Career Fair & Networking Reception

Tuesday, February 24 | 5:00pm–7:00pm | Grand Ballroom (2nd Floor)

Students and attendees alike can connect with professionals from across the water sector at the UF Water Institute Symposium Career Fair and Networking Reception. Representatives from federal, state, and local agencies, NGOs, industry, and academic programs will be available to share insights about their work, discuss career pathways, and highlight the skills and experiences valued in their fields.

This reception-style event offers a relaxed environment to explore career options, expand your professional network, and gain a deeper understanding of the diverse opportunities within water-related fields. The UF Career Connections Center will also be onsite to provide resume feedback, networking guidance, and career preparation support.

Water Science Career Panel for Students

Wednesday, February 25 | 12:15pm–1:15pm | Rion Ballroom (3rd Floor)

Moderators:

• Alexis Jackson, Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure & Environment
• Lexi Bolger, School of Natural Resources and Environment

Panelists:

• Savanna Barry, Regional Specialized Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Nature Coast Biological Station and Florida Sea Grant
• Rick Copeland, Founder, AquiferWatch -and- Former Assistant State Geologist, Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Geological Survey
• Stacey Day, Management Quality Monitoring & Assessment Program Manager, Pinellas County
  Division of Environmental
• Madelaine Hart, Environmental Administrator, Office of Agricultural Water Policy (OAWP), Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)
• Carolina Maran, Division Director for Flood Control and Water Supply Planning and Chief of District Resiliency, South Florida Water Management
• Maite de Maria, Postdoctoral Researcher, Cherokee Nation Solution System (in support of the USGS)
• Matthew Ross, Co-founder & CEO, OpenCurrent -and- Director, Geospatial Centroid, Colorado State University

Students will gain valuable insight into careers in water science at this engaging panel featuring professionals from academia, government agencies, consulting, conservation, and water management organizations. Panelists will share their career journeys, discuss the diverse opportunities within the field, and offer practical advice for students exploring or preparing for careers in water-related disciplines.

The session will begin with a moderated discussion, followed by an open Q&A, providing student attendees the opportunity to ask questions and connect directly with experienced professionals. Open to all Symposium-registered students, this session offers a unique chance to learn about career pathways, industry perspectives, and the skills needed to succeed in the water science profession.

If you RSVP’d to attend the panel (indicated by the lunch ticket in your nametag), lunch will be served on the third floor near the elevators. Please pick up your lunch promptly and proceed to the Rion Ballroom for the session.