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Exploring The Democracy And Climate Policy Nexus, Democracy Mechanisms, And Policy Volatility, Brenna Magliacane
Exploring The Democracy And Climate Policy Nexus, Democracy Mechanisms, And Policy Volatility, Brenna Magliacane
Theses & ETDs
A growing area of climate research explores the forms of government best equipped to confront the climate crisis and shape long-term environmental policy. The theories amongst this research seem to advocate for polar solutions: authoritarianism or democracy. Climate change and related ecological challenges increasingly test the capacity of existing political systems to deliver timely and effective responses. This research project aims to answer the questions: To what extent does democracy influence the adoption and implementation of national climate policy? How do democracies and autocracies differ in the strength and durability of their climate policies? Investigating this relationship can inform future …
Nocturnal Insect Diversity Within Myakka Headwaters Preserve (And Its Implications For Local Bat Populations), Devin Brannon
Nocturnal Insect Diversity Within Myakka Headwaters Preserve (And Its Implications For Local Bat Populations), Devin Brannon
Theses & ETDs
Insects and bats act as potential bioindicators for environmental health in a given area due to their sensitivity to ecological change, alterations, and placement within the food chain. This study works to establish a baseline framework for the assessing of habitat quality in Big Waters Land Trust Myakka Headwaters Preserve (MHP) within Manatee County, Florida. This was done through the combined use of passive acoustic bat monitoring alongside insect light-trapping. Insect sampling was conducted at 8 sites/habitat types across MHP between September and November 2025. The use of a modified UV light trap design resulted in the collection of a …
Eco-Efficiency: Assessing The Impact Of Sustainable Retrofit Upgrades On Energy And Water Consumption In Sarasota’S Non-Profit Organization Sector, Ashley Petsanghan
Eco-Efficiency: Assessing The Impact Of Sustainable Retrofit Upgrades On Energy And Water Consumption In Sarasota’S Non-Profit Organization Sector, Ashley Petsanghan
Theses & ETDs
This thesis evaluates the environmental, operational, and financial impacts of sustainable retrofit upgrades implemented through the GoodUse program by Southface Institute on three Sarasota-based non-profit organizations: Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, Suncoast Blood Centers, and Easterseals Southwest Florida. By using a mixed-methods approach, this study integrates quantitative data from Energy Star Portfolio Manager with qualitative insights from oral, on-site interviews. Analysis from quantitative data examines changes in electricity use, water consumption, and utility costs before and after implementation of retrofit upgrades, with attention to seasonal patterns and Florida’s climate-driven variability. Qualitative findings explore how …
Trailside Waste As An Indicator Of Human Impact: A Case Study Of The Lone Star Hiking Trail, Madison Slater
Trailside Waste As An Indicator Of Human Impact: A Case Study Of The Lone Star Hiking Trail, Madison Slater
Theses & ETDs
Long-distance hiking trails provide important recreational and ecological benefits but are increasingly affected by recreation-derived waste. This study assessed the distribution and composition of litter along the 96-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail (LSHT) in the Sam Houston National Forest in the state of Texas. Using a complete trail census approach inspired by prior research on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), all encountered waste items were recorded, categorized, and assigned to one-mile transects to evaluate spatial patterns. A total of 327 items were documented, averaging 3.4 items per mile. Waste patterns demonstrated clear clustering near access points like that of trailheads …
Return Of The Wolf: An Assessment Of The Reintroduction Of The Gray Wolves To Yellowstone National Park, Keagan Roeder
Return Of The Wolf: An Assessment Of The Reintroduction Of The Gray Wolves To Yellowstone National Park, Keagan Roeder
Theses & ETDs
This paper examines the reintroduction of gray wolves to Yellowstone National Park by breaking the topic into several sections. It begins with an introduction and a history and timeline section, which provide background on wolf eradication and the events leading up to their reintroduction in 1995–1996. The paper then moves into legal sections, including discussions of the Endangered Species Act, the Environmental Impact Statement, and key court cases, explaining how policy and law made the reintroduction possible and continue to shape wolf management. Ecological impacts are explored in sections focused on animal populations and behavior, waterways, and plant communities, highlighting …
Back To The Bayfront, Dania Hefley
Back To The Bayfront, Dania Hefley
Theses & ETDs
I’m trying to make sense of the different versions of myself that existed inside New College over the last four years. How I existed while studying. Which classrooms made me feel like a person. Which professors taught me how to read. Which ones taught me how to think. Which ones made me want to rise to the level of the room. Which ones made me feel like I was disappearing. I don’t want to turn these four years into a lesson, but I need a way in that lets me see the throughline. Recently, my literature professor, Miller, was talking …
