Students

My work as a project leader planning the spring class provided invaluable experience. I have gained experience in public speaking, marketing, budgeting, prioritizing tasks, verbal and virtual communication, interviewing, and geographic information systems (GIS). These skills will be extremely useful as I work toward my goals.

I had the opportunity to start working at the ECenter in August 2014, before the ELP existed. During my two-year tenure, I saw the growth of the Center and the ELP parallel my own growth as a student, employee, and person.

The ECenter and ELP have given me the best opportunities for real world application of my major. My resume is very professional with the experiences gained from working there. As the ELP grows, the future generations will do amazing things and I will be proud to have been a part of the program. Other partners include: North Florida Land Trust, Greenscape

Working with the Environmental Center and the Environmental Leadership Program was an overall positive experience. Through these opportunities, I was able to improve on certain skills like emotional intelligence and my potential as a leader. They allowed me to go further with my research than I would have been able to on my own.

The Environmental Center has given me a tremendous amount of experience, particularly in public speaking, project management and team work. I have learned so much about the professional world as well as the environmental world. I have gained and built relationships with many of my coworkers and community members. Other partners include: Greenscape, North Florida Land Trust

My ELP experience has been an overall rewarding experience. Having the opportunity to work with the USGBC linked me to an organization I hope to stay involved throughout my career. The opportunity to network with community leaders have been great resources as I enter into the Jacksonville job market.

I valued my time spent working at the Environmental Center and being part of the ELP. The skills learned while developing the citizen science program were invaluable. The EL Program is an invaluable asset to UNF, and I look forward to seeing it grow into something even more wonderful than it already is.

The Environmental Center has given me numerous positive experiences as a project leader in the Environmental Leadership Program. I have gained real-world experience in professional environments, networking with the community’s business professionals, and public speaking.  The experience gained will be a great asset as I enter the work force. Other partners include: North Florida Land Trust, Greenscape

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.

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.

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.

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.

The ELP has been invaluable in connecting me with mentors and community leaders in the environmental field. As a project leader, I also get to work with other passionate and driven students who care about making a positive impact on the world around them. Being part of this team truly inspires me and motivates me to shoot for the stars both in my intended career – sustainable structural engineering – and as a personal advocate of environmental conservation.

As an ELP project leader, I am grateful to have gained the necessary resources and ability to transform my ideas into a reality to create positive social and environmental change in the community and on campus. I’ve learned how to organize for justice in the professional arena, which has provided me with the experience and motivation needed to expand my influence into the environmental justice community beyond my time in college. I’m also thankful for the opportunity to work alongside other amazing organizers and to form alliances with community members and professionals within Jacksonville. Other partners include: United Way of Northeast Florida, Northeast Florida AIDS Network

“By being a project leader for the Environmental Leadership Program I have gained valuable skills in critical thinking, written and oral communication and time management. With the experiences and skills I have acquired as a project leader, it has sparked an interest in me to continue working in this field so I can inspire and educate others about the environment. I am sad to be graduating and leaving behind the Environmental Center and the “Ripple Effect” project.” Other partners include: Nemours

The ELP has allowed me to build my professional resume, make valuable relationships through networking, and great memories that add to my college experience at UNF! I am extremely grateful that I have been able to participate with one of the best programs on campus and love how it has helped me to make a difference, and how it has made a difference in me.

The ELP has an amazing opportunity for me. I have grown in my leadership skills and have improved greatly in my planning abilities. I look forward to continuing this growth next year. Other partners include: Jax Paddle Sports, Outdoor Nation, UNF Eco Adventure

Brandie focused on combining art with science to show that they are not mutually exclusive. Thirteen UNF students and 15 community members participated in five events, each in a different park, where they learned how to use both sides of their brain through creative writing, music, poetry and art while learning about the science and ecology of our parks. Services projects were also included and the participants logged 90 hours of community service, consisting of invasive species removal and removing litter from waterways. The events were held at Julington-Durbin Creek Preserve; Huguenot Memorial Park; Ribault Club and McCoys Creek in the Emerald Necklace. The wrap-up event took place in UNF’s Sawmill Slough Preserve. Other partners include: National Park Service, Florida Park Service, Duval Audubon Society

Creating the next generation of shark advocates is Cailla’s passion. Her partnership with Sharks4Kids is enabling her to take her passion into the classroom to teach first through fifth graders the importance of sharks, remove the fear factors and teach them about conservation. She is also raising awareness with UNF students by holding “Shark Yoga & Beach Cleanup” events. Different yoga positions have been created to mimic sharks and as participants are performing the yoga movements, Cailla shares facts about sharks. Following the shark yoga, participants then do a beach clean-up. To date, she has educated over 150 students (elementary and college); collected 75 cigarette butts; 32 bottle caps; 18 straws; and 20 fishing nets. Other partners include: Conversation Research Education

