Welcome to the Honors College at USF! One of the many perks of being in the Honors College is the opportunity to join a Peer Mentor Network.

The Peer Mentor Network is made up of 37 upper-classmen enrolled in the Honors College – students

selected and trained in leadership, advising, and group dynamics so they can share their college

experience and expertise with you! During Orientation, you will register for IDH 2930 Peer Mentoring with a

Peer Mentor of your choice, and will meet with a small group led by this mentor throughout the fall

semester. This class is 0 credits, so you won’t be charged tuition, but it will be on reflected on your

transcript and is a required part of the Honors College Experience.

The purpose of the Peer Mentor program is:

To ease the transition from high school to college by providing a venue to process college

experiences, ask questions, and find your identity as an Honors College scholar.

To connect you with the Honors College, students, staff, and faculty.

To start building your own network of people and places that will be great resources during your

time at USF.

Please take some time to review the Peer Mentor bios included below, and start creating list of 3-5 Peer

Mentors whose network you would like to join for fall semester. You may want to pick someone in your

same field of study or academic area, someone from near your hometown, or someone with similar student

involvement experiences. Please do not select a Peer Mentor you may already know.

At Orientation, you will meet with one of these mentors for assistance with selecting and registering for your

classes, including a section of IDH 2930 Peer Mentoring. You may not meet with one of the mentors on

your short list while building your schedule, but this person will help you make your final selection. You

may also have a chance to meet your Peer Mentor in person at Orientation, and you will definitely start

hearing from them via email.

Throughout the fall semester you will meet once a week for an hour with your Peer Mentor in a small group

of other first year Honors College students. Each week a different topic will be discussed and you’ll have

the chance to get to know more about USF, the Honors College, and your fellow students. We hope this is

a time to build connections to the College and each other, setting you up for a successful first year at USF.

We are looking forward to meeting you soon!

Go Bulls!

Alexa Zeller

Sophomore, Biomedical Sciences Major, Psychology Minor Hometown: Pensacola, FL

I plan on going to medical school in the future. For now I am a Provost Scholar, the Historian and future Vice President of Operation Smile. I am also involved in the wake boarding club at USF (WakeUSF).

Anna Burns

Junior, Psychology Major, American Sign Language & Applied Behavioral Analysis Minors Hometown: Clermont, FL

I am a junior who grew up in the small town of Montverde, FL. One day I will be attending graduate school to pursue my dream of becoming an experimental psychologist. I love helping others so I enjoy spending my time volunteering at the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center, and going on outings with my little sister in the Big Brother Big Sister program here in Tampa. I adore exploring all the charming places Tampa has to offer, and my favorite activity of all would be making s’mores and watching scary movies with friends!

Annette Hu Junior, Cellular and Molecular Biology Major Hometown: Melbourne, FL

Being a part of the Honors College has helped me find my place here at USF. I’ve made my best friends and personal relationships with my advisors, had the opportunity this past year to serve as Advertising Co-Chair of Honors College Student Council, and most importantly, to share some of my experiences with you as a Peer Mentor. I balance being actively involved with my sorority as Corresponding Secretary and member of AMWA, as well as a volunteer/researcher within the Tampa Bay community. My favorite science class I have taken is Organic Chemistry 2, I drink about three cups of coffee a day, quote Parks and Recreation religiously, and listen to Taylor Swift every day. I am beyond excited to meet you!

Ashley Derr Sophomore, Interdisciplinary Classical Civilizations Major, History Minor Hometown: Tampa, FL

I love spending time with friends and enjoying the many outdoor relaxation areas around campus to sit and do work. When I'm not in class or studying, I'm either binge watching Netflix or drinking tea and reading. I love art and music, and I play piano whenever the opportunity presents itself. After I graduate from USF, I plan to go into graduate school for my Masters and PhD with the goal of becoming a college professor in classics at a university. I can't wait to meet you, and I hope that you have a great summer! See you in the fall!

Ashley Joseph

Sophomore, Nursing Major Hometown: Odessa, FL

Hello! I am a nursing major, and I am in the CARE program. My goal is to become a nurse. I would like to continue my education so that I can become a nurse practitioner. I am a member of the USF Wishmakers club, which works with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. It is a new but great organization. I enjoy working out, going to the beach, shopping, photography, and listening to music. One of my goals in life is to travel the world, and as a nurse practitioner I would like to help people in other countries who do not receive proper medical attention.

