Learn more about our current Lombardi and Stamps Scholars
- Class of 2028
LOMBARDI SCHOLARS
The John V. Lombardi Scholarship was established in 2002 to honor Dr. Lombardi, a former UF president whose leadership and spirit played a significant role in the University’s ascension to the top tier of public research universities.
Chase Hartman
Walter L. Sickles High School Tampa, FL
Major: Business Administration
Heavener School of Business
“I am an entrepreneur and civic-minded leader with a passion for educational equity. At the age of ten, I co-founded a book distribution project, “read.repeat.,” which developed into a non-profit called Eco Brothers, distributing over 220,000 books to 65,000 students, raising over $120,000 for literacy initiatives, and providing 10,000 service hours to teens. Through this service, I have been an advocate for diverse and dual-language books in schools. Outside of my educational efforts, I enjoy running track, swimming, listening to music, and exploring national parks and cities. I aim to continue my community service through volunteering clubs and potentially starting my own initiatives. I am excited to join the Honors Program community to connect with high-achieving peers to grow both academically and personally.”
Genesis Jimenez Chavez
Collegiate High School at Northwest Florida State College Crestview, FL
Major: Biology, pre-professional concentration
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
“Although I live in a small Florida town, I also stay very close to my family in Trujillo, Peru. I have a strong passion for giving back to my community through mentoring at a local autism center and Special Olympics swim program, as well as playing jazz saxophone. I am also deeply involved in Incubate Debate, where I have been named Debater of the Year, qualified for the 2024 National Championship, and served as a Student Instructor in debate workshops. My debate experiences have inspired me to lead initiatives on fentanyl awareness and drug education, including research and community outreach efforts. I hope to become a pediatrician, focusing on scientific research and advocacy to protect future generations. At UF, I am excited to continue my involvement in speech and debate, and to pursue neurobiology research on opioid addiction. I aim to combine my passion for science and advocacy to address critical issues and contribute to meaningful community solutions.”
Laila Mayfield
Jensen Beach High School Stuart, FL
Major: Journalism
College of Journalism and Communications
“I was born and raised in Stuart, a small seaside town on the southeast coast of Florida. I am a passionate writer with over 75 published pieces through internships at the Los Angeles Times High School Insider and Girls’ Life Magazine. I also served as Division 16 Lieutenant Governor for the Florida District of Key Club for two years, which deepened my appreciation for thoughtful communication. At UF, I plan to pursue a journalism degree on a pre-law track and contribute to campus publications like The Alligator while working to refine my communication skills. I also hope to continue singing in a choral or a cappella group, drawing joy from creating harmony and emotional release. The Lombardi Scholarship Program offers the ideal blend of intimate community and vast resources, aligning perfectly with my educational goals. I am excited to embrace the program’s challenges and off-the-beaten-path summer enrichment opportunities to foster personal growth and resilience.”
Ace Mclain
Sebastian River High School Sebastian, FLMajor: Biomedical Engineering
Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering
“I am a passionate musician in my community, sharing my love for music through camps and church gigs, and earning superior state awards in both piano and percussion. I have a deep appreciation for unique instruments, especially my grandfather’s Appalachian dulcimer, and I enjoy exploring both folk songs and contemporary music. My commitment to becoming a more worldly person drives my desire to engage with diverse perspectives and cultures. The John V. Lombardi Scholarship Program offers an ideal platform for me to achieve this goal through exposure to remarkable scholars and enriching opportunities. I aim to contribute to creating a society that transcends divisions and labels. My lifelong passion for music and cultural understanding will guide my journey at UF and beyond.”
