Spring 2025 Nonprofit Operations Interns
Matthew Sloboda
ACT Spring 2025 Outreach Intern
Matthew is a senior at the University of Florida studying Economics with a focus on Sustainable Development. Originally from Fort Lauderdale, Matthew has spent the past four years fully embracing Gainesville’s natural beauty, whether exploring local trails, volunteering with campus conservation groups, or working with sustainable nonprofits. A passionate hiker and avid advocate for environmental stewardship, Matthew dedicates free time to visiting national parks and embracing any and all activities outside. Beyond the outdoors, Matthew enjoys discovering thrift shops, investing time with friends, and ceramics. Through this internship, Matthew is thrilled to get more involved in the community and continue charting a professional path committed to protecting our shared natural resources.
Lilah Durant
ACT Spring 2025 Outreach Intern
Lilah is a senior at the University of Florida majoring in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. She has always been a lover of the outdoors and animals, but through ACT she has discovered her passion for environmental outreach and education and hopes to continue this post-grad. Outside of ACT, she enjoys reading, knitting, and exploring local nature areas
Kayla Ifemade
ACT Spring 2025 Outreach Intern
Meet Kayla! She’s a Junior at the University of Florida, studying Political Science with a minor in Environmental Justice and Policy. Kayla is passionate about sustainability and loves spending time outdoors, whether it’s going on nature walks or exploring the thrift and vintage scene in Gainesville. Kayla is from Wesley Chapel, FL, and has found meaningful ways to serve her community through volunteer work, always looking for new ways to make a positive impact.
Lauren Roop
ACT Spring Advocacy Intern
Lauren is a senior at the University of Florida majoring in environmental science and minoring in geography, sustainability, and agricultural and natural resource law. She is passionate about conservation and sustainability, with a strong interest in preserving natural ecosystems and promoting environmental education. Lauren enjoys working hands-on in the field and aims to apply her knowledge to address ecological challenges. She plans to pursue a career in environmental law or conservation management to help protect natural resources for future generations.
Rachael Tuck
ACT Spring 2025 Environmental Education Intern
Rachael is a fourth-year environmental science major at UF. She has spent her entire life in Florida and has grown very passionate about protecting our natural resources that you can’t find anywhere else. She loves to be outdoors and has a great interest in the environment, and with ACT she hopes to inspire that same love in children. Outside of ACT, she also enjoys reading and spending time at the springs.
Christopher Carnes
ACT Spring 2025 Environmental Education Intern
Christopher is a senior at the University of Florida and is from Stuart, Florida. He is earning his Bachelor’s degree in Sustainability Studies with minors in Non-Profit Organizational Leadership, International Studies in Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Leadership. He plans to attend graduate school next year to get a masters in public administration focusing on nonprofit management. Christopher is passionate about sustainable systems and providing quality educational experiences to all students.
Ella Gerace
ACT Spring 2025 Environmental Education Intern
Grace is a third year Wildlife and Ecology Conservation student with a minor in Communications and International Studies at the University of Florida. She has always been passionate about the environment and animals, and she is grateful to be able to use this passion in her future career. She is extremely excited for the opportunity to teach kids about the importance of conserving our native environments while also strengthening her communication and outreach skills.
Grace Johansson
ACT Spring 2025 Environmental Education Intern
Grace is a University of Florida senior pursuing a degree in Natural Resource Conservation. In addition to focusing on ecology, science communication, and natural resource management, Grace is working on a Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) certificate. Grace is also an active member of the UF SCUBA program, where she proudly serves as an Instructor for the open water and advanced open water courses. This role marries her passion for conservation with her love for education. Grace is excited to expand on these passions while working with the ACT team.
Fall Intern Gallery
