FAMU School of the Environment Celebrates Nexus Scholars at White Coat and Greening Ceremony
Tallahassee, Fl. - Florida A&M University’s School of the Environment celebrated 26 incoming Nexus Scholars and 21 graduating seniors during its White Coat and Greening Ceremony on Sept. 18 at the Frederick Humphries Science Research Center.
Incoming students received white coats to mark the start of their academic and research experience in the Nexus Scholars-in-Residence Program. Graduating seniors received green blazers recognizing their years of research, academic achievement and professional development.
Former Florida A&M University President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., addresses attendees
as School of the Environment Dean Victor Ibeanusi, Ph.D., D.h.c., looks on during
the White Coat and Greening Ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Ernest Nelfrard.)
The ceremony highlighted how students use research to address challenges related to climate, energy, food systems, public health and community well-being.
“Since its launch in 2018, the Nexus Scholars-in-Residence Program has served as a cornerstone of this effort by providing undergraduate students with immersive research experiences, individualized faculty mentorship, experiential learning opportunities and exposure to cutting-edge technologies,” said Victor M. Ibeanusi, Ph.D., dean of the School of the Environment.
A Florida A&M University School of the Environment Nexus Scholar receives a white
coat during the White Coat and Greening Ceremony on Sept. 18. (Photo courtesy of Ernest
Nelfrard.)
A Full-Circle Moment
For graduating Nexus Scholars, the ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect on the research, internships and professional experiences that shaped their time at FAMU.
Jasmine Engel, a fourth-year environmental science student from Milwaukee, said receiving her green blazer brought her back to the beginning of her college experience.
“It’s really full circle coming back and seeing how far we’ve come from getting our white coats,” Engel said. “It’s really cool to be able to share all of our experiences and research we’ve done."
Fourth-year environmental science student Jasmine Engel receives her green blazer from School of the Environment Dean Victor M. Ibeanusi, Ph.D., marking a full-circle moment in her journey as a Nexus Scholar. (Photo courtesy of Ernest Nelfrard.)
During her time in the School of the Environment, Engel participated in internships with the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and a farm in Wisconsin. Those experiences helped her develop an interest in food sustainability, which she plans to study in graduate school.
Students also complete a senior capstone project, building on the program’s research and experiential learning opportunities.
“Whether they’re going on to medical school or law school, or pursuing a master’s degree or a Ph.D., that’s what we’re preparing our students for,” said Joel Blount Jr., director of Student Success in the School of the Environment.
Joel Blount, Ph.D., celebrates with a graduating Florida A&M University School of
the Environment student after she received her green blazer, marking a milestone in
her academic journey. (Photo courtesy of Ernest Nelfrard.)
Maya Shenefelt, a fourth-year environmental studies student from Jackson, Mississippi, said the program helped her develop professional connections and gain confidence through her research and involvement at FAMU.
“It gave me the resources to meet the people I need to meet outside the School of the Environment, and it gave me the confidence, academically, to feel like I was capable of taking those positions,” Shenefelt said. “The most meaningful part was becoming president of GenCLEO, because that is where I achieved the most hands-on environmental policy work.”
Florida A&M University environmental studies and pre-law scholar Maya Shenefelt proudly
wears her green blazer, symbolizing her academic growth and accomplishments as a Nexus
Scholar. (Photo courtesy of Ernest Nelfrard.)
GenCLEO FAMU is the youth arm campus chapter of the CLEO Institute, a Florida-based nonprofit organization focused on climate education,
advocacy and engagement. Shenefelt plans to practice environmental law for a nonprofit.
A New Beginning
For transfer student Sanaya Jones, receiving her white coat represented a fresh start.
“Honestly, I’m honored. I’m blessed,” Jones said. “The school that I transferred from, there weren’t many opportunities, and there wasn’t a white coat ceremony, so I think this is honestly a new beginning for me, a fresh start.”
School of the Environment Dean Victor M. Ibeanusi, Ph.D., congratulates an incoming
Nexus Scholar during the White Coat and Greening Ceremony. The white coat marks the
beginning of students’ academic and research experiences in the Nexus Scholars-in-Residence
Program. (Photo courtesy of Ernest Nelfrard.)
Jones said she looks forward to gaining hands-on laboratory experience and hopes to
pursue a career as a pollution analyst, with interests in climate change and pollution.
Terrance Shields, an incoming environmental science student, said hearing from graduating scholars helped ease some of the uncertainty that can accompany the beginning of a college experience.
“I feel like this is the start of the next chapter of higher education, and it brings me a sense of purpose,” Shields said. “When you see the people who have gone before you and are taking the steps of what’s ahead, it takes a little bit of weight off your shoulders when you’re not exactly sure what career path you’re going for.”
Shields said he is interested in learning more about bioengineering and environmental policy.
Research With Impact
Beyond preparing students for their next academic and professional steps, the School of the Environment emphasizes research designed to address the needs of communities.
A Florida A&M University School of the Environment student poses with her parent during
the White Coat and Greening Ceremony on Sept. 18. (Photo courtesy of Ernest Nelfrard.)“What makes us different from other environmental sciences is our impact on the communities
that we serve,” Blount said. “Whether it’s oyster farmers, communities seeking help
with water problems, farmers or rural communities that need help with mapping their land, we can help them.”
The School of the Environment has experienced a 32% increase in enrollment compared with previous semesters, reflecting continued growth in its academic programs. The school is also working to expand its outreach to prospective students, including opportunities to introduce local high school students to geospatial artificial intelligence through its mobile laboratory resources.
An incoming Nexus Scholar celebrates receiving her white coat alongside family members
during the School of the Environment’s White Coat and Greening Ceremony. The milestone
marks the beginning of her academic and research experience in the Nexus Scholars-in-Residence
Program. (Photo courtesy of Ernest Nelfrard.)
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
