A total of 326 students earned degrees from the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences (CBCS) during USF's Fall 2024 Commencement. The commencement ceremonies include 235 students receiving undergraduate degrees, 86 students receiving master's degrees, and five students receiving doctoral degrees from CBCS.
Students graduating this semester represented the college's Department of Child and Family Studies, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Department of Criminology, Department of Mental Health Law and Policy, School of Aging Studies, and School of Social Work. We're happy to recognize a few outstanding students from this graduating class.
Emily Hobbs
Bachelor of Social Work
Emily Hobbs’ dedication to social work and helping others is deeply rooted in her family’s journey. Inspired by her parents’ resilience and determination after emigrating from Cuba to the United States, Hobbs has made it her mission to empower others to achieve their goals.
“My mom and dad both went to school, earned their bachelor's degrees, and were valedictorians of their classes. They fought for what they had, and the road was not easy,” Hobbs shared. “If I can help a family or an individual achieve their goals, I want to be the person to do it.”
Hobbs is no stranger to perseverance herself. While her program is based out of the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus, it is conducted online, which allowed her to hold a full-time job while she was also a full-time student. Beyond her coursework, Hobbs honed her skills in the INSPIRE Lab and was elected cohort representative, where she served as a voice for her classmates. She plans to continue her social work education in graduate school.
What was your favorite course in the program?
Social Welfare: Policy and Program Analysis taught by Dasha Rhodes, PhD, LMSW
Social Work in Practice in Mental Health and Health Care taught by Sarah Guadalupe, PhD, LMSW
“Social Welfare was such a great class. This class taught you about social welfare policy issues and different welfare programs. We were able to dig deep into the different welfare programs. In the mental health and healthcare setting class, Dr. Guadalupe taught us how to broaden our understanding of mental illnesses and learn about the healthcare system. Both courses were developed and taught outstandingly.
“The BSW program has some of the best professors, and I am so proud to be in this program. While in the program, Dr. Guadalupe, Dr. Rhodes, and Professor Atchison shaped me as a student and social worker. They are passionate, supportive, and deeply understand the career field.”
What will you miss most about your time as a USF student?
“I’m going to miss the relationships I’ve built during this program the most from my time as a USF student.”
What advice would you give to a new student starting in your program?
“My overall advice for a new student starting the BSW online program is not to overwhelm yourself and always prioritize taking care of yourself.”
Madisyn Haney
Master of Arts in applied behavior analysis
Madisyn Haney says she “accidentally stumbled” into the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) before later realizing ABA was her true calling. Her interest was sparked when she participated in a peer mentorship program for college students with autism spectrum disorder, which led her to an internship at an outpatient clinic. There, she became fascinated by the science of behavior and the practical applications of behavior change.
Her passion for ABA grew as she gained experience as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) and as a scholar in Project MABAS, an initiative designed to prepare ABA and social work students to support the well-being of children in local school districts.
“I was privileged to gain hands-on experience in a new and dynamic professional setting, working under expert supervision,” said Haney. “The support provided by Project MABAS allowed me to attend multiple ABA conferences, where I learned from cutting-edge research and innovative applications in the field.”
Now a graduate of the Master of Arts in applied behavior analysis program, Haney plans to continue working with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities both in the clinical setting and as a consultant for public schools. She will also continue research with Catia Cividini-Motta, PhD, BCBA-D, as she prepares to apply to doctoral programs in ABA.
What was your favorite course in the program?
Applied Behavior Analysis in Complex Community Environments taught by doctoral candidate Arturo Garcia, MA, BCBA
“This course offered valuable insights into the diverse applications of behavior analysis, inspiring me to explore beyond the traditional career paths in the field. Coupled with my experience as a Project MABAS scholar, it has shaped my long-term goals of fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, teaching, and eventually designing coursework—or even an entire program—that integrates the analysis of behavior with mental health treatment.”
What will you miss most about your time as a USF student?
“Without a doubt, the students and faculty. USF’s ABA faculty have diverse research interests and experience which provide students with unique perspectives going into the field, and I developed meaningful and lifelong connections with colleagues within my cohort.”
What advice would you give to a new student starting in your program?
“Take advantage of every opportunity available during your time in the program. If you are local to Tampa, make the effort to visit campus and actively engage with faculty and fellow students. Participate in conferences — whether by attending or presenting — and explore the diverse and unique applications of behavior analysis. Fully immerse yourself in the experience to the extent that your schedule allows, because that is how you are going to be the best analyst you can be on the other end of the program.”
