Sarvenaz Myslicki (she/her) graduated from the University of Florida Honors Program with a BS in Computer Science in 2013. Now based in New York City, she is the Vice President of Technology at American Express. Sarvenaz (or, to some, Professor Myslicki) also teaches CIS4930: Enterprise Software Engineering Practices at UF. We sat down to chat about how her (Un)Common experiences at UF Honors has guided her highly successful career.
Joshua Nemery: What is your current job description?
Sarvenaz Myslicki: I’m the Vice President of Technology at American Express. In this role I lead a 375+ engineering organization responsible for global Web Engineering at americanexpress.com, Loyalty experiences, and Site Reliability Engineering.
J: passionate about?
S: I am a big believer in knowing and living your values, and my top two values are passion and impact. I use this to help me gauge whether a new of problems I would need to solve, and would solving these problems have a positive impact on others?
J: Do you feel like the honors program prepared you for your career?
S: Absolutely! For one, living in Hume as a freshman was an amazing experience. The community and resources I was surrounded with gave me the and going to career showcase as a freshman, and each of these experiences helped me build skills that I continue to use to this day.
J: I hear that you were involved in the Student Honors Organization during your time at UF. What experience did you take away from that organization?
S: into student organization leadership. I learned a lot of valuable lessons about myself, the type of leader that I am, and that I have a huge passion for leadership in general. It set the stage for other leadership experiences at UF, like becoming president of the Society of Women Engineers and Benton the workforce.
J: What advice would you give to a current student in the UF Honors program, especially those preparing for careers in STEM?
S: Take advantage of the opportunities around you! Everything from the small class sizes to the special events will enrich your education and help you build your network.
J: Switching gears, what inspired you to teach a class here at UF? What do you teach?
S: I have always loved teaching and was even a TA during my time at UF. I joined the CISE department's Industry Advisory Board in 2019, and in one of our board meetings we were talking about ways to better prepare students for working “in the real world.” The idea of
together. The course that came out of it is called "Enterprise Software Engineering Practices" and it's meant to prepare students for what it’s like to work in the tech industry.
(from course description): The course will cover: processes, frameworks, and tools that large companies use to allow hundreds of engineers to collaborate and deliver software; how technology teams interface with other business units to deliver products and solutions; and modern software engineering best practices and enterprise architecture patterns.
J: What have you learned from being a professor? What makes students connect with your subject?
students reach out and let me know how much the content helped prepare them for their
J: Tell me about some Honors experiences that stand out in your mind, things that hold special meaning or just make you chuckle.
S: My Hume RA during Summer B was so welcoming and caring, and seeing the positive want to do the same. I ended up becoming an RA in Lakeside from sophomore to senior year and had unforgettable experiences and life lessons as a result.
Also, I'm a big fan of Halloween and Haunted Hume will forever be one of my favorite zombie experience, and I'm proud to say that we scared a ton of people.
Thank you to Sarvenaz Myslicki for agreeing to the interview! It’s always great to hear from honors alumni. Interested in telling us about how your honors
or the University of Florida’s honors students who are passionate about singing, Honor Chords is the perfect club. Welcoming all honors students, their mission is to make a cappella singing accessible to all and give students the opportunity to experience the uncommon.
After participating in the workshop, the students were able to see Kings Return perform live at the Phillips Center the following day. The tickets were sponsored by former Honors Director Sheila Dickison through her kind donation to the UF Honors Program; donations to the program help support activities such as this one, giving honors students more opportunities for unique, uncommon experiences. Members of Honor Chords who were able to attend the performance loved it. One member expressed how the performance was inspiring, explaining how the performance “showed us what a
time watching a professional a capella concert.
Not long after watching Kings Return perform, Honor Chords had their own performance at the beautiful Baughman Center by Lake Alice for the Student Honors Organization (SHO) Town Hall. The group performed amazingly, singing their Disney medley and a
Smash Mouth. Not only did the audience love the music, members of Honor Chords felt that they did a great job. After the performance, a member said it “was a really good performance. I think there
put a pause on performances and forced them to practice online through Zoom. As you can imagine, singing alone at a computer isn’t so glamorous. However, the organization is coming back strong. representing the vocal talent of UF’s honors program at venues such as the Carleton Auditorium, the Baughman Center, the Reitz Union Auditorium, and the University Auditorium.
