When Ainsley Vanderhyde crossed the stage at Barry University’s commencement ceremony, she did so with an extraordinary record of achievement, leadership, and service that exemplifies the very best of the Barry student experience.

Ainsley graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and a minor in Chemistry. She maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA and earned a place on the President’s List throughout her time at Barry. Her academic excellence was matched by an impressive commitment to research both on campus and nationally.

Throughout her undergraduate career, Ainsley conducted research with two divisions of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), served as a Fisheries Management Researcher, and worked in Barry University laboratories under faculty mentors. Her projects ranged from studying turtlegrass seedling growth and survival to investigating ant-lion predatory behavior. She also served as Chief Research Scientist aboard a scientific research vessel, collaborating with marine scientists on applied research initiatives.

Her work earned recognition at prestigious conferences across the country, including NOAA Science and Education Symposia and the Benthic Ecology Meeting. Among her many honors, Ainsley received first prize for an undergraduate oral presentation at NOAA’s 2024 Education and Science Forum, Outstanding Organic Chemistry Student of the Year, Junior of the Year, and Outstanding Undergraduate Student Leader of the Year. She was also selected as a NOAA EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholar and a Stamps Scholar at Barry University.

Ainsley has also made a lasting impact on the campus community. As a teaching assistant, peer mentor, orientation leader, and student organization leader, she dedicated countless hours to supporting fellow students and fostering a welcoming campus environment. Her commitment to service extended into the community through volunteer work with the Frost Science Museum and Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch.

In recognition of her remarkable accomplishments and embodiment of Barry University’s mission and values, Ainsley was named the recipient of the prestigious Sister Linda Bevilacqua President’s Award for Outstanding Senior and the St. Catherine Medal.

She was also accepted into several funded graduate programs, including at the University of Florida, and will be beginning her graduate studies in Fall 2026 at the University of Maine. She will be pursuing a Master of Science in Ecology and Environmental Sciences and is a recipient of the NSF National Research Traineeship.

As she begins her next chapter, Ainsley leaves behind a legacy of scholarship, leadership, service, and curiosity that will inspire future Buccaneers for years to come.