USF achieves record cohort of 15 United Nations Millennium Fellows

The University of South Florida prides itself on being deeply connected to its communities, which includes engagement at the local, national, and international levels. This connection is reflected in its commitment to the United Nations Millennium Fellowship, an international semester-long leadership program for undergraduate students working toward global partnerships for peace and prosperity.

This year, 15 USF students were selected to participate in the program, where they will receive world-class training and carry out projects dedicated to social good in the Tampa Bay area, while networking and collaborating with peers from around the globe.
The 15 students selected this year represent USF's largest Millennium Fellowship cohort yet. From a record-breaking pool of more than 60,000 applicants from over 7,500 campuses across the world, more than 290 campuses - just 4% including USF - have been selected to host 4,000+ Millennium Fellows in 2025.

Students apply for the Millennium Fellowship by proposing projects, either individually or in small groups, that address at least one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These goals were designed to reduce inequality, improve health and education, and spur economic growth. Up to two students are selected from each cohort to serve as campus directors for their university's projects. This year, biomedical science majors Arni Madhok and Shanelle Chan were chosen to lead the USF group.

"I have already gotten to know students from Ireland and Nigeria." - Arni Madhok

When asked why she applied for the fellowship, Chan said, "I applied to have a larger platform to pursue social impact. A lot of other programs aren't connected to institutions like the United Nations. We're able to do more than with just a local club."

Madhok was particularly excited about meeting students from around the world who had similar goals.

"Several people messaged me after the initial town hall meeting. I have already gotten to know students from Ireland and Nigeria."

The USF cohort will meet throughout the fall semester as they launch their projects and attend Millennium Fellowship trainings. The USF Office of National Scholars will advise the recipients as they move forward, while mentoring prospective applicants as they prepare for next year's program.

Taking Social Impact to the Next Level

In 2015, all United Nations member states adopted a shared blueprint of 17 development goals for global peace and prosperity. With goals including health, sustainability, education, and more, each of the projects proposed by this year's Millennium Fellows will have effects across Tampa Bay and beyond - addressing one or more of these United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Books & Butterflies

Aims to create a positive association with reading for elementary and middle school students, particularly those of lower socioeconomic status, through the installation of Little Free Libraries in target neighborhoods.

Afreen Khan - College of Arts and Sciences
Priya Desai - College of Arts and Sciences
Rhea Joshi - College of Arts and Sciences

Campus Health Check

Will create a program that will host a series of ongoing physical check-up sessions at the University of South Florida with qualified health care professionals and nurses to offer fundamental medical tests that encompass a variety of basic health parameters.

Nasser Albustami - College of Arts and Sciences

Catalyst Connect

An online platform designed to help students build successful careers by connecting them with industry experts and workshops to enhance their resumes, job search strategies, and internship opportunities.

Arni Madhok - College of Arts and Sciences

Health Care Accessibility for Women

With a primary focus on refugee and immigrant women in the United States, this project will support health care access for women by providing translated health care pamphlets, giving health care courses to women in their native languages, and making translators who are aware of the cultural nuances of different countries available at health appointments.

Wejdan Hajali - College of Arts and Sciences

Herizon

Will build a supportive community for women that fosters growth, both professionally and academically, by hosting monthly educational and resource-full events that help women succeed.

Khwahish Jain - College of Business
Shanelle Chan - College of Arts and Sciences

Hidden Gems for a Greener Future

A documentary series that sheds light on Tampa Bay's local businesses and community groups. These organizations help the environment through simple yet effective methods, and these videos will highlight individuals and locations that already have an impact on sustainability to inspire others.

Brady Quinn - College of Arts and Sciences

Inclusive Genetics Initiative

Explores the intersection between genetics and public health by launching an undergraduate-led initiative focused on gene research, particularly in African or diasporic communities.

Tom Goro - College of Arts and Sciences

Non-Communicable Disease Advocacy Series

Focuses on chronic disease education for diabetes, heart disease, cancer and mental health, through workshops promoting skills such as diabetes first-aid, blood pressure and glucose screenings, mental health counseling, and more.

Caroline Pope - College of Arts and Sciences
Vrishni Maharaj - College of Arts and Sciences

Shakti: South Asian Youth Against IPV

Raises awareness about intimate partner violence (IPV) among the student body at USF's Tampa campus through a service-learning opportunity with the USF School of Social Work and Harrell Center to help students recognize what IPV looks like, understand how it can escalate into dating violence, and learn how to spot red flags early on.

Asmitha Darapaneni - College of Arts and Sciences
Sakshi Wagh - College of Arts and Sciences

Youth Awareness in Neurodegenerative Disorders

Proposes ways for the youth population to learn about the causes and effects of neurodegenerative disorders through presentations and brochures distributed across campus.

Nuzat Indawala - College of Behavioral and Community Sciences

Broadening USF's Community Impact

Each of these students' unique academic experience will bring energy and drive to each project and to strengthening the Tampa Bay community and promoting international cooperation.

Many of this year's Millennium Fellows are students in the Judy Genshaft Honors College, which places an emphasis on global and engaged citizenship. Judy Genshaft Endowed Honors Dean Charles Adams is excited to see how their work will impact the broader community.

"This is a real point of pride for the Honors College and USF. Our students are putting in the work to apply what they are learning here in our classrooms while making important relationships with community stakeholders that will benefits future generations as well."

Director of the USF Office of National Scholars Sayan Basu said, "We are proud that USF students have for the past few years conceived and implemented innovative projects which contribute to community well-being on campus and around Tampa."

To learn more about the United Nations Millennium Fellowship, visit the Office of National Scholars website.