanding scientists.

Filippa has also been a remarkable leader on the golf course. As team captain, she helped guide her team to seven tournament victories and achieved twelve top-ten finishes, including one individual win and three runner-up finishes. 

Following graduation, Filippa plans to take a gap year to continue competing in golf, traveling, and serving as a golf tournament coordinator for the Swedish Golf Federation. She then intends to pursue a Master’s degree in Biomedicine in her home country of Sweden.

Iratze Alejandra Rodríguez Jauregui

Beyond the classroom, Iratze has made a meaningful and lasting contribution to the Stetson Honors community. She was one of the creators and the chief designer of the university’s first Honors academic journal, helping to establish a platform that showcases the scholarly and creative work of Honors students.

Following graduation, Iratze plans to take a gap year before pursuing a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies, with the goal of specializing in immunology. Her career aspirations reflect both her passion for science and her strong desire to improve the lives of others through healthcare.

Serena Dowling

Serena, a co-winner of the department’s Outstanding Senior Award, excelled in a wide range of historical fields, but especially the Holocaust, Second World War, and Fascism Studies. As research assistant to Dr. Eric Kurlander, she analyzed hundreds of pages of primary and second sources, producing rigorous and precise 20–30-page reports with graduate-level analysis– skills that served her well on her outstanding, grant-funded senior project, examining the contributions of American and Soviet women in the Air Force during the Second World War. Serena was also an intern for Florida State Representative Dr. Anna V. Eskmani, attended the United Nations 70th Commission on the Status of Women, served as a SOAR council member, and as a leader in the Phi Alpha Theta History Honors Society, and helped lead the Stetson 150 project. Serena plans to work for a couple of years in advocacy before obtaining a graduate degree in political science.

Reagan Swayze

Across a demanding History major and Jewish Studies minor–– a journey that began as a major in Museum and Curatorial Studies–– Reagan Swayze produced near graduate-level work marked by intellectual maturity, originality, and methodological rigor. Reagan’s outstanding senior thesis, Zachor/Remembrance: Art and Identity in Florida Synagogues, demonstrates exceptional scholarly ambition, drawing on extensive fieldwork in Florida, Washington D.C., and Poland, supported by multiple competitive grants and fellowships. Reagan, who was named co-winner of the Outstanding Senior Award, has already been admitted to one of the leading Jewish Studies programs in the country, Brandeis University, to complete a Master's in Jewish Studies.

Reagan Shivers

Reagan has been one of the most dedicated and engaged majors we have had from her first year at Stetson, showing intuitive historical thinking, incredible department and cohort leadership as President of Phi Alpha Theta History Honors Society, and extraordinary research initiative. She has distinguished herself in particular with the Stetson 150 project, where she uncovered the history of Stetson’s 1969 Peace Day and helped produce a series of public-facing podcasts on the subject of Stetson student reactions to the war. Her Rhett Manuscript award-winning senior thesis, A House Divided, A Home Preserved, examines gender roles and mid-nineteenth century nationalism in its exploration of how the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association saved an enshrined George Washington’s estate. Reagan plans to continue this trajectory with a professional career in library and information sciences.

Wyatt Hammerle

As a J. Ollie Edmonds scholar, Wyatt distinguished himself throughout his four years at Stetson with his analytical rigor, intellectual curiosity, and range of interests. He excels at absorbing complex theoretical material, primary source work, and Socratic discussion. Wyatt’s performance as a research assistant for Dr. Eric Kurlander was particularly impressive: he analyzed hundreds of pages of sources weekly and demonstrated near graduate-level mastery of the material. His senior thesis on the rise and decline of the judicial duel in Europe was based on his own fencing expertise, a skill he had practiced since childhood, resulting in an impressive study that spans legal, cultural, social, and gender history from the 12th to the 19th centuries. He also raises llamas and was president of Club Akido. Wyatt is bound for Law School in the Fall, having already received multiple full tuition scholarships, including Catholic University and Stetson University Law.

Victoria Antonini

Victoria is an international student from Uruguay, majoring in International Studies with a minor in Civic & Social Responsibility. On campus, she is a Bonner Leader, where she works closely with local organizations and stays involved in community service, and also serves as a Student Ambassador, representing the university and supporting prospective students through admissions events. In addition, she contributes to the Writing Center as Front Desk Project Manager and to the Marchman Program, where she oversees daily operations, coordinates outreach initiatives, and supports program development. After graduation, she plans to pursue graduate studies in the field of International Education and build a career focused on promoting student mobility, fostering cross-cultural exchange, and expanding educational opportunities for students around the world.

