Dante Del Rosario

Dante is a junior at UF majoring in Environmental Management in Agriculture and Natural Resources. A lifelong resident of Alachua County, Dante has developed a great appreciation for North Central Florida’s unique upland, wetland, and aquatic habitats, and he is excited to learn more about managing these systems throughout the ACT internship. When not busy with school, you can find Dante tending to his collection of tropical fruit trees, hiking in Alachua County’s many trails, or digging up and studying wetland soils.

Jenna Mitchell

Jenna is a senior at the College of Central Florida, pursing a double major in Agricultural Business Management and Animal Science. Originally from Kentucky, she holds a passion for the outdoors and deep appreciation for conservation efforts. Jenna is honored to collaborate closely with ACT, where she will expand her knowledge in land management, invasive species removal and prescribed burning. In her free time Jenna finds joy in reading, working out, and going to the beach.

Seth Hoholick

Seth Hoholick is a fourth-year student at the University of Florida majoring in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. He found his appreciation for nature at a young age from camping, hunting, and working on his father’s tree farm in Southern Ohio. He is excited to work with the ACT this summer and hopes to learn fieldwork skills, and management practices that he can apply toward a career in land management. In his spare time, Seth enjoys hiking, paddling, biking, exercising, reading, and working on various art projects.

Sara Broskie

Sara Broskie is a senior at the University of Florida pursuing a degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation with a minor in Aquatic and Fishery sciences. She is eager to strive for a career as a field biologist eventually retiring as a park ranger. Sara is grateful for the opportunity to work with ACT this summer and develop land management skills including invasive species removal, plant ID, and use of chainsaw equipment. She has always been fascinated with nature and hobbies include hiking, kayaking, gardening, and reading.

Maylen Bowen

Maylen is a fourth year student majoring in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. She is originally from northern Indiana, where she grew up visiting different state parks with her grandmother. She has had a passion for wildlife and the environment since she was very young. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gaming, and traveling. She is grateful and excited for this opportunity to expand her knowledge and develop her skills in conservation through ACT.

Bianca Forsyth

Bianca is currently pursuing a degree in Biology at The University of Florida, where her studies have centered on microbiology and chemistry. Fueled by a passion for environmental conservation, she chose this academic path to deepen her understanding of the natural world and its ecosystems. Outside of academic pursuits and work commitments, she enjoys activities such as bike riding, reading, and dancing. Her exploration of Florida’s beautiful environment has further fueled her desire to make a positive impact on the natural world. She is excited about the opportunity to learn and grow during the internship, committed to contributing her best efforts to the team.

Abbi Johnson

Abbi is a third-year student at the University of Florida working on a double major Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation and Plant Science. She loves nature and enjoys expanding her knowledge of wildlife and plant species. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and pets.

Rowan Coogan

Rowan is a Gainesville local and Wildlife Ecology & Conservation student at UF. This semester, she is excited to gain fieldwork experience and learn about land management. She is deeply passionate about preserving Florida ecosystems and protecting wildlife, and after graduating from UF, she hopes to find a career in conservation. In her free time, Rowan enjoys roller derby, reading, and hiking with her dog, Wallace.

 Chris Landaeta

Chris is a recent graduate from the University of Florida, with a B.S. in Environmental Science and a Minor in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. As a Gainesville local, Chris has spent countless hours exploring and getting familiar with the preserves and “hidden gems” in Gainesville and Alachua County, all while also establishing connections with different environmental organizations, such as the ACT, Florida Springs Council, and Ashton Biological Preserve. In his free time, Chris loves to organize hikes with friends, skate, and do volunteer work. You might often see him wearing his usual beanie and flannel fit and might run into him along a trail or at a local farmer’s market. He is very passionate about learning more about our natural world and teaching others about it. His favorite ACT preserves are Little Orange Creek Preserve and Rock Bluff Springs.

Naomi Ballard

Naomi Ballard is a professional artist and tattooer residing in Ocala, Florida. She has a bachelor’s in Studio Art from the University of Minnesota Morris. Currently, Naomi is working towards her Florida Master Naturalist Certificate. As a full-time professional artist for over 15 years, Naomi has shown her paintings in galleries and festivals across the United States and has taught art to children and adults of all ages. Naomi’s love of birds, nature, and conserving wildlife has inspired her paintings and tattoos for many years, now it is inspiring her to transition into a career in natural resources. Naomi is very excited about this opportunity to work, learn, and grow this summer with Alachua Conservation Trust.