ELP Year: 2021

Major: Electrical Engineering

Community Partner:

Poster: Sustainable Irrigation at the Ogier Gardens

My name is Maria Pugliese and I am a sophomore majoring in Electrical Engineering. In the future, I would like to combine my interests in sustainability with engineering for a potential career in sustainable development. Although I am interested in everything related to environmentalism, I want to focus my time on sustainability and renewable energy. I am always open to exploring new opportunities and my goal is to improve my leadership and communication skills by giving back to my community!

ELP Year: 2016

Major: Biology

Community Partner: UNF Institute of Environmental Research and Education

Poster: Sawmill Slough Preserve

As project leader, I was able to pursue my interests in the UNF Sawmill Slough Preserve. My project included doing ecological research and maintaining the Preserve’s natural habitats. The Environmental Leadership Program has made a lasting impact on me and has given me a great experience working as a leader.

ELP Year: 2019

Major: Biology

Community Partner: UNF Institute of Environmental Research and Education

Poster: UNF’s Outdoor Ambassador: Connecting Ospreys with the Outdoors

Molly O’Brien’s passion for educating students about the native flora and fauna was the basis for her outreach project. She partnered with Project Leader Kyle Kenney to host events such as the botanical illustration workshop. O’Brien also created and led an education outing at the ELP fall retreat, “Birding 101.” This outing taught the basics of beginning birdwatching through illustration, sounds and visuals. Each project leader selected a bird, learned about its characteristics and its sounds. O’Brien then led an early morning hike and each project leader was able to identify their bird, either visually or by its sound.

ELP Year: 2022

Major: Interdisciplinary Studies

Community Partner: UNF Institute of Environmental Research and Education

Poster: Phasing Out Single Use Plastics, Feasibility, and Student Opinion

Hello, I’m Nathaniel! I’m involved around campus and heard about the Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) from other members in the KAO Environmental Honors Society. Through the ELP I hope to develop career skills in relation to my environmental interests, as well as further developing myself and networking with other like-minded individuals. Besides the ELP and KAO, I’m involved with the North Florida Green Chamber as the UNF student representative, the Interfaith Center, the Presidential Envoys, the Honors College as a Facilitator, and I serve as the University and Student Affairs Chair in Student Government. In total, environmentalism is a big passion of mine, and I’m looking forward to advancing related efforts along with myself through the Environmental Leadership Program!

ELP Year: 2022

Major: Social Work

Community Partner: Beaches Go Green

Poster: Beaches Go Green

I look forward to making a difference with the help of both the ELP and my community partner, as well as further developing leadership and networking skills through the experience.
Some fun facts about me are: I love the outdoors, even though I don’t get out much. I attended a combined leadership and biotechnology conference in 2018 that sparked my interest in opportunities such as this one.

ELP Year: 2022

Major: Interdisciplinary Studies

Community Partner:

Poster: Jacksonville Parks and Recreation: A Focus on Community

My passion for the environment dates back to my childhood years. Since I was a child, I have always had a heart for the outdoors and the natural beauty the world has to offer. Whether it be fishing, camping, or surfing, I have always felt most at home in Florida’s outdoors. One day, I would like to work as a park ranger or work in environmental restoration and conservation services. I believe the Environmental Leadership Program is a great way for me to grow as a leader and serve my community. I look forward to growing with my peers and the opportunities I will receive through this program.

ELP Year: 2016

Major: Anthropology

Community Partner:

Poster: Exploring Jacksonville’s City, State and National Parks

The ELP gave me many opportunities to network with park managers to understand the different management skills needed to manage these parks. The ELP goes much deeper than one would expect from an internship, and I am certain my experiences will significantly impact on my career as a park ranger.

ELP Year: 2022

Major: Interdisciplinary Health Studies

Community Partner: UNF Institute of Environmental Research and Education

Poster: Feasibility of Phasing out Single Use Plastics at UNF

Salutations! My name is Ruby Cox, and I have been a Jacksonville local for over 15 years, & my interest for environmental conservation and sustainability was sparked by this beautiful city at a young age, when I wished to celebrate each year by doing beach/city cleanups rather than birthday parties. That was just the beginning, my love for this community continues to grow daily and working with groups such as Feeding Northeast Florida, Girls Gone Green, Cleanyour904, and Beaches Go Green has given me a blueprint for what I would like to pursue post my bachelor’s degree, teaching and constructing more sustainable ways of living for people in our community and globally! I especially find myself drawn to helping communities learn on an household-individual level what works best for them, from starting home gardens in neighborhoods in food deserts to teaching communities the importance of safe & sustainable water consumption in places without regulations, to even creating limiting waste plans for local businesses, I really feel drawn to working closely with people who need it most. I look forward to a career in helping teach people to not only enjoy our environment but learn how to protect & nourish it as well!

