Paul Guzzo
Verified
stressed out father of four and ghost writer of more books than I can take credit for ... because I am the ghost.
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Paul Guzzo
How USF’s partnership with Embarc Collective is opening doors for students
A team of USF students test their robot that keeps pipe yard inventory [Photo courtesy of Justin Hominsky] By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing For a Tampa-based artificial intelligence startup, a group of USF students spent last summer building a robot now deployed at an industrial pipe yard, where it uses cameras, lidar sensors and artificial intelligence to track inventory in real time.
From dungeon to a destination: USF unveils reimagined Academic Success Center
A photo history of the Academic Success Center [Photo by Torie Doll, University Communications and Marketing] By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing Regulars had a nickname for the former home of the University of South Florida’s Academic Success Center: The dungeon. “It was a term of endearment, but accurate,” said Zoraya Betancourt, director of the Academic Success Center, located on the second floor of the Tampa campus library.
USF researcher knew cancer ran in her family. Genetic testing told her why.
Marleah Dean Kruzel and her mother By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing At 8 years old, Marleah Dean Kruzel watched her mother battle breast cancer and feared what the disease might take from her family. "At certain points in her journey, we couldn't give her a hug," Dean Kruzel recalled. "The chemotherapy, she reacted to it a lot. She would throw up in the night. She lost all her hair." That experience stayed with Dean Kruzel.
Through internships, USF Institute of Applied Engineering opens direct pathway to defense careers
The USF Institute of Applied Engineering and its interns are is developing autonomous lunar landing technology By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing Jean Alvarez wanted to connect his bachelor’s degree in business analytics and information systems to a larger mission tied to service and national purpose. “I felt like my work should contribute to something greater than myself,” said the recent University of South Florida graduate.
USF’s newest first-year class raises the bar, setting records for high school GPA, SAT scores and National Merit Scholars
By Paul Guzzo, University Communications & Marketing The University of South Florida’s newest class set records before they even stepped onto campus. It’s the most academically accomplished first-year class in USF history, with record-high averages for high school GPA and SAT scores. There are also a record-breaking 83 National Merit Scholars, up 38% from fall 2025. The number of students enrolled is up 9.3% from last year – the largest class in the last five years.
How one patient's death led to Florida's first university ambulance service at USF
John Beauchemin, the MRU's EMS operations coordinator, prepares the ambulance [Photo by Paul Guzzo, University Communications & Marketing] By Paul Guzzo, University Communications & Marketing Austin Jared witnessed how financial hardship can become a matter of life and death. While working as an EMT and attending the University of South Florida, he responded to a call in the Tampa area involving a young person who refused ambulance transport because he was trying to save money to attend college.
USF’s Miss Florida advances to Miss America with a mission to raise brain injury awareness
By Paul Guzzo, University Communications & Marketing Alexandra de Roos doesn’t compete in pageants for the spotlight. She competes because each crown allows her to shine a brighter spotlight on her cause of advocating for awareness of brain trauma, something she had to overcome.
What’s new at USF: Coaches, facilities, student services and more
By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing As the University of South Florida begins the 2026–27 academic year, students, faculty and staff will find new faces, new facilities and new opportunities across campus. From nationally recognized coaches to expanded dining options and new academic programs, USF continues to invest in the areas that shape student life, learning and research.
USF at 70: The moments that turned the university into a pop culture stage
Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan confront one another at USF [Photo courtesy of WWE] By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing It’s considered one of the defining moments that transformed professional wrestling from a fringe spectacle into a cultural powerhouse now widely known as “sports entertainment,” with televised shows drawing millions of viewers each week. On Feb.
USF’s soccer stadium has a direct link to the Declaration of Independence
By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing Fifteen years ago, a $1.5 million gift from Dick and Cornelia “Cornie” Corbett transformed USF’s soccer stadium into one of the nation’s premier collegiate venues. Less obvious was what came with it: A direct connection to the founding of the United States.
USF football wide receiver uses NIL earnings to bring clean water to Nigeria
Media Reuben had 495 receiving yards and five touchdowns last season [Photo by USF Athletics] By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing Mudia Reuben grew up hearing his parents’ stories of childhood in Nigeria, where survival came before anything else. Their mornings began with long walks, often barefoot, to distant streams to collect water, followed by gathering tree sap after school to help their families earn income. But the stories only went so far.
Being Rocky: USF alumni reflect on life inside the suit
By Paul Guzzo and Matthew Cimitile, University Communications & Marketing Mascots are vital to a university’s identity and culture. Their impact is felt in athletics, student life, community engagement and so much more. Being a university’s mascot also impacts the student behind the costume. For some, it brings them out of their comfort zone; for others it makes them more connected to the campus community. For many, it becomes a defining moment of their college experience.
