Students 2023

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.