Golden Bull Awards
Award Winners
Congratulations to USF's 2025 Golden Bull Award recipients!
Watch the 2025 Celebration of Leadership Awards ceremony to see the new recipients receive their Golden Bull Awards (presented at 1:03:35 in the video).
Photos from the event can be viewed here.
Keyara Augustine
Bachelor of Arts in Global Business
Keyara is a first-generation student who exemplifies exceptional leadership, academic
excellence, and service to her community. She was honored as the Student Employee
of the Year at the 2024 Rocky Awards and now serves as the Senior Career Peer Advisor
for the USF Center for Career & Professional Development, building students’ professional
growth and career readiness.
Her own professional journey has also been shaped by her involvement as a brother of Delta Sigma Pi, a professional business fraternity. Keyara’s passion for service led her to co-found Bulls That Serve after the UnBULLievable Service Break trip to Atlanta, where she and her peers supported underserved communities. The organization went on to win the 2024 New Student Organization of the Year award.
After studying abroad in London, she became a GloBull Ambassador to inspire others to explore international opportunities. Keyara also served as the student representative for the Muma COB 2025–2030 Quality Enhancement Plan, creating a lasting impact for future students. She will be graduating with academic honors this May.
Eduardo Barbosa Sanchez
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering
Exceptional academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to student organizations and research defines Eduardo’s time at USF. His dedication to coursework gave him the knowledge required to lead a research project that was presented at two internationally recognized conferences and helped the IMSE Department improve its operations and communication with industrial engineering students.
Beyond academics, Eduardo had an extensive involvement with student organizations. As Corporate Relations Director for BRASA, he secured $185,000 in international partnerships, benefiting 9,000 members globally, and as Conference Manager, he led a team to host a 250-attendee convention in Brazil. As Sales Director at HEXA Consulting, he established eight local business partnerships for pro-bono consulting projects.
An enthusiastic mentor, Eduardo dedicated over 300 hours to supporting Brazilian USF students and served as a Calculus I Peer Mentor, assisting 20 first-year engineering students. After graduation, Eduardo will join Goldman Sachs as an Operations Analyst, aiming to bridge between finance and industrial engineering.
Patricia Brutus
Bachelor of Science in Biology
As a proud first-generation student, Patricia has made it her mission to uplift others
and pave the way for those who follow. Her journey is grounded in a deep passion for
service, equity, and community.
In her roles as President of USF Ambassadors and a member of the USF Alumni Association Board of Directors, Patricia has worked to bridge the gap between students and alumni. She co-founded Sisters Inspiring Success to empower women, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to thrive as leaders and changemakers.
Her commitment to healthcare equity is reflected in her research on racial disparities in breast cancer and chronic health issues, and in her hands-on service from Tampa General Hospital to a medical mission trip in Honduras. Through mentorship and advocacy with Upward Bound and Student Support Services, Patricia continues to elevate first-generation students.
Her legacy at USF is one of compassion, impact, and empowerment.
Kelly Campbell
Doctorate in Medicine
During her time at USF, Kelly has demonstrated exceptional leadership, research excellence
and a deep commitment to service.
As Senior Medical Director of BRIDGE Healthcare Clinic, she has worked to expand access to free healthcare for uninsured patients, improve clinic operations, and mentor students in patient care. Kelly’s dedication to global health led to the creation of USF IHSC’s first-ever Art Auction, now a signature fundraising event supporting medical service trips providing care and health education to underserved communities in Medellín, Colombia.
A passionate advocate for maternal health research, Kelly has led studies on opioid use disorder in pregnancy, presenting at national conferences and contributing to peer-reviewed publications. She is also a dedicated mentor through PLEXUS, AMWA, and her sorority, guiding students toward careers in medicine.
Kelly’s contributions reflect USF’s values of innovation, inclusion, and lifelong service, ensuring a lasting impact within the university and beyond.
Kayla Domres
Bachelor of Science in Business Management
During her time at USF, Kayla took great pride in her diverse accomplishments, particularly
in research and policy work. She played a key role in helping over 1,500 students
study abroad, and as a Resident Assistant, provided guidance and support for over
80 students, fostering a strong campus community. Her leadership extended to student
government, where she served as Policy Chair and successfully revised all 10 student
government titles to enhance organizational efficiency and student success.
Kayla also engaged in public policy through The Washington Center in Washington, D.C., and her internship with Congressman Darren Soto, where she authored a legislative policy proposal aimed at improving behavioral and maternal health resources in rural areas.
