Sophia Solomon – an FSU alumna [Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) ’25] – defended her Honors in the Major thesis and presented it at the Southern Sociological Society in Charlotte, NC on April 10, 2025.
The Honors in the Major program provides undergraduates the opportunity to engage in graduate-level research through an original thesis or creative research project.
Solomon’s thesis explored geographic differences in COVID-19 vaccination rates across Florida’s urban and rural counties. The study also examined the underlying determinants, such as political affiliation, age, and income, that may explain regional differences.
“Attending the conference was an incredible experience,” Solomon said. “Engaging with fellow researchers, receiving feedback, and learning from a diverse range of sociological perspectives truly made it a highlight of my academic journey.”
Solomon graduated Magna Cum Laude in Spring 2025 with her bachelor’s in public health and a minor in public administration. She chose to attend FSU because of the university’s strong emphasis on student satisfaction and its reputation for fostering a supportive academic environment.
“From my first interactions with faculty and staff, it was clear that student success is a top priority,” Solomon said. “The professors are not only experts in their fields but also accessible and genuinely committed to mentorship.”
During her time at FSU, she was involved in Chabad at FSU, intermural soccer and softball, and the Honors in the Major program. She credits participating in research as her most impactful experience, as it helped her gain a deeper understanding of public health and data analysis.
It also gave her the opportunity to collaborate and learn from faculty members, such as her research mentor, Assistant Teaching Professor of Public Health Ladanya Ramirez Surmeier, Ph.D. Dr. Ramirez Surmeier focuses on creating opportunities for students to participate in high-impact practices such as undergraduate research.
“Conducting research taught me how to be independent and take initiative in an academic setting, helping me grow both intellectually and personally,” Solomon said. “It was incredibly rewarding to contribute original work to an area I’m passionate about and to be part of a scholarly community at FSU.”
Solomon plans to pursue a master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University in health sciences with a concentration in health care administration and leadership, to develop leadership and administrative skills in public health. Her goal is to work in the non-profit sector.
“My degree in Public Health has equipped me with a solid foundation to take the next step in my career,” Solomon said. “Through coursework, research, and community-focused projects, I’ve gained valuable skills in health promotion, data analysis, and policy evaluation.”
For more information about FSU’s Public Health program, visit cosspp.fsu.edu/cosspp.fsu.edu/publichealth. To learn more about FSU’s Honors in the Major program, visit honors.fsu.edu/honors-majorhonors-major.