Eco-Anxiety and Eco-Hope: A New Generation Speaks Out

Speakers for this event

• Andrew Hargrove

  Andrew Hargrove

  Dr. Andrew Hargrove is an interdisciplinary environmental sociologist and full-time faculty member in the Judy Genshaft Honors College at the University of South Florida. His research and teaching use a global focus that considers the political economic, social, and environmental factors that lead to environmental problems. He is also focused on shifting the narratives around climate change from doom and gloom to hope and action to facilitate the cultural shift that is necessary to bring about a better future for humanity and the environment.

• Laurel Kerkman

  Laurel Kerkman

  Laurel Kerkman is a sophomore at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. She is majoring in environmental policy and sustainability with hopes of attending law school in the future.

• Michael Johnson

  Michael Johnson

  Michael Johnson is a senior Environmental Science & Policy major at USF. He is also pursuing a minor in Legal Studies. Originally from Orlando, Michael is a member of USF’s Judy Genshaft Honors College. His senior Honors thesis analyzed the City of St. Petersburg’s comprehensive plan in regard to climate change and coastal development. Michael is currently applying to law school and plans a career as an environmental lawyer.

• Sarah-Jane Vatelot

  Sarah-Jane Vatelot

  Sarah-Jane Vatelot has been working in the field of architecture since 2007, passing through structural engineering and interior design firms onto tackling high-profile architectural projects in the Tampa Bay Area. She has a passion for architecture and its ability to participate in and positively affect social change. She received her Bachelor of Design in Architecture from the University of Florida in 2007 and her Master’s in Architecture from the University of South Florida’s School of Architecture and Community Design in 2019. Her Master's Thesis "Where have all the Mangoes Gone? Reactivating the Tropicana Field site – on the Threshold of St Petersburg’s History, Culture and Memory." was published in 2019 by the St Petersburg Press and has contributed to the shift in public discourse surrounding the redevelopment of the former Gas Plant Neighborhood. Sarah-Jane was subsequently invited to join the Sugar Hill Community Partners Development Team in drafting a proposal for the 86 acres of land in the heart of St Petersburg. The proposal is one of the two finalists currently under consideration with Mayor Ken Welch’s office. She looks forward to participating in the one of the largest and most transformational projects in the Southeastern United States in her adoptive hometown.