Aum Solanki

Sophomore, Biomedical Sciences and History Major Hometown: Tampa, FL

This is my second year at USF as part of the Honors College. I am a Biomedical Science and History major striving to go to medical school. I hold a very challenging but rewarding research position at the USF college of Pharmacy under Dr. Vijay Sutariya. This research position, along with a service trip to the Dominican Republic, has been the result of the positive environment and opportunities that the Honors College continuously provides to me.

Benjamin Siwiecki

Junior, Psychology and Social Science Education Major, Astronomy Minor Hometown: Tampa, FL I am a commuter student from Tampa. My goals after graduation are to become a high school history teacher and then eventually go back to school to get my master's in either psychology or history. I am also interested in traveling abroad to teach English after graduation. When I am not on campus I am either working, hanging out with friends, going to concerts, or watching Netflix so I can catch up on the shows I missed that week.

Brandon Applewhite

Junior, Chemical Engineering Major, Biomedical Engineering Minor Hometown: Fort Walton Beach, FL

I am a twin who was born in Huntsville, Alabama to Jamaican & Trinidadian parents; I moved to the panhandle of Florida during high school. Besides the Honors College, I benefit from involvement in the Jamaican Alliance Movement, a student organization that promotes Jamaican culture, and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars honor society. I am also a tutor on-campus for the USF Athletics department, and off-campus, through Brain Expansions Scholastic Training, which prepares middle-schoolers for careers in the medical profession. After completing my degree, I hope to work as a biomedical engineer, innovating new techniques to treat cancer and Alzheimer's. In my free time, I take pleasure in hanging out with my twin and anything that combines fresh air, sunlight, and nature, i.e. exploring trails, swimming at the beach, or going for a run. I also like to keep up with professional sports, and I enjoy playing most sports (in real life and PS4).

Bryce Applewhite

Junior, Public Health Major, Global Communicable Disease Minor Hometown: Fort Walton Beach, FL With an innate desire to form symbioses with others as a means of mutual growth, I found myself desiring a career path with the potential for positive impact. This led me into the field of epidemiology, where I can apply my technical skills in an attempt to assist others. With this occupation, I intend to one day travel abroad and work for an NGO in resource-poor settings. This couples with my love for nature, life, and experience altogether. On campus, I am currently involved in the Undergraduate Public Health Student Association and Jamaican Alliance Movement, while off-campus I am a member of the Brain Expansion Scholastic Training program where I mentor middle-school aged children. My time is best spent in deep breaths and thought, explaining my affinity for long days at the beach, swimming, running, and dabbling in photography.

Casey Farrell Sophomore, Health Sciences Major Hometown: Orlando, FL

I am a Health Science major with the goal of becoming a physical therapist in the United States Air Force. When I am not studying, I spend my time at the gym, recording or playing music with friends, practicing photography/videography, and experiencing new adventures. I love big thrills, the outdoors, big band jazz, and the color sunset orange. I am involved with ASL Bulls, Wishmakers, Future Physical Therapists Organization, and P.R.I.D.E. I am currently the Advertising Committee Co-Chair of the Honors College Student Council and have made the Honors College my home here at USF. I hope I can help you do the same!

Charlie Cantieri Senior, Cell and Molecular Biology Major, Public Health Minor Hometown: Round Rock, TX

While here at USF I have been involved in numerous organizations such as Bulls for Moffitt, Juniper Hall Council, and the Honors College Student Council. Upon graduation I hope to attend either Medical or DO school to pursue my dream of becoming a pediatrician. In my free time I like to hang out with friends, go to the beach, fish, and play sports. I am an avid soccer player and have been involved in numerous other intramural sports. I also highly enjoy watching any type of athletic event and you can often find me at most USF sporting events especially football games. Welcome to the Honors College and I hope to see y’all around! Go Bulls!

Chris Johnson Junior, Political Science & English Majors Hometown: Jacksonville Beach, FL I am and have been involved in Student Government, the Residence Hall Association, my fraternity, a variety of political groups, and have held several jobs on campus since coming to school - not to mention my involvement with the Honors College. I want to go to law school and practice corporate contract law one day, but I'm more concerned with making the most of my time in college now. I love reading and public speaking, and I could talk about current events until you fall asleep. But most importantly, I'm really excited to meet new students and share my love for this university and our amazing Honors College!

