Hamilton School is home to world-class researchers and teachers in the humanities and social sciences. Sharing a commitment to academic excellence and the liberal arts tradition, our faculty and staff are dedicated to helping students lead flourishing lives in and out of the classroom.
Adam Bishop is from Festus, Missouri, and he graduated summa cum laude from Truman State University, in Kirksville, Missouri, earning a B.S. in Linguistics and a B.A. in Classics in May 2024. He then completed two years of Linguistics graduate coursework at the University of Florida before joining the first cohort of Ph.D. students at the Hamilton School. Adam has been a several-time Humanities at Hertog Fellow, and he is a recipient of the 2026-2027 Richard M. Weaver Graduate Fellowship, awarded by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute. He is the President of the University of Florida’s Thomistic Institute chapter, and he volunteers as an OCIA Catechist at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Gainesville. His writing has appeared in Public Discourse.
Research Interests: Adam’s primary research focus is on medieval philosophy of language, particularly in how Thomistic philosophy of language developed from St. Thomas Aquinas’ reception of Aristotle in the thirteenth century through John of St. Thomas in the seventeenth century. This interest carries him into the realism-nominalism debates; the relation of language to knowledge and society; and views on the origin of human language. He is also interested in the philosophical roots of the modern field of Linguistics, the role of medieval thought in modern philosophy of language, and the philosophy of J.R.R. Tolkien.
RJ Challice is a native of New Jersey. He graduated from Boston University in 2018 as a History and International Relations double major. He is an Active Duty officer in the US Army, and has served in the infantry and military intelligence corps. His experience as the intelligence officer for a NATO Enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup inspired him to study the interactions between allied militaries.
Research Interests: RJ’s research will examine how allied commanders execute command and control over forces from a different nation. His focus will be on the relationship between UN forces and the US divisions they were assigned to during the Korean War.
Carl J. DeMarco Jr is a Ph.D. student in History of Ideas at the Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education, under the tutelage of Dr. Max Skjonsberg. He is a member of the first cohort of Hamilton Ph.D. students. In 2025, he graduated magna cum laude from Gettysburg College with Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Interdisciplinary Studies. While at Gettysburg, Carl was a Kolbe Research Fellow and Fielding Center for Presidential Leadership Fellow. Prior to joining Hamilton, he completed one year of graduate level course work in the Political Science department at the University of Florida. Carl is originally from the Hudson Valley located in New York, and enjoys traveling abroad, learning languages, spending time with friends and family, and watching the Florida Gators football and basketball teams.
Research Interests: Broadly speaking, Carl’s research encompasses the history of political thought, intellectual history, and political theory. Within those fields, Carl is interested in researching the histories of both conservative and liberal thought in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. More specifically, he is interested in the political thought of seminal figures such as Edmund Burke, Joseph de Maistre, Alexis de Tocqueville, Montesquieu, John Adams, and James Madison. He is also curious about the different conceptions of church state relations, debates on sovereignty, and revolutionary ideologies.
Larry earned his B.A. in East Asian Languages and Literatures from UF and commissioned as an infantry officer from UF’s Army ROTC program in 2006. Larry has served in units across the United States and the world. Before beginning his studies at the Hamilton School, Larry commanded an infantry battalion. Larry holds an M.S. in Public Administration from Central Michigan University as well as an M.A. in Military Operations from the U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies.
Research Interests: Larry will research how the United States can generate enough societal resilience to prevail in great power competition. Specifically, he will research the undertheorized relationship between domestic education policy and national security strategy.
Marko Mavrovic was born and raised in Indiana. Mavrovic graduated summa cum laude with Phi Beta Kappa honors from DePauw University, where he studied political science, captained the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl team, and interned at the U.S. Consulate in Edinburgh, Scotland. He earned a master’s at the London School of Economics, where he studied Scottish nationalism, Brexit, and the collapse of Yugoslavia. Mavrovic then worked in foreign affairs and applied ethics, holding fellowships at The Aspen Institute, American Enterprise Institute, Mercatus Center, and Prindle Institute for Ethics.
His attention turned to (or was turned by) studying philosophy of science and philosophy of religion in his spare time. Mavrovic was then moved to read the Great Books at St. John’s College. His time in Annapolis convinced him to commit his life to liberal education. The program text he most frequently returns to is Aristotle’s Physics.
Research Interests: Mavrovic is interested in the philosophy of nature, classical Greek philosophy (esp. Aristotle), and early modern mathematics. He plans to study the shift between the ancient and early modern study of nature and its relevance for ethics. Jacob Klein’s Greek Mathematical Thought has led him to wonder whether the advent of symbolic mathematics explains the shift. This project is motivated by a more fundamental philosophical question: What, if anything, is the relationship between physics and ethics? Mavrovic’s other interests include philosophy of mind (esp. panpsychism), contemplation, and Augustine’s City of God.