This past spring semester, Honor Chords had the chance of a acapella group that gained popularity after posting videos of them sound born out of gospel, jazz, R&B/soul, and classical music.
When the vocal group came to Gainesville, Honor Chords participated in a workshop with the four singers. During the workshop, they went through two of their pieces, a lovely medley of Disney love ballads and a previous piece, Viva la Vida. Kings Return then worked with the full ensemble, occasionally spotlighting
coordinated and blended, improving their overall tone and unity. An interesting element of the workshop that was highlighted by members of Honor Chords was how it focused not only on singing but on improving their movements. The professional vocal group pointed out that some of the honor students were too tense, “like deer in the headlights” as phrased by a member of Honor Chords. Kings Return suggested that the singers loosen up a bit, move around, and just have fun with it; by relaxing and lightening up, the performance would feel more natural and energetic. One tenor in Honor Chords perfectly captured this sentiment, explaining how art. The movement and all that help with the coordination of the singing, which in turn, helps to make the performance better. It creates a feedback loop, which they really helped us to realize.”
initial performance during the workshop and their performance at the Baughman Center. The group as a whole was much more comfortable and loose, enhancing their overall performance.
As the semester ends, it’s great looking back at all that Honor Chords has accomplished. The group is a fantastic example of how introducing people with similar passions can create a bond. As one freshman in the group commented, “The best part about Honor Chords is the people and the community we have. It’s really nice. It’s like a little family”. With a mix of new and seasoned singers, the group is sure to grow and continue providing its members with uncommon experiences and a vibrant community within the Honors Program.
he Honors Program is who aspire to make changes through communitybuilding. Keegan Christensen, a second-year Management major with double minors in Economics and Health Disparities in Society, is one of them. Coming from Kentucky, he and his brother, along with a few other motivated individuals, combined their passion for board games and community building to create the Honors Tabletop club. Christensen is the organization’s inaugural President. In the 20222023 academic year the club met every Tuesday night, where approximately 30 to 40 Honors students gathered to play rounds of relaxing yet competitive board games through various theme nights planned by Christensen and his team.
When asked about the inspiration behind starting the club, Christensen stated, “Coming from out of state, I barely knew anyone. It wasn’t until a few of my hallmates gathered to play board games that I
turned his vision into reality. “The goal was to build more connections and friendships within the program and unite the Honors community.” His club’s inclusiveness stands out: “There is no barrier to enter. It is open to any Honors students. It is a place where you don’t need to be good at something, but you can still participate.”
Starting a new club was not always smooth sailing, as the founding members questioned the turnout rate and other concerns. But he credited Honors advisors for allowing them much freedom to focus on their dreams and visions. “I was told to curate an experience term goals and being together as a united front.” With only three people starting in leadership positions, Honors Tabletop recently
This experience impacted Christensen and helped him work on ideas heard, and fostering an inclusive community. He stated, “I want the members to not only challenge themselves in strategically complex games but also grow within this community and be integrated into it. This group has many leaders, whether
representation of the honors pillars, where students have turned their leisure time pleasure into a community. “With all the workload the honors students carry, this is a time when people relax and destress.”
vision. “I want every Tuesday night’s Honors Tabletop event bigger rooms.” Christensen expressed that it makes him happy to see other people happy. The club has grown from 15 students
with laughter and strategic discussion every Tuesday night. It is on its way to becoming a staple of the Honors Program community.
Thank you to Veronika Schmalfuss for taking action-photos of an Honors Tabletop General Body Meeting.
“Leading
by Example”:
Since 2017, UF Honors peer instructors and their faculty mentors have been designing and delivering course instruction together in an innovative program designed to give students a unique and enjoyable learning experience. Peer instructed courses usually take the form of (Un)Common Reads classes, a discussion-based class focused on one book or book series. Another class option for peer instruction, albeit used less frequently, is the which are seminar courses that take a deep dive into an art exhibit or performance.
