Biology Students of Distinction 2019-2020

2019-2020 Honorees

Biology Students of Distinction 2019-2020

In Recognition of Excellent Academic Achievement in Biology at Barry University, College of Arts and Sciences

Samantha Britz

Recipient of Outstanding Biology Student Award 2019-2020
This award is in recognition of academic achievement and service excellence.

2019-2020 Honorees

Llona Kavege

Recipient of Outstanding Biology Student Award 2018-2019.
This award is in recognition of academic achievement and service excellence.

Graduation: 05/2019

Goal: Pursue a career in biomedical ethics

GPA: Suma Cum Laude

Awards & Scholarships

Dr. George J. Wanko Award for Outstanding Junior (Spring 2018); NSLS Excellence in Leadership to Students Award (Spring 2018); St. Rose of Lima Campus Ministry Award (Spring 2016, 2017); John Graves Thompson Award for Outstanding Freshman (Spring 2016); Stamps Leadership Scholarship (Spring 2015); Barry University Scholarship (Spring 2015); Association of Practical and Professional Ethics (APPE) Southeast Regional Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl Competition ( 2nd Place Finalist — Spring 2018; Semi-finalist — Spring 2017); St. Catherine of Siena Medal for Academic Excellence (2019); National Society of Leadership and Success ‘Excellence in Leadership Award” (Spring 2018)

Honor Societies & Memberships

Sigma Xi (Undergraduate Student Ambassador, Spring 2018 — Present); Beta Beta Beta (Spring 2018 — Present); National Society for Leadership and Success (Secretary, Fall 2018—Present); Phi Sigma Tau (Spring 2017 — Present); College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Student Advisory Board (Fall 2017 — Spring 2018); Barry Ethics Bowl Team (Fall 2015 — Present)

Volunteer Experience/Service

COACH Chemistry (Fall 2018); Florida Academy of Science (Spring 2018),; Miami Brain Fair (Spring 2018); Autism Rescue Mission (Spring 2018); Hope Tote Initiative (Spring 2017); Stamps Day of Service (Spring 2016, 2017),; Barry University College Brides -Walk (Spring 2017); Breakthrough Miami ( Spring 2015 — Present)

Work Experience

Amgen Summer Researcher (Spring — Summer 2018); Philosophy Student Researcher (Fall 2017 — Spring 2018) ; RISE Research Assistant (Spring 2016 — Spring 2019); Bioethics Undergraduate Intern (Fall 2018—Spring 2019); Teaching Assistant: Anatomy Lab (Fall 2016); Sacristan For Barry University Campus Ministry (Spring 2018)

Major(s): Biology and Philosophy

Publications & Presentations

• _Kavege, L., Baquier, J. Duff, A. Hu, T. LY294002-induced growth inhibition of cancerous cells is linked to downregulation of MEK-ERK pathway and adhesion molecules. Experimental Biology, Orlando, FL. 2019
• _Kavege, L. & Voo, T.C. Transplant ethics committee: role and approach towards ethical assessment of living organ donations. Barry University STEM Symposium, Miami, FL, 2019.
• _Kavege, L., Chandra, P., J.A. Philips. Antimicrobial Mechanisms of Trimetazidine Inhibition of Intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Barry University STEM Symposium, Miami FL, 2019.
• _Kavege, L., Chandra, P., J.A. Philips. Elucidating the Antimicrobial Mechanisms of the Host Fatty Acid Oxidation Inhibitor Trimetazidine on Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students, Phoenix, AZ, 2018.
• _Kavege, L., Baquier, J., Hu, T. LY294002-induced growth inhibition of cancerous cells is linked to downregulation of MEK-ERK pathway and adhesion molecules. Sigma Xi Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, 2018.
• _Kavege L. My Body, My Choice? The Moral Dimensions of Assisting Patients with BIID. Western Michigan University Medical Humanities Conference, Kalamazoo, MI, 2018.
• _Kavege, L., Baquier J., Hu, X. A PI3K inhibitor induced growth inhibition of human myeloid and liver carcinoma cells is linked to Ras-ERK pathway and adhesion molecules. Barry University STEM Symposium, Spring 2018.

