UNF student researcher charts a path to medical school

Born in Brazil and raised in Tampa after immigrating to the U.S. with her family at age 12, Anne Araujo arrived at the University of North Florida in summer 2022 determined to build a future rooted in science, service and leadership.

Four years later, the 22-year-old will graduate July 31 with a degree in biomedical science with a minor in leadership, and as a proven campus leader who loves to help others.

Along the way, she conducted research on the biological roots of neurodegenerative diseases, gained hands-on experience at Mayo Clinic and Baptist Health, interned with a local service organization and was heavily involved on campus, including as a resident assistant.

Finding her place at UNF

With opportunities to attend any school in Florida, Araujo said one of the reasons she chose UNF was the small, nature-filled campus that immediately felt like home.

"I felt it would be easy to make connections here," she said. "I could tell UNF had a close-knit environment and that I could flourish here."

Her sophomore year, she applied and joined the Hicks Honors College, an experience she describes as transformative and tells other students that it's never too late to apply.

"I always tell students, apply for everything - take your chances, you have nothing to lose," Araujo said. "Honors opened so many doors for me - participation in conferences, mentorship and leadership roles I never would have imagine."

Her perspective on seizing opportunities is echoed by Will Pewitt, professor and dean of Hicks Honors College, who said her determination was clear from the moment she arrived.

"As someone who transferred into Honors, Anne came in with a lot of momentum," said Pewitt. "She joined Honors as a sophomore, took on leadership roles and quickly became the kind of student who makes everyone around her better. She went on to earn one of our Luminary awards-a recognition earned by the most outstanding Honors students who plow ahead in research, leadership or experiential learning."

A passion for research

Araujo speaks with deep appreciation for Dr. Gregor Ciesielski, assistant professor of biology, as her most influential mentor at UNF. "He cares about his students. He pushes you, but you become a better communicator and researcher because of him. His passion transfers to his students."

Her academic journey took a defining turn when she joined Ciesielski's biology research lab. Drawn to his impactful work and inspired by her great-grandmother's Alzheimer's diagnosis, she wanted to understand the biological roots of neurodegenerative diseases.

She has focused her research on mitochondrial DNA maintenance, a critical area connected to energy production, aging and neurological disorders.

"Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell," she explains. "But there's still so much we don't know. Understanding mitochondrial dysfunction could help us uncover what causes neurodegenerative diseases-and eventually find a cure."

Anne is an advanced student who works with minimal supervision in a laboratory setting, Ciesielski said.

"My mentorship at this stage mostly comes down to discussion of experimental strategies and interpretation of results and deciding on further steps," Ciesielski said "She upholds high lab standards and is a great team player who is always eager to help others and is invaluable in instructing incoming new lab members."

Building on the strong foundation she demonstrates in the lab, Araujo has also distinguished herself through her scholarly engagement beyond campus. Last year, she presented her work at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in Chicago, the Southern Regional Honors Conference (SRHCC) in Montgomery, Alabama this past March, and locally at UNF's Undergraduate - Graduate Learning, Inquiry and Distinctive Experimentation (UGLIDE), Advancements in Research, Inquiry, and Scholarship Exhibition (ARISE) and at the Florida Undergraduate Research Conference (FURC) at UNF.

"The Southern Regional Honors Conference was especially meaningful to me because it was my first conference with Honors students and professors," said Araujo. "I learned so much from that conference and got to know other student researchers and industry professionals."

Araujo represented UNF students and Honors brilliantly during the honors conference, Pewitt said.

"She communicated complex mitochondrial biology with clarity and confidence, held her own in the Q&A, and represented UNF Honors with distinction," he said.

Araujo has continued to deepen her dedication to healthcare through a range of hands-on roles that have shaped her understanding of patient care and the medical field.

Over the past two years, she has volunteered at Mayo Clinic in various departments including the transplant department, gaining firsthand exposure to complex procedures and the teamwork required in high-stakes environments. Also, she has worked as a medical scribe at Baptist Health, where she strengthened her clinical knowledge and communication skills, and served as a medical volunteer coordinator for UNF's Biomedical Preprofessional Club, helping connect fellow students with meaningful service opportunities. Most recently, she is interning at the Muslim American Social Services (MASS) Clinic, providing care to underserved patients and reinforcing her commitment to pursuing a career centered on compassion and community impact.

"Research, community service, and becoming a doctor are my passions," she says. "UNF helped me discover that. I blossomed here."

Among her many courses at UNF, one stands out to her as the most fascinating, Anatomy 3D Printing, a collaborative elective with Engineering and the Mayo Clinic.

"This was a challenging and completely new elective course for me, but I enjoyed it immensely," Araujo said. "Using CT and MRI scans from real patients, students reconstructed and 3D-printed anatomical structures to study pathology. I know this is a skill that will expand the medical field in the future and I'm so happy UNF offered it to students."

Beyond the classroom

Araujo's leadership has extended far beyond the classroom. She has served as a Resident Assistant for three years at Osprey Fountains and is completing her final summer as a RA at the Honors Residence Hall, Osprey Ridge. Araujo said it's a role that she enjoys immensely. She was chosen by the Honors college to speak at the residence hall ribbon cutting.

"I love being an RA because I get to help students navigate college life and adjust to living on campus." She also welcomed new Ospreys as an Orientation Leader and even spoke at last year's ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Honors Residence Hall, Osprey Ridge - an honor she was selected for by the Honors College.

She also founded a local chapter of BRASA, UNF's first Brazilian Student Association, in 2025. The organization now includes around 60 students and provides community, cultural connection and a welcoming space for Brazilian and international students.

"I wanted others to feel at home the way I eventually did," she says.

Looking Back-and Ahead

As she prepares to graduate this summer, Araujo reflects on how far she has come, from learning English as a new immigrant to becoming a campus leader, researcher and future physician.

"Being at UNF changed me for the better," she says. "It opened doors, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and made me into a leader. My parents are so proud. As immigrants, they always told me I had to make it - and I'm doing that."

Her motivation on the hardest days in the lab or clinic is simple, "knowing my work will have an impact in the future."

And with her drive, compassion, and curiosity, that impact feels not just possible - but inevitable.