Honors College

The HTC Honors College congratulates its class of 2020.

About the Honors Class of 2020

By the numbers: About the Class of 2020

• The Honors College Class of 2020 comprises May, August and December degree candidates. In May 2020, 79 honors students will earn a total of 83 degrees.
• Each graduate has completed a rigorous curriculum composed of at least 24 credit hours of honors work, including a final honors thesis/project achieving a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5.
• The average GPA of the spring graduating class is 3.81.
• Learn more about CCU's Honors College »

Molly Aeschliman is a marine science major and geology minor from Somerville, N.J.

Lauren Alcorn is a political science major and intelligence and security studies minor from Cape May Court House, N.J. While at Coastal Carolina University, she participated in the Chanticleer Intelligence Brief, United Nations Youth Corps internships program, and the Society for Collegiate Leadership and Achievement. After graduation, Alcorn plans to pursue a job and graduate studies in Philadelphia.

Cora Allard is a communication major with minors in psychology, and women’s and gender studies from Marlborough, Mass. While at Coastal Carolina University, she has been named to the President’s List and Dean’s List. Allard is a member of the communication honor society Lambda Pi Eta and the Greek life honors society Order of Omega. Some of her involvement on campus includes service as a resident adviser, Orientation leader, and a sister of Alpha Delta Pi. After graduation, Allard plans to pursue a career in her field. 

Daniel Baker is a marine science major with a minor in chemistry from Chattanooga, Tenn. While at Coastal Carolina University, he was named to the President’s List and the Dean’s List, and was awarded the President’s and University Scholar awards. Baker attended the Southeastern Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society where he presented on Prussian Blue Biosensors. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in hydrography.

Olivia Barbeau is an economics major from Aynor, S.C.

Freya Bennett is an applied mathematics major and marine science minor from Chapin, S.C. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the Dean’s List and was awarded the South Carolina LIFE, South Carolina LIFE Enhancement, and President’s Scholars Award scholarships. Bennett’s honors thesis is titled “Lattice Paths in Diagonals and Dimensions,” which was presented to a body of mathematicians. After graduation, she plans to pursue data and GIS analytics with a technology development company.

Michael Bogush, originally from East Setauket, N.Y., is in the PGA Golf Management Program pursuing a degree in business management with a concentration in entrepreneurial management. He is also pursuing a blockchain, cryptocurrency, and law certificate at the University of New Hampshire. While at Coastal Carolina University, Bogush was named to the President’s List and Dean’s List. He has been named a student executive leader and was awarded the Women in Philanthropy and Leadership (WIPL) Entrepreneurial Scholarship. Throughout his college experience, he has held several executive leadership positions with the Community and Business Engagement Institute, the Cannabis Business Organization, and the Bitcoins Tactics Club, as well as serving as the scholarship chair for his fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta. After graduation, he plans to get a year’s worth of work experience to help him determine the correct graduate program. 

Krystal Bonaccorso is an applied mathematics major from Myrtle Beach, S.C. She has been awarded the Subhash Saxena Scholarship, the Teal Scholar Award, and the South Carolina LIFE Scholarship. Her honors thesis is entitled “Singular Value Decomposition,” which was presented in the math suite at Coastal Carolina University. After graduation, Bonaccorso plans to enter the Master of Arts in Teaching program at CCU to pursue a career as a high school math teacher.

Kylie Bostick is a marine science and biology major from Alexandria, Va. She is a member of the Coastal Carolina University women’s soccer team and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. She has been named to the President’s List and Dean’s List, as well as named to the Google Cloud Academic All-American third team for academic and athletic achievement. Her thesis is about the impact of ocean acidification on sharks and the waters of the Grand Strand, which she plans to expand on after graduation as she pursues a master’s degree in marine biology.

Shannon Brophy is a languages and intercultural studies major with a minor in global studies from Anderson, S.C.

Marissa Bryan is a political science major with double minors in pre-law and women’s and gender studies from Suffolk, Va. While at Coastal Carolina University, she has been named to President’s List or Dean’s List every semester and her research has been published in the academic journal, “Voegelin View.” Bryan’s honors thesis is entitled “Mao Zedong and the Cultural Revolution: in Theory and Impact.” She has been president of her sorority, Alpha Xi Delta, and is a member of the honors fraternities Order of Omega and Phi Alpha Delta. After graduation, she plans to pursue law school and become a criminal defense attorney.

Abigail Buchanan is a public health major from Wrentham, Mass. She has been named to the President’s and Dean’s List while competing on Coastal Carolina University’s women’s Division I lacrosse team. Buchanan’s honors thesis focuses on the nutritional dietary intake of female athletes. After graduation, she will pursue a job in public health or start working toward a master’s degree in education.

Sarah Buddelmeyer is an interdisciplinary studies major with focuses in public health and graphic design from Leesburg, Ohio. While at Coastal Carolina University, she has been named to both the President’s List and the Dean’s List. She is a member of Alpha Delta Pi and Order of Omega honor societies. Buddelmeyer has also served as the art director for CCU’s Tempo magazine and a graphic artist for the Office of Training, Development, and Service Excellence. After graduation, she plans to pursue a job in her field. 

Shaughnessy Burns is a Bachelor of Arts theatre major with a minor in creative writing from Socastee, S.C. While at Coastal Carolina University, she has been named to the Dean’s List and President’s List several times. She also was on the council of Upstage Company, CCU’s only officially recognized theatre club (and also one of the oldest). Burns’ honors thesis is a student-directed production of “The Women of Lockerbie” by Deborah Brevoort, presented through the Department of Theatre’s Second Stage production series. After graduation, she plans to work, save, and apply to several theatre companies and positions, and is considering pursuing graduate school.