Elizabeth Schabot

Graduation: 05/2019

Goal: Marine Biology Ph.D. or related field to become research faculty or scientist at governmental agency

Minor: Chemistry

GPA: Summa Cum Laude

Awards & Scholarships

Barry University President’s List (Fall 2015, Fall/Spring: 2016, 2017, 2018); Barry University STEM Outstanding Poster Presentation (Spring 2018); Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts Scholarship (2015); Dominican Leadership Scholarship (2015); Florida Academy of Sciences Award: Outstanding Undergraduate Student Presentation (Spring 2018); Barry University Outstanding General Chemistry Student Award (Spring 2017); Forrest J. Flammang Memorial Endowment (2017); 2018 POLYED Undergraduate Award for Achievement in Organic Chemistry (Spring 2018)

Honor Societies & Memberships

Beta Beta Beta (Fall 2017 — Present); Phi Eta Sigma (Spring 2016 — Present); American Chemical Society (Fall 2018 —present); Kappa Gamma Pi (Spring 2019 — Present), Delta Epsilon Sigma (Spring 2018 — Present), Sigma Xi (Spring 2019 — Present); Alpha Chi (Spring 2019 — Present)

Volunteer Experience/Service

Florida Junior Academy of Science (Spring 2018); Brain Fair (Spring 2018/2019); Biology Experiment Demonstration (Fall 2015); International Coastal Cleanup (Fall 2017/2018); College Brides Walk (Spring 2017); Freshman Experience Day (Summer 2015); Church World Service (Fall 2017)

Work Experience

Laboratory Assistant: Microbiology Preparatory (Fall 2016—Spring 2017); Laboratory Assistant: Hengartener’s Laboratory (Fall 2017— Spring 2019); Teashing Assistant: Marine Biology Laboratory (Spring 2018— Spring 2019); Student Research Assistant (Fall 2017 — Present)

Major: Biology-M

Publications & Presentations

• _Elizabeth Schabot. 2018. Diversity of UV — reflectance in damselfishes and the Agression —Identification Hypothesis. Barry University STEM Symposium, Miami Shores, FL, April 6th, 2018 (poster).
• _Elizabeth Schabot and Michael Robinson. 2018. Diversity of UV — reflectance in damselfishes (Pomacentridae). Benthic Ecology Meething, Corpus Christi, TX, March 28th — 30th, 2018 (poster).
• _Elizabeth Schabot and Michael Robinson. 2018. UV— patterns of damselfishes and their relationship to social organization. Florida Academy of Sciences Meeting, Miami Shores, FL, March 9th, 2018. (Oral).
• _Elizabeth Schabot and Michael Robinson. 2019. Evolution of complex UV — reflectance in the damselfishes (Pomacentridae). Benthic Ecology Meething, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, April 3rd — 7th, 2019. (oral).

Leanne Jalique

Graduation: 05/2019

Goal: Matriculate into Medical School

GPA: Magna Cum Laude

Awards & Scholarships

President’s List ( Fall 2015); Dean’s list (Fall: 2016 & 2018; Spring: 2016 & 2017) 

Honor Societies & Memberships

Phi Eta Sigma (Spring 2016 — present); National Society of Leadership and Success (Spring 2017 — present); Delta Epsilon Sigma (Spring 2018 — present); Kappa Gamma Pi (Spring 2019 — present); Beta Beta Beta (Fall 2019 — Present); Gamma Sigma Epsilon (Spring 2019 —present); STEM for Freshman Students (Fall 2015 — Spring 2016); Emerging Leaders (2015 — 2016); Bridge in the Gap Program (2015—2016); Minority Associations for Pre-Health Students (Assistant Events Coordinator: 2016; Fundraising Chair: 2017); Chemistry Club (Fall 2015 — Spring 2019); American Medical Student Association (Vice President: Fall 2018; President: Spring 2019)

Volunteer Experience/Service

Science Outreach (Fall 2015); Chemistry Club Beach Cleanup (Fall 2015); Barry University Biology Department Tour Guide (Spring 2016); Broward health Medical Center (Summer 2016); Coach Program Volunteer (Spring 2017); College Brides Walk (Spring 2017); Church World Service (Fall 2017); North Miami Elementary Weekly Tutor (Fall 2017); North Miami Elementary Saturday School (Spring 2018); Miami Brain Fair at Miami Dade College (Spring 2019); Science Under the Stars at North Miami Elementary (Spring 2018)

Work Experience

Teaching Assistant: Human Anatomy (Fall 2017); Teaching Assistant: General Biology (Spring 2018); Biology Tutor: Genetics & Microbiology (Spring 2019); ROADS Student Researcher (Fall 2015 — Spring 2016); Undergraduate Student Researcher (Fall 2015 — Fall 2017)

