A total of 530 students will earn degrees from the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences (CBCS) during USF's Spring 2025 Commencement. The commencement ceremonies include 358 students receiving undergraduate degrees, 154 students receiving master's degrees, and 18 students receiving doctoral degrees from CBCS.
91麻豆天美 graduating this semester represent 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. 91麻豆天美're happy to recognize a few outstanding students from this graduating class.
Riley-Claire Grimsley
Bachelor of Science in behavioral healthcare with a concentration in children's behavioral
healthcare
Riley-Claire Grimsley has been passionate about equine therapy since she began competing on horse show teams and volunteering at a ranch. So, when she realized that her initial interest in becoming an emergency room physician didn't suit her as well as she had hoped, she pivoted to a career path that combined her interests in people, health, and horses.
"I chose behavioral and mental health because I have always been fascinated by it," said Grimsley. "When searching for programs to switch to, this one just spoke to me, and I felt drawn to it."
In addition to changing her major, Grimsley says she overcame several other challenges during her time as a USF student, including balancing long hours and night shifts working at Moffitt Cancer Center with a full-time course load, a family medical scare, and caring for her own mental and physical health. She credits her friends, family, partner, and brothers in the Kappa Kappa Psi co-ed honorary music service fraternity and Herd of Thunder Marching Band for supporting her through difficult times and pushing her to grow as a leader.
"The joy I have felt every game day stepping into Raymond James Stadium is beyond description. So many people have told me I embody the 'Go Bulls' energy, but really, they see my pride in being a member of the Herd of Thunder Marching Band and a Bull."
After graduation, Grimsley plans to become a registered behavior technician, continuing to pursue a career in the equine therapy field while also participating in local rodeos and English shows. Her goal is to one day open her own equine therapy stable with programs specializing in autism and trauma.
What was your favorite course in the program?
"It's hard to pick just one favorite course in this program. So many helped me in different ways, and I truly enjoyed every class I took. I will say Child Development and Trauma has especially caught my interest and I thoroughly enjoyed this class. Professor Zenn, who teaches this course, is absolutely fantastic and has made the course material so interesting and the class quite enjoyable.
"I have also taken several classes with Dr. Marshall who has been a joy to work with and learn from. She is great at working with students and supporting them through hard times, as she has done for me several times."
What will you miss most about your time as a USF student?
"I will miss my time in the Herd of Thunder band and Kappa Kappa Psi most after I graduate. It's hard to imagine Saturdays in the fall without waking up at 5 a.m. to make cookies for the entire band 鈥� a tradition I started myself 鈥� or running onto the field at Raymond James Stadium or playing in the stands or doing Stampede or Roadshow. Furthermore, I can't imagine not going to the School of Music on Sundays for chapter meetings or helping with gameday or rehearsal service or performing in recitals. It will definitely be hard to step away, but I still plan to be involved as an alum."
What advice would you give to a new student starting in your program?
"The best advice I can give to a new student in this program is to be a sponge. Soak up every last drop of knowledge these professors have, as they are all amazing people with exceptional knowledge and experience that you can learn a lot from. I also encourage new students to participate in hands-on classes, as they often give you the chance to really practice what you're learning about which I have found really helps in the long run."
Benjamin Brosofsky
Bachelor of Arts in ASL interpreting
Benjamin Brosofsky has always been fascinated by languages. So fascinated, in fact, that he grew up trying to teach them to himself. His initial exposure to American Sign Language (ASL) was through television and social media, but it was when he formed a connection with a hard-of-hearing student that he says he truly engaged with the language.
"When my high school began offering ASL as a language course during my junior year, I immediately enrolled," said Brosofsky. "Not long after joining, I became captivated by the language, Deaf culture, and the community."
At USF, he participated in an internship with Hands On USF (HOUSF), the university's on-site interpreting agency, which gave him the opportunity to interpret in a wide range of settings, including college classes, speech therapy sessions, medical appointments, and community events. Brosofsky also studied production accuracy and lag time in ASL interpreters as part of his work as a research assistant in a lab led by Jean Krause, PhD.