Mitchell Roberts
PhD in aging studies
As an undergraduate, Mitchell Roberts founded a nonprofit student group dedicated to visiting nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The time he spent engaging with residents affected by dementia left a profound impact on him. Yet, upon graduation, Roberts wasn’t sure what career path to follow. At his father’s suggestion, he began exploring graduate programs in aging studies.
“I met with Dr. McEvoy in the School of Aging Studies, and she introduced me to an inviting environment where I felt my ideas could be molded and developed. That conversation gave me clarity and direction,” Roberts recalled. “I realized I could combine my love for technology with a passion for improving the lives of older adults.”
Inspired by the work of Carla VandeWeerd, PhD, Roberts focuses his research on leveraging innovative technologies to enhance health outcomes and quality of life for older adults. He is particularly interested in collaborating with industry partners to develop and implement user-friendly, accessible technologies for aging populations while mentoring the next generation of researchers.
What was your favorite course in the program?
“It’s impossible to choose just one favorite course because I had the privilege of learning from amazing instructors like Dr. John Ferron, Dr. Liliana Rodriguez-Campos, and Dr. Victor Molinari. Dr. Ferron turned the challenging subject of multivariate statistics into an engaging and enjoyable experience. His ability to simplify complex concepts and teach with enthusiasm made what could have been an intimidating course genuinely fun.
“Dr. Rodriguez-Campos, who taught courses on program evaluation, fostered a supportive and motivating environment, encouraging students to refine their skills and think critically about their work. Finally, Dr. Molinari stood out for his incredible mentorship and ability to bring psychology and aging science to life in his lectures. Each of them not only inspired me with their expertise but also demonstrated genuine care for their students, which had a lasting impact on my journey.”
What will you miss most about your time as a USF student?
“Having completed my undergraduate, master’s, and now PhD at USF, the university has been a constant presence in my life for many years. What I’ll miss most are the people — faculty, students, and colleagues — who have shaped my journey along the way. Even as my time on campus decreased during my PhD while I focused on coursework and research, the relationships I built have remained impactful.
“I’ll also miss the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a vibrant academic community like USF. From those early years as an undergraduate to my doctoral studies, USF has been a place of growth, inspiration, and opportunity, and leaving that chapter behind feels bittersweet.”
What advice would you give to a new student starting in your program?
“Find a mentor who will advocate for you — someone who sees your potential and helps you grow beyond the classroom. While the courses are important, it’s the people you meet — faculty, researchers, and peers — who truly shape your journey. Be open-minded and allow yourself to be molded by their guidance and insights.
“At the same time, finding balance between school, work, and life is crucial. Make time to recharge, but also continue to nurture and invest in your support system. Building strong connections with friends, family, and colleagues isn’t just about getting through the program — it’s about maintaining relationships with the people who genuinely want you to succeed and will be a part of your life long after graduation. These connections, along with the lessons you’ll learn, can make your time in the program more meaningful and fulfilling.”
Kelsey Hall
Bachelor of Arts in criminology
Kelsey Hall was drawn to criminology through the TV show "Criminal Minds," but it was her coursework in USF’s criminology program that deepened her interest in the topic of human trafficking. Then, during a study abroad trip to Amsterdam, she continued to explore the complexities of human trafficking in Europe. Hall hopes to work for a government agency dedicated to combating human trafficking and supporting survivors.
Originally from Ohio, Hall moved to Florida to study at USF’s St. Petersburg campus. After witnessing the devastation caused by back-to-back hurricanes, she joined her family in organizing recovery efforts.
“I had such an eye-opening experience coming back and seeing just how much damage there was that the news never fully captures,” said Hall. “During my time at home, my parent’s trucking company organized a food, clothing, and materials donation that we later took to four states affected by the hurricanes.”
What was your favorite course in the program?
Child Sex Trafficking taught by Joan Reid, PhD
“I’m sure this sounds alarming to some, but this class is where I found my passion for combating human trafficking and ultimately when I decided this is what I would like to pursue a career in. Dr. Reid is full of a vast amount of knowledge, and I really enjoyed learning from her point of view and experiences on the topic.”
What will you miss most about your time as a USF student?
“I will miss the relationships I made with my professors the most! Since St. Pete is a smaller campus, I was able to make greater connections with my professors and learn from them; I even had the opportunity to work out with one of them, and she showed me up!”
What advice would you give to a new student starting in your program?
“The advice I would give to a new student is to say ‘yes’ to as many things as you can take on. You never know what doors may open for you, the people you will meet along the way, and the memories you will make. Looking back at my college years, I never regretted saying yes even when I felt a ton of pressure, but I do remember a few opportunities I passed up and now occasionally think about how they could have helped me advance as a student and overall human being. Enjoy your time at USF, it feels like just yesterday I was a transfer student starting my first semester and now I’m graduating!”