Major: Biology-P

Minor: Chemistry

Publications & Presentations

• _Jocelyn Baquier, Leanne Jalique, Alicia Carabarin, Mernyka Webster, Chelsea Bain, Jean Sylvain, Roudy Charles, Anton Stermousov, Kirill Stermousov, Lusanda Nogxina, Foumi Oni, Darrell Henry, Ariana Connor, Angel Tapia, Michelle Valdes, Autumn Leone, & Michael Robinson. 2016. Fluctuating asymmetry and molecular quality in house crikets (Acheta Domesticus). Florida Undergraduate Research Symposium at University of Tampa, Tampa, FL, Feburary 7th, 2016 (poster).
• _Jocelyn Baquier, Leanne Jalique, Alicia Carabarin, Mernyka Webster, Chelsea Bain, Jean Sylvain, Roudy Charles, Anton Stermousov, Kirill Stermousov, Lusanda Nogxina, Foumi Oni, Darrell Henry, Ariana Connor, Angel Tapia, Michelle Valdes, Autumn Leone, & Michael Robinson. 2016. Fluctuating asymmetry and molecular quality in house crikets (Acheta Domesticus). Barry University STEM Symposium, Miami Shores, FL, March 23rd, 2016 (poster).

Marvone Sands

Graduation: 12/2018

Goal: Matriculate into Medical School

GPA: Magna Cum Laude

Awards & Scholarships

Dean’s List (Fall 2015; Fall/Spring: 2016, 2017, 2018); President’s List (Fall 2018); Barry University Scholarship (Fall 2015); Grand Bahama port Authority Scholarship (Fall 2015); Freeport Container Port Scholarship (Fall 2015); The Government of Bahamas National Scholarship Grant (Fall 2015)

Honor Societies & Memberships

Beta Beta Beta (Spring 2018 — Present); Gamma Sigma Epsilon (Spring 2018 —Present); Bahamian Student Association (President/Treasurer: Fall 2015 — Fall 2018); Chemistry Club (Spring 2017 — Fall 2018); American Medical Student Association (Fall: 2016, 2018); Business leadership Association (2016 — 2018); Caribbean Student Association (Fall 2015 — Fall 2017)

Volunteer Experience/Service

Rand Memorial Hospital (Fall 2015); Grand Bahama Home for the Aged (Spring 2015 — Fall 2016); MLK Day of Service (Spring: 2015, 2016); Feeding South Florida (Fall 2016); Pines Nursing Home (Spring 2015 — Fall 2017); Chemistry Club Science Museum Magic Shows (Fall 2018)

Work Experience

Biology Tutor: Biological Foundations, Biomedical Terminology, Botany, Cell Biology, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Evolution, Virology, Biochemistry, Genetics (Spring 2017 — Fall2018); Chemistry Tutor: Preparation for College Chemistry, General Chemistry & Qualitative Analysis, Biochemistry 1 & 2, University Physics, College Physics (Spring 2018 — Fall 2018); Barry University Orientation Leader (Spring — Fall 2018)

Majors: Biology-P

Minor: Chemistry

Miguel Belaunzaran

Graduation: 05/2019

Goal: Matriculate into Medical School

GPA: Cum Laude

Awards & Scholarships

Outstanding Physics Student Award (Spring 2018); Dean’s List (Fall/Spring: 2017, 2018); Barry University STEM Symposium (Winner—2017; Honorable Mention—2018)

Honor Societies & Memberships

Beta Beta Beta (President: Spring 2018 — 2019); American Medical Student Association (Spring 2017 — Spring 2018); Minority Association of Pre-health Students (Fall 2016 — Spring 2018)

Volunteer Experience/Service

Family Medicine Clinical Volunteer Service (Summer 2018)

Work Experience

Microbiology Preparatory Laboratory Assistant (Fall 2016 — Fall 2017); Physical Sciences Tutor: Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics 1 & 2, & Organic Chemistry 1 (2018 — 2019); General Medicine (Shadow) (Fall 2017—Spring 2018); Jackson North Medical Clinic: Podiatry (Shadow) (Summer 2017 — Summer 2018); Internal Medicine (Shadow) (Summer 2017) ; Dr. Brenda Schoffstall’s Laboratory: Undergraduate Researcher (Fall 2017—present)

Major: Biology—P

Minor: Chemistry

Publications & Presentations

• _Brenda Schoffstall, Arin Blake, Miguel Belaunzaran. 2018. The effects of acetic acid on biofilm formation and wound healing using a zebrafish model. LSSF STEM Symposium, City, State. Presentation Date (Poster)
• _Brenda Schoffstall, Arin Blake, Miguel Belaunzaran. 2018. An ex-vivo tissue explant zebrafish model for the study of biofilm formation and eradication. Barry University STEM Symposium , Miami Shores, Florida. Presentation Date (Poster)
• _Brenda Schoffstall, Arin Blake, Miguel Belaunzaran. 2018. The effects of acetic acid on biofilm formation and wound healing using a zebrafish model. Barry University STEM Symposium , Miami Shores, Florida. Presentation Date (Poster)