Bridging the gap between the classroom and our local parks is the goal of Caleb’s project. Utilizing virtual reality (VR) 360 degree technology, 4th graders in economically-disadvantaged schools will be “transported” to our parks and preserves. Jacksonville has 37 schools where the students are considered economically disadvantaged. Simply put, these students have few resources to access these parks. The videos will focus on Northeast Florida’s cultural history and environmental science which will create opportunities for teachers to use this technology as an educational tool. Assessments can be conducted to measure the impact VR has on the students’ knowledge and awareness. Also, immersing students in their parks will help foster a strong environmental ethic. Other partners include: National Park Service, Timucuan Parks Foundation

Bella’s project addressed a controversial topic by utilizing communication strategies developed by the National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation (NOCCI) to train enough voices to shift the national conversation to be more productive, creative and solutions-driven. Her project focused on strengthening the Jacksonville NOCCI chapter to better engage and empower college students to be leaders of climate change in their communities and everyday lives. She organized and co-facilitated a Climate Change Communications Summit, where over 50 UNF students and faculty were taught some of the NOCCI communications strategies. Bella also served as the communication director and created an online monthly newsletter to better inform and gauge the needs of the NOCCI chapter. Other partners include: National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation, UNF Hicks Honors College

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.

This was the fourth series of Beyond the Trail, led by Katie Vearil. Her theme, “A River Runs Through It” was to connect the St. Johns River to our parks and educate the importance of Florida’s longest river. Because of how the river meanders throughout Jacksonville, it impacts just about every park. Students and community members learned about the significant history of the river, as well as the challenges and victories that have and continue to impact the river. For most of the students, it had been the first time they either visited some of the parks and/or kayaked on the river. Other partners include: National Park Service

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.

Food has always been my passion and I have used cooking as a way to express my creative side. This past year I become involved with Food Fighters at UNF and was able to see the positive impact the program has had in food insecure areas and home bound seniors around Jacksonville. Food Fighters ignited my passion for community work, and I am excited to be a part of the ECLP to learn more about the environmentally conscious programs in Jacksonville. I hope to apply the skills I will learn in the ECLP to serve my community through community health and dietetics.

My senior year of college is about finishing strong and making lasting connections. I am excited to work with the Environmental Leadership Program because I have always loved spending time outdoors, camping, backpacking, and enjoying mountaintop views. I have been developing my skills and experience as a future health professional and lifelong learner, and I am beginning to understand the vast amount of ways I can make an impact regarding conservation. I am excited to get involved with my community to protect and advocate for our environment.

Growing up in Florida and having access to the water has instilled in me a passion for the environment and marine ecosystem. I have been able to experience the state’s beauty, and desire to protect it for future generations to enjoy. I am pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering and a certificate for specialization in Coastal Engineering. My hobbies have taught me skills relating to construction, electrical, boating, and most recently I have been involved with classic cars, with my personal project being a custom built 1964 Ford F100 pickup truck. I have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge both in classes and working on projects, and I hope to one day put my abilities to use relating to environmental conservation and design.

I’m currently a sophomore at UNF. I am originally from sunny South Florida by the Everglades. The main focus on my ELP project is more awareness for pollution. Since I can remember, I’ve always volunteered for things that deal with the environment; for example, I love doing beach clean-ups and park clean-ups. I also love to paint to express my creative side.

I was introduced to the Environmental Center Leadership Program through the hick’s honors college in my freshman year. In honors, I took a class called self and society which encouraged us to tackle an environmental issue and come up with a solution. I, along with my group, decided to focus on composting at UNF to address climate change. I wanted to progress this idea, so I applied for the ECLP. The ECLP will help me to develop leadership skills and assist me in the future as a researcher. An interesting fact about me is that I’m bilingual. My mom is from Moscow, so I know how to speak Russian.

I choose to participate in the Environmental Center Leadership Program (ECLP) to gain a better understanding of the different environmental issues our community is facing. My goal for this program is to gain professional and leadership skills and have a positive impact on my community. In my free time I volunteer, spend time outdoors and enjoy traveling to new places.

I am currently obtaining a communication and environmental studies dual degree. After graduation, I am interested in furthering my education in the field of environmental law. From an early age, I have been interested in the environment and have held strong interpersonal skills, leading me to the dual degree I am pursuing today. I have focused on growing an environmental advocacy club, through which I have been able to sharpen many of my skills. I am confident in my ability to succeed and to help others succeed. I look forward to the future and participating in the ECLP Program.

As a senior, I am very excited about making my last year in college impactful with the ECLP. I have always loved nature, but now I am passionate about protecting our planet and the people and animals on it and I hope to make it a central part of my future career. My favorite things include learning, reading, listening to pop music, traveling, and thrifting.

I am currently a sophomore where I am studying in hopes to be involved in the health care field. I love to get involved within my campus by joining clubs and volunteering for my community where by joining the Environmental Center Leadership Program not only aligns with a lot of my goals and values but found that this opportunity will allow me to express the importance of our Earth and impact our community positively. What I do during my free time is run with my dog and currently trying to learn how to surf!

