Maiya Johnson

Maiya Johnson chose Florida State University for its exceptional research programs. At FSU, she has engaged in academic research and community service, highlighted by her honors thesis and leadership experience.

“I knew FSU was one of the most critically acclaimed research institutions in Florida, with students in the College of Arts and Sciences producing some of the best research in the nation,” she said.

As president of FSU’s religion club, Johnson’s leadership has provided a platform for many undergraduates to present their research, creating a collaborative and supportive academic cohort.

She is interested in continuing her education to the doctoral level. She will begin her Master of Arts in Religious Studies with a concentration in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies at Yale Divinity School in fall 2025.

What has been a defining experience for you as a student at FSU?

One of the most defining and rewarding experiences I have had at FSU is my involvement and leadership experience in FSU’s religion club, Students Organized for Religious and Cultural Exploration (SORCE). SORCE’s mission is to provide an academic platform for undergraduate students to present their research and get involved with the Department of Religion. As the president of SORCE, I have enjoyed connecting with undergraduate students from various majors and learning about their academic journeys and interests. Typically, SORCE hosts a semesterly undergraduate symposium for students to present research they have recently conducted for a course or program, such as Honors in the Major. I am passionate about providing undergraduate research opportunities, and SORCE has been a wonderful place to exercise my passion.

What has been your most significant academic achievement at FSU?

My most significant academic accomplishment at FSU (and what I am most proud of) is my Honors in the Major project concerning the religious experiences of a subset of women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During the beginning stages of research for my project, I quickly realized that there was an overwhelming lack of scholarship concerning the nuances of femininity in the church.  

I received an IDEA Grant to travel to Utah over the summer to conduct research for my Honors in the Major project. I am thankful for the opportunity to conduct my own ethnographic research and get hands-on experience on what it’s like to be a researcher in the field. 

I have worked with incredible faculty in the Religion Department, who have guided my research. 

What drew you to choose Florida State University?

Since beginning my collegiate journey, I knew I wanted to continue my education to the doctoral level, and I had a particular interest in conducting personalized research. Therefore, choosing FSU became one of the easiest decisions I’ve ever made. Conducting my own research at FSU has guided my career path and my goals, helping me develop my own voice. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to create and present research and receive feedback from professors and other professionals. All the opportunities at FSU have allowed me to pursue research that specializes in my interests and shapes my education to best fit my needs. There truly is no other place like Florida State University.

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