Sara Maria Ricupero

Graduation: 05/2019

Goal: Physician Assistant School

GPA: Cum Laude

Honor Societies & Memberships

Beta Beta Beta (Spring 2019 — Present); Pre-Physician Assistant Student Association (President: Fall 2018 — Present); Delta Epsilon Sigma (Spring 2018 —Present); National Society of Leadership and Success (Spring 2017 — Present); Alpha Phi Sorority (Spring 2016-2017);

Volunteer Experience/Service

Lillie M. Williams Head Start Center (Fall 2018); Miami Rescue Mission (Spring 2016)

Work Experience

Mount Sinai Medical Center Rheumatology Shadow (Summer: 2017 & 2018); Mount Sinai Medical Center Cardiology Shadow (Summer 2018)

Majors: Biology-P

Ariella Gordon

Graduation: 05/2019

Goal: Matriculate into Medical School

GPA: Summa Cum Laude

Awards & Scholarships

1st Place Math Counts County Competition (2013); President’s List (Fall 2016, Fall/Spring 2017); Dean’s List (Fall/Spring: 2018); Barry University’s Academic scholarship (Fall 2016); Touro College’s Academic Scholarship (Spring 2016); Beth Jacob of Greater Miami Valedictorian (Spring 2015); Magen David Adom National Dinner (First Aid Responder Honor) (Fall 2018)

Honor Societies & Memberships

Jewish Life (Founder & President; Fall 2017 — Spring 2019); Delta Epsilon Sigma (Spring 2018); Alpha Phi (Spring 2019 — Present); Gamma Sigma Epsilon (Spring 2019); National Society of Leadership and Success (Spring 2019); American Medical Student Association (Fall 2017 — Spring 2019); Beta Beta Beta (Spring 2018 — Present)

Volunteer Experience/Service

Magen David Adom Overseas Volunteer Program (Summer 2017 — Present); Chai Lifeline: Camp Simcha (Summer: 2015, 2016 & 2017); Aventura Hospital: Emergency Room Volunteer (Fall 2018 — Spring 2019); Machon Raaya Seminar Volunteer (Fall 2015— Summer 2016); Chemistry and Physics Tournament (Spring 2019); Israeli Defense Force & Lone Soldier’s headquarters (Fall: 2016, 2018); Yad Eliezer & Pantry Packers (Fall 2016; Summer 2017); Sanhedria Orphanage (Fall & Spring 2016); Seeach Sod: Special Needs Afterschool care (Fall 2016); Chemistry Club Elementary School Magic Shows (Fall 2018)

Work Experience

Beth Jacob of Greater Miami: Tutor (Fall 2014 — Present); Biology Tutor: Foundations of Biology 1 & 2, Microbiology (Intro/Upper level), Evolution, Environmental Science, Genetics, Nutrition, General Chemistry 1 & 2, Organic Chemistry 1 & 2 (Fall 2017 — Present); Bar Ilan University: Research Assistant (Summer 2018); Bnos: Weekend Youth Group Leader (2013 — 2014 ); Brilliant Rothenberg Orthodontics (Shadow) (Summer 2015); Pediatrics Associates (Shadow) (Summer 2016); Bitron & Rivera OB/GYN (Shadow) (summer 2018); Jackson Memorial Hospital Anesthesiology (Shadow) (Fall 2018)

Major: Biology—P

Publications & Presentations

• _Ariella Gordon, Achia Urbach. Ilana Carmel-Gorss. 2018. The effects of SNF5 on pluripotent stem cells. Barry University 11th Annual STEM Research Symposium, Miami Shores, FL, April 5, 2019. (poster)
• _Ariella Gordon, Achia Urbach. Ilana Carmel-Gorss. 2018. The effects of SNF5 on pluripotent stem cells. Bar Ilan University, Tel Aviv, Israel, August 7, 2018. (oral)

Hannah Gokingco

Graduation: 05/2018

Goal: PA School and a Master’s in Public Health

GPA: Magna Cum Laude

Awards & Scholarships

Barry University Dean’s List (Fall 2014 & 2017; Spring 2016; Fall/Spring: 2015); Stamps Leadership Scholarship (Fall 2014)

Honor Societies & Memberships

Beta Beta Beta (Spring 2019); Gamma Sigma Epsilon (Spring 2019); Minority Association of Pre-Health Students (Public Relations Chair: Fall 2015—Spring 2016; Fall 2014 — Present); Research Opportunities and Directions in Science (Spring 2018); Delta Epsilon Sigma (Spring 2017 — Present); National Society of Leadership and Success (Fall 2017 — Present)

