HONORS COLLEGE COMMUNITY

Discover the vibrant and supportive community of the Honors College through the voices of our dedicated staff and passionate students. Hear firsthand how being part of this exceptional community has transformed their academic journeys and personal growth.


Honors College Leadership

Dr. Gregory W. Barton – Dean of the Honors College

Gregory W. Barton, Ed.D., serves as the Dean of the Honors College at Long Island University. Dr. Barton received his doctorate from Johns Hopkins University, specializing in Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education. His dissertation focused on improving college readiness through arts, athletics, and family engagement. As a former college athlete and practicing artist, Dr. Barton is passionate about helping students succeed by building college readiness skills in extracurricular activities. Before his work at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Barton received his master's in Historic Preservation from the Savannah College of Art and Design and his bachelor's degree in sculpture and art history from Washington and Lee University. In his current role, Dr. Barton helps students broaden their education and engage in interdisciplinary learning and research that puts them on the best path toward success after college. Before becoming the Dean of the Honors College, Dr. Barton served as the Director of Promise and Associate Dean of Students at the LIU Brooklyn campus. Dr. Barton also has extensive teaching and coaching experience at the high school and college levels, both domestically and internationally.


Cassandra Panica – Associate Director of the Honors College

Cassandra Panica (she/her) is a Long Island, NY native and the Associate Director of the Honors College at Long Island University. In her role, Cassandra combines her love for education with her passion for creating an inclusive, inspiring, and supportive environment for her students. Cassandra graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Molloy University and a Master of Science in Molecular Biology from Adelphi University. After working as an adjunct professor and in science research laboratories, she realized her true passion is helping students navigate their higher education experience, providing them with resources for their academic and professional careers, empowering them to reach their full potential, and fostering an environment where every student feels seen, heard, and valued.


Mackenzie Otterson – Honors College Coordinator and Success Coach

Mackenzie Otterson, M.Ed., serves as the Honors College Coordinator and Success Coach. Originally from the Midwest, Mackenzie (she/her) found her passion for creating inclusive environments for college-aged students during her time at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she obtained her bachelor’s degrees in political science and history. Following graduation, Mackenzie served as a Graduate Coordinator at UW-Madison before moving to Seattle, Washington, to serve an Americorps term at a nonprofit called College Possible. Realizing her passion for equal access to higher education and ensuring that every student thrives during their college careers, Mackenzie pursued her Master of Education degree at Seattle University, where she also worked as a Career Coach. Mackenzie was excited to move cross country to New York to be closer to family and join the Honors College team. She takes a holistic approach to advising and strives to create environments where all students feel empowered to achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals.

Honors College Students

Amy Luis (Post ’26)

Amy Luis is a junior from Westbury, New York, double majoring in Political Science and Marketing at our Post campus. On campus, Amy serves as LIU Circle K's President, the Pre-Law Club Secretary, and the Historian for RISE (Sexual Assault Prevention and Education). Amy's passion for helping organizations improve and demonstrate their full potential motivates her to be highly engaged with all that LIU offers. This is especially true for her work as an Honors College Assistant. Amy’s main project this past year was to develop an active, informative, and fun social media account for the Honors College. She is incredibly excited about her future endeavors at LIU and making more remarkable memories!


Sofia Solano Cruz (Post ’27) 

Sofia Solano Cruz is from Hampton Bays, New York, and is a sophomore at our Post campus. Sofia is pursuing a degree in English Adolescent Education and Students with Disabilities 7-12. On campus, she is the social media manager for Brothers and Sisters in Christ, a member of the Student Honors Council, the Teaching and Learning Association, Hillel, and a writing tutor in training at the Writing Center. Outside of school, Sofia is an avid reader who loves to work out, draw, learn languages, practice her piano and guitar, and write poetry. She had a fantastic first year at LIU and can’t wait to continue her studies in the coming semesters! 


Daniel David (Post ’27) 

Daniel David is pursuing a double major in Criminal Justice and Music at our Post campus. In addition to being a member of the Honors College, Daniel serves as a docent for the Rosevelt School’s White House Experience. Daniel’s interests include music, teaching, journaling, and community service with his church. He also works as a lead singer and assistant at the New York Dancers Studio, a tutor at Kumon, and an assistant ticket manager at the Tilles Center. Daniel is currently self-studying theology because he dreams of becoming an evangelist and gospel singer. He is greatly looking forward to his next two years as a Shark! 


Jael Nelson (Brooklyn ’24) 

Jael Nelson is a recent graduate of our Brooklyn campus pursuing a Biochemistry degree on the Pre-Ded track. She was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica. Jael was incredibly active at LIU, having helped restart the Caribbean Students' Association and being a member of the Honors College. In addition, Jael was committed to serving students as a member of the Student Government Association, as the Sophomore and Junior Governor, and now as Vice President. Jael was also the Vice President for the LIU Pre-Med and Pre-Health Societies and is a Resident Assistant in our graduate residence hall. Outside of LIU, Jael engaged in scientific research, encouraging her to pursue a career as a physician scientist. In the summer of 2022, she worked on Lyme disease research in Knox's Lab at Suny Upstate Medical University. Last summer, she participated in the PREP program at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. At Mount Sanai, Jael’s research was centered around 3D monitoring of the immune infiltration of MSIH tumor spheroids. As Jael embarks on the next step of her career as an incoming Jackson Laboratory Post Baccalaureate Fellow, she is incredibly thankful for all the opportunities LIU gave her to succeed! 


