The Graduate School

Why do mitochondrial DNA mutations accumulate across generations, and what role do specific enzymes and pharmaceuticals play in that damage? Those are the questions driving Sophia Cochran's research, and at the 2026 Conference of Florida Graduate Schools, she had just three minutes to explain it to a room full of strangers.

In work conducted in collaboration with the NIH, Sophia found that Triumeq, a widely used antiviral, may increase mitochondrial DNA mutations that can be passed to future generations. She is also studying how defects in a key replicative enzyme, Helicase Twinkle, contribute to mitochondrial disorders. With 1 in 200 people carrying a mitochondrial DNA mutation and no cure currently available for mitochondrial disease, identifying what causes that damage matters enormously.

Sophia competed in the statewide Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, distilling that complexity into a single slide and three minutes of spoken word. "I am thankful that I was selected to represent UNF," she said. "It reminded me that my hard work and dedication was noticed."

Her advice to other graduate students: "Say yes to every opportunity. See presentations not as a performance, but as a way to share the importance of your work."

Sophia is considering PhD and MD-PhD programs, with a long-term focus on the factors that contribute to mitochondrial disease development, treatment, and prevention.

How do higher education faculty design online courses that actually work for every student? That's the question driving Syeda Hyder's doctoral research. Her work examines how faculty implement Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles in practice and what institutional support they need to do it well.

Syeda presented her research at the 2026 Conference of Florida Graduate Schools, sharing her findings with scholars and educators from across the state. "Impactful research requires not only strong ideas but also the ability to communicate, collaborate, and connect findings to practice," she said.

After graduation, Syeda plans to continue research at the intersection of pedagogy, accessibility, and course design — contributing to more inclusive, effective learning environments in higher education.

Tuberculosis isn't a disease of the past, and Raphaela Macanas is working to make sure Florida is ready to fight it. Her research uses next-generation sequencing to identify drug resistance patterns in TB patients, cutting the six-to-eight week wait of traditional methods and enabling faster, more targeted treatment.

Raphaela presented her research at the 2026 Conference of Florida Graduate Schools, where she said it was meaningful to raise awareness that TB remains an active public health concern. She works full-time as a Medical Laboratory Scientist in the Mycobacteriology Department at the Bureau of Public Health Laboratories, bringing her research directly into her daily work. "Rapid detection of drug resistance is key to enabling timely, targeted TB treatment and improving overall disease control."

Raphaela graduates this summer and plans to continue advancing tuberculosis research through improved diagnostic methods and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

UNF Brooks College of Health

Nearly 500 miles of Florida's coastline is at risk of being lost to erosion, and Amar Kosovac is using bacteria to fight back. His research focuses on optimizing the production of an enzyme that binds sand particles together, a nature-based approach to one of Florida's most pressing environmental challenges.

Amar presented his research at the 2026 Conference of Florida Graduate Schools, where engagement with researchers outside his field opened unexpected doors. "It was so cool to receive feedback from people who are non-microbiologists," he said. "They provide feedback that is outside the box, something we would never consider."

Amar graduated with his M.S. in Biology last month, and plans to pursue opportunities in teaching or academia, continuing to share his passion for science.

University of North Florida, UNF Alumni

Last month, four University of North Florida graduate students — representing the UNF Silverfield College of Education and Human Services, the UNF Brooks College of Health and the College of Arts and Sciences — took their research to the 2026 Conference of Florida Graduate Schools, hosted by the University of Florida in Gainesville.

The conference brought together graduate students, staff and administrators from institutions across the state around the theme of future-focused leadership in graduate education — and UNF's students were right at the center of it.

From inclusive course design and tuberculosis detection to bacteria-based coastal preservation and mitochondrial DNA research, our students showcased the depth and range of scholarship happening across UNF's colleges.

"It is equally valuable for our Graduate School team to participate alongside them — conferences like CFGS create opportunities for us to collaborate with peer institutions, exchange ideas and explore innovative approaches," said Dr. Michele Moore, Dean of The Graduate School.

We'll be sharing individual spotlights on each student in the coming weeks — stay tuned to learn more about their work and what this experience meant to them.

Read the full story at: https://www.unf.edu/graduateschool/about/newsroom/Spring-2026/Conference-of-Florida-Graduate-Schools.html