Joseph Cain is an intelligence and national security major and Spanish minor from Springfield, Ky. While at Coastal Carolina University, he has been named to the President’s List and Dean’s List and awarded a Dyer Fellowship. Cain was an officer in the Chanticleer Intelligence Brief, where he focused on Latin American affairs. He has participated in a Spanish immersion internship at the Early Childhood Development and Literacy Center on campus. His honors thesis focused on U.S. foreign policy regarding Venezuela. After graduation, he plans to pursue graduate studies in diplomacy and international relations.

Emily Calderon is an exercise and sport science major from Barnegat, N.J. While at Coastal Carolina University, she has been named to the President’s List or Dean’s List for every semester. Her honors thesis is entitled “Correlations Between the Amount of Injuries in Division I Collegiate Athletes and Their Physical Activity Level,” which was presented at CCU Honors Symposium. After graduation, Calderon plans to pursue graduate studies in athletic training.

Meghan Chavis is an intelligence and national security studies major and criminology minor from Winthrop, Mass. During her time at Coastal Carolina University, she has been named to the President’s List and the Dean’s List. Her honors thesis assesses the methodological approaches used to psychologically profile foreign political leaders. She is currently co-writing a scholarly article on the same topic with Professor Jonathan Acuff, which will be submitted to an academic journal in August. After graduation, Chavis intends to further her education by enrolling in a graduate studies program.

Kristian Clark is an anthropology and geography major with a minor in geographic information systems from Taneyville, Mo.

Megan Colagrande is an accounting major from Manville, N.J. During her four years at Coastal Carolina University, she has been named on both the President’s and Dean’s List. She served as the vice president of finance and the vice president of pledge education for Delta Sigma Pi Sorority, a member of Beta Gamma Sigma Business Honor Society, a student executive leader, and a CoBE associate in the Wall College of Business. After graduation, Colagrande will be a financial services office tax intern for Ernst & Young LLP.

Chase Cortese is biology major and chemistry minor from Conway, S.C. While at Coastal Carolina University, Cortese has been named to the President’s List and served as the founder and president of Molecular Biology Club. He worked on research projects with bacteriophage detection in the waterways and on the genetic basis of Alzheimer’s disease. This research has been presented at multiple conferences throughout the state, and he has been a research fellow for the HTC Honors College and the Gupta College of Science. After graduation, Cortese plans to attend medical school.

Cheyenne Cudd is a double major in sociology and intelligence and national security studies from Bear, Del. While at Coastal Carolina University, she has been on the Dean’s List. Her honors thesis is entitled “Serial Killers Portrayal in Film: A Comparative Content Analysis.” After graduation, Cudd plans to pursue graduate studies in forensic and legal psychology.

Sydney Davis is a marine science major and biology minor from Smithsburg, Md. While at Coastal Carolina University, she has been named to Dean’s List every semester. She participated in the coral reef ecology Maymester program in Jamaica and worked on SharkCam data as independent research with Professor Erin Burge. After graduation, Davis plans to pursue graduate studies in marine conservation ecology.

Dakota Dobrzynski is a psychology major and criminology minor from Bridgeport, Ohio. She is a member of Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology. Dobrzynski has been named to the Dean’s List and was the awarded the University Scholar Award and the Nucor Foundation Scholarship. After graduation, she plans to move to Arizona and pursue a master’s degree in substance abuse counseling.

Emily D’Orsaneo is a biology major from Centreville, Md. While pursuing her degree in biology, she also played lacrosse at the University. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the President’s List and the Dean’s List and was awarded the Provost Scholarship and the University Scholar Award. D’Orsaneo’s honors thesis is entitled “The Effects of Varying Levels of Melatonin on Cisplatin Toxicity.” After graduation, she plans to pursue a coaching position at the college level and become a paramedic.

Nellie Grey Eckert, from Durham, N.C., has earned a Bachelor of Arts in studio art, a Bachelor of Arts in graphic design, a minor in photography, and a minor in art history – every faction of visual art that the Edwards College offers. A recipient of the Palmetto Fellows, Strom Thurmond, Ocean View Memorial, Dean’s Excellence, Alumni Endowed, and Women in Philanthropy and Leadership scholarships, she attended Coastal Carolina University on full academic scholarship. Despite the heavy course load that double-majoring and double-minoring requires, she consistently earned placement on the President’s List and maintained her status as a member of the HTC Honors College. After graduating, Eckert plans to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in photography.

Katina Hope Eckert is an art studio and graphic design double major from Durham, N.C. While attending Coastal Carolina University on full academic scholarship, Eckert has been included in the President’s List and Dean’s List consistently, and has also been recognized as the Outstanding Sophomore and Junior of the Edwards College Visual Arts Department for 2017 and 2018. She has taken many of her visual arts classes as honors courses. Following graduation, she plans to pursue graduate studies in the fine arts.

Makhiya Eure is a psychology major and exercise science minor from Longs, S.C. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the President’s List and Dean’s List and was awarded the South Carolina LIFE Scholarship and the Coastal Scholar Award. Eure’s honors thesis is entitled “Psychological Skills Training and Collegiate Basketball Shooting Performance,” which was presented at the Undergraduate Research Competition. After graduation, she plans to pursue graduate studies in psychology.

Erica Evans is a biology major from Atlanta, Ga. She will graduate with minors in both chemistry and mathematics. While at Coastal Carolina University, she has been named to either the President’s list or the Dean’s List each semester. She has been a contributing leader on the women’s track and field team and recognized on the Sun Belt Conference Commissioner’s List for her outstanding academic performance as a student-athlete. Evans worked as a member of Professor Paul Richardson’s research lab, where she contributed to the Arbovirus project. She presented her research at the 2018 SC INBRE Science Symposium in Columbia, S.C. She is a member of the class of 2020 Wall Fellows program and served as president of Teal Goes Pink, a women’s empowerment organization on campus. After graduation, Evans plans to serve as a volunteer in Costa Rica before pursuing her medical school studies in the Fall 2021.

