Congratulations to TESI Graduate Assistant Isabelle “Izzy” Gain who was honored with a Champions for Change award for her work on TESI’s Environmental Leaders Network. A partnership program between the Office of Sustainability and Healthy Gators, the annual Champions for Change Awards recognizes individuals and groups in the UF community who have made significant contributions in the areas of sustainability or health & wellness during their time at UF.

Izzy was recognized for her phenomenal stewardship of TESI’s Environmental Leaders Network this past year. The Environmental Leaders Network is a community for all UF undergraduate students — aspiring biologists, economics enthusiasts, creative artists, and more — to grow and learn how to use their skills to shape a greener future. It offers a centralized platform for students to explore their interests, skills, and passions through environmental research, education, and civic engagement opportunities both on campus and throughout our community. 

Through her stewarding of the Network, Izzy has helped train Florida’s future environmental leaders by increasing access to environmental opportunities for hundreds of students across campus. Since the start of her role on the project, Izzy helped the Network grow to include more than 350 students representing more than 74 majors. Through collaboration with partner organizations and independent research, Izzy has curated more than 200 opportunities to share with these students – ranging from internships with the Florida Park Service to research opportunities in labs here at UF.

TESI Environmental Communicator Augustus Hoff was also honored for his work with Quail Hollow Conservation. His band, Quail Hollow, plays shows within the greater Gainesville community to raise money and awareness for conservation.