The success of these courses often rests in the fact that students feel more comfortable sharing their personal thoughts and feelings in discussions led by their peers. Dr. Steven Noll and senior Katie Usrey (coincidentally, also majoring in Psychology with an emphasis
After going through a selective application process,
Incoming peer instructor Caroline De Paula, a junior majoring in Psychology with an emphasis on behavioral and cognitive neuroscience, talked about developing her course in collaboration with other peer instructors. “We workshopped ideas and received the entire support of Honors to draft our syllabi and make sure that the design of each one of our assignments resonates with the idea of an honors experience that the students deserve.”
Common Reads course on Ken Kesey’s 1963 novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Their class focuses heavily on mental health and social stigma. What otherwise might be a touchy subject, the team found that they’ve been able to create a safe space for students to talk about sensitive issues in a constructive and meaningful way. “I think students really enjoy being able to use [the book] to discuss what they’ve been through.” Katie remarked. “Leading by example helps open the door for students to feel comfortable.”
“Everybody is pretty fragile, and certainly one thing that is remarkable to me is just how open people are in this class about their issues,” noted Dr. Noll, who taught the course before the addition of a peer instructor. “It’s great for students who are in the class to see another student as a teacher. They can think, ‘You know, maybe I can do this?’ and it puts [it in] a whole new perspective for them to think that maybe
Personal connection is what drives many of the peer instructors to dedicate much of their time to teaching a class. For Caroline, who is set to teach a course on Compassionomics: The Revolutionary
Mazzarelli and Stephen Trzecia, it was her shadowing experience in South Florida that inspired her to teach. “I could see there was a disconnect going on between the patient and the doctor. Perhaps doctors weren’t able to fully establish a line of communication and mutual understanding about their pain,” she observed. “That’s when
Katie, speaking to the next generations of peer instructors, emphasized the power of authenticity in course delivery. “If your passion is there, other people will see it, and it’ll make a better experience overall,” she advised.
Dr. Kristy Spear, Assistant Director for Honors Experiential Learning, leads the initiative. “It’s been really positive for both the faculty members that are teaching the courses and the students that also serve as peer instructors for those courses,” Dr. Spear said in an interview.
instructor also allows honors students to come away from the program with unique experiences. Many students serve as teaching assistants for courses, but very few get to design and instruct a course at the honors level. As opposed to an undergraduate TA,
professor, and here’s my little undergraduate helper and she can chime in for two seconds if she wants to, but it’s really my course.’ We really worked to make sure that it was our course.”
The peer instructing experience also has implications for continuing education. Many of the peer instructors plan on going to graduate school and beyond. Much like the diverse backgrounds of faculty mentors, former peer instructors go on to a variety of careers. After several years with the program, Dr. Spear has seen many students go on to be highly successful. “This is a process of building an honors level course from the ground up, thinking about how to ensure that you’re meeting your learners where they are, and then taking them to the next level,” she remarked. “I think it gives [graduate programs] this interesting perspective on the student.”
“To be able to say that I have already taught at the undergraduate level, I think, is invaluable going forward,” concluded Katie. “I would say that this single-handedly was the most meaningful experience I had as a UF undergraduate student.”
Thank you to Veronika Schmalfuss for taking action-photos of Katie Usrey and Dr. Noll’s classroom.
Name: Alexandra Cagle
Major: Industrial and Systems Engineering
Minor: Engineering Innovation
Hometown: New Hampshire
Year: Senior
and Alice in the White Mountains of New Hampshire!
Puppy Club Instagram:
Uncommon Experience: Raising guide dog puppies for Southeastern Guide Dogs
Favorite Honors Course: Behind the Scenes, an uncommon arts class with Dr. Law and Matt Cox
When walking around the University of Florida campus, you might be lucky enough to see Ally taking a stroll with Yogi, a cheerful, yellow Labrador puppy who is training to be a guide dog.
Born and raised in New Hampshire, Ally grew up participating in a training camp for dog and animal behavior. Ally has loved dogs her whole life and always knew that she eventually wanted to raise a guide dog. After moving to Gainesville for high school, she learned she could raise dogs through one
Since her freshman year, Ally has continued working with dogs, serving blind and for veterans. Ally describes the experience as extremely rewarding when the puppies are still being potty trained, to balance school and puppy raising. It requires her to carefully plan her schedule to include her puppies.