From the beginning of high school, I already knew I wanted to make an impact on my community. For years I explored options of service – being active in Habitat for Humanity, volunteering for my local public library, becoming a counselor for the Crisis Text Line, and much more. I so much enjoyed making a positive impact on the communities I was a part of that I continue to serve in all different kinds of ways even now. Coming into college and working through my major as a biology student, I was able to combine my passion for science and my want to help my community by getting involved in environmental advocacy. The Environmental Center Leadership Program (ECLP) is a perfect example of an opportunity for me to both grow and make a difference. Not only do I get to partner up with a sponsor to further my outreach and instrument real change in my community, but I get to take on a leadership role in doing so. Moving between Lithuania and Finland for 8 years, I moved to the US in 2008. I am a native Russian speaker and look to increase representation and involvement of my culture in medical and research professional fields.

I am an eighteen-year-old studying Sociology and Political Science at the University of North Florida. I believe myself to be a hard worker. I have perpetually put the needs of others before myself, and have proven to employers, supervisors, peers, and family that I am both trustworthy and responsible. I greatly value my education, and I put my best effort into my jobs, activities, and acquisition of knowledge. My desire to work with the Environmental Center Leadership Program stems from my care for the environment and serving my community through deliberate action. I hope to be paired with a fantastic business partner within our local Jacksonville community that will teach me about their interaction with the local economy and how they are impacting the environment. I would also like to learn about their direction with their company and how local, state, and federal policies affect their ability to perform meaningful work.

In the past year, since attending the University of North Florida, I have grown a new compassion for volunteer work that I did not know I had in me. I started volunteering with UNF Food Recovery and began to see the impact that it has in our community! My goal is to share my passion for healthy living through food. I hope to impact my community through helping to live a healthier life.

I am participating in the Environmental Center Leadership Program to help me develop my leadership and networking skills to prepare me for my future career in helping the environment. I have grown up hiking and appreciating nature as well as enjoying various creative pursuits including drawing, painting, sewing, acting, and playing instruments. I am also pursuing a minor in art and hope to utilize my creative talents in helping to protect the environment. I am excited to get to know fellow students, community partners, and others in the community who are passionate about the environment and to make a positive impact in the community.

In the spring semester of my freshman year I was fortunate enough to be accepted in the Environmental Center Leadership Program(ECLP). My passion to help the environment made me very interested in being a part of this program. I began learning more about the program to work with a community partner with a project. Due to my extreme interest in helping my environment I wrote a children’s character book about climate change. My book addresses the topic, climate change, in an easy way for little kids to understand. It also explains the bad habits that affect the environment negatively and tells them how to help our environment positively.

I am a Biomedical major at the University of North Florida, but I have always had a passion for the environment. I am fortunate enough to have been able to live in close proximity to the ocean my entire life, resulting in me developing a deep connection with it. Yet, the beach is only a small aspect of nature that I thoroughly appreciate. With the help of the Environmental Center Leadership Program I intend on creating a project that will have a positive impact resonating far beyond my local community.

For my Fall and Spring semester, I have received the ECLP scholarship and joined this amazing program. I am so grateful for this opportunity and am looking forward to completing this program. I am extremely passionate about saving the Earth and keeping it clean and sustainable. It is my goal to use the least amount of waste as possible and to try and make an impact for our world’s plastic use. I am hoping this program can help me make my impact on the world and give me the tools and skills to be a better leader. A couple fun facts about me are that I love to travel, I am a vegetarian, and I love Disney. I appreciate good food and traveling to new places so I can see the beautiful land that Earth has to offer. I also love Disney because it is very easy to watch and so comforting.

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!

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.

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.

I am a Jacksonville native in my junior year at the University of North Florida. I am a consultant, editor, and illustrator with experience working directly with clients from New York to London. My passions include learning about and engaging in sustainability and restoration. I want to participate in the Environmental Leadership Program because it aligns with my most important goals and values. I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of a program that will help me to grow and fulfill my potential as an environmental leader.

I am a Junior here at UNF, and I plan to go onto medical school and become a hospitalist after I graduate with my B.S in Biology. I hope that through the Environmental Leadership Program, I can continue learning about what is going on in our world, and what I can do to help with problems like global warming/climate change and pollution. I would also love to learn ways in which I can be a leader and set an example for those around me with a sustainable lifestyle. Besides the environment, I am also passionate about writing, creating, and spreading kindness.

My name is April Thomas, and I am from Middleburg, FL just outside of Jacksonville. I wanted to participate in the Environmental Leadership Program to help work in the community on improving the natural areas remaining, and to incorporate more green and sustainable ways of living in our community. My interests range from marine ecosystems and coastal habitat restoration to organic agriculture practices. I am excited for the opportunity this program will give me so that I can give back to the local community.

I fell in love with marine biology at a young age when I found my very first shark tooth. After taking an Environmental Science class in high school where I learned about the threats faced by the sea and its impact on the terrestrial environment, I decided to turn this passion of mine into a career. Participation in the Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) will allow me to develop the necessary leadership and advocacy skills to make a significant contribution to the field both academically and in my chosen profession.

