Table of Contents
- Meet the 2021-22 Fellows
- Expanding Horizons
- Spring Break Field Experience
- Fellows Help Plan Campus Earth Week
- Building a Professional Network
- Watch Our Video to Learn More
When it comes to helping care for our planet, it's all hands on deck.
Leaders from all disciplines are needed to tackle the immense challenge of protecting the Earth for current and future generations. The University of Florida Thompson Earth Systems Institute's (TESI) Environmental Leaders Fellowship brought together 12 students from diverse majors and backgrounds and provided them with opportunities to gain the knowledge, skills, confidence, and network to advocate for the planet as they take on leadership roles in their respective careers.
Funded by a faculty grant from the Henry David Thoreau Foundation, this pilot program offered UF undergraduates from a variety of majors the opportunity to gain experience in environmental research, education & outreach, and civic engagement. The 2021-22 cohort attended seminars featuring environmental experts, received mentoring from professionals in environmental fields, networked with peers, and took part in a multi-day field experience focused on environmental challenges across Florida.
(Listen to two of the fellows recount their experience on the From Florida podcast.)
Meet the 2021-22 Fellows
Kamya Bates
Marine Sciences, Pre-Vet
Kamya Bates is a senior from Houston, Texas studying marine sciences on the pre-veterinary track. In her professional life, she hopes to earn her Ph.D. in marine ecology and become a practicing aquatic mammal veterinarian. In her free time, she enjoys reading comic books, spending time with her sisters, and cooking.
My biggest takeaway from the program is definitely that environmental sciences does not look like one specific thing.
Sarisha Boodoo
Political Science & Sustainability Studies
Sarisha Boodoo is a senior from Clermont, Florida studying political science with a minor in sustainability studies. In her professional life, she hopes to further the application of her studies in political science and sustainability studies by researching the political institutions, behaviors, and policies that address the changes we need to protect our planet, wildlife, fauna, and humans. In her free time, Boodoo enjoys cooking up a storm, watching films, roller skating, and attempting to become a professional birder.
Before joining this program, I did not have a really clear indication of what specifically I wanted career-wise. TESI has equipped me with the skills, and the knowledge to be a better environmental leader human on this earth.
Kayla Ehrlich
Biological Engineering &
Sustainability Studies
Kayla Ehrlich is a sophomore from St. Augustine, Florida studying biological engineering and minoring in sustainability studies. In their professional life, they hope to work in the energy industry and work to bridge the gap between the stakeholders and the government to create tangible and large-scale solutions. In their free time, they enjoy writing, listening to podcasts, birdwatching, biking, doing yoga, and baking.
This fellowship, specifically through the mentorship program, really opened my eyes up to what I could be doing.
Isabelle Gain
Health Education & Behavior
Isabelle Gain is a junior from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida studying health education and behavior as well as teaching. In her professional life, she hopes to work in science education at the secondary and postsecondary levels and earn a Ph.D. in science communication. She is interested in researching the relationships between people and the planet. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors. You can usually find her hammocking by Lake Alice or cycling down the Hawthorne Trail on the weekends.
I think my favorite part of the fellowship has just been meeting everyone and the community we've built.
Conner Milton
Environmental Science
Connor Milton is a senior from Ormond Beach, Florida studying environmental science and French. In his professional life, he hopes to become an environmental lawyer in the public sector. He also hopes to pursue research in graduate school and work in environmental education. In his free time he enjoys reading, hiking, camping, swimming, and hanging out with friends.
My favorite part of the fellowship has been the field experience for sure. It was great to get to go out into Florida and see places that I've never seen before, despite the fact that I had grown up on this state for my entire life.
Oriana Molares
Biomedical Engineering
Ori Molares is a senior from Miami, Florida studying biomedical engineering. In her professional life, she hopes to work in a medical device company that encourages sustainable practices and implements plastic and general waste reduction as well as proper water usage. In her free time, she enjoys reading romance and science fiction books as well as thrifting for her and her friends.
My favorite part of the fellowship has probably been the field experience. I thought it was a very cohesive way that we got to know each other and our strengths and just be able to have really meaningful discussions.
Angie Pinilla
Anthropology
Angie Pinilla is a senior from Miami, Florida studying anthropology. In her professional life, she hopes to attend medical school to become a pediatrician. Pinilla hopes to open up her own clinic and provide free services to individuals who don’t have access to health care. In her free time, she enjoys finding new trails where she can walk her golden retrievers, going to secondhand bookstores to find new books to read, making puzzles, and going on runs.
