Research Assistants

My name is Jaylen Bain, and I am a senior Computer Science student at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and a Research Assistant with the Sustainability Institute. My research explores how data and machine learning can help us understand environmental challenges. In my current project, I study water temperatures at Florida’s Spring Creek Oyster Site and compare machine learning with simple temperature rules to evaluate potential 24-hour warnings of unusual local warming. I’m passionate about using computing to turn complex data into useful knowledge and, ultimately, help make the world more sustainable.

 

I am Tisha Exantus, a third-year Environmental Science Scholar from Fort Myers, Florida, with a passion for environmental sustainability, access to clean water, and renewable energy. My research focuses on using geospatial technologies, remote sensing, and machine learning to assess and monitor water quality. My overall goal is to contribute to solutions that address the global challenge of access to clean and safe potable water. I am particularly interested in how science, technology, and sustainable practices can be used to improve water resources and develop solutions accessible to communities worldwide. Outside of school and research, I enjoy writing poetry and painting.

 

My name is Jasmine Winston, and I am a Research Assistant at the Sustainability Institute, where I support campus sustainability projects, research, and cross-departmental collaboration. A lot of my work focuses on turning sustainability ideas into things that actually work on campus, from improving operations to increasing student involvement and accountability

I’m involved in rebuilding the campus garden as a shared space for learning, research, and relaxation, and I help document and highlight sustainability efforts led by the Institute and Sustainability Club. I also work with waste data and with campus partners, such as Plant Operations and Environmental Health & Safety, to better understand material flows and support long-term planning. Overall, my goal is to help strengthen student-led sustainability work and make the Sustainability Institute a more connected, visible, and impactful space on campus.

 

My name is Maya Shenefelt, and I am an Environmental Studies student at the School of the Environment, Florida A&M University, with a focus on clean energy systems and local energy policy. My current work centers on analyzing municipal clean energy plans, including data collection, policy evaluation, and assessment of pathways toward 100% clean energy targets. I am particularly interested in the intersection of energy infrastructure, environmental policy, and climate mitigation at the local level. Through my academic and research experience, I aim to contribute to evidence-based approaches that support effective and equitable clean energy.

 

My name is Jasmine Engel, and I am a junior Environmental Science major from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I am interested in the connection between human health and the environment, and how thoughtful, community-centered solutions can help create a more sustainable and just world.

My passion is in sustainable food systems. I hope to build my research experience in this field to help bridge the gap between food insecurity and access to nourishing, healthy food. Outside of school, I love practicing yoga and cooking plant-based meals!