Sean Ference is a communication major and journalism minor from Willington, Conn.

Valentina Fernandez is an economics and finance major from Bogota, Colombia. While at Coastal Carolina University, she has been named to the President’s List and the Dean’s List multiple times. She was awarded the CCU Freshman Success Award and has been invited to several honor societies. She has taken active leadership roles at Coastal Carolina University by being part of the Peer Leader and the Student Executive Leader programs. After graduation, Fernandez plans to move to New York City to pursue a career in the wealth management/investment banking field.

Amber Fields is an intelligence and national security studies major and geographic information systems minor from Collegeville, Pa. While at Coastal Carolina University, she has been named to the President’s List and the Dean’s List and has been awarded the Dean’s Excellence Scholarship all four years. Fields’ honors thesis is entitled “Trends in Climate Change Security Threats: Implications for the United States,” which was presented at CCU’s Undergraduate Research Competition. Throughout her time at CCU, she held leadership roles for the Coastal Carolina University women’s club soccer team and graduated as an analyst for the Chanticleer Intelligence Brief. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in the intelligence community for the United States government. 

Bailey Gordon is a political science and history major from Savoy, Ill. While at Coastal Carolina University, she has been named to the President’s List and the Dean’s List and has been awarded the President’s Scholarship and the James Branham History Award. Gordon was the vice president of both the Phi Sigma Pi National Honors Fraternity and the Phi Alpha Theta History Honors Fraternity, and a member of the National Honors Society for Political Science, Pi Sigma Alpha. She was also a Future Forge Fellow, as well as a member of the Institute for Humane Studies Forum on Liberty and the American Founding. Gordon’s political science honors thesis is entitled “Anti-Semitism as a Political Tool for Tyrannical Governments.” After graduation, Gordon plans to pursue law school.

Nicholas Govostes is a marine science major from North Reading, Mass. While at Coastal Carolina University, he was named to either the President’s List or Dean’s List for each semester and was an Honors Research Fellow. Govostes’ honors thesis is entitled “Is anyone home? Year Round Site Fidelity vs. Temporal Territories in Estuarine Blennies,” which was presented at the Undergraduate Research Competition and the Benthic Ecology Meeting. After graduation, he plans to pursue graduate studies in bioacoustics.

Reagan Grossoehme is a forensic psychology major and Spanish minor from Blair, Neb. While at Coastal Carolina University, she has been named to the President’s List and the Dean’s List for several consecutive semesters, and served as a member of Psi Chi International Honor Society. Her honors thesis, entitled “College Students’ Expectations for Tipping and Behavioral Practices,” was presented at the Undergraduate Research Competition. Upon graduation, Grossoehme plans to pursue a career in federal law enforcement.

Jasmine Harley, from Mullins, S.C., is a communication major with a concentration in journalism and a minor in business administration. While enrolled at CCU, she has been named to the Dean’s List several times, and will graduate a semester earlier than originally planned. She is actively involved with WCCU radio station, and has received the Palmetto Fellows and South Carolina LIFE scholarships. After graduation, Harley plans to move out of South Carolina and start her own television show or network.

Jordan Harrell is a biology major from Pasadena, Md. During her time at Coastal Carolina University, she has been named to the President’s List and the Dean’s List multiples times. She was awarded the President’s Scholar Award and the University Scholar Award. She was also a member of the CCU women’s lacrosse team for two years. After she graduates a semester early in December 2020, Harrell plans to attend medical school and pursue a degree in orthopedic medicine. She is interested in common athletic injuries and sports epidemiology.

Kaleb Harvey is a graphic design major with a minor in web application development from Rock Hill, S.C.

Megan Harvey is a biochemistry major from St. Louis, Mo. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the President’s List and the Dean’s List and was awarded the Presidential Scholarship. She was elected to be the president of her honor fraternity, Phi Sigma Pi. Her honors thesis is written about how melatonin can affect the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutics when treating human breast cancer cells. Her research was presented at the Undergraduate Research Competition in Spring 2020. After graduation, Harvey plans to pursue graduate studies in biochemistry.

James Heldmann is a biochemistry major from Richmond, Va. He was an executive board member of the Biochemistry and Chemistry Club, the vice president of fundraising in the Molecular Biology Club, and a part of the Solar Ambassador team at CCU. He was named to the President’s List or the Dean’s List every semester and was an undergraduate research assistant working on organic synthesis projects under Professor Bryan Wakefield. After graduation, Heldmann plans to pursue a doctorate in pharmacology after traveling the world.

Kylee Hill is an exercise and sport science major with a minor in psychology from Galax, Va. While at Coastal Carolina University, she has been named to the President’s List and the Dean’s List, and was vice president of the women’s club rugby team. She received the Virginia State Golf Association Scholarship, Peggy Kirk Bell Golf Scholarship, and the Coastal Carolina Presidential Scholarship. Her honors thesis, entitled “Kinesthetic Aftereffects and Anticipation Timing of a Weighted Bat Warmup in Softball Players,” was presented at the Undergraduate Research Competition in Spring 2020. After graduation, Hill plans to attend graduate school for physical therapy.

Caitlyn Hinnerschitz is an elementary education major from Myrtle Beach, S.C. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the President’s List each semester and was awarded the Teaching Fellows Scholarship and Why I Love CCU Scholarship. During her sophomore year, she served as vice president for the Teaching Fellows program at CCU. She also served as president for the Student-South Carolina Education Association’s chapter during her junior year. Hinnerschitz presented research at the S.C.A.T.E Conference in 2017 and 2018, CCU’s Undergraduate Research Competition in 2019, and the A.T.E. Conference in 2020. Her honors thesis is currently in the process of being published by the National Science Teachers Association for their journal, “Science and Children.” Upon graduation, she plans to teach in the Horry County Schools.

