Graduate School Master’s Fellow Awards

Maddisyn Braun is a graduate student in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia. Under the guidance of Dr. John Maerz, her research will focus on the hybridization trends of plethodontid salamanders in the Appalachian mountains. 

She completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she conducted a thesis on the correlation between hybridization and threat of extinction for amphibian species, allowing her to graduate with highest honors in Biology. During her time at UNC, she also assisted with research on amphibian mate choice behaviors and studies on long-term behavioral patterns of eastern box turtles in North Carolina. 

Following her graduation, she continued to perform research at the University of North Carolina to conclude her project on amphibian hybridization. Throughout this time, she also served as an assistant curator of reptiles, amphibians, and ambassador animals at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, as well as a herpetological technician conducting freshwater turtle surveys with North Carolina State University. 

Braun is excited to begin her career at the University of Georgia, and feels honored to be able to partake in the cutting edge conservation work constantly emerging from the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. With a master’s degree, she hopes to work as a wildlife biologist to conserve the rich herpetological biodiversity of the Southeast, and eventually aims to return to graduate school for her Ph.D. and become a university professor of wildlife biology.

Shannon Grimm is a graduate student in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Georgia. She will be working under the mentorship of Dr. Paul Severns, where she will be working on exploring the evolution of dispersal-related traits in plant pathogens. Specifically, she will be exploring the heritability of spore size in soybean rust to plan and strategize how to manage the disease.

Grimm received a Bachelor of Science in Plant Biology from the University of Georgia. Within her undergraduate career, she assisted several graduate students in their agricultural research, and determined she wanted to continue her education and scientific research in a field that can be used to help farmers sustainably maintain and grow their livelihood. 

After completing her master’s degree, Grimm aims to become a Plant Pathology Extension Agent to help diagnose and manage crop pathogens and connect farmers with resources to minimize the pressure pathogens put on their yield. She ultimately hopes to increase food production to help boost farmers’ revenue and lessen food insecurity while exploring the natural world through science.

Jonah Hammett is a graduate student at the Hugh Hodgson School of Music at the University of Georgia. He will work under the mentorship of Dr. Jean Martin-Williams and Dr. James Naigus. While at UGA, Hammett will serve as one of two horn studio teaching assistants and perform with the Bulldog Brass Quintet. 

In May 2025, Hammett graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a Certificate of Performance from the University of Texas at Austin. During his undergraduate years, he performed with the UT Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and New Music Ensemble. He also founded the LongHORN Quartet, an award-winning undergraduate chamber group dedicated to creating high-quality chamber music experiences for horn players at the Butler School of Music.

Hammett is a decorated soloist and chamber musician. He won the 2024 MidSouth Horn Workshop Undergraduate Solo Contest and received Honorable Mention in the 2025 MidNorth Horn Workshop 23+ Solo Contest. The LongHORN Quartet earned runner-up honors in 2024 and won the 2025 MidNorth Quartet Contest. Outside the concert hall, he performed with the Blue Knights and Bluecoats Drum Corps. In 2023, he earned a silver medal with the Bluecoats and, in 2024, helped lead the corps to an undefeated DCI World Championship. 

He is thrilled to join UGA’s vibrant community of musicians and scholars and looks forward to the growth and collaboration ahead.

Devonian “Devon” Locke is a graduate student in the Department of Ecology at the University of Georgia, where he works under Dr. Krista Capps. He intends to work with a multidisciplinary team to study how elements, containments, and microbes move from terrestrial to aquatic ecosystems.

Originally from Crowder, Oklahoma, Locke earned his bachelor’s degree in environmental science and political science from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. There, he conducted research on the biogeochemistry of a former pastureland, examining the effects of ecological restoration on elemental cycling and soil health.

Locke was recognized as an Outstanding Graduate, inducted into the Hypatia Honor Society, and graduated Magna Cum Laude. His upbringing in a rural community continues to inform his research goals, especially his commitment to advancing environmental policy and ecosystem sustainability.

He chose UGA for its field-based research and its historic leadership in ecological science. Locke is honored to be named a Graduate School Master’s Fellow and looks forward to contributing to UGA’s research community.

Amber Lopez is a graduate student in the School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Georgia. She will be joining Dr. Santiago and the Compound Inundation Team for Resilient Applications (CITRA) and supporting the lab’s efforts in developing compound flood modeling systems to assist and protect the most vulnerable populations in Puerto Rico from flooding events.

Lopez graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences and Summa Cum Laude Honors from the University of Florida. During her time there, she participated on two NSF IRES summer research programs in Ghana and Ecuador, interned under Florida Sea Grant, and conducted her own research project on microplastics in drinking water treatment residuals. These experiences grew her fascination with the human-environment interface and sparked her interests in environmental engineering, specifically water resource engineering and coastal flooding. She is excited to dive into the field of engineering and learn how to apply her environmental knowledge with computational models to obtain real-life solutions. 

Lopez hopes to continue positively impacting vulnerable communities by either pursuing a Ph.D. or career in environmental engineering following the completion of her Master’s. Until then, she looks forward to completing her graduate studies and research while enjoying all Athens and the University of Georgia have to offer.

Megan Meyer is a graduate student in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication at the University of Georgia. She will be working under the advisement of Dr. Allison Byrd and Dr. Alexa Lamm. Meyer hopes to continue to learn about leadership and communication research during her time at the University of Georgia. Specifically, Meyer hopes to connect farmers to the behind-the-scenes research that supports and advances agricultural practices.

In May of 2025, Meyer graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in agricultural communication and marketing. She grew up on a dairy farm in rural Minnesota, and has always been passionate about participating in agricultural activities.