"The work I have contributed to has been so fascinating and rewarding. Though there is still much to be done, we have put in a lot of time and energy analyzing ASL, English, interpreting, and linguistics as a whole. Our teamwork and collaboration have been very motivating for me. While my time in the lab only lasted a year, I couldn鈥檛 be prouder of our little crew and the hurdles we have overcome together."
Brosofsky already has work lined up as an ASL interpreter with two interpreting agencies in the Tampa area, but plans to head north in the fall to pursue a career in Washington, D.C. Eventually, he says, he would like to become a certified mental health interpreter.
What was your favorite course in the program?
"My absolute all-time favorite course in the Interpreter Training Program has been Interpreting 1- ASL to English, which is better known as 鈥榁oicing.鈥� Voicing was one of my first real interpreting classes, and was completely different from everything we had done leading up to it. The majority of the courses focused on sign language production, which made this class a fun change of pace. Not only was it new and challenging, but the class also created a safe space to practice and struggle without fear of judgment. In that class, I made a lot of improvements and gains, and I could actually see my hard work paying off.
"Honestly, I have had the good fortune of experiencing several memorable classes. With so many options to pick from, this was definitely a hard choice. However, at the end of the day, it's the professor who made all the difference. Even though I know she would never admit it, Sam Thomas has been so vital to my success as a student and an interpreter. She always believed in me, pushed me to do hard things, provided opportunities for me to develop my skills even further, and has been a source of endless encouragement and support. Although I'm thrilled to be graduating, it's bittersweet knowing that my journey, which started in ASL 1 with Sam as my teacher, is now coming to a close."
What will you miss most about your time as a USF student?
"It would be impossible for me to single out just one thing that I will miss about life as a USF student. The ASL program, my friends, the staff, and the beautiful campus are just a few of the things I'll feel nostalgic for.
"When my college experience began, I felt lost, overwhelmed, and like I didn鈥檛 have any control over my circumstances. But with the overwhelming support and love surrounding me, I was able to really find myself. All four years have been a long, beautiful journey of discovering who I am inside and how I can take action to live as authentically as possible."
What advice would you give to a new student starting in your program?
"To any new students starting in the ASL interpreting program, I'd say this: College is tough; it will get hard, busy, stressful, and overwhelming. There may be times when you just want to quit, but don't give up! Interpreting, like life, is unpredictable, so be flexible and curious. Always remember that perseverance and resilience are key to overcoming academic and other obstacles. Most importantly, get excited! Interpreting is incredibly rewarding, and I wouldn't trade it for anything."
Cassidy Doyle
Doctorate in aging studies
Cassidy Doyle says her inspiration to pursue a doctorate in aging studies is deeply personal 鈥� she grew up on her family's small farm and was close to her parents and grandparents. When her grandfather was diagnosed with dementia, she became his caregiver.
"This experience changed my life, gave me my purpose, and ultimately fueled my passion for cognitive aging research," said Doyle. "My grandparents didn鈥檛 graduate from high school, but education was always something they longed for and made sure I prioritized. Earning my PhD in aging studies is an academic achievement for myself, but also a tribute to my grandparents."
Doyle's research focuses on modifiable lifestyle factors related to Alzheimer鈥檚 disease and preservation of cognitive abilities (called "SuperAging"). She investigates factors like early educational quality, late-life depressive symptoms, and leisure activity engagement. Doyle says she plans to continue this research with a focus on educating the public about her findings and plans to pursue a career that allows her to make a difference in the dementia space.
What was your favorite course in the program?
"My program was filled with interesting courses, but my favorite was Seminar in Mental Health. 91麻豆天美 learned about various mental health issues that may arise with age but also how mental health issues may manifest differently as we get older (e.g., depression may be misdiagnosed as mild cognitive impairment). The late Dr. Victor Molinari taught this course with the utmost patience, kindness, and compassion. He will always be a favorite of mine."