Riley Hobbs is a communication major and hospitality, resort, and tourism management minor from Doylestown, Pa. She has been named to the Dean’s List and President’s List, and received the President’s Scholar Award and the University Scholar Award. She has been an honors student for the duration of her time at CCU. Hobbs was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority  and served as their Greek Week/Homecoming chair for the2020 school year. After graduation, Hobbs plans to pursue a career with the Walt Disney World Company.

Chloe Horton is a marketing major from Camden, S.C. During her time at Coastal Carolina University, she has been named to the President’s List and Dean’s List, and has been awarded the Dean’s Excellence Scholarship. Horton participated in the Degree in Three program and the Wall Fellows program, and has worked as a CoBE associate in the Wall College of Business. She was also a brother of Delta Sigma Pi, a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, and a student executive leader. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in business administration.

Lauren Hribar is a psychology major and a pre-law minor from Myrtle Beach, S.C. While at Coastal Carolina University, she has been named to the President’s List and the Dean’s List and has been awarded the Coastal Carolina Palmetto Scholarship as well as the President’s Scholar Award. She has held multiple leadership roles as a sister of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. Her honors thesis, entitled “Inclusion of Mental Illness on Juror Sympathy and Empathy,” was presented at the Undergraduate Research Competition. Following graduation, Hribar plans to attend law school.

Megan Hunt is a marketing major and Spanish minor from Virginia Beach, Va. During her time at Coastal Carolina University, she has been named to the President’s List or the Dean’s List every semester, as well as receiving the Honors Academic Excellence Award. Hunt has participated in several programs within the Wall College of Business, including the CoBE Institute, the business professional honors fraternity Delta Sigma Pi, the Student Executive Leader program, and Beta Gamma Sigma. After graduation, Hunt will enter the professional work field with a career focused on marketing.

Raymond Jefferis is an intelligence and national security major and criminology minor from Springfield, Pa. While at Coastal Carolina University, he has been named to the President’s List and the Dean’s List. He was awarded the Sophomore of the Year Award for the Department of Politics’ intelligence and national security studies major. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in the U.S. intelligence community.

Max Jennings is a biology major from Algonac, Mich. He is also a business administration minor and has been on the Dean’s List. His honors thesis is titled “Invertebrates of Horry County.” After graduation, Jennings plans to work for Naval Information Warfare Center in Charleston, S.C.

Ivan Jermyn is a theatre arts major from Montpelier, Vt.

James Jester is a B.A. theatre major from Rock Hill, S.C. While at Coastal Carolina University, he has been named to the President’s List and the Dean’s List. His honors thesis, “What is the Function of Theoretical Theatre Ideas, Given the Content Presented in Modern Theatre?,” was presented at the Undergraduate Research Competition at CCU. After graduation, Jester plans to work as a freelance stage manager.

Julie Kavjian is a marine science major from Annandale, Va. She is a participant in the Degree in Three program and has been named to the President’s List each semester. Her honors thesis, “Distribution of Microfibers in Myrtle Beach Surface Waters and Sediments,” was presented at the Undergraduate Research Competition. This past May, she participated in a course and internship abroad in Costa Rica focused on sea turtle biology and conservation. After graduation, Kavjian plans to pursue a career in marine conservation.

Maria Khomchenko is a marketing major from Moscow, Russia. While at Coastal Carolina University, Khomchenko has been named to the President’s List or the Dean’s List every semester, and played on the Coastal Carolina University tennis team. After graduation, she plans to do Optional Practical Training in marketing, which will allow her to hone her practical skills here in the United States before returning home to Russia.

Haleigh Klatka is a marketing major from Wadsworth, Ohio

Valerie Knowles is a marine science major and environmental science minor from Sterling, Va. While at Coastal Carolina University, she has been named to the President’s List and the Dean’s List. She has been a member of the Rotaract Club and worked as a house manager for Ticketing and Patron Services at CCU. Her honors thesis focused on seasonal infaunal bivalve density and richness in North Inlet Estuary, S.C. After graduation, Knowles plans to attend graduate school.

Morgan Labbree is a communication major with a concentration in public relations and a minor in English from West Deptford, N.J. While at Coastal Carolina University, she has been named to the Dean’s List, named Freshman of the Year by the Edwards College, and is a recipient of the Teal Scholar and University Scholar awards. She was vice president of the CCU chapter of A Moment of Magic, a charity that organizes special events for sick children. Labbree’s honors thesis is entitled “Effectiveness of Pediatric Cancer Awareness Advertisements,” and was presented at the Women in Scholarship: The 2019 Undergraduate Communication Thesis and the Undergraduate Research Competition at Coastal Carolina University. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in public relations.

Sarah Lauer is a public health major and psychology minor from Winchester, Va. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the President’s List and Dean’s List and was the ritual chairman in her sorority. Her honors thesis is entitled “The Bystander Effect in Relation to Fentanyl Overdose on a College Campus,” which was presented at the Undergraduate Research Competition. After graduation, Lauer plans to continue her education at the University of South Carolina in the Master of Social Work program.

Alyssa LeClaire is a marine science major and biology minor from Peachtree City, Ga. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the President’s List and Dean’s List. She was a member of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee and captain of the women’s cross country team. LeClaire’s honors thesis is entitled “Evaluation of boat wakes on oyster biology and natural reef structure in North Inlet Estuary, S.C.,” which was presented at the Undergraduate Research Competition and at the Benthic Ecology Meeting. After graduation, she plans to pursue graduate studies in fisheries management. 