Volunteer Experience/Service

Stamps National Day of Service (Spring 2018, 2016); North Miami Elementary School Laboratory Mentor (Fall 2015 — 2016); Martin Luther King Day of Service (Spring 2016); Feeding South Florida (Fall 2016); Miami Rescue Mission: Thanks giving on Good Friday (Spring 2015); Mount Sinai Medical Center Volunteer (Spring 2015); Life of Freedom (Spring 2015) ); University of Miami—Department of Community Service Health Fairs (Fall 2014 — Spring 2015); Christ the Kind Catholic Church: Salt and Light Food Pantry (Summer 2016 — Present)

Work Experience

Barry University Stamps Scholars Service Chair (Fall 2018 — Spring 2019); Barry University Stamps Scholars Liaison (Fall 2017 — Fall 2018); Stamps Scholars National Convention—Community Service & Social Enterprise Thread Leader (Spring 2015); Branches—Fulford Elementary and Junior High School Mentor (Fall 2014); Barry University Honors Program Freshman Liaison (Fall 2014); Microbiology Laboratory Assistant (Spring 2019); Barry University Physical Sciences Lab Assistant (Fall 2016); Barry University Physical Science Global Harmonizing System Coordinator (Fall 2016) ; Dr. Stephanie Bingham’s Laboratory: Undergraduate Researcher (Spring 2016)

Major: Biology

Minor: Chemistry

Publications & Presentations

• _Annalliam Flores, Jennyvette Trinidad, Victoria Crooks, Carina Alexis, Javelle Campbell, Brooke Cottman, Anna Marie Hope, Samantha Dorismond, Jessika Gaviria-Suarez, Hannah Gokingco, Marissa Jones, Josh Kelly, Verronika Laguerre, Gabriela Lin, Alexander Liinares, Shaynell Monreal, Peter Nwokoye, Jasmine Roberts, Mariana Ruiz, Pedro Sanchez, Bertina Telusma, Riann Zabaleta, Stephanie Bingham. Undergraduates Provide Support for Science Education at the K-12 Level. Barry University CCSI Community Engagement Symposium. March 29, 2017. 

Elisheva Brass

Graduation: 05/2019

Goal: Matriculate into Physician Assistant School

GPA: Magna Cum Laude

Awards & Scholarships

National Merit Letter of Commendation (2015); Barry University Academic Scholarship (Fall 2017); Barry University President’s List (Fall 2017) ; Dean’s List (Fall/Spring: 2018); Touro College Academic Scholarship (Fall 2015)

Honor Societies & Memberships

Touro College Honor’s Program (Fall 2015—Spring 2017); Pre-Physician Assistant Student Association (Fall 2018 — Spring 2019); Beta Beta Beta (Fall 2018 — Present); Astro-Math-Physics Club (Fall 2018)

Volunteer Experience/Service

Mount Sinai Medical Center: Emergency Room Volunteer (Summer 2017 — Current)

Work Experience

National Institutes of Health: Research Intern (Summer 2016); Beth Jacob of Greater Miami: Substitute Teacher (Spring 2018); Mount Sinai Medical Center: Emergency Room Shadow (Summer 2017 — Current)

Major: Biology - Traditional

Genesis Muñoz

Graduation: 05/2019

Goal: Matriculate into Medical School

GPA: Cum Laude

Awards & Scholarships

Dean’s List (Spring 2018, 2017); Barry University Scholarship (2017); Goizueta Foundation minority Empowerment Endowed Scholarship for Undergraduate Students (Spring 2016 & 2018); President’s List (Fall 2018) ; Barry University Stem Symposium: Department of Biology — 1st Place (Spring 2019); Life Science of South Florida: Overall — 1st place winner (Spring 2019)

Honor Societies & Memberships

Beta Beta Beta (2018 — Present); Gamma Sigma Epsilon (Spring 2019 —Present)

Volunteer Experience/Service

Barry University — Chemistry and Physics Tournament (Spring 2018—Present); Barry University Earth Day Green House Restoration (Spring 2019); Barry University Pridelines (Spring 2019) ; Barry University Welcoming Refugees (Spring 2017); Chemistry Club Elementary School Magic Shows ( Fall 2017— Spring 2018)

Work Experience

Teaching Assistant — Anatomy Laboratory (2018 — Spring 2019); Biology Tutor: Anatomy, Botany, & Biological Foundations (Fall 2017); Dr. Leticia Vega’s & Dr. Christoph Hengartner’s Laboratory: Undergraduate Researcher (2018 — Present)

Major: Biology-P

Minor: Chemistry