Evaluating The Factors That Contribute To Lack Of Engagement Of The People Within Community Forest Management Programs, Doraneli Ampudia Parras
Evaluating The Factors That Contribute To Lack Of Engagement Of The People Within Community Forest Management Programs, Doraneli Ampudia Parras
Theses & ETDs
Ecosystem loss and degradation around the world are occurring at an alarming rate. This can negatively impact the people that rely on these ecosystems. Community Forest Management is a practice that has been recognized globally to help mitigate these impacts. Community Forest Management (CFM) provides a solution to restoring ecosystems and improving the quality of life of the local people. The different structures and strategies of CFM’s around the world can influence its effectiveness. Researchers have identified several factors that can hinder CFM effectiveness. A crucial factor is participation from the local people. Active participation and support from local people …
Instead Of Canaries, Try Clams: A Review And Case Study Of Bivalves As Bioindicators Of Water Pollution And Application At The Dębiec Water Treatment Plant In Poznań, Poland, Veronica Carrion
Theses & ETDs
Biomonitoring systems are used for monitoring a variable in an environment by using a change in organisms in the environment as an indicator. Many different species have been used as bioindicators, with bivalves being one of them. As adults, many bivalve species remain sedentary, where they can easily be handled for testing. Due to their filter feeding nature, they will react and close their valves when exposed to polluted areas. Studies have shown that bivalves are sensitive to many of the chemicals regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency in America and the European Union. By using sensors to monitor the …
Comparative Analysis Of National Parks In The Us And Germany, Annika Foerster
Comparative Analysis Of National Parks In The Us And Germany, Annika Foerster
Theses & ETDs
This thesis introduces the concepts of preservation and conservation in national parks and answers the question of what the purpose of national parks are. I look at two countries: Germany and the US and compare their management tactics of their national parks. The question I want to answer is how does Germany and the US manage their na-tional parks and what is the purpose of their protection? To address this question, I gath-ered information on the national identity, history, designations, management, public ac-ceptance, economic factors, visitor use management, accessing resources, and interna-tional influences. The evidence from this literature review shows …
Assessing The Current State Of New College Of Florida’S Coastal Waterfront Along With Potential Remedies To Protect A Vulnerable Piece Of Shoreline., C. Luke Heierding
Assessing The Current State Of New College Of Florida’S Coastal Waterfront Along With Potential Remedies To Protect A Vulnerable Piece Of Shoreline., C. Luke Heierding
Theses & ETDs
Coastal waterfronts allow access to a prime natural resource for the communities they’re surrounded by. However, coastal waterfronts alike are in danger, especially in Florida. With stronger and more destructive storms along with invading non-native species, waterfronts are at risk. The study area is the New College of Florida’s waterfront in Sarasota, FL. In this study, I map out the distribution and location of banyan trees (Ficus benghalensis) in order to examine the extent of their spread. I also map the topography of the area as a detailed topographic map is useful for future planning and assessing flooding risks. I …
Mangroves: Background, Range Expansion And Policy, Cecilia Lash
Mangroves: Background, Range Expansion And Policy, Cecilia Lash
Theses & ETDs
Mangroves are found on every continent except for Antarctica. This particular flora is multifaceted in a few ways. For one, these trees are both individual plants while also forming their own ecosystems. They are unique in the fact that mangrove forests are the only blue carbon forest in the world. While experiencing harm due to factors such as sea level rise and severe storms, mangroves are expanding outside of their usual range as temperatures rise due to climate change. This phenomenon is occurring in multiple countries, such as the U.S., Australia, and China. Mangroves provide various ecosystem services including critical …
Evaluating The Effects Of Coastal Development On Sea Turtle Nesting Success Rates In Southwest Florida, Lydia Ubry
Evaluating The Effects Of Coastal Development On Sea Turtle Nesting Success Rates In Southwest Florida, Lydia Ubry
Theses & ETDs
The barrier islands of Sarasota County are one of the highest-density nesting areas for Caretta caretta (loggerhead sea turtle) and Chelonia mydas (green sea turtle) in Florida and the greater Gulf of Mexico region. Additionally, these islands (Lido Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key, and Manasota Key) are all highly developed with varying types of dominant structures on each key. This study aims to examine the different types of development on these islands over time (1974-2023) in conjunction with marine turtle nesting success rates. Findings include a higher number of nesting turtles overall, despite a great increase in development since the …
