The Thompson Earth Systems Institute at UF helped me merge my love of science and writing

When I arrived at the University of Florida, I was torn between majoring in environmental science or journalism. But joining the Thompson Earth Systems Institute, or TESI, showed me I did not have to choose between one or the other. 

TESI is part of the Florida Museum of Natural History, and it connects scientific research to communities through educational outreach and student leadership programs. By writing for TESI — in the form of social media posts, blogs, legislative updates and feature stories about Florida’s ecosystems — I discovered a space where both sides of myself can coexist and thrive.

I’m now a rising senior with a major in environmental science and a minor in agricultural and natural resources communication in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. My work with TESI began in Spring 2025 as an environmental leaders fellow, when I developed an outreach project called The Swamp for the Springs to educate the community on conservation practices. 

I went on field excursions to Manatee and Gilchrist Blue Springs, but the most impactful aspect of the fellowship was showcasing our project at the Florida Museum of Natural History Museum Fest. Riley Gallen, another fellow, and I presented Springs Pictionary and Tic-Tac-Toe Trivia to over 1,600 visitors in honor of the museum’s temporary farewell.

In Fall 2025, I became an environmental communications intern with a focus on the UF Biodiversity Institute — a role that allowed me to translate research via online platforms like blogs and social media posts. I wrote a piece called McCarty Woods: Fifty Events of Restoration and Renewal to raise awareness about the cause, and I even experienced my first restoration event. There, I got to meet some incredibly diverse and ambitious people, like one student interested in doing research on the gastrointestinal tract and another who wants to learn more about the mutualistic relationships of moss.

One of the most unexpectedly meaningful parts of my TESI experience has been the everyday conversations with my team. Our unique, curious conversations ground me with the notion that science communication is not just about research or writing; it is about people, connection and the joy of learning something new from those around you.

The support of the TESI team has carried me through moments of uncertainty and pushed me to grow into a person who values clarity, empathy and accessibility in her work. It has helped me find confidence in my voice and clarify my long-term goals. With reassurance from the fellowship and internship teams, I now know that I want to pursue a career in education, outreach or communications.

Growing up, I dreamed of becoming a park ranger because I loved the idea of meeting new people on a daily basis and sharing my passion for the natural world in doing so. Even as my career goals have evolved, the values behind that childhood dream have stayed the same: sharing science in a way people can use, supporting communities and protecting ecosystems.

Those values are what drew me to TESI, and the experience has helped me secure a summer internship with the UF/IFAS Extension in Lake County. This summer, I get to explore Extension work firsthand and build on the communication, education and outreach skills I have been developing. 

While I am excited to try out this new direction, I am just as excited to return to TESI in the fall as an environmental communications intern. Working in a slightly different role on the team as a generalist feels like a great next step — a chance to keep growing while staying rooted in the mission that first inspired me.

As I enter my senior year, I’m reflecting on how valuable this professional community is to me. In the midst of determining what I want out of a future career, TESI has granted me satisfaction in knowing that if I continue on the path I’m currently on, it will all land in place. Wherever I end up, I hope that the stories I tell influence others to practice environmental stewardship and effective altruism.

Abigail Davis is pursuing a degree in environmental science with a minor in agricultural and natural resource communication in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at UF. She enjoys living an active lifestyle, whether she is exercising outdoors or exploring somewhere new.