Momentum Magazine | 2025-2026
USF Sarasota-Manatee students boldly push boundaries through their research, internships and community engagement.
1. Scarlett-Rose Austin
Scarlett-Rose Austin a criminology student, and Laura Curran, an assistant professor in the Department of Behavioral Health Science and Practice, presented their research at The Society for Social Work and Research conference. Their paper, “Factors Associated with Wait Time to Substance Use Treatment Among Pregnant Women in the United States,” has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Substance Use and Addiction.
2. yadyra guzman & ROberto Mundo
Congratulations to Yadyra Guzman and Roberto Mundo, United States Marine Corps, who received Robert P. Bartz Memorial Endowed Scholarships during the Manatee Chamber’s 9th Annual Robert Bartz Award Dinner. Both are enrolled in the Muma School of Business; Guzman is a marketing major and Mundo is studying finance.
3. Maria Bustinza
Maria Bustinza, a double major student in the School of Interdisiplinary Global Studies, held an internship with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Her opportunity was one of many made possible by a grant from the Mellon Foundation, the nation’s largest supporter of the arts and humanities.
4. Jason Anderson
Jason Anderson, a biology major, works as a zookeeper at Sarasota Jungle Gardens, where he prepares diets, enrichments and ensures the welfare of species ranging from crocodilians to birds of prey all while capturing stunning wildlife photography.
5. Renee Korkoske
Renee Korkoske, research assistant to Kim Badanich, a professor of instruction of psychology, presented her independent research study investigating “Prescription Stimulant Misuse in College Students” at the Society of Southeastern Social Psychologists.
6. Angela Sciarrone
Angela Sciarrone, a Master of Social Work student, was named Manatee County Government’s 2025 Team Member of the Year for providing consistently outstanding service to Manatee County and improving the community through her role in the Public Safety Department.
7. Natalia Chersia De Leon
Natalia Chersia De Leon, a psychology student minoring in behavioral healthcare and communications, interns with the National Alliance on Mental Illness while also serving campus as student director for the Campus Activities Board, a lead peer advisor and an orientation leader.
