Endangered: Two USF PhD Students Vanish from Tampa Campus

Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both 27-year-old PhD candidates at the University of South Florida, have not been seen since April 16, prompting an urgent escalation in the search effort. Limon, who studies AI applications in environmental science, was last spotted around 9 a.m. at his residence north of the Tampa campus; he was scheduled to present his doctoral thesis this week.[2] Bristy, a chemical engineering student, was seen at about 10 a.m. on the USF Tampa campus that same day.[1][2][3] The pair, originally from Bangladesh, have had no contact with family or friends since.[2] The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office elevated their status to endangered on Thursday, citing new information that heightened concerns, though details were withheld to preserve the investigation.[1][2] Detectives are actively pursuing leads across Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, with no evidence pointing to foul play or deportation.[1][2] USF Police reported the disappearances, and both agencies are coordinating efforts one week after the students vanished.[1][3] Families expressed deep worry in media interviews, with Limon's relatives noting his impending thesis defense and Bristy's loved ones pleading for public help.[2][3] "Detectives are diligently searching to locate Nahida Bristy, 27, and Zamil Limon, 27," the sheriff's office stated, emphasizing the expanded scope now including Pinellas County.[1] Authorities urge anyone with information to call USF Police at 813-974-2628 or Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at 813-247-8200.[2] The case has drawn national attention as searches intensify, with both students considered missing and endangered.[1][2]