Additionally, she is most proud of her independent research thesis on the ‘Emotional Intelligence of Domesticated Companion Animals’, to help provide evidence-based research to improve disability rights in America.
Maegan Durinzi
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Maegan served in Student Government as the Campus Council Chair, in which she was
a fierce advocate for students and represented the Sarasota-Manatee spirit of excellence.
From 2022-2024, Maegan became the youngest General Physics I & II Laboratory Teaching
Assistant and led students to success. As a member of the Judy Genshaft Honors College,
she valued her education highly and graduated summa cum laude.
Maegan demonstrated a commitment to community and inclusivity with her serving on the first executive board of Medi-Futures USF, a virtual medical shadowing program, and volunteering throughout the Tampa Bay Region. Upon graduation, she will continue to pursue her goal of becoming a physician.
K’yana Edwards
Bachelor of Science in Biology
K’yana is a dedicated and accomplished student in the Judy Genshaft Honors College,
who has made the most of her time at USF. She has maintained a stellar GPA while actively
engaging in research, leadership, and community service.
K’yana's investigation into KRAS gene expression under Dr Shamblott’s guidance showcases her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. As a Resident Assistant for the King Suites, she developed the Pull-Up-a-Seat Event, which was nominated for the USF Rocky's Award for Innovative Campus Program. K’yana also revitalized the Caribbean Culture Exchange, fostering a sense of belonging for international Caribbean students. Her leadership as Vice President of the USF Alumni Association Student Ambassadors has strengthened connections between students and alumni.
Recognized with numerous awards, including the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award and the Operation Global Action Certificate of Innovation, K’yana exemplifies academic excellence, leadership, and a passion for making a positive impact.
Arturo Garcia
Doctorate of Philosophy in Applied Behavioral Analysis
Arturo has demonstrated unwavering reliability, passion, and dedication to those in
need. While at USF, his scholarly contributions, service, and leadership have been
exceptional.
In collaboration with faculty staff, Arturo spearheaded the creation of Beta Chi, a resource for current and future students. As a first-generation Mexican American, his past life experiences have led to him pursuing continued education in behavior analysis and criminology to improve the overall quality of services for underserved populations. He personally understands their struggles to access the services needed and is committed to not only creating better services in his community but to influencing policies and programs nationwide. Arturo's research contributions are in child welfare, foster care, human trafficking, and juvenile justice.
After completing his doctoral studies, Arturo plans to continue this work by developing evidence-based interventions to improve outcomes of at-risk populations and advocate for systemic changes.
Amelia German
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences
During her time at USF, Amelia exemplified dedication, passion, and leadership in
both her academics and extracurricular endeavors. She came to USF through the LECOM
School of Dental Medicine Early Acceptance Program and will begin dental school in
July.
Amelia has been an integral member of the Herd of Thunder Marching Band and Rumble Pep Band, serving as section leader of the Flute/Piccolo section. Amelia has also been actively engaged on campus, presenting at the Undergraduate Research Conference, publishing a research paper, and being a chemistry Peer Leader. Amelia continues to show her leadership abilities by being inducted into the Order of the Golden Brahman. She currently works as an Honors Ambassador at the Judy Genshaft Honors College.
Outside of school, Amelia volunteers at non-profit dental clinics and has traveled to the British Virgin Islands on a medical mission trip. Her goal is to open her own dental practice, in which she can continue to give back to the community.
Erin Gregoire
Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology
Erin has demonstrated passion and commitment to the USF pre-health community through
serving as the Mentorship Program Coordinator for Medi-Futures USF, helping to provide
pre-health students with meaningful connections to healthcare professionals.
She has also helped to continue the welcoming culture at USF through mentoring incoming transfer students as the Lead Peer Mentor through the Transfer Engagement and Achievement Mentorship program. She also presented at the USF Research Symposium and is currently conducting research at Moffitt Cancer Center.
In addition to her commitment to growing the strengths of the USF community and participating in research, Erin has been awarded both the Theodore R. and Vivian M. Scholarship and the USF Cell Biology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology Phillip A. and Paulette C. Furman Scholarship for both the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters.
Kaitlyn Huddleston
Bachelor of Arts in English
As a first-generation college student, Kaitlyn is beyond proud to graduate with a
3.98 GPA and honors, which is a true testament to her hard work and passion for learning.
Beyond academics, she held leadership roles at USF as Campus Activities Board Director and President of Sigma Tau Delta, Tau Sigma, and The Literature Society, which have allowed her to help foster an environment where other students can connect, grow, and find their own voices.
