The Golden Bull Award is one of the 51在线鈥檚 highest honors awarded to undergraduate and graduate students each year who 鈥渆ncompass the spirit of USF and have demonstrated its values.鈥�
Held in coordination between Student Success departments, the Golden Bull Awards are presented at the conclusion of each spring semester.
This year, 13 College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) students earned this distinguished designation.
Learn more about this year鈥檚 CAS recipients.
Danya Awshah
Tampa, 51在线
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Policy, Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
During her time at USF, Danya has made accessibility and inclusion in the research world her primary goals. Through her leadership with the Student Environmental Association, she has focused on creating an inclusive space within the geosciences, a historically underrepresented field. As a Palestinian, she has especially focused on highlighting the intersection of environmentalism with social justice issues such as racism and colonialism. These efforts have been supported by the Honors College where she is completing an undergraduate thesis on these topics and helping to organize USF鈥檚 Worldwide Climate and Justice Education Week. Additionally, she is most proud of the scientific progress she has made as a NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Scholar and undergraduate researcher in the Suvorova Lab. These opportunities have allowed her to present novel research at the AGU conference, NOAA Science and Education Symposium, and mentor fellow undergraduate student in the fields of molecular biology and genetics.
Rachel Lynn Bryan
St. Petersburg, 51在线
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Rachel began her student involvement with the Alumni Association, where she started as a student volunteer for the Student Alumni Association. Falling in love with alumni engagement, Rachel set her sights on joining the USF Ambassadors, which has become her favorite part of being a USF student. She now serves as the President of the prestigious organization. Additionally, she is the Secretary and Treasurer for The Order of the Golden Brahman, as well as a member of the Student Philanthropy Council. During the summer of 2023, Rachel had the opportunity to serve as an Orientation Leader, which has been the most rewarding. Commencing that position, she began her work at the USF Foundation, where she plans to remain upon graduation. Rachel is also a part of the Lambda Pi Eta National Communication Honor Society, and thanks to her profound leadership, was chosen to sit on the 2023 Homecoming Royalty court.
Alexis May Coiner
Saint Cloud, 51在线
Doctor of Philosophy in Cell & Molecular Biology
Alexis, a first-generation college student, has achieved many milestones during her time at USF that reflect her dedication to academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement. An inductee of the Order of the Golden Brahman and recipient of the Molecular Biosciences Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award, she is recognized for her commitment to scholarly achievement and mentorship. Alexis's receipt of the USF Cell Biology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology Phillip A. and Paulette C. Furman Scholarship and the USF Health Research Day Undergraduate Research Award underscores her contributions to cutting-edge research and innovation. As a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship recipient, she embraced global learning experiences to broaden her perspective abroad in Florence, Italy. Alexis's roles as the founding President of the Molecular Biosciences Graduate Student Association, New Student Liaison, and member of the Outreach Committee highlight her dedication to fostering a vibrant and inclusive academic community within the Molecular Biosciences department.
Suhas Das
Atlanta, Georgia
Bachelor of Public Health and Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences
During his time at USF, Suhas has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills as president of USF Rotaract, the second-biggest collegiate-based Rotaract club in the country, as well as being Rotary District 6890鈥檚 Rotaract chair. He has shown a commitment to Rotary鈥檚 value of 鈥淪ervice Above Self鈥� through the 800+ community service hours he has obtained as well as many service projects planned from scratch both here in Tampa and abroad in Ghana while at USF. Suhas hopes to continue a life of service and curiosity as he will be attending graduate school for an MSPH at Johns Hopkins University, then utilizing his Peace Corps Prep certification obtained via USF to serve three years with the Peace Corps.
Taylor Herman
Omaha, Nebraska
Bachelor of Science in Political Science
Taylor began her time at USF involved in Student Government as a senator representing USF St. Petersburg in a university wide legislative body, volunteering with the USF St. Petersburg Center for Civic Engagement, and participating in international legal research collaboration in which she presented to USF, the 51在线 Political Science Association, and to the U.S. Embassy in Moldova. She then continued her work in student government as the coordinator of graphic design and marketing, later being elected as the campus Lt. Governor and working with students and administration to promote and advocate for sustainability, civic engagement and diversity on our campus. She is honored to have been an intern for local non-profit World Partnerships and intern lead for Tampa Bay Congresswoman Kathy Castor.
Kris-An Hinds
Kingston, Jamaica
Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Anthropology
While at USF, Kris-An has demonstrated leadership and a deep dedication to enhancing scientific knowledge as an applied anthropologist. As a first-generation immigrant student, Kris-An鈥檚 passion for advocating for equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM led her to join the USF NSF All-ABOARD Team. She also mentored first-year students, served on the executive board member for the Anthropology Graduate Student Organization, and acted as the Student Representative for the Department of Anthropology's Committee for Diversity & Inclusion.
As a Research Assistant for the NSF Strong Coasts program, she helps advocate for equitable solutions toward the conservation of coral reefs, mangroves, and cultural heritage in Belize, Miami, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. She also conducted interdisciplinary research focused on strengthening civic engagement in environmental policy across 51在线 and Belize. Kris-An鈥檚 academic pursuits have earned her many prestigious recognitions, including the 51在线 Education Fund McKnight Doctoral Fellowship and National Science Foundation Strong Coasts Research Trainee Fellowship.