“Hello! My name is Atalia Vazquez, and like most, I’m a Nutrition and Dietetics major. I love burritos, nature, and my family, not in that particular order. I don’t have my life figured out, but I believe that if I keep choosing to do what I love, then I’m heading in the right direction. Nutrition fascinates me because it empowers us to nourish and love ourselves. Food is such a powerful thing in our lives, and sharing what we know about it is one of the most humbling and fulfilling aspects of being part of NutriNews. “

My name is Cameron Tefft, and I am a first year student at UNF. Creativity has always been a primary motivation for me, whether it be playing Euphonium in the marching band, guitar, or making art, I can always be found making something. I recently exhibited an art show focused on our interaction with the environment, which is a major theme that I explore in most of my work. I became passionate about the environment after I took Environmental Systems and Societies in high school, and learned about the true value that the environment has and how little we do to protect it. I hope that I may continue to do work spreading awareness and making a positive change towards a more sustainable future with the ELP.

My name is Eleanor Ascheman and I am a junior at UNF. Since my father was in the military I do not have a hometown per se, but I am most recently coming from Greenville, SC. I am currently working towards a BA in statistics and a minor in leadership, and I am planning to graduate in spring of 2023. Before starting college I took a gap year and worked with FEMA as a planning specialist in California and Puerto Rico. Now in college, I am part of the Hicks Honors College and enjoy doing activities with the Institute of Environmental Research and Education. After college, I hope to work doing some sort of environmental resiliency to natural disasters, focusing on preemptive care to save having to take extreme response measures.

I have always had a love of animals, and an interest in saving the environment. That is why I am minoring in Biology, to find a career path involving animals or the environment in some way. Growing up I was homeschooled, and would always play in the woods outside my house. There were many beautiful spiders there, which are my favorite animals. I hope to make a difference in the world, and I believe the Environmental Leadership Program can help me to do that.

My name is Erin Ogrodnik and I am a second-year Biology student in the Hicks Honors College. I have a passion for protecting the environment and conserving wildlife and I am currently pursuing a career in Wildlife Biology. I am the current president of the KAO, UNF’s Environmental Honor Society. In my free time, I enjoy trying new foods, tending to my plants, and watching documentaries.

I am excited and thankful to be a part of the Environmental Leadership Program. Although I have not yet been selected for a program, I am hopeful to be in the UNF Plastic Pollution Project. As a young environmentalist, I am passionate about cleaning up the environment and preventing further damage. A fun fact about myself is I currently work with oysters! Not only are they delicious to eat, but they can help restore and protect our shorelines.

I am currently a Junior at UNF working on my bachelor’s in health science with a concentration in Public Health. I also work at First Coast Chiropractic where I began as an intern in 2019 and worked my way up to billing manager. During my Public Health Research class, I was introduced to the Environmental Leadership Program. I believe this program will help me grow as a student along with strengthening my networking and leadership skills and I am excited for the projects I will get to participate in in the future.

I have been interested in marine life since the first time I had ever watched Finding Nemo when I was only about 5 years old. I have continued to do research regarding the wide loss of Coral growth throughout the coastal Floridian waters, alongside major research revolving around the BP oil spill in 2010. This led to a video that I wrote and directed regarding the BP spill for my Marine Science class in high school. Many people believe that economics is only about money, although it involves all sorts of scarce resources including our vital coral reefs around Florida, which is why this is important to me as a subject.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

Although I was born in Colombia, I was raised in South Florida where I fell in love with the ocean, the mangroves, and the unique ecosystems found there. After taking a Marine biology class in high school, I learned about all the threats to these beautiful and important biomes which inspired me to get involved by dedicating my career to the efforts of solving the current environmental crisis. My passion for environmental justice has allowed me to stay determined in this path to help in conservation and restoration. I am thankful that the ELP will allow me to continue on that journey by providing me with the skills and professional development to get to my next step.

A man named Kevin Brown generated within me a passion for marine and environmental sciences, from the succession of a hydrothermal vent to the conservation of ecosystems. In the past, I have excelled in my AICE environmental and marine classes, having some of my work and symposiums displayed in the community. I was the student that everyone deemed lune because I could not stop talking about the subject. I once had dreams of becoming a marine biologist and studying shark patterns but working with children is definitely my calling (hence the elementary education degree). My goal as a teacher is to foster a love of science, and what better way than to share my own experiences? I stay involved in local marine and estuarine projects, and I enjoy gardening, paddle boarding, playing and coaching soccer, and reading.

My name is Megan Bost and I am majoring in Community Nutrition and Food with a double minor in Community Leadership and Food Systems and Sustainability. I am from Savannah, GA and I plan to graduate in Summer 2024. I am very interested and passionate about the health and sustainability/ethical benefits of plant based diets so I hope to work closely in a career along those lines. With this passion comes my interest in environmental protection and awareness, which is why I applied for the ELP. I hope to do a project with Food Fighters or Meals on Wings to relate it to my interest in food sustainability and ultimately reduce food and water waste.