Puerto Rico’S Grand Wyndham Hotel Río Mar, The Methods They Use To Protect Leatherback Sea Turtle Nests, And My Own Findings On These Nests, Christopher Thillet
Puerto Rico’S Grand Wyndham Hotel Río Mar, The Methods They Use To Protect Leatherback Sea Turtle Nests, And My Own Findings On These Nests, Christopher Thillet
Theses & ETDs
For a very long time, leatherback sea turtles have been harmed in many ways by ecological damage caused by humans, especially their nests. Despite this, it is also humans who have been trying their best to undo these wrongs by working to protect the environment around the areas they have constructed. This thesis serves as a reflection that will provide information on what leatherback sea turtles are and the many things that are harming them worldwide, as well as the information that the hotels of Puerto Rico have collected to help further the study surrounding the many effects that people …
Evaluating Indicators Of Success And Sustainability In Community Forests, Brittney Hall
Evaluating Indicators Of Success And Sustainability In Community Forests, Brittney Hall
Theses & ETDs
Community forests are forests managed by local communities. They can be beneficial in socioeconomic contexts and can have positive impacts in supporting local biodiversity of plants and animals. Community forests are considered generally effective at countering deforestation and serve as valuable systems for local communities and as a response to climate change. However, the effectiveness of community forestry is dependent on a variety of socio-ecological factors, thus presenting a need for the success and efficacy of community forests to be evaluated and assessed in a rigorous and objective manner. The purpose of this thesis is to identify socio-ecological variables that …
Bombazos Y Belonging: Exploring Belonging And Connection Between Latine Students Through Dance At A Pwi, Gabriella Batista Quintana
Bombazos Y Belonging: Exploring Belonging And Connection Between Latine Students Through Dance At A Pwi, Gabriella Batista Quintana
Theses & ETDs
By utilizing dance and performance ethnography in tandem with the practice of bomba (an Afro-Puerto Rican dance, genre, and drum), this thesis seeks to understand the themes of belonging and connection amongst Latine students at New College of Florida, a predominately White institution (PWI). How may dance act as a safe space, or counterspace, for students of marginalized identities to foster a sense of belonging? Can connecting to one another, despite our cultural differences within the Latine diaspora, lend itself to finding “home” in an otherwise hostile PWI? According to this study’s participants, finding familiar aspects of one’s culture amongst …
Early Environmental Progressive Pedagogical Practices, Alexandra Gates
Early Environmental Progressive Pedagogical Practices, Alexandra Gates
Theses & ETDs
Through a culmination of personal experience, it became clear that there was a great need for improved environmental education as global climate change and associated environmental degradation continue to rapidly worsen. In this, for education to be practical and accessible it needed to be geared towards public education, thus giving as many students the tools for a sustainable future. This thesis aims to work through education to foster environmental consciousness from an elementary age level, continuing beyond to create environmentally and socially responsible adults. In order to accomplish that goal this thesis begins with a literature review section to gain …
Marine Protected Areas: A Comparison Of The National Marine Sanctuaries Act And The Antiquities Act Through An Interdisciplinary Lens, Meilah Wimbush
Marine Protected Areas: A Comparison Of The National Marine Sanctuaries Act And The Antiquities Act Through An Interdisciplinary Lens, Meilah Wimbush
Theses & ETDs
Marine ecosystems are under threat by anthropogenic stressors such as pollution, increased endangerment of biodiversity, and exploitation of natural resources. Through the creation of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (1972) and the Antiquities Act (1906), numerous marine protected areas (MPAs) have been established for long-term protection of these crucial habitats. This thesis examines both forms of legislation through the use of two case studies alongside the approach of comparing the cases through a conservation versus preservation framework. The case studies helped determine different patterns and trends that resulted from each respective legislation which was then used to defend which environmental …
The Next Generation Of Blue: Health And Autonomy Of Young Adults In A Blue Zone Region, Isadora Vitkus
The Next Generation Of Blue: Health And Autonomy Of Young Adults In A Blue Zone Region, Isadora Vitkus
Theses & ETDs