My favorite part about this fellowship was getting to meet my mentor. She taught me the importance of just being involved in our community, being really patient and always being ready to change our ways.
Aadil Rahman
Zoology
Aadil Rahman is a junior from Pompano Beach, Florida studying zoology. In his professional life, he hopes to attend grad school to pursue his interests in zoology. In his free time, he enjoys lifting weights, reading, and playing video games.
This fellowship has really showed me that a career in science communication and outreach is something that I want to do. It really reassured me about what I'm learning and what I want to learn.
Dulce Diaz Roa
Family, Youth & Community Sciences
Dulce Diaz Roa is a senior from Belle Glade, Florida and Mexico studying family, youth and community sciences, and nonprofit organizational leadership. In her professional life, she hopes to go to graduate school and study education policy. She may go to law school, but she knows she wants to aid in the education system and incorporate the community in education initiatives. Having environmental awareness in school is also something she wants to incorporate more. In her free time, she enjoys painting, listening to all kinds of music, going on outdoor adventures, and spending time with her friends and family members.
I think one of the biggest takeaways is definitely communication is key, no matter what population you're serving, or what career you go into.
Coleen Sailsman
Environmental Science
Coleen Sailsman is a senior from Lauderhill, Florida studying environmental science. In her professional life, she hopes to work in an environmental justice profession helping to address and right social inequities. She also would like to be a sustainability advocate and help influence larger organizations to make sustainable decisions. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new areas in her community and new nature preserves. She also enjoys drawing and painting environmental scenes, plants, and animals.
My biggest takeaway from this program is that you have to get into the environment to actually learn or put into practice the things that you've learned.
Yveline Saint Louis
Anthropology & Medical Geography
Yveline Saint Louis is a senior from Tampa, Florida studying anthropology and minoring in medical geography. In her professional life, she hopes to combine environmental advocacy and medical anthropology to help communities across the globe adapt to the impacts of environmental changes on the distribution of infectious diseases like malaria, dengue and others sensitive to climate change. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, and watching documentaries about outer space and nature.
It's been amazing being able to connect with a whole bunch of people from a variety of different majors who are also still passionate about the same issues as you are. It has been very, just powerful.
Arran Wass-Little
Economics & Data Science
Arran Wass-Little is a junior from Victoria, British Columbia, studying economics and data science. In his professional life, he hopes to work towards bettering the environment by using empirical tools, as understanding how data can be leveraged to make informed decisions about environmental policy is critical for the future. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends, cooking, hiking, and watching films.
As someone not from Florida, being able to see different parts of Florida and see the diversity that Florida has to offer has been the most rewarding part alongside getting to experience those things with such a diverse and engaged cohort.
Expanding Horizons
At the beginning of the Fellowship, the organizing team asked the cohort which topics they were most interested in learning more about. Climate change, conflict management, and water quality were a few that rose to the top. Throughout the year Fellows learned more about these topics through seminars, attendance at conferences, and the spring break field experience.
After each experience, Fellows reflected on what they learned in an online journal and discussed it at monthly meetings with the cohort. Read more below to learn about the various monthly activities throughout the Fellowship.
November 2021
TESI Environmental Leaders Fellowship Kicks Off
“With more than 75 applications for our Fellow cohort, we saw a strong desire among undergraduate students to get the chance to learn how to connect their work to the environment,” said Sadie Mills, TESI coordinator, and one of the Fellowship organizers.
“Our selection process was not easy, but we are pleased to announce a cohort of 12 students from diverse fields of study across campus.”
During the month of November, Fellows attended an on-campus orientation and a virtual seminar on climate communication hosted by the National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Communication. Some Fellows also attended a voluntary invasive species cleanup at the McCarty Woods Conservation Area on campus.
December 2021
Environmental Leaders Fellows learn about UF Sustainability from Hannah Ulloa
Hannah Ulloa, Sustainability and Communications Coordinator at the UF Office of Sustainability led the second seminar for TESI’s Environmental Leaders Fellows.
Ulloa gave the students an overview of sustainability initiatives at UF, including an introduction to the Office of Sustainability, an overview of UF’s Climate Action Plan 2.0, and ways that the students can get involved on campus.