As president of Puppy Club, Ally supports Southeastern Guide Dogs by raising money to sponsor puppies, who are then trained in basic socialization and cues for a year before being returned for formal training. training, been matched, and are now working guide dogs! Ally is now training her third puppy, Yogi, who was sponsored by a Gainesville local.
systems engineering. After going through an intensive interview process, Ally was selected to intern for Deloitte in Washington DC as a government public services summer scholar last year. While in DC for her internship,
a community of dog lovers. Over spring break, she visited a few friends and together took their puppies on a walk to the White House. Since Southeastern Guide Dogs currently has no group in DC, Ally has gone through the process of becoming a volunteer area coordinator and is
After graduating in the spring, Ally plans on moving to DC to continue working with Deloitte and raising puppies to become guide dogs. With a community of dog raisers, an understanding company, and her enthusiasm to help both people and puppies behind her, Ally is sure to thrive. DC is lucky to have her.
Name: Nick Blumenthal
Major: Nutritional Science
Hometown: A small town in Wisconsin
Year:
Uncommon Experience:
Combats food insecurity and malnutrition locally, nationally, and globally
Favorite Honors Course:
Biology 2 Honors
Candid
Prior to attending UF, Nick had reached out to several people who inspired him and who he wanted to emulate that had attended or currently worked at UF. One of these people was Malcolm Maden, his current lab mentor. Maden came to discuss a research paper on African mice as a guest speaker in Biology 2 Honors his freshman Fall. After meeting Nick in person and forming a deeper connection through the honors grants from the University Scholars Program, and states that “it has been the highlight of his undergraduate experience so far.” Nick presented at a conference at Yale University during April.
Nick’s passion for combating food insecurity and malnutrition started as a kid while helping his parents run their small food company. It was Product Development Club with several graduate students and undergraduate seniors. This club reaches out to students across many majors to create novel food products and pitch their ideas in national competitions.
private sectors interact with one another to enact changes on the national level. This summer, Nick will intern with the International Food Research Policy Institute in DC conducting further research and crafting policy initiatives that may provide a better way for underdeveloped communities in Africa to leverage indigenous resources to create a more sustainable community.
creating policies and programs to enable people to overcome these hurdles, and overall bettering conditions for people through research, policy implementation, and allocation of proper funding for these goals.
Class of 2026 Lombardi Scholars & Stamps Scholars on the UF in Merida summer 2022
Lombardi Scholars & Stamps Scholars on the UF in Merida summer study abroad
Class of 2024 Lombardi Scholars & Stamps Scholars in Maine with the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School, August 2021
Honors students live on a research vessel for the weekend as part of Honoring the Ocean: Sustainability and the Sea course, Spring 2023
Honors students investigate museums in Chicago as part of their Uncommon Classroom trip, Spring 2022
SHO members enjoying the performances and activities at a SHO Town Hall
SHO Executive Board answering questions during a Town Hall Q&A
Honors students learn more about informational session
The UF Honors program hosted two alumni panels this past academic year. During these panels, which took place virtually on Zoom, select former honors students were invited to share their experiences and professional lessons with current honors students interested in following similar career paths using Zoom’s were gracious enough to chat with a few students “face to face” in a virtual meet and greet.
careers in government and policy. Priya Amilineni (c/o 2019), Randi Hall (c/o 2014), Natalie Martinez (c/o 2015), Lindsey Rothenberg (c/o 2005), and Xander Vagg (c/o 2009) came together to discuss their roles, time living in Washington D.C. and abroad, and more. Current student Valerie Sheehe, who is headed to law school in Fall 2023, moderated the conversation. “I had a great time! It was especially helpful to actually see a few of the students at the end,” said Rothenberg, a foreign service
folks, especially Xander who intersects with me on work things the Department of State.
careers. Ilana Kraus (c/o 2019), Rafael Moas (c/o 2015), Roshan Patel (c/o 2015), and Erin Winick Anthony (c/o 2016) spoke to an audience of more than 30 honors students about their careers in product management, UX design, and science communications. Current student Blake Thacker, who is headed to graduate school for computer science, moderated the panel.