I transferred to UNF after receiving my Associate’s from FSCJ. My advisor connected me with someone who later agreed to become my mentor; he recommended that I apply to the ELP. I am very passionate about environmental conservation and sustainability. One of my many goals is to work for the U.S. National Parks Service. I look forward to the knowledge, skills, and opportunities I will gain from participating in this program.

I grew up in Clearwater, Florida, and have lived near the beach my whole life. Because of that, I have always been passionate about the ocean and protecting marine life. I have volunteered for numerous beach clean ups and environmental clean ups in general and I believe this program will help me make a difference in the community. I want to educate people on the importance of environmental health, and how it is impacting our communities. I’m very excited to make a difference with the ELP and other Project Leaders.

My name is Skylar and I am a third-year English student in the Hicks Honors College. I grew up kayaking with manatees on the Nature Coast and making friends with the hermit crabs in the Gulf. Wild Florida fostered my dedication to environmental conservation from a very young age, and I am planning on channeling that into an Environmental Law degree. My passions include seeing the world with the people that I love, making music, appreciating art, and sometimes writing just a little bit of poetry.

I am excited to participate in the Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) this semester, and hopefully for the rest of my bachelor degree. I have always loved being outside with nature and participating in activities outside. I am interested specifically in learning about how to be a more sustainable person for the environment as well as educating myself in the ELP. Also, I am studying Statistics with a concentration in Actuarial Sciences and hope to advance in the data field as well. I hope to become an Economist or an Actuary after obtaining my bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

My name is Veronica Francis and this is my first year of college. My major is Astrophysics and my graduation date is 2026. It is an honour to help my community in various ways. Joining the ELP can help grow my communication skills, team skills, and leadership skills.

I’m an international student from Colombia, And I am glad that I was accepted into the Environmental leadership program, Since I was a kid, I grew very close to nature, and I always have been fascinated by the plants and animals in their natural habits and how to protect them. In high school, I volunteer at my local animal pet shelter and take care of loving animals that deserved a better life while helping to raise funds to maintain the shelter. When I arrived in Jacksonville last year, I wanted to keep making an impact, so I volunteer at every chance I got like going to beach pick-ups and helping at the Ogier Gardens. I’m sure that participating in the Environmental leadership program will help me to grow my leadership and networking skills to the next level while encoring others to help the environment and keep our planet clean.

My name is Dravyn Hill and I am from Hilliard, FL. I am a sophomore here at UNF. I have always loved nature and teaching others how to better themselves. I aspire to be a nurse but I am still looking for something to minor in and I considering some form of biology. I hope the Environmental Leadership Program will be an amazing opportunity to learn the skills necessary to lead those around me to a healthier and more environmentally friendly life.

I am originally from Orlando, Florida and I am currently a Freshman at UNF. I am majoring in Biology with a concentration in Coastal Environmental Science. I was born vegetarian and became vegan 5 years ago, thus I have always had a passion for environmental conservation.

In the Spring 2021 semester, I became a PIRG intern. With this internship, I was able to work toward goals such as reducing plastic pollution, increasing the use of renewable energy at Florida colleges and universities, and helping the Jacksonville community. After this internship ended, I was hired as an Osprey Community Ambassador for the Center for Community-Based Learning at UNF. This job allows me to expand on my work in the local community because my main role is to create volunteer opportunities and events for students. Some of our main focuses are sustainability, mental health services/awareness, and civic engagement. The Environmental Leadership Program will help me continue and improve on the work that I have already started, and it will also help me advance my leadership and networking skills.

I am a Jacksonville native in my sophomore year at the University of North Florida. My passions include graphic designing, painting, and web-development. I hope that being involved through the Environmental Leadership Program that I get to know more about the world around me and others. I want to make a permanent change in my community and in the world and I am positive that I’m in the right place to make that happen.

I joined ELP the fall semester of my senior year, just one semester before my graduation date. I am hoping to obtain an internship from the Guana Nature Preserve that focuses on disability advocacy in the preserve. Though I came into college as an engineering major, through exploration of classes and personal experiences, I switched to an IDS Environmental Studies major in order to be able to follow my passion for conservation and restoration, and along with my minor, I can act as an advocate for all to enjoy the wonderful preserves.

Hello, my name is Devon Richards, and I am a Florida native. Growing up I have always had a love of animals and nature. I spent a lot of my childhood playing in the woods around my house and camping at Florida springs with my family. After high school I enlisted into the US Army for five years as a Pharmacy Technician in Texas but felt that that career path was not the best fit for my passions. Coming back home to Florida and being immersed in its beautiful environment helped me to remember what I really wanted to do with my life, helping humans and nature connect in a positive way. Currently I love to hang out with my dogs and two cats, boating on Black Creek, hiking, or playing video games. Participating in the Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) will allow me to connect with the community, network with like-minded individuals, and to further develop my leadership skills.

