At this year’s UGA Presidential Honors Week Luncheon, 15 graduating seniors from the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences were recognized with the Presidential Award of Excellence, a distinction reserved for students whose academic achievement, leadership, and service reflect the very best of the university. 

Eight of the honorees pursued double or triple majors across a wide range of disciplines -from psychology and ocean science to theater and film and Russian language. The group includes recipients of the Truman, Goldwater, and Marshall scholarships. Their post-graduation plans are equally diverse, with paths leading to graduate, law, or medical school, as well as careers in the nonprofit sector and private industry. During their time at UGA, these students embraced numerous opportunities, including experiential learning, undergraduate research, study away programs, student leadership, and extracurricular involvement. Together, they exemplify the “Franklin Spark”- a spirit defined by curiosity, ambition, creativity, and a drive to shape the future.

As a 2025 Truman Scholar and Air Force ROTC cadet, Mercedes “Sadie” Bengs, a double major in Russian and international affairs, has paired academic excellence with a commitment to public service and national security. Her work in the Russian Flagship Program sharpened her linguistic and cultural expertise, preparing her for a future in diplomacy or policy. This fall, she will continue her scholarship in global studies at UNC Chapel Hill, advancing toward a career strengthening international partnerships.

Hailey Bos, a geology major, has immersed herself in understanding how Earth’s resources can support a sustainable energy future. Her research interests in sedimentology, stratigraphy, and geo-energy systems are matched by her enthusiasm for science communication. As a GeoAmbassador and student leader, she has connected communities to geoscience through outreach and education. After graduation, she will remain in Athens to complete ongoing projects before pursuing graduate study focused on advancing low-carbon energy solutions.

For Foundation Fellow Rayna Carter, a psychology (neuroscience concentration), sociology, and women’s studies triple major, the study of the human brain is both an intellectual pursuit and a pathway to impact. Her coursework and researchexplore the biological foundations of behavior, cognition, and mental health, positioning her to contribute meaningfully to the field. Through campus involvement and academic engagement, she has developed a strong commitment to improving access to psychological care and advancing conversations around mental health. Carter was honored in 2025 with the Student of the Year award and the President’s Fulfilling the Dream Award, which is given to individuals in the UGA and Athens-Clarke County communities who are working to make Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of equality and justice a reality. 

Emma Gallagher’s journey as a biology and ocean science double major reflects both curiosity and courage. Originally focused on biology, she discovered a passion for marine ecosystems that led her to extend her studies and embrace the challenges of a second major. In 2025, she participated in the Semester at Skidaway Field Study program through the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography. From fieldwork in Costa Rica to research cruises in the North Atlantic, she has pursued hands-on learning at every opportunity. Her undergraduate research has already led to conference presentations, and she now looks ahead to research roles and ultimately a Ph.D. in biological oceanography.

Braulio Hernandez, a first-generation college student of Mexican heritage, has pursued biochemistry and molecular biology with a focus on understanding disease at its most fundamental level. His academic journey reflects determination and a deep interest in scientific discovery. With plans to attend medical school, he will first gain clinical experience as a medical scribe in his hometown of Dalton, strengthening his commitment to improving human health through medicine and research.

Stephanie Hernandez has combined criminal justice and psychology to explore the human dimensions of law and public safety. Her academic work examines crime prevention, rehabilitation, and the psychological factors that shape justice outcomes. A recipient of departmental scholarships, she has demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to advocacy. This fall, she will begin her legal education at the University of Florida, where she plans to pursue a career in criminal law, likely as a prosecutor.

For Caleb Jackson, music is both discipline and expression. His studies have allowed him to explore performance, composition, and collaboration, using sound as a means of storytelling. Through his work, he has demonstrated not only technical skill but also a deep appreciation for the cultural and emotional power of music. As he moves forward, he aims to continue refining his craft and connecting with audiences through creative expression.

