GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida Thompson Earth Systems Institute (TESI) has launched a network to help connect undergraduate students who have an interest in environmental topics to campus and community resources. 

By joining the UF TESI Environmental Leaders Network (EL Network), students gain access to a database of environmentally focused jobs, internships, seminars, volunteer projects and professional development workshops. Network members also receive a twice-monthly email with the latest opportunities and will be invited to participate in social and mentorship events. 

The goal of the EL Network is to help students learn more about and gain experience in environmental research, education and civic engagement, regardless of their major. 

“When it comes to the future and health of our planet, it’s all hands on deck,” said Sadie Mills, TESI educator and coordinator, and one of the EL Network organizers. “We know that students from all majors are interested in becoming environmental stewards, both in their personal and professional lives, they just often aren’t sure how to find opportunities to do so.”  

The EL Network also supports environmental stewardship in the Gainesville community by connecting interested and passionate students with organizations seeking help for their efforts. So far, more than 130 students representing 40 unique majors have joined the EL Network, and 51 opportunities have been shared from organizations on campus and throughout the Gainesville community. 

Four UF TESI Environmental Leaders Fellows developed the EL Network, with the hope of extending some of the same resources they learned about during the fellowship to more UF students.  

“The EL network not only gives students access to opportunities and events, but it also gives them a community where they can build connections,” said Aadil Rahman, a UF zoology major and one of the EL Network student founders.  

“Since tackling environmental issues can seem lonely and daunting, having an interdisciplinary group of individuals is vital to creating and sustaining change. 

To learn more about, join, or submit an opportunity to the EL Network, visit: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/earth-systems/uf-tesi-environmental-leaders-network/ 


Sources: Sadie Mills, 352-273-1936, smills@floridamuseum.ufl.edu; Aadil Rahman, aadil.rahman@ufl.edu 

Media contact: Rebecca Burton, 352-273-4935, rlburton@floridamuseum.ufl.edu