By Yadyra Guzman, University Communications and Marketing
Maegan Durinzi’s journey at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee has been defined by exceptional undergraduate research opportunities and leadership roles, particularly as a student in the Judy Genshaft Honors College. Collaborating with faculty on real-world problems, such as her capstone on youth involvement in healthcare governance, Durinzi has developed the skills necessary to be successful in medical school and in her future career as a physician.
Durinzi a biology major, reflected on how each semester at USF pushed her to become a better version of herself. "It has given me an opportunity to challenge myself and to be better beyond the classroom," she said.
Durinzi chose to attend USF Sarasota-Manatee after searching for a close-knit community that would support her academic and personal growth.
Maegan Durzini said working with Alexandra López and other student government leaders was a highlight of her time as a student at USF Sarasota-Manatee.
“It’s like a private school for a public-school price,” she said, crediting the personalized experience she received from her professors. “All my professors knew me by name. They would wave to me in the hallways, and they’d be like, ‘Oh wait, hey Maegan, I have this really exciting idea for you that you might really be interested in.’ I’m like, ‘Tell me more.’”
Durinzi served as a lab teaching assistant in physics, helping faculty members with several of their research projects. Her ability to take what she learned in the classroom and apply it to real-world problems was further honed during her capstone project titled “Youth Representation in Healthcare Governance,” for which she spoke with stakeholders with the Florida Department of Health about youth use of e-cigarettes, and healthy eating habits.
A fond memory for Durinzi came from working with physics professor Wayne Mathé, who challenged her to consider how to explain complex concepts in an accessible way.
Fall graduate Maegan Durzini, who plans to attend medical school, said USF Sarasota-Manatee offered her many opportunities to conduct research on a variety of topics.
“He made me think about how to help someone get from point A to point B in a way that makes sense to them,” she said. “He challenged me to think not just about solving problems but about how to explain them effectively.”
While her work with Mathé sharpened her ability to simplify complex ideas, her work with Ellen Smith, a physiology professor at USF, encouraged her to think critically about real-world problems. One such project involved addressing life-threatening issues in Formula One auto racing, where Durinzi explored strategies for preventing injuries and improving driver protection.
Hands-on research opportunities with faculty, available to all undergraduate students at USF, have equipped Durinzi with curiosity-driven critical thinking skills that she will carry into her future medical studies.
“It’s definitely an experience I want to keep with me, that excitement for ‘How do I take what I know and how do I apply it?’”
Beyond academic achievements, her proudest accomplishment is the skills she gained through her role as Campus Council Chair in student government. In this role, she led the legislative branch on campus, working with student organizations and departments to secure funding for events and initiatives that enhance campus life. Among her recent projects, she is involved in bringing the TEDxUSF event back to campus on April 4.
TEDxUSF is an independently organized TEDx event hosted at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus. Speakers include campus alumni, current faculty and members of larger Sarasota-Manatee community.
As chair of the campus council for student government, Meagan Durzini has helped organize TEDxUSF at USF Sarasota-Manatee.
As part of student government, Durinzi said she has enjoyed the opportunities created by the new Student Center and Atala Residence Hall.
“It’s a fantastic resource. Everything student-based is really solidified into one building,” she said.” The new space has made it easier for student organizations to work efficiently with each other on campus initiatives.”
Opened in August, the building has transformed USF Sarasota-Manatee into a full residential campus, offering a dynamic blend of living, dining and collaborative spaces designed to enhance the student experience.
As Durinzi begins applying to medical schools, she looks forward to applying the skills and experience she gained at USF, particularly her ability to simplify complex concepts and solve real-world challenges. Her experiences, whether through research or leadership, have taught her the importance of collaboration, compassion, and effective communication—essential qualities for interacting with patients and working with medical professionals across various specialties.