Sophia Bourget (Applied Mathematics)

Sophia is a high-achieving applied mathematics major with a concentration in actuarial science. A long-time tutor for the ASC and officer of the university’s running club, math club, and charter member and current president of the math honor society at Stetson. She worked on impactful, data-driven research projects for the city of DeLand during her senior year. Following graduation, will start full time for an actuarial firm in Indiana where she has interned for the past couple summers.

Arnold Shakirov( Computer Science)

Arnold is a double major in Computer Science and Digital Arts with a strong interest in software development, particularly game development. He also serves as a tutor for the Computer Science department, supporting fellow students. His recent participation in the Hatter Game Jam further sparked his passion for designing and building interactive games.

Ian Wu( Computer Science)

Ian is a double major in Computer Science and Digital arts who is an aspiring game developer and founder of Box Dude Studio. He is pursuing opportunities within the game development industry and seeking full-time roles with companies such as Electronic Arts and other game studios in Central Florida.

Caitlyn Kulczyski (Mathematics)

Caitlyn is a mathematics major who is an active member in the Roland George investment program and is also a pitcher on the softball team. After graduation she will attend graduate school at the University of Chicago to study Mathematical Finance.

Anas Aly (Mathematics)

Anas is a recipient of the 2025 Emmet S. Ashcraft Award for Distinguished Junior in Computing and a member of Pi Mu Epsilon (PME) National Mathematics Honor Society. He led the Computer Science Club at Stetson (CS^2), revitalizing it after a period of inactivity. He also founded the INIT chapter at Stetson, expanding industry connections. After graduating, his goal is to build a career in Computer Science that enables him to continue innovating while addressing the societal challenges posed by large language models.

Brooke O'Brien 

• Phi Sigma Tau (philosophy honors society).

Brooke has been a mainstay of the philosophy program. She has taken nearly every class the department offers and has connected with each of the professors in her own way. Her philosophical interests range widely—from the philosophy of disability, to philosophical conceptions of friendship, to the philosophy of law, including ancient biblical law. Brooke’s intellectual trajectory has been striking. Next year she plans to pursue a master’s degree in philosophy, with the possibility of attending law school thereafter.

Faith Patterson

• Sigma Pi Sigma physics honor society.

Faith Patterson showed her academic promise early by earning the Jenkins prize for outstanding student in University Physics. She subsequently served as our only physics (and math) tutor for two years. Faith was accepted into the National Science Foundation - Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF-REU) summer internship in meteorology and atmospheric science at Penn State University during the summer of 2025. She worked on methods to predict the path and intensity of tropical storms using numerical models. Faith continued this research in the fall of her senior year, winning the Gibson prize for outstanding senior project in the physics department. She recently presented a poster of her work at a national meeting of the American Meteorological Society.

Faith has applied to several graduate programs in meteorology and atmospheric science in the US and abroad.

Libby Buss

Libby Buss is a Political Science graduate whose academic work focuses on health law and public policy. During her time at Stetson, she engaged in public health advocacy initiatives and conducted senior research examining public opinion toward abortion legislation. She will attend law school this fall and plans to pursue a legal career in health law in the Chicago area

Gena Gayden

Gena Gayden is a double major in Political Science and Global Development from Kyiv, Ukraine. He has been thoroughly engaged with the Political Science department and discipline via academic ventures such as the Stetson Undergraduate Research Experience, employment opportunities such as Stetson's Center for Political Opinion Research (CPOR), and volunteer ventures such as those with Stetson and Volusia Democrats. After graduation, he will work with Stetson's CPOR before pursuing post-graduate Political Science studies

Maddie Pascale

Madison Pascale, a political science major who graduated in December, completed an impressive senior research project titled Explaining Family Policy and Fertility Variation Across U.S. States: Evidence from a State-Level Analysis. Her work reflects strong analytical ability and a serious engagement with important public policy questions. Madison plans to attend law school, and she is well prepared for that next step.

Serena Dowling

Serena is a double major in Political Science and History. She was the student coordinator for the Model Senate this year. She plans to work for a year in the policy sector before pursuing grad school.