January 2022
TESI Environmental Leaders Fellows Learn About Climate Change and the Built Environment
For January’s seminar, students heard from Dr. Ruth Steiner, professor and director of the UF Center for Health and the Built Environment. She spoke to Fellows about planning for sustainable modes of transportation, and its impact on communities, the environment, and public health.
The students also began to hone their final projects in partnership with various community and campus organizations like Zero Waste Gainesville, UF Office of Sustainability and the Scientist in Every Florida School program.
February 2022
TESI Environmental Leaders Fellows Play Important Role in UF Water Institute Symposium
TESI teamed up with the UF Water Institute to give Fellows firsthand experience at the 2022 Water Institute Symposium, a gathering of leading water experts from around the nation.
Students were tasked with collecting questions for the closing plenary panel: Climate Resilience in a Ground Zero State. For most of the undergraduate students, the Symposium was their first experience attending a scientific conference. The assignment helped give them confidence and networking practice for their future careers. Fellow Sarisha Boodoo reflects on her experience in this blog post.
March 2022
TESI Environmental Leaders Get Out Into the Field During Spring Break
From March 7-10, TESI Environmental Leaders Fellows embarked on a mission to learn more about environmental research, education, and civic engagement in Florida during their Spring Break Field Experience. Learn more below!
Monday, March 7, 2022
Location: Cedar Key
During a golf cart tour led by Dr. Savanna Barry, students learned how the Cedar Key community has been involved in developing living shorelines in the area to help stop erosion.
After lunch, the group visited the Shell Mound Archaeological Site to hear from Dr. Michelle LeFebvre about what archaeology can tell us about our past environment. Once the group returned to Cedar Key proper, students were tasked with conducting interviews with locals to see what environmental topics and issues they were most concerned about. The day ended with students tagging horseshoe crabs as part of the Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch.
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Location: Cedar Key
Students started the morning off on a boat tour of clam aquaculture operations along Cedar Key, led by Leslie Sturmer and Captain Kenny McCain from the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station.
During lunch, Sturmer explained the history of clam aquaculture in the area and how community involvement was key to its success after gill nets were banned in the 1990s. After lunch, the group visited Manatee Springs in Chiefland where they had the chance to swim in the largest single spring flowing into the Suwannee River. Even though camping in the Ocala National Forest was called off due to severe weather, students instead informally gathered around a backyard campfire to cook and reflect on the day’s experiences.
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Location: Ocala, Silver Springs State Park
The group got their feet wet with a morning paddle along a small, tranquil tributary of the Silver River. For many students, this was their first time in a kayak. Along the way, the group spotted alligators, turtles, wading birds, and more.
Next, the students headed to the Silver River Museum to meet up with Alan Ivory to learn more about education and outreach. Before the field trip, the group was treated to a private boat tour along the Silver River, led by a park ranger. A manatee and her calf greeted the group as the boat cruised along the water.
After the tour, students observed as Alan led a virtual field trip with first and second graders, took part in hands-on lessons designed for K-12 students, and got to explore the exhibits at the Silver River Museum with Silver River Museum director, Scott Mitchell.
Thursday, March 10, 2022
Location: Gainesville, UF Field and Fork Farm
In the spirit of learning more ways to get involved in the local community, the group stayed in Gainesville to tour the University of Florida Field and Fork Farm. Dr. Dina Liebowitz led students on a full sensory experience while teaching them about sustainable agriculture on campus and its role in providing food security to those in need.
Students had the chance to taste many varieties of fresh herbs, pick fresh fruit and veggies and learn more about planet-friendly agricultural practices. After the tour, the students washed their harvest and tossed together a salad to complement lunch.
A Lesson in Conflict Management
April 2022
Fellows attend Campus Earth Week and Wrap Up Final Projects
After a two-year hiatus as an in-person celebration, UF Campus Earth Week was hard to miss in 2022. With TESI as a co-sponsor for the week's events, Fellows were invited to learn more about, celebrate and contribute to sustainability initiatives on campus and in our surrounding community.
The marquee event titled “Our Community, Our Planet,” was organized by Fellow Angie Pinilla as her final project for the Fellowship. The panel featured Gainesville and Alachua County area leaders who work to find local solutions to looming environmental problems, including Melissa DeSa of Working Food, NKwanda Jah of Cultural Arts Coalition, Marianne Schmink of Community Weatherization Coalition, and Brent Fannin of Keepers of the Springs.