Christina Lefebvre is a marine science major and graphic design minor from Carvel Beach, Md. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the Dean’s List, a member of the Order of Omega, the National Society of Leadership, and the success and personnel chair of Chi Omega. After graduation, Lefebvre plans to pursue a master’s degree in algal biofueling and work to develop a sustainable method for using algae as a fuel alternative.

Ilyssa Liberto is a biology major from Sewell, N.J. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the President’s List and the Dean’s List. Liberto was a member of TriBeta, CLIMB, and the CCU club swim team. After graduation, she plans to enter  physician’s assistant graduate program.

Caleb Lindaberry is an accounting major focused in tax from Myrtle Beach, S.C. He has been named to the Dean’s List and President’s List throughout his collegiate career. He has been a member of honors groups, such as Beta Alpha Psi, Beta Gamma Sigma, and the Student Executive Leaders program. After graduation, he plans to get a job in tax, earn a master’s degree in accountancy, and obtain his CPA license.

Taylor Little is a graphic design major with minors in art history and marketing from Oxford, Pa. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was initiated as a charter member of the Gamma Mu Chapter of the Chi Omega Fraternity, a resident adviser for University Housing, and the art director for The Chanticleer. She was also named to both the President’s List and Dean’s List. After graduation, Little plans to move back to Pennsylvania and pursue a career in graphic design.

Joshua Mallon is a history major with a minor in political science from Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Devin McClure is a computer science major and web application development minor from Myrtle Beach, S.C. While at Coastal Carolina University, he was named to the President’s List and awarded the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, as well as the Presidential Scholarship. After graduation, McClure plans to pursue a career in programming or game development.

Brooke McIntyre is an early childhood education major from Myrtle Beach, S.C. While at Coastal Carolina University, she served as the service coordinator for Delight College Ministries, the vice president of her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, and the president of the Rotaract Club. She was also a member of Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society. McIntyre has been named to the President’s List or the Dean’s List every semester of her college career and was granted the Coastal Carolina University Academic Honors Excellence Award for being one of the top eight honors students during her sophomore year. She has received the President’s Scholar Award, Ceilia Hopkins Endowed Scholarship, the DeCenzo Family Second President’s Scholarship, and the Dan and Toni Moore Endowed Scholarship. After graduating from CCU with her teaching certification, McIntyre will be moving to Columbia, S.C., to pursue a career in education.

Erin McQuade is an accounting major with a minor in commercial and investment real estate from Sayreville, N.J. She was awarded the Grant Center Estate and Economic Development Scholarship from 2017 to 2020. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the President’s List six times and studied abroad at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia. After graduation, McQuade plans to obtain her CPA license.

Brianna Meitzler is from Fair Lawn, N.J. She is a special education major with a severe disability certification add-on. She was named to the Dean’s List while at Coastal Carolina University. Her honors thesis is entitled “Preparedness of Student Interns to teach in an Inclusive Setting” and was presented at the Undergraduate Research Competition. After graduation, Meitzler plans to return to New Jersey to pursue a career in teaching and take classes to learn sign language. 

Ezekiel “Zeke” Meyers is a marine science major from Knoxville, Tenn. While at Coastal Carolina University, he was named to the President’s List each semester. He worked with Professor Till Hanebuth as an undergraduate associate on the Georgetown Silting Project, including presenting research at the Georgetown Wooden Boat Festival and a poster presentation at the 2020 GSA Conference. Meyers was awarded the Gupta College of Science Study Abroad and the HTC Honors College Global Engagement Award scholarships to participate in the Maymester Biology of Sharks course in Bimini, Bahamas. His honors thesis is entitled “Silting Dynamics of the Sampit River/northern Winyah Bay Region,” which was presented at the Undergraduate Research Competition. After graduation, he plans to pursue graduate studies in marine science.

Nicole Michael is a psychology major from Westminster, Md. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the President’s List and received the University Scholar Award and Presidential Scholarship. Starting her freshman year, she was a research assistant for Professor Jonghan Kim and presented their work at the Association for Psychological Science Convention in Washington, D.C. She plans to write her honors thesis in the fall and present it at the Undergraduate Research Competition. After graduation, Michael plans to pursue a graduate degree to become a physician assistant.

Leah Miller is an intelligence and national security studies major and computer science minor from Clayton, Del.

McKayla Mills is a psychology major from Nescopeck, Pa. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the President’s List and was awarded both the Dean’s Excellence Scholarship and the Women in Philanthropy and Leadership Annual Scholarship. Mills’ honors thesis is entitled “Juror Perception in Sexual Assault Cases,” which was presented at the Undergraduate Research Competition. After graduation, she plans to pursue graduate studies in psychology and law. 

Jenna Mize is a psychology major from Myrtle Beach, S.C. While attending Coastal Carolina University, she was named to both the Dean’s List and the President’s List and received the HCHEC Honors Excellence Scholarship, the President’s Scholar Award, and the SC LIFE scholarship. Her honors thesis is titled “The Colors of Music: Art and College Students,” which she presented at the Undergraduate Research Competition. After graduation, Mize plans to attend Horry-Georgetown Technical College to pursue a career as an RN.

Brooke Musmeci is an English major with minors in French and philosophy. She is from Marlboro, N.Y. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was on both the President’s List and the Dean’s List, as well as a member of Alpha Mu Gamma, Golden Key, and Sigma Tau Delta honor societies. After graduation, Musmeci will study literature in Paris, France.

Allison Myers is a music major from Conway, S.C. During her time at Coastal Carolina University,  she was a drum major for the Chanticleer Regiment, a student conductor for the pep band, and a peer leader in the Edwards College. Academically, she was named to both the President’s and Dean’s lists, as well as studied abroad in Trinidad and Tobago. Myers was the principal flute and piccolo player in the Coastal Wind Ensemble and was named to the South Carolina Intercollegiate Honor Band. She is the recipient of the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, the CCU President’s Scholar Award, and the Chanticleer Band Program Award. Upon graduation, she will continue her education and pursue a master’s degree in teaching at Coastal Carolina University.

