Recent USF St. Petersburg Honors graduate Gabrielle Schwager joins the podcast to share her passion for marine biology. Originally from North Carolina, Gabby highlights how the unique opportunities at USF St. Pete — such as an Honors study abroad program in the Bahamas and hands-on courses in marine ecosystems — sparked her interest in polar ecology and deepened her enthusiasm for exploring local habitats. She also discusses her plans to pursue a master’s degree and how her experiences have shaped her future aspirations in the field.

Don’t forget to rate and review – we love to hear your feedback. Until next time, Go Bulls!

Guests: Gabby Schwager 

Hosts: Reva Gandhi and Fabiana Requena 

Audio Production by: Sandra Napolitano

Additional Resources: 

• Learn about USF’s Marine Biology Program
• Learn more about USF St. Petersburg Campus
• Discover more Honors Study Abroad Programs

Connect with the USF Judy Genshaft Honors College:

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• YouTube

Everyone fears failure, but setbacks can help us achieve success. During the week of February 17–21, the Judy Genshaft Honors College will host Failing Forward, a weeklong series of events focused on reframing failure and redefining success. This week, we’re joined by Honors student Rachel Weitz, Licensed Mental Health Counselor Melanie Ryerson, and NMS Coordinator Audra Santerre to discuss how students can learn from setbacks, embrace challenges, and get involved in Failing Forward Week.

Don’t forget to rate and review – we love to hear your feedback. Until next time, Go Bulls!

Guests: Rachel Weitz, Melanie Ryerson, Audra Santerre

Hosts: Cayley McCloskey and Fabiana Requena

Audio Production by: Sandra Napolitano and Tam Nguyen

Additional Resources: 

• Read more about Failing Forward Week
• Learn about Professor Ryerson’s Honors class
• Check out USF’s Mental Health Resources

Connect with the USF Judy Genshaft Honors College:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

Martin Ladjimi, peer mentor lead, and Anrae Stephenson-Frazier, graduate assistant for first-year student success, join Dr. Kevin Lee to discuss Honors Foundations and its peer mentor program. We explore the unique dynamic of upperclassmen teaching underclassmen, the program’s growth and the impact of peer mentorship on Honors students.

Tune in to learn how the program is constantly evolving to meet students’ needs and how you can become a peer mentor!

Don’t forget to rate and review – we love to hear your feedback. Until next time, Go Bulls!

Guests: Martin Ladjimi, Anrae Stephenson-Frazier, and Dr. Kevin Lee

Hosts: Caroline Merriman and Fabiana Requena

Audio Production by: Sandra Napolitano & Tam Nguyen

Additional Resources: 

• Apply to be a peer mentor by Feb. 16, 2025
• Learn more about the Honors Foundations Program
• Listen back on last year’s episode with peer mentors Joseph Ambrosino and Tanmayee Kanagala
• Check out the USF Peer Mentor Instagram

Connect with the USF Judy Genshaft Honors College:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

In this special bonus episode, Giovanna Viloria-Castillo and Maryam Latif join the Honor Roll Podcast to share their experiences on the Honors South Korea Beyond the Classroom trip. From late-night noodle runs and cat cafés to wearing traditional hanbok and hiking mountain peaks, this episode is packed with trip details, travel advice, and unforgettable memories from their time in and around Seoul.

Don’t forget to rate and review – we love to hear your feedback. Until next time, Go Bulls!

Guests: Giovanna Viloria-Castillo and Maryam Latif

Host: Caroline Merriman

Audio Production by: Andrew Ngo and Sandra Napolitano

Additional Resources: 

• Learn more about Honors Beyond the Classroom in South Korea
• Honors News: Read about the 2023 Honors Beyond the Classroom trip
• Check out Yonsei University
• USF News: Read more about the South Korea pen pal program

Connect with the USF Judy Genshaft Honors College:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

Interested in taking your projects to the national stage but not sure where to start? This week, Judy Genshaft Honors College student Alex Vu joins the Honor Roll Podcast to share his experience representing USF at the Midwest Conference on Asian Affairs at the University of Notre Dame, where he presented his research on Vietnam's "Bamboo Diplomacy." Alex reflects on his academic journey, the value of engaging with a diverse group of graduate students and professors, and offers advice for students looking to expand their research opportunities.

Don’t forget to rate and review – we love to hear your feedback. Until next time, Go Bulls!

