Stephanie's greatest aspiration is to attend law school, earn her J.D., and dedicate her career to public service. She hopes to bridge the gap between those who understand the law and those most affected by it. Ultimately, she aims to give back to the communities that have supported her by providing legal assistance to individuals facing difficult circumstances. Her goal is to serve those who need it most and make a meaningful impact through advocacy, compassion, and a strong commitment to justice.
Freshman Leadership Institute, Legislative Certification Program through Student Government, Inter-residence Hall Council, Presidential Scholars Incoming Class Committee.
Nicaraguan-Style Carne Asada
Stephanie’s research interests focus on law, social justice, and public policy, particularly how legal systems impact marginalized communities. She is passionate about exploring family law reform to better support non-traditional families, as well as investigating issues related to political advocacy. She hopes to center her work around bridging gaps between legal theory and real-world applications to promote equity and access to justice. Stephanie conducted undergraduate research under the guidance of Dr. Benjamin Gunter at Florida State University through the UROP program. Her project examined the role of St. Augustine as a Loyalist stronghold during the American Revolutionary War, with a particular focus on the political use of prisoner exile and parole. She investigated how British forces used parole—a form of house arrest—as a means of control, and how refusal of parole could result in harsher punishment. Her poster featured the case of Christopher Gadsden, a prominent Patriot leader who was exiled to St. Augustine in 1780. Because he refused parole, Gadsden was imprisoned in the Castillo de San Marcos for 42 weeks, where he endured psychological torment and starvation. Stephanie's research revealed how the treatment of prisoners reflected deeper tensions in the Revolution, showing it was not only a fight for independence but also a struggle over justice, identity, and the power of political retaliation. This research highlights the human cost of war and invites further inquiry into how wartime policies shape long-term social and political dynamics.