Throughout college, she was active in the University of Minnesota dairy judging team, the Gopher Dairy Club, the University’s NAMA chapter, and activities within the University’s Agricultural Communication and Marketing department. Additionally she worked on a research project called the Real Pork Trust Consortium, where she served as a communication assistant. 

Upon graduation, she hopes to find a job working for a dairy health or nutrition company selling helpful products to dairy farmers, and working with a team of people. Meyer hopes to continue to tell the stories of farmers to consumers, politicians, and researchers.

Elijah Peacock is a graduate student in the Department of Classics at the University of Georgia. His research and thesis will center around Greek and Latin philology. 

Peacock completed his Bachelor of Arts in Latin and Classical Culture as a First Honor Graduate at the University of Georgia. As an undergraduate student, Peacock received recognition from the UGA Charter Scholarship, Honors International Scholars Program, Edward and Jenny Best Award, and the CAMWS Award for Outstanding Accomplishment in Classical Studies.

He served as a member of the Zeta Iota Chapter of the classical honors society Eta Sigma Phi and acted as president for the statewide chapter of the Senior Classical League and the local chapter which he founded. 

Peacock is excited to return to Athens and explore his passions in both teaching and research as he prepares for the future pursuit of a doctorate. He chose the University of Georgia because of the strength of its pedagogy instruction and the diverse specialties of the faculty in the Department of Classics. Peacock plans to continue researching his range of interests from the study of Late Republic Latin to longue durée historical geography.

Nishat Sarmin Rupanty is a graduate student in the Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors at the University of Georgia. Her research will explore the biomedical aspects of textile science. Her current focus is on developing biocompatible fiber based materials for tissue regeneration, especially textile based bio-scaffolds that replicate the extracellular matrix and support cell growth. 

Rupanty earned her bachelor’s in Textile Engineering from Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology. Her work spans over ten projects in biomedical textiles, sustainability, and smart materials. Highlights include bio based water repellent finishes, salt free dyeing, and natural dyes with bio mordants. She has co-authored studies on textile scaffolds for tissue growth, antimicrobial fabrics with plant proteins, and drug releasing smart textiles. Her research also tackles environmental issues like microplastic removal with chitosan coated fibers, green flame retardant coatings, and textile waste valorization. She also has research plans to explore smart coatings for wound healing and controlled drug release, aiming to connect material innovation with practical health solutions. 

Looking ahead, Rupanty plans to pursue a Ph.D. and advance sustainable innovation by merging functional materials, bioengineering, and smart design. Her goal is to create next generation textiles that aid recovery, reduce waste, and lower environmental impact. She is grateful to join the University of Georgia, and is excited to contribute to research at the intersection of textile chemistry, health, and sustainability.

Katherine Scheflen is a graduate student in the Department of Animal and Dairy Science at the University of Georgia. She will be working under Dr. Jorge Hidalgo, where her academic interests center on improving genetic diversity, resilience, and efficiency in livestock populations.

She graduated summa cum laude from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and minors in Genetics and International Agriculture. During her undergraduate studies, Scheflen gained hands-on experience working at the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in the Molecular Division. There, she supported diagnostic testing by preparing animal specimens, sterilizing equipment, and maintaining lab safety and biosecurity standards, deepening her understanding of molecular processes and laboratory research.

Scheflen was active in leadership, mentoring, and service roles. She studied abroad at the American Farm School in Thessaloniki, Greece, where she explored international agriculture and food systems. She participated in a National Student Exchange semester at UGA and took ADSC 3110: Genetics of Livestock Improvement. The course and Dr. Hidalgo’s mentorship inspired her to return for graduate studies. She was drawn to UGA’s collaborative academic community and the Animal Breeding and Genetics group’s focus on real-world agricultural challenges. 

A native of New Jersey, Scheflen’s passion for agriculture began at an early age through 4-H. Years of showing dairy cattle and attending national conventions fostered a strong interest in livestock genetics and sustainable agriculture. After the completion of her graduate studies, Scheflen plans to pursue a career in animal genetics research focused on sustainable livestock systems and global food security.

Francisco Zamparini is a graduate student in the Department of Romance Languages at the University of Georgia. His current research analyzes how narratives evolve through emerging media and how these transformations affect cultural representation and literary theory.

He aims to deepen his specialization in literary studies, particularly the intersection between traditional and digital formats, while simultaneously advancing his training in linguistics with an eye toward real-world applications. Through this dual focus, Zamparini seeks to contribute to academic research, enhance his teaching practice for 21st-century students, and develop practical tools and solutions that bring literary and linguistic knowledge beyond the classroom and into broader cultural and technological contexts.

Originally from Mendoza, Argentina, Zamparini holds a Bachelor of Arts in Literature with a minor in Linguistics from the National University of Cuyo. He received the Distinguished Graduate Award for academic excellence upon graduation. 

In addition to his academic work, Zamparini has collaborated with AI companies as a computational linguist, worked as a screenwriter for global digital platforms, and taught literature and cinema courses at universities. Beyond this, he was a nationally ranked swimmer, earning multiple medals in breaststroke and medley events at both national and international competitions across Argentina, Chile, and Peru. He brings the same dedication and discipline from his athletic background into his scholarly pursuits.

Brighton Kevin Zisadza is a graduate student in the Department of Geography at the University of Georgia. Working under Dr. Marguerite Madden, his research interests will focus on wildlife conservation and human-wildlife interactions.

