College of Science & Mathematics at Valdosta State University

Our next edition of the newsletter is here! Apologies, this one took a bit.

Read via the link here: ​https://valdostaedu-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/aneal_valdosta_edu/IQDQXj7m3VdcQ41Xq_SsY3U0Af26V5CTFtDfjsWvX17un5c?e=75zS2j&xsdata=MDV8MDJ8YW5lYWxAdmFsZG9zdGEuZWR1fGI1OTM0M2JiZWQ3YTRkZmUzYjgxMDhkZWJiMmJkYTkyfDI1YTVkMzQwOGFiYzQwNTNiNGJkZGMxMjEzMjgwMzUzfDB8MHw2MzkxNTM5OTQxODkzMzExODF8VW5rbm93bnxUV0ZwYkdac2IzZDhleUpGYlhCMGVVMWhjR2tpT25SeWRXVXNJbFlpT2lJd0xqQXVNREF3TUNJc0lsQWlPaUpYYVc0ek1pSXNJa0ZPSWpvaVRXRnBiQ0lzSWxkVUlqb3lmUT09fDB8fHw%3d&sdata=SUZPSWpFbExGV1ZwYU9kSlE0WWk1TkRFbkFkcHV0cnk1bzRDRWR1NDJQRT0%3d

Interested in learning about chemistry? Join us June 1st-5th for our summer Chemistry camp for upcoming and current high school students from grades 9-12.

Registration can be completed through the QR code or via this link here: https://aceweb.valdosta.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=26SVKCP01

We hope to see you then!

Our final graduate highlight is Victoria Masunas-Kent! She graduated with her bachelor’s in biology with a double minor in chemistry and psychology. She plans to take a gap year where she will work in a medical facility before pursuing medical school.

Congratulations, Victoria!

Kailyn Wilson of Bainbridge, Georgia, is the recipient of Valdosta State University’s 2025-2026 Annie Powe Hopper Award.

“Being the recipient of this year’s Annie Powe Hopper Award has been a very pivotal moment during my journey here at VSU,” she said. “This award culminates all the years of hard work I put in and serves as the perfect ending to my undergraduate career. However, this award wasn’t won alone. It was won through all the encouragement of my mentors, family, and friends who cheered me on during my rigorous courses and demanding research. I am proud that all my individual efforts could contribute to the greatness of my university.”

Known as the highest honor bestowed upon a VSU student, the Annie Powe Hopper Award is presented annually to a senior who represents the university’s high academic standards and exemplifies its traditions of excellence.

Read the article here: https://www.valdosta.edu/about/news/releases/2026/05/kailyn-wilson-earns-annie-powe-hopper-award-at-vsu.php

Our next graduate highlight is Kailyn Wilson! She graduated with her bachelor’s in biology with a chemistry minor. She plans to apply to graduate school in order to become a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA).

Congratulations, Kailyn!

Our next graduate highlight is Kenneth (Trey) Schneider III! He graduated with his master’s in biology. His future plans are still in development, but he is thinking about going for a master’s in biomedical science at High Point University.

Congratulations, Trey!

Our next graduate highlight is Brittany McNulty! She graduated with her bachelor’s in biology with a minor in chemistry. She plans to begin applying to graduate schools and to take her Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

Congratulations, Brittany!

Our first graduate highlight is Austin Gause! He graduated with his bachelor’s in computer science. He plans to begin his career as a Computer Scientist with the 402nd Software Engineering Group at Robins Air Force Base.

Congratulations, Austin!

This past weekend we celebrated our Spring 2026 Graduates!

Over the next few posts, we’re going to be highlighting a couple of our graduates who have reached out to be highlighted.

Congratulations to all of our graduates and good luck on all of your future endeavors!

Remember, once a Blazer, always a Blazer!

As you are preparing to begin your journey at Valdosta State University, we are excited to invite you to apply for the 2026 Ignite Science Bridge Program for incoming Chemistry and Geosciences students. This is a unique opportunity designed to help you start strong. The Ignite Summer Bridge Program takes place August 7-11.

This free five-day experience is designed to ease your transition into university life while preparing the expectations of college-level coursework. Through engaging lectures, hands-on assignments, assessments, and interactive skills sessions, you’ll build a strong academic foundation in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Participants in the 2026 Ignite Science Bridge Program will strengthen their understanding of key concepts in math, chemistry and geosciences, develop effective study strategies and time-management skills, connect with faculty, staff, fellow incoming students, and alumni, become familiar with campus resources and academic departments before the semester begins, and enjoy early move-in to the residence hall, and more.

Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to apply early and take advantage of this opportunity to jumpstart your success. If you need housing, apply before May 13th.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Dr. Linda De La Garza ([email protected]) or Dr. Toluwalope Salami ([email protected]).

We look forward to supporting you as you begin your college journey!

Application link:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/LJbp30qMVZ
2026 Ignite Science Bridge Program Application – Fill out form