Congratulations to the 2025 Recipients
Graduate School Master’s Fellows Award
The Graduate School Master’s Fellows Award is designed to recruit highly competitive students who will advance the research and scholarship mission of the University. Selected recipients come from various disciplines across campus.
Maddisyn Braun
Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources
Maddisyn Braun is a graduate student in the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia. Under the guidance of Dr. John Maerz, her research will focus on the hybridization trends of plethodontid salamanders in the Appalachian mountains.
She completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she conducted a thesis on the correlation between hybridization and threat of extinction for amphibian species, allowing her to graduate with highest honors in Biology. During her time at UNC, she also assisted with research on amphibian mate choice behaviors and studies on long-term behavioral patterns of eastern box turtles in North Carolina.
Following her graduation, she continued to perform research at the University of North Carolina to conclude her project on amphibian hybridization. Throughout this time, she also served as an assistant curator of reptiles, amphibians, and ambassador animals at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, as well as a herpetological technician conducting freshwater turtle surveys with North Carolina State University.
Braun is excited to begin her career at the University of Georgia, and feels honored to be able to partake in the cutting edge conservation work constantly emerging from the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. With a master’s degree, she hopes to work as a wildlife biologist to conserve the rich herpetological biodiversity of the Southeast, and eventually aims to return to graduate school for her Ph.D. and become a university professor of wildlife biology.
Shannon Grimm
Department of Plant Pathology
College of Agriculture and Environmental Services
Shannon Grimm is a graduate student in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Georgia. She will be working under the mentorship of Dr. Paul Severns, where she will be working on exploring the evolution of dispersal-related traits in plant pathogens. Specifically, she will be exploring the heritability of spore size in soybean rust to plan and strategize how to manage the disease.
Grimm received a Bachelor of Science in Plant Biology from the University of Georgia. Within her undergraduate career, she assisted several graduate students in their agricultural research, and determined she wanted to continue her education and scientific research in a field that can be used to help farmers sustainably maintain and grow their livelihood.
After completing her master’s degree, Grimm aims to become a Plant Pathology Extension Agent to help diagnose and manage crop pathogens and connect farmers with resources to minimize the pressure pathogens put on their yield. She ultimately hopes to increase food production to help boost farmers’ revenue and lessen food insecurity while exploring the natural world through science.
Jonah Hammett
Hugh Hodgson School of Music
Jonah Hammett is a graduate student at the Hugh Hodgson School of Music at the University of Georgia. He will work under the mentorship of Dr. Jean Martin-Williams and Dr. James Naigus. While at UGA, Hammett will serve as one of two horn studio teaching assistants and perform with the Bulldog Brass Quintet.
In May 2025, Hammett graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a Certificate of Performance from the University of Texas at Austin. During his undergraduate years, he performed with the UT Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and New Music Ensemble. He also founded the LongHORN Quartet, an award-winning undergraduate chamber group dedicated to creating high-quality chamber music experiences for horn players at the Butler School of Music.
Hammett is a decorated soloist and chamber musician. He won the 2024 MidSouth Horn Workshop Undergraduate Solo Contest and received Honorable Mention in the 2025 MidNorth Horn Workshop 23+ Solo Contest. The LongHORN Quartet earned runner-up honors in 2024 and won the 2025 MidNorth Quartet Contest. Outside the concert hall, he performed with the Blue Knights and Bluecoats Drum Corps. In 2023, he earned a silver medal with the Bluecoats and, in 2024, helped lead the corps to an undefeated DCI World Championship.
He is thrilled to join UGA’s vibrant community of musicians and scholars and looks forward to the growth and collaboration ahead.
Devonian Locke
Odum School of Ecology
Devonian “Devon” Locke is a graduate student in the Department of Ecology at the University of Georgia, where he works under Dr. Krista Capps. He intends to work with a multidisciplinary team to study how elements, containments, and microbes move from terrestrial to aquatic ecosystems.
Originally from Crowder, Oklahoma, Locke earned his bachelor’s degree in environmental science and political science from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. There, he conducted research on the biogeochemistry of a former pastureland, examining the effects of ecological restoration on elemental cycling and soil health.
Locke was recognized as an Outstanding Graduate, inducted into the Hypatia Honor Society, and graduated Magna Cum Laude. His upbringing in a rural community continues to inform his research goals, especially his commitment to advancing environmental policy and ecosystem sustainability.
