Honors Admissions

Bilal Agha 

Major: Political Science 

Bilal Agha is a freshman in the Judy Genshaft Honors College at the University of South Florida, majoring in political science with pre-law intentions. Born and raised in Florida, he graduated from Bayaan Academy, where he developed an early interest in civic engagement and leadership. His commitment to public policy and public service is grounded in firsthand experiences confronting injustice, particularly in cases involving immigrant rights and religious discrimination. These encounters shaped his dedication to addressing what he describes as the “feeling of powerlessness” by pursuing pathways through which advocacy can be translated into meaningful structural change.  

Bilal's primary policy interests lie in immigration policy and prisoners’ rights: two areas he believes fundamentally influence human dignity and life outcomes. His academic achievements include earning the USF Presidential Scholarship, the Genspiration Global Explorers Scholarship, and admission to the Wilcox Scholars Program, reflecting both his academic excellence and leadership potential. 

Looking ahead, Bilal intends to pursue opportunities such as the Boren Scholarship to study Arabic abroad, followed by law school and thereafter, a lifelong career in public service. He aspires to work in legislative or international policy spaces, where he can help develop and implement policies that advance equitable representation and safeguard the rights of marginalized communities. 

Stella Azam 

Major: International Studies 
Certificate: Business Analytics & Information Systems

Stella Azam grew up in New Smyrna Beach, Florida and graduated from New Smyrna Beach High School. She is majoring in international studies while pursuing a certificate in business analytics. She has always been involved in the community through organizations like Girls Scouts and Rotary International.

The child of an immigrant, she is driven by her passion for cultural diversity and understanding, which she cultivated during her yearlong exchange to Taiwan as a Rotary Youth Exchange student. She was chosen as a finalist for the First-Year Thesis Award given by the Judy Genshaft Honors College and named a Wilcox Scholar.

Following graduation, she plans to work for the government or a nonprofit in international affairs, concentrating on U.S. relations with China and other East Asian nations. 

David Combs 

Major: Political Science 

David Combs is from Orlando, Florida, and attended Edgewater High School. He is studying political science and is passionate about education, politics, and public policy.

David's interest in politics began at a young age. However, attending a public high school and having a mother who is a high school English teacher inspired him to focus on education policy and reform in Florida. He began his studies at USF in summer 2025 and has since served as an Honors ambassador for the Judy Genshaft Honors College. He will also serve as a resident assistant during the 2026-27 academic year.

After graduation, David plans to enter the education field and teach social studies or history at the high school level while pursuing a master's degree in teaching. Through a combination of policy work, implementation, and firsthand classroom experience, he hopes to advance meaningful education reform.

Sophia Fahmy 

Major: Finance 

Sophia Fahmy was born in Tampa, Florida, and lived there before moving to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where she spent grades two through six. She then returned to Tampa for grades seven through nine before completing high school in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Growing up in multiple countries fostered a love of travel and exposed her to a variety of cultures and perspectives, sparking her interest in public policy and public service.

Sophia is a freshman majoring in finance. At USF, she is actively involved in several student organizations, serving as a marketing associate for the Real Estate Society, treasurer of the Students Arab League for Aid and Mission during fall 2025, and a member of the advertising committee for Circle K International. She is also preparing to serve as vice president of the Students Arab League for Aid and Mission.

Sophia previously interned at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi, where she gained experience in diplomacy and international affairs. She was named to the Dean’s List for both the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters. After graduation, Sophia hopes to pursue a career that combines finance, business, and public service while continuing to work internationally.

Luka Koridze 

Major: Political Science 
Minor: International Relations 

Luka Koridze graduated from Fort Myers High School. He is majoring in political science with a minor in international relations at the University of South Florida. As a senator in USF Student Government representing the St. Petersburg campus, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to advocating for students by co-sponsoring and supporting initiatives that positively affect the student experience, including the Hunger-Free Campus Bill resolution.

Luka believes meaningful change starts at the local level. Whether participating in political activities or engaging in community service, he recognizes that every contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference. He is guided by Mahatma Gandhi's famous quote, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." Luka plans to pursue a career in law and public policy, drawing on his experience advocating for communities and helping shape legislation.

Giselle Lubeck 

Majors: Political Science, Mass Communications 
Minor: International Studies 

Giselle Lubeck is majoring in political science and mass communications, with a concentration in news and content creation, and minoring in international studies. She is a graduate of the Legal Studies Academy at First Colonial High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Her academic pursuits reflect her interest in understanding global issues and communicating them to a broader audience.

