Welcome TO OUR FALL SEMESTER
UNDERGraduate PROGRAM
Congratulations to all of our summer graduates!
Feenix Hartell, FYCS undergraduate academic adviser, has a message for all our incoming students:
"Welcome back, Family, Youth, and Community Sciences students! As we kick off this new academic year, I want to extend a warm welcome to all of you—returning students and new faces alike. We're thrilled to have you back and ready to dive into another exciting semester filled with learning, growth, and exploration.As we dive into the new semester, this is a friendly reminder to make sure you visit the advising office. Whether you’re a returning student or just starting out, meeting with your advisor is a great way to ensure you’re on track with your academic goals, discuss course selections, and address any questions or concerns you might have.Your advisor is here to support you in navigating your academic journey, so don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment. Regular check-ins can help you stay focused, make informed decisions, and take full advantage of the resources available to you.
Make sure to stop by the advising office soon—we look forward to seeing you! Best wishes for a successful semester!"
To schedule a meeting or advising appointment: https://calendly.com/fhartell
Dr. Kim Wiley's Nonprofit & Advocacy Lab Publishes Two Articles
Did you know Florida has over 900 food and agricultural nonprofits, such as food pantries, farmers associations, farmers markets, and soup kitchens? The FYCS Nonprofit & Advocacy Lab recently published two articles mapping these nonprofits along the food supply chain and categorizing their food safety regulations. The lab is currently recruiting ten undergraduate research assistants studying food or agricultural sciences to complete the nonprofit leadership minor and continue this research this year. The two-year paid assistantship in the applied sciences includes a two-semester internship in a local nonprofit. The aim is to prepare students to work in food and agricultural nonprofits or pursue graduate school to study this valuable nonprofit sector.
Check out the articles:
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Introducing Dr. Tyler Nesbit
Dr. Tyler Nesbit graduated with his Ph.D. in YDFS in August of 2024. Immediately after graduation, he started a postdoc position at UF’s College of Medicine. He works with Dr. Carla Fisher and Dr. Carma Bylund in the Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics to adapt a communication intervention for family member caregivers of patients with cancer and dementia.
Tyler states, “It is really a great fit for my interests and continued education as a researcher and scientist.” As for words of wisdom for how he got to this point in his life, Dr. Nesbit posts “to never to give up on yourself. Trust your process and your path as what is best for you. It may not look like another's path, and that really is ok. In those moments when you become separated from the pack, use those departures to recalibrate to your own sense of guidance from within. It will not steer you wrong.”
Congratulations Dr. Tyler Nesbit on continuing success in your career trajectory!
Introducing Dr. Selena Garrison
Dr. Selena Garrison graduated with her Ph.D. in YDFS in August of 2024 and is continuing to work with Dr. Martie Gillen in FYCS as the Study Coordinator for the Florida Youth Experiences Study (FL YES). This is the first study in Florida following youth as they age out of foster care, with a goal of elevating youth voices and providing a comprehensive view of their experiences as they move from foster care to adulthood.
Selena says, “As a foster and adoptive parent myself, serving in this capacity allows me to pair my personal and professional passions in a way that can truly make a difference for those impacted by foster care in Florida.” In pondering how she got to this place, Dr. Garrison shares, “I just keep walking through the next open door. Foster care is hard. Earning a PhD is hard. That’s ok. I want my kids to see that their mom can do hard things, and so can they.”
The Luck of The Irish: PhD Student Kimber Sarver becomes first Graduate Teaching Assistant for UF in Galway and Gweedore Study Abroad program
Kimber Sarver wrote about her experience:
"Am I Irish? No. But, I have seemed to receive the luck of the Irish this past Spring of 2024 when I was given the go ahead to become the first Graduate Teaching Assistant on the UF in Galway and Gweedore Study Abroad program.
The work did not begin in Ireland, it actually began months prior. I am very fortunate that the founder and director of the program, Dr. Kate Fletcher, brought me in at the very beginning so that I could gain experience in the logistics of a study abroad program. We began interviewing possible participants in the fall of 2023. In 2024, we conducted four pre-departure meetings with all selected participants. Because I planned on conducting my own research while in Ireland, before we even left the continent I developed my research plan, research questions, amended IRB protocols, and more.
Once we got to Ireland the real fun and the real work began. Many things did not go to our prepared plan. If you've never been abroad you don't realize that things are just different in other countries. However, you must be flexible to accept them. I needed to be able to help my students accept a flexible mindset as well. Being on a study abroad program is also a transformative experience. Transformation occurs outside of our comfort zones…outside of my comfort zone! It wasn’t always easy to deal with unmet expectations, failed logistics, and various relationships that needed time to develop.
Did I have a blast going to amazing islands off the coast of Ireland, visiting the Cliffs of Mohr, crossing the Carrick-a-reed rope bridge, and many, many more things? One hundred percent! Do I have a new-found respect for the Irish people who still deal with colonization of their people and who have been a recognized country for only a century? Most certainly! Did I fall in love with some of the kindest people I’ve ever met- including a non-profit leader that joined forces with her best friends to create a community center that serves their entire community no matter the age or circumstance? Absolutely! Do I recommend that you go on a study abroad program as a graduate student or even as a graduate teaching assistant? I heartily recommend it!
I conclude with these words that ushered me into Ireland, “Céad Míle Fáilte,” a greeting that means “One Hundred Thousand Welcomes."
Faculty HighlightS
FYCS goes to Kyrgyzstan
Dr. Muthusami Kumaran, FYCS Associate Professor of Nonprofit Management & Community Organizations has just received a grant from the U. S. Embassy - Bishkek to train 100 nonprofit/NGO leaders across three cities in the Kyrgyz Republic. More information about his grant project can be found here:
His in-country partner the Center for Civic Engagement, American University of Central Asia, Bishkek will recruit participants of his training workshops and organize all logistical arrangements. Kyrgyzstan is the 9th country where Dr. K is establishing our FYCS footprint.
Introducing Dr. Kate Fletcher
Last but not least, we are proud to introduce our Senior Lecturer turned Instructional Associate Professor Dr. Kate Fletcher who has been a teaching staple in our department since she was a M.S. student in FYCS! Kate graduated this summer with her Ph.D. in UF Department of Agricultural Education and Communication. The title of her successfully defended dissertation was "Transformative Journeys: Exploring the Medium-Term Impacts and Outcomes of an International Service-Learning Study Abroad Program."
She was advised by Dr. Grady Roberts and her committee members were Dr. Nicole Stedman, Dr. Matt Benge, and Dr. Dale Pracht! Congratulations, Dr. Kate!
We hope you enjoyed these highlights from FYCS! You can follow us on our social media for weekly updates here: Instagram & Facebook.
We are always looking for alumni stories. Please email shannonjackson@ufl.edu If you would like to be featured on our social media/web. We want to know what kinds of life-changing things you are doing!