Stephanie McNamara
Saddle Brook High School Saddle Brook, NJMajor: Psychology
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
“I love playing tennis, singing, musical theater, baking, and reading. The accomplishments I am most proud of are starting a female-focused speaker series at my high school so young women know we can achieve anything, and establishing a chapter of Best Buddies at my school. My personal goals are to meet lots of new people and make friends, try new things, step out of my comfort zone, and leave UF a better place than I found it. I am eager to participate in undergraduate research and would like to conduct studies about the effects of social media, and the rise of artificial intelligence, as these two topics play such a large role in our lives and will shape our future for generations to come.”
Elizabeth Pall
Christ’s Church Academy Jacksonville, FLMajor: Wildlife Ecology & Conservation
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
“I have a passion for the outdoors and storytelling, and was a National Youth Correspondent at the 2023 Washington Media and Journalism Conference. I was also selected to join my local zoo’s youth volunteer program. A favorite activity of mine is running cross country, which helps me unwind and stay balanced. Otherwise, I enjoy reading and listening to podcasts in my free time. I look forward to conducting research and interviews in the field and producing my own audio drama as I start college. I am particularly excited about studying ecological issues, like coral bleaching, and engaging with the Honors community at UF. I am eager to learn from and grow with my fellow scholars, who have already impressed me with their insight and kindness!”
Mahak Reji
Gainesville High School Gainesville, FLMajor: Biological Engineering
Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering
"Raised in Dubai, UAE, I witnessed the stark impact of socioeconomic disparities on both healthcare and education. This conviction drives me—from developing a brain-age prediction machine learning pipeline to create accessible biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases to designing a protein-ligand interaction model for affordable drug discovery. Both projects strive to close healthcare gaps in underserved populations, delivering vital solutions to those who need them most. In response to social inequities, I presented novel methodologies to increase neurodivergent employment as UAE delegate at the Special Olympics Global Youth Leadership Summit. The same resolve to help students reach their academic potential guided my creation of the StudentVoice App, designed to support 4,000 students by addressing mental health challenges. With its focus on innovation, collaboration, and addressing global challenges, the UF Honors Program perfectly aligns with my passion for driving change and personal growth, providing the intellectual and community-driven environment I need to pursue these goals."
Velan Thanasekar
James S. Rickards High School Tallahassee, FloridaMajor: Microbiology & Cell Science
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
“I am a passionate student with a strong academic background in innovative research and historical studies. My signature accomplishments include my multi-year research project developing life cycle assessment methods, winning state and district awards for historical research on issues like HIV stigma and insulin inaccessibility, and co-authoring a paper on the pandemic’s impact on mental health. My hobbies include hiking, gardening, cooking, traveling, tennis, and trying new novels, music, and food. At UF, I am excited to delve into microbiology and interdisciplinary research while building a supportive community of learners. I aim to expand my horizons through diverse experiences, from kayaking to historical exploration, and to apply my knowledge for the greater good. As a Lombardi Scholar, I look forward to growing as a global citizen and making a meaningful impact alongside motivated peers.”
STAMPS SCHOLARSThe University of Florida partners with the Stamps Scholars Program to award multi-year scholarships to driven and talented student leaders. Stamps Scholars join a community of students and alumni from around the world with whom they network and share experiences. This is UF's fifteenth year as a Stamps Scholars Program partner school.
Gabe Floyd
University High School Mackinaw, ILMajor: Political Science
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
“In addition to being named a Stamps Scholar, I’ve been fortunate enough to be selected as a Coolidge Senator, an Illinois Public Forum Debate All-State team member, and a four-time NSDA Nationals Qualifier. In my free time, I enjoy playing sports and games, reading, and spending time outdoors. I’m excited for the chance to grow alongside a group of UF students with incredibly varied passions, united by a unique love of learning. Additionally, the emphasis the program places on travel provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about myself and my fellow scholars while gaining a broader perspective of the world around me. While at UF, I plan to participate in the Bob Graham Center’s Washington D.C. Internship Program then attend law school after graduation and eventually practice law.”