Guests:

Hosts: Fabiana Requena and Reva Gandhi

Audio Production by: Sandra Napolitano and Tam Nguyen

Additional Resources: 

• Learn more about the Midwest Conference on Asian Affairs hosted by the University of Notre Dame
• Discover more Honors courses
• Learn more about developing your Honors thesis
• Lean more about ONS

Connect with the USF Judy Genshaft Honors College:

• Instagram
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• LinkedIn
• YouTube

In this special bonus episode, Honors student Lana Almukhtar shares her transformative experience in the Dominican Republic through the Beyond the Classroom Study Abroad program. From living with a host family to working in a local clinic and providing care to under-served communities, Lana reflects on how stepping out of her comfort zone has deepened her understanding of health care challenges. She discusses how these powerful insights will inspire her future contributions to healthcare in her own community. 

Don’t forget to rate and review – we love to hear your feedback. Until next time, Go Bulls!

Guest: Lana Almukhtar

Host: Fabiana Requena

Audio Production by: Sandra Napolitano

Additional Resources: 

• Learn more about the Dominican Republic Beyond the Classroom Study Abroad program
• Listen to other student experiences on the first episode of the Honor Roll Podcast
• Discover more Honors Study Abroad Programs

Connect with the USF Judy Genshaft Honors College:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

Fueled by his passion for the performing arts and advocacy, Honors student Preston Kifer joins the podcast to share how he is blending his studies in theater and political science at USF. Discover how he uses each discipline to enhance the other — from re-establishing the Honors Choir to publishing research, serving on the USF Mock Trial executive board, and performing in live productions across Florida. Preston also shares his hopes for the future and his vision for making a lasting impact through the arts.

Don’t forget to rate and review – we love to hear your feedback. Until next time, Go Bulls!

Guest: Preston Kifer

Hosts: Caroline Merriman and Fabiana Requena 

Audio Production by: Sandra Napolitano and Andrew Ngo

Additional Resources: 

• Check out the Honors Choir Instagram
• Visit Preston's website
• Read more about USF’s performing arts programs
• Learn more about the USF Office of National Scholars

Connect with the USF Judy Genshaft Honors College:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

In this bonus episode of the Honor Roll Podcast, Dr. Raheleh Dayerizadeh shares insights about the Honors study abroad program she is leading to Barranquilla, Colombia. Join us as we explore grassroots feminist movements, the history and culture of Colombia, and how this program inspires students to delve into cultural dynamics abroad. Plus, important trip details, information about the Spring 2025 course, planned excursions, and more!

Don’t forget to rate and review – we love to hear your feedback. Until next time, Go Bulls!

Guest: Dr. Raheleh Dayerizadeh

Host: Caroline Merriman

Audio Production by: Sandra Napolitano and Andrew Ngo

Additional Resources: 

• Check out USF education abroad
• Learn more about the Honors Beyond the Classroom in Colombia
• Get to know Dr. Raheleh Dayerizadeh

Connect with the USF Judy Genshaft Honors College:

• Instagram
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• YouTube

From speaking with Temple Terrace Mayor Andy Ross to encouraging college students to vote, the first cohort of the Wilcox Scholars program at USF is making strides in public advocacy and leadership. Learn what it means to be a Wilcox Scholar, the program's benefits, and how to apply with Honors Wilcox Scholars Sandra Napolitano, Nico Lavaud, and Vanessa Quiroz, alongside program founder and USF Provost Emeritus Ralph Wilcox.

Don’t forget to rate and review – we love to hear your feedback. Until next time, Go Bulls!

Guests: Sandra Napolitano, Nico Lavaud, Vanessa Quiroz, and Dr. Ralph Wilcox

Hosts: Reva Gandhi and Fabiana Requena 

Audio Production by: Sandra Napolitano

Additional Resources: 

• Check out the Wilcox Scholars Program
• Read about USF Provost Emeritus Ralph Wilcox’s contributions to USF
• Interested in taking a class with USF Provost Emeritus Ralph Wilcox? Learn more about Honors courses “US & UK: The Special Relationship, Myth or Reality? Trans-Atlanticism in the Contemporary World” and “Argument: Democracy’s Greatest Gift?”

Connect with the USF Judy Genshaft Honors College:

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In this special bonus episode, Honors students Cynthia Nelson and Jordon Myrick join the podcast to reminisce on their Honors study abroad experience in London, England. From visiting iconic British landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Big Ben to taking courses and living the London life, listen as they share the student perspective on studying in one of the world’s most iconic cities.

Don’t forget to rate and review – we love to hear your feedback. Until next time, Go Bulls!

Guests: Cynthia Nelson and Jordon Myrick

Host: Fabiana Requena

Audio Production by: Sandra Napolitano

Additional Resources: 

• Learn more about the USF in London study abroad program
• Check our more Honors study abroad programs
• Apply to study abroad!

Connect with the USF Judy Genshaft Honors College:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• YouTube