Ebony Jenkins
Bachelor of Science in behavioral healthcare with a concentration in children’s behavioral
healthcare
Ebony Jenkins attributes her success to resilience, adaptability, and the power of a strong support system. Despite a difficult start, Jenkins graduated from the behavioral healthcare program and is embracing a future filled with optimism and purpose.
“My academic advisor refused to let me lose hope,” said Jenkins. “She believed in my potential and took the time to research alternative paths that aligned with my goals. When she suggested behavioral healthcare, I decided to explore it further, and it turned out to be a perfect fit. This field resonates deeply with my aspirations for the future.”
A proud mother, Jenkins credits her children for their patience and understanding throughout her educational journey. She says she’s proud of how far she’s come since entering the behavioral healthcare program. After graduation, she plans to work toward owning and operating her own business — a transportation and companion company for individuals with disabilities.
What was your favorite course in the program?
“Each course I took while pursuing my degree has played a necessary role in shaping who I am today. I genuinely value the knowledge I gained, as it continues to influence my thoughts and responses now. I must express my deep appreciation for professors Lanicia Marshall, Paul Stiles, and Aaron Norton. Each of them had a unique teaching style that not only engaged me but also challenged me in ways I never expected. Their empathy and transparency made a significant impact on my learning experience, and I hold that in high regard. I truly appreciate their dedication and the deep effect they've had on my educational journey — more than they will ever know.”
What will you miss most about your time as a USF student?
“I can honestly say that I will truly miss the incredible behavioral healthcare community. I'll also miss the beautiful campus; it’s such a special place to be a student. From the food halls to the bookstores, libraries, and those cozy common areas, I’ve spent countless hours soaking it all in. I’m proud of my journey here and grateful for every moment.”
What advice would you give to a new student starting in your program?
"Embrace and appreciate your community by actively engaging with like-minded individuals. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or participate in class discussions; being fully present as both a student and a peer will enhance your learning experience. Remember, you are not alone in your struggles — many share similar challenges."
Gabriella Brown
Bachelor of Arts in language, speech, and hearing sciences
Gabriella Brown has always been drawn to healthcare, but it was her Deaf studies courses for her minor that sparked her interest in audiology, leading her to switch her major to language, speech, and hearing sciences during her sophomore year.
As a recipient of the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences’ undergraduate research assistantship and scholarship, Brown researched the reliability of the Quick Speech-in-Noise (QuickSIN) test, which helps audiologists understand how a patient hears in noisy environments, which helps them accurately program hearing devices.
“A difference of just one point on this test can change how a hearing device is programmed,” Brown explained. “I wanted to ensure the test provides the most accurate information to improve patient care.”
In addition to her research, Brown worked as a research assistant in the Auditory Behavioral Research Lab and presented her findings at the OneUSF Undergraduate Research Conference. She is now applying to graduate programs with the goal of pursuing a Doctorate of Audiology.
What was your favorite course in the program?
Hearing Sciences with Jungmee Lee, PhD
Hearing Disorders with Lindsey Kummerer, AuD
“These courses included so much information on everything related to how we hear, how hearing is evaluated, and how clinicians go about treatment for patients with ear/hearing complaints. Both professors for their respective courses were so knowledgeable and made the content so approachable, which definitely helped make the classes more enjoyable. Ultimately, I was just so excited to finally be learning more about audiology and diving deeper into that field.”
What will you miss most about your time as a USF student?
“Where to even begin! My friends, the extracurriculars, the gorgeous campus; there’s so many things that I have loved about USF and will miss dearly. My time at USF has meant so much to me and given me friends and memories that I hope will last a lifetime. The university provides its students with so many outlets to get involved and discover what they are passionate about, and thanks to USF I am graduating as a passionate soon-to-be audiology student. Through USF organizations and opportunities, I have been able to volunteer at a food pantry, learn American Sign Language, play intramural volleyball, sing in an acapella group, pursue audiological research, and so much more.”
What advice would you give to a new student starting in your program?
“Be open to any career option this major points you toward! This field has so much to offer and there are so many lives that can be changed by the future clinicians who come out of this program, whether it is a speech-language pathologist (SLP), an audiologist, a researcher, or an SLP or audiology assistant. Also, try to make relationships with the students in your cohort and your professors. This program keeps on a tight schedule, where you will be taking classes with the same people for two years, so it’s nice to become close with classmates who share the same passions as you (also good for bouncing ideas for homework and study tips). Connecting with your professors is always good because they are experienced in the field you want to get into, so you can ask them questions if you need advice on coursework or grad school stress (if/when it comes time for that).”
