Current Students
Judy Genshaft Honors College Dean's Circle of Merit
A prestigious award presented at the spring and fall Honors Graduate Celebration Ceremonies, the Dean鈥檚 Circle of Merit recognizes select Judy Genshaft Honors College students who have actively contributed to the Honors College and/or the Office of National Scholars (ONS) community and legacy.

Areas of Distinction
The Dean's Circle of Merit recognizes students in the Judy Genshaft Honors College for their outstanding achievements in four distinct areas, which embody the core values of the college:
Leadership
The student has demonstrated considerable leadership within the Judy Genshaft Honors College community (including ONS) with a dedication to guiding others through the Judy Genshaft Honors College experience.
Service
The student has dedicated a significant amount of time and energy to volunteering on campus, in the Tampa Bay area, or on a global scale through the Judy Genshaft Honors College community.
Research
The student has pursued extensive research within the Judy Genshaft Honors College (including ONS), such as through completing exemplary thesis, working with the Office of Undergraduate Research, and/or presenting at conferences.
Global Citizenship
The student has shown a significant presence in the global community, actively working to become a more accomplished global citizen through study abroad, learning of culture, and/or taking advantage of the numerous opportunities through the Judy Genshaft Honors College.
Eligibility
Each fall and spring semester, Judy Genshaft Honors College faculty and staff are responsible for actively nominating graduating Honors students for this prestigious award.
Towards the end of the semester, nominated students will receive an email from the Dean of the Judy Genshaft Honors College and will be asked to submit additional application materials for further consideration.
The application will be reviewed by a panel of representatives from the Judy Genshaft Honors College Student Council, the Judy Genshaft Honors College LLC, the Office of National Scholars, and the Judy Genshaft Honors College Faculty.
Awardees will be announced at the Honors Graduate Celebration Ceremony at the end of the semester. Students who receive the award are encouraged to wear their stoles at their 黑料网吃瓜爆料university-wide graduation commencement ceremony.
2025 DEAN CIRCLE OF MERIT RECIPIENTS
Spring 2025
Leadership | Ankit Patel for his dedication to collaborative problem-solving, a skill he developed through engaging in challenging discussions within Honors seminars on topics ranging from reproductive care ethics to cultural factors in mental health. These experiences, guided by Honors professors, taught him the value of diverse perspectives in addressing complex issues. Beyond the classroom, Ankit sought opportunities to lead through candid conversations, whether encouraging study abroad to Honors students, sharing his experiences on panels, and emphasizing the power of honest reflection. Applying these skills beyond the Honors College, Ankit evolved led research teams, fostering collaboration that resulted in significant publications and presentations at international conferences, supported by the Genshaft Global Presidential Scholarship. His leadership extended to the broader community through his impactful roles as a board member for PrepAndMe, addressing educational access for low-income students, and the Hillsborough Education Foundation, where he now mentors students after once being a beneficiary himself. Ankit has demonstrated leadership in various areas within 黑料网吃瓜爆料and beyond during his undergraduate studies.
Leadership | Chandrika Ganduri for making numerous meaningful contributions to the Judy Genshaft Honors College and the wider 黑料网吃瓜爆料community. Within the Honors College, she excelled in various roles, from guiding prospective students as an Honors Ambassador to fostering community as Treasurer of the Honors Choir and, most notably, as a Peer Mentor Lead. Beyond the Honors College, her leadership as President of the Hindu Students Council cultivated an inclusive space and her impactful work as Vice President of Triumph Over Trafficking showcased her dedication to creating meaningful change by supporting survivors and raising awareness. Chandrika's journey at 黑料网吃瓜爆料shows a deep commitment to guiding others, fostering community, and enacting positive change.
