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Student Success Profiles

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Lead On to a Bright Future

No matter how you measure success—whether it’s by landing that coveted job, moving up to a highly regarded graduate school, or going abroad and chasing your dreams—TCU will help you achieve it. Meet some new alumni who, through their undergraduate research, found inspiration and are finding success for the greater good.

Esra Ghanim '25

Esra Ghanim '25

Hometown: Arlington, TX

Degrees: BA Political Science and BA in Journalism with a Minor in English

Research Focus: Exploring the issue of human trafficking in Japan, with a focus on how gaps in policymaking and representation affect the country’s response to this ongoing problem.

Success Story: Pursuing a JD with the goal of a career in legal academia. 

“I first began exploring Japan’s human trafficking policies in Professor Michael Strausz’s 'Politics of Japan' class. With his significant advising and support, along with the academic freedom TCU provides, I was able to expand on my initial curiosity and develop my research further.”

Benjamin Messina

Benjamin Messina '25 (Ben)

Hometown: Algonquin, IL

Degree: BA in Education Studies (Mathematics emphasis) with a Minor in Physics

Research Focus: Bridging the gap in disparities in secondary demographics and advanced class enrollment.

Success Story: Continuing education at TCU to earn a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction and will work as a Teaching Assistant for the College of Education. 

"At TCU, I have always been extremely busy being a double major with a minor, and I have also been an Resident Assistant since the second semester of my freshman year. I concluded my undergraduate career as the Lead RA for Richards and Arnold Halls. My time here has been a period of hard work, self discovery and lifelong friendships; all of which I am extremely grateful to God for."

Drew Carlton

Drew Carlton '25

Hometown: Southlake, TX 

Degree(s): BS in Biology with Minors in Chemistry, General Business and Sports Coaching

Research Focus: Heavy metal contamination in Fort Worth's Trinity River.

Success Story: Attend the Long School of Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, TX.

“What I've enjoyed most about my academic experience at TCU is the way learning extends beyond the classroom. Whether working in Dr. Jeffries’ toxicology research lab or studying health care systems and the Mediterranean diet in Italy, I’ve been able to connect what I’ve learned in classes like 'Mammalian Physiology' and 'Biochemistry' to real-world experiences. These opportunities have deepened my understanding of biology and made my education incredibly meaningful.”

Andrea Lucia Salazar

Andrea Lucia Salazar '25

Hometown: Managua, Nicaragua

Degree(s): BS in Speech-Language Pathology with a Minor in Child Development

Research Focus: Vocabulary strategies for bilingual children with developmental language disorders.

Success Story: I will be pursuing master’s degree in speech-language pathology at the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, MA.

"My education at Texas Christian University has prepared me to achieve my life goals. After graduating and gaining clinical experience, I plan to return to Nicaragua to train future speech-language pathologists and raise awareness about the importance of communication and services."

Brianna Castillo

Bri Castillo '25

Hometown: Round Rock, TX

Degree(s): BFA in Graphic Design 

Research Focus: Presenting a strategic brand and marketing plan for a craft-focused community space, blending historical craft culture with modern market insights.

Success Story: Hired as a UX Designer with IBM in Austin, Texas.

"My time at TCU has been nothing short of transformative, playing a pivotal role in shaping both my personal growth and professional success and recognition. I’ve been fortunate to receive numerous opportunities that have significantly influenced my career trajectory. This is thanks to the faculty’s deep commitment to student success and their unwavering focus on preparing us for life beyond graduation, support that has proven truly invaluable. As a first-generation student, I initially felt nervous about moving away from home, but the TCU experience provided a welcoming environment that made it easy for me to integrate, connect and navigate college life."

Ashley Gemoets

Ashley Gemoets '25

Hometown: San Antonio, TX 

Degree(s): BBA in Marketing with a Minor in Communication Studies

Research Focus: Generation Z’s perception of brands using Generative AI in experiential marketing.

Success Story: Hired as a Marketing Specialist for Cisco in their Austin office.

"As a first-generation college student, my time at TCU has been nothing short of transformative. Though difficult to articulate in just a few words, TCU has pushed me to become a better student, businesswoman and, most importantly, human. From being an RA to a part of the Neeley Fellows Program, along with numerous experiences in between, I have been surrounded by diverse perspectives that inspire me daily. I am profoundly grateful to have chosen TCU and to contribute to the community that has given me so much."

Suzie Brewer

Suzie Brewer '25

Hometown: Dallas, TX

Degree(s): BS in Communication Studies and BA in Writing with a Minor in Mathematics

Research Focus: Examining rhetoric in Fort Worth community cookbooks to discover their cultural impact on the city and using iMotions technology to understand the impact of facial tattoos on hiring manager’s perceptions.

Success Story: Hired as a Writer for West Fort Worth City Lifestyle magazine.

“TCU has helped me through the research process by giving me space to explore topics that are interesting to me as well as give me resources to be successful. I’ve participated in five research fairs in my time at TCU and have felt constant support and encouragement from faculty and staff.”