Student Profiles

By Amanda Friedman, Journalism senior When Sofia Portugal looked at UF’s website for the first time as a high school student in Bahia, Brazil, she couldn’t imagine attending college anywhere else. “It just felt right,” Portugal said. The now 23-year-old University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications (UFCJC) graduate…

Cognizant that from a very young age journalism and politics have been the cornerstone of his identity, Brett Posner-Ferdman’s experience with research and data literacy and mentorship from CJC faculty led him to internship at the CNN Washington, D.C., bureau.

Nina Salvaggio Wagner never imagined she could have an impact at a large company like Lockheed Martin. But the insights she gained in her online master’s program led to an opportunity for a more integrated communications team.

As a Media Production, Management, and Technology major, Anabella Zorrilla was inspired by the skills she was able to develop both in the classroom and in hands-on immersion venues.

Public Relations senior Rebeka Smolka and Journalism sophomore Augustus Hoff pursued their passion for social change during summer 2022 internships.

Junior Jacob Sedesse's achievements lead to national recognition by Microsoft and SnapChat.

Serra Sowers and fellow student journalists from WUFT-FM, WUFT-TV and Fresh Take Florida spent two days in Southwest Florida covering the human and physical toll of Hurricane Ian.

University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications (UF CJC) Mass Communications Ph.D. student Lynsey Saunders completed an internship with the Library of Congress during the Fall 2021 semester. Saunders was a part of the Archives, History and Heritage Advanced Internship Program and completed the opportunity remotely.   “I was initially drawn…

A traumatic life experience at age 16 does not define Daniela Ghelman, but it has focused her love of writing on a career in journalism so she can help and teach others.

After growing up in Tucson, Arizona and marrying a Florida State University graduate, Lt. Col. Marc Vielledent never thought he would call himself a Florida Gator. Now he's pursuing its highest degree.

“Being a student athlete has helped me grow as an athlete and as a person. Following this, I just know I’m going to be equipped with so many experiences and skills that I couldn’t have learned anywhere else.”

Gabriella Paul, a senior at the University of Florida, in July won first place for the 2019 SPJ Florida College Scholarship. “I thought I had an interesting story to tell in my application because I like to report more slowly and tell longer narratives,” Paul said. Paul is a contributing writer for The…