At USF, Giselle is involved with the Global National Security Institute and the Disaster and Humanitarian Relief Student Collaborative. She also serves as a marketing student assistant in the Judy Genshaft Honors College. In July 2026, she will train as a global foreign correspondent and serve as an editorial intern with Transitions Journalism in Prague, Czech Republic. Following graduation, Giselle plans to pursue a master's degree in human rights or humanitarian aid, combining her interests in broadcast journalism and global humanitarian work.

Giselle has had opportunities to shadow professionals across the field and expand her understanding of potential career paths. As an aspiring humanitarian journalist, she hopes to highlight the work of organizations that alleviate suffering and create lasting change in underserved communities. She is motivated to use broadcast journalism as a tool to raise awareness of critical issues and the life-saving solutions that address challenges such as food and clean water shortages.

Sawyer Bowman  

Major: Management
Minor: Sustainability Studies

Sawyer Bowman is a member of the 2025 cohort of the Wilcox Scholars Program and is from High Springs, Florida. They are majoring in management with a concentration in project management in the Muma College of Business while pursuing a minor in sustainability studies.

Inspired by their family's history of military service, Sawyer is passionate about the opportunities public policy and public service can provide for individuals seeking to improve their communities. They are particularly interested in concepts such as green urbanism and aim to use policy as a tool for advancing sustainable initiatives in communities across the country.

Sawyer has conducted research with the Patel College of Sustainability on local Tampa businesses and maintains an active presence on the executive board of the USF chapter of Minorities in Pre-Law. After graduating from USF, Sawyer plans to attend law school and pursue a career in public defense, environmental law, or civil rights law.

Caeden Deboer 

Majors: Global Business, Political Science 

Caeden Deboer is pursuing majors in global business and political science. He was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida, and attended Polk State Collegiate High School, where he graduated with his high school diploma and Associate of Arts degree. In high school, Caeden was the vice president of Student United Way, a club focused on community service. Through this club, his interests in civic and community engagement grew, leading him to pursue a career in local or state government.  

At USF, Caeden is actively involved in Phi Alpha Delta, a pre-law fraternity, and also completed a study abroad program to Germany in May 2026. Caeden is working toward a career involving civic engagement through opportunities such as the USF Day at the Capitol in Tallahassee. He also recently received an internship through the Legislative Internship Program, where he will work with a local legislator’s office for the fall 2026 semester. After graduation, he plans to attend law school and pursue a career in government in Florida.  

Markissia Findlay 

Majors: Psychology, Philosophy 

Markissia Findlay was born and raised in Tampa, Florida, and attended Tampa Preparatory School. At USF, she is double majoring in psychology and philosophy. After completing her undergraduate studies, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career as an attorney or legal specialist. While she is still exploring which area of law she would like to enter, she knows she wants her work to make a positive impact on her community.

In addition to being a Wilcox Scholar, Markissia is a member of Moot Court and will soon be inducted into Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology. She also completed an internship with Bay Area Legal Services and hopes to pursue similar opportunities in the future. Her achievements include receiving the USF Presidential Award and the Genspiration Global Explorers Scholarship.

Markissia's commitment to public policy is driven by a desire to help those in need and a passion for social justice. These interests are further informed by her academic focus on political philosophy and social psychology.

Arthur Glass 

Majors: Political Science, History
Minor: Environmental Science & Policy 

Arthur Glass was born and raised in Tampa, FL, where they graduated from Freedom High School. During this time, they developed a passion for environmental issues and public policy. 

At the University of South Florida, Arthur is pursuing majors in political science and history, as well as a minor in environmental science and policy. Their academic journey reflects a strong commitment to understanding and addressing issues related to climate change, gun violence, and public health. During their undergraduate journey, Arthur has gained valuable experience through working in the cabinet of USF Student Government, as well as through an internship for the Florida State Senate campaign in the district that represents the Tampa Bay and USF community. Arthur's dedication to both academic excellence and impact pushes them to continue seeking opportunities that will add and improve skills needed to be a true leader in the community. 

Following graduation, Arthur plans to attend law school, with long-term aspirations of becoming a policymaker. They hope to make a meaningful impact by standing up for what is right for people in their community and standing up for their values, whether that be making sure people have access to clean drinking water or that kids and teachers can go to school without being in fear for their safety. Their passion for public policy and public service is driven by a desire to be a source of positive change. 

