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Top Florida Grads
Making the Grade
The best and brightest among Florida's undergraduates range from inventors to medical researchers to artists.
? Natalia Klosak, 21
University of North Florida (Jacksonville)
Hometown: Mogilno, Poland (until age 13) and Jacksonville
Majors: Biology and chemistry with a minor in public health
Notable: Research on Alzheimer's disease for 2½ years at the Mayo Clinic, which led to articles published in the Journal of Molecular Generation and the Journal of Clinical Investigation. Chemistry research with UNF professor Stuart Chalk to design and implement a device to detect harmful chemicals that could be placed in the U.S. water supply as part of a terrorist attack. Presented that research at the Florida American Chemical
Society. President of the UNF Pre-Medical Society. Tutors high school students on weekends.
Plans: Graduate school to earn a medical degree and doctorate with the goal of a career in neuroscience medical research.
? Robert Duvall, 22
Embry-Riddle University (Daytona Beach)
Hometown: Ridgefield, Conn.
Major: Aeronautics with a minor in business
Notable: Earned his private pilot's license at age 17. Works as a first officer (co-pilot) for Vintage Props & Jets, a commuter airline that flies to the Bahamas. Three internships, including one with Continental Airlines. Plays soccer and served as president and vice president of the soccer club.
Plans: Pilot with a regional airline after graduation, eventually moving to a position at a major airline.
? Patricia Mazzei, 22
University of Miami
Hometown: Miami (grew up in Venezuela)
Majors: Economics and political science with a minor in journalism
Notable: Vice president of
the School of Business Peer Counseling Program. Member of the President's 100, a group of student ambassadors who share information about UM inside the university and with outside groups. Co-head delegate for Model United Nations team. Served as editor-in-chief for student newspaper. Website managing editor for School of Communication. Interned at South Florida Sun-Sentinel and Miami Herald.
Plans: After two more internships, plans to teach in a rural or inner city area for two years through Teach for America.