Corinn Beem Senior, International Studies Major, General Business Minor Hometown: Vero Beach, FL As a student at USF I have completed the Global Citizenship Program which gave me the opportunity to study abroad in Germany and Ireland. I have volunteered as a Global Citizenship Program mentor and as a GloBull Ambassador with USF Education Abroad. I am currently the captain and President of the Women’s Ultimate Frisbee club team. In addition to classes and my extracurricular activities, I am in the process of completing my Honor Thesis on Sustainable Ecotourism. After graduation in May, I play on attending grad school to study Sports Administration. In my free time you can find me supporting Bulls athletics at various games and events, if I am not already working in the Ticket Office. I look forward to working with you this upcoming semester! Go Bulls!

Eddie Mitchell Senior, Mathematics Major, Biomedical Physics Minor Hometown: Tampa, FL

With hopes of becoming a Math professor, I have been tutoring Calculus for the last three semesters in the library. I am entering my senior year at USF, and plan to graduate at the end of Spring. Along with being part of the Honors College, I am currently working towards completing my undergraduate thesis for the Math honors program. Outside of school, my interests lay in television and movies (Pulp Fiction is my favorite). If it has been in theaters or on TV in the last 15 years, I have seen it.

Erinn Wolf Sophomore, Mathematics Major, International Studies Minor Hometown: Lutz, FL I keep myself busy being part of the Honors program as well as being a leader in a campus club called Chi Alpha. In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach, passionately cheering on the Tampa Bay Lightning, and drinking coffee. Once I graduate, I hope to pursue a career in government intelligence in one of the many security sectors. Through the many connections at USF, I have had the opportunities to visit many of these. I am so looking forward to meeting all of you this coming semester! Go Bulls!

Frank Cantieri Senior, Biomedical Sciences Major, Public Health and Biomedical Physics Minor

Hometown: Round Rock, TX

As an out-of-state student I had no idea what to expect entering USF in the Fall of 2012, but I quickly found a home in the Honors College. I have held officer positions in clubs such as Pods Who Care and Bulls for Moffitt, while being a member of many other clubs at USF. I have also lived in the Honors LLC for two years, have participated in two Honors College trips to the Dominican Republic and Bolivia, and currently conduct research at the Global Center for Hearing and Speech Research located on campus. After graduation, I hope to attend medical school either in Florida or back home. In my free time I enjoy playing sports, particularly soccer, watching USF sporting events, visiting state parks, and hanging out with friends.

Henry Leng

Sophomore, Science Education and Chemistry Major Hometown: St. Petersburg, FL I am studying to be a teacher and I am also completing prerequisite courses for pharmacy school. I am involved with the Suncoast Area Teacher Training and Education Research, Project Reaching and Achieving Success and I was a participant of the 2015 Emerging Leaders Institute. I commute to USF from St. Petersburg, FL. I enjoy volunteering and listening to music, especially '90s R&B, Soca and Dancehall music. I just joined Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society and the National Honor Society of Collegiate Scholars. My time is divided between college, work and extracurricular activities.

Joly Aziz Senior, Biomedical Sciences & Behavioral Healthcare Majors Hometown: Valrico, FL

Hello and welcome to the Honors College at USF! Next year I hope to go to Medical School and in the future work with underserved populations. I enjoy traveling, service, sports, and reading pretty much anything. I really look forward to helping you this year as your peer mentor!

Juan Mata Senior, Philosophy & French Majors Hometown: Boynton Beach, FL

Hi! I’m Juan, a double major in French and Philosophy, planning to apply to Law School this year to study Intellectual Property Law. I love hanging out with friends and helping others. I’m excited to meet the newest Honors students and share a little bit about what I’ve learned during my time here. Welcome to USF!

Kaajal Patel Senior, Biomedical Sciences Major, Communication & Biomedical Physics Minors

Hometown: Tampa, FL

Hi everyone! Welcome to USF’s Honors College! I am from Tampa, Florida, and I am a senior at USF. After I graduate, I hope to become a doctor. I have volunteered at Liberty Middle School as a tutor and I have gone on the Honors College’s service trip to Puerto Rico and the Honors College global perspectives trip to Argentina. I am currently shadowing a plastic surgeon and it is the coolest thing I have ever seen! When I have spare time, I love to try out new restaurants in Tampa, golf, and workout. Also, I love my Hulu and Netflix! Can’t wait to meet you all! Go bulls!

