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Maiya Johnson selected Florida State University for its outstanding research initiatives. At FSU, she has partaken in scholarly research and community engagement, underscored by her honors thesis and leadership roles.
“I was aware that FSU was among the most prestigious research establishments in Florida, with students from the College of Arts and Sciences producing some of the finest research nationwide,” she mentioned.
In her role as president of FSU’s religion club, Johnson’s leadership has offered a platform for numerous undergraduates to showcase their research, fostering a collaborative and supportive academic community.
She aims to advance her education to the doctoral level. This upcoming fall 2025, she will commence her Master of Arts in Religious Studies with a focus on Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Yale Divinity School.
What has been a pivotal experience for you as a student at FSU?
One of the most pivotal and fulfilling experiences I’ve had at FSU is my involvement and leadership within FSU’s religion club, Students Organized for Religious and Cultural Exploration (SORCE). SORCE’s objective is to furnish an academic platform where undergraduate students can exhibit their research and engage with the Department of Religion. As the leader of SORCE, I have relished connecting with undergraduates from diverse disciplines and discovering their academic paths and passions. Generally, SORCE organizes a semesterly undergraduate symposium where students can share research they have recently conducted for various courses or programs, such as Honors in the Major. I am committed to providing undergraduate research possibilities, and SORCE has been a remarkable venue to pursue my enthusiasm.
What has been your most notable academic accomplishment at FSU?
My most notable academic achievement at FSU (and what I take the greatest pride in) is my Honors in the Major project focusing on the spiritual experiences of a specific group of women within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At the initial stages of research for my project, I quickly recognized a significant gap in scholarship concerning the intricacies of femininity within the church.
I was awarded an IDEA Grant to travel to Utah over the summer to conduct research for my Honors in the Major project. I am grateful for the chance to conduct my own ethnographic study and gain firsthand experience of what it entails to be a field researcher.
I have collaborated with exceptional faculty in the Religion Department, who have supported my research endeavors.
What influenced your decision to choose Florida State University?
From the onset of my academic journey, I knew I sought to advance my education to the doctoral level, and I had a keen interest in undertaking personalized research. Consequently, selecting FSU was one of the simplest decisions I’ve ever made. Pursuing my own research at FSU has guided my career direction and aspirations, enabling me to cultivate my unique voice. I am thankful for the chances I’ve had to develop and present research and gain insights from professors and other experts. The experiences at FSU have empowered me to pursue research tailored to my interests and have shaped my education to best address my requirements. There truly is no other institution like Florida State University.
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