He chose UGA for its field-based research and its historic leadership in ecological science. Locke is honored to be named a Graduate School Master’s Fellow and looks forward to contributing to UGA’s research community.
Amber Lopez
School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering
College of Engineering
Amber Lopez is a graduate student in the School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Georgia. She will be joining Dr. Santiago and the Compound Inundation Team for Resilient Applications (CITRA) and supporting the lab’s efforts in developing compound flood modeling systems to assist and protect the most vulnerable populations in Puerto Rico from flooding events.
Lopez graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences and Summa Cum Laude Honors from the University of Florida. During her time there, she participated on two NSF IRES summer research programs in Ghana and Ecuador, interned under Florida Sea Grant, and conducted her own research project on microplastics in drinking water treatment residuals. These experiences grew her fascination with the human-environment interface and sparked her interests in environmental engineering, specifically water resource engineering and coastal flooding. She is excited to dive into the field of engineering and learn how to apply her environmental knowledge with computational models to obtain real-life solutions.
Lopez hopes to continue positively impacting vulnerable communities by either pursuing a Ph.D. or career in environmental engineering following the completion of her Master’s. Until then, she looks forward to completing her graduate studies and research while enjoying all Athens and the University of Georgia have to offer.
Megan Meyer
Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Megan Meyer is a graduate student in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication at the University of Georgia. She will be working under the advisement of Dr. Allison Byrd and Dr. Alexa Lamm. Meyer hopes to continue to learn about leadership and communication research during her time at the University of Georgia. Specifically, Meyer hopes to connect farmers to the behind-the-scenes research that supports and advances agricultural practices.
In May of 2025, Meyer graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in agricultural communication and marketing. She grew up on a dairy farm in rural Minnesota, and has always been passionate about participating in agricultural activities.
Throughout college, she was active in the University of Minnesota dairy judging team, the Gopher Dairy Club, the University’s NAMA chapter, and activities within the University’s Agricultural Communication and Marketing department. Additionally she worked on a research project called the Real Pork Trust Consortium, where she served as a communication assistant.
Upon graduation, she hopes to find a job working for a dairy health or nutrition company selling helpful products to dairy farmers, and working with a team of people. Meyer hopes to continue to tell the stories of farmers to consumers, politicians, and researchers.
Elijah Peacock
Department of Classics
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
Elijah Peacock is a graduate student in the Department of Classics at the University of Georgia. His research and thesis will center around Greek and Latin philology.
Peacock completed his Bachelor of Arts in Latin and Classical Culture as a First Honor Graduate at the University of Georgia. As an undergraduate student, Peacock received recognition from the UGA Charter Scholarship, Honors International Scholars Program, Edward and Jenny Best Award, and the CAMWS Award for Outstanding Accomplishment in Classical Studies.
He served as a member of the Zeta Iota Chapter of the classical honors society Eta Sigma Phi and acted as president for the statewide chapter of the Senior Classical League and the local chapter which he founded.
Peacock is excited to return to Athens and explore his passions in both teaching and research as he prepares for the future pursuit of a doctorate. He chose the University of Georgia because of the strength of its pedagogy instruction and the diverse specialties of the faculty in the Department of Classics. Peacock plans to continue researching his range of interests from the study of Late Republic Latin to longue durée historical geography.
Nishat Sarmin Rupanty
Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors
Franklin College of Family and Consumer Sciences
Nishat Sarmin Rupanty is a graduate student in the Department of Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors at the University of Georgia. Her research will explore the biomedical aspects of textile science. Her current focus is on developing biocompatible fiber based materials for tissue regeneration, especially textile based bio-scaffolds that replicate the extracellular matrix and support cell growth.
Rupanty earned her bachelor’s in Textile Engineering from Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology. Her work spans over ten projects in biomedical textiles, sustainability, and smart materials. Highlights include bio based water repellent finishes, salt free dyeing, and natural dyes with bio mordants. She has co-authored studies on textile scaffolds for tissue growth, antimicrobial fabrics with plant proteins, and drug releasing smart textiles. Her research also tackles environmental issues like microplastic removal with chitosan coated fibers, green flame retardant coatings, and textile waste valorization. She also has research plans to explore smart coatings for wound healing and controlled drug release, aiming to connect material innovation with practical health solutions.
