About Us

Our Team

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

Judy Genshaft Endowed Honors Dean Charles Adams

DR. CHARLES ADAMS
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 Dr. Adams

Headshot of Dr. Lindy Davidson

DR. LINDY DAVIDSON
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 Dr. Davidson

Judy Genshaft Honors College Assistant Dean and Campus Director Sarasota-Manatee Campus Cayla Lanier

DR. CAYLA LANIER
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 Dr. Lanier

Assistant Dean for Student Success Reginald Lucien

DR. REGINALD LUCIEN
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 Dr. Lucien

Judy Genshaft Honors College Acting Associate Dean St. Petersburg Campus Dr. Catherine Wilkins

DR. CATHERINE WILKINS
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 Dr. Wilkins

Advising Team

Dr. Krysta Banke

DR. KRYSTA BANKE
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

Judy Genshaft Honors College Acadmic Advisor Dr. Al Blanchard

DR. AL BLANCHARD 
ACADEMIC ADVISOR

Bio.

Dr. Al Blanchard earned his Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering from Old Dominion University. Al graduated #1 in his class and was selected for the NASA Graduate Student Researchers Program where he conducted experimental fluid dynamics research at the NASA-Langley Research Center. Earlier, he had started his 24-year military career as an enlisted Army infantryman but after much reflection left to study engineering. With his doctoral degree in hand, Al returned to the Army as an officer and environmental engineer. After 4 years, he transferred to the US Air Force, graduated from the USAF Test Pilot School, and tested military aircraft and airborne systems as a flight test engineer. He also earned a Master of Military Operational Art and Science degree from Air University. His last military job was one of his favorites: teaching and mentoring Air Force ROTC cadets at USF.

In 2021, Al earned an M.A. from USF in humanities and cultural studies. He also earned graduate certificates in digital humanities and film and new media studies. Presently, he’s pursuing a second doctoral degree in the USF English department researching digital rhetoric. With his diverse background and interests, Al is eager to help Judy Genshaft Honors College students design their own unique paths to eudaimonia.

Contact Dr. Al Blanchard

Judy Genshaft Honors College Academic Advisor Megan Braunstein

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, staff advisor for the Honors College Student Council, and Secretary of the Eta of Florida Phi Beta Kappa chapter at USF.

Contact Megan Braunstein

Carter Harbert

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 Harbert

Evan Isaacson

EVAN ISAACSON
ACADEMIC ADVISOR

Bio.

Evan obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in health sciences from the University of Hartford in 2014 with minors in biology and education and is currently pursuing his master's in public health with a concentration in health, behavior and promotion.

Evan came to the Judy Genshaft Honors College in April 2023 after being an academic advisor in College of Public Health for the health sciences and public health programs for over three years. Evan also has experience working as a new student advisor at Ultimate Medical Academy with onboarding new students pursuing various careers in health.

Evan specializes in working with pre-health students who are pursuing careers in various health professions and has experience assisting and supporting students on a variety of topics. Evan is passionate about helping students succeed and reaching their educational, personal and professional goals. In his spare time, Evan likes to watch sports, exercise and go swimming.

Contact Evan Isaacson

Kevin Lee

KEVIN LEE
ACADEMIC ADVISOR

Bio.

Kevin Lee (he/him) earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, minor in sociology from Eastern Illinois University and his Master of Art degree in educational administration, emphasis in student affairs from the University of the Pacific. He is currently pursuing his doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction, higher education administration at USF. Kevin has over 10 years of working in higher education, with experiences in academic advising, residential life, student conduct, and fraternity and sorority life. . As a first-generation college student, as well as immigrating from South Korea at a young age, Kevin continues to advocate for student diversity and inclusion by providing support to help individuals discover their authentic true selves. Growing up in the Chicagoland area, Kevin and his partner are excited to call the Tampa Bay area their new home.

Contact Kevin Lee

Arnaldo Meijias

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. He is currently a Doctoral degree candidate in curriculum & instruction: adult education at USF

 

Contact Arnaldo Mejias

Dani Soluna

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

Diana Cohen Headshot

DIANA COHEN
FACILITY AND EVENTS MANAGER

Bio.