ELP Year: 2021

Major: Psychology

Community Partner: Duval Audubon Society

Poster: Lights Out Northeast Florida Documentary

My name is Ryan Nugent and I am a 4^th year student here at the University of North Florida studying Psychology. I am originally from Chicago, Illinois, but moved to Jacksonville when I was ten years old. Aside from conducting research, studying for exams, and attending classes, I love to watch movies with my friends and cook various meals for my family. To me, Jacksonville is such a great city to live in because of its beautiful beaches, delicious restaurants, and great people. I am beyond grateful to be part of the Environmental Center Leadership Program because I know I will have a part in maintaining the gorgeous landscape that this city has to offer.

ELP Year: 2022

Major: Political Science

Community Partner:

Poster: Enviro Rights Map: Examining Regional Constitutional Environmental Provisions

I am excited to be a part of the Environmental Leadership Program this year to strengthen my understanding of leadership and personal skills in this area, as well as to learn more about environmental sustainability. Apart from this program, at UNF I am involved in the Hicks Honors College and the Millennium Fellowship. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors especially spending time at the beach, hiking, and as of recently—kayaking! Some fun facts about me are: I lived in Hawaii for two years when I was in elementary school, I have been a vegetarian my whole life, and I love to travel and in particular I would love to go to Greece because I love Ancient Greek mythology.

ELP Year: 2016

Major: Political Science: International Relations & Comparative Politics

Community Partner: UNF Institute of Environmental Research and Education

Poster: Exploring Northeast Florida’s Special Places

The ELP has helped me grow, mature, and excel as a rising environmental leader. I also better understand the complexities behind environmental work by working with the people who are dedicated to being stewards. The ELP is an exceptional program that has significantly impacted my life and future career.

ELP Year: 2022

Major: International Business

Community Partner: Beaches Go Green

Poster: Beaches Go Green

I am a transfer international student from France, interesting in
management and leadership. I am curious about plenty of subjects.
As a vegetarian, I have an interest in nutrition, sport, and
environmental global warming. In addition to these hobbies, I am
also involved in law and news related to business.
The Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) will help me grow
and develop my leadership, networking, and communication skills.
But also visualizing and creating a workable strategy for the achievement of the goals. I am
expecting myself to pilot a project and be independent during this process while following the
values of the company.
Some facts about me: I really enjoy traveling and already visited more than 12 cities in America.
I am passionate by mode, but I try since these past years to fight fast fashion by buy-in thrift store.

ELP Year: 2016

Major: Anthropology

Community Partner: UNF Institute of Environmental Research and Education

Poster: The Lower St. Johns River Report

Participating in the ELP has been a wonderful and positive experience. I am very grateful to have been selected for this program. This new venture as a project leader is giving me the opportunity to focus on the St. Johns River, which is one of the most important features of Jacksonville.

ELP Year: 2021

Major: Political Science and Criminal Justice (Minor in Law)

Community Partner: Timucuan Parks Foundation

Poster: Beyond the Trail: Exploring our Timucuan Parks and Preserves

Hello, my name is Sophia Bertolino I’m from Boca Raton Florida. I am currently majoring in political science and criminal justice and I am minoring in law. I am expected to graduate in spring of 2023. I am currently a sophomore in college. I am involved in the environmental center leadership program and I am a member of alpha chi omega. This is my 5th semester here at the University of North Florida.

ELP Year: 2018

Major: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Community Partner: North Florida Land Trust

Poster: UNFLT Outreach

Thoren wanted to raise awareness on campus of the importance of land conservation, so he partnered with the North Florida Land Trust (NFLT). He and NFLT staff conducted classroom lectures followed by field trips to visit some of NFLT’s Preservation Priority Areas. The lectures were planned around the course syllabus so the professor could interject at times and connect theoretical concepts to the practical applications of NFLT’s work. The field trips provided students a more immersive, hands-on experience of what they were learning in class. Thoren’s plan for phase two will be to create a “How to Advocate for Land Conservation” handbook to continue to raise awareness and support for NFLT and land conservation.

ELP Year: 2021

Major: Health Science

Community Partner: UNF Institute of Environmental Research and Education

Poster: Community Cleanups and Plastic Reduction

My name is Waheed Khalili, I am a second year undergraduate student here at the University of North Florida. Though I was originally born in London, I’ve lived in Jacksonville for a majority of my life and consider it to be my home. After university, I have aspirations of attending medical school and working as a primary care doctor in impoverished areas.