Dive into Shark Sightings—where Nova Southeastern University students share their stories of transformation, impact, and success. See how the Shark experience goes beyond the classroom to shape bold leaders and innovators who turn their passion into real-world change.
Whether they're exploring ocean depths, launching startups, or serving their communities, our students are making waves. Ready to see what’s possible when you become a Shark?
From the NFL to Psychology: Julius Thomas's Next Chapter
Former NFL tight end Julius Thomas is tackling a new goal—earning his doctorate in psychology at NSU to empower others through mental health and performance science.
Balancing Life and Law: Ivania Teran’s Incredible Journey
Juggling work, motherhood, and coursework, Ivania Teran embraced NSU’s part‑time J.D. program to turn her dream of becoming a lawyer into reality—even earning a coveted spot on the Nova Law Review and securing a position with a prestigious local firm.
NSU Shark Stories – Real Sharks, Real Experiences
Charlee Musiakiewicz
By merging her love for science and education, Charlee is preparing to make a lasting impact in K–12 STEM education and beyond.
Michael McCall
Motivated by his mother’s love of education, Michael is earning his doctorate in organizational leadership—ready to step into the role of “Doctor” and carry her legacy forward.
Abran Fernandez
For Abran, graduate school was a chance to reinvent himself—and through NSU’s Pharm.D./M.B.A. dual degree program, he has developed as a future pharmacist and business leader.
Lili Demm
Lili is working toward her Bachelor’s in Finance, gaining hands-on entrepreneurial experience by building an app, launching a business, and maximizing every opportunity to grow as a future business leader.
Ashley Rivera
Ashley turned a personal calling into a career path—driven by compassion, clinical experience, and a dream to become a neonatal ICU nurse and one day open her own birthing center.
Bachelor's in Nursing Program Details
Colin Pulickathadam
Through his double major in Health Informatics and Biology, Colin is building a strong foundation for medical school—gaining expertise to improve patient outcomes.
Julianna Bonetti
With her Bachelor’s in Chemistry degree, Julianna is building the foundation for graduate school and a future as a chemistry professor dedicated to student success.
Chetana Movva
As a Bachelor’s in English and Biology student, Chetana is preparing for a future in medicine and research, bringing clarity, empathy, and innovation to healthcare.
Paisley Samuel
With a bachelor’s and master’s degree from NSU, Paisley is continuing her academic journey as a Ph.D. student in Marine Science, focusing on toxic algal bloom research in Lake Okeechobee.
Master's in Marine Science Program Details
Allan Ganzman
Inspired by NSU’s respected dental program and hands-on learning, Allan is pursuing his D.M.D. degree and preparing for a career in pediatric dentistry, a calling he found during a volunteer trip to Peru.
Doctor of Dental Medicine Program Details
Shelby Pawlikowski
Driven by a lifelong passion for the ocean, Shelby is pursuing her M.S. in Biological Sciences at NSU’s Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center while researching stingray conservation.
Leaving here and feeling like there’s so much more that I can accomplish and so much more that I can do truly shows what experience Nova gives to their students. I’m definitely prepared to step foot in a real job just because of the amount of clinical experience and clinical hours that I’ve received while I’ve been here.
Ashley R. | College of Nursing
Frequently Asked Questions
Wonder what it’s like to be a student at NSU? We asked current NSU Sharks to share their experiences—from campus life to academics, and everything in between. Here's what they had to say.
Warm, welcoming, collaborative, and supportive—these are just a few of the words NSU Sharks use to describe their campus community. With students from all across the U.S. and around the world, NSU is a place where everyone can feel at home. “This community has a big heart. I am just so grateful to be a part of it,” says Julianna B., a chemistry student. Whether it’s classmates or faculty, students say the people at NSU are what make it so special.
NSU is known for its flexible, interdisciplinary programs that combine real-world experience with strong academic support. Students are drawn to everything from business and tech to psychology, medicine, and marine science. “Leaving here and feeling like there’s so much more that I can accomplish and so much more that I can do truly shows what experience Nova gives to their students. I’m definitely prepared to step foot in a real job just because of the amount of clinical experience and clinical hours that I’ve received while I’ve been here,” says Ashley R., a nursing student. Students also highlight the relationships they form with faculty mentors—many of whom become lifelong supporters.
There’s no shortage of things to do at NSU. From competitive dance and diving to community service and DII athletics, students are active and involved. Many take weekend trips to the Florida Keys or Disney, or explore opportunities through Greek life and student-run organizations. “There are many really generous people willing to help, especially in a school environment that fosters that kind of collaboration and giving-back spirit,” says Chetana M., an english and biology student and founder of Girl Up Florida. NSU students are encouraged to lead, innovate, and make an impact.
Most students say visiting campus helped them make their decision—and for those applying to Premier Programs, attending Shark Preview Weekend is a must. “Attending Shark Preview was what really solidified my decision to come to NSU,” says Gabriel R., a Business Management student. “Meeting my Shark Preview leaders and fellow incoming students helped me make lasting connections with people I still speak with to this day.”
Get involved and take full advantage of all that NSU has to offer. From entrepreneurship programs like the Huizenga Business Innovation Academy to hands-on research at the Center for Collaborative Research, there’s so much to dive into. “There are a lot of programs and opportunities and scholarships here that students are able to take advantage of if they’re willing to go after those opportunities,” says Colin P., a Health Informatics and Biology student.