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City of Tampa Leader Shares Real-World Lessons on Resilience
Kayla Caselli is a Sustainability & Resilience Officer for the City of Tampa and a proud alumna of PCGS. She presented resilience from a local government perspective. Caselli shared an honest, behind-the-scenes look at how sustainability and resilience work within the City of Tampa, showing both the progress and hardships of being sustainable.
February 6, 2026Alumni Highlights, Events
Lauren Reilly - Alumni Spotlight
Lauren Reilly did not follow a straight line into her sustainability career, and she never expected to. A graduate of the Patel College of Global Sustainability (PCGS), Reilly began her journey through student activism and campus leadership. She has built a career grounded in sustainability, systems thinking, and applied problem-solving.
February 3, 2026Alumni Highlights
USF-engineered material uses sunlight to combat Florida's red tide
Dr. George Philippidis, acting dean of the Patel College of Global Sustainability in partnership with Integrative Biology, co-developed a a reusable, light-activated material that shows potential for killing red tide without impacting marine life. This innovation offers a promising approach to protecting coastal waters and public health.
January 29, 2026Faculty News
Alumni Spotlight - William McMahon
Even before William had graduated from USF, he had a passion for sustainability. With that passