FAMU School of the Environment Celebrates Nexus Scholars at White Coat and Greening Ceremony
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Posted By: Reginald Claremont on October 07, 2026 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. The ceremony highlighted how students use research to address challenges related toclimate, 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 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." 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 researchand 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. 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.” 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.” 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. “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. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Reginald Claremont
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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