Amanda Neudenberger is a marine science major from Knoxville, Tenn. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the President’s List and the Dean’s List. Her honors thesis is titled “The Effects of Salinity on the pH of Two Blackwater Rivers (The Little River and Waccamaw River) in South Carolina,” which was presented at the Undergraduate Research Competition. After graduation, Neudenberger plans to pursue graduate studies in marine science and specialize in phytoplankton and coral reef ecology.

Madeline Nicosia, from Montgomery, N.Y., is a communication major focusing in public relations with double minors in marketing and women’s and gender studies. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was a peer leader, a presidential ambassador, vice president of Lambda Pi Eta, and a member of multiple clubs. After her freshman year, she was granted the Freshman Success Award, and was on the President’s List and Dean’s List. After graduation, she plans to move back to New York and work in the city.

Cameron O’Connell is a psychology major and business administration minor from Netuchen, N.J.

Amanda O’Donnell is a public health major with a business administration minor from Somers Point, N.J. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the Dean’s List, was awarded the Teal Scholar Award and the University Scholar Award, was the vice president of the CBO Club, and was actively involved in Alpha Xi Delta for the last three years. O’Donnell’s honors thesis, titled “The Effects of 4 Weeks of Static Stretching and Foam Rolling on Range of Motion and Leg Stiffness,” was presented at the Undergraduate Research Competition. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in the public health field.

Isiuwa Oghagbon is a political science major from Haymarket, Va. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the President’s List. She was also named Political Science Student of the Year in 2018 and a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, the political science honors society. She was a fellow in the Edgar Dyer Institute for Leadership and Public Policy. She was also a member of the CCU women’s basketball team. After graduation, Oghagbon plans to attend law school with a desire to study business/corporate law.

Blake Osting is a marketing major with a minor in new media and digital culture from Ridgeland, S.C. Osting was named to the President’s List and the Dean’s List while at CCU. He has worked in athletics on the digital initiative team as a marketing and public relations assistant since his junior year. After graduation, he plans to continue his career in sports marketing and earn a master’s degree in digital media.

Lauren Palazuelos is a philosophy major with a minor in English from Bellingham, Mass. During her time at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the President’s List and the Dean’s List; completed the Jackson Scholars program; and received the Joseph K. East Endowed Scholarship, the Women in Philanthropy and Leadership Annual Scholarship, and the dean’s Excellence Scholarship for out-of-state students. Palazuelos was the editor-in-chief of Archarios Literary Art Magazine, an Edwards College peer leader, and participated in the Coastal Writes Fellowship program. She served on the dean’s Student Advisory Council for the Edwards College and was named the Department of English’s Outstanding Sophomore in 2018. She was the recipient of the philosophy department’s Outstanding Junior Award in 2019 and Senior Award in 2020. Her honors thesis is entitled “Intersectionality, Complex Social Identities, and the Ethics of Privilege.” After graduation, Palazuelos plans to serve in the Peace Corps and she has plans to leave for Morocco in early September. 

Kayla Patrick is an exercise and sport science major from Baltimore, Md. During her time at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to both the President’s List and the Dean’s List. She has also been awarded the University Scholar Award as well as the Provost’s Scholarship. Her honors thesis, entitled “The Effect of Two Balance Training Protocols on Lower Extremity Injury Prevention: A Comparison of Stable and Unstable Surfaces,” was completed alongside faculty mentor Kathryn Courtney and will be presented at the Undergraduate Research Competition. For the spring semester of 2020, Patrick completed her internship at Rock Steady Boxing of the Grand Strand, where she was able to help coach individuals with Parkinson ’s disease. Shortly after graduation, she will attend the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Maryland-Baltimore.

Victoria Peck is a double major in history and anthropology and geography from Cary, N.C. She also has certificates in cultural heritage, applied archaeology, and geospatial technologies. She was named to the President’s List or Dean’s List through her college career. She was awarded the Waddell History Faculty and Alumni Scholarship, the Waccamaw Center Scholarship in History, an Edwards College Research Fellowship, and was given the Emerging Scholar Award by the CCU history department. Peck is also the current president of the Anthropology and Geography Club. She had received travel funds and accommodations to present “Reacting to the Past’ and Public History: Teaching Historical Contestation through Immersive Game Play” with history department faculty member Katie Clary at The National Council of Public History’s annual meeting in 2019. She has also presented the “Student Perspective on Printing the Past: SC in 3D” at the Reconstructive and Experimental Archaeology Conference with a fellow student. After graduation, she plans to pursue graduate studies in public history.

Meredith Persin is an English major and women’s and gender studies minor from Myrtle Beach, S.C. Persin is a Degree in Three graduate and plans to pursue a graduate degree program in English/composition and rhetoric. In the last three years, Persin has published works in Tempo Magazine and Archarios Literary Arts Magazine; joined the Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society and the Triota Women’s and Gender Studies Honor Society; been a tutor in the Writing Center for the last two years; and been a Dialogue Fellow and Coastal Writes Fellow. Persin has also been president of the student-run activist club Students Advocating Gender Equality since 2018 and was bestowed a Social Justice Activism Award by the women’s and gender studies department in 2019.

Michelle Rashid is an interdisciplinary studies major with a marketing concentration from Williamsport, Pa. During her three years at CCU, she was named to the President’s List three times and the Dean’s List twice. She was awarded the President’s Scholar Award, South Carolina LIFE Scholarship, and the HCHEC Why I Love CCU Scholarship. Rashid served as vice president and marketing coordinator for Coastal Baptist Collegiate Ministries and was a member of the Arabic Club and an Honors Research Fellow. She is in her third year as a student videographer in CCU’s Video Production Services. She also served one year as a social media intern in CCU’s social media area. Upon graduating, Rashid plans to pursue a career in marketing.