Yusef Mujtaba
Fort Myers High School Fort Myers, FLMajor: Business Administration
Heavener School of Business
“As a four-time United States Invention Convention award winner and invention advocate, inventing holds a special place in my heart. In high school, I developed an electricity-generating smart sneaker, earning a utility patent, and an osteoarthritis diagnostic device, receiving a provisional patent. It has allowed me to turn challenges into opportunities and create solutions that can make a difference. My dream is to end disparities in health care access by leading a company that creates medical devices to aid underserved communities in third-world countries, such as Afghanistan, where my family is from. The UF Honors Program’s small vibrant community of thinkers and creators is incredibly appealing to me. The close-knit environment will provide both the inspiration and the collaborative opportunities necessary to develop innovative ideas. Additionally, the access to unique resources and mentorship within the Stamps Scholars Program will help me refine my projects and push the boundaries of my creativity.”
Ava Wood
The Baldwin School Philadelphia, PAMajor: Mechanical Engineering
Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering
“I have been actively involved in student council, serving as class president for one year and class secretary for two years, and was a co-captain on my high school swim team during my senior year. I am also a proud member of the Technology Student Association and Future Business Leaders of America, where I have competed at regional, state, and national levels. Outside of school, I enjoy watching motorsports and co-authored a research paper on Formula 1 racing. I am excited to join the Gator Motorsports team and contribute to student life and community through student government at UF. I am particularly drawn to UF’s Stamps Scholars Program for its interdisciplinary and enrichment opportunities, especially the study abroad experiences that will help me gain a broader perspective for personal and academic growth.”
- Class of 2027
LOMBARDI SCHOLARS
The John V. Lombardi Scholarship was established in 2002 to honor Dr. Lombardi, a former UF president whose leadership and spirit played a significant role in the University’s ascension to the top tier of public research universities.
Jaliyah Brown, H.B. Plant High School – Tampa, FL
Major: Political Science
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
“The most appealing aspects of the UF Honors Program include being surrounded by high-achieving students…In this community I know I will be encouraged and inspired to continue on my path of success with new connections and opportunities.”
Ruby Freeman, The King's Academy - West Palm Beach, FL
Major: English
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
“I believe the UF Honors Scholars Program will broaden my creative range. By connecting with likeminded, curious people who are passionate about their fields, I will experience more of the world around me and be better equipped to explore new topics and tell stronger stories.”
Sydnie Grubba, Jupiter High School – Jupiter, FL
Major: Mathematics
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
“At UF I would like to continue to hike and explore my natural surroundings. Ginnie Springs and Ichetucknee Springs State Park are at the top of my list, and I also plan to join the Outdoor Adventure Recreation Club to meet others with interests similar to my own. Hiking allows me to reconnect with nature and find inner peace while being active and adventurous.”
Kaylie Johnson, Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy – Melbourne, FL
Major: Microbiology and Cell Science
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
“I am particularly interested in the emphasis that is placed on research and cooperative education in both the Honors Program and within the Scholars cohort. Most of the current scholars have participated in some type of research opportunity or internship over the course of their time at UF, and some of them are only sophomores!”
Payton Key, Cambridge High School – Alpharetta, GA
Major: Environmental Engineering Sciences
Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering
“What initially drew me to the Honors Program at the University of Florida was the incredibly personal connection and mentoring that you receive. One of the things that I value most in both my education and my personal life is having someone that truly understands me and can give me truly personal guidance towards my goals. In other programs, it can feel like you are just another face in the crowd, but at UF, you feel like you are truly valued as an individual.”
Ajay Pooran, Eastside High School – Gainesville, FL
Major: International Studies - Latin and Central America
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences“I am looking forward to the Summer Enrichment opportunities built into the Honors Scholars Program at UF because I believe that the constant exposure to a wide array of cultures and perspectives will prove invaluable to me, especially considering how important cultural fluency is to my academic interests. Having some degree of cultural fluency and knowing how to interact with different cultures is an important part in understanding the world that we live in, especially in the way that I want to understand it.”