Kailyn Hurd 

Major: Political Science 
Minor: Deaf Studies 

Kailyn Hurd grew up in Weeki Wachee, Florida, just north of Tampa. She attended Frank W. Springstead High School, where she was enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program throughout high school. In 2024, she graduated with both her high school diploma and IB diploma. She is majoring in political science and minoring in deaf studies.

Kailyn's passion for public policy and public service was sparked by a class taught by Dr. Ralph Wilcox. During the course, she gained a deeper understanding of the importance of democracy and the factors that contribute to democratic erosion. Inspired by these lessons, she became committed to pursuing policy-driven opportunities that strengthen democratic institutions and civic engagement.

Kailyn serves as a Democracy Fellow at USF, where she encourages fellow students to participate in the democratic process. Through her fellowship with the Fair Elections Center's Campus Vote Project, she was named Florida’s 2025 Distinguished Fellow in recognition of her outstanding work in democratic and civic engagement initiatives. After graduation, Kailyn plans to attend Stetson University College of Law and pursue a career in veterans law. She also hopes to run for public office and serve in the Florida Legislature.

Emerlinda “Emmy” Lemonis 

Major: English 
Minor: International Studies 

Emerlinda “Emmy” Lemonis grew up in Hernando County, Florida, where she graduated from F.W. Springstead High School. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in creative writing and a minor in international studies at the University of South Florida. Emerlinda's commitment to public service is rooted in her strong faith and ethical values, which have shaped her belief that one’s appointed skills and talents carry a responsibility to be used in the service of others. This conviction has guided her academic pursuits and her growing interest in how law can be utilized as a tool for virtuous outcomes.  

During her time at USF, Emerlinda has earned a place on the Dean’s List of scholars every semester and presented her independent legal research at USF’s 7th Annual Undergraduate Humanities Conference. She has also completed a Congressional Internship for the U.S. House of Representatives, with experience both in-district and in Washington, D.C. over the summer, while also ethically helping small businesses as an intern in government contracting. Emerlinda has held several leadership positions within the pre-law community, including chairperson of the Women in Pre-Law Committee of Minorities in Pre-Law, secretary of the Women in Pre-Law Society, and as writer and editor for USF’s Undergraduate Law Review. Following graduation, Emerlinda plans to gain professional experience as a legal assistant before attending law school in the Southeast. She aspires to practice corporate or public interest law. 

Kaitlyn “Katie” Orlick 

Major: History 

Katie Orlick is a graduate of the International Baccalaureate program at T.R. Robinson High School in Tampa. She is pursuing a degree in history and plans on attending law school upon graduation. At USF, Katie is president of the Kosove Society, vice president of the Order of the Golden Brahman, community service chair for Chi Omega, and a recipient of the Genspiration Global Explorers Scholarship, the USF Presidential Scholarship, and the Rosemary Moore O’Hara Endowed Scholarship in History.

Additionally, Katie has served as a United States Congressional Intern for Congresswoman Kathy Castor, a messenger for the Florida House of Representatives, and volunteered for the 13th Judicial Circuit’s Teen Court. Katie is also a mentor for the Hillsborough Education Foundation's Take Stock in Children program. Katie's passion for public service is driven by her desire to give back to her community. By volunteering her time at the local, state, and federal levels, she has seen firsthand the impact that public service can have. 

Shree Patel 

Majors: Psychology, Political Science 
Certificate: General Business 

Shree Patel grew up in Plant City, Florida, where she attended Strawberry Crest High School and participated in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. She is currently double majoring in psychology and political science at the University of South Florida and pursuing a certificate in general business. Her passion for public policy and service stems from a desire for equity and opportunity for all communities. Believing that the American Dream should be accessible to everyone, not just those already established, she aims to create change for marginalized immigrant communities. She views policy and legal knowledge as a means of expanding access and opportunities for all.

At USF, Shree is a member of the Judy Genshaft Honors College and serves as a digital fellow for SAATH, a South Asian political organization supporting candidates and community members running for public office. Through this role, she has gained experience in political advocacy. Following graduation, Shree plans to attend law school and pursue a career as an attorney. 

Alexandra “Alex” Pfersch 

Majors: Political Science, Psychology 

Alex Pfersch is originally from New Jersey, where she attended West Morris Mendham High School. She is studying political science and psychology on a pre-law track at the University of South Florida. By combining these fields, Alex explores how systems of power, public policy, and human behavior come together to impact justice and equality.