Sarah Papp is an Active-Duty Lieutenant in the United States Navy and designated Naval Aviator. She is currently a graduate student at the University of Florida’s Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences with a minor in Classical Civilization from the University of Pittsburgh, and she commissioned through Carnegie Mellon University’s Naval ROTC unit in 2018. A qualified MH-60S helicopter aircraft commander, she served operationally with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 in Guam and deployed throughout the Indo-Pacific aboard USS America. Her assignments included aviation operations, training, search and rescue, and support to joint and multinational exercises. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Naval Science at the University of Florida, where she teaches Sea Power and Maritime Affairs and advises Navy-option midshipmen.
Research Interests: Maritime strategy, sea power, and naval history. She is particularly interested in how maritime powers develop and employ naval strategy, and how geography, technology, and historical experience shape the use of sea power in pursuit of national objectives.
Mathis Paulhiac is a graduate student at the University of Florida pursuing an M.A. in War, Statecraft and Strategy. Mathis holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies and Economics from the University of Florida. He was Vice-President of the Alexander Hamilton Society chapter for one year and a Language Assistant at the English Language Institute for three years. In the summer of 2024, Mathis interned at a family law clinic in Cardiff, Wales. The following summer, he interned at the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security. Mathis is a native French and Spanish speaker, a former Collegiate Network member with the American Enterprise Institute, and a former collegiate rower.
Research Interests: Mathis is interested in researching the history of the transatlantic relationship, specifically the exceptional factors that led to the creation of NATO. He would like to use his research to contribute to national security scholarship that advocates for cooperation with European allies.
Gracelyn Roach is an M.A student in the War, Statecraft and Strategy program at the University of Florida’s Hamilton School. She previously earned a B.A. in Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law from the University of Florida, with a minor in Great Books and Ideas.
Research Interests: The relationship between law, strategy, and statecraft, particularly how legal institutions and constraints shape the exercise of state power, and how law can serve as an instrument of statecraft. She is particularly interested in the role of political and strategic judgment in war and diplomacy and in how statesmen navigate legal and strategic considerations when responding to changing circumstances. She intends to pursue a J.D following her M.A.
Kate will begin her PhD in the History of Ideas in fall 2027 under the direction of Dr. Ana Siljak. Kate graduated from UF in 2025 with a B.S. in Mathematics, a B.A. in Philosophy, and a minor in Physics. At UF, she was a Stamps Scholar; helped found the club Geist; assisted in creating a course on the history of technology; and completed research in philosophy, neuroscience, and electrical engineering. Currently, Kate serves as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant at Otto-Schott-Gymnasium in Jena, Germany. She enjoys reading, writing fiction, rock climbing, making music, and ambling about with her husband, Sebastian.
Research Interests: Kate is interested in the influence of F.W.J. Schelling on the thinkers of the Russian Religious Renaissance, particularly in regard to his conception of the impotence of reason. She is also interested in the history of the concept of the unconscious, as well as the relationship between the unconscious, spirituality, and creativity. Finally, she is interested in the history of scientific methodology; the history of psychology; literature as prophecy; and the societal and cognitive impacts of past, present, and future technological advancements.
Charlie Williams is a graduate student pursuing an M.A. in War, Statecraft and Strategy at the Hamilton School. Coming to the University of Florida from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, Charlie holds dual Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Geography, along with a professional certification in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Before coming to UF, Charlie served as a Policy Researcher at the Alabama Policy Institute and as an employee of Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark. A long-term lover of education and the academy, he is interested in working in realms that combine rigorous historical inquiry with the practical engagement in questions of statecraft, public engagement, and the institutions that shape American civic life, with the goal of pursuing a career in academic administration and university leadership or working for think tanks and research centers. Aside from academic and professional pursuits, Charlie is an ardent adventurer, outdoorsman, lover of old film and music, painter, and BBQ connoisseur.
Research Interests: Charlie’s research interests include American political history, the relationship between geography and political power, and what leads states to build political structures unique to their historical and cultural experience. He would like to use his foundation in geographic analysis to focus on how historical conflicts, demographic components, physical geography, and land use shape grand strategy, regional governance, and political development. His goal is to synthesize these broad concepts and historical perspectives in a way that can be applied to contemporary debates over American foreign policy, national security, and the role of the United States in the “information” age and era of AI.
Our Society of Fellows brings together students from across campus, united by a shared interest in exploring key themes of the Western intellectual tradition, such as freedom, the good life, justice, purpose, and meaning. Through weekly meetings, our Fellows engage in thoughtful discussions and debates on classic texts, modeling the principles of civil discourse. The Fellowship culminates in a trip to the UK, where these students participate in seminars at Oxford and Cambridge with leading faculty experts, enriching their intellectual and cultural horizons.
Anthony Avello graduated from Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is double majoring in Economics and Politics, Philosophy, Economics, and Law (PPEL).
Alex Cavallo graduated from The King’s Christian School in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. He double majors in Philosophy and Great Books & Ideas (GBI).
Sarah Clifford graduated from Trinity School at Meadow View in Falls Church, Virginia. She majors in PPEL and Political Science.
William “Xander” Enger graduated from Jupiter Christian School in Jupiter, Florida, and majors in Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law (PPEL).
Sofia Garcia Apraiz graduated from the College Academy at Broward College in Davie, Florida, with both a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts. She is double majoring in English and Political Science with a minor in Russian.