Sanay Tüfekçi, Upper Arlington High School
Major: International Studies - Middle East
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
“I am really excited to get to know bright, motivated students to collaborate and have fun together.”
Sean Sheikholeslam, Shorecrest Preparatory School – St. Petersburg, FL
Major: Computer Science
Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering“I am drawn to the UF Honors Program's community of disciplined and motivated individuals who share a passion for intellectual growth and discovery. The prospect of learning from my peers, who possess diverse perspectives and areas of expertise, is particularly appealing to me. I am excited at the prospect of engaging in meaningful discussions, collaborating on projects, and leveraging our collective strengths to tackle contemporary issues. Moreover, the program's emphasis on experiential learning and undergraduate research presents a unique opportunity to explore my academic interests and cultivate skills that will serve me well in my future endeavors.”
STAMPS SCHOLARS
The University of Florida partners with the Stamps Scholars Program to award multi-year scholarships to driven and talented student leaders. Stamps Scholars join a community of students and alumni from around the world with whom they network and share experiences. This is UF's fourteenth year as a Stamps Scholars Program partner school.
Llia Byron, The Villages Charter School - Wildwood, FL
Major: Biochemistry
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
“I am an avid runner and have represented my school since the seventh grade, racking up 10 State Championship appearances. I would like to continue to run for a club at UF and maybe explore other sports as well. Running has served as my way of destressing from the chaos of life. Being able to run outdoors has proven very therapeutic to me and is something that I believe will be beneficial to my mental and physical health in college.”
Aditya Gandhi, Orlando Science High School – Winter Garden, FL
Major: Computer Science
Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering
“Although I have mostly focused on science and technology, my devotion to the humanities and its ability to unearth answers to problems that even science cannot capture has grown. It is the intellectual bridge that engages me in understanding the social relationships and human interactions with technology around me…UF Honors will give me a holistic education which not only values the sciences but also the humanities. I value interdisciplinary education.”
Hanley Renney, All Saints Academy – Winter Haven, FL
Major: Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences“I am excited to join a community of diverse individuals who are equally driven towards success and scholarship in academia and research, just as I am. Coming from a small private school, I've been fairly limited in my interactions with like-minded people, but I feel that the Honors Program will expand the community that I am exposed to and create opportunities for collaboration with others who share my hunger for knowledge.”
- Class of 2026
LOMBARDI SCHOLARS
The John V. Lombardi Scholarship was established in 2002 to honor Dr. Lombardi, a former UF president whose leadership and spirit played a significant role in the University’s ascension to the top tier of public research universities. This is the twentieth class of Lombardi Scholars in the program’s history at UF.
Andrew Dixon, Lincoln County High School – Fayetteville, TN
Major: Finance
Heavener School of Business“I am most excited about being surrounded by a community of students that all build each other up and support one another in our own endeavors. Finding my people and making memories that will last forever are two of my main goals while at UF.”
Sarah Goldberg, American Heritage School - Plantation, FL
Major: Public Health
Public Health and Health Professions“One of my priorities when choosing a university was access to study abroad opportunities. This scholarship will allow me to do it with people who care about learning just as much as I do.”
Paul Grau, Jr., Flagler Palm Coast High School – Palm Coast, FL
Major: Computer Science
Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering
Undergraduate Research Scholars Program“I hope to combine what I learn through The Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering’s Computer Science program with my own musical experience to discover new ways to digitally produce and manipulate sound. Outside of that, I'm also passionate about open-source software and plan to contribute back to the body of work that inspired me to pursue Computer Science in the first place. Hopefully, the research that I do through the URSP can help to achieve that goal.”
Vincent Lam, Olympic Heights Community High School – Boca Raton, FL
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering“I intend to participate in the research of educational systems and methods in order to utilize education as a means to combat the inequality of opportunity for the impoverished and underprivileged. My passion for optimization in engineering translates to my aspiration of making quality education more feasible and accessible to those less privileged.”
