ATLANTA—The Honors College is dedicated to student success by empowering and inspiring students to build lifelong connections and chart purposeful paths toward their futures. The following stories reflect the depth and breadth of Honors student and alumni achievement throughout Spring 2026.
From presenting research about different forms of polypeptides in aqueous media at St. Simon's Island to exploring the historical and cultural connections between African traditions and Spanish culture in Spain, these moments define the Honors experience and deserve an Honorable Mention.
This map shows some of the locations Honors Students have traveled to in the 2025–2026 academic year — pursuing research, internships, conferences, study abroad and other academic experiences.
Nader Adem
Computer Science
- Nader was selected as a semifinalist for the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, a highly competitive award for top community college students nationwide. He was also named a 2025–2026 STEM Scholar at GSU, recognizing his high achievement in the computer science and technology field.
Oyinkansola Adekonye
Neuroscience
- Oyinkansola was elected as the Student Government Association 97th Administration speaker of the senate. After two weeks of campaigning, the votes of her peers led to her receiving this position.
Bisistha Adhikari
Computer Science
- Bisistha presented his research project, “CourseAssist: AI-Powered Academic Support Tool” at Georgia State University Research Conference 2026. The project addresses common challenges students face in academic courses by translating real student and faculty pain points and translating them into technology-driven solutions.
Anna Andriani Raymond
Business Management
- Anna earned a summer internship with UPS through a selective recruitment process, providing experience in a global corporate environment. This opportunity will build on her leadership experience as vice president of the Society of Human Resources student chapter at GSU.
Aaryan Bhosale
Data Science
- Aaryan led his team to the 1st place victory at GSU’s Women in Technology Case Competition where they developed a machine learning solution addressing Medicaid reimbursement. He has also been selected to complete GSU’s Math Path Summer Research Program where he will engage in research, bootcamps and hands-on projects.
Chinonyerem Chilaka
Biology (Perimeter College)
- Chinonyerem contributed to the Blue Haven Project, where he mentored middle school students on bird conservation and helped promote environmental awareness in the community. His work was featured on Fox News and recognized by his program coordinator for its leadership and impact.
Edward Eme
Respiratory Therapy
- Edward has received the 1913 Society Silver Shield Award, which is the highest honor given to a 1913 Society member. Being selected for this award reflects not only his dedication to service, demonstrating the organization’s motto “service without self,” but also his commitment to excellence in representing GSU.
CeHara Evens
Early Childhood and English (Perimeter College)
Being the youngest speaker in a lineup of renowned Atlanta writers and poets at the Ponce de Leon Let the Words Spoken Word Concert marked CeHara’s debut spoken word performance. There, she performed two original pieces from her writing journal that explored themes of womanhood, self-doubt from societal expectations, and the importance of support and community. Although going onto the stage for the first time was nerve-wracking, she found confidence in the support of her family and community in the audience. She describes language as a “powerful and connective resource” that draws people together despite various differences.
CeHara credits much of her growth as a writer to the support and opportunities she has found through the Honors Experience at Perimeter College. She values the relationships she has built with professors who continue to connect her with resources and opportunities that encourage her development. For CeHara, “being able to feel supported and be actively supported” has made a lasting impact. She believes the arts play a vital role in connecting humanity, and her biggest hope is to become “the writer that people write about” and to create work that stays with people long after they hear it. Congratulations to CeHara Evens on her blossoming career as a writer!
Jiusi Guo
Class of ’26; BS, Biological Sciences
- Jiusi was the sole author of a research article as the sole author which focuses on non-canonical RNA splicing and which has been accepted by Frontiers in Molecular Bioscience. He has also won the first-place oral presentation in Natural and Computational Sciences at the Georgia State University Research Conference 2026.
Jordyn Harper
Film and Media
- Jordyn was selected as a finalist for the competitive Critical Language Scholarship Program for the study of Japanese. In 2025, they completed the CLS Spark virtual initiative and have now been accepted into the 2026 study abroad program where they will get to travel to Japan. They plan to use the experience to strengthen their language skills while exploring Japanese culture, media and urban design.
Marek Hurdle
Mathematics
- Marek has been selected to attend the MSRI Undergraduate Program this summer, a prestigious mathematics-based undergraduate research experience in Berkeley, California. He was chosen as one of 18 participants from a competitive pool of 400 applicants across the country.
Lucero Mendez
Class of ’26; BS, Public Policy
- Lucero earned a summer internship with AECOM as a Transportation Planning Intern after a selective networking and interview process. She also been accepted into Georgia Tech to complete a graduate program for their master’s of city and regional planning.
Rachel Ninson
Interdisciplinary Studies and Biomedical Sciences & Enterprise
- Rachel works as a mentor in GSU’s Office of Supplemental Instruction and oversees a team of several SI leaders. Through this position, she is able to support students and provide guidance that will help them grow as leaders. She has also been selected as an Honors College ambassador where she will continue to support students and represent the Honors College.
Victoria Oltean
Class of ’26; AB, Political Science
- Victoria presented her research paper, "Reclaiming the Pursuit of Happiness," at the Georgia State University Research Conference. Her presentation won the First-Place Oral Presentation Award in the Fine Arts and Humanities category as well as the Provost Award, which is the conference's highest distinction. She also presented this talk at the TEDxGeorgiaStateU event.
Samuel Oriola
Data Science
- Samuel was a speaker at the Emeriti Association Spring Luncheon. He was also awarded a grant that allows him to travel to the National Council of Undergraduate Research in Richmond, Virginia and present his research on a national level.
