Spring 2026 Natural Resource Management Interns
Jessica Himes
Originally from Texas, Jessica relocated to Florida to continue her education at the University of South Tampa to pursue a B.S. In Environmental Science and Policy. She has completed coursework in geology, climate science, and environmental studies, including fieldwork like stratigraphic analysis and geological mapping in Caprock Canyons State Park. Jessica is very passionate about conservation and looks forward to gaining more field experience with ACT as she works towards a career as an Environmental Scientist.
Katie Titsworth
Katie is a senior at UF majoring in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation and will be graduating this May. Growing up near the beach in Bradenton, Florida, they developed a strong interest in coastal ecology and wildlife. In their free time, they enjoy going birding and spending time with their cat, Darwin. Katie hopes to build practical experience with equipment, prescribed fire, and land management techniques to be fully prepared for a future in conservation work.
Angel Rodriguez
Angel Rodriguez is a fourth-year student at the University of Florida majoring in Geography and Sustainability Studies, with a minor in Environmental Horticulture. Outside of academics, he enjoys exploring new local restaurants with friends, thrifting, and spending time outdoors whenever possible. He is also an avid dog lover, caring for my own golden retriever while also working as a dog walker throughout college. The drastic change in scenery from his hometown of Miami to Gainesville deepened his appreciation for the outdoors, driving his passion for his current studies and career interests in conservation and plant science.
Orrin Luke
Orrin is a Senior at UF majoring in Agricultural Education and Communication. Growing up just outside Alachua County, he enjoys spending time outdoors, playing piano, and working out. He has always had a fascination for the Life Sciences including conservation. He hopes that through his work with ACT, he can build up his land management skills and continue in a conservation focused career path.
Sofia First
Sofia is a recent graduate from the University of Florida, earning a degree in Natural Resource Conservation. Born and raised in St. Petersburg, FL, she aims to build a career in habitat restoration, driven by a deep interest in botany. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, cooking, yoga, and spending time with her family, friends, and dog. She has always been interested in sustainable living and conservation and is looking forward to this opportunity to work with ACT!
Natasha Rattray
Natasha is a third-year student at the University of Florida, majoring in Business Administration with a specialization in Sustainability, and a minor in Environmental Science. Her life long passion for protecting natural spaces, and her love for wildlife, has inspired her to gain experience within the environmental field. She is excited for all the ACT has to teach her and looks forward to spending time learning outdoors. In her free time she loves to travel, paint, garden, and exercise. In the future, she wants to pursue a career focused on helping the planet, its wildlife, and wild spaces.
Emily Johnson
Emily is a senior at the University of Florida, majoring in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. Growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, with a wide variety of parks and trails, she developed an interest in working outdoors and with people. She one day wants to become an Environmental Educator, working with kids to inspire the next generation of wildlife lovers. In her free time, Emily loves making art, singing, spending time with her family, and more. She's looking forward to spending her spring semester with ACT, learning valuable outdoor management skills, and meeting new people.
Veda Rajesh
Veda is a first-year student pursuing a bachelor's degree in environmental science at the University of Florida. She values experiential learning and is eager to utilize her training with ACT to decide on her future career path. Veda enjoys hiking and reading and hopes to visit more natural wonders around the world. She is passionate about engaging in community-based initiatives and creating meaningful change in the world.