Juyeon “Olivia” Kim, a chemistry major, has built a strong foundation in analytical and experimental science. Her academic interests span chemical reactions and laboratory research, with a focus on applying chemistry to real-world challenges. In 2025, she presented her research project “Exploring Yttrium–Ethylene Interactions: Insights from Computational and Experimental Analysis” at the Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (CURO) symposium. Whether addressing issues in health, materials, or environmental sustainability, she is motivated by the potential for scientific innovation to create meaningful change. She is president of the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society, and while at Franklin she has received the Pamela Ann Henkel, Alfred W. Scott, and two Hollingsworth awards. 

Morehead Honors student, Sahra King, has spent her undergraduate years bridging ancient civilizations and the modern world. She is a research assistant in the UGA Student Veterans Oral History Project where she authenticates transcriptions for interviews. In 2025, King won the Thomas Pleasant Vincent Sr. Award from the department of history. This award goes to distinguished students with a special interest in the history of Georgia. Sahra is a member of the National History Honor Society, Phi Alpha Theta, where she serves as treasurer. 

Teresa Lu has embraced an interdisciplinary path, combining English, international affairs, and women’s and gender studies to examine how stories and systems intersect. Her academic work highlights issues of representation, power, and global inequality, while her professional experiences, including an internship with CNN through their CNN WAY program that gives interns six months of exposure to the innerworkings of the network and then a supported entry-point into a potential career. Lu intends to continue honing her storytelling skills and hopes to work in the nonprofit sector, using narrative and advocacy to amplify voices affected by global conflict.

Nivedha Natarajan’s time at Franklin has been marked by acceleration and impact. Completing her degree in just three years, she has distinguished herself through research, leadership, and innovation in computer science. From developing campus-focused applications and competing in UGA Hacks, to exploring artificial intelligence and operating systems, to serving as an intern at Google, her work reflects a commitment to solving real-world problems. As the 2026 student commencement speaker for the School of Computing, she will cap her undergraduate experience before beginning her career as a software engineer at Google.

Fascinated by law, language, and the natural sciences, Foundation Fellow Widener Norris is graduating with a degree in biochemistry, a minor in Chinese, and a certificate in legal studies. At Franklin, he has tutored incarcerated students through Athens Prison Tutorial, led a ministry team with Reformed University Fellowship, served as editor-in-chief of the Journal for Undergraduate Research Opportunities, and conducted research in quantum chemistry with Dr. Henry Schaefer and Dr. Mark Tompkins. He has studied church history and common law at Oxford, political theory in Washington, D.C., and Mandarin in Taipei. After graduation, Widener plans to move to southern Taiwan to teach English for a year on a Fulbright grant before attending law school. 

Sloka Sudhin, a data science and applied mathematics major, has already achieved recognition at the national level as a Goldwater Scholar. Her research in statistical modeling and optimization demonstrates technical rigor and creative problem-solving. As a Foundation Fellow , Stamps Scholar, and recipient of the Hollingsworth Award, she has taken full advantage of opportunities to push the boundaries of data-driven discovery, and she now plans to pursue a Ph.D. and a career in research.

Wyn Thomas has spent her college years bringing stories to life across stage and screen. A theatre and film major, she has worked as a writer, director, producer, and performer, building a dynamic creative portfolio. As artistic director of a historic student theatre group, she helped revive and expand opportunities for student artists. Her award-winning playwriting and commitment to arts advocacy will guide her next chapter in New York City, where she plans to pursue a career in arts administration and storytelling.

Finn Walsh, a genetics major and 2026 Marshall Scholar, has approached her studies with a global and interdisciplinary lens. Her work in infectious disease, ecology, and public health reflects a commitment to understanding how human, animal, and environmental health intersect. From research in Costa Rica to public health experiences in South Africa, she has built a foundation for a future as a physician-scientist. She will continue her studies at the University of Edinburgh, moving closer to her goal of combating infectious diseases worldwide.

Together, these 15 students represent the very best of Franklin College of Arts and Sciences whose undergraduate experiences embraced multidisciplinary scholarship and innovation and whose aspirations reflect a shared commitment to making a lasting impact in their communities and the world beyond.