Matt Fiore, Associate Director of Development, works closely with initiatives and to secure philanthropic support from generous donors. He joined for both panels and enjoyed seeing Honors alumni engage and connect with current students. “Whether I meet with an Honors program alum in Washington D.C. or Miami, they tell me about their desire to network with and help current students who have similar career interests,” he said. “Our alumni also have interest in directing their philanthropy back to UF because their experiences with the UF Honors program prepared them for a successful and enjoyable career where they are able to make an impact.”
Students appreciated getting a chance to network with alumni, too. “I loved having the opportunity to connect with several honors alumni through moderating the government and public policy panel!” said Valerie, who moderated the February panel. She looks back on the event with gratitude. “It was a fantastic experience for me to learn about the wide variety of careers I could enter, and a great way to guide a conversation that could be helpful to other current students, too.”
UF Honors hopes to expand the alumni panel program in the coming
planning panels for students interested in legal careers, art careers, for future panels or have a desire to engage with current students about career networking, please reach out to us here in Honors! Direct questions and ideas to Dr. Forbes ( ) or the general Honors inbox ( ).
students with opportunities to broaden their perspectives and become cultural omnivores. In today’s world, where technology and innovation have brought people together from across the globe, the program aims to foster an environment where scholars can explore uncommon experiences, learn from international perspectives, and develop into global leaders.
Associate Director of the program, says “the Honors Program connects students to programs that prepare them to be global leaders […] and they make our learning community more internationally diverse and globally engaged.”
Margaret Cusack and Nicolas Huergo are two distinguished scholars who embody the international values of the Honors Program. Cusack, a Fulbright Scholar and Lombardi Scholar, has studied and lived all over the world and is currently teaching abroad in Spain. Huergo, a Boren
language and politics being at the center of Kraków, Poland during his studies.
In pursuing their global experiences, both Margaret Cusack and Nicolas Huergo have demonstrated a deep appreciation for cultural diversity, allowing them to gain unique perspectives and insights about the world.
those of typical American education systems. She initially struggled with the lack of structure in the Spanish classrooms but soon realized that it provided more freedom for teachers and students to explore new ways of learning. According to Cusack, “With a little bit less structure, you have a whole lot more freedom over what you teach and how you teach it, and everything that needs to get done still happens.” This realization led her to prefer the Spanish teaching style and appreciate on her experience over the years, she is now working on a webinar to pass on her knowledge to incoming scholars.
Likewise, during Huergo’s time in Poland, he interacted with an international community of friends, which broadened his perspectives on global issues. At a young age, he developed a keen interest in Polish politics, so being in Poland further expanded his interests and was highly valuable to his career aspirations. However, he could not have
would have on his academic studies. He said, “It is really cool to have friends from all kinds of backgrounds all gathered here in Poland. I have
an international friend group, everyone can contribute their thoughts
and perspectives on the world.”As a political science and international studies major, Huergo was able to gain a direct connection with the
who have family in Ukraine, the perspectives change and make me more
These study abroad experiences foster one’s mind and give scholars many unforgettable experiences that allow them to pursue excellence uncommon which the Honors Program tries to instill in all students.
experiences teaching in less structured classroom environments inspired her to develop a new style of education. “I am particularly fascinated by the freedom allowed in the classroom to structure projects and learning units based loosely on the book but tailored to individual class interests,” she shared. Moreover, sharing her American culture with her students gave her a new perspective on her cultural identity. “The lesson I developed was fascinating to students and made
discovery, as Huergo credits it as studying and opportunities to gain aspirations. “I believe everyone should have an experience like this; it helps you understand who you are and who you want to be.” Huergo’s
in Polish and understanding the complex concept his professor was teaching. For him, it validated all the hard work he had put in. The by the scholars themselves, so moments like this are highly cherished milestones in each scholar’s journey.
during an interview that “Studying abroad is just scratching the surface of a student’s development. For aims towards a better and more peaceful world, a healthy citizenry, and for an individual’s own personal life satisfaction, engaging with new cultures, languages, and histories as a young adult is a necessity.” The Honors Program aligns with this sentiment and is committed to allowing its students to pursue uncommon experiences, expand their vision, and develop into future leaders who can contribute to building a more interconnected and improved world.