Zisadza completed his undergraduate degree in Geographical Information Science and Earth Observations at the University of Zimbabwe. He later went on to work as a Geospatial Analyst and Drone Pilot at Connected Conservation Trust in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Zisadza specializes in elephant conservation and human-wildlife conflict management within the Zambezi-Mosi Oa Tunya Wildlife Dispersal Area, which is part of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area.

Through collaborative projects with the University of Georgia’s Department of Geography lecturers and students while working at Connected Conservation Trust, Zisadza recognized UGA’s exceptional academic environment and research opportunities that aligned perfectly with his career aspirations.

Upon completing his master’s degree, Zisadza plans to return to Zimbabwe where he aims to apply his enhanced expertise in wildlife conservation. His unique combination of technical skills in geospatial analysis and practical experience in conservation management positions him well to contribute meaningfully to wildlife conservation efforts in Africa.

Bridgette Allen
Department of Chemistry, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

Bridgette Allen is a graduate student in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Georgia. She will have a focus in analytical chemistry.

Allen graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelor of science in chemistry with a biochemistry concentration. During her senior year, she researched with Dr. Shahab Shamsi, focusing on the application of analytical chemistry techniques to forensic science. One of the projects she worked on was optimizing the separation of psychoactive cannabinoid isomers utilizing high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with an ultraviolet-visible detector. Starting her sophomore year, Allen began working as a teaching assistant in chemistry labs, including Organic chemistry I and instrumental analysis, where she discovered a passion for teaching. For the 2024 academic year, she was awarded an undergraduate student assistant award.

Allen chose UGA because of its robust chemistry department with distinguished faculty. The diversity of research in chemistry at UGA was also important due to the potential for collaboration. The abundance of professors conducting diverse research utilizing mass spectrometry for the analysis of biomolecules drew her to the program while the friendliness of the department cemented her decision.

She is excited to move from downtown Atlanta to a traditional college town like Athens. Although she anticipates spending the majority of her time in the lab, she hopes to explore the numerous hiking trails in the county.

Samantha Biernat
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Services

Samantha Biernat is a graduate student in the department of Crop and Soil Sciences at the University of Georgia. Her research interests include studying the long-term effects of cover crops and living mulches on soil health and moisture.  

Biernat completed her undergraduate degree in her home state of Indiana from Ball State University. She received her bachelor’s of science in Biology with a minor environmental management. 

While completing her degree, her interest in soil science began while assisting Ph.D. candidate David McFarland in his research focused on studying the effectiveness of biochar in the retention of nutrients in soils for enhancing crop growth and protecting water systems from agricultural runoff. At Ball State she also had the opportunity to earn a prescribed fire for managers certification and volunteer alongside the universities’ land manager and restoration ecologist to conduct prescribed burns at Cooper Farm to help ensure the health of the prairie by controlling invasive exotic plants.  

Biernat chose to continue her education at the University of Georgia where she will be working on her research with Dr. Levi in the pedology lab. She is honored to be a part of the College of Environmental and Agricultural Sciences and is looking forward to completing her master’s degree while conducting research and assistant teaching at UGA.  After graduating, she plans on becoming a soil science consultant.  

During her time in Athens, Biernat is eager to explore Georgia’s scenic hiking trails and experience the music scene downtown.   

Madelyn Butterworth
Child Life, Department of Human Development and Family Science, College of Family and Consumer Sciences

Madelyn Butterworth is a graduate student in the Department of Human Development and Family Science at the University of Georgia. Her research interests are centered around the effects that long term hospital stays have on pediatric patients. This work involves observing the effects of patient activities, group therapy and the creation of stable schedules for the patients.

Butterworth is a passionate advocate for children with medical needs. She recently graduated from Kennesaw State University with a bachelor’s degree in Human Services. Her degree focused on Social Engagement and a minor in Child Advocacy.

While at KSU, Butterworth was the Philanthropy Director for Phi Mu and the Family Relations Chairman for Miracle. In partnership with fellow students, she was instrumental in raising over $400,000 during her tenure at KSU and helped to shine light on the needs for medically fragile children and their families. While completing her bachelor’s degree, Butterworth worked as a Patient Safety Sitter and a Rehabilitation Aid at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Participating in her volunteer and work activities, led her to develop a passion to pursue a career as a Child Life Specialist.

She recently received the Graduate Masters Fellow Award from UGA as she begins the Child Life program.

Butterworth grew up cheering on the Dawgs and chose the University of Georgia because of its outstanding reputation in the field of Child Life. The collaborative environment and the opportunity to work with esteemed faculty members in an accredited Child Life program were pivotal in her decision to join UGA.

Looking ahead, Butterworth plans to leverage her education, passion, and experience to pursue a career as a Child Life Specialist.  With a solid foundation from UGA, she will be well-prepared to achieve her professional aspirations and positively impact the lives of her pediatric patients and their families.

Phillip Cicero
Department of Communication, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

Phillip Cicero is a graduate student in the Department of Communication at the University of Georgia. His program’s focus is in Rhetorical Studies.

Coming from a religious background, Cicero’s research interests primarily lie in religious rhetoric and focus on the ways the rhetoric of evangelical pastors and leaders of the Christian right shape their audiences’ understanding of sexuality, race, and gender roles.

He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Dayton where he graduated with a B.A. in English and History.

While studying at UD, Cicero worked as an editorial assistant for Animal History and was a member of the University of Dayton English Student Advisory Board. He also was able to present this research at the University of Dayton’s Stander Symposium.

Cicero grew up in Dayton, Ohio, and is looking forward to living outside of his hometown. Outside of the academic world, he enjoys traveling the world, cooking, watching soccer, and reading. He is excited to work with University of Georgia’s Department of Communication faculty this coming fall semester and looks forward to expanding his research.