As facility and events manager, Diana is dedicated to overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Judy Genshaft Honors College building, and ensuring its smooth functioning. With her exceptional skills in planning, organizing, and executing events, Diana is responsible for the successful management of a wide range of Honors events. In the short time since the new building has opened, Diana has coordinated Honors graduation recognition ceremonies, the Judy Genshaft Honors College soft opening, and the Judy Genshaft Honors College Grand Opening.

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

Joan Fields

JOAN FIELD
ASSISTANT TO THE DEAN

Bio.

Joan Field joined the Honors College staff as the academic services administrator in January of 2005, before being promoted to assistant to the dean in October of 2014. She assists with Honors College class scheduling, hiring, student permits, thesis paperwork, and works with Ms. Hsieh on payroll and fiscal/budget matters. Previously, Ms. Field worked for more than 12 years at a private school for gifted and talented students with the last five years spent as school administrator. Ms. Field earned her Bachelor of Science in public relations with a minor in marketing from the University of Florida.

Contact Joan Field

Cathy

CATHY HSIEH
BUSINESS FISCAL ANALYST

Bio.

Cathy Hsieh joined the Honors staff in December 2010. Prior to joining the Honors College, she worked in the Anchin Center as a fiscal specialist. She received her Master of Science degree in accounting from the University of West Florida. Ms. Hsieh handles business support services and fiscal requirements for the Honors College.

Contact Cathy Hsieh

Judy Kane

JUDY KANE
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Bio.

Judy Kane leads the development effort for the Honors College as part of the USF Foundation advancement team. Ms. Kane connects individuals with a passion for supporting education to Honors College priorities including academic scholarships, studying abroad, and research projects.

Whether to discuss an annual donation or planned gift for the future, Ms. Kane and the academic leadership of the Honors College are readily available at 813-974-1246 or jkane@usf.edu

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

Tanner Lansdale

TANNER LANSDALE
HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR

Bio.

Tanner Lansdale first joined the Judy Genshaft Honors College in 2015 as a student, working as both a tour guide and Honors ambassador until graduating with his Bachelor of Arts in communication in 2019. He then assumed the role of the college's human resources coordinator while completing his Master of Science in management with a concentration in human resources from USF, which he completed in 2021.

Currently, Tanner is preparing for certification in business-level Japanese language – a passion fostered by the unique exploration experiences he gained as a Judy Genshaft Honors College student. He is motivated to give back to the Judy Genshaft Honors College community that supported him for so many years.

Contact Tanner Lansdale

Marco Nardiello

MARCO NARDIELLO
ADVANCEMENT ADMINISTRATOR

Bio.

Marco graduated from the University of South Florida in May of 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. Prior to graduating, he worked as a student assistant and peer mentor in the Honors College. As advancement administrator, Marco works for the USF Foundation in donor relations, fund management, and scholarship administration. Marco has also previously participated in USF’s Common Reading Experience Selection Committee and studied abroad in Florence, Italy. Outside of USF, his hobbies include playing guitar, reading, and pet-sitting.

Contact Marco Nardiello

Audra

AUDRA SANTERRE
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS COORDINATOR

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

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

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 a specialization in language and literature (honours) from Western University.

Contact Dana Taylor

dan headshot

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

Office of National Scholars Team

Sayan Basu

DR. SAYAN BASU
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 Dr. Basu 

Lauren Chambers

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

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 headshot

BRETT BRATTVET
FIRST AND SECOND-YEAR ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR 

Bio.

Brett joined the Office of National Scholars in July 2023. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Florida with two minors - sociology of public policy and innovation. He participated in a legislative internship in Washington D.C. as an undergraduate student, which has fueled his desire to work with both study away and national scholarships that propel students into public service careers. As a first-generation college graduate, Brett is excited to connect students to life-changing experiences they might have never believed possible.

Contact Brett Brattvet