Graduate Students
Laura Milan Serret is a graduate student in Asian Studies at Florida International University, where her academic interests focus on China, particularly the Chinese language, culture, history, and contemporary society. She earned her bachelor's degree in Asian Studies with a concentration in China and a minor in International Relations from FIU. Laura has also served as a Chinese language teaching assistant at FIU and as President of the FIU Chinese Club. In Summer 2026, she participated in the Taiwan Intensive Summer Language Program (TISLP), where she completed intensive advanced Mandarin language study in Taiwan.
Achievements
- Best Host Award, Chinese Language Teachers Association of Florida (CLTA-FL), for participation in the 2025 Mid-Autumn Festival
- Chinese Language Teachers Association of Florida (CLTA-FL) Chinese Language Award, 2022
- International Cultural Presentation Award, Chinese Bridge Competition, 2018
Madeline Clements is currently in her senior year as an undergraduate student at FIU. She is majoring in Asian Studies with a focus on Chinese Area Studies. Madeline is enrolled in FIU’s 4+1 program, currently taking graduate classes that will contribute to her Master’s degree in Asian Studies while completing her undergraduate degree. She has a deep passion for learning about various East Asian languages, histories, and cultures. Her love of FIU’s Asian Studies program has led her to participate in organizations on campus this semester (Fall 2026). She is currently a mentor to 5 international students at FIU, President of FIU’s Chinese Club, and RSO Representative and Treasurer of FIU’s Asian Studies Graduate Club.
Achievements
- FIU Dean's List, 2025
- FIU Dean's List, 2026
- Omar K. Carrion Scholarship Runner-Up Recipient, 2025
- Writing and Disciplines Micro Crendentials Badge, 2025
- Leadership Agility Micro Credentials Badge, 2025
- President of FIU Chinese Club, 2026
- RSO Representative and Treasurer of FIU Asian Studies Graduate Club, 2026
- NSLS Member
- Phi Theta Kappa Member
Rodolfo Roman graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in political science from Florida International University. As a journalist, he contributed as a writer working for The Miami Herald, El Nuevo Herald, Fox News Latino, Chicago Tribune and other publications. Roman is also a sports commentator and ring announcing appearing on weekly shows airing on Univision and Paramount Plus. He has also appeared on the UFC Fight Pass, BEIN Sports, Telemundo, ESPN, Travel Channel, Netflix, and other networks airing around the world. He has a passion for martial arts and has traveled the world to train Muay Thai, jiu jitsu, karate and boxing. As a journalist, he has traveled the world including Asian countries like Japan where he covered combat sports. In appreciation of the Japanese culture, he is pursuing a degree in Asian Studies with the goal of teaching in Japan.
Achievements
- Florida Mixed Martial Arts Journalist of the Year Award, 2018
- Several articles published by the Miami Herald, El Nuevo Herald, Chicago Tribune, and more
Graduate Student in Asian Studies at FIU specializing in incorporating Asian and Asian American studies in the K-12 classroom. Completed a BS in Social Science Education
Graduate student in Asian Studies at FIU specializing in Korean history and historical linguistics. Research centers on 20th-century Korea, particularly the Japanese colonial occupation and the transformative period from 1876 to 1953.