Alyssa Connolly
Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources

Alyssa Connolly is a graduate student in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia. Working under Dr. Steven Castleberry and the Jones Center at Ichauway, she will study the impact of quail management practices on native rodent populations.

While completing her Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources with a Conservation Biology emphasis, Connolly studied fish, rodents, bats, and invertebrates in the Sonoran Desert region. Through the Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP) at the University of Arizona, she studied Cassiopea jellyfish and published her first paper on the fluid dynamics of soft-bodied corals. Her interest in research led her to complete an internship at Bandelier National Monument studying the occupancy of the endangered New Mexico meadow jumping mouse in the Jemez region.

Connolly’s passion for wildlife began in high school where she competed in the Future Farmers of America competitions for forestry and wildlife. She has since had the opportunity to train under land managers in the US Forest Service, National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Connolly is thrilled to have the opportunity to study rodents in the southeast and gain exposure to a new climate and group of peers. She considers it a high honor to be joining the legacy of the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. She hopes to work as a federal wildlife biologist to help preserve biodiversity and unique habitats across the United States.

Kaylee Gallatin
Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Family and Consumer Sciences

Kaylee Gallatin is a graduate student in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Georgia. Her interests within dietetics lie in sports nutrition and disordered eating.

Gallatin completed a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics with a minor in Health Promotion at Michigan State University.

While completing her undergraduate degree she assisted the Head Performance Basketball Dietitian at Michigan State as a Spartans Fuel Intern and had the opportunity to work closely with Division 1 athletes. Gallatin was also the president of a women-led fitness organization on campus called CHAARG. This organization serves to provide a safe space for women to find movement they enjoy and connect with other girls.

Gallatin received several awards during her undergraduate career including an Education Abroad Academic Excellence Scholarship and achieved the Dean’s List throughout her undergraduate education. She was recently awarded the Graduate Masters Fellow Award and the Virginia Wilbanks Kilgore Scholarship Award from UGA.

During her time at UGA, Gallatin hopes to explore different settings within dietetics through her Dietetic Internship rotations. She also hopes to complete a sports nutrition emphasis within her degree. By completing the MS-DI program at UGA, she will be eligible to sit for the Registered Dietitian exam and will be well prepared to serve the community through nutrition.

Virginia Griswold
Department of Ecology, Odum School of Ecology

Virginia Griswold is a graduate student in the Odum School of Ecology at the University of Georgia, pursuing an MSc. in Ecology. Her research will center around plant-soil feedbacks of Ericaceae, with focal points on succession and plant function in forest ecosystems of the Southern Appalachians.

Griswold is most excited and grateful to build on her passion for the intersections between plants, the environment, and society in research and outreach opportunities at UGA.

She received her bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. At Smith, she completed her thesis research on germination responses and mycorrhizal mutualisms of Ericaceae and led a secondary project with the Botanic Garden of Smith College on seed dormancy of Pedicularis canadensis.

Griswold presented her research at two national conferences and is moving her undergraduate projects toward publication. Before attending UGA, she will conclude her role as a post-bac Research Technician at Vassar College in New York, where she studied the ecophysiology of invasive vines and mentored undergraduate researchers.

After five years in the Northeast, Griswold is eager to return to the Southeast to expand her skills and knowledge in Georgia and be closer to family. Her choice of UGA for grad school was most dependent on the depth of community and research at Odum and the connections between the plant biology and ecology departments. With her master’s, Griswold’s goal is to be a plant ecologist in the nonprofit sector, working with botanic gardens that integrate research, biodiversity, and conservation efforts.

Jacina Hollins-Borges
Department of History, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

Jacina Hollins-Borges is a graduate student in the Department of History at the University of Georgia.

She graduated from Davidson College with a bachelor’s degree in History, and focused on gender history and how social crises can manifest through clothing trends.

For her senior capstone on post-World War II women’s fashion as an expression of postwar anxiety, she received the department’s History 480 Capstone Prize. At UGA, she intends to expand on these ideas.

In between Davidson and UGA, Hollins-Borges worked for Media Matters for America as a rapid response researcher, where she tracked, researched, and wrote about right-wing media narratives and disinformation. 

Coming from a small liberal arts school, she is excited that she will be able to use UGA’s substantial archival collection to deepen her research. After completing her degree, Hollins-Borges is interested in continuing research work and sociopolitical analysis.

Aniya Johnson
Department of Linguistics, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

Aniya Johnson is a first-generation graduate student in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Georgia. Her research interests are sociolinguistics, linguistic anthropology and language policy and planning.

Johnson received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida with a double major in Linguistics and Anthropology.

During her undergraduate career, she served as Vice President and President of the Undergraduate Linguistics Society, an ambassador for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, a Machen Florida Opportunity Scholar, a member of the International Scholars program as well as an Experiential Scholar. She was awarded the Dean’s Medal for Excellence and recognized as a Distinguished Graduating Senior by UF’s Department of Linguistics.

As an undergrad, Johnson conducted individual research, advised by Dr. Alayo Tripp, examining phonological similarities between languages spoken within the African Diaspora. In pursuing her Master’s, she hopes to continue this research and broaden her analysis to include other linguistic aspects such as grammar and lexicon. Her goal is to emphasize the validity of undervalued language varieties and dismantle negative language ideologies through interdisciplinary analyses.

Johnson chose The University of Georgia because of the opportunity it offered her to be able to focus solely on her research. As a first generation graduate student it was important for her to attend a program that would ease the worries of affordability, experiential opportunities, and drastic lifestyle changes. As a Master’s Fellow awardee within a relatively small department, and not being too far from home, she is beyond grateful to have found a program that suits her so well! Her career goals include diplomacy and advising/making language policies.