This recognition is given to the U.S. colleges and universities that received the highest number of applicants selected for the 2022-2023 Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
in 10 years. This recognition is given to the U.S. colleges and universities that received the
also among the largest and most diverse exchange programs in the world. Since its inception
university graduates, teachers, scientists, researchers, artists, and others, from the United
“This prestigious recognition is a testament to the academic quality of our students at the
helped make this global distinction possible.”
• Leigh Archer, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, awarded a research grant in Chile. Archer is studying hazelnut crops in order to inform growers of best pruning methods and maintenance. After Fulbright and her Ph.D. studies conclude, she plans to apply to positions in extension programs with global focus.
• Marian Azeem-Angel, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, awarded a research grant in Denmark. She is conducting
• Edward Brown, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, granted an English Teaching Assistant award in Mexico. Brown was involved with the UF English Language Institute as a conversation partner for international students. After completion of his Fulbright grant, he plans to return to UF for graduate school.
• Ixchel Collazo, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, granted an English Teaching Assistant award in Mexico. Collazo is a apply to Ph.D. programs in counseling psychology so she can provide critical services to the Latinx community.
• Ryan Fishman, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, granted an English Teaching Assistant award in Vietnam. At UF, Fishman studied microbiology and cell science and nutritional sciences while volunteering with UF English Language Institute as a conversation partner and at the Equal Access Clinic. When he returns to the U.S., he plans on attending medical school.
• Megan Hickey, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, granted an English Teaching Assistant award in Panama. When Hickey to teach in a bilingual classroom due to her interest in translanguaging—drawing on knowledge of other languages to help students better understand concepts.
• Charles Karcher, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, granted an English Teaching Assistant award in Taiwan. Upon his return from Fulbright, he plans on teaching high school social studies and debate while eventually pursuing a Ph.D. in rhetorical studies.
• Isa Koreniuk, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, granted an English Teaching Assistant award in South Korea. Following her time abroad, she plans on attending graduate school in either applied linguistics or psycholinguistics.
• Abigail Lindo, College of the Arts, awarded a research grant in Portugal. Lindo is conducting ethnography research “on the cultural and sonic lives of people and the environment in São Miguel.” While abroad with Fulbright, she is also teaching a course on anthropology and music at University of the Açores.
• Camille Sicangco, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, awarded a research grant in Australia. During her time at UF, Sicango double majored in math and botany and was named an honorable mention for the nationally prestigious Udall Scholarship. After Fulbright, she plans to work in science education and conservation while applying to Ph.D. programs.
• Sophie White, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, granted an English Teaching Assistant award in Taiwan. After her Fulbright year, White plans to attend graduate school to become a marine science educator who collaborates with scientists globally.
This article is a reprint from
“I am deeply honored to have been selected as a Fulbright finalist,” said Camille Sicangco.
“I consider myself very lucky to be in Australia conducting ecological research that I am truly passionate about and connecting with this country’s warm and rich culture.”
The Fulbright competition is administered at UF through University Honors Program research and teach abroad through the Fulbright U.S. competition, these scholars work in service of Fulbright’s mission to build mutual understanding between the United States and partner nations, share knowledge across communities, and improve lives around the world. Their careers are also enriched as Fulbright alumni by joining a network of esteemed recipients, many of whom are
me the ability to explore my interests, and helped me to develop a strong sense of agency in forging the path of my life and career,” said Sicangco.
Fulbright alumni work to make a positive impact on their communities, sectors, and the world and have included 41 heads of state or government, 62 Nobel Laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize winners, 78 MacArthur Fellows, and countless leaders and changemakers who carry forward the Fulbright mission of enhancing mutual understanding.
UF students and alumni interested in learning more about applying to the Fulbright Program should
For more information about the Fulbright Program, visit https://us.fulbrightonline.org/
Brittany Sylvestri
February 10, 2023
Contributors
Dr.
and