Enrolling into The University of North Florida has been an immense academic accomplishment for me this year. I am ecstatic about all the opportunities, knowledge, and networking that I am about to undergo as part of the Environmental Leadership Program. I am also looking forward to becoming part of the Honors society KAO. Some interesting facts about me is I have 3 children, a Cane Corso, and a Ball Python. I love the outdoors; from jet skis at the beach to side by sides in the mud. I hope to travel more and get married. This world if full of endless opportunities, so take advantage and enrich your mind, body, and soul with all it has to offer.

In the fall semester of my freshman year, I was introduced to the Environmental Leadership Program (ELP). The impact this program makes on the community is a driving force behind why I applied and why I am proud to be a part of it. As someone who wants to major in environmental sciences, the ELP will help me grow my leadership and networking skills while providing me with the tools to grow in my career. Growing up, I had the privilege of being able to visit many national parks across America, which developed my love for travel and nature. I also got to see the impact people have on these environments. By joining the ELP, I am excited to grow and be able to use my abilities to make an influence change, and protect this beautiful world I get to call home.

Two years ago, cross-legged at a pepper-red desk while a treefrog hollered from the window, I was revising an article on the utility of wetland preservation. One year ago, I was in Sacramento training for a year of national service that would take me to Montana, Wisconsin, Idaho, and California again. A few months ago, I was taking notes in my first class as a Hicks Honors College student. A few weeks ago, I was getting to know colleagues at the Forest Service’s International Programs office. Last night I listened to a favorite writer speak on a panel over Zoom, and this morning I watched shorebirds and sun rays over scuffed boots and a coffee. Tonight, in the Talon Room and un-scuffed boots buffed to shine, I’m making new friends and enjoying our orientation into the Environmental Leadership Program. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.

I am currently a junior at UNF working towards a Bachelor of Science in psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in political science. These two fields, as well as environmental studies, have always been passions of mine. I am very excited to further my knowledge through the Environmental Leadership Program! Having this opportunity to learn more about our environment and how we can all do our part to protect it, will help me tremendously with my future career plans. I hope to use this experience to work with organizations whose goals are to implement more sustainable policies and practices, worldwide.

As a first year in college student, I am excited to be pursuing my bachelor’s degree in social work. During this academic year I am focused on taking pre-requisite courses for my major. As for the summer I will be back in my home state of Minnesota participating in a community-based social work internship. In the summer I will also be continuing my sixth year of working in agriculture. Looking forward in my career, I hope to impact micro level societal reform as I start my career in Social Work.

During my junior year, I got the opportunity to gain research experience through the Undergraduate Biomedical Research Internship (U-BRI) and was exposed to a variety of molecular techniques as well as the planning of a research project. While many of my interests lie in research and patient care, I’m also interested in the integration of the environment and how we impact it as well as how it can impact our health. I hope to accomplish this through the Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) and make connections with community members along the way.

I am a Hicks Honors College student and decided to join the Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) because I am passionate about taking positive action for environmental health and gaining awareness of current environmental concerns. I am excited to grow my networking and leadership skills throughout the year. In working with a community partner and completing a project, I hope to encourage others to also gain a passion for making a positive impact on the environment.

Hi! I am Reagan Elia, and I’m majoring in biochemistry and am part of the Hick’s Honors College. I have always had a passion for the environment, especially native plant conservation and sustainable agriculture. I grew up on a small landscape plant farm and am thankful for all of the hands-on experiences I have gained from that. I was also involved in Florida 4-H, which has definitely helped me learn more about agricultural practices and leadership. Outside of school I love riding horses, lifting weights, hiking, and spending time out on the water. I am looking forward to a great year developing leadership skills and learning more about environmental conservation in the Environmental Leadership Program!

In the fall semester of my Junior year, Mr. Dan Koo, Chair of CCEC; recommended that I apply for the Environmental Leadership Program. I was immediately attracted to this offer. I have been told since my youth, to never trash the environment, it came naturally to me. Growing up with a family that kept that as a priority, I thought that I played my part in helping maintain a clean environment. But I never actively participated in any sort of Program that’s sole purpose was focused on our environment. I believe that the ELP is an opportunity to deepen my understanding of how to take care of the place we spend all our life, lead others to do the same, and connect with my peers and leaders. The ELP will have a positive impact in my life, and I am glad to have the opportunity to be part of this program.

As a current sophomore projected to graduate in 2026 during the Spring semester, I plan on majoring in accounting and finance with minors in leadership and Spanish while in the Hicks Honors College. The Environmental Leadership program will help me improve my leadership and networking skills while focusing on helping the environment. Born in Philadelphia, I spent most of my life there before moving to Green Cove Springs, Florida in 2015. Outside of academics, I like to wrestle, spend time with friends, and relax by enjoying the outdoor scenery.