At USF, Alex has developed a strong passion for public service following the belief that helping others should be a major responsibility. She is motivated by the words of Seán Binder, “Humanitarian work isn’t criminal, nor is it heroic. Helping others should be normal.” This perspective inspires her to advocate for human rights and work towards improving existing systems to promote equality.

Following graduation Alex plans to attend law school and pursue a career as a human rights lawyer. Her goal is to use the law to support and protect marginalized groups, defend civil liberties, and create meaningful change in her field. 

Lindsey Smith 

Majors: International Studies, Psychology 

Lindsey Smith is from Pembroke Pines, Florida and attended Pembroke Pines Charter High School. She is currently pursuing a double major in international studies and psychology. Lindsey is continually driven by social injustices and strives to make changes to create a more equal and inclusive world. Lindsey is inspired by organizations like the American Red Cross, UNHCR, UNICEF, and Women for Women International.

Lindsey is a member of the Judy Genshaft Honors College, where she works as a USF campus tour guide, serves as the vice president of the rowing club at USF, is a member of the Dean’s Student Leadership Society, and she has completed a study abroad experience to Germany in May of 2025.

Lindsey's ambitions include international human and civil rights work. She is interested in pursuing a law degree as well as a master’s degree or eventual PhD in fields of and related to psychology and political science. Lindsey also plans to pursue her passion for linguistics and hopes to move abroad to teach English upon graduation and while completing her graduate studies. 

Lilian Theby 

Major: English 
Minor: Legal Studies 

Lilian Theby grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, where she attended Atholton High School. She is currently a student at the University of South Florida, pursuing a major in English with a concentration in literary studies and a minor in legal studies. 

While at USF, Lilian has gained valuable experience in the legal field through a legal externship, where she supported pro bono work by conducting research in immigration law and drafting client correspondence for a defensive asylum case to promote client accessibility.  

Lilian's passion for public service is tied to both her academic study of literature and her lifelong love of reading. Through literary analysis, she has developed a strong appreciation for how narratives shape perspectives on justice and human experience. Lilian believes that literature fosters critical thinking and empathy, qualities that are essential for effective public service and intentional policymaking. Following graduation, she hopes to carry this perspective into a future career in law. 

Reaghan Ard 

Majors: Environmental Science & Policy, Political Science
Minor: Biology

Reaghan Ard is a rising senior at USF with majors in environmental science and political science and a minor in biology. Before moving to Tampa Bay to become a USF Bull, Reaghan lived outside of Nashville, Tennessee and graduated from Green Hill High School.

Initially inspired by a childhood love for camping, the water, and collecting rocks and seashells, her passions were solidified when she found peace and tranquility while working with alligators in the swamps of south Alabama. She is driven towards a career in either environmental law and/or policy, and her drive is fueled by her passion for protecting and restoring Mother Earth.

While at USF, she has excelled as an adventure trip leader with USF Outdoor Recreation where this past year she led week-long expeditions to hike and camp in Hawaii, backpack through Smoky Mountain National Park, and sea kayak between islands in the 10,000 Islands Region of the Everglades. She has completed internships with the Office of Florida House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell, Environment Florida, PBS Docuseries “Changing Seas," and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. In addition to outdoor guiding and internships, she is an Honors Ambassador, an Honors LLC Resident Assistant, and a USF Bike Shop and Boat House employee.

Following graduation, she plans to take a growth year to be an outdoor guide while she applies to law school.

Nichola "Nico" Lavaud

Majors: Political Science, Professional & Technical Communication
Minor: Sociology

Nichola “Nico” Lavaud was born and raised in Miami, FL and graduated from Coral Reef Senior High School. He studies political science and professional & technical communication with a minor in sociology.

Nichola is inspired by his grandfathers, both former public officials in Haiti, and his maternal grandparents, who served with the United Nations in Africa. At USF, he joined the USF Ambassadors and the Global and National Security Institute (GNSI) Future Strategist Program. He expanded his global perspective by studying abroad with the JGHC on the Confronting the Holocaust trip in Poland and Germany. As a Boren Scholar, he studied French and Wolof in Senegal in fall 2025.

Outside academics, he interned at the Florida Holocaust Museum, served as a student analyst at GNSI, and now works as a student assistant at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. These roles drive Nichola's ambition to become a Foreign Service Officer after graduation. 