Prasika Bhattarai
Bachelor of Science in behavioral healthcare with a concentration in applied behavior
analysis
Prasika Bhattarai is committed to addressing healthcare disparities affecting marginalized communities. As an aspiring behavior analyst, she aims to raise awareness about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in her home country of Nepal, reduce stigma, and develop evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
“ABA is more than a framework for intervention — it’s a lens through which society can better understand the unique experiences of individuals with autism and support them in meaningful ways," said Bhattarai. "By analyzing how environmental factors influence behavior, I’ve learned strategies to foster independence and social skills.”
During her undergraduate studies, Bhattarai has received the Global Citizens Award and the Certificate of Innovation from the Office of High Impact Practices & Undergraduate Research, presented her research at conferences, and volunteered through and iBuddy. Upon graduation, Bhattarai plans to pursue a Master of Arts in exceptional student education with an applied behavior analysis specialization at the University of West Florida and has aspirations of becoming a clinic director.
What was your favorite course in the program?
Exemplary Treatment Practices in Behavioral Healthcare Treatment taught by Aaron Norton, PhD
“Dr. Norton’s clarity of teaching concepts and valuable feedback has set the foundation needed to succeed as an aspiring behavior analyst. This course has taught me how perspectives of behavioral healthcare have shifted over the last century and how evidence-based interventions are essential for successful recovery for individuals experiencing a magnitude of physical, mental, and psychological health conditions. I will apply this knowledge to maximize clinical outcomes and employee performance in my field in addition to growing as an individual professionally”.
What will you miss most about your time as a USF student?
“I will miss the interconnected community of students, instructors, and team leaders at USF. These connections have fostered a holistic learning environment that goes beyond academics. Instructors and community leaders have enhanced my commitment for professional growth by providing career insights and hands-on experiences such as volunteering. Establishing rapport with a diverse group of people has allowed me to expand my global viewpoints and gain critical thinking skills. Relationships built during undergraduate years often become professional networks and lasting friendships, extending the benefits of this interconnected community far into the future. Therefore, I am thankful for the welcoming atmosphere that the university offers for students."
What advice would you give to a new student starting in your program?
"I advise students who are entering the behavioral healthcare program to participate in campus organizations and extracurriculars that enhance your soft skills. Such skills include public speaking, networking, collaboration with others, self-discipline, and many more. Developing soft skills play a significant role in both academic success and future career development.
"While technical knowledge is essential, soft skills are what differentiate successful professionals in the workforce. Such initiatives that students can partake in include the Global Citizens Project (GCP) and iBuddy International. The GCP aims to help students engage with global issues, cultivate their cultural awareness, and promote their global competencies. The iBuddy program aims to partner domestic and international students to build long-lasting friendships through a series of campus involvement events. Students can also join the Rotaract organization, whose mission statement is service over self, in order to facilitate community service and connect with like minded students. I assure incoming students that active participation will help you to become a well-rounded student in various aspects of life”
Erica Sappington
PhD in behavioral and community sciences
Research is Erica Sappington’s passion and, after completing a master’s in counseling at USF, she was eager to continue her academic journey by pursuing a doctorate. Her research focuses on enhancing the engagement and retention of older adults in research studies.
“I aim to identify strategies that can make participation more accessible, meaningful, and sustainable for this demographic, contributing to more inclusive and representative research outcomes,” said Sappington.
During her doctoral journey, Sappington has also celebrated significant personal milestones—getting married, buying a home, starting a family, and traveling. She is excited to embark on the next chapter of her journey and embrace new roles and responsibilities, which includes both pursuing faculty positions at various universities and welcoming a child.
What was your favorite course in the program?
"My favorite course was Gerontological Counseling Theory and Practice, as it directly aligns with my current work as a research manager with older adults in The Villages. The knowledge and skills I gained in that course are invaluable, and I regularly apply them in my professional role to enhance my work with this demographic."
What will you miss most about your time as a USF student?
"The vibrant sense of community, both on campus and within the city itself. The connections I've made, friendships I've formed, and the atmosphere of the university and surrounding areas have truly made this experience unforgettable."
What advice would you give to a new student starting in your program?
"Embrace the fact that everyone’s journey and timeline are unique. Be open to exploring a wide range of opportunities and research paths, as you never know where they might lead. Stay flexible and curious, and be willing to adapt to new experiences, as they can often shape your academic and professional growth in rewarding ways."