Monica Kincade
Department of History, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

Monica Kincade is a graduate student in the Department of History at the University of Georgia. Her research interests lie in Black southern history.

Kincade graduated from Fisk University with a Bachelor of Arts in History.

As an undergrad, she served as vice president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Pi chapter, and vice president of the Deep South Association. She was recognized as a Courier Scholar by Fisk’s history department and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. Kincade was awarded the Mellon Mays Fellowship, which allowed her to conduct research on a Freetown established during the Reconstruction era in her hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana. She also worked as an intern for the Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture. In this role, Kincade worked on an oral history project centered around Fisk’s class of 1961 to discuss the civil rights movement in Nashville.

Kincade’s ultimate goal is to be able to work in public history, specifically in the field of museums. Coming from a smaller history department, she is grateful to be able to access the wealth of resources the University of Georgia has to offer and further her research.

Rebekah Lee
Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Services

Rebekah Lee is a graduate student in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Georgia. Her research interests include studying the interactions of plant-parasitic nematodes with their host plants on a molecular level to identify genes involved in overcoming plant host defenses.

Lee graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Georgia. Her focus shifted to plant pathology when she took an introduction to plant pathology course during her undergraduate degree.

During the last year of her undergraduate studies, Lee had the opportunity to work in Dr. Mitchum’s molecular plant nematology lab. She aided in testing a candidate gene’s correlation to virulence of the soybean cyst nematode on resistant soybeans. She participated in undergraduate research and presented her work in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Symposium where she placed first in the poster competition.

Lee chose to continue her education at UGA because of her desire to continue the work in Dr. Mitchum’s lab. Her career plans after graduation are to work for the United States Department of Agriculture and further the research in the field of plant pathology.

Malia Little
Department of English, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

Malia Little is a graduate student in the Department of English at the University of Georgia.

She graduated in three years from Young Harris College, a liberal arts college in Northeastern Georgia, with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Psychology. As an undergraduate student, Little worked as a writing tutor and served as President of the National College Honor Society Alpha Chi. She was also a member of International English Honor Society Sigma Tau Delta and served as a committee head in the Student Government Association.

Little’s research as an undergraduate focused on William Faulkner’s 1942 short story “The Bear.” Intrigued by Faulkner’s heavier emphasis on the environment as opposed to race relations, she examined the ecocritical angle of “The Bear,” advised by Dr. Eloise Whisenhunt. Little presented her research capstone at Young Harris’s annual Undergraduate Research Day. She plans on pursuing research within the intersection of American Modernism, ecocriticism, and religion.

The University of Georgia’s writing center and the assistantship as a writing tutor and option to shift to a teaching assistant in the program’s second year attracted Little to UGA over other programs. She aims to build on her undergraduate writing tutor experiences as a tutor for UGA. She looks forward to earning her master’s in her home state. She plans on pursuing a Ph.D. in English after her M.A. with further aspirations to teach college level English literature.

Leonardo Marino
Department of Linguistics, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

Leonardo Marino is a graduate student in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Georgia. His research interests include the historical development of Armenian and its place among the Indo-European languages.

Marino’s undergraduate studies were in Linguistics and Music Composition at Syracuse University.

As an undergraduate, Marino was a Coronat Scholar, a Remembrance Scholar, and the recipient of the Brian A. Israel award for Outstanding Student Composer. He was recently awarded an AGBU grant to assist with the documentation and study of the Artsakh dialect of Eastern Armenian. In past years, Leo worked with Bars Media in Armenia, where he supported various documentary film projects as a researcher and audio editor.

Marino plans to pursue a career as an academic linguist. He chose UGA for its fantastic program in Historical Linguistics. In his free time, he loves to play banjo and identify plants.

Jamiu Musa
Department of Romance Languages, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

Bio info unavailable

David Piland
Department of Chemistry, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

Bio info unavailable

Charmayne Planter
Department of Geography, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

Charmayne Planter is a graduate student in the Department of Geography at the University of Georgia. Her primary research focuses on the Gullah-Geechee community in the coastal sea islands of South Carolina, reflecting her commitment to understanding the importance of environmental conservation in underrepresented communities.

At Sarah Lawrence College, her undergraduate studies focused on international development and geography.

During her undergraduate studies, Planter won the National Conservation Young Leader Award from the National Wildlife Federation for her community engagement initiatives as a leader of the Earth Tomorrow Club. She also received the Udall Undergraduate Scholarship for her work on environmental issues in underrepresented communities and the Gilman Scholarship, highlighting her leadership and global engagement.

This summer, Planter worked with The Nature Conservancy and the Aspen Institute to create a Youth Climate Action Toolkit. She has also researched conservation in rural coastal and indigenous communities, including her Gullah-Geechee ancestry. She has shared that she has been able to offer her perspective on her concerns and apply them to work that she has conducted with support from National Geographic, The Nature Conservancy, and the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium. Her dedication to environmental and cultural studies is further demonstrated by her work with the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant, where she participated in research projects through the National Sea Grant Independent Internship Opportunities.

Planter applied to the University of Georgia to pursue her master’s in geography. Based on her work during her undergraduate experience, she chose UGA for graduate school because the university fosters a supportive and meaningful approach to her field of study.

Misaki Uda
Department of Human Development and Family Science, College of Family and Consumer Sciences

Misaki Uda is an international graduate student from Japan, majoring in Child Life within the Human Development and Family Science department at the University of Georgia.

