Meet Our Summer Intern Team!

Meet the amazing team of intern Project Specialists that are sustaining Better Universe and Citizens’ conservation efforts this summer!

Sophie Vega is a third-year student at Florida State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Psychology, with a certificate in Global Citizenship. Sophie has been passionate about environmental conservation and poverty relief from a young age, and is excited to bring awareness to the Haiti Grass Project. She specializes in digital campaigns, and is currently managing all of Better Universe and Citizens’ social media platforms, creating original graphics, and designing our website.

Marissa Goss is a third-year student at Florida State University pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Environment & Society. She is passionate about Urban Planning and is in FSU DURP's combined Bachelor's/Master's degree program. As a project specialist with Better Universe and Citizens, Marissa is focused on environmental research and sustainability. Marissa collects data on Carbon emissions and offsets, researches other potential planting efforts our organization could embark on, and uses GIS to look at the progress our planting efforts have made throughout Haiti.

Kelyn O'Dell is a recent Florida State University graduate in International Affairs. She is passionate about environmental issues and hopes she can demonstrate a positive change within Haiti through conservation. In the past, Kelyn has worked on digital media management and project coordination for Better Universe and Citizens. Kelyn is currently volunteering her time to our organization to upload and organize photographs taken of conservation efforts in Haiti, as well as assisting in public outreach.

Sofia Gasbarro is a 3rd-year student at Florida State University studying International Affairs and Political Science. She hopes that her work at the BUC in tandem with FSU will aid in the restoration of Haiti’s environment, raise awareness, and promote outreach efforts to members of FSU’s campus community with the BUC’s mission in mind. She has worked with Dr. Tawainga since her freshman year and currently works in Coordination and Outreach for Better Universe and Citizens.

We are so grateful to have them this summer and are thankful for all the work they do for the community in Haiti!