Alumni Spotlights
| September 2025 Newsletter
Joshua Cook — From UWF Biology to Biomedical Innovation
Joshua Cook, a proud graduate of UWF's Biology program, exemplifies the path from academic excellence to impactful professional achievement. After earning his B.S. in Biology with honors, Josh has gone on to make strides in the biomedical field, applying his scientific background to complex challenges in healthcare and research. His recent recognition by the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering for his achievements underscores his dedication, talent, and the far-reaching potential of a UWF education. As he continues to grow in his career, Josh remains a testament to the power of curiosity, perseverance, and a strong foundation in the life sciences.
Carrie Daniel — From UWF Biology to Environmental Health
Carrie Daniel earned her B.S. in Biology in 2018 and M.S. in Biology in 2022 from UWF, and has translated her strong foundation in biological sciences into impactful work in environmental health. She currently serves as an Environmental Specialist II with the State of Florida Department of Health, right here in Pensacola, where she applies her scientific expertise to protect public health and environmental quality in our local community.
Lori Cuyugan — Biotechnology Leader with Global Impact
Lori Louisa Cuyugan (née Phillips) earned her B.S. in Molecular Biology in 2001 and M.S. in Biology in 2004 from UWF, launching a remarkable career in biotechnology research. As an undergraduate and graduate student, Lori contributed to Department of Defense-supported research on agricultural bioterrorism in the laboratory of Professor Emeritus Dr. Joe Eugene Lepo at UWF's Center for Environmental Diagnostics and Bioremediation.
After graduating from UWF, Lori transitioned to the private biotechnology sector, specializing in proteomics and genomics research. She has achieved extraordinary success, accruing author status on over 30 publications and presentations—a remarkable accomplishment within the biotech industry. Most recently, she served as co-author on a prestigious publication in Nature Genetics titled "Comprehensive molecular profiling of multiple myeloma identifies refined copy number and expression subtypes," a manuscript nine years in development.
Lori currently serves as a Translational Scientist at Caris Life Sciences in Tempe, Arizona, where she continues to advance precision medicine research. She resides in Tempe with her husband Adrian, daughters Isla and Mila, and various pets, balancing her accomplished scientific career with family priorities including horseback riding, travel, and enjoying life.
Gabby Ahmadia — Conservation Leadership on the Global Stage
Gabby Ahmadia earned her Master's degree in Marine Biology from UWF between in 2007 and has gone on to become a leading voice in global marine conservation. She currently serves as a marine conservation expert at the World Wildlife Fund, where her work influences conservation policy and marine protected area management worldwide. Gabby's career exemplifies how UWF's marine biology program prepares graduates to make significant impacts on global environmental challenges.
Learn more about Gabby's work: https://www.worldwildlife.org/experts/gabby-ahmadia
Gray Hurst — Launching a Career in Environmental Consulting
Gray Hurst graduated with his M.S. degree in Biology from UWF in May 2025. Just prior to graduation, he secured a position as an Environmental Consultant and Project Manager for an environmental consulting firm in Decatur, Alabama. In his new role, Gray is responsible for environmental quality sampling in both indoor and outdoor settings, completing analyses and reports, and making recommendations to remediate any environmental issues observed. His transition from graduate research to professional environmental consulting demonstrates the strong career preparation that UWF Biology graduate programs provide.