What will you miss most about your time as a USF student?
"I will miss teaching undergraduate students at USF! It was always the highlight of my week. My students always challenged me and helped me see my own research in new and exciting ways. I will miss sharing conversations (and laughs!) with them. "
What advice would you give to a new student starting in your program?
"Approach every task, assignment, paper, and exam with genuine curiosity. Being a PhD student is such a unique time where you get to truly be a 'sponge' and soak up as much knowledge as possible. Be curious and let that curiosity guide you!"
Adam Seng
Master of Arts in criminal justice
As a U.S. Coast Guard veteran and federal law enforcement officer who has taken part in both search and rescue and humanitarian missions, Adam Seng knew he had a passion for helping those in need. He also knew that pursuing a master's degree in criminal justice at USF would allow him to continue to serve his community.
That doesn't mean it was easy! Seng says it was a challenge going straight from the military into college. He credits USF and the Office of Veterans Affairs for making his transition from active duty to student life a smooth one. Seng, who was determined to hold himself to a high standard, maintained straight As, graduating with a 4.0.
"Every time I completed an assignment, whether it was a simple quiz or a final project, I always asked myself, 'Is this work up to that standard?' If the answer was no, then I kept working," said Seng. "I told myself that I was never going to settle for 'good enough,' and I believe that I achieved that."
While at USF, Seng says he found a deep love for knowledge and the pursuit of it. For one project in particular, he had the opportunity to pursue research focused on police response to reports of stalking with faculty member Fawn Ngo, PhD.
"Not only has it allowed me to experience the world of academic research and statistical analysis, but the finished product will be able to be used by police and other academics to improve the outcomes for victims of stalking, which is very important."
Next, Seng will continue his education by pursuing a doctorate and is considering returning to USF. In the meantime, he plans to rejoin law enforcement in a crime analyst role.
What was your favorite course in the program?
"I had many courses that I thoroughly enjoyed. In undergrad, I took Introduction to Courts taught by the state attorney for our district and also took a criminal investigation class taught by a retired homicide detective. Having professors with real world experience was very instrumental and made learning that much more enjoyable. In the Master of Criminal Justice program, taking statistics courses taught by Dr. Ngo really helped foster my passion for the quantitative side of criminology."
What will you miss most about your time as a USF student?
"I will miss the sense of belonging to an institution that has the common goal of the pursuit of knowledge. There was something about walking onto campus and knowing I was with other people who shared the same passions and dedications as you. Seeing the success of others around me, whether fellow students or teachers, has always been a big motivator for me."
What advice would you give to a new student starting in your program?
"Don鈥檛 be afraid to ask questions, both in and out of class. Don鈥檛 let timidness get in the way of raising your hand in class or asking for clarification at the end of a lecture. At the end of the day, it鈥檚 YOUR education you are after, so get the most out of it! Not only will asking questions allow you to get the most out of your time here, but it will also better prepare you for your assignments and increase your chances of success."
Abigail Paglia
Master of Arts in applied behavior analysis
Abigail Paglia鈥檚 enthusiasm for helping others has been the driving force behind her pursuit of a Master of Arts in applied behavior analysis (ABA).
"I am passionate about helping individuals make meaningful changes in their lives," Paglia shares. "Seeing the impact of ABA, especially in supporting individuals with autism, has motivated me to deepen my knowledge."
Last year, Paglia received a fellowship from Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay (BCOTB). This opportunity has been transformative, providing her with hands-on experience and invaluable mentorship.
"Receiving the fellowship from BCOTB has advanced my career by bridging the gap between coursework and real-world practice," she explains. "I鈥檓 very thankful for my BCOTB family for their support and guidance."
Paglia is preparing to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam. She plans to continue her work with individuals with developmental disabilities at BCOTB, furthering her contribution to the field of behavior analysis.
What was your favorite course in the program?
