Erin Murphy, a Presidential Scholar, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering and an extensive list of accomplishments.
A native of St. Petersburg, Florida, Murphy became interested in FSU during her recruitment for beach volleyball.
“I was amazed by the people I met, and the academic opportunities FSU had to offer in addition to the elite athletic programs,” Murphy said.
In addition to playing for beach volleyball’s national runner-up squad in 2022, Murphy researched machine learning under Professor Jonathan Adams, helping to form what is now MLab.
With her FSU degree in hand, Murphy will start a graduate program in computer and electrical engineering at Cornell Tech in New York City. She plans to strengthen her engineering skills in preparation for her dream job as a software engineer on a team exploring novel applications of machine learning, particularly in areas like health care.
“FSU has been the best undergraduate experience I could ask for, and I am excited for commencement because it represents not only the end of this chapter but also the start of new beginnings,” she said.
Nelson Jean Francois, a first-generation international student from Delmas, Haiti, knew his lived experience would guide him as he earned his master’s in social work.
“Growing up in a relatively disadvantaged neighborhood in Haiti made me choose social work,” Jean Francois said. “Specialists in this field have a reputation for helping individuals, families and communities in times of need.”
As he navigated his first academic study in the United States through his Fulbright scholarship, Jean Francois maintained stellar grades throughout his semesters and credited the support of his professors, advisers and the Caribbean and Haitian community for his continued success.
Francois will now attend the University of Michigan School of Social Work’s doctoral program. He hopes to expand his research experience and improve the quality of life in the Caribbean and other countries through community-based interventions.
“Life offers us two choices: stand and fight for the change we want, or go forever with all the undesirables,” Jean Francois said.
Samiyah Wilson, a native of Lakeland, Florida, graduated in just three years, earning her bachelor’s degree from the College of Social Work.
“Walking in the commencement ceremony means everything because it is something I have never done before, being a first-generation college student and a part of the 2020 COVID class.”
Wilson chose FSU because of the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE), which provides support for students who are the first in their families to attend college. She eventually became a CARE Ambassador, mentoring younger students in the program.
“This unique experience made me feel confident in myself and my abilities, and I made some amazing relationships with my students,” she said.
Wilson hopes to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and practice as a youth therapist, impacting disadvantaged youth.
Amruta Tambile, born and raised in Pune, India, graduated from the School of Information with her master’s in information technology.
“Walking in this semester’s graduation ceremony feels like one of my greatest accomplishments,” she said. “It will give me confidence that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.”
While at FSU, Tambile focused her research on information retrieval where she learned to gather data through search engines and utilize that information to sort and provide relevant results.
“Florida State University is renowned for offering a variety of chances for research,” she said. “FSU provided me opportunities to learn, research and innovate in my field.”
Tambile plans to work for a nonprofit organization where she hopes to use her certificate in coding development to grow professionally.
“Now, as an alumna, I am extremely grateful to be a part of the FSU community forever,” she said.