Meet Our Students
For 80 years, HHP has prepared students to lead, serve and innovate. Today, that legacy continues through students who are pursuing their passions, embracing new opportunities and preparing to make a difference in their communities and professions. Learn more about a few of the students carrying HHP’s tradition of excellence into the future.
Kayla Masood
THEM, Spring 2027
Montgomery, Alabama
Name a professor who has made a lasting impression:
While she is not yet a professor, Brianna Blassneck left a lasting impression on me. Through her teachings in the event venue sales and services course, I learned so much about events and hospitality in general. I was able to take the knowledge I gained from her class and directly apply it to projects during my internship. If not for her, I would not have been as successful. Her lessons continue to help me with my current UF position as an events assistant.
Which course have you enjoyed the most so far at HHP?
HFT4754: Advanced Event Management. The course has given me a space to hone my event skills and practice the creativity required in the industry. Dr. Yao-Chin Wang keeps the class engaging and always ties the material back to real industry experience. The course projects reflect real work we would be doing as event planners and have allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of everything needed to execute a complex event. As someone who hopes to work in events after graduation, this class has only heightened my excitement and confidence about entering the field.
Finish this sentence: “In the future, I plan to…”
Work in corporate event planning!
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you choose?
I would love to visit Switzerland to experience the beautiful nature and unique activities!
What excites you most about tourism, hospitality and/or event planning?
The opportunity to channel my creativity into a career I’m passionate about. Whether I’m planning a large event, curating a travel experience or managing a resort, I’m excited to make lasting memories for others and see my hard work pay off in such a tangible, rewarding way.
Grace Dorvil
SPM, Spring 2027
Pompano Beach, Florida
Name a professor who has made a lasting impression:
The “big three” professors who have left a lasting impression on me at HHP are Dr. Francis, Dr. Avery and Dr. Plunkett. Dr. Francis stands out for the energy she brings into the room every day. She comes in ready to teach, connect with her students, and guide us in the right direction whenever we need it. Dr. Avery has a presence that instantly commands attention. The way he pulls students into the lecture makes you want to learn, stay curious, and grow as an SPM student while striving to excel beyond the classroom. Lastly, Dr. Plunkett has a heart for her students that is truly special. She is the kind of professor who would drop everything to offer guidance and support, and that is something I will always be grateful for.
Which course have you enjoyed the most so far at HHP?
Sport Career Preparation, Introduction to Sport Management and Social Issues in Sport. I chose these three because each of them has played a role in why I continue to pursue a career in sports. Introduction to Sport Management made me fall in love with the field even more and helped me see the different areas within the industry. Then, Sport Career Preparation put things into perspective by showing me that there isn’t just one set path to building a career in sports. Instead, there are many different avenues you can take to get where you want to be in the industry. As a Black woman entering this industry, I know I may not always see people who look like me or share the same experiences. That course helped me understand the realities of issues like race, gender and status in sports, but it also reminded me that I can still create space for myself in this industry and help open doors for others who come after me.
Finish this sentence: “In the future, I plan to…”
I plan to dedicate myself to mentorship, leadership and advocacy by creating spaces where women, minority athletes and underserved communities are heard, represented and empowered through sports both on and off the field.
If you could have a conversation with anyone in the professional sports industry, who would you pick and what would you talk about?
Taylor Rooks. I admire how she has built a career in sports media while continuing to grow and expand beyond just one role. She shows that you do not have to limit yourself to one path or one title to succeed in this industry. I would want to talk with her about how she manages to pursue a career in sports while still exploring other passions and opportunities that interest her. As a Black woman entering the sports industry myself, I would also want to hear her perspective on navigating the space, building confidence and creating opportunities without feeling like you have to put yourself in a box.
What is your favorite professional sport and UF sport to watch?
Women’s basketball. I love seeing how the game has grown in popularity and how more people are beginning to recognize the beauty and intensity of competition in women’s sports. Women’s basketball is slowly but surely gaining the respect it deserves.
Vinay Shankar
APK, Fall 2028
Bangalore, India
Name a professor who has made a lasting impression:
Dr. Evangelos A. Christou. He’s always pushed me to simplify my approach to science while maintaining rigor. His mentorship has shaped how I approach life beyond the classroom and research lab.
Which course have you enjoyed the most so far at HHP?
APK 5102: Kinetic Anatomy with Dr. Joslyn Ahlgren. Doc A. made complex anatomy feel alive by tying it directly to real human function. The course was rigorous, but it was taught in a way that was genuinely fun and engaging. This course changed how I think about using science to understand function instead of just memorizing details.
Finish this sentence: “In the future, I plan to…”
Create practical ways to assess and improve human performance in aging and disease, so we can catch decline sooner, personalize interventions better and keep people doing what they love for longer.
What is your favorite fact and/or random piece of information about the human body that you find interesting?
Your bones are alive and constantly rebuilding. You’re not walking around with the same skeleton forever, bone is continuously broken down and rebuilt in a process called remodeling. Your body is basically “renovating” your skeleton all the time.
How would you describe human performance?
Human performance is the integrated output of all body systems working together to meet a demand, how well you sense, decide, fuel, move, recover and adapt across both everyday life and high-stakes situations.
Eunice Vanessa Pierre
HEB, Spring 2026
Orlando, Florida
Name a professor who has made a lasting impression:
Dr. Ossiboff
Which course have you enjoyed the most so far at HHP?
Sexual Health with Dr. Murphy
Finish this sentence: “In the future, I plan to…”
In the future, I plan to further my education through a master’s program in health education and pursue nursing so I can advocate for patients and improve health outcomes in underserved communities.
What motivates you to pursue health education and behavior?
I am motivated to pursue health education and behavior because of my personal experiences with feeling unheard in healthcare settings and witnessing similar challenges in underserved communities. These experiences have driven my passion for advocating, educating, and empowering individuals to better understand and take control of their health. I want to help bridge the gap between healthcare systems and the populations they serve by promoting equitable, culturally competent care.
What health topic do you find the most interesting to teach?
The health topic I find most interesting to teach is women’s reproductive health, particularly Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and the disparities surrounding its diagnosis and treatment. This topic is meaningful to me because many women, especially African American women, experience delayed diagnoses and lack access to accurate information. I am passionate about increasing awareness and empowering women to advocate for themselves and make informed health decisions.