From roller coasters to robotics, USF camps reach record heights
Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay [Photo courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay] By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has long shown a knack for rewriting the record books. Iron Gwazi is North America’s tallest and the world’s fastest and steepest hybrid coaster. SheiKra debuted as North America’s first dive coaster and Serengeti Flyer opened as the world’s tallest and fastest ride of its kind.
USF to confer more than 8,000 degrees during commencement ceremonies May 7-10
By Paul Guzzo and Althea Johnson, University Communications and Marketing President Moez Limayem will lead his first commencement exercises as the University of South Florida confers more than 8,000 degrees during ceremonies May 7-10. Limayem, who began his tenure in February 2026, will preside over all ceremonies, which will be held in the Yuengling Center on USF’s Tampa campus.
USF graduate turns lifelong love of football into Buccaneers front-office role
A young Chase Cooper and his dad cheer on the Giants against the Cowboys [Photo courtesy of Chase Cooper] By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing Chase Cooper was raised as a football fan. Whenever there was a big game, his father found a way to get them tickets. In 2007, they attended a playoff game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Giants. A week later, they were on a plane to Dallas to watch the Cowboys face those same Giants. “I love football,” Cooper said.
In the ring and in the cloud: USF graduate bridges boxing and cybersecurity
Yeran Gamage (left) trains with a fellow member of the Bulls Boxing club [Photo courtesy of Yeran Gamage] By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing In boxing, you don’t last long if you only know how to defend — or only how to attack. Fighters train not only to throw punches, but to recognize what a punch looks like when it’s coming at them. Cybersecurity works the same way.
Legacy of ‘the cool aunt’ inspires USF student’s path to graduation
A high school-aged Alyssa Duurloo (left) and her aunt and brothers [Photo courtesy of Alyssa Duurloo] By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing Alyssa Duurloo refers to Danielle Card-Howe as “the cool aunt.” While Card-Howe is, in fact, her aunt, she prefers to think of Duurloo more like a cousin “We’re only five years apart in age,” Card-Howe said, laughing. “Aunt makes me sound old.” But Card-Howe’s influence on Duurloo is unmistakable. “She’s the reason I chose USF,” Duurloo said.
At USF, a mechanical engineering student followed her father’s path — and built her own
A little Sara Arroyave Soto (back left) and family at a USF soccer game [Photos courtesy of Sara Arroyave Soto] By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing When Sara Arroyave Soto chose to attend the University of South Florida and major in mechanical engineering like her father, she knew she was following a familiar path. She didn’t expect how closely it would align.
The writing was on the dresser: A multigenerational USF family adds two sons to its alumni ranks
A family of USF Bulls - Evan, Rick and Jonathan Fueyo and Elizabeth Krystyn [Photo courtesy of Fueyo/Krystyn family] By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing With parents who met, fell in love, graduated from and later helped grow the University of South Florida, it could be said the writing was on the wall that brothers Evan and Jonathan Fueyo were destined to become Bulls. In Evan’s case, however, the writing was on a piece of furniture — literally.
Women's lacrosse star inspiring future generations as she graduates
Sofia Chepenik fires up the team [Photo by USF Athletics] By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing As USF celebrates its 70th anniversary throughout 2026, the university community is honoring the people who helped shape its rise. Sofia Chepenik is already one of those trailblazers.
USF community unites in grief at vigil for students
By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing A winding line of University of South Florida students, faculty and administrators stood Friday afternoon at Crescent Hill, north of the Marshall Student Center, each waiting solemnly to place a flower — mostly white carnations — between photos of Nahida Sultana Bristy, shown wearing a flowing royal-blue sari, and Zamil Limon, pictured in a patterned coral-pink kurta with a bright green stole.
The Force is strong in this studio: USF adopts Star Wars production tech
InEd Studios's 55-foot-long LED Volume screen By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing May 4 — better known as Star Wars Day, or “May the 4th Be With You” — perhaps hits a little harder at USF’s Innovative Education Studios than anywhere else on campus.
Grandfather’s Vietnam heroism led grandson to USF and an interest in national security
A look inside "Saigon Lady" [Photograph courtesy of the National Warplane Museum] By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing A 2018 trip to California opened Calvin Pham’s eyes to the far-reaching impact of one man’s pursuit of freedom.
USF interns help build new on-campus stadium — etching their names into history
Intern Sophia Levya's signature By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing By the time four students arrived to sign a 43-foot construction beam destined to become part of the student section of USF’s new on-campus stadium, space was already scarce.