Kyra Ricci is a biology major with minors in chemistry and psychology from Montrose, Pa. During her time at Coastal Carolina University, she received the President’s Scholarship, the Gupta College of Science Dean’s Excellence Scholarship, and the Honors Excellence Award, as well as being named to the President’s List. She held the offices of both treasurer (2018) and president (2019-2020) of CCU’s chapter of Beta Beta Beta, the National Biological Honor Society. Ricci participated in the research labs of Daniel Williams and Fang Ju Lin at Coastal Carolina University and in the lab of Steven Brown at the University of Zurich in a semester internship abroad. After graduation, she plans to take time off before pursuing graduate studies in microbiology.

Christy Leigh Salinari is a political science major with a double minor in history and American studies from Myrtle Beach, S.C. While at Coastal Carolina University, she served as president of Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honors Society from 2018 to 2020. She also served as vice president of Phi Alpha Delta Professional Law Fraternity from 2018 to 2020. She is a member of three other National Honors Societies including Phi Alpha Theta, Order of Omega, and Phi Eta Sigma. Salinari has remained on the President’s List and Dean’s List throughout her four years at CCU. She was named Most Outstanding Freshman of the Department of Political Science in 2016. She was awarded six scholarships throughout her undergraduate career including: The Horry County Higher Education Commission Leadership Award, Dean’s Excellence Scholarship, Palmetto Girls State Scholarship, Teal Scholar Award, Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts Board of Visitors Annual Scholarship, and the South Carolina LIFE Scholarship. Salinari plans to attend law school in the Fall 2020 to pursue a career as an attorney. 

Jessica Sanders is a marine science major from Murfreesboro, Tenn. While at Coastal Carolina University, she worked for two years as a resident advisor for the SEA Floor, and was also named to the President’s List and the Dean’s List. For her senior thesis, Sanders developed a set of curriculum modules designed for high school marine science classes entitled “Fish Population Data Analysis.” Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in teaching with a concentration in middle level biology and chemistry.

Bennett Schroeder is an interdisciplinary studies major focusing in administration in higher education with a women’s and gender studies minor from Brevard, N.C. While at Coastal Carolina University, he was named to the Dean’s List and served as an Orientation leader and a resident advisor. Schroeder is a member of honor societies including Triota and NRHH. After graduation, he plans to pursue graduate studies in student affairs.

Victoria Schuyler is an accounting major from Manville, N.J. During her time at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the President’s List for five semesters. She was also involved on campus as a building manager at the Lib Jackson Student Union and as the treasurer of the women’s club rugby team. After graduation, Schuyler plans to continue her education at CCU in the Master of Accountancy program. 

Lillian Shoji is a theatre arts major with a minor in languages and intercultural studies from Woodstock, Ga.

Nia Smalls, is a political science major with a concentration in domestic politics from Conway, S.C. She also minors in criminology. Smalls was in many organizations including the NAACP, WOC, Coastal Activities Board, and Pi Sigma Alpha. She served as an Orientation leader in 2019. After graduation, Smalls plans to attend law school to work as a trial attorney for the state.

Kassidy Smith is a biology major with minors in chemistry and psychology from Collinsville, Ill. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the Dean’s List, the Sun Belt Conference Commissioner’s List, and the Sun Belt Conference Academic Honor Roll. She has also been named a NFCA Academic All-American. Smith was awarded the Kenneth E. Swain Scholarship and was a member of the Swain Scholar program during her junior and senior academic years. Smith’s honors thesis is entitled “The Breaking S.A.D. (Suicide and Depression) Initiative: Determining the Relationship Between Screen Time and Suicidal Thoughts and Depression in Undergraduate Students.” Her research was presented at the Undergraduate Research Competition, American College Health Association 2020 Conference, 2020 Anxiety and Depression Association of America Conference, and the Posters on the Hill 2020 Conference. Smith served as the president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, co-president of the Honors Student Council, a member of the Honors Research Fellows, a Sun Belt Conference ambassador, and a CCU softball student-athlete. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in the medical field.

Andrew Southard is an accounting major from Toronto, Canada. While at Coastal Carolina University, he was named to the President’s List six times and was a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society. Southard was also as a part of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee as he is a member of CCU’s track and field, and cross country teams. After graduation, he has an internship lined up with Ernst & Young and hopes to pursue future years with the company. 

Abigail Spangler is a marine science major from Hershey, Pa. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the Dean’s List and was awarded the University Scholar Award. Over the course of four years, Spangler was a member of Phi Eta Sigma Honors Society and helped organize and coordinate events for the Intercultural Experience Community on campus. Her honors thesis project outlined a food forest to incorporate sustainable agriculture at CCU. After graduation, she plans to pursue environmental law school.

Lindsey Stang is an intelligence and national security studies major with minors in geographic information systems and political science from Springfield, Va. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the President’s List and the Dean’s List every semester and is a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, and the National Society of Leadership and Success. She has also worked for University Recreation as a lifeguard and auditor for three and a half years and was named Instructor of the Year in 2019. Her honors thesis is titled “Economic Underdevelopment and the Rise of Islamic Terrorism: Analysis of the Sahelian Region of Africa.” After graduation, Stang plans to move to Miami, Fla., to pursue a career working for the federal government.

Sophie Sumpter is a public health major and political science minor from Little River, S.C. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the President’s List and Dean’s List and became a member of the United Nations Youth Corps through her internship at Georgetown County Environmental Services. She also received the Dean’s Excellence Scholarship. For her honors thesis, she researched the overlap of FEMA flood maps in Horry County with social determinants of health to identify vulnerable communities in Horry County who may require more post-flood recovery resources. After graduation, Sumpter plans to pursue graduate studies in public policy.