Natalia Lopez, Gulliver Preparatory School – Pinecrest, FL
Major: Political Science
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences“I thrive outside of my comfort zone when it comes to my education. Being a part of both the UF Honors Program and the John V. Lombardi Program gives me the opportunity to engage in academically rigorous courses, while being surrounded by other highly motivated students who will push me to strive for more and maximize my education. The “small school” feel at such a large institution offers me experiences that will allow me to develop skills to distinguish myself in the professional world.”
Owen McCool, Edmond Memorial High School – Edmond, OK
Major: Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Agricultural and Life Sciences“I plan to conduct research in the field of wildlife ecology and conservation. I am passionate about herpetology and have a specific interest in protecting species affected by human development. I enjoy being outside and am eager to participate in field work in the UF in Merida study abroad program.”
Jaïm Steele, MAST Academy – Miami, FL
Major: Exploring Social and Behavioral Sciences
Liberal Arts and Sciences
“The community of people was one of the biggest draws for this scholarship program. When I was interviewing for the John V. Lombardi Scholarship, I found a community of some of the most humble, intelligent, and all-around fascinating people I have ever met. The prospect of living and learning with those same people, and people like them is so exciting it is hard to put into words”
Primrose Tanachaiwiwat , Boca Raton Community High School – Boca Raton, FL
Major: Biology
Liberal Arts and Sciences
Undergraduate Research Scholars Program“I love to paint and am excited to continue my artistic endeavors at UF. Working on my portfolio this year for AP Drawing has shown me how clarifying and cathartic artistic expression can be.”
STAMPS SCHOLARS
The University of Florida partners with the Stamps Scholars Program to award multi-year scholarships to driven and talented student leaders. Stamps Scholars join a community of students and alumni from around the world with whom they network and share experiences. This is the eleventh class of Stamps Scholars in the program’s history at UF.
Kate Bass, Vanguard High School – Ocala, FL
Major: Biology
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Undergraduate Research Scholars Program“The tight-knit community is the most appealing aspect of the UF Stamps Scholars Program. I will have a group of diverse and interesting individuals, each pursuing their own goals, as a close group of colleagues and friends to take on the world with. I am absolutely thrilled to meet and work with all of the other scholars and faculty at UF!”
Iona Brooks, Lake Mary Preparatory School – Lake Mary, FL
Major: Business Administration-General Studies
Heavener School of Business“I really wanted a smaller community within such a large school, as well as access to more opportunities to challenge myself and go outside of my comfort zone. The UF Stamps Scholars Program exemplifies so many of my key values and goals, such as being able to expand my horizons via travel and the opportunity to engage with people of diverse perspectives, views, and experiences.”
Nishant Nagururu, Strawberry Crest High School - Dover, FL
Major: Computer Science
Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering“An activity that I currently pursue is FTC Robotics. This activity is significant for me because it exposed me to engineering and developed my love for computer science. I will definitely continue robotics in some manner at UF because I love how I can apply my ingenuity and problem-solving in programming to effect real changes in my environment through robotics. I also really enjoy teaching kids about robotics because it truly changed my life and it's thrilling to potentially open doors for others.”
- Class of 2025
LOMBARDI SCHOLARS
The John V. Lombardi Scholarship was established in 2002 to honor Dr. Lombardi, a former UF president whose leadership and spirit played a significant role in the University’s ascension to the top tier of public research universities. This is the twentieth class of Lombardi Scholars in the program’s history at UF.
KATHERINE BI-JI, PONTE VEDRA HIGH SCHOOL
Major: Finance
Heavener School of Business
Undergraduate Research Scholars Program“With visions of increasing the prominence of women in politics, I served on the executive board for the international organization Women in Model United Nations as Chapter Organizer. I was active on the Varsity Swim Team and was also my school’s first female wrestler.”