Katherine James Junior, Chemical Engineering Major Hometown: Riverview, FL I'm an engineering student with an interest in the humanities. I'm an officer in Society of Women Engineers, I’m involved with other engineering organizations such as American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and I’m an active member of the Honors College (I've lived in the Honors LLC for two years and gone on an Honors service abroad trip), so if you have any questions about staying involved with Honors or engineering, feel free to talk to me!

Kathryn Ashmore Senior, Biomedical Sciences Major, German Minor Hometown: Pembroke Pines, FL Hello and welcome to USF! During my past three years here, I have participated in the Global Citizenship program, National Society for Leadership and Success, the Achieve-a-Bulls volunteering program, and the Honors College. Recently, I have become involved with the German Culture Club. I will be completing my thesis this year as the capstone for my Honors College experience, which has provided me with some of my most interesting courses filled with thought provoking discussion and engaging classmates. After graduation, I plan to teach English in Germany. Outside of class, I enjoy reading, hanging with friends, and traveling.

Kimberli Quintero Senior, History and Political Science Majors Hometown: Miami Lakes, FL I am majoring in Political Science and History, with a focus on Pre-Law. After this semester, I hope to attend law school and practice as a public defender. I am currently a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, Phi Alpha Theta (History Honors Society) and Phi Alpha Delta (Poli Sci Honors Society). In my spare time, I enjoy binge watching TV shows on Netflix, reading books and going to the beach. As a peer mentor, I am very excited and eager to help the new members of the Honors College family.

Laura Kneski Senior, Mass Communications-Public Relations Major, Creative Writing Minor Hometown: Punta Gorda, FL For the past three years I've been a communications intern at USF's University Communications and Marketing office, and hope to become a communications professional for a corporation after I graduate. I am minoring in creative writing, both for fun and to help with my novel-based Honors Thesis. I'm also working toward bilingualism, and am continuing to take advanced Spanish courses here at USF. In my free time I cook, go to gym, watch embarrassing TV with my friends, play tennis and sometimes even Mario Party.

Meghana Vantedhu

Sophomore, Biomedical Sciences Major Hometown: Port Charlotte, FL

Hello everyone! I am a sophomore from Port Charlotte, FL. However, I am originally from India. I am currently in the 7-year BS/MD program, so I hope to attend medical school in the future. Aside from being a part of the Honors Peer Mentor program, I am involved with the Honors College Student Council, UAMWA, Hope for Homeless, and I am also a research assistant. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, shopping, listening to music, watching movies, and traveling! I love meeting new people, so I am looking forward to meeting you all!

Melissa Donovan Sophomore, Communication Sciences and Disorders Major, Applied Behavior Analysis Minor Hometown: New Port Ritchey, FL I am a second-year student in the Honors College and Provost's Scholars Program- an accelerated program where I will earn my Bachelor's degree in 3 years as opposed to the typical 4. My goal after earning a Bachelor's Degree is to attend grad school in pursuit of my Master's Degree in order to be a pediatric speech pathologist. As far as campus involvement, I am a member of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) as well as the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. In my free time I enjoy experiencing new places, reading, cooking/ baking, volunteering, going to the gym, and doing makeup and nails.

Mitch Darnell Junior, Cell and Molecular Biology & Anthropology Majors Hometown: Blountstown, FL I am a junior from a rural town in North Florida. I am on the premedical track with the plan to pursue a career in pediatric medicine. Outside of my studies I am heavily involved in my fraternity and clubs such as the USF Camp Boggy Creek Chapter. I enjoy traveling, volunteering in the community, hanging out with friends, catching up on Netflix, and finding new adventures.

Monique Reynolds Senior, Cell and Molecular Biology Major, Nutrition Minor Hometown: Boca Raton, FL I have been on two international trips with the Honors College to the Dominican Republic and China, and was also able to serve on a mission trip to Ghana this past summer with the CLCE. During my free time I enjoy doing fitness classes at the rec center, playing sports, or just hanging out with my closest friends. As a peer mentor, I look forward to sharing my experiences abroad, with research, and overall involvement on campus with my fellow Honors students. It's going to be a phenomenal year and I can't wait for all my students to take advantage of all that USF has to offer!