The takeaway from the panel was clear at every moment. The key to engagement around sustainability issues is to focus on inclusive activities, cultivate a positive mindset, and rely on community-building fundamentals.
Building a Professional Network
Throughout the year, Fellows built long-lasting relationships that can help propel and guide them as they move into their prospective fields. Regular group meetings served as spaces to bond with other Fellows, reflect on the month's topics and work on final projects. Some Fellows worked individually, while others worked in teams on the following projects:
- Campus Earth Week Panel: Angie Pinilla worked with the TESI staff and the UF Office of Sustainability to plan and coordinate the main event for UF Campus Earth Week, a panel titled "Our Community, Our Planet." Pinilla worked to brainstorm and invite both panelists from four different community organizations as well as the format and flow of the event.
- Water Videos for K-12 Educators: A team consisting of Sarisha Boodoo, Yveline Saint Louis, Dulce Diaz Roa, Isabelle Gain and Kamya Bates is working on developing a series of videos with a corresponding lesson plan focused on water issues in Florida. The content will be shared through the Scientist in Every Florida School network.
- Repair and Thrift Shop Database: Oriana Molares is working in partnership with Zero Waste Gainesville and The Repurpose Project to develop an easy-to-use database of repair and thrift shops in the Gainesville area for UF students.
- UF Climate Action Plan Survey: A team consisting of Aadil Rahman, Coleen Sailsman, Arran Wass-Little, Kayla Ehrlich and Connor Milton developed and distributed a survey to UF students about how climate action is discussed in their classes. The results will be used by the UF Office of Sustainability when drafting the UF Climate Action Plan 2.0.
Meanwhile, Fellows also met with their mentors on a monthly basis to discuss study and career interests and possible networking and professional development opportunities. The mentors came from a variety of professional backgrounds and were matched with students based on environmental interests, majors and career goals.
Mentors:
- Alison Adams, Assistant Professor, UF School of Natural Resources and Environment
- Stacie Greco, Water Conservation Coordinator, Alachua County Department of Environmental Protection
- Alberto Lopez, Youth Outreach Coordinator, Florida Museum of Natural History
- Stephen Mulkey, Lecturer, UF College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Anna Prizzia, Alachua County Commissioner and Co-Founder, Working Food
- Heather Obara, Associate Director, Alachua Conservation Trust
- Mariela Pajuelo, Assistant Scientist, UF Thompson Earth Systems Institute
- Becky Raulerson, Lecturer, UF Department of Agricultural Education and Communication
- Andrew Ropicki, Assistant Professor, UF Food and Resource Economics Department
- Cecilia “CC” Suarez, Assistant Professor, UF Department of Agricultural Education and Communication
- Kathe Todd-Brown, Assistant Professor, UF Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences
- Amanda Waddle, Director, Zero Waste at the Repurpose Project
While some Fellows are preparing for their Fall classes, others are entering graduate school or the workforce. But one thing is for certain — the connections they made over the past year will guide them as they work toward the betterment of our planet in their own unique way.
"I think my favorite part of the fellowship has just been meeting everyone and the community we've built," said Fellow Isabelle Gain, who hopes to earn a Ph.D. in science communication and education.
Yveline Saint Louis, who will be starting graduate school at the University of Washington this fall, agreed.
"It's been amazing being able to connect with a whole bunch of people from a variety of different majors who are also so passionate about the same issues as you are."
Watch our video to learn more
This Fellowship was funded by a grant from the Henry David Thoreau Foundation and coordinated by the University of Florida Thompson Earth Systems Institute.
The fellowship team included:
- Sadie Mills, Educator and Coordinator, UF Thompson Earth Systems Institute
- Rebecca Burton, Communications Manager, UF Thompson Earth Systems Institute
- Megan Ennes, Assistant Curator of Museum Education, Florida Museum of Natural History & UF Thompson Earth Systems Institute
- Mariela Pajuelo, Assistant Scientist, UF Thompson Earth Systems Institute
- Alison Adams, Assistant Professor, UF School of Natural Resources and Environment
- Michelle LeFebvre, Assistant Curator, Florida Museum of Natural History
- Amonté Martin, Graduate Assistant, University of Florida
- Melanie Giangreco, Graduate Assistant, University of Florida
Other partners included: UF Water Institute, UF Bob Graham Center for Public Service, UF Office of Sustainability and the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station.