"My favorite course was Applied Behavioral Analysis and Developmental Disabilities with Emma Devine, MS, BCBA, as the course showed how ABA can impact the quality of lives for individuals with developmental disabilities."
What will you miss most about your time as a USF student?
"I will miss the community USF has brought with my fellow peers and professors. Even in an online setting, I was a part of an environment surrounded by people who shared my passion for ABA!"
What advice would you give to a new student starting in your program?
"The advice I would give to a new student starting in the ABA program is to not be afraid to ask questions and lean on your professors and peers, as everyone wants you to be successful. During those late nights of studying and finishing assignments, remember why you started. Let your passion carry you through the tough moments!"
Britani Holland
Doctorate in social work
Reflecting on her time in the social work program, Britani Holland says that earning her doctorate has been one of the most formative and meaningful experiences of her professional and academic life.
"My pursuit of this path was inspired by years of direct practice with trauma-impacted communities," said Holland. "I observed firsthand the critical need for research, policy development, and systems-level change."
While at USF, Holland has led workshops on mass shootings and public support for reentry programs. Her research has centered on public stigma and adult survivors of child maltreatment, with additional interests in mental illness stigma, the implementation of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in high-needs populations, reentry programming for formerly justice-involved individuals, and enhancing the well-being of individuals managing chronic illness.
After completing her doctoral degree on an accelerated timeline 鈥� a feat she attributes to a clear research agenda and the encouragement of a strong mentorship team 鈥� Holland plans to continue similar research post-graduation. She hopes to work in a research-practice partnership setting that bridges academic inquiry with community impact.
What was your favorite course in the program?
"One of the most impactful courses I completed was Evidence-Based Practice in Behavioral and Community Sciences, taught by Dr. Kosyluk. This course not only deepened my understanding of systematic methodologies but also introduced me to scoping review techniques, which I later applied in my research to identify gaps in the literature and inform future studies."
What will you miss most about your time as a USF student?
"Throughout my time at USF, I am proud to have led workshops on mass shootings and public support for reentry programs, and to have published my first peer-reviewed article 鈥� milestones that represent my commitment to translational research. I will miss the collaborative spirit and intellectual curiosity shared among faculty and peers who are equally passionate about advancing social justice through research."
What advice would you give to a new student starting in your program?
"For incoming doctoral students, my strongest advice is to invest early in building supportive mentorship networks and research collaborations. Say 'yes' to opportunities 鈥� even those that may fall slightly outside your immediate research interests 鈥� as they often lead to unexpected growth. The PhD journey can feel isolating at times, but having a solid foundation of mentors and peers makes all the difference in sustaining both your momentum and your passion."
No茅 Erazo
Doctorate in behavioral and community sciences
With a background in linguistics, including a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Houston and a master's in applied linguistics from the University of Massachusetts Boston, No茅 Erazo says he wanted the flexibility to explore new areas while pursuing his doctoral degree, which led him to choose the program in behavioral and community sciences at USF.
"This interdisciplinary program allowed me to deepen my skills in research design, measurement, and communication sciences without being limited to a single discipline," said Erazo.
Erazo's research focuses on how Spanish-speaking children in the United States develop knowledge of the Spanish alphabet, and he says he plans to continue to work in Spanish linguistics and language development. As part of his qualifying exam for the doctoral program, Erazo wrote and submitted a federal grant application, which received strong reviews. He says he looks forward to applying what he's learned in new ways as he continues to pursue opportunities that align with his goals.
What was your favorite course in the program?
"Single Case Research Design, taught by Dr. Howard Goldstein, was my favorite course because it introduced me to matrix training (miniature linguistic systems), a concept that captured my imagination and has stayed with me throughout my studies."
What will you miss most about your time as a USF student?
"I will miss the excitement of learning alongside classmates, the access to academic resources, and the feeling of being part of a community of emerging researchers."
What advice would you give to a new student starting in your program?
"Start building your literature review as early as possible, create a detailed citation bank, and prioritize organizing your research. This foundation will support you through every stage of the program."