Florida State University students presented research projects spanning 13 countries at the 2025 Global Scholars Showcase, held on December 5, 2025, in the Nancy H. Marcus Great Hall. Thirty-three undergraduates participated, sharing independent research and community-based work developed through a yearlong program that combines international engagement with academic inquiry.
The Global Scholars Program at FSU is part of the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement (CRE). It supports students in designing and carrying out independent learning opportunities abroad or within their communities. Through internships, research, and service-learning projects, participants explore topics related to social impact, justice, and change.
“Global Scholars is a sort of ‘choose-your-own-adventure program,’ where students are introduced to the idea that research is something that is inherently personal, yet still grounded to academic frameworks,” said Cary Wall, associate director for global programming at the CRE. “Students design their own research in global contexts, engage directly with communities and carry projects from early ideas through public presentation.”
The program has three phases: a preparatory course on ethics and qualitative methods in spring; an internship or self-directed project during summer; and reflection with capstone presentations in fall.
“At the heart of Global Scholars is an ethos that urges students to ask questions rather than propose solutions, and to leverage research as a tool for engaging with issues of global and collective importance,” Wall said.
Jordyn Bain, a junior studying International Affairs and Economics, researched NGO support for Ukrainian refugees in Prague as part of her study abroad experience. She found challenges such as community isolation and limited career opportunities affecting refugee integration. “I’d never done a professional research project like this before, so this program really did help me learn how to go about it ethically, especially since I was dealing with people from a different culture,” she said.
Sebastian Abril traveled to Cusco, Peru to intern at a mental health clinic. His project examined how increased digital infrastructure could improve efficiency at clinics. “I like research and I like traveling, and this felt like the perfect blend of the two,” Abril said. “You really can design your own research, but you always know that they (the Global Scholars Program) are right there to push you…”
Kaetlyn Patnaude’s project explored environmental justice in Sweden and the Netherlands by examining cultural values shaping sustainability policy. Her fieldwork included serving as a technician at Abisko Scientific Research Station in Sweden before attending Delft University’s urban planning summer school in the Netherlands. “I really learned a lot about communication… I feel like I can talk to anyone now,” Patnaude said.
Natalia Arroyo focused her work locally on Tallahassee by connecting education initiatives with refugee support services. Drawing from roles with organizations such as the International Rescue Committee and State Attorney’s office she emphasized compassion within social services: “Being empathetic and an advocate in the workforce… can really make a difference.”
For more information about FSU’s Global Scholars Program visit cre.fsu.edu/global/globalscholars or read student blogposts at hsfhouseblogs.fsu.edu/blog/global-scholars/.