Academically, Uda completed her master’s degree by researching pregnant high school students in Japan. Unlike the U.S., Japan lacks guidelines for supporting these students, resulting in varied support and challenges for both the students and care providers. Her research deepened her interest in maternal and child health, leading her to choose a pediatric ward when she began her nursing career.

Uda’s five-year career as a pediatric nurse underscored the importance of mental support for children. Unfortunately, Japan has fewer than fifty Child Life Specialists, and none work in the emergency hospital where she was employed. Witnessing the emotional struggles of children and their families in such settings made her realize the critical need for specialized support. She aspires to help establish an educational environment in Japan for those who wish to become Child Life Specialists, thereby enhancing the support available to hospitalized children.

Uda’s dream is to become a Child Life Specialist, a profession dedicated to providing care for hospitalized children and their families. This certification is available only in the U.S., and there are no educational institutions in Japan that offer this credential. She chose UGA since it was standing out as an excellent environment to pursue the career.

Uda is profoundly grateful to UGA and the HDFS department for this incredible opportunity. She is excited about her academic journey and eager to contribute to the field of Child Life, making a meaningful difference in children’s lives.

Richard Augenstein
Department of Kinesiology, Mary Frances Early College of Education

Richard “Richie” Augenstein will be a first year Exercise Psychology M.S. student in the Fall 2023 term. He is studying under Dr. Patrick O’Connor in the Department of Kinesiology, on a thesis track. Richie graduated from UGA in 2023 with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Exercise & Sport Science. During his 4 years as an undergrad, he was a proud member of the UGA Redcoat Marching band, where he played tenor saxophone and experienced back to back CFP national championships for his beloved Georgia Bulldogs. 

Richie’s research interests include strength training and competitive sports, and how these both relate to and rely on brain functioning. He plans on developing a thesis that explores the high level mental and physical functioning necessary to make a great athlete. He is very grateful for his mentors that have helped along the way. These include, but are not limited to, Dr. Patrick O’Connor of UGA, Dr. Melissa McGranahan of Emory University, and Dr. Jay Hegdé of Augusta University, who all graciously offered him opportunities to work and learn in their labs. 

Richie is very excited to teach students this coming year, to continue his education at this fantastic university, and explore the many opportunities that are possible in his program. Go Dawgs!

Clay Cook
Department of Communication Studies, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

Clay Cook is an incoming first-year graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in Interpersonal and Health Communication within the Department of Communication Studies. Clay completed his undergraduate degree in May 2022 at the University of Georgia where he graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Psychology and minors in Public Health and Health Policy and Management. While studying at UGA, Clay served on the Board of Directors for University Union, the student programming board on campus, and helped plan large-scale events as an Entertainment Coordinator.

After graduation, Clay took a gap year to gain relevant work experience and travel. During his gap year, he worked for the UGA Department of Recreational Sports as the Challenge Course Manager, where he helped facilitate team-building and communication among groups through the use of high and low-rope initiatives.

Clay has several wide-ranging research interests, including conflict in pop culture and media, vaccine hesitancy, and the politicization of public health messaging campaigns. However, he is particularly interested in studying misinformation in politics and the associated implications on disease incidence, especially with regards to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With training from the UGA Interpersonal and Health Communication program, Clay hopes to be a part of the conversation surrounding public health messaging, whether that be through academia or government service.

Blazie Gilder
Child Life, Department of Human Development and Family Science, College of Family and Consumer Sciences

Blazie Gilder is an incoming first-year graduate student pursuing a M.S. in Child Life. She graduated from the University of Idaho in 2023 with a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies and Minors in Human and Community Engagement and Pre-Health Studies. With the ultimate goal of working as a Certified Child Life Specialist, UGA was a clear choice for her in terms of finding a program that would give her the necessary knowledge and skills to best serve her future patients. While studying on the non-thesis track, she looks forward to learning more about the hospitalized child and their family. The Department of Human Development and Family Science offers opportunities for her to learn about the therapeutic benefits of play and what it is like to be on the front line of reducing the impact traumatic healthcare events can have on children and their families. In addition to studying inside the classroom, she will also be able to apply these concepts in the hospital setting. She is also very grateful for the opportunity to conduct research at UGA under the mentorship of Dr. Diane Bales. Her passion for helping others stems from her experiences as a childhood cancer survivor and the help she received from her family, community, and healthcare professionals during treatment. She hopes that her unique perspective, coupled with the outstanding curriculum and mentorship from faculty and staff will help her make a difference for children and their families during potentially traumatic life events.

Jonathan Henson
Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Jonathan Henson is an incoming master’s student in the Department of Plant Pathology. Under the guidance of his advisors, Dr. Phil Brannen and Dr. Marin Talbot Brewer, he will be focusing on studying Glomerella leaf spot, an emerging fungal pathogen in apples. Jonathan aims to enhance our understanding of the disease by characterizing the fungal species responsible and testing management strategies that may assist Georgia apple producers.  

Originally from Herrin, Illinois, Jonathan recently graduated summa cum laude from Southern Illinois University (SIU) obtaining a B.S. in plant biology, accompanied by minors in chemistry and music. Throughout his undergraduate years, he actively participated in the Horticulture Association and the Plant Biology Student Organization, where he helped organize trips and competitions. It was during his time at SIU that he first delved into research in a plant genetics lab. While he greatly enjoyed this experience, it was the Cornell AgriTech Summer Scholars Program in 2022 that introduced him to the fascinating field of plant pathology. With this newfound interest and direction, he set his eyes on graduate school as the next step in his journey toward becoming a researcher. 

Aside from his passion for science, Jonathan’s foremost interest lies in playing the viola. He has performed extensively as the coprincipal violist of the Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra, an artist of the Southern Illinois Music Festival, and a member of various chamber ensembles, including string quartets.

