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
Florida’s Environment: Sea Turtle Stories to Watch
To pair with this special edition of Earth to Florida celebrating World Sea Turtle Month, we are bringing you the…
One is All it Takes
For millions of years, sea turtles have played important roles in marine food chains. Today, they face many threats, most of which stem from human activity.
Celebrate Sea Turtles this Month with These Activities!
1. Listen to some turtle tunes: 2. Become a hero in a half shell with a sustainable turtle costume: Cut…
Action of the Week: Know What to Do if You Encounter a Sea Turtle!
What to do when you see a sea turtle on the beach If you see an uninjured nesting or hatchling…
Student News
Tell Me About: The Gulf Stream
What’s going on? The Gulf Stream is a long ocean current that runs along the east coast of the United…
TESI Grad Assistant Isabelle Gain & Environmental Communicator Augustus Hoff Honored at Champions for Change Awards
TESI Graduate Assistant Isabelle Gain and Environmental Communicator Augustus Hoff honored at Champions for Change awards.
TESI Celebrates Graduating Gators
Last week, TESI hosted an end of the year celebration to recognize all the incredible work produced by the institute’s…
Elise Plunk Reflects on Being an Environmental Communicator
I was a science kid growing up. I ran around outside, bits of sticks in my hair and mud on…
Previous Communicators
Genna Nordling
Environmental Communicator
Fall 2022-Spring 2024
Elise Plunk
Environmental Communicator
Summer 2023-Spring 2024
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![Ellen Bausback](https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/85/2020/02/bausback_thumb-150x150.jpg)
Environmental Communicator
Spring 2020-Spring 2022
Mindjina Courage![mindjina courage TESI communications intern](https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/85/2020/10/courage-150x150.jpeg)
Environmental Communicator
Fall 2020-Spring 2022
Ayla Babanikos![ayla babanikos](https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/85/2021/06/TESI-Profile-Photo-e1641309988586-150x150.png)
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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