Graduate Student of the Month

2023

• May 2023

  Rayanna Campbell

  

  Pursuing her Masters in Higher Education Administration with a concentration in Non-Profit Management, Rayanna Campbell is studying to increase access to post-secondary education for underrepresented groups. True to her roots in Social Work, Campbell was attracted to Higher Ed by the prospect of helping students cultivate their potential. When she is not in class, working at SASS, or adding to her list of best local food spots, you can find Campbell spending time with friends or training in aerial arts. Campbell first presented her research on access to medical education at the National Education Finance Academy's (NEFA) 2022 conference. After joining the organization's Graduate Student Council, she designed the first student experience designed to acclimate up-and-coming scholars to academic conferences. At the 2023 conference, Rayanna was elected President of the Graduate Student Council, and now serves on NEFA's Board of Trustees.

  Congratulations, Rayanna!

• June 2023

  Yining Pan

  

  Yining is an international student pursuing her Master of Public Health (MPH) degree at UNF. Her academic record during the first year of the MPH program has been outstanding, as she has consistently received exceptional grades for all her coursework. In addition, Yining's essays for the Epidemiology and Health Program Planning class have been highly regarded by her professors and used as examples for the next year's classes. In addition to her academic achievements, Yining has an extensive research background and has authored dozens of scientific research papers and conference posters. As a Graduate Assistant working with Dr. Luke Cho, Yining has made impressive contributions to ongoing research projects. As a first-author and co-author, Yining has already finished writing two research papers, which are now under review in peer-reviewed international journals. She has demonstrated exceptional skills in biostatistics, bioinformatics, and scientific paper writing. Notably, Yining was a co-author of a poster presented at the 2023 Mayo Clinic Florida Postdoctoral Research Day, where she was responsible for conducting bioinformatic analysis on RNA-seq data. Yining has a passion for improving the health and wellbeing of senior citizens. In the Health Communication class she took in the Spring semester, she volunteered with Seniors on a Mission and dedicated her time to serving the senior community. Prior to joining UNF, Yining worked at the University of Hong Kong, conducting biomedical and clinical research on Alzheimer's disease. Yining aspires to pursue a career as a researcher in biostatistics and bioinformatics, leveraging her exceptional research skills and passion for improving public health.

  Congratulations, Yining!

• July 2023

  Nadaley Jones

  

  As a teacher in the Jacksonville Teacher's Residency Program, Nadaley has proven herself to be an outstanding educator who is dedicated to providing her students with the best possible education. Her commitment to teaching and learning is evident in the multiple offers she has received to teach at schools across the Duval County Public School district. During her time at King's Trail Elementary, Nadaley tutored ESOL students in English and raised literacy rates in her school by over 40%. She also recently co-authored a research article in the PDS Partner's Journal on the "Noticing and Wondering Protocol". At the young age of 22, Nadaley Jones will be graduating with her Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree. Her educational background has given her a passion for teaching in Title I schools. It is clear that Nadaley is not only a gifted educator, but also a hardworking and dedicated individual who is committed to her profession. Nadaley's passion for teaching is not limited to her classroom. She is a kind and genuine person who goes out of her way to help others. Her kindness and compassion are evident in the way she interacts with her colleagues and students. She was recently nominated for the 2023 Rising Osprey award for her hardwork and dedication. Nadaley strives to makie a positive impact on her community and create a better future for all. Her decision to teach fourth grade at Central Riverside Elementary School is a testament to her commitment to making a difference in the lives of her students. She understands that education is not just about imparting knowledge, but also about helping students develop the skills they need to be successful in life. By teaching her students the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, she is helping to shape the future of her community.

  Congratulations, Nadaley!

• August 2023

  Rebecca Turngren

  As a Master’s student in Vocal Performance, Rebecca has a diverse performance background in Opera and Musical Theater. Last Fall, Rebecca won third place in the 2022 Opera Aria Competition at UNF. She performed in UNF’s Opera production of Così Fan Tutte as Despina, the chambermaid, and played the role of Ida in the Spring production of Die Fledermaus. To further advance her studies and educational experience, Rebecca will be in Vienna, Austria in August understudying the role of Gretel in Humperdinck’s Hansel und Gretel at the Vienna Opera Academy. During this summer program, she will be working with industry professionals and may have the opportunity to audition for an agent! UNF’s November production will be the English version of Hansel and Gretel and will be an opportunity for the community to see Rebecca star as Gretel. Outside of UNF, she will be singing the role of Prima Conversa and covering the role of Suor Genovieffa in Bold City Opera's production of Suor Angelica.  She is a member of the Voices of Jacksonville and is actively teaching and performing in the Jacksonville area. She has taught Elementary Music as well as Middle and High School Theatre while encouraging young students to find their voice and develop their playwriting skills. Every student she has in a classroom, or private music studio is an opportunity to cultivate excellent artists. To stay updated with all that is happening with Rebecca, visit her website at rebeccaturngren.com.

  Congratulations, Rebecca!
• September 2023

  Brittany Hutto

  

  Brittany Hutto is an exceptional individual whose life's purpose revolves around serving her community and making a positive impact. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree at the University of North Florida, driven by a deep-rooted passion for public service and a desire to effect meaningful change. She has previously worked at the Sulzbacher Beaches Clinic in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. However, her career took a turn when she became a stay-at-home mom to care for her premature son, Mark. During this time, she started the MakeYourMark.blog to share her experiences and advocate for NICU families. In 2022, Brittany founded Mark's Mission, a Nonprofit Organization based in Northeast Florida. Mark's Mission is dedicated to promoting family bonding between parents and their children in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) and other hospital units. 

  Brittany and her organization have donated over 10,000 items to NICU and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) families, hosted nine NICU Support Groups in collaboration with major community partners, and created four volunteer opportunities for community members. Brittany's dedication has earned her well-deserved recognition, including being named a 2022 Top Rated Nonprofit Organization by Great Nonprofits, receiving the Positively Jax Award in February 2023, and being the Small Organization Grant Recipient from the Delores Barr Weaver Grassroots Grants Endowment at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida in April 2023.

  Brittany is also an active member of several prestigious organizations, including the Association for Fundraising Professionals, National Association of Nonprofit Organization Executives, American Public Health Association, Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida, JaxChamber's Health Council, JaxChamber's Professional Women's Council, and NICU Parent Network.

  Brittany's dedication to service, advocacy, and community empowerment is nothing short of extraordinary.

  Congratulations, Brittany!
• October 2023
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• November 2023
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• December 2023
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