The Honor Roll Podcast

Dedicated to the lifelong joy of learning, Phi Beta Kappa is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honor society. This week’s podcast features PBK members Nora Wolfgang, Dr. Matt King, and Honors advisor Megan Braunstein as they discuss what PBK means to them, their involvement, the legacy they hope to leave, and the opportunities PBK has unlocked for them. Don’t forget to rate and review – we...

Get an inside look at this immersive study abroad adventure in a special bonus episode featuring USF Honors students Brooke Petersen and Liam Mahony. They share highlights from their semester at the University of Exeter in England, exploring unique UK activities like benchball and unforgettable excursions, while reflecting on their study abroad experiences.  Don’t forget to rate and review – we lo...

On this episode, Honors student Isabel Delgado Frontera and USF faculty member Dr. Lydia Wassink team up with the Honor Roll Podcast to share insider details from the Fossil Hunters Honors study away program to Cincinnati, Ohio. This Maymester program gives Honors students the chance to learn about Ordovician-era fossils before embarking on a week-long road trip to conduct field research. Stay tun...

In this special bonus episode, Honors student Liam Osman reflects on the Germany Beyond the Classroom study abroad program, where he traveled to major German cities, including Osnabrück, Hamburg, and Berlin. Osman shares his experience studying at the University of Osnabrück, navigating a new country, and becoming his group’s resident botany expert during the trip ...  Don’t forget to rate and rev...

Former Scottish First Minister and current USF Honors professor Henry McLeish joins the podcast to offer his insights on politics, UK-U.S. relations, and his experience at the Judy Genshaft Honors College, drawing from his rich perspective as a lecturer, politician, and writer. Together, we explore the future of our country and discuss the crucial role students will play in healing and reshaping t...

In this special bonus episode, Honors program leader Dr. Matthew Mullarkey shares insights on one of the newest Honors study abroad programs: South Africa. From exploring vibrant cities to visiting the Cradle of Humankind, this three-week interdisciplinary trip offers Honors students an opportunity to dive into South Africa’s political climate, history, wildlife, and more. Don’t forget to rate and...

Honors academic advisors Ava Gomez and Dr. Krysta Banke, along with Director of Advising Arnaldo Mejias, join the Honor Roll Podcast to share insights on their roles and how they help students navigate college life by solving problems and planning for the future. The trio discuss their own college experiences, what inspired them to become advisors, and how students have influenced their growth.  D...

This week we ask Honors students Anna Gustafson and Grady Vickers along with Honors Professor and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Daniel Ruth, what being an engaged citizen looks like? As the election approaches, we consider the significance of voting literacy, the role of education, and how information is exchanged in our digital age of mass communication. Don’t forget to rate and review – we love...

In this special bonus episode, Honors student Ghali Omar Boutaib shares his experiences from the six-week Germany Innovation in Engineering study abroad program. While exploring special topics in sustainability and engineering, Boutaib enjoyed a packed itinerary that included lectures, site visits, and weekend excursions to explore German cities with his friends. Don’t forget to rate and review –...

USF Judy Genshaft Honors College alumna and attorney Maria Gerber joins the podcast to share her experiences as a parent raising four sons who have attended USF. She discusses how the Honors College has influenced her sons' college journeys, guiding their career choices and enhancing student life at the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus, where her youngest son, Spence Gerber, is currently a sophomore an...

In this special bonus episode, Dr. Ulluminair Salim joins the podcast to introduce one of the newest Honors study abroad opportunities. Professor Salim shares details about the two-week Portugal Physician Observation program, where students will gain hands-on health care experience working alongside practitioners in Portugal’s public health system while exploring the vibrant city of Lisbon. Don’t...

2024 Phi Beta Kappa Key into Public Service Scholar, Gilman Scholar, and Public Policy and International Affairs participant Christopher Oueis joins the podcast to share his journey obtaining prestigious scholarships and internships. An international student from Lebanon, Oueis has channeled his passion for public policy, foreign affairs, and advocacy through his involvement at USF and beyond. Cur...

In a special bonus episode, Honors professor and program leader Tina Piracci introduces one of the newest Honors study abroad programs, Honors Italy: The Art of Invention. Blending art and innovation, this two-week immersive trip offers Honors students the chance to explore artistic, cultural, and technological movements in the heart of picturesque Italy. Professor Piracci discusses her interest i...