Mariya Khanina graduated from Tallulah Falls School in Tallulah Falls, Georgia, and majors in PPEL with a certificate in International Relations.
Maia Marull graduated from Loften High School in Gainesville, Florida. She is majoring in Graphic Design with minors in Business Administration and Digital Arts & Sciences, along with a certificate in AI and the Arts.
Michaela Messina graduated from Orlando Christian Prep in Orlando, Florida. She is double majoring in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Great Books & Ideas.
Quinn Morrison graduated from St. Petersburg High School in St. Petersburg, Florida, and majors in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in History.
Michael O’Malley graduated from Duxbury High School in Duxbury, Massachusetts. He majors in Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law (PPEL), with a minor in Entrepreneurship.
Ella Oursler graduated from homeschool in Hendersonville, North Carolina, and now dual majors in Dual Languages (JPN, CHN) and Philosophy, Politics, Economics & Law (PPEL).
Vincent Stone graduated from West Shore Jr. Sr. High School in Melbourne, Florida. He is majoring in Philosophy, Politics, Economics and Law (PPEL) and History.
Adam is a first-year PhD student in Linguistics, with research interests in language documentation and philosophy of language. He graduated summa cum laude from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, where he earned a B.S. in Linguistics and a B.A. in Classics.
Ángel is a PhD candidate in Economics at the University of Florida with research interests in international macroeconomics and economic expectations. He holds an MA in Economics from the University of Florida, an MS in Economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and graduated with honors with a BS in Economics from Universidad Nacional de Asunción. Ángel has professional experience as a PhD Summer Intern at the International Monetary Fund and previously held key positions at the Central Bank of Paraguay, focusing on external sector statistics and financial inclusion. He has received several academic awards, including the Lawrence Kenny Teaching Award and the Robert F. Lanzillotti Best Third Year Paper Award. Before becoming an instructor at the University of Florida, he was a Lecturer at the Universidad Católica “Nuestra Señora de la Asunción,” where he taught Intermediate Microeconomics and Intermediate Macroeconomics, and also taught Econometrics at the Universidad Nacional de Asunción, both in Paraguay.
Gabriella is a masters student at the University of Florida’s College of Education studying Curriculum and Instruction with a Concentration in Educational Technology. She was a member of the 2022-2023 Hamilton School Society of Fellows. She plans to use her background in civic literacy, academic research, and student advocacy to create inclusive learning environments.
Zhen holds an M.A. in Political Theory from Fudan University and a degree in Comparative History from Central European University. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Political Science at the University of Florida. His research focuses on the history of political thought in the early modern period and contemporary issues related to the environment and technology.
Ilia is an applied microeconomist with a focus on education, labor economics, econometric methods, and industrial organization. He applies his expertise to solve real-world economic problems in both consulting and research settings. Ilia’s professional interests encompass a range of topics, especially antitrust litigation and policy research. Ilia has collaborated on numerous interdisciplinary projects in various countries, which has allowed him to develop interpersonal skills valuable in team settings. Moreover, his knowledge of English, German, and Russian further enables him to communicate effectively in diverse settings. Ilia is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Economics at the University of Florida. Prior to this, he completed an M.Sc. in Quantitative Economics at Yeshiva University in New York City and a B.A. in Finance at Lauder Business School in Vienna, Austria.
Thomas is a PhD student in Electrical & Computer Engineering at the University of Florida. Originally from Oregon, he currently resides in Gainesville, Florida. His current research involves multi-agent cooperation in stochastic environments with applications to defense, UAV jamming, mobile data collection, wireless communications, and search & rescue. Beyond his direct research, he holds varied interests in emerging defense technology, national defense policy, classical literature, and folk music. He deeply appreciates the subtleties of local custom and community and is married to his wife Jocelyn, with one daughter, Jael Murphy.
Taylor is a Doctoral Student in the English Department at the University of Florida. His research covers the intersections of literature and cinema through adaptation studies, considering new formations of paradigms within media studies and modernism. Outside of the Anglosphere, his primary interests are in Polish literature and cinema as well as Japanese New Media such as anime and manga. His courses introduce this gamut to students across academic boundaries, showing how humanities and philosophical thinking can be applied to all vocational paths. Taylor is also an editor for the comics and intermedia journal ImageTexT and the founder and host of the Hamilton School’s Virtue of Cinema student programming series. He holds a B.S. in Physics from Sewanee: The University of the South and an M.A. in Film and Media Studies from Columbia University.
Alexander Scala is a graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science at the University of Florida. He is passionate about biotechnology policy and began his academic journey conducting analytical chemistry research in the Xing Lab at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy. In this role, he supported multiple animal tumor prevention studies and gained valuable insights into cancer treatment development. His drug development research continued at Insmed, where he identified six drug candidates for preclinical development through degradation studies. His research focuses on examining the intersection of biotechnology and policy to drive innovation in the United States. He advocates for regulatory improvements that incentivize research, streamline drug development, and enhance public health outcomes. By studying emerging biotechnology policies abroad, he seeks to identify beneficial similarities while proposing policies that support American researchers rather than hinder their efforts.