Kaitlyn’s time at USF is defined by her commitment to mentorship, inclusivity, and helping others find their place, which has also prepared her to continue inspiring students in higher education as she pursues a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in College Student Affairs at USF starting in Fall 2025.
Hanan Ibrahim
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences
Hanan is a first-generation Ethiopian-American and spent her childhood and adolescent
years in Ethiopia and Kenya.
Her research interests lie in global health, health disparities and infectious diseases. She has worked as an intern with PEPFAR Zambia, the CDC in Kenya, a Summer Research Trainee in Bali, Indonesia, and has been involved in research studying different viruses and maternal health disparities. She has been actively involved in her community as a Residential Assistant, a Medical Support Team Intern with EnVision Resolution, and an HIV testing counselor with BRIDGE clinic. Throughout her time at USF, she has been involved in service and various student organizations.
She plans to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) and ultimately get her Doctor of Medicine (MD). Through obtaining higher education, she wants to continue work with minority communities both in the United States and globally as a physician with a public health background.
Rania Jamal
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and in Biomedical Sciences
Rania’s time at USF demonstrates her dedication in research, mentorship, and healthcare
innovation. Passionate about bridging technology and medicine, she aims to develop
advancements that transform patient care and healthcare accessibility. Rania has conducted
research in three USF labs, with her work at Dr. Angele Parent’s Lab at MCOM/BYRD
contributing to groundbreaking discoveries in Alzheimer’s disease.
As Director of FLMedConnect, she has led 200+ students to present at research conferences and publish their work, expanding their opportunities. A mentor in Minorities in Medicine, Pre-AMSA, Doctors Without Borders, Girls Who Code, and Women in Engineering, she empowers future leaders in STEM and healthcare by breaking stereotypes and expanding opportunities through medical school forums, hosting volunteer workshops, and coaching a Robotics team who has won State Nationals. She volunteers at AdventHealth, Moffit, and Tampa Bay Street Medicine providing care to vulnerable communities.
A proud Arab, Muslim woman in STEM, Rania’s legacy is one of innovation, advocacy, and transformation.
Kevin Lee
Doctorate of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration
Dr. Kevin Lee from Tampa, Florida is a Fall 2024 Ph.D. graduate in Higher Education
Administration. During his time at USF, Dr. Lee has demonstrated a commitment to student
success, global engagement, and cultural advocacy.
As a Senior Academic Advisor in the Judy Genshaft Honors College, he is the dedicated advisor for 350 advisees. As Program Director for Honors Foundation, he facilitates first-year programming for 620 students with 45 peer mentors and a GA. He instructs the Honors South Korean Culture and Identity course, integrating experiential learning and study abroad, which served as his dissertation research. Kevin founded the APIDA Presidential Advisory Committee and is the Advisor for Asian Students in America.
Beyond USF, he serves on the executive board of the City of Tampa Mayor’s AAPI Advisory Council, which oversees the Tampa API Festival. He is a member of NASPA and its API Knowledge Community, an organization dedicated to serving student affairs professionals. Dr. Lee’s contributions have earned him multiple honors, including the Outstanding Staff, USF Pride, and Outstanding Undergraduate Advising Awards.
Alexandra Lopez
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Alexandra is a Bachelor of Science candidate in Biology who has exemplified leadership
and dedication throughout her academic career.
During her time at USF, Alexandra has made significant contributions as a member of Student Government, where she served in various leadership roles, including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Campus Council Vice-Chair, and Associate Judge of the Sarasota-Manatee campus. Additionally, as a USF Ambassador, she helped promote the university and engage with prospective students, further strengthening the USF community.
Alexandra also participated in Alternative Spring Break, where she traveled to Cincinnati as a student leader to address food insecurity and homelessness. Her involvement in student advocacy, event planning, and mentorship has positively impacted USF.
Alexandra’s passion for health and wellness has also led her to pursue a Master’s of Public Health in Nutrition and Dietetics, where she plans to continue her journey of empowering others to lead healthier lives. With a strong foundation in science and leadership, Alexandra is committed to creating lasting change both on campus and beyond.
Briana Miele
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences
Briana is most proud of developing an Art Therapy Program in Ghana to promote children's
mental health, which successfully expanded to the Dominican Republic, and empowered
children to express themselves creatively in culturally meaningful ways.
Her research in the Santiago Lab on avian malaria significantly contributed to parasitology research, enhancing understanding of disease ecology.
