This spring, the University of Florida Gulf Scholars was proud to support 10 undergraduate interns who had the opportunity to engage in a diverse range of projects focused on environmental resilience, public health, and community engagement across the Gulf region. These students—representing a variety of majors from environmental science to political science, engineering, and architecture—partnered with faculty mentors, research institutes, and community organizations to address pressing issues in the Gulf. Their work exemplifies the interdisciplinary spirit and real-world impact of the Gulf Scholars Program.
Kelvin Gonzales is a sophomore pursuing a dual degree in Health Education and Behavior and Nutritional Sciences. A first-generation college student, Kelvin is passionate about addressing health disparities and advocating for underrepresented communities. This semester, he worked with Dr. Erta Cenko to research how community-based organizations across the Gulf region are responding to health inequities—helping to map their efforts and identify opportunities for collaboration.
Learn more about his Gulf Impact Project: Health Disparities in the Gulf
Kamila Koralasbayev is a Spring ’25 graduate who majored in Marine Sciences with a minor in Extension Education. This spring, she worked with Dr. Savanna Barry at the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station to support outreach and prevention strategies aimed at reducing seagrass scarring along Florida’s Gulf Coast. She has a passion for environmental conservation and science communication and hopes to pursue a career in marine ecosystem protection and public outreach. Kamila also served as an Environmental Communicator with the UF Thompson Earth Systems Institute.
Learn more about her Gulf Impact Project: Preventing Seagrass Scarring
Abigail Davis is a junior majoring in Environmental Science with a minor in Leadership. As a UF Thompson Earth Systems Institute Environmental Leaders Fellow, she worked this spring on the Swamp for the Springs project, which explores sustainable management strategies for Florida’s springs and surrounding ecosystems. Abigail is passionate about environmental stewardship and effective altruism, and she hopes to inspire the UF community to adopt more environmentally conscious practices. Outside of academics and fellowship work, she enjoys social runs, backpacking, line dancing, and arts and crafts through service projects.
Learn more about her Gulf Impact Project: The Swamp for the Springs
Patrick Gawienczuk is a senior pursuing dual degrees in Geography and Economics, focusing on using artificial intelligence and remote sensing to tackle environmental challenges. This spring, he worked with Dr. Jasmine McNealy on a project exploring how AI, water systems, and data intersect in rural Gulf communities. His research aims to advance geospatial technologies that inform policy and promote environmental resilience in vulnerable ecosystems.
Learn more about his Gulf Impact Project: Rural AI and Policy
Jayden Adjodha is a junior pursuing dual degrees in Political Science and Economics with a minor in European Union Studies. This spring, he worked with the CLEO Institute on a climate communication and outreach project focused on engaging Gulf-adjacent communities. Jayden’s work centers on public policy and environmental advocacy, aiming to inspire local action through effective climate storytelling and civic engagement.
Learn more about his Gulf Impact Project: Let’s Talk Climate with The CLEO Institute
Grace Stoker is a junior majoring in health sciences with minors in mass communication studies and health administration. Her academic interests center on public health research and expanding access to care, particularly through innovative communication strategies. As part of the Health Disparities in the Gulf project, Grace worked under the mentorship of Dr. Erta Cenko to investigate the social, economic, and environmental factors contributing to health inequities across Gulf Coast communities. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in health administration after graduation.
Learn more about her Gulf Impact Project: Health Disparities in the Gulf
Eva Galleazzi Bruno is a junior majoring in Political Science, with a minor in Environmental Justice and Policy and a certificate in International Relations. She is passionate about social and environmental justice, legal advocacy, and public policy. Eva brings experience as a legal assistant and legislative intern, as well as leadership in student organizations focused on civic engagement. As a Gulf Scholar, she worked with the CLEO Institute on climate education and community outreach, helping to advance public understanding of the climate crisis and its impacts across the Gulf South. After graduation, she plans to attend law school to continue her commitment to policy and advocacy.
Learn more about his Gulf Impact Project: Let’s Talk Climate with The CLEO Institute
Daniela Peraza Vasquez is a freshman majoring in Architecture and planning to minor in Sustainability and the Built Environment. She is interested in the intersection of public health, community resilience, and the built environment, and hopes to explore these themes through research during her time at the University of Florida. Daniela is a member of the Venezuelan Student Association and an active participant in the Gulf Scholars program. This spring, she worked with the Community Weatherization Coalition to support and expand the organization’s Spanish-speaking outreach efforts—connecting more households with energy efficiency resources and disaster preparedness tools. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career in creative and sustainable architectural design.
Learn more about her Gulf Impact Project: Spanish Language Outreach with the Community Weatherization Coalition
Riley Gallen is a junior majoring in Environmental Engineering with a strong interest in climate action and marine conservation. She is passionate about developing practical, science-based solutions that support sustainable coexistence between people and the planet. This Spring, Riley worked with the Thompson Earth Systems Institute on The Swamp for the Springs campaign, helping to raise awareness about Florida’s freshwater springs and the threats they face. She is especially focused on outreach strategies that educate the public and inspire environmental stewardship. After graduation, Riley hopes to apply her engineering background to restore coastal ecosystems, including coral reefs and other critical habitats.
Learn more about her Gulf Impact Project: The Swamp for the Springs
Mary Schneider is a senior majoring in Environmental Science with a strong interest in ecology, education, and sustainable development. Her passion for understanding the structure and function of natural systems has led her to participate in field research across marine, terrestrial, and coastal environments throughout her undergraduate career. This spring, Mary worked with researchers at the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station on Operation TRAP—a project focused on the removal and monitoring of marine debris in the Gulf. Through this work, she is contributing to efforts that protect native biodiversity and support long-term ecosystem resilience. After graduation, Mary plans to pursue a career in environmental education and sustainability.
Learn more about her Gulf Impact Project: Operation TRAP
Interested in pursuing aUF Gulf Scholars experiential learning opportunity? Visit the following link to learn more: Gulf Impact Projects