Alana Tellier is an intelligence and national security studies major and criminology minor from Barkhamsted, Conn. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the President’s List and the Dean’s List. Her honors thesis assesses the impact nation identity has on post-Soviet democratization. After graduation, Tellier plans to pursue a career in intelligence analysis.

Abbey Thomas is a marine science major with a minor in psychology from Pickerington, Ohio. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the President’s List and the Dean’s List, and was awarded the Coastal Carolina Alumni Scholarship and the Women in Philanthropy and Leadership Annual Scholarship. Her leadership roles included being on the executive board for Coastal’s Baptist Collegiate Ministry for four years, an Honors Research Fellow for two years, and a resident adviser for two years. Her honors thesis is entitled “Behavioral Ecology of Territorial Aggression in Uca pugilator and Uca pugnax,” which was presented at the Undergraduate Research Competition. After graduation, Thomas plans to pursue graduate studies in marine biology.

Jenna Thompson is an exercise and sport science major with a biology minor from Fairfax, Va. While attending CCU, she was named to the President’s List every semester and was awarded the President’s Scholar Award, University Scholar Award, and the 2020 Exercise and Sport Science Departmental Award. She was an Honors Research Fellow and honors Orientation leader. She was a brother of the Zeta Xi chapter of Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity and held the positions of vice president, brother-at-large, and scholarship co-chair. Her honors thesis focuses on comparing the physiological and psychological responses to variable intensity interval, high-intensity interval, and moderate-intensity continuous exercise. Thompson’s research was presented at the Undergraduate Research Competition and the American College of Sports Medicine national conference. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree and become a physician assistant. 

Sahmyah Tittle is a marine science major from Teaneck, N.J. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the Dean’s List and was awarded the Provost’s Scholarship, Marine Science Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Gupta College of Science Study Abroad Scholarship, and the HTC Honors College Study Abroad Scholarship. Tittle’s honors thesis is entitled “Where do you come from, cotton-eye tunicate? An attempt to resolve the cryptogenic origins of the ascidian Molgula manhattensis,” which was presented at the Undergraduate Research Competition and at the Benthic Ecology Meeting in Wilmington, N.C. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in conservation as well graduate studies in fish, wildlife, and conservation biology.

Lauren Tyndall is a psychology major from Little River, S.C.

Nicole Van Dzura is an exercise and sport science major from Monroe Township, N.J. While attending Coastal Carolina University, she was named to either the President’s List or Dean’s List each semester. She worked on campus as a student tutor assisting student-athletes in one-on-one sessions on a weekly basis. Van Dzura shadowed multiple athletic trainers on campus and most recently completed an internship with the football athletic trainer during her senior year. She is the recipient of both the Coastal Scholar Award and University Scholar Award. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in athletic training with the ultimate goal of becoming a certified athletic trainer and certified personal trainer.

Elizabeth Vermont is a history major German minor from Pawleys Island, S.C. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the President’s List and the Dean’s List. Her senior thesis is entitled “The Bosnian Civil War and the Influence on White Nationalism,” which was presented at the Undergraduate Research Competition and at the Phi Alpha Theta Regional Conference. After graduation, Vermont’s plans to pursue a graduate degree.

Hannah Von Zup is a communication major with a minor in English. She is originally from the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania, but now resides in Pinehurst, N.C. She is an active student worker with the Chanticleer Sports Network, and she directed the first all-female, all-student ESPN+ production in February. Von Zup hopes to continue to work for CCU Athletics after graduation.

Kayla Washington is a senior at Coastal Carolina University working on a Bachelor of Science in marine science with a minor in applied mathematics from Manassas Park, Va. During her years at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the President’s and Dean’s lists and was awarded the Dean Excellence Scholarship. Her honors thesis is entitled “Using foraminifera to identify overwash deposits in St. Vincent Island, Florida in the wake of Hurricane Michael, which she presented at the Geological Society of America Northeast and Southeast joint conference. After graduation, Washington plans to work on research with a focus in marine science.

Savannah Watson is an elementary education major from Syracuse, N.Y. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the Dean’s List. She has presented at the Undergraduate Research Competition, as well as at the SCATE Conference and the ATE Conference. After graduation, Watson plans to become a teacher. 

Olivia Winstead is a communication major and marketing minor from Anderson, S.C. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the President’s List and the Dean’s List. She was a part of the National Society of Leadership and Success, the Degree in Three program, and the communication honors society Lambda Pi Eta. Winstead is also a Board of Trustees Award recipient. Her honors thesis is entitled “The Effects of Incomplete Marketing About Dieting Trends.” After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in public relations.

Eric Winter is a dual degree recipient, majoring in intelligence and national security studies and information systems from Greenville, S.C.

Sarah Wood is a marketing major with an international business minor from Hilton Head Island, S.C. While at Coastal Carolina University, she was named to the President’s List and the Dean’s List for her academic achievements. She has also been awarded the South Carolina LIFE Scholarship and the Coastal Scholars Award. Wood is a part of the National Honor Society for Leadership and Success and Beta Gamma Sigma (business honor society). Wood was also the president of the club tennis team at Coastal Carolina University. After graduation, she plans to pursue graduate studies in business administration. 

Kayla Zeppieri is a finance major and pre-law minor from Clifton Park, N.Y. She was a part of the CoBE Fellows program and served as the associate director of recruitment for two years. In addition, Zeppieri served as the treasurer of her sorority Chi Omega, and she was named to the Dean’s List every semester since attending CCU. After graduation, Zeppieri will move to Florida to work for a finance company.