Nicole Lobato

Majors: Economics, Political Science  

Nicole Lobato is a double-major in economics and political science at the USF St. Petersburg Campus. Her hometown is Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 2016, Nicole earned admission to the Military School of Rio, in which she studied for seven years and graduated with highest honor as Student Commander of the Battery of Artillery. 

At USF, Nicole currently serves as the president of the Ethics and Debate Team, competing in both state and international competitions for the past three years. She has also held leadership positions as chief of staff for Student Government and volunteer committee co-chair for the Honors College Student Council. Passionate about public service and education, she has led English-teaching initiatives for underprivileged communities in Rio and refugee children in Turkey. Inspired by her volunteer work and the structural inequalities she witnessed daily in her hometown, Nicole is committed to addressing the barriers that prevent kids from having a quality education and expanding opportunities for young people.

Nicole was recognized as Sophomore Student Leader of the Year at the 2025 Rocky's Awards by the USF Center of Leadership and Civic Engagement. She was also selected to participate in the Spring 2026 Honors Semester Exchange at the University of Exeter in England. Following graduation, Nicole plans to pursue a master's degree in development, either in the U.S. or Europe, with the ultimate goal of working at international organizations to advance economic development, education, and social equity worldwide.  

Godlove Nkembo 

Majors: Political Science, Business Management 

Godlove Nkembo is a first-generation immigrant from Cameroon, Africa, who grew up in Florida and graduated high school in the Tampa Bay area. He is majoring in political science and business management at the University of South Florida.

At USF, Godlove has developed a deep interest in policy and its power to create meaningful change. Inspired by James Baldwin's belief that "not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced," he is committed to confronting inequity and building systems that deliver fairness and equality to every community. That passion led him to serve as a legislative intern in the Office of the Florida House Minority Leader, where he gained firsthand exposure to the processes behind impactful policy. 

Away from the classroom, Godlove coaches youth soccer, a role that has taught him that strong communities are built through relationships, consistency, and trust — values he carries into his public service work. Following graduation, he plans to pursue law school with aspirations of creating purposeful impact across governance, policy, and community development. 

Elise Prophete

Majors: Sustainability Studies, Political Science 

Elise Prophete is a native New Yorker and senior at the USF St. Petersburg campus, studying both sustainability studies and political science.

Graduating with a humanities focus from the ~4,000-student Midwood High School in Brooklyn, Elise's interests have always been concerned with understanding the human experience. Her early civic involvement began with fellowships with Next Generation Politics and Generation Vote, where she found her voice in nonpartisan civic deliberation, and later through on-campus advocacy for election protection in each respective role. Advocacy, community, and diversity have emerged as pillars of her leadership, drawing her to the Wilcox Scholars Program, USF Student Government as her campus’ governor for two years, and Democracy House, where she has worked to strengthen and defend democratic institutions as a teaching fellow and cohort coordinator. Through her various engagements, Elise has represented USF at the 2025 NASPA Civic Learning and Social Change Conference, 2026 Annual Campus Compact Conference, and has had the opportunity to speak with international democracy experts including Danielle Allen, Marshall Ganz, and most relevantly interviewing UK Speaker of the House of Parliament Sir Lindsay Hoyle with fellow scholars at the Judy Genshaft Honors College.  
  
Elise aims to further her advocacy in her career in nonpartisan political advocacy, pursuing international democracy research and eventually law school to contribute to her dreams of a just, sustainable, and inclusive future for the United States.  

Vanessa Quiroz

Major: Social and Behavioral Health Sciences

Vanessa Quiroz grew up in Spring Hill, Florida and graduated from Springstead High School. She is a social and behavioral health sciences major at the University of South Florida, committed to advancing health equity by addressing social determinants of health in underserved communities. Vanessa was awarded the Raven’s Guild First-Year Thesis Award and has presented research on menstrual health education at the USF Humanities Research Conference and USF Health Research Day for her work with the Vapes on Campus Fellowship. She is also a recipient of the Latino Scholar Program Scholarship and a member of the Order of the Golden Brahman. 

Her leadership within the Judy Genshaft Honors College began as a member of the LLC Leadership Committee, then JGHC Student Council, and resident assistant at Juniper Hall. She currently serves as president of Latino Caucus for Public Health and co-captain of the Latin Dance Club. Vanessa has gained hands-on experience through internships with the Healthy Start Coalition and the YMCA. This summer, she will participate in the MCHC/RISE-UP Program at the Krieger Institute, hosted by Johns Hopkins University. 

After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in health education and earn CHES and CHWC certifications.