FIU celebrates the graduation of over 6,200 students beginning of spring from April 30 to May 1 at the FIU Stadium. Among them are students who have used their FIU training and personal experiences to find solutions to complex problems — from educating students about their congenital heart disease to working on innovations that keep power grids running in extreme weather conditions.
You are among the outstanding graduates to be recognized as True Triumphs graduates. Shining examples of what makes FIU special, Real Triumphs graduates are brilliant students who go beyond their educational requirements to make a difference in their community through research, entrepreneurship or leadership.
“Our outstanding graduates deserve the highest praise as they use their education to fulfill their potential,” said Kenneth A. Jessell, interim president of the FIU. “Our Real Triumphs graduates are particularly impressive because they do their utmost – some defy insurmountable obstacles – to make the world a better place.”
True Triumphs graduates include:
- Amelia Raudales, 21, transformed her experience as a survivor of childhood sexual assault into social and political action. Through FIUs Diplomacy Laboratory, she did human trafficking research for the State Department and campaigned for survivor rights as a congressional intern in Washington, DC. During the pandemic, she founded Ame’s Crafts, sewing face masks and headbands and donating all profits to organizations fighting human trafficking. Raudales has also developed an app that improves in-kind donations, alleviates poverty and promotes sustainability. part of Honors CollegeShe dreams of becoming a lawyer to fight for victims of sexual assault. She will be spending the summer at Harvard Law School studying for the LSAT. On Saturday, April 30 at 10am, Raudales will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs.
- Although he is terminally ill and in a hospice, Tiffany Calestina34, will graduate with a Masters in Hospitality and Tourism Management from the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management on Saturday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor that caused seizures. Doctors unsuccessfully tried to remove the tumor, resulting in vision and hearing loss on her right side. Calestina also suffers from multiple sclerosis, lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome and had a mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite the constant pain, she is a positive force with a passion for events. She works as an event manager and coordinates weddings, corporate events and parties. After graduating, she would like to supplement her events experience and work in research or as a teacher.
- Along with his mentor and FIU engineering professor Arif Sarwat, Asadullah Khalid, 31, led the development of the FIU Engineering Center’s microgrid – in partnership with FPL. Microgrid technology can meet the need for resiliency that can save lives by keeping power running safely during extreme weather events. Khalid’s work has resulted in 15 peer-reviewed articles and one US patent, with two patents pending. After graduation on Saturday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. he will work for a start-up company analyzing renewable batteries and battery management systems in microgrids and electric vehicles. Khalid graduates with a Ph.D. in electrical engineering and information technology College of Engineering and Computer Science.
- Combining her passion for forensics and biochemistry, Chantrell Frazier, 28, has received international funding to conduct her groundbreaking research on the chemical and biological aspects of human odor for forensic identification. Frazier has also researched how human smells attract mosquitoes, a technology that will aid in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases. The first black woman to earn her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from FIU’s College of Arts, Science and EducationFrazier will join the faculty at Framingham State University as a postdoctoral chemistry student and hopes to encourage more women of color to pursue STEM degrees. She will graduate on Saturday April 30th at 7:30pm
- After being diagnosed with a rare congenital heart disease (CHD) that required immediate treatment, Maria Segura30She traveled to Miami from her native Costa Rica to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for heart surgery. Her experience gave her the idea to help children with CHD learn more about their disease and how doctors want to help them. Through her work with members of TOM Global FIUthis idea became a reality with the name “Heart House”, a 3D printed educational toy now used at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Segura graduates on Saturday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. with a Masters in Interior Design from the University of Communication, Architecture + Art. After graduation, she plans to work in the interior design industry in Miami and Costa Rica.
FIU Spring Beginnings will be held on Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1, 2022 at FIU Stadium, 11310 SW 17 St., Miami, FL 33199, with ceremonies each day at 10:00 am, 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm :30 p.m.