Jonathan is very grateful to the University of Georgia and especially his advisors for the opportunity to pursue his research interests. Ultimately, he hopes to conduct research in the agricultural industry at companies focused on fungicide or seed development.

Courtney Keeler
Department of Chemistry, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

Courtney Keeler is an incoming graduate student to the Master’s of Chemistry Program at UGA. She grew up in Mebane, NC, but now calls Seneca, SC home. She graduated from the University of Montevallo in Alabama, where she earned her BS in chemistry with a minor in mathematics. While there, Courtney was a student athlete and competed for the cross country and track teams. She enjoys playing disc golf, hiking, and spending time with friends. She has performed undergraduate research in the field of organic chemistry under direction of Prof. Tidwell of University of Montevallo, and Prof. Kim of Clemson’s University. Courtney’s work focused on diversification of antibiotics to try to develop new therapeutics. Her research interests include organic and analytic chemistry with a focus on biological application. She is looking forward to diving into exciting research this year, with the hopes of working in the pharmaceutical industry in the future.

Eva Kerr
Forestry and Natural Resources, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources

Eva Kerr is am an incoming Master’s student at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. She is originally from Fredericksburg, VA, and has a very sweet puppy named Remi. She graduated this spring from Allegheny College in Meadville, PA, and majored in Biology and Environmental Science and Sustainability and minored in mathematics. While at Allegheny, she ran cross country and track and worked in environmental education. Her hobbies include hiking, finding good coffee, and being on the water. Eva developed a strong interest in amphibians and their conservation through field research experiences and independent studies with Allegheny, the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL), and the Mims Lab in remote southern Arizona. At RMBL she researched how tiger salamanders impact the macroinvertebrates in a beaver pond. In Arizona, she researched environmental drivers of the presence or absence of the Arizona Tree Frogs, a vulnerable species. Her Master’s project will focus on gopher frogs and their conservation. She would love to continue this research and become a professor in the future.

Pratiksha Kotar
Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Bio info not available

Shayla Manwill
Department of History, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

Shayla Manwill is an incoming first-year graduate student pursuing an M.A. in History. She is focusing her efforts on Public History courses with the hope of obtaining UGA’s Certificate in Museum Studies. Ultimately, her goal is to use her M.A. to find new ways to make United States history more interesting and meaningful to the larger population as well as make it more accessible to rural communities. 

These dreams began in her undergraduate studies at Idaho State University (ISU) where she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s in History and a minor in Business. While at ISU, Shayla had the opportunity to present her original research on nineteenth-century New Orleans Voodoo at the American Historical Association’s (AHA) annual conference in Philadelphia, PA. This work was also presented at the annual Phi Alpha Theta Northwest Regional Conference as well as at ISU’s Undergraduate Research Symposium. To travel to these locations, she was the recipient of numerous grants and scholarships. Moreover, under Dr. Sarah Robey, Shayla participated in archival research about Idaho’s role in the nuclear arms race and was able to assist with the promotion of Dr. Robey’s novel.

Outside of education, Shayla is an avid reader who also enjoys live music, movies, hiking, and hanging out with her friends. She is excited to work with UGA’s history faculty, fellow graduate students, and undergraduate students this Fall semester.

Caitlin McCann
Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Genomics, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Bio info not available

Sarah Moore
Department of Linguistics, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

Bio info not available

Jessica Mysliwski
Integrative Conservation and Sustainability (ICAS), Odum School of Ecology

Jessica Mysliwski received her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh where she majored in environmental studies. She is joining UGA’s Odum School of Ecology this fall to pursue a master’s degree in Integrative Conservation and Sustainability (ICAS). This program will give Jessica the opportunity to conduct environmental policy research regarding more sustainable agricultural practices. Jessica has a passion to better understand how to most effectively incorporate more sustainable practices into the industrial agriculture setting. She wants to learn directly from farmers about obstacles and potential solutions to this issue. 

Most recently, Jessica served in AmeriCorps NCCC for 10 months between her undergrad and grad school. She and her team traveled the country and served various non-profits. Projects included affordable home construction, helping to run a large food pantry, free income tax preparation, natural disaster relief with the American Red Cross, and trail building and maintenance. Their last project was with two non-profit farms that use sustainable farming techniques which provided great real-world experience with sustainable agriculture.  

Jessica grew up in Wisconsin, but she is looking forward to experiencing life outside of the state. All of her family lives in the Midwest, including her mom, dad, twin brother, and the family dog, Lenny. Outside of the academic and professional world, Jessica enjoys making healthy snacks, going for walks, binging a new TV series with friends, and watching sports.

Maya Peters-Greño
Department of History, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

Maya Peters-Greño is an incoming first-year graduate student pursuing an M.A. in History. She graduated from Idaho State University in 2022 with a B.A. in History, where her research focused on material culture, identity, and colonialism. At UGA, she wishes to expand on these themes and understand how people living in 19th-century North America used dress and fashion to form/inform their often heterogeneous identities. 

During her undergraduate studies, Maya was awarded the North American Conference on British Studies (NACBS) Undergraduate Essay Prize for 2022. She was also accepted to present the essay at the NACBS conference in November of 2022. Additionally, Maya has presented historical research at the Baylor McNair Research Conference (August 2022), the Phi Alpha Theta NW Regional Conference (April 2022), and the Idaho State University Undergraduate Research Symposium (May 2022). She looks forward to attending more friendly conferences during her time at UGA, where scholars can learn from each others’ research techniques and employ them to collectively advance their understanding of the ‘pasts’ that have created our present world. Notably, Maya is enthusiastic about finding creative ways to uncover the lives of the subaltern and bring to light the truths of their experiences.