SOPHIA DE LA CRUZ, HARRISON SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS
Major: Political Science
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences“I founded Girls Here and There, an international literacy and empowerment mentorship program for girls. After pitching my idea at the Youth Impact Forum in New York City, I formed partnerships in Zimbabwe and Dominican Republic. I’ve participated in the 2019 National Security Language Initiative for Youth Russian program, joined Sister Cities and was invited to participate in a Bulgarian exchange.”
SARAH LEEBRICK, RUTHERFORD HIGH SCHOOL
Major: Exploring Social & Behavioral Sciences
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences“I made history as one of the first youth delegates to vote at our diocesan convention. I’ve conducted research concerning Roman sexual ethics, the mathematics of artistic canons, film renditions of Ovid’s Pygmalion and more.”
JORDAN LINDSEY, NORTH FORT MYERS HIGH SCHOOL
Major: Political Science
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences“I’m invested in the wellbeing and happenings of my community. My goal is to start an organization to provide fair legal representation for the impoverished and to serve in government, fighting on the behalf of ordinary working Americans.”
BLAIRE MORASKI, GAINESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Major: Sustainability Studies
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences“My passion for human rights and international relations began when I lived through the 2014 Euromaidan Revolution in Kyiv, Ukraine. In summer 2019, I traveled to Finland on a Rotary exchange, and during the fall, I hosted a German exchange student through the German-American Partnership Program.”
AUSTIN STEIN, NORTH BROWARD PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Major: Data Science
College of Liberal Arts and SciencesUndergraduate Research Scholars Program
“I have conducted two independent research projects, one of which—regarding the learned ability of gender recognition based on voice frequency—was published in a local journal of science. In the future, I hope to work in the field of research, business, technical development or law.”
RADHIKA SUBRAMANIAN, DR. PHILLIPS HIGH SCHOOL
Major: Finance
Heavener School of Business
Undergraduate Research Scholars Program“I am very passionate about the issue of inequity as it pertains to education and its consequent economic outcomes, especially for women and minorities. This was my impetus for getting involved with GirlsGotSTEAM, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that focuses on empowering girls and underprivileged youth to enhance interest in STEAM fields.”
IZABELA ZMIRSKA, ALLEN D. NEASE HIGH SCHOOL
Major: Biological Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering
Undergraduate Research Scholars Program
“Born and raised in Florida, my love for the outdoors influences every action that I take. Fascinated by algae, my self-directed research on diatoms and my epiphyton research through the Young Scholars Program encouraged me to merge biology with engineering in hopes of tackling the climate crisis.”
STAMPS SCHOLARS
The University of Florida partners with the Stamps Scholars Program to award multi-year scholarships to driven and talented student leaders. Stamps Scholars join a community of students and alumni from around the world with whom they network and share experiences. This is the eleventh class of Stamps Scholars in the program’s history at UF.
AMMIR THOMAS, UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL
Major: Economics, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
“I have served in various leadership roles from team captain of my high school varsity basketball team (when we won the District Championship Title) to student leader within high school groups like CRU and Black Leaders of Tomorrow. I plan to pursue a PhD in Economics and hope to own a brokerage firm.”
PHUC "DYLAN" PHAN, TIMBER CREEK HIGH SCHOOL
Major: Nursing, College of Nursing
“I hope to utilize my experience and story to dismantle communication barriers among healthcare workers and patients who are culturally divergent—especially those who identify as members of the LGBTQ community, and Vietnamese immigrants.”
KATHLEEN "KATE" RUSH, ARCHBISHOP HANNAN HIGH SCHOOL
Major: Physics, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Undergraduate Research Scholars Program“I have always been deeply fascinated with the most fundamental questions about our universe, so I intend to double major in physics and philosophy at UF. I also enjoy outdoor adventures of all kinds—I scuba dive, run cross country, and have even solo-flown a Cessna-172 through the Civil Air Patrol.”
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