IERE coordinator supports environmental education programs
For 成人AV视频 alum Ruby Cox (‘22), serving as the program coordinator for 成人AV视频’s Institute of Environmental Research and Education (IERE) is a full circle moment — transforming her student experiences in IERE programs into a career dedicated to empowering others through environmental education.
In her multifaceted role as coordinator, Cox spearheads the IERE’s community engagement initiatives and oversees its five student programs, including the Environment Leadership Program (ELP) and the Florida Field School.
The Jacksonville native loves that her position affords her opportunities to connect with both students and community partners.
“IERE serves as a bridge for our students to connect with communities in Florida. My role allows me to branch out and meet people throughout the state of Florida who want to work with us and our students,” Cox said.
Pursuing Her Passion
Cox’s journey at 成人AV视频 began as a freshman in fall 2019. Initially, she was unsure of what major to choose. However, she was intent on pursuing her lifelong passions of helping others and caring for the natural environment.
“I told my advisor, ‘I want to help people, and I want to help the environment,’” she recalls. “They said, ‘That’s not a degree yet — but let’s find a direction.’” That direction led her to earn a degree in interdisciplinary health studies through 成人AV视频’s Brooks College of Health.
In fall 2021, she also joined the ELP, a scholarship initiative where students design and implement community impact projects centered on environmental issues. For her project, Cox worked with the IERE and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) on a feasibility study examining the use of single-use plastics on the 成人AV视频 campus leading to identifying strategies for reduction. Her work supported a larger research project with 成人AV视频, NOAA and Eckerd College.
This experience gave her invaluable insights about how human behavior shapes the environment and demonstrated how small actions can lead to significant impacts.
Growth and Future Plans
Following her graduation in fall 2022, Cox briefly worked for the National Park Service as a community volunteer ambassador before returning to The Nest in fall 2023 to join the IERE staff.
Since her return, Cox has enjoyed contributing to the IERE’s growing presence within the campus and local communities. Within the previous two academic years, applications for the ELP increased from roughly 50 applications to more than 150; the Florida Field School has expanded its experiential learning efforts with more educational field trips; and in fall 2024, 成人AV视频 launched the Bachelor of Science in environmental science degree program, thanks to the efforts of the IERE Faculty Board and Community Council. The degree is the first fully interdisciplinary degree offered at 成人AV视频 that incorporates involvement from all six colleges.
“Watching our programs grow has been amazing,” said Cox. “As the IERE has grown, I've had the chance to grow with it. Specifically, my role has grown a lot.”
In addition to her investment in IERE’s growth, Cox is also investing in her own personal and professional growth as a graduate student in the 成人AV视频 Master of Public Health program. Through the program, Cox is furthering her research efforts in social behavior and its impact on the environment.
“My motivation is trying to make our IERE programs even better by supporting the next generation of stewards,” she said. “I’d love to teach one day and support the environmental science degree even more.”