Bethany Jowers
Destin, 51在线
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences and Bachelor of Arts in World Languages
and Cultures (with a concentration in Spanish and Latin American Studies)
While at USF, Bethany has demonstrated incredible work ethic, passion for research, and service to the USF and Tampa Bay communities. As an on-campus leader, she helped re-establish the Undergraduate American Medical Women鈥檚 Association and served as its President for two consecutive years and was also a Co-Executive Director of the USF BRIDGE Clinic Public Health Team and Swing of the Order of Golden Brahman. The highlights of her extensive research experience include conducting her grant-funded Honors thesis while studying abroad in the Dominican Republic, interning for two years with the Tampa General Hospital Transplant Institute, working with the USF Cancer Communications Lab on the federally-funded Project EXTRA, and presenting her research at numerous university, state, and national conferences. She is proud to be named the first Student of the Year at the USF Office of High-Impact Practices and Undergraduate Research, and has worked with HIPUR for years to make research more accessible to undergraduates.
Julia Llanos
Gran Couva, Trinidad
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences
During her time at USF, Julia has inspired student involvement and strengthened the undergraduate research community through new initiatives. As President of the Undergraduate Research Society, she managed and created a system for mentored interdisciplinary research projects, which allowed 300 students to conduct and present research at USF conferences. Founding a scientific journal at USF and serving as Editor-in-Chief was another means by which she developed and highlighted student scholarship.
Alongside Moffitt Researchers, Julia developed immersive workshops, for which they obtained a grant to fund. In her own academic pursuits, she has maintained a 4.0 GPA and conducted environmental oncology research at both the College of Public Health and Moffitt Cancer Center. She has presented her research at USF鈥檚 Research Day and at the Global Health Catalyst Summit at the University of Pennsylvania. To further connect USF students to global health initiatives, she has also established a chapter of the Global Health Catalysts at USF.
Nicole Nagib
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences
While at USF, Nicole has demonstrated resilience, curiosity, respect and compassion. Nicole has served in several leadership capacities, most notably as the President of the Dean's Student Leadership Society (DSLS), where she led diverse initiatives, and fostered connections among students, alumni, and donors. Nicole鈥檚 passion for teaching emerged through roles as an Honors Foundations instructor and Chemistry I Peer Leader. A defining aspect of her research journey was being able to publish and present several research projects on the national stage at conferences dedicated to healthcare, including the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.
Nicole is committed to global citizenship, and has pursued experiences in Japan, attended international events, and engaged in impactful research. Nicole is dedicated to public health, medicine, and supporting women in STEM. Nicole embodies USF's core values and will carry them forward as she begins medical school in the class of 2029 at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, 51在线.
Dylan Schmucker
Bradenton, 51在线
Bachelor of Science in Biology
During his time at USF, Dylan has demonstrated exceptional leadership and academic excellence throughout his time at USF Sarasota Manatee. Dylan achieved a 4.0 GPA and graduated as a member of the Judy Genshaft Honors College. Dylan also became the inaugural Judy Genshaft Honors College Peer Mentor at the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus and taught two classes of honors freshmen in 2022 and 2023. Dylan served in Student Government as the Campus Council Vice Chair to advocate for students and make USF Sarasota Manatee a better place. Looking towards the future, Dylan was accepted into the USF Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and will begin his Physical Therapy journey in August 2024.
Samay Shah
Tallahassee, 51在线
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
During Samay鈥檚 time at USF, he explored addiction from psychological, social, biological, and clinical perspectives. His research has led to numerous posters and oral presentation awards as well as multiple manuscripts. Outside of the lab, he is particularly proud of co-founding,
Prevent Overdose is a non-profit organization that has distributed over $40,000 of Narcan to individuals likely to witness or experience an overdose. He also co-founded and leads Fluer Labs, a biotech startup aimed at researching and developing treatments for Xylazine-induced skin ulcers. As Samay prepares for his post-graduate plans, he aims to continue pursuing research opportunities and developing Fluer Labs, leaving behind a legacy of curiosity and ambition at USF.
Mridula Singh
Valrico, 51在线
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
While at USF, Mridula has demonstrated Mridula has demonstrated leadership as the Research Coordinator for the Undergraduate Research Society, scholarship in the College of Arts and Sciences Deans Student Society, and service in Phi Delta Epsilon, a medical fraternity. Throughout my undergraduate career she was able to be a research assistant for a Cardiovascular Surgery Lab at Morsani College of Medicine, a research assistant and thesis lead for Addiction and Neuroscience at the USF HEALTH Byrd Alzheimer鈥檚 Institute, as well as spearheading a research project creating an application to integrate Art Therapy in curriculum. Additionally, demonstrated leadership through working for the Marketing and Communications for the Judy Genshaft Honors College, Student Advancement Photographer for the USF Foundation, serving as the Photography Editor for the USF SPARKS magazine, and a multimedia assistant for The Oracle. She was also recognized for leadership by being initiated into the Order of the Golden Brahman.
Bethsagesna Thalon
Bradenton, 51在线
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Bethsagesna has demonstrated unwavering dedication, leadership, and a commitment to academic excellence while at USF. Bethsagesna exceptional leadership extends to their role as the USF Sarasota-Manatee Lieutenant Governor for the 2023-2024 term. In this capacity, they have demonstrated outstanding organizational skills, fostering a dynamic and inclusive campus community. Bethsagesna adeptly navigated the demanding role of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at a local hospital and seamlessly integrated responsibilities as a medical scribe, all while maintaining a delicate equilibrium with their academic commitments. Beyond the campus borders, Bethsagesna has showcased a global perspective through a transformative two-month experience in South America. Shadowing and volunteering in Chile, Argentina, and Peru, they immersed themselves in diverse healthcare settings, gaining insights into global health challenges and displaying a dedication to addressing healthcare disparities on an international scale. In the spirit of the Golden Bull Award, Bethsagesna Thalon stands out as an ambitious and compassionate leader.
See more from the celebratory event and of the award ceremony which also highlights other distinguished awardees.