It wasn’t April Fools—just mischief that shaped USF’s early campus trees
Robert Stackhouse and his wife/collaborator Carol Mickett By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing The landscaping around the University of South Florida’s Fine Arts Building is neat and organized – trees planted in straight rows along the sidewalks in a grid formation. But outside the adjacent Contemporary Art Museum, a small cluster of trees breaks formation – zigzagging unexpectedly away from the sidewalk. Hard to spot at first, but once noticed, impossible to ignore.
USF to host Scripps Spelling Bee
Lindsay Persohn records her podcast By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing As announcer of the upcoming Regional Scripps Spelling Bee at the University of South Florida, Lindsay Persohn’s official duties include delivering the definition of each word, its origin and how the word is used.
Cupid sometimes wears green: USF love stories for Valentine’s Day
As the University of South Florida marks its 70th anniversary, much of the reflection will focus on how its campuses have evolved and how the institution has shaped the region, state and nation through medicine, engineering, artificial intelligence and more. Every college has played a role in that impact. But USF’s influence extends beyond classrooms and laboratories. It has also shaped lives in a far more personal way.
From Cigar City to a hub for creativity: USF’s 70-year role in Ybor City
Paul Wilborn at an Ybor City arts party in the 1970s [Photo courtesy of David Audet] By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing In the 1960s through early ’70s, there was a saying about Ybor City’s main thoroughfare: "You could take a nap in the middle of Seventh Avenue and not worry about traffic," said Paul Wilborn, a 1975 USF graduate. "It was empty." The situation was so dire that in 1970, Tampa officials proposed turning the district into a bullfighting arena.
USF’s 70 years of shaping Tampa Bay’s economy and workforce
Students in the Muma College of Business [Photo by Torie Doll, University Communications and Marketing] By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing When an aeronautical firm toured the University of South Florida while considering expanding to Tampa Bay, the lead engineer was impressed by a hallway photo of a high-tech sailboat.
USF at 70: How the medical school shaped the university’s legacy
By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing The image is central to the stories of Dr. Douglas Barrett and the University of South Florida — a photo taken on campus more than five decades ago. It shows USF’s campus in the early 1970s as seen from the neighboring James A.
From sand paths to AI: Charter class members celebrate USF’s 70th anniversary
By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing The USF-themed license plate on Barbara Holley Johnson’s wall reads “BHJ 1.” That’s not a subjective claim declaring her the University of South Florida’s top fan. It stands for a non-debatable USF fact. Johnson was USF’s first-ever student – the first to apply and first accepted. “It’s still surreal,” she said.
From mad scientist to AI pioneer: The Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing is helping shape USF’s future
Lawrence Hall [Photo by Andres Faza, University Communications and Marketing] By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing Lawrence Hall’s colleagues had a nickname for him during his early years working in artificial intelligence at the University of South Florida. Some friends called him a “mad scientist,” said the distinguished university professor and associate dean of research innovation at USF’s Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing.
USF student overcomes cancer to pursue dream of helping Alzheimer’s patients
Ednecia Nelson during chemotherapy for stage 4 cancer By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing The diagnosis was devastating — stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma. “I was only 21,” Ednecia Nelson said. “Nobody thinks they’ll get cancer, especially at that age. I was just scared — period.” That was in 2019. Today, Nelson isn’t just a survivor — she’s thriving. The cancer is behind her, and the future is wide open.
USF graduate overcomes brain injury to earn degree
A severe brain injury has not slowed down Michael Murren By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing “Avocado toast bucket.” The phrase probably sounds like gibberish to everyone but Michael Murren. To him, that odd expression means that almost anything is possible through hard work and determination.
Teen mom’s 20-year journey from the military to graduating from USF
Passionette Jacobs while serving the National Guard By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing It takes more than two hours for Passionette Jacobs to commute to the University of South Florida’s Tampa campus. Yes, it’s a long drive — but it pales in comparison to the journey she’s taken to achieve her goal of becoming a college graduate. A mother at 15, Jacobs left high school to support her son.
USF to confer more than 4,100 degrees as President Rhea Law presides over her final commencement ceremonies
By Ryan Hughes and Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing University of South Florida President Rhea Law will lead her final commencement exercises during ceremonies Dec.12-13 on USF’s Tampa campus. Over the course of Law’s four-year tenure, she has conferred more than 59,000 degrees and presided over 81 commencement ceremonies since summer 2021. This semester’s graduating class includes recipients of 3,229 bachelor’s, 748 master’s and 130 doctoral degrees.
