Mathematics/Science
Ainsley Vanderhyde
Major: Marine Biology, with a Minor in Chemistry
Over the course of her time at Barry, Ainsley committed herself to the study of science and the community that surrounds it. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA while taking on multiple activities inside and outside the university.
As a Marine Biology major, Ainsley immersed herself in research and internship opportunities, which led to the prestigious NOAA EPP/MSI Fellowship. This Fellowship allowed Ainsley to conduct research and community outreach through the NOAA National Sea Grant College Program and the Office of Response and Restoration. Ainsley’s research experiences at Barry University also addressed real environmental challenges, such as oil‑spill modeling, fisheries governance, turtle grass, and marine debris policy. She has presented posters at two international meetings of the Benthic Ecology Society.
As a Teaching Assistant for three different courses, CRAFT Scholars Peer Mentor, Emerging Leader Program Peer Mentor, and long‑time orientation leader, Ainsley supported students academically and personally, helping recreate the kind of environment that once benefited her.
She has dedicated herself to volunteer work at the Frost Science Museum, coastal clean ups, tree planting, and campus clean ups. She is the President of Green Team and has worked to beautify the campus by planting trees and orchids, which are now blooming.
Ainsley is also a Stamps Scholar, NOAA EPP/MSI Scholar, and has won multiple student awards including Undergraduate Student Leader of the Year and Junior of the Year.
Ainsley has applied and been accepted to several graduate programs. She recently accepted the offer to enroll in the Master of Science degree in Ecology and Environmental Sciences at the University of Maine starting in Fall 2026! Ainsley will serve as a Graduate Research Assistant as a recipient of the National Research Traineeship (NRT), which is an NSF‑funded program that trains future STEM leaders through a convergent, transdisciplinary curriculum that integrates natural and social sciences, traditional ecological knowledge, and emerging data streams from various disciplines. Her graduate program will allow Ainsley to work with local indigenous communities to study and improve how the design and management of ecosystems and infrastructure like dams impact their ability to fish traditional fishing areas in Maine.
Ainsley recently posted that her decision about graduate school “reflects the direction I want my career to grow, bridging ecological science with policy, equity, and community‑centered decision‑making. I’m deeply grateful for the mentors who have guided me throughout my journey, from NOAA to Barry University, and for the all the support of my family and friends.”
Social/Behavioral Science
Anastasia Hedditch
Major: Psychology, with a minor in Africana Studies
Anastasia is a model student who exemplifies the department’s guiding principles to Engage, Commit, and Succeed. She is consistently engaged in her learning, committed to growth through research and service, and succeeds through discipline and effort.
Anastasia is a Psychology major, Africana Studies minor, and Honors program student with a 3.96 GPA, who has demonstrated consistent academic excellence. She is currently completing an Honors Thesis on “Perceived Hypersexuality of Black Women.” In addition to her thesis, Anastasia is actively engaged in research, serving as a research assistant in Dr. Hall’s Lived Experience Lab and collaborating on projects examining discrimination and wellbeing among Black and Latinx populations. She has presented her work at the Barry STEM Research Symposium and the Southeastern Psychological Association Conference. Her participation in the Global Health Fellowship, including study abroad in Mysore, India, reflects a strong commitment to applying psychological knowledge in global and cultural contexts.
Anastasia’s academic work has been acknowledged through induction into Psi Chi International Honor Society, Delta Epsilon Sigma Honor Society, and the National Society of Leadership and Success. Her A-level performance consistently places her on the Dean’s List and President’s List.
Anastasia is actively engaged as well in the Barry community. As Vice President of the Commuter Student Council, she has organized and promoted student engagement initiatives and contributed to creating an inclusive campus environment. She has also served in the President’s Society. In that role she represented the university at donor and alumni events and supported new students’ onboarding.
Anastasia stands out not only for her academic performance, but for how she carries herself. Anastasia is a thoughtful, prepared, and engaged student who contributes meaningfully to the psychology community.
Anastasia has been awarded a USDA CRAFT Fellowship and in Fall 2026, she will begin the Master of Science program in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences at the University of Florida.