Audrey Best

Audrey is President of our Psi Chi chapter, the campus Pre-Law organization and was the first recipient from her chapter to win a Psi Chi Travel Grant to attend the SEPA Conference. She also served as a statistics tutor and as a clerical assistant for the Psychology Department, demonstrating consistency and reliability. While at Stetson she also interned with a law office and plans to pursue law school after graduation.

Joshua Weaver

Joshua is a passionate learner who is dedicated to understanding human psychology and mental health. While at Stetson, he was a research assistant with the SCN Lab and REAiD Lab, served as a psychology tutor, completed internships with the Brain Fitness Academy and a local private practice, and served on his chapter's Psi Chi board. After graduating he will be continuing this education in Stetson's counselor education graduate program.

Jessie Quince

Jessie has worked in the REAiD Lab throughout her time at Stetson, presenting her research at conferences, including the Southeastern Psychological Association. Her senior research focused on TikTok brain-rot videos and how they may benefit memory retention. She also worked with the Brain Fitness Academy, a program for people experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's, Dementia, and other cognitive declining diseases. Jessie plans on continuing her education in cognitive psychological research at Auburn University.

Leonardo Giorgioni

During his time at Stetson, Leo has been very active with research. He has served as an RA in both the SCN and REAiD Labs. His senior project utilizes bi-factor analysis on the concept of grit. He also served as a tutor for statistics in the department, and took part in multiple study abroad opportunities.

Leo will be returning to Europe to work as a psychometrician in Spain or Netherlands before beginning a Masters program in Statistics in Europe with the ultimate goal of getting a PhD in Quantitative Psychology.

Alexandra DeShields

Alexandra is a Psychology major with a Business Law minor. She completed her senior project in meta-analysis on the economic costs of depression treatment. Serving as a Behavioral Statistics tutor allowed her to grow as a leader while supporting other students in mastering challenging material. She takes pride in her strong work ethic in both academic and professional settings and has developed a particular interest in business psychology and the ways research can inform organizational success.

Ryan Maurer

• Theta Alpha Kappa (National Honors Society for Religious Studies and Theology)
• Graduate studies in digital anthropology

Ryan has fully integrated himself as a peer leader, first participating in the Department’s Religion and Dialogue (RAD) student group, and then assuming its leadership. Ryan served the important role of Research Apprentice, and his contribution was instrumental to a faculty paper presented at the Society of Biblical Literature Annual Meeting in the fall of 2025. Ryan is presently completing his Senior Research project on AI and religion and plans to pursue further studies in digital anthropology.

Cole M. Caven

Cole M. Caven is a graduating senior at Stetson University, majoring in International Studies and Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies. During his time at Stetson, he studied abroad at the American University of Central Asia in Bishkek, served as a language lab tutor teaching Russian, Korean, and Spanish, worked as a research assistant analyzing Russian military activity and sanctions evasion in the Caucasus, and interned with the Hudson Institute’s Center for Political-Military Analysis. He is the founder and president of Stetson’s Alexander Hamilton Society chapter, a member of the AEI Collegiate Network, and a recipient of the Critical Language Scholarship, the David L. Boren Scholarship, and the Hertog Security Studies Fellowship.

Jackson Bumgarner

• Post-graduation plans: Washburn Law in Topeka, KS

Jackson lives his values by serving others. An exceptionally active member of our campus community, Jackson has served as Residential Assistant, volunteer at The Neighborhood Center of West Volusia County, Student Government Association (SGA) President, and Homecoming King. Jackson also studied abroad at Oxford University. His senior research project examined the relationship between foster care and success in early adulthood. In his future career, Jackson aspires to practice family/dependency, and rural law.

Madelyn Perz

Madelyn has been involved with the Gillespie Museum, W.O.R.L.D., La Casa Cultural Latina, LSU, Hatter Harvest, and Stetson's Baking Club. She is presently a Fulbright semi-finalist for an English Teacher Award to Germany. She is working as a child care professional and tutor.

Madelyn engages with grammatical theories and semantic nuances in four foreign languages: German, French, Spanish, and Russian. In addition to her academic achievements, Madelyn is a critical citizen passionate about the well-being of her communities. She shows exceptional interest in international civil society and political debates, which she follows in several languages and beyond the confines of her home country.