We’re helping train the next generation of science communicators.
At TESI, student Environmental Communicators are valued team members making important contributions to our mission.
TESI Environmental Communicators develop social media content, write newsletter articles, create videos and more, all focused on communicating Earth systems issues to Floridians, and beyond. During their time with us, students hone their science communication skills and broaden their knowledge about key environmental issues in Florida and across the globe.
Specifically, our Environmental Communicators serve as a critical arm of the TESI Digital Outreach team, searching and creating content for TESI’s Instagram campaign, Know Your Florida and producing content for the TESI website and monthly environmental newsletter, Earth to Florida. Environmental Communicators also assist with planning and developing targeted digital awareness campaigns, such as our recent Insect Effect campaign.
In addition to their content production roles, Environmental Coordinators also help coordinate the UF TESI Environmental Leaders Network, a campus hub for connecting students to environmental research, education & outreach, and civic engagement opportunities and resources.
Communicators go on to the next stage in their career with a science communication portfolio of educational blog posts, feature stories, social media posts, graphics and more. This is a truly hands-on experience!
TESI also partners with Florida Museum of Natural History interns to translate select Know Your Florida social media posts into Spanish. These interns are University of Florida students pursuing studies in Spanish, and they are mentored in the translation process by Florida Museum youth outreach coordinator Alberto Lopez Torres. Learn more about the Know Your Florida: Social Media Translation Project.
Click on the student profiles below to learn more about them and view some of their work.
If you’re a student interested in joining our team, keep an eye on our Job Opportunities page for upcoming internship openings.
Current Communicators
Student Products
Tell Me About: Florida Panthers
The iconic Florida panther is more than just a mascot for countless sports teams, it's an important part of Florida's environment. Panthers have been hunted...
Florida’s Environment: 10 Stories to Watch for May
To pair with the rest of our educational content in each Earth to Florida newsletter, we bring you monthly updates…
Florida’s Environment: What Happened in the 2023 State Legislative Session?
Lawmakers approved a $117 billion state budget and several bills related to our state's environment.
Tell Me About: Brazilian Peppertrees
Spreading over 700,000 acres in south and central Florida, the Brazilian peppertree is one of the most aggressive and widespread invasive plants in the state.
Student News
From the TESI Director: Investing in the Environmental Leaders of Tomorrow
Through the courses we teach and internships we offer, we equip students with practical skills in environmental research, communication, and civic engagement.
Patricia Escobar Torres Reflects on Being an Environmental Communicator
The time I spent with the UF Thompson Earth Systems Institute filled me with confidence and knowledge I didn’t know I could hold. Now, I can even share it.
Apply Today to Become a TESI Environmental Communicator
Expand your science communication skills through this internship. Applications are due April 12, 2023.
Kamya Bates Reflects on Her Time at TESI
As this chapter comes to a close, I am forever grateful for the knowledge, friendships, and skills I gained while being at TESI.
Previous Communicators
Patricia Escobar Torres
Environmental Communicator
Fall 2022-Spring 2023
Aadil Rahman
Environmental Leaders Network Intern and Environmental Communicator
Summer 2022-Spring 2023
Kamya Bates
Environmental Leaders Network Intern and Environmental Communicator
Summer 2022-Fall 2022
Riley Gonzalez
Environmental Communicator
Summer 2021-Summer 2022
Kassidy Robinson
Environmental Communicator
Spring 2022-Summer 2022
Jessie Moses
Environmental Communicator
Spring 2022-Summer 2022
Coleen Sailsman
Environmental Leaders Network Intern
Summer 2022
Sarisha Boodoo
Environmental Leaders Network Intern
Summer 2022
Jocelyn Kreider
Environmental Communicator
Spring 2022
Ellen Bausback
Environmental Communicator
Spring 2020-Spring 2022
Mindjina Courage
Environmental Communicator
Fall 2020-Spring 2022
Ayla Babanikos
Environmental Communicator
Summer 2021
Brittney Miller
Reporting & Communications Intern
Spring 2020 – Summer 2021
Lianne D’Arcy
Education & Communications Intern
Spring 2020 – Spring 2021
Felipe De La Guerra
Communications Intern
Spring 2019 – Summer 2020
Mary Jane Hughes
Education & Communications Intern
Summer 2019
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