Maya primarily grew up in Barcelona, Spain, but has been living in Idaho for the past eight years. What a change! She’s excited to experience life in Athens, where she will get to do  her favorite things–eat, go on long walks, and people watch–for the first time in a new environment.

Skye Remko
Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Genomics, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Skye Remko, a first-year M.S. student in Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Genomics, is currently conducting research at Dr. Parrott’s lab, focusing on genetically transforming switchgrass for biofuel production. 

Originally from Ringgold, GA, she graduated Magna cum Laude from the University of Georgia with a B.S. in Ecology and a minor in Genetics this past May. Throughout her undergraduate studies, Skye actively participated in the Ecology community as an ambassador and undergraduate peer mentor. Additionally, she completed a senior thesis, “4 Years After Tropical Storm Nate: The Recovery of Macroinvertebrate Community Composition in a Neotropical Stream in Costa Rica”. She dedicated 2 ½ years to working in Dr. Merkle’s lab at the Warnell School of Forestry, where her research focused on genetically modifying American Chestnut to develop resistance against chestnut blight, and this was the work that inspired her to continue studying biotechnology. 

Following the completion of her degree, Skye plans to pursue a career in the biotechnology industry. She aims to join an environmentally conscious company with the ultimate goal of making a significant impact on climate change.

Christopher Saunders
Department of Anthropology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

Christopher Saunders is a first-year graduate student pursuing an MA in Anthropology. He previously graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Georgia in 2020 with a degree in Anthropology and minors in Religion, Art, and Archaeological Studies. Since graduation, Christopher has worked as the Senior Research Technician at the UGA Laboratory of Archaeology and the Georgia Archaeological Site File (GASF).

His research is focused on the development of collaborative methodologies in archaeology in attempts to intertwine researchers, the public, and descendant communities into the process. Christopher’s thesis centers on low elevation settlement patterns in the Macon Plateau region of Georgia, in alignment with the archaeological interests of the Muscogee Nation (MCN). Along with survey work, he plans on integrating GIS StoryMaps and visual anthropological components into the application of his research and outreach. After his MA, Christopher hopes to further his education through a doctoral program and to teach at a university level.

Basil Senso
Ecology, Odum School of Ecology

Basil Senso is an incoming graduate student pursuing a MSc. Ecology at the Odum School of Ecology. He received his undergraduate degree from the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Tanzania where he pursued a BSc. Biotechnology and Laboratory Sciences (2017-2020), a program which equipped him with a lot of veterinary lab techniques. 

Currently, Basil is a lab manager for the Savannah dynamics project which is conducted in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (lead institution: University of Georgia). He developed most of interests in the field of ecology after joining this project in 2021, where he is applying his laboratory knowledge to address different ecological questions like how ecological behaviors and processes impact disease dynamics within animal populations.

Through a master’s degree from the UGA, Basil would like to develop his knowledge in the fields of community and disease ecology which could be the cornerstone in his career goals of becoming a leading researcher in the field of disease ecology in African systems.

Kristina Simons
Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources

Bio info not available

Morgan Thoem
Department of Communication Studies, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

Bio info not available

Annabelle Wilson
Department of English, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

Annabelle Wilson is a first-year graduate student pursuing her MA in English. She graduated from New College of Florida in 2021 with a BA in English and a minor in anthropology. Her academic interests primarily concern postcolonial theory and global literature. Her undergraduate thesis, “Exploring Identity and Culture Through the Overlaps of Anthropology and Literature in the Works of Amitav Ghosh and José María Arguedas,” combined her interest in both English and cultural anthropology, offering an interdisciplinary approach to postcolonial literature. 

At the University of Georgia, Annabelle will continue her literary studies with a focus on cross-cultural encounters, transformations of identity in cultural and literary forms, subaltern theory, and critical theory. She is very excited to have the opportunity to work at UGA’s Willis Center for Writing as she develops a path in pedagogy and, eventually, teaching at a university level. It is her goal to continue her passion for literature at the PhD level.

In her spare time, Annabelle loves spending time with her family in Florida and Tennessee, traveling, movies, and (not surprisingly) reading. She is very excited to join the literary community in Athens and can’t wait to see what her future at UGA holds.

JaQuira Wallace
Child Life, Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, College of Family and Consumer Sciences

JaQuira Wallace was born and raised in Sumter, South Carolina. She is an incoming graduate student pursuing a degree in Child Life, M.S. As a 2021 graduate of the College of Charleston (Public Health, B.S.), JaQuira continues to demonstrate her passion of working with children and families through her experience as an Early Intervention Specialist and her philanthropic work.

 In pursuit of becoming a Child Life Specialist, JaQuira is excited to continue her education at the University of Georgia. When researching Child Life programs, she knew she wanted to be a part of an environment that prioritized creating inclusive and diverse spaces that allow students to feel welcome, learn, grow, and gain skills that’ll be applicable post-graduation. JaQuira hopes to diversify the field of Child Life. In doing so she believes this will create a space for deeper trust amongst families and professionals. She also believes it will impact quality of life, care the patient/family receives, and patient health outcomes. Creating a space that is inclusive to all ethnicities and beliefs ensures that adequate representation is present for families.

Audrey Young
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Audrey Young is a recent graduate of the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. She received her bachelor’s degree in Agriscience and Environmental Systems. Audrey is currently a master’s student in Crop and Soil Sciences under the advisement of Dr. Gerald Henry. Her project focuses on turfgrass sports fields and how painting affects those systems as well as player safety.