Introducing our 2025 Grass Scholars!
This April, the Center for the Humanities and the Public Sphere welcomed its second cohort of the Alexander Grass Scholars Undergraduate Research Program, made possible by the generous support of the Alexander Grass Foundation. We are thrilled to welcome this new group of 20 students—ranging from freshmen to juniors—whose diverse academic interests span the humanities and humanistic social sciences, including history, political science, linguistics, philosophy, and more.
Over the summer, the scholars will participate in a foundational course designed to build core research skills in both traditional and digital humanities methods. Through project-based learning and hands-on collaboration with faculty, graduate mentors, and community partners, students will deepen their understanding of public-facing research and develop strong connections within and beyond the university. These experiences emphasize the significance of the public humanities and the vital role of preserving and interpreting cultural heritage.
As emerging scholars, this cohort represents a bright future for humanities research—one rooted in interdisciplinary thinking, community engagement, and a commitment to making the humanities more accessible and impactful.
MEET OUR 2025 GRASS SCHOLARS
E. Anja Anzano
Year: Sophomore
Major: International Studies (Asia)
Minor: Sociology of Social Justice & Policy
“I hope to learn and develop the skills I need for research, to be in community with like-minded and compassionate scholars, and to create a valuable research project related to anthropology.”
Leila Barq
Year: Junior
Majors: Political Science, Foreign Language and Literatures (Arabic), Declaring International Studies (Middle East Focus)
“I’m looking forward to exploring a meaningful topic in the humanities, gaining experience in independent research, and connecting with peers who share a passion for learning.”
Audrey Bolin
Year: Sophomore
Major: English
Minor: History
“I am most looking forward to strengthening my research skills and making connections with my peers!”
Riley Browning
Year: Sophomore
Major: History
“I am looking forward to connecting to the Gainesville (and beyond) community and putting my education in the humanities to use.”
Chalisa Budhai
Year: Junior
Majors: African American Studies, Legal History, and Political Science
“I look forward to developing my research beyond a written paper. Through the projects we choose from, I will use this opportunity to learn from curators and librarians how to present important scholarship to the wider public. I plan on completing a digital humanities portfolio, exemplifying my findings.”
Claire Busansky
Year: Junior
Major: Political Science
Minors: FYCS, Public Service
“I look forward to engaging in interdisciplinary discussions and research that deepen my understanding of humanities studies while connecting with scholars who share a passion for community impact!”
Ellissia Cooper
Year: Sophomore
Major: Nursing
“I am honored to have been selected and genuinely excited for the growth and research skills I’ll gain through this experience skills that will empower me to grow in many other areas of my life.”
Amelia DeVries
Year: Junior
Major: English
Minor: Innovation
“I’m looking forward to working with local organizations!”
Guillermo Diaz
Year: Junior
Majors: Political Science, Criminology
Minor: Philosophy
“I am looking forward to learning about research approaches from people who have a lot of experience within the humanities, and also develop relations with other Grass scholars.”
amelia “Mia” Garvey
Year: Junior
Majors: English, Japanese
“I am excited to learn more about Humanities research and really engage with the community!”
Sydney Holderman
Year: Sophomore
Major: Anthropology
Minors: French, Women’s Studies
“I hope to learn how to conduct interviews and fieldwork successfully so that I may go on to create my own research projects.”
Rebekkah Hudson
Year: Junior
Majors: History & Linguistics
Minors: African Studies & English
“I hope to gain the interpretive and communicative skills suitable for an educator in the humanities, and I look forward to the opportunity to create a substantial independent research project in an environment that emphasizes humanities-focused collaboration and mentorship!”
Kendall Kurila
Year: Junior
Majors: English and Philosophy
Minor: Classics
“I am most looking forward to diving deeper into philosophical questions I care about!”
naomi Patel
Year: Junior
Major: Political Science
Minor: Philosophy
“I am eager to deepen my understanding of the summer research project through the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center and CHPS. I look forward to honing the skills I’ll need to complete my honors thesis and to growing as both a student and a researcher.”
Eleanor “Ellie” Riggs
Year: Sophomore
Major: Data Science
“I’m excited to see how I can use my differing interests to hone my skills and become a more versatile researcher.”
Delilah Sabatella
Year: Junior
Major: Philosophy
Minor: Women’s Studies
“I’m looking forward to working with others who value the humanities in the broader UF/ Gainesville community!”
Anjani Sharma
Year: Freshman
Major: Psychology
“I look forward to gaining mentorship, cross-sector collaboration opportunities, and hands-on experience that will empower me to drive innovative solutions in healthcare and social impact.”
Luci Urdaneta
Year: Junior
Major: Anthropology
Minors: Latin American Studies, History
“I hope to gain research experience in the humanities that will prepare me for graduate studies and turn the frameworks and theories I learn about in class into praxis.”
Resli Ward
Year: Sophomore
Major: Biology
“I’m excited to gain more skills in research, learn more about my chosen topics, and learn more about all the humanities has to offer!”
Sarah Wutzler
Year: Junior
Majors: Psychology, Philosophy, Women’s Studies
“I am most looking forward to learning about and contributing to meaningful community research in Alachua.”
Learn more about our Alexander Grass Undergraduate Research Program, here.