Nicholas Machuca Senior, English & International Studies Majors, Environmental Science and Policy Minor Hometown: Panama City, FL Hello everyone and welcome to USF! Aside from serving as an Honors Peer Mentor, I also enjoy assisting students as a Residence Life Mentor in Kosove Hall. As an English Departmental Honors student, my interest is in environmental literature, ecological criticism, and multiethnic studies, one of which will become my Honors College thesis. I also intern with the USF Botanical Gardens! I am an avid outdoorsman and nature enthusiast, and I do my best thinking “in the wild”. My post-graduation plans remain uncharted, but hey, that’s life!

Nikolina Kosanovic Sophomore, Finance Major, Accounting Minor Hometown: New Port Ritchey, FL

My family and I originally came from Serbia but we currently reside in New Port Richey. After graduation I hope to get my MBA and ultimately desire to become a financial adviser, and I am currently negotiating with a financial company to become an intern. Aside from being an Honors College Peer Mentor, I work as a Public Relations Assistant for the marketing team at USF Residential Housing and Education and I have previously worked for USF Dining. In my free time I enjoy reading and I am also currently working with a handful of peers in creating a Philosophy of Star Trek club here at USF. I also love languages and spend a bit of my free time practicing French and Spanish because of to my love and aspiration of traveling. I enjoy meeting new people and am very excited to be working with all of you!

Ricci Allen Senior, Biomedical Sciences & Psychology Majors Hometown: Bradenton, FL

I am currently majoring in Biomedical Sciences and Psychology. I am the president of the Honors College Student Council for the 2015-2016 term and I actively promote education abroad through the USF Globull Ambassadors. In my free time, I like to read and spend time with my family and friends. I love the Honors College because it has helped me grow as a student and as a leader in fun and creative ways.

Ryan Hagen Junior, Business Major Hometown: Tampa, FL I'm studying business but my intentions are to apply to medical school and become a business savvy doctor. I've been involved in branches of Student Government, academic honors clubs, as well as interest and sports clubs. I'm an officer in the USF Wakeboarding club and have gone on several trips around the nation showing off my USF pride and my favorite water sports. I've lived in the residence hall and off campus and try to get involved in the day-to-day activities USF has to offer. The time I don't spend studying I am outdoors or traveling, trying to cover as much ground as I can while I'm young!

Sam Risak Junior, English Major, Advertising Minor Hometown: Beverly Hills, FL I am studying Creative Writing and Advertising with hopes of becoming an English professor. This past year I studied literature at Exeter in England, which helped me make progress towards my English degree. I have served on the Honors College Student Council Volunteer and Events Committees, and have done community service through events like Relay for Life, Ghandi Day of Service, and at two local elementary schools. It has taken me time to learn how to balance my schoolwork and extracurriculars and I look forward to sharing that with you!

Shivani Arza Sophomore, Biomedical Sciences & Psychology Majors Hometown: Brandon, FL

I hope to attend medical school after graduation from USF. In addition to the Honors College, I am involved in Undergraduates American Women’s Medical Association (UAMWA) and Hope for Homeless. I also do research at the Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute and volunteer at Florida Hospital. In my free time I like to hang out with friends, explore new things and watch Grey’s Anatomy. One of my greatest experiences freshman year was doing an Honors College Service Break to Panama; it was an amazing experience and I learned a lot. I really enjoy working with others and I look forward to meeting you!

Talya Rejtman

Senior, Integrative Animal Biology Major, Anthropology & American Sign Language Minors Hometown: Cooper City, FL

I love to travel, and I’ve been able to study wildlife conservation in South Africa and Lesotho thanks to USF. I’ve also had the opportunity to volunteer at a medical clinic in Jamaica through the Honors College. Hiking and dancing are my favorite things to do; I go camping and explore state parks whenever I get the chance, and I am a part of both the Latin Dance Club at USF and the Tampa-based dance crew, Final Boss. I am President of the Roots & Shoots Chapter at USF, which is one of several environmental organizations here at the university. Being a member of the Honors College has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my time here in Tampa, and I hope you all will enjoy it just as much as I, and the other Peer Mentors, do.

Zach Guerin Sophomore, Health Sciences Major Hometown: Weekiwatchee Springs, FL I am majoring in Health Sciences and leaning on going into physical therapy. During this year I will start applying to PT schools and hopefully will attend one in the fall of 2017. At USF I'm a member of the Honors College and I was a member of the Honors LLC during my first year at USF. In my free time I enjoy doing anything outdoors. I do a lot of free dive spearfishing, hunting, boating, and just good old fashioned working out. I can't wait to meet new students and hopefully give them helpful, real advice to assist them in their transition.