Rebecca Margolin (Post ’24)   

Rebecca Margolin recently graduated from our Post campus from Metuchen, New Jersey. Rebecca completed her degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management and a minor in Arts Entrepreneurship. She was the President of the Honors College Student Council, the Head of Fundraising for the 2x National Champion Dance Team, and a member of the Dean’s Scholar Program for Business in addition to the Beta Gamma Sigma and Phi Eta Sigma honor societies. During her time at LIU, Rebecca had the opportunity to intern at Bloomberg Philanthropies, Long Island Cares, and State Theater New Jersey. She is currently pursuing a career in philanthropy following her recent graduation. 


Joseph Simile (Brooklyn ’24)   

Joseph Simile is a senior from Lindenhurst, New York, completing his double major in Sports Communications & Marketing and Media Arts. In addition to being an Honors College student, Joseph is the Co-Editor-In-Chief of LIU Brooklyn’s student newspaper Seawanhaka. Joseph is also the founder and president of the Student Broadcasting Club, which broadcasts LIU sports on its YouTube channel titled “BASE Network.” In addition, Joseph is a member of the varsity Esports team, specializing in NBA 2K and Rainbow Six Siege. Joseph is very passionate about sports, video games, and movies. In fact, one of the short films he made in class has recently amassed over 50,000 views on YouTube. Lastly, Joseph is a diehard fan of the Knicks, Mets, Jets, and Islanders and is looking forward to a career in broadcasting, film, or video production.    


Sallie Parker (Post ’26)   

Sallie Parker is a junior on our Post campus from Marshville, NC. Sallie is a proud Honors College student pursuing a Biology and Forensic Science double major on the Pre-Veterinary track. She is a Biology Dean’s Scholar and in the Veterinary Scholars program. In addition, Sallie is a Tri-Beta Biological Honors Society member and the treasurer of the Student Honors Council. When she isn’t in class, Sallie is working in three research labs - Dr. Karin Melkonian’s tarantula microbiology research lab, Dr. Kent Hatch’s Long Island marine invertebrate microbiome research lab, and Dr. Maged Hemida’s chicken infectious bronchitis virus vaccine research lab. In addition to her research, Sallie is an active volunteer with the NY Blood Center, Operation Christmas Child, the LIU Animal Rescue Fundraiser, and the LIU CVM Communication Training. She is also the Treasurer of the Forensic Science Club and the co-founder and Treasurer of the LIU Student Chapter of the American Pre-Veterinary Medical Association. When she has free time, Sallie loves to return to North Carolina to work on her family's farms, help in her church's sound room, and intern at a local wildlife rescue.    


Amani Nation (Brooklyn ’24)   

Amani Nation was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, and is a recent graduate who majored in Biology with a concentration in Molecular Biology at our Brooklyn campus. Amani was the Vice President of the Honors Student Activities Board and National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) chapter. He also served as the LIU Pre-Med/Pre-Professional Society President from 2022 to 2023. Amani has also participated in research at SUNY Downstate and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Amani’s research focused on disparities in higher education/healthcare and cancer therapeutics. As a result, he is interested in pursuing a research career as a physician-scientist (MD-PhD) or biomedical scientist (PhD), addressing health issues in primarily underrepresented minority populations. Amani is currently a PROMISE Research Intern at Penn State Medical College fulfilling his goal to expand on his research and clinical experiences in preparation for medical/graduate school applications. During his free time, Amani enjoys roller skating, swimming, and traveling. He has loved his time at LIU and looks forward to continuing to make an impact in the medical field post-graduation.   


Emily McKenna (Post ’27)   

Emily McKenna is a sophomore Biology major concentrating in Pre-Medical Sciences. Emily attends our Post campus and is a native Long Islander from Franklin Square, NY. She loves to be involved in the community and always strives to help those around her. This mindset has prompted her involvement in the Girl Scouts, and in 2021, she received her Gold Award for creating a program designed to teach high school students about the medical field. Additionally, she volunteers at the NYU Langone Long Island Hospital, where she works alongside medical professionals to help patients during their healing process. On campus, she is an Honors College student, a Pre-Med Dean’s Scholar, and a member of the Pre-Health Club. Emily also recently began working as a Teaching Assistant and Lab Assistant for the chemistry labs on campus. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, frequenting campus events, attending concerts, listening to music, and reading. Emily loves learning and always makes an effort to learn one new thing every day! She is so excited to see what her future at LIU holds and feels incredibly lucky to be a part of the Honors College.   


Charlotte Jones (Brooklyn ’25)   

Charlotte Jones is a senior at our Brooklyn campus pursuing a degree in Political Science and a certificate in International Relations. Charlotte hails from Pittsburg, PA, and was recruited to LIU as a student-athlete to compete on our women’s varsity swim team. In addition, Charlotte is the Honors College Student Council Co-President and leads the school newspaper, Seawanhaka, as Chief News Editor. During her time at LIU, Charlotte has taken a multitude of honors classes, produced research papers, and participated in the Pre-Law Society. In the summer of 2023, she studied abroad in Reykjavik, Iceland, as a recipient of the President Steinberg Fellowship. In the fall of 2023, Charlotte completed an independent study under Professor Stacey Horstmann-Gatti, where she researched how women applied the theory of republicanism to their daily lives to prove their contribution to society and eventually achieve suffrage. Outside school and swimming, Charlotte likes to read, find new coffee shops, and go for walks. Her current favorite book is The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab, and her favorite coffee spot is Absolute Coffee on Atlantic Avenue. This past summer, Charlotte worked as an intern at the United Nations. After graduation, Charlotte wants to attend law school and pursue a career in law or politics. 

HONORS COLLEGE


Brooklyn Campus
1 University Plaza
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-488-1011

Post Campus
720 Northern Blvd.
Brookville, NY 11548
516-299-2900

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