Nneka Otuonye
Class of ’26; BS, Biology
Nneka has received the USG Outstanding Student Award and will represent GSU at the University System of Georgia: Board of Regents’ Academic Recognition Day.
Kenny Patel
Biology (Perimeter College)
Kenny presented a self-directed research project comparing different forms of polypeptides in aqueous media at Georgia Organization of Student Success Conference at St. Simon’s Island, GA. She was mentored through the University Assistantship Program and became one of only four students elected to present at the conference.
Quanisha Patterson
Junior, Psychology
- Quanisha completed a study abroad opportunity in Spain, where she explored the historical and cultural connections between African traditions and Spanish culture. She engaged with the origins of flamenco through an academic and creative lens as they visited historical sites and participated in immersive workshops.
Meenakshi Binu Raj
Class of ’26; BS, Physics
- Meenakshi has been admitted to a PhD physics program with astronomy research at Texas Tech University. In this prestigious graduate program, she will continue pursuing a career in astronomy through further research exposure. She has also received the Robert H. Hankla Award for her outstanding academic achievements in physics.
Jinash Rouniyar
Computer Science
- Jinash worked as a developer advocate intern at Contextual AI and earned an extended internship offer due to his incredible work. He expanded the company’s ecosystem reach by building integrations with platforms like Weaviate and Chroma, while also strengthening the accessibility of Contextual AI tools for developers and enterprises.
Destiny Thompson
Class of ’26; AB, Deaf Studies
Every year, the Department of Learning Sciences awards the Outstanding Deaf Education Student Award to a student demonstrating commitment and promise as a future educator. This year’s recipient was Destiny, a recent Honors graduate who will begin her master’s degree this fall through the Dual Undergraduate/Graduate degree program, allowing her to earn two degrees in five years. Since pursuing deaf studies, she has become deeply involved in Atlanta’s deaf community by attending events hosted by deaf organizations and participating in various ASL Days throughout the semesters.
Destiny always knew she wanted to teach, particularly in special education. She is especially passionate about working with deaf students with additional disabilities in first and second grade, hoping to serve as a “solid foundation” in their development. Through her coursework and Honors seminars focused on education, human rights and civil rights, she has developed a strong commitment to advocacy and accessibility. She describes how one of the most rewarding moments from her experience in the classroom was when the students created a sign name for her, which is a unique identifier given within the deaf community that represents acceptance and respect. Congratulations to Destiny on her recognition and future in education!
Julia Sharf
Political Science
- Julia was selected for a summer internship with World Wide Technology within their Legal & Compliance Department, where she will gain hands-on experience at the intersection of technology and law. She also presented research on resource inequity in higher education at the Georgia State Undergraduate Research Conference.
Animesh Shrestha
Economics and Mathematics
- Shrestha was accepted into the Penn LDI Summer Undergraduate Mentored Research Program, where he’ll spend 12 weeks of summer in Pennsylvania conducting research with faculty. He was also selected to complete a two-day immersion program at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he’ll gain exposure and mentorship in the field.
Julianne Suri
Psychology and Neuroscience
- Julianne has advanced to the finalist stage for the 2026 Hispanic Scholar Program under the Hispanic Scholarship Fund with a competitive pool of over 50,000 applicants nationwide. This recognition highlights her strong academic performance and commitment to the program.
Madelief Tilder
Class of ‘24; BA, Sociology and Philosophy
Madelief won 1st place in the Masters category of GSU’s 3 Minute Thesis competition. Here, she presented her thesis, “The Resurgence of Co-living: A Neoliberal Response to Atlanta's Housing Affordability Crisis” and has been invited to present to the USG Board of Regents after her win. She has also released her first “1st author” publication to the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Andy Tran
Business Administration and Hospitality
Before starting college, Andy knew he wanted to pursue a career in the culinary world because of how food plays a powerful role in bringing people together. He references his experiences doing non-profit work with Asian American youth, influencing his idea of “food as community care.” He chose to study hospitality, allowing him to approach this passion from a business perspective. During his freshman year, he worked as a student assistant in the Day School of Hospitality, where his efforts made him stand out and led to an opportunity to serve as president of GSU’s Georgia Restaurant Organization. Andy’s sights were set on making the club more engaging and welcoming by reframing it as a social club where students could build connections, network with professionals and gain industry knowledge.
His first major event was a sushi making workshop organized in collaboration with the local restaurant, High Roller Sushi, at Azalea Fresh Market. The event was designed to help the business student gain exposure and increase foot traffic while offering students an interactive learning experience. Students explored the cultural significance of sushi and learned about ingredient sourcing, supply chains and food safety. The event welcomed attendees from across campus, including members of the Honors College.
Andy expresses the importance of highlighting smaller programs to “share [his] passion” with others, because “who doesn’t like free food?” We congratulate Andy on a successful event that highlights his strong leadership!
Armida Yee Munoz
Class of ’26; AB, English
- Armida was awarded the James E. Routh Outstanding English Major, which is the most prestigious award given to an English major in the College of Arts & Sciences at Georgia State each year.
The Honors College at Georgia State University is a destination for high-achieving students who embody curiosity, take pride in their work and dream about how they can make an impact through their studies and careers. Its mission is to serve students in a welcoming space by engaging students’ curiosity, empowering them to achieve their highest potential and inspiring them to find their place in the world. Its students form life-long friendships, participate in community service, perform research, excel academically, explore their interests and chart their career paths.
Story By:
Erin Davis
Erin Davis is a junior interior design major who serves as the graphic designer and newsletter coordinator for Honors College Communications. She has a passion for all things art and design, and you can often catch her thrifting or trying new foods.