Service | Hanan Ibrahim for her commitment to service, which started early as a supportive Resident Assistant for three years and through her active engagement with Phi Delta Epsilon, volunteering and fundraising for various causes. Guided by her Honors advisor, Dr. Kevin Lee, Hanan extended her service to the Tampa community as an HIV Testing Counselor and an English tutor for refugees and immigrants. Her dedication to bridging gaps in access is shown through her work with EnVision Resolution, securing funding for expanded mental health services, and even informed her academic pursuits. Hanan describes service as a responsibility we all share and has done her part in serving many communities throughout her time at USF.
Global Citizenship | K'yana Edwards for extensive engagement with the global community, seeking and creating opportunities for cross-cultural understanding and collaboration through initiatives like revitalizing the Caribbean Culture Exchange, contributing to sustainable tourism efforts informed by her study abroad in Switzerland, and co-developing the award-winning Global Quest platform with Colombian peers. Her interdisciplinary academic focus, demonstrated by her work with a Belizean business in her capstone course and her service with the Ubuntu Creative Arts Project in Jamaica, further exemplifies her commitment to applying her skills in diverse global contexts.
Research | Nora Wolfgang for having had significant and varied research endeavors throughout their undergraduate studies. From an initial thesis on religious trauma, Nora's research journey evolved through their work in the CREATE lab on reentry and recidivism, sparking a commitment to creating an impact through research. Their current independent role in anthropological research on sickle cell trait comorbidity, coupled with their pivotal experience in a Romanian bioarchaeology lab, directly informed their Honors thesis. They have also conducted research through the Anthropology Departmental Honors Program regarding the status of women in medieval society. Nora has shown a commitment to consistent engagement in diverse research areas throughout their time at USF.
2024 DEAN CIRCLE OF MERIT RECIPIENTS
Fall 2024
Leadership | Alina John for her demonstration of exceptional leadership and dedication to her peers during her journey at the Judy Genshaft Honors College. Alina has served as a peer mentor and a passionate health advocate, empowering others and fostering a supportive community. Her contributions range from guiding students through academic and personal challenges to leading impactful programs such as the Girl Scouts鈥� high-award initiatives and study abroad experiences in South Korea. Alina鈥檚 commitment to leadership, mentorship, and service has left a lasting mark on the Honors community. She plans to carry these values forward as she pursues a career as a physician.
Leadership | Abdul Muqeet Khawaja for his resilience, dedication, and deep commitment to community service during his time at the 黑料网吃瓜爆料鈥檚 St. Petersburg campus. Abdul has embraced leadership roles with passion and empathy, from becoming the first co-chair of the Judy Genshaft Honors College St. Petersburg Student Council to securing significant mental health funding as campus governor in Student Government. As Abdul steps into this new chapter, he plans to carry forward the values he gained at USFSP to make a meaningful impact.
Service | Krish Veera for his dedication to service, evident through his extensive volunteer work on campus, in the Tampa Bay area, and globally. From contributing to the Honors Community Garden and supporting the WellFed Food Pantry to participating in a transformative study abroad service trip in Puerto Rico, Krish's efforts have had a significant impact on both local and international communities. His involvement in student organizations like the Rotaract Club of 黑料网吃瓜爆料and Google Developer Groups Tampa Bay, where he organized coding workshops for children and food pantries for Feeding Tampa Bay, further showcases his commitment to service. His passion for service has left a lasting impact on many, especially the Honors Community.
Global Citizenship | Maryam Latif for embracing opportunities to expand a global perspective, notably through the Spring 2023 South Korea Beyond the Classroom program, where she immersed herself in local culture and built lasting relationships. Her commitment continued as a teaching assistant for the same program, fostering cross-cultural connections and enhancing cultural competence among her peers. Additionally, Maryam's roles as a global ambassador, research assistant at the Global Center for Hearing and Speech Research, and peer mentor have allowed her to inspire others and promote the value of global engagement. Her passion for cultural exchange and collaboration has made a significant impact, highlighting her dedication to becoming an accomplished global citizen.
Spring 2024
Research | Neha Dantuluri for inspiring firsthand observations of gender violence and health disparities. Through her thesis