Looking ahead, Rupanty plans to pursue a Ph.D. and advance sustainable innovation by merging functional materials, bioengineering, and smart design. Her goal is to create next generation textiles that aid recovery, reduce waste, and lower environmental impact. She is grateful to join the University of Georgia, and is excited to contribute to research at the intersection of textile chemistry, health, and sustainability.
Katherine Scheflen
Department of Animal and Dairy Science
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Katherine Scheflen is a graduate student in the Department of Animal and Dairy Science at the University of Georgia. She will be working under Dr. Jorge Hidalgo, where her academic interests center on improving genetic diversity, resilience, and efficiency in livestock populations.
She graduated summa cum laude from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and minors in Genetics and International Agriculture. During her undergraduate studies, Scheflen gained hands-on experience working at the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in the Molecular Division. There, she supported diagnostic testing by preparing animal specimens, sterilizing equipment, and maintaining lab safety and biosecurity standards, deepening her understanding of molecular processes and laboratory research.
Scheflen was active in leadership, mentoring, and service roles. She studied abroad at the American Farm School in Thessaloniki, Greece, where she explored international agriculture and food systems. She participated in a National Student Exchange semester at UGA and took ADSC 3110: Genetics of Livestock Improvement. The course and Dr. Hidalgo’s mentorship inspired her to return for graduate studies. She was drawn to UGA’s collaborative academic community and the Animal Breeding and Genetics group’s focus on real-world agricultural challenges.
A native of New Jersey, Scheflen’s passion for agriculture began at an early age through 4-H. Years of showing dairy cattle and attending national conventions fostered a strong interest in livestock genetics and sustainable agriculture. After the completion of her graduate studies, Scheflen plans to pursue a career in animal genetics research focused on sustainable livestock systems and global food security.
Francisco Zamparini
Department of Romance Languages
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
Francisco Zamparini is a graduate student in the Department of Romance Languages at the University of Georgia. His current research analyzes how narratives evolve through emerging media and how these transformations affect cultural representation and literary theory.
He aims to deepen his specialization in literary studies, particularly the intersection between traditional and digital formats, while simultaneously advancing his training in linguistics with an eye toward real-world applications. Through this dual focus, Zamparini seeks to contribute to academic research, enhance his teaching practice for 21st-century students, and develop practical tools and solutions that bring literary and linguistic knowledge beyond the classroom and into broader cultural and technological contexts.
Originally from Mendoza, Argentina, Zamparini holds a Bachelor of Arts in Literature with a minor in Linguistics from the National University of Cuyo. He received the Distinguished Graduate Award for academic excellence upon graduation.
In addition to his academic work, Zamparini has collaborated with AI companies as a computational linguist, worked as a screenwriter for global digital platforms, and taught literature and cinema courses at universities. Beyond this, he was a nationally ranked swimmer, earning multiple medals in breaststroke and medley events at both national and international competitions across Argentina, Chile, and Peru. He brings the same dedication and discipline from his athletic background into his scholarly pursuits.
Brighton Kevin Zisadza
Department of Geography
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences
Brighton Kevin Zisadza is a graduate student in the Department of Geography at the University of Georgia. Working under Dr. Marguerite Madden, his research interests will focus on wildlife conservation and human-wildlife interactions.
Zisadza completed his undergraduate degree in Geographical Information Science and Earth Observations at the University of Zimbabwe. He later went on to work as a Geospatial Analyst and Drone Pilot at Connected Conservation Trust in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Zisadza specializes in elephant conservation and human-wildlife conflict management within the Zambezi-Mosi Oa Tunya Wildlife Dispersal Area, which is part of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area.
Through collaborative projects with the University of Georgia’s Department of Geography lecturers and students while working at Connected Conservation Trust, Zisadza recognized UGA’s exceptional academic environment and research opportunities that aligned perfectly with his career aspirations.
Upon completing his master’s degree, Zisadza plans to return to Zimbabwe where he aims to apply his enhanced expertise in wildlife conservation. His unique combination of technical skills in geospatial analysis and practical experience in conservation management positions him well to contribute meaningfully to wildlife conservation efforts in Africa.