This thesis focuses on young adult perspectives amidst the data of successful aging and longevity of nonagenarians and centenarians in the world’s five Blue Zones. With lacking data on how the Blue Zone Power 9 principles are affecting young adult lives in Blue Zone regions, this thesis assessed the presence of and usage of the Power 9 principles in the studied young adult population. Chronic disease is also on the rise in several countries, and the imminent threat of disease for many young adults is overbearing. The stress that this worry brings can often lead to heightened cortisol levels in …
Where's The Water? Indigenous Sovereignty And Co-Management In The Everglades, Colin Jefferis
Where's The Water? Indigenous Sovereignty And Co-Management In The Everglades, Colin Jefferis
Theses & ETDs
This thesis looks at the degradation and restoration of the Everglades ecosystem, through the framework of settler colonialism. The Everglades region has a unique settler colonial structure, known as the South Florida Water Management District, which controls water resources and the livelihood of indigenous people in the Everglades. The settler colonial structure has created water quantity conflict between the stakeholders in the Everglades, revolving around the closing of flood gates to protect the Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow, as water quality conflicts revolving around agricultural pollutants in the Everglades, in the present day. This thesis attempts to address these issues of …
The Restorative Benefits Of Green Spaces In The College Student Experience, Alexandra Gorman
The Restorative Benefits Of Green Spaces In The College Student Experience, Alexandra Gorman
Theses & ETDs
More and more of the global population is starting to live in cities, where they may have limited access to meaningful interactions with nature. This not only reduces empathy and concern for the climate as a whole, but also produces tangible effects on the wellbeing of individuals. Incorporating nature into urban landscapes through public green spaces (such as parks) improves mental health and functioning by reducing stress and alleviating mental strain. The current study examines green spaces on a college campus to analyze how the benefits of interacting with nature can be maximized for this specific group. An established scale …
Effects Of American Colonialism On The Hawaiian Islands, Sydney Lingenfelser
Effects Of American Colonialism On The Hawaiian Islands, Sydney Lingenfelser
Theses & ETDs
In this Thesis I will discuss the Environmental and Cultural Effects of the colonization by the United States on the Hawaiian Islands. By reviewing large industries such as the Military and Tourism industries, I examine the rules and laws set in place since the “discovery” of the Hawaiian Islands in 1778 that led to a change in the culture and lifestyle of Hawai’i. Actions such as land privatization led to massive areas of land to be developed for both military and tourism purposes which led to massive development of infrastructure and in turn, a loss of biodiversity and native life. …
Ecopoetry Collection: The Anaerobic Summers, Sadie Landreville
Ecopoetry Collection: The Anaerobic Summers, Sadie Landreville
Theses & ETDs
The Anaerobic Summers is a collection of sixty-six pages of ecopoems divided among six sections— “Plastic Causation,” “Neptune Wallows,” “Rewash (Hose-Down),” “The Forest,” Mother’s Apartment: 2B (Open-Invitation),” and “Expiration”—that give intrinsic value and respect to the other than human world. In my introduction, I not only work to define ecopoetry, but show how society's views of wilderness are detrimental and how ecopoetry acts as a bridge between wilderness and society. These ecopoems challenge the belief that humans have supremacy over the wild world. As Long writes in his “Introduction to Ecopoetics,” “Ecopoetry uses language to deepen a sense of nature’s …
Fragility In The Ambience Of Nature: Reaching For New Bodily Capacities, Soledad Gonzalez
Fragility In The Ambience Of Nature: Reaching For New Bodily Capacities, Soledad Gonzalez
Theses & ETDs
This exploration of the intersection of ambient and glitch music aims to unearth their potential to reshape narratives around nature, queer identity, and ambience. Beginning with an analysis of the historical imposition of heteronormativity on nature, the study navigates through the development of ambient music, its unintended alignment with commercial interests, and the emergence of glitch music as a disruptive force challenging conventional norms. Drawing on the works of queer musicians like Ana Roxanne and Pauline Oliveros, I examine how these genres can be harnessed to subvert oppressive narratives, as exemplified by the transformative case of Abney Park. I extend …
Seeing Eye To Eye: Understanding Public Attitudes Toward The Sciences, Charles Reardon
Seeing Eye To Eye: Understanding Public Attitudes Toward The Sciences, Charles Reardon
Theses & ETDs
In 2020, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic ripped apart American society in irreparable ways across every aspect of life in the United States. However, this event was not unique, science has often sailed the waves of controversy throughout human history much like the controversy during the pandemic. For American society to continue to progress and advance, the majority of the public must be trusting of the scientific community. In the current study, I explored new attributes that could be related to trust in science. Specifically, I studied personality factors, a person's forgiveness and intellectual humility, in the context of trust in …