Briana also collaborated with the Tampa Museum of Art to implement a Visual Thinking Strategies Program for individuals in substance use recovery which allowed her to blend art with emotional healing, showcasing her commitment to community well-being.
Briana is also proud of her volunteer work at Aston Gardens, where she brought joy to residents and bridged generational gaps through meaningful interactions.
Additionally, her clinical hours in the Dominican Republic were transformative, enabling her to identify unclean water as a leading health issue and initiate a public health initiative to reduce parasite acquisition.
Amanda Murdock
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and in Communication
Currently, Amanda interns at the Public Defender’s Office in the 13th Judicial Circuit
within the Specialty Courts where she assists adult and juvenile defendants who have
mental illnesses, substance use disorders, veteran statuses, Baker Act statuses, and/or
intellectual disabilities. She also works as a Criminology Research Assistant, studying
the mitigating factors influencing jury outcomes in capital punishment (death penalty)
cases.
On campus, Amanda actively presides as the President of the USF Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, where she manages and furthers the legal development of nearly 100 members. Through this, she has been internationally recognized and welcomed into the PAD Society of Scholars, as well as welcomed into the National Honors Society of Criminal Justice for her exemplary work in the field. Amanda has one manuscript pending, set to publish in May in USF’s inaugural issue of The Scribe: Literary Journal.
Lauren Olzinski
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
During her time at USF, Lauren has exemplified academic excellence, leadership, and
dedication to service. Graduating with a 4.0 GPA, she earned membership in Phi Kappa
Phi and Sigma Theta Tau, and received the prestigious King O’Neal Award.
As Lead Nursing Tutor, Lauren guided her peers through challenging coursework, fostering a culture of collaboration and resilience within the nursing program. Her clinical experience at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital solidified her passion for pediatric critical care, where she provided compassionate, life-saving care to critically ill infants.
As President of the USF Beach Volleyball Club, she built an inclusive community while leading with vision and purpose. Her fundraising tournament for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital raised over $500 for pediatric cancer research, reflecting her commitment to advocacy and impactful service.
Lauren’s legacy is one of excellence, leadership, and compassion, inspiring others to aim higher and serve selflessly.
Lalakhanim Orujova
Doctorate in Philosophy in Leadership, Policy and Lifelong Learning
One of Lalakhanim’s proudest accomplishments is fostering international research collaborations
that connect academic communities across borders. She played a key role in establishing
a partnership betweenthe University of Hong Kong and Khazar University, where she
co-designed and co-taught Leading Individuals, an interactive course that brings together
students from different cultural and educational backgrounds to engage in leadership
studies.
Additionally, Lalakhanim helped build a research collaboration between USF and ADA University to examine inclusive education in Azerbaijan, contributing to a broader understanding of equity in education. Her dedication to global academic engagement has been recognized through the Lillie and Walter Berbecker Scholarship and by presenting research at major international conferences such as BELMAS, AERA, and UCEA.
Now, as a main coordinator of FERA 2025, she continues to expand global research networks, reinforcing her commitment to international academic collaboration and policy-driven educational research.
Sapna Patel
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
During her time at USF, Sapna has embodied leadership, research, and service experiences
to create a lasting impact. As President of Bull Nurses for Moms and Babies, she organized
networking events and donation drives benefiting Tampa Bay hospitals and maternal-child
health initiatives while providing career development for students.
Her passion for mentorship led Sapna to support students as a nursing tutor, pre-nursing mentor, and student organization leader.
Academically, she pursued research in maternal-child health, presenting at many USF and national conferences with the support of USF. Her global public health study abroad in Colombia, experiences in the Global Citizens, participation in the iBuddies program, and Red Cross volunteer experiences, in addition to her courses at the honors college, College of Nursing and Public Health, shaped her experiences as a future health professional.
These achievements reflect her dedication to lifelong learning, advocacy, and improving healthcare for future generations.
Fernanda Silva Pimenta
Doctorate in Philosophy in Chemical Engineering
Fernanda is deeply committed to renewable energy and sustainability, focusing her
research on CO₂ capture and syngas conversion into sustainable fuels. As President
of the Solar Energy Society, Fernanda has led the organization, impacting more than
350 students. Under her leadership, the society connects academia with real-world
applications, providing students with opportunities to collaborate with professionals
and gain hands-on experience in the renewable energy field.