As a student-athlete, it can be difficult to get involved in other organizations on campus with so much of my time being spent at practice, competing for UNF or working in the classroom. This semester, I wanted to get involved with ELP because I know that it can help me in my future endeavors and career. Although my schedule is busy, college athletics is not forever, and I need to start focusing on my future career goals. I’m excited to gain new leadership and communication skills, as well as networking opportunities through ELP while finishing up my last semester of undergrad. My plans after graduating this fall are to start my Master of Science in coastal and marine biology this January while completing the last of my NCAA eligibility as a cross country and track runner.

I’m a freshman this year, and am a Hicks Honors College student. I’m also in the Environmental Sustainability LLC, and during our LLC retreat, I was introduced to the Environmental Leadership program (ELP). This program piqued my interest because, put simply, it focuses on two aspects that I want to get more involved in: the environment and leadership. Academically, I want to further explore my interest in the environment. Personally, I hope to learn new ways that I can serve the environment and my community so that I can work to improve the mindfulness and sustainability of my own life and other people’s lives. Professionally, I aim to gain more confidence in my professional skills, and challenge and push myself to step outside of my comfort zone. Ultimately, I believe that the ELP will put me on the right path to achieving my dream of pursuing a career in Biology that makes me happy, and that allows me to make a positive difference in the world.

I am so excited to be a part of the Environmental Leadership Program for the 2023-2024 school year. Throughout my degree I have studied the natural world from the perspectives of various disciplines, and I am grateful for the opportunity to apply what I have learned to benefit my community. I also have a background in music, technology, and education, which I hope may give me a unique perspective and skills to solve problems creatively. I enjoy playing the double bass in UNF’s orchestra and being in leadership for UNF’s Osprey Robotics club and VR club.

Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Florida. I was grateful to experience a diverse culture that allowed me to understand the world more. I joined the Environmental Leadership Program because of the environment’s impact on politics and vice versa. Experiencing firsthand the crises of climate change has impacted me to learn about our environmental crisis and how the policymaking process affects how the environment is treated and protected. Joining ELP would ensure that my leadership and networking skills would develop into the demands of the environmental workforce, ensuring I’m prepared to tackle the crisis.

I am currently a freshman majoring in Biology as well as part of the Hicks Honors College. I wanted to join the Environmental Leadership Program as it provides me with the opportunity to learn and grow in the field, I am interested in. My Main goal is to become an environmental scientist. I want to help improve our planet as well as improve the relationship between people and the environment.

In my first year at UNF I joined the Environmental Sustainability Living Learning Community, during the orientation for the LLC I was introduced to IERE and the ELP. I was very excited to apply for IERE as a way to network with like minded people as well as a way to work on different projects and such. I have plenty of experience with environmental projects both on the labor and management side, I spent 12 years in Scouts BSA and continue to be a part of the organization after I earned Eagle Scout and turned 18. I am very excited to start my journey with ELP and IERE as a way for me to carry my love for the environment into my professional career.

My name is Zora Khalili, and I am a junior at UNF, majoring in Health Science. I am originally from London, England, but have lived in Jacksonville for a long time. I have a strong passion for community health and research. In the future, I aspire to become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, with the intentions of creating a hands-on community health program targeted at providing refugees and individuals in low-income areas with access to medical and dental care. I am excited to be a part of the environmental leadership program and take part in bettering the community of Jacksonville.

I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, moving to Jacksonville in late 2019. I found out about the Environmental Leadership Program this summer, and I’m excited to participate in a cause that benefits people, the environment, and everything in between. Although I graduate in less than a year, I’m keen on providing as much value as possible to our community and partners.

I am a junior at the University of North Florida excited to be a part of the Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) once again. I’ve became more interested and intrigued about my community and human interactions in our environment based off my experience with IERE. I can’t wait to see what this year has in store for myself, potential community partners, and my peers.

Ever since I was young, I always knew that I wanted to go into Zoology. I grew up on National Geographic with 2 parents in the field of biology, so I have been waiting to study biology in college for a long time. The ELP will allow me to do this and more. Not only will I get more hands on work in my chosen field, but I will also get to learn more about what it means be a leader and network with others, areas I am eager to improve in.

I am a Junior at UNF pursuing a major in Political Science and a minor in International Studies. I am from Omaha, Nebraska, but I moved to Jacksonville from Washington, D.C. where I was studying at American University. I will be graduating from UNF in the Spring of 2025. During my Freshman and Sophomore years at AU, I participated in a leadership program for the School of Public Affairs and I worked in the Environmental and Sustainability Issue Group. Through this program, I worked with my issue group to conduct several social action projects, including a series of seminars with local leaders on sustainability.

I recently transferred from a community college to the University of North Florida and have always been passionate about sustainability, the incorporation of public health, and volunteering. I wanted to get more experience in a leadership environment which led me to the Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) that would allow me to get sustainability training while also expanding my network with community leaders. The ELP is a stellar program that will help expand my knowledge on real-life experience and create an environmentally focused project. Some facts about me are that I am one of the founders of the Vietnamese Student Association, am heavily involved in the small business community of Jacksonville, and I am left-handed.

