The Honor Roll Podcast

College students often wear many hats — as learners, employees, friends, and more — and balancing it all can be a challenge. This week, we’re joined by recent Honors graduate and 2025 Courageous Bull Award recipient Brooke Casey, who shares how grit and determination helped her successfully juggle multiple responsibilities while pursuing her goals. Brooke shares her journey of navigating college l...

Recognized as a 2025 USF Outstanding Young Alumni, Hiram Ríos Hernández has built a career in diplomacy that reaches across the globe. From consular work in Shanghai to public diplomacy in Burma, he now serves as an international relations officer at the U.S. Embassy in Lima. In this episode, Hiram discusses how his experience as an Honors student — and a recipient of four prestigious national awa...

This week, we’re diving into the ups and downs of law school with Honors alumna and Stetson University College of Law student Anabella Garcia. Now in her second year, Anabella is committed to serving her community and advancing conservation efforts through her work as an environmental law clerk and research assistant focused on land allocation and the preservation of wildlands. Stay tuned as she s...

Honors alum Dr. Bailee Olliff exemplifies early success in the medical field, balancing a fast-paced career with a deep commitment to research, mentorship, and community service. Named a 2025 USF Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipient, she is a trauma surgeon specializing in acute robotic surgery and a medical director in Denver, Colorado. In this episode, Dr. Olliff reflects on her journey from...

What happens when academic stress turns into burnout? This week, Honors students Catherine Ugwu, Serena Bhaskar, Ghali Omar Boutaib, and Rysun Chu join the podcast to open up about their own challenges with balance and the realities of high-achieving student life. Then, licensed mental health counselor and Honors affiliate professor Melanie Ryerson offers expert insight into identifying burnout, s...

This week, we’re joined by St. Petersburg Honors students Kelsey Sherman and Elise Prophete to talk about civic engagement, leadership, and what makes the St. Petersburg campus unique. Through local and state involvement, these Honors students have transformed their passions for public service and education into opportunities that impact change in their communities. Kelsey shares lessons learned a...

This week, we’re talking all things student entrepreneurship with Mira Stimac, CEO and founder of energy bar brand Lope Collective, and Frank Nunez, program planner at the USF Muma College of Business' Nault Center for Entrepreneurship. Mira takes us through her journey from designing training shoes to creating her own brand of energy bars and shares what it’s like to start a business while juggli...

This week on the Honor Roll Podcast, we’re exploring how Honors students are making an impact in global business. Alison Frate, Abigail Brake, and entrepreneur/professor Dr. Gregory Smogard share their experiences in the Global Student Consulting capstone course, where they tackled real-world challenges for international companies. Tune in to hear how the course fosters collaboration, critical thi...

This week, Honors student Heather Stroup joins the podcast to talk all about her journey as an out-of-state-student. A biomedical sciences major and recipient of the Women in Leadership and Philanthropy Judy Genshaft Scholarship, Stroup discusses the impact of scholarships and extracurriculars on her college experience. Stay tuned to hear Heather’s insight into the ups and downs of freshman year. ...

The future of climate justice and education lies in the hands of the next generation, which is why we invited Honors students Katelynn Paciorek and Maia Ryan to discuss how they are organizing this year’s USF Climate Teach-In. They join the podcast to share their journey in making the week-long Climate Teach-In a completely student-led event filled with opportunities for students to consider how t...

The journey to becoming a doctor is long and demanding, but the accelerated 7-Year B.S./M.D. program at the University of South Florida offers a streamlined path for students committed to a career in medicine. This unique partnership provides the support of Judy Genshaft Honors College faculty and upperclassmen, helping students build a strong foundation for medical school success. This week, we’r...

Looking for information on scholarships, awards, or financial support?  Tune in this week as Honors students Whitney Louis and Nora Wolfgang share their experiences earning scholarships at USF and how these resources have enriched their college journey. Also joining the podcast is advancement administrator and Judy Genshaft Honors College alumnus Marco Nardiello, who discusses what reviewers look...

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...

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 st...

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 me...

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...

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 valu...

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. S...

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 F...

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 202...

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 Pr...

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 forge...

The Delikat and Ammad siblings, National Merit Scholars (NMS) and Honors students, join the Honor Roll Podcast to share why they chose USF and how their time in the Judy Genshaft Honors College has shaped their university experience.  Tune in to hear about their (nonexistent) sibling rivalries, the benefits of being a Bull, and the inside scoop on what it’s like to be an NMS recipient at USF! Don’...

Honors student, founder, and editor-in-chief of The Capsule, Serena Bhaskar, joins editor Karla Evangelista and contributor Arelis Rodriguez Martinez on the podcast to share the story behind the health humanities journal and how they explore the intersections between the humanities and health care. Don’t forget to rate and review – we love to hear your feedback. Until next time, Go Bulls! Guests:...

Honors student Amy Yacoub joins the Honor Roll Podcast to discuss her experience studying abroad in Florence, Italy, with USF Education Abroad. In this special episode, Yacoub shares her favorite spots in the city, offers advice on balancing coursework while abroad, and gives tips on making the most of your study abroad journey. Don’t forget to rate and review – we love to hear your feedback. Unti...