In addition to her leadership role, Fernanda is a member of prestigious honor societies, including Tau Beta Pi, Sigma Xi, and Phi Kappa Phi. She has also volunteered with GradSWE, fostering mentorship, student development, and sustainability initiatives.
Fernanda’s leadership and innovative research demonstrates her dedication to advancing sustainable energy solutions and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Maria Poulos
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Maria has demonstrated her leadership abilities through her roles as a Peer Mentor
for The Judy Genshaft Honors College, a mentor in the USF LAUNCH Program for Autistic
Students, and chair of the marketing committee of the Student Council of the Women
in Leadership & Philanthropy foundation. She also participated in the USF Honors Dominican
Republic Service trip in December of 2023, and has been a long-standing member of
the Delta Gamma Sorority and Phi Delta Epsilon medical fraternity throughout her undergraduate
years.
Maria has participated in two clinical research projects—one in liver and kidney transplantation and the other in vein and lymphatic medicine—that have been presented at national conferences. Lastly, she has been employed since her junior year as a medical assistant at the Vein911 Treatment Centers.
Maria is applying to Medical School in the 2025 application cycle and hoping to continue her journey to becoming a physician.
JM Rahman
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences
JM, a first-generation college student, graduated magna cum laude in December 2024.
As President of the Undergraduate Research Society, he expanded research accessibility, enabling over 500 students to engage in projects and present at national conferences. Additionally, his leadership in the HCPS Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Volunteering Initiative has provided academic support and advocacy for students with hearing impairments.
As Lead Research Assistant at the Global Center for Hearing and Speech Research, he has contributed to advancements in hyperacusis and auditory neuroscience while mentoring and supervising over 30 research assistants. JM is preparing to publish his first first-author manuscript on a novel hyperacusis assessment and has presented his award-winning research at various state and national conferences.
Through his passion for research, leadership, and otolaryngology, JM has worked to expand research opportunities and promote inclusion within the USF community.
Kelsey Sherman
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and in Sustainability Studies
Kelsey has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, political engagement,
leadership, and service. She maintains a 4.0 GPA as a student of the Judy Genshaft
Honors College.
Currently, Kelsey serves as the President of the USFSP Honors Student Council and the Conservation and Convenings Intern at the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation. Past involvements include Student Government as Vice Chair of St. Pete Campus Council, Her Campus as Events Coordinator and Treasurer, the Honors Council as Volunteer Committee Co-Chair, and Education Abroad as Student Recruiter and GloBull Ambassador.
During Florida’s 2024 Legislative Session, she participated in the Tallahassee Internship Program, where she worked full-time with State Representative Lindsay Cross and received the Most Organized Intern award from the House Democratic Caucus. Kelsey subsequently served as Deputy Campaign Manager for her reelection campaign. Recently, she represented USF in an interview with the Speaker of the UK House of Commons about global democratic backsliding.
Kesha Tondo
Bachelor of Science in Public Health
Kesha proved her exceptional leadership by re-chartering a community service-based
organization on campus, where she served as President,as well as demonstrated her
Bulls spirit by excelling as an Orientation Leader.
She has studied abroad in Quebec City, Canada, where she investigated ways to improve our healthcare system. As a recipient of the Global Citizens Award, she gained competence to continue making positive changes around the world. She has been an advocate outside of the classroom by educating peers on community issues and representing USF in the Feeding Tampa Bay Student Ambassadors program. Her Membership Coordinator role at the Boys and Girls Club of Tampa Bay has allowed her to educate younger students.
Currently, Kesha serves as a Health Support Intern at the Florida Department of Health, working closely with the Immunizations and Hepatitis Outreach Teams to provide vaccines and preventative care information to at-risk groups in the area.
Quyen Tran
Bachelor of Science in Public Relations & Advertising
Quyen demonstrates an unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity through leadership,
storytelling and community service.
As the Editor-in-Chief of Sparks Magazine, Quyen fosters a space for identity exploration and empowerment among AAPI students. As a USF Ambassador, she represents USF’s diverse student body at donor events. She contributed to fundraising campaigns that support student communities in need during her internship with the USF Foundation.
Academically, Quyen has earned prestigious scholarships like the Stephen D. Pisinski Memorial Scholarship under the PRSSA Foundation and recognition as one of 50 Most Promising Students nation-wide under the American Advertising Federation. Her six internships across the PR, marketing and media industries—including roles at Jabil, WUSF Public Media and B2 Communications—have equipped her with the skills to drive meaningful change in the industry.
Quyen’s legacy at USF is one of breaking barriers with resilience and passion.