I graduated from Miami Norland Senior High School in the Spring of 2023, and I enjoy being educated on ways to live sustainably. I want to participate in the Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) because I want to further assess how my way of living impacts the environment. I want to contribute something positive to our environment and be educated on ways I can connect with nature. In addition, this program will help me polish my networking skills, professional skills, and meet new people with differentiating perspectives on how to better our environment. I am thrilled to be a member of the Environmental Leadership program and look forward to upcoming events and activities.

I joined the IERE Environmental Leadership Program in Fall 2023 in the effort to gain more experience and hopefully in the process help the Jacksonville community; I’ve been living here for over thirteen years, so this place is home to me, and I wanted to help it how I could. The ELP’s networking and organization will help me towards both my career goals, such as getting a lasting job in my major of Information Technology, as well as my volunteer goals of helping the Jacksonville community. Fun facts about me: I was born in Cork, Ireland, I lived in Shanghai, China for five years, and after I graduate, I plan to return to university to get a Bachelor’s or Master’s of Fine Arts to fulfill my dream of becoming the creative director of my own animated series. My major is Information Technology, my minor is Creative Writing, I live in Jacksonville, FL, but I was born in Cork, Ireland, and I expect to graduate in Spring 2024.

I am a senior at UNF studying as a pre-veterinary student so that I can continue my father’s veterinary family business. Whether from working as a manager at Chick-Fil-A, starting my own real estate marketing company in Brazil, or backpacking Europe solo I have a diverse portfolio of experiences to bring to the table. If we don’t meet right away don’t worry, I am very active on campus in Student Government, multiple clubs, and undergraduate research. I am very interested in the brain and how our environment alongside everything else impacts our brains. My expected graduation date is Fall of 2024. One day I aspire, in addition to inheriting my fathers family veterinary business, to work at Mayo Clinic studying the brains of animals.

Shawn is currently enrolled at UNF as a junior and is expecting to graduate in the Spring of 2025. He has been passionate about history his entire life and loves the pursuit of knowledge because he enjoys learning new things. Shawn is also very eager to use his abilities and strengths to serve his community and have a positive impact on the environment. Shawn is a major animal lover, which drives him towards projects that preserve wildlife. Shawn has lived in Florida his whole life and is passionate about preserving the natural beauty that Florida has.

I have a strong interest in social justice, and I work to utilize my photography to raise awareness for various causes. As a kid, I was extremely interested in marine biology, and I am currently working with the Marine Science Center in Port Orange, FL for my Honors and Environmental Studies Capstones. I hope to take photographs to promote environmental awareness, and to complete my environmental studies major to ensure I am spreading accurate information. I hope to graduate in Summer 2025.

Hello everybody! My name is Michele and I’m a first-year student at UNF coming in from another College as a transfer. I’m currently a Psychology major but, I’m planning to double major in data science. Fun fact, I’m also a Jacksonville native and was born and raised here. In a bit under 2 years, I plan to graduate with my bachelors, then after I would like to attend graduate school. Lastly, I am so excited working with you all and cannot wait to see what this program entails!

Over the summer semester of my freshman year, I was accepted into the Osprey First Summer Pathway Program and, subsequently, became acquainted with the campus and the coursework. Within my writing class, there was an overarching theme of the Sustainable Development Goals, Global Issues, and UNF. These topics helped spark my passion and fanned the flame of interest toward the Institute of Environmental Research and Education. Having now been accepted into the Environmental Leadership Program, I am more than excited to become an environmental scholar, positively impact the community, and write a real UNF Policy Change Proposal (as I had written a faux proposal in my writing class). Before attending UNF, I was already attentive to the environment, as I would participate in voluntary beach clean-ups with my high school. I have always known I wanted to be a biologist (specifically a marine biologist), so I have a deep appreciation for the ocean, the environment, and animals. When I am not doing homework or studying, I am with my camera. I love photography (I also deeply appreciate this) and occasionally get a chance to help a real estate agent shoot videos for his company.

Hello, my name is Hadley, and I am a sophomore here at UNF studying communications. Growing up, my parents would often take me camping, hiking, and kayaking, which allowed me to fall in love with the wonderful wildlife of Florida. I am so excited to be involved in this program that will allow me to serve this planet and my community!

My name is Uendi Xhani, as you can already tell by my name, I’m an international student from Albania. I’m 21 years old, I transferred to UNF after doing 1 year of Law at my home country. Here I’m majoring in Finance and I’m excited for this change in my life and can’t wait to see how it goes. I consider myself to be athletic, I love playing sports (my personal favorite is basketball), I love hiking, reading, traveling, learning new languages, and I’m very passionate when it comes to international relations. In my home country I was a Young European Ambassador for Albania, I used to take part in trainings and volunteer work in the Balkan and countries of the EU which I miss since coming to US. I love volunteering on my free time and I’m really grateful for this opportunity as it allows me to dedicate my time to something I love doing, grow my network and develop new skills!