Each year, the Judy Genshaft Honors College offers students an immersive six-month study abroad experience in the U.K. through the Honors Semester in Exeter program. Students explore English culture, visit historic sites, and embark on a journey of personal growth while studying at the University of Exeter. In this week’s episode, 2024 program alums Jamie Powers, Reva Gandhi, and Breno Nery Dantas...

Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field. As technology advances, so do threats to national security and personal privacy. Addressing these threats requires interdisciplinary teams, including computer scientists, forensic accountants, and more. In this episode, Dr. Jordan Howell, assistant professor and director of the Sarasota Cybersecurity Lab, and Honors alum and current cybersecurity master’s...

In part two of the episode, Judy Genshaft Honors College alums Dr. Ife Bolujo, Dr. Trent Lippert, Dr. Karina Bowers, and Dr. Sabrina Awshah talk about their time in the Honors College and share their advice for students interested in a career in medicine. Don’t forget to rate and review – we love to hear your feedback. Until next time, Go Bulls! Guests: Dr. Ife Bolujo, Dr. Trent Lippert, Dr. Karin...

In a special two-part episode, Judy Genshaft Honors College alums Dr. Ife Bolujo, Dr. Trent Lippert, Dr. Karina Bowers, and Dr. Sabrina Awshah join the show to share their journeys from aspiring undergraduates to completing medical school and beginning their surgical residencies. Don’t forget to rate and review – we love to hear your feedback. Until next time, Go Bulls! Guests: Dr. Ife Bolujo, Dr....

Honors students Lalith Roopesh and Tehami Ammad carried their high school passion for the Science Olympiad into their university careers by spearheading a new student organization and bringing the tournament to the University of South Florida for the first time. This week, Lalith and Tehami share how they overcame organizational challenges to host the event and their plans to grow the tournament a...

Let’s Talk About That: Finding Your Voice with Tianyi Li Bueso Honors student Tianyi Li Bueso joins the show to share her journey as an international student who has embraced a multifaceted college experience. From mentoring peers as a resident assistant and dual majoring in statistics and econometrics & quantitative economics, to running her own podcast – Tianyi has done it all! Don’t forget to r...

Honors students Reaghan Ard and Maria Lares-Galavis join the show to share their experiences in the 2023 Grand Challenge Competition at the Judy Genshaft Honors College. Ard and Lares-Galavis were part of the winning team, ARThritis, in the pitch competition. Sponsored by the Richard and Jule Salem Scholars’ Fund for Disability, the Grand Challenge Competition empowers students to develop real, fe...

Every year, the USF Muma College of Business 25 Under 25 program honors outstanding undergraduate and graduate students who have demonstrated excellence in scholarship, professional development, leadership, or service. This week, we are talking to two recent Honors grads and 2024 25 Under 25 honorees, O’Carson Fils and Yuki Shao, about what it means to be recognized with the award and their experi...

This week, Judy Genshaft Honors College and University of South Florida grad Daelyn Quinn joins the podcast to discuss the opportunities and support she received at USF as a National Merit Scholar. Hear about her journey to USF, her avid reading habits, advice for other students considering USF, and the time she almost ignored Dean Adams’ invitation to join the most prestigious honor society in th...

At the Judy Genshaft Honors College, Honors ambassadors play a crucial role in connecting the college to the broader USF community. This week, special guest hosts Aakash Vijeesh and Nusheen Immen are joined by Gabby Carroll and Kinsey Roth to discuss what they love about working in the Honors College, how being an Honors ambassador has helped them grow professionally, and who they think would make...

This week, recent Honors graduate and former Tampa Judy Genshaft Honors College Student Council President Audra Nikolajski makes a comeback as our first returning guest! Tune in as Audra reflects on her Honors experience, how she feels she has grown over the last four years, what initially drew her to USF, and the advice she would share with prospective students starting their undergraduate journe...

This week, we’re sharing powerful audio narratives created by Honors students Amelie McLeod and Daniella Charco. Amelie, Daniella, and Honors affiliate faculty member Deepak Singh join the podcast to discuss their work and experiences in Professor Singh’s innovative 'Writing for the Ear' course. Caution: Segments of this episode contain mature subject matter. Audience discretion is advised. Don’t...