USF football has arrived: Bulls celebrate breakout football season on ESPN
By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing A longtime USF fan, he likes to say he’s always among the first to arrive at Raymond James Stadium for Bulls home football games. So, of course, the USF sophomore showed up early when ESPN’s “SportsCenter on Campus” broadcast from outside the Marshall Student Center on Thursday afteroon to promote the team’s nationally televised home game against the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Celebrated choreographer brings K-Pop to USF dance program
By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing K-Pop is exploding onto the American music scene and University of South Florida student Chelsea Hitchcock wants to be part of it. The senior dance major dreams of touring with a major artist as a backup dancer and K-Pop concerts, which originated in South Korea, could provide plenty of opportunities for such a gig.
From overwhelmed freshmen to peer mentors: USF students support fellow Bulls through HEAT
By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing Transitioning from being homeschooled to living on her own wasn’t easy for Chloe Springer when she enrolled at the University of South Florida in 2021. “It was a shocking experience,” said Springer, a senior majoring in health sciences. “I was overwhelmed by all the people and responsibilities.” A few weeks into freshman year, she met Shayna La Douceur, who became a close friend and lifeline.
They moved to Florida for USF - now they’re the 2025 Family of the Year
By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing Claudia and Francisco Vazquez always dreamed of providing their three sons with the opportunity to attend a top college close to home, so much so that they were willing to relocate the entire family from New Jersey to Tampa. Today, that dream is reality – and their dedication has been recognized.
A family of ‘Automaticas,’ hear from the Gramaticas about the story behind USF football’s top kicker
By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing As an NFL Pro Bowl kicker and Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl champion, Martin Gramatica was known as “Automatica,” calmly splitting uprights before leaping skyward in pure release — a celebration that became iconic during an NFL career spanning 1999–2008.
From classroom to command center: USF students test AI in real-world cybersecurity
By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing The statistic is nearly as daunting as the job. “Surveys show about 70% of cybersecurity professionals in security operations centers are disgruntled or worn out,” said Faayed Al Faisal, a doctoral student studying computer science at the University of South Florida. That’s a serious concern as cyber threats keep growing.
USF expands risk management program as demand and impact grow, especially during hurricane season
By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing A few years ago, Olivia Feldman’s grandmother, who is deaf, was rushed to an Indiana hospital — and no sign language interpreter was available. “They had to handwrite notes to communicate,” Feldman said.
USF's CyberHerd: Hackers become movie stars in documentary on collegiate cybersecurity
By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing Yes, they are the nation’s next professional cyber defenders, but the University of South Florida’s CyberHerd team is far more than a group of coders who spend countless hours training and competing in national collegiate cyber defense contests. They’re also musicians, artists, athletes and even a boxer.
Murals by Bulls, for Bulls: USF showcases student talent
By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing The colorful school banners lining the campus walkways immediately captured Teodora Tavares’ attention when she arrived at the University of South Florida in 2021. “I wanted to know who designed those,” said Tavares, who earned her bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations last year and is now pursuing a master’s in mass communications. “I wanted to contribute something to USF too.” This semester, she did.
USF interns capture historic Florida upset through photos, video and memes
By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing Certain historic sports photos capture pure emotion: a boxer towering over a fallen opponent, a basketball player frozen midair during a dunk, a soccer player erupting after a championship-winning goal. Each is a lasting symbol of athletic greatness.
USF welcomes record-breaking class, sees increase in student engagement
By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing Stephanie Cely-Guerrero chose the University of South Florida long before her graduation from Leto High School, drawn by academic opportunities and a sense of community. Enhanced by Advanced Placement and Honors courses, her 7.4 GPA helped push USF’s incoming class average to 4.25, tying the strongest in university history. “I’m so excited to be at USF,” said the business management major. She’s not alone.
USF student-athletes trade jerseys for hard hats to help build new on-campus stadium
By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing USF safety Jaelen Stokes has plenty of highlight-reel moments — 10 solo tackles against Navy and a sack in the Boca Raton Bowl, to name a few. The 2025–26 season is his last, two years before USF opens its first on-campus stadium in fall 2027. Yet, he’ll be a part of that highlight too.
USF professor leads push for hurricane scale to include storm surge, flood risk
By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing Wind alone does not account for all hurricane-related fatalities. Storm surge and rainfall do as well. Yet the current warning system – the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale – measures a storm’s strength solely by wind speed.
What’s new at USF: College launch, Lululemon apparel, beach volleyball, dining and more
By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing As the University of South Florida kicks off the 2025–26 academic year, students, faculty and staff will find a no shortage of new programs, services and experiences. From a reimagined dining experience and expanded mental health resources to the debut of women’s beach volleyball and cutting-edge academic programs, USF is ushering in a year marked by innovation, student engagement and bold moves across academics, wellness and campus life.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Paul
Contact Paul, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack