Campus Naturalists
Campus Naturalists act as a liason to the campus community and particularly University
Colloquium students. Most importantly, naturalists act as peer interpreters, helping
students connect to the campus ecosystem and the wild side of Florida - including
campus trails, native and exotic wildlife, wetland and upland ecosystems, natural
and cultural resources and conservation areas.
Campus Naturalists primarily assist professors leading classes at Corkscrew Swamp
Sanctuary, Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, Lovers Key State Park, Downtown Fort
Myers, and on the Campus Trails. Naturalists may occasionally assist with other Colloquium
field trips, campus trail clean-ups and other service learning events sponsored by
University Colloquium. Naturalists help their peers understand the natural environment
they are visiting.
Interested in becoming a naturalist? Please send your resume, letter of interest and
a letter of recommendation from a faculty or staff member to Patty Krupp, Administrative
Assistant for University Colloquium, at pkrupp@fgcu.edu.
FOOD FOREST CAMPUS TRAIL MAP
Macy Noll
"Macy Noll here, Florida born and raised naturalist pursuing a dual degree in Art
and Biology! I'm incredibly passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration and love
exploring new avenues to bring the pathos of art and the logos of science together
in order to champion the cause of conservation. As an artist, my inspiration comes
mainly from the natural world and its Creator! I'm always eager to explore new mediums,
the most recent of which have been mural painting, ceramics, and illustration. As
a Biology major, I've had the amazing opportunity to collaborate with the Kimberly's
Reef team and am currently working on my scientific diving certifications. Inspiring
others to love and protect this beautiful world we've been given is the dream that
inspired me to become a campus naturalist, and I look forward to continuing in grad
school and beyond!"
Alexia Plankey
Hey!! My name is Alexia Plankey and I am an Environmental Studies major with a concentration
in Ecology and Environmental Assessment as well as two minors in Geology and Climate
Change. I love learning about the environment, hiking, exploring new places, hanging
out with my cat, crocheting, and painting. After I graduate, I want to move out west
and go into conservation research. I can't wait to use what I have learned in college
to make a positive impact in our world. I love teaching others about the environment,
and I can't wait to teach you all on our Colloquium field trips!
Emily Longstreet
Hi Everyone! I'm Emily and I'm majoring in Biology, concentrating in organismal studies
and minoring in Environmental Education. I'm a Florida girl born and raised but have
always been on the road traveling with friends and family. I plan to go for a doctorate
degree and travel the world conserving our beautiful wildlife. My position in the
Wildlife Club at FGCU has led me to become a naturalist as I hope to share and learn
from those with similar interests. Outside of academics, you can catch me line dancing
or practicing photography!
Sarah Searight
Hey guys! My name is Sarah and I am dual majoring in Marine Science and Environmental
Studies with a concentration in Environmental Education, and Florida Coastal Systems
Naturalist. I plan on being an informal water and sustainability educator and researcher.
Outside of school I enjoy traveling, gardening, painting, playing games, binge watching
TV, and hyper-focusing on new hobbies. As a Naturalist, I can't wait to share upcoming
Colloquium experiences with you.
Rory "Cush" Cushen
Hi! My name is Rory Cushen but I go by Cush. I am an Environmental Studies major with
minors in Creative Writing and Climate Change, class of 2023. I enjoy nature, my dogs,
laughing, and long walks on the beach. I'm joking, I'm terrified of the ocean; a Bahamas
cruise is my worst nightmare. While don't know specifically what I want to do after
college with the environment, I just want to ensure that the people that come after
me have the same opportunity to love nature as much as I do. I always hope to make
my trips educational, engaging and entertaining, because then it doesn't feel like
work. Hope to see you out there!
Vania Azevedo
Hi! My name is Vania Azevedo, and I am an Interdisciplinary Studies major. My passion
for sustainability and the environment all began with a service-learning event at
the FGCU Food Forest. I love learning about the environment and things I can do to
be more sustainable. Aside from school, I love spending time at the beach, kayaking,
cooking, gardening, spending time with my dog, etc. I have many plans for the future,
but I hope that I can always incorporate my passion for sustainability and the environment
in all my future endeavors. As a naturalist, I hope I can also spark a passion for
the environment and sustainability in our Colloquium field trips.
Alexandria Amunategui
Hi everyone! My name is Alexandria. I am an Environmental Studies major here at FGCU.
I have a concentration in Ecology and Environmental Assessment and while I'm not totally
sure what I would like to do after graduating, I have a deep passion and love for
the environment and find joy in inspiring others to find that love as well. In my
free time I enjoy going on walks, crocheting, painting, and experimenting in the kitchen.
I hope that I can bring a passion for and joy that inspires others to make a difference
on day at a time.
Ajpaal Kalyanmasih
Hi and shalom! I go by "Aj". When I was a kid growing up in Aurora, Colorado, I was
found climbing the old cottonwood tree in my backyard where I would spend a lot of
time in the branches listening to the wind tickle the leaves. When my family moved
to Tuscon, Arizona, I spent hours hiking the rugged Catalina Mountains in snow and
sun. Now that I live here in Florida, you guessed it! I am enjoying the beaches, wetlands,
canals and good friends! I am passionately pursing a degree in Integrated Studies
where I can "integrate" sustainable food-forestry with real-estate concepts to give
our children a dignified future without compromising their environment. Education
priority and FGCU is the best university where I can accomplish this and more with
a great team of naturalists and administrators....Go Eagles!