From the TESI Director: Investing in the Environmental Leaders of Tomorrow

Investing in the next generation of environmental leaders exponentially expands TESI’s reach. Through the courses we teach and internships we offer to UF undergraduates, we equip students with Earth systems science knowledge and practical skills in research, communication and education, and civic engagement.

We envision that these students will graduate from UF better educated about Florida’s Earth systems and environment and well poised to make a positive difference in society and in their future careers. Over the past several years these initiatives have paid dividends and had a major impact on UF undergraduates. Here are a few recent examples:

Sarisha Boodoo, a 2021-22 TESI Environmental Leaders Fellow and Environmental Communicator, has recently landed a position as the science communicator for Florida Sea Grant. Florida Sea Grant is a university-based program that supports research, education, and outreach to conserve coastal resources and enhance economic opportunities for the people of Florida. In this role, Boodoo will leverage her skills in research and communication to share coastal information that is accurate and accessible.

Jessie Moses, a former TESI Environmental Communicator, recently began an ORISE Fellowship at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act, the EPA provides assistance and oversight as states, territories, and authorized tribes list impaired waters and develop Total Maximum Daily Loads for these water bodies. Within the Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, Moses will focus on researching and improving current practices in water quality assessment and monitoring, conducting technical and programmatic analyses for watershed restoration and protection activities, and supporting watershed management education.

Elise Felt, a former TESI FOSSIL Project intern, has started a position as the outreach education assistant for the Florida Museum of Natural History where she will be helping with the Museum in the Parks and other educational programs.

Brittney Miller, a former TESI Environmental Communicator is now the energy and environment reporter with The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa as a corps member through Report for America.

“Looking back at all the work I’ve done for TESI, I can see just how expansive my skills have grown through my work responsibilities and projects.”

Read more about Brittney’s time at TESI.

Ellen Bausback, a former TESI Environmental Communicator is now the KX science communicator and writer at The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

“The best part of working at TESI is learning something new every day. I also love that I can be inspired by nature and my own scientific interests and then use that creatively in my work. The TESI internship has helped me gain valuable experience and advance my career in science communication, and I have been very grateful for the opportunity to work with them.”