Meet the College of Sciences 30 Under 30 Awardees 

COS alumni “Reach for the Stars”, making lasting impacts through their careers and service to the community 

By Emily Dougherty | March 26, 2025 

The College of Sciences is celebrating its eight alumni who were selected as 30 Under 30 awardees. These exceptional AlumKnights have gone above and beyond in their careers while making an incredible impact in their post-collegiate journeys at a young age. 

Many of these awardees have had a close connection to UCF, long before they started thinking about what university they wanted to attend. Alumnus Paul Gill, who received a Bachelor of Arts in political science in 2018, says that UCF has always been a member of his family.  

“Both my parents graduated from UCF in 1986 and began indoctrinating me early on. I attended my first UCF football and basketball games as a toddler, and I found myself frequently on campus throughout my upbringing,” Gill says. “When I had to decide where I would begin my higher-education journey, UCF was the only option that felt right in my heart and my head.” 

He shared that he is incredibly grateful to be selected as an awardee as this recognition is another way he can stay close with UCF. 

“Receiving recognition from UCF is incredibly meaningful because of how intertwined this institution has been, and will continue to be, with my life,” Gill says. “UCF has given me and my family so much, so all I want to do is represent and support the university to the best of my ability.”  

Fellow awardee Katy Sullivan, who received her master’s in political science in 2019, says that attending UCF has made a profound impact on her career and achievements. She shared that her love for politics sparked at a young age, as she grew up with an immigrant parent, and had experience learning about American politics from different perspectives.  

“The most rewarding part of my career is celebrating the signature of bilateral treaty level agreements that have been several years undertakings that advance U.S. space cooperation and industry,” Sullivan says. “To see all your hard work become culminated through becoming a legally binding international agreement is very special.” 

Dashiell Desravines, who is currently pursuing his master’s degree in biology, says the opportunities he took on through organizations at UCF helped him to stay connected to the Central Florida community and serve those who live here.  

“My time at UCF helped shape me both as a leader and a scientist. Through involvement in organizations like the Caribbean Students’ Association, Progressive Black Men, Inc., and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., I developed valuable leadership, interpersonal, and professional skills that have been essential in my growth as a young professional,” Desravines says. “These organizations also provided opportunities for service, allowing me to stay connected to my hometown of Orlando and gain a better understanding of how to make a positive impact on others.” 

Along with his local impact in Central Florida, Desravines says that he is expanding his work to make a bigger impact.  

“I am developing FleriLab, a nonprofit organization focused on building agricultural laboratories in Haiti. This initiative aims to support local farmers through soil testing, crop improvement, and sustainable agricultural practices,” he says. “My goal is to use scientific research to create real-world solutions, particularly in regions that can benefit most from agricultural innovation.” 

Alumna Angelina Leary, a doctoral student studying clinical psychology, shared how she defied the odds of a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, and pursued her dream of being a Knight.  

“During the start of my senior year in high school, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). I remember talking to my therapist about my fears of the future, specifically being able to complete college,” Leary says. “The therapist told me to consider not attending college and instead staying home. Their concern was that a future with MS is unpredictable and hard, and navigating college with a disability would be daunting.” 

Leary says that she didn’t let possibility discourage her, “While those words could’ve eroded my success, they had the opposite effect.” 

Aly Derksen, who is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in educational leadership, is actively the Associate Director of Varsity Knights, and is making her impact on Knight Nation from within. She shared that she has been able to expansively grow the connection of Varsity Knights between UCF and its former athletes.  

“Over my tenure at UCF Athletics, I’ve gained extensive experience across various departments, allowing me to develop a well-rounded understanding of the organization,” Derksen says. “Currently, my primary focus is engaging former student-athletes through our Varsity Knights membership program, reconnecting them with UCF Athletics, and celebrating their achievements through events such as football season gatherings, reunions, and mentoring opportunities.” 

UCF’s 30 Under 30 awardees exemplify what it means to be Knight from beyond their journeys as students. In multiple career fields they have shown how dedication, leadership and service can imprint a difference in the world at the beginning of their careers.  

College of Sciences 30 Under 30 Awardees 

Jacob Ballard ’19 ’22MS
Bachelor’s in political science
Master’s in urban planning

Aly Derksen ’19 ’21MA 
Bachelor’s in psychology 
Master’s in educational leadership 

Dashiell Desravines ’20 
Bachelor’s in biology 

Paul Gill ’18
Bachelor’s in political science
Burnett Honors College

Angelina Leary ’19 ’21MS
Bachelor’s in psychology
Master’s in clinical psychology
Burnett Honors College

Katy Sullivan ’16 ’19MA
Bachelor’s in political science
Master’s in political science

Rossana Woodford ’18 ’20MNM ’20MPA
Bachelor’s in psychology
Master’s in nonprofit management and public administration

Tamar Yishay ’20 ’21MS
Bachelor’s in biology
Master’s in nanotechnology
Burnett Honors College