Trash Island: Opportunities Of Conservation, Recreation And Education Of Spoil Islands In South West Florida, Olivia Murillo
Trash Island: Opportunities Of Conservation, Recreation And Education Of Spoil Islands In South West Florida, Olivia Murillo
Theses & ETDs
The phrase ‘Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle’ is one of the earliest introductions to environmentalism many of us are familiar with. Along with this phrase, we are made aware of large amounts of pollution such as plastics on land and our oceans. But the phrase is usually not extended to spaces. Have you ever considered reusing, reducing, or recycling a space? This phrase has been the approach to mitigating relatively new manmade spaces that can be found on many coasts: spoil mounds, a form of human byproduct that is often overlooked. Here in South West Florida, one of our waste spaces …
How Life Trajectories Are Shaped By Choices: Diving Into The Decision-Making Process Among Young Mexican-American Adults Recounting Their High School Experiences, Vianey Jaramillo
How Life Trajectories Are Shaped By Choices: Diving Into The Decision-Making Process Among Young Mexican-American Adults Recounting Their High School Experiences, Vianey Jaramillo
Theses & ETDs
The purpose of this study is to explore how the use and availability of resources along with the perceptions of attainable opportunities for life after high school affect the decision-making process among Mexican American high school students. This project utilized both a quantitative and qualitative approach to gather information on participants' high school experiences and choices as they advanced into their journeys after high school. Participants were given a self-efficacy scale and took part in semi-structured interviews that ranged from 37 to 80 minutes. The thematic analysis highlights nine themes that reveal aspects of participants' journeys since high school while …
Estimating The Above Ground Biomass And Carbon In New College Of Florida’S Food Forest, Garcia Frank
Estimating The Above Ground Biomass And Carbon In New College Of Florida’S Food Forest, Garcia Frank
Theses & ETDs
The New College Food Forest and Carbon Farm, as it was originally coined, was a thesis project planned and installed by Jay McWilliams and Orion Morton in 2016. The intention of the food forest was not only to create a space for fruit and food production, but also to replace the existing lawn area and sequester as much carbon as possible. By estimating the amount of biomass stored and carbon that the FF has been able to sequester since its establishment, the ability of this urban food forest system to combat climate change can be quantified. The litter in the …
Nutrition Insecurity For People Experiencing Homelessness In Sarasota, Florida, Kaylee 'June' Snell
Nutrition Insecurity For People Experiencing Homelessness In Sarasota, Florida, Kaylee 'June' Snell
Theses & ETDs
New College of Florida is located near Newtown, one of the nine food deserts in Sarasota, Florida. Food aid is often tailored towards those in poverty with housing. People Experiencing Homelessness (PEH) have difficulties with their health which are exacerbated by barriers to nutritious food. Because of Newtown's proximity to New College, I wanted to analyze how easily food aid resources could be utilized for healthy food assistance. In particular, I wanted to see if the information available online was easy to navigate, what the requirements were to access these resources, what food was being served, how often it was …
Fantasy And Faith: Analyzing The Authentic Farmers Market Experience, Mia Sweetland
Fantasy And Faith: Analyzing The Authentic Farmers Market Experience, Mia Sweetland
Theses & ETDs
This is an analysis of the role of aesthetics within contemporary food systems and their relationship with environmental values and beliefs. I use an agrarian philosophy to examine the relationships between customers and farmers, landscape values, economic influence, non-dual value systems, and the cultural influence of design and aesthetics. I use data from semi-structured interviews, taken over a four month period. I look at the perception of morality and design in alternative and conventional food systems and environmental ethics. I argue that the connection between farmers and customers has eroded over time with industrial food systems, but farmers markets re-establish …
Opportunistic Ospreys: A Geotemporal Systematic Review Of Osprey (Pandion Haliaetus) Use Of Nesting Structures From 1970-2020, Avery Myers
Theses & ETDs
In this thesis, I explore gaps in the narrative history of American osprey (Pandion haliaetus carolinensis) populations, focusing on increased human-wildlife conflicts following the recovery of the species. I conducted a systematic review of osprey literature to model the total number of occupied nests, number of occupied nests on artificial structures, and proportion of occupied nests on artificial structures in the United States from 1970 to 2020. The systematic review yielded 30 usable sources. The reported difference in proportion of nests on artificial structures before and after 1995 was -0.502 (-0.520, -0.483), indicating an increase in the use of artificial …