Many students at the University of Florida want to contribute to solutions for environmental challenges. The difficulty is often not the interest but knowing where to begin.

Opportunities exist across campus, including research labs, internships, volunteer projects, and professional events. However, at a large university those opportunities can be difficult to locate. The Environmental Leaders Network from the Thompson Earth Systems Institute (TESI) was created to help students discover and access those experiences more easily.

The Network serves as a central hub where students from any major can explore ways to apply their interests and skills to environmental work.

A simple way to discover opportunities

The Environmental Leaders Network helps students stay informed through a twice monthly email newsletter that highlights opportunities from across campus and beyond.

For many students, the newsletter provides the first introduction to opportunities they might not have found otherwise. By gathering information from multiple departments and organizations, TESI helps students navigate the many programs available at UF.

In 2025 alone, the Network shared nearly 241 opportunities with students. Today, the Network includes more than 545 members representing over 75 majors across the university.

These numbers reflect a growing interest among UF students who want to combine their academic studies with meaningful environmental engagement.

Open to students from every major

Environmental challenges require expertise from many different fields. The Environmental Leaders Network reflects that reality by welcoming students from across the university.

Students who join the Network study a wide range of disciplines including engineering, journalism, wildlife ecology, public health, education, business, and many others. Some members plan careers in environmental science or conservation. Others want to apply their skills in communication, technology, design, or policy to environmental issues.

By connecting students from diverse backgrounds, the Network helps participants see how different perspectives contribute to solving complex environmental problems.

Student leadership at the center of the program

Student leadership plays an important role in the success of the Environmental Leaders Network. The program is coordinated by TESI staff and a graduate assistant who help identify opportunities and connect students with resources across campus.

One of those leaders is Lexi Bolger, TESI’s Smallwood Graduate Assistant. Lexi is a Ph.D. student in interdisciplinary ecology whose position is partially funded by the Smallwood Foundation.

As the Network coordinator, Lexi helps curate opportunities for students and supports the growing community of members across campus. Her role as a near peer mentor allows her to share insight from her own academic and professional experiences while helping students navigate their next steps.

Students can learn more about Lexi and her work with the Environmental Leaders Network in this Instagram reel.

Join the Environmental Leaders Network

The Environmental Leaders Network is open to any student at the University of Florida who is interested in environmental topics or careers.

Membership is free, and joining ensures that students receive the twice monthly newsletter with opportunities, events, and resources.

For students who want to explore environmental careers, build experience, and connect with a community of peers, the Environmental Leaders Network offers a simple place to start.

Learn more and join the Environmental Leaders Network on the TESI website.