Spectrum Magazine
The Alumni Magazine of Florida State University's College of Arts and Sciences

Students

Doctoral candidate Courtney Whitcher is illuminating a new field of biological research

Which aspects of life go unnoticed, escaping our view because they are too small, too quiet, or cloaked in a color we cannot see, thus disconnected from human senses? During a night-hike in the Costa Rican rain forest, on a high school Spanish trip, I was lured by secret signals hidden in the dark,” said Courtney Whitcher.

Biological Science | Spectrum Winter 2023
Junior Andrea Emmanuelli is making the most of her Florida State experience on campus, underwater, and on top of the world

After weeks on the water, Andrea Emmanuelli developed the sea legs necessary to remain surefooted while conducting experiments aboard the R/V Rachel Carson in the Gulf of Alaska, but one thing remained a daily surprise.

Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science | Spectrum Winter 2023
Middle Eastern studies, economics undergrad Rawan Abhari is planning for a career that will change the world

Rawan Abhari darts between topics with the confidence of a seasoned public speaker. She interrupts herself to take a breath before jumping back into the conversation — international law, economics, climate science. Weaving together a broad tapestry of themes, she navigates complex issues with ease.

Modern Languages and Linguistics | Spectrum Winter 2023
Ph.D. candidate Brianna Coia uses chemistry to tackle environmental issues

When many people think of helping the environment, big-picture images of trash cleanup or climate change policy activism spring to mind. But for Florida State University Ph.D. candidate Brianna Coia, making a big difference is all in the details.

Chemistry and Biochemistry | Spectrum Summer 2022
Luke Van Popering earns the first master’s degree from Florida State’s new interdisciplinary data science program

When asked how it feels to be the first graduate of the Interdisciplinary Data Science Master’s Degree Program in Florida State University’s history, Luke Van Popering shrugged and chuckled.

Data Science, Scientific Computing | Spectrum Summer 2022
Abril Hunter uses her research background to translate environmental science into public policy

When Abril Hunter was named a Truman Scholar this spring, it was the latest in a lengthy list of accolades the rising senior has earned since first arriving at Florida State University in 2019. The scholarship recognizes those who carry the legacy of President Harry S. Truman’s dedication to public service and is the nation’s most prestigious fellowship for undergraduates interested in serving at local, state or federal levels.

Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science | Spectrum Summer 2022
Appearance isn’t the only thing identical twins Ethan and Noah DuBroff have in common.

Because the DuBroff twins, Ethan and Noah, say that being twins doesn’t make them the same person, they find it humorous their argument is undermined by the fact that they happen to like all the same things.

History, Classics | Spectrum Summer 2022
Doctoral candidates Ashley and Caitlyn Edwards share a passion for psychology and neuroscience

When Caitlyn Edwards checked her email in July and learned she received a prestigious award, her first thought was to call her sister, Ashley. But, she wasn’t so much hoping her sister would offer congratulations, as she was eager for Ashley to check her own email.

Psychology, Neuroscience | Spectrum Winter 2022
FSU computer science doctoral candidate Daniel Bis is teaching computers to interpret human language

Language is a fundamental part of the human experience. It’s what separates humans from other animals. But since the 1950s, computer scientists have been trying to make computers capable of understanding language as well.

Computer Science | Spectrum Winter 2022
Senior Alexis Cox combines science and volunteerism to improve the lives of others

Actress and philanthropist Audrey Hepburn made famous the quote, “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands. One for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” When it comes to Florida State University biology major Alexis Cox, her extensive list of volunteer work suggests she has about a dozen extra hands at the ready.

Biological Science | Spectrum Winter 2022
The students of “FSU Weather” are ready for their close-up

Turn on your TV in Tallahassee any weekday around 6 p.m. and you’ll likely see meteorology students from Florida State University’s Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science hard at work in front of the greenscreen. The “FSU Weather” show, which broadcasts live on 4FSU and also streams on YouTube, gives students interested in broadcast meteorology a chance to put their on-air skills to the test.

Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science | Spectrum Summer 2021
Sam McLoughlin explores demographic and political elements shaping America’s modern religious landscape

In 2016, Sam McLoughlin experienced a political awakening. While McLoughlin, a Lake Mary, Fla., native, had cycled through a selection of dream jobs growing up — being a veterinarian, a chef, or a journalist all held appeal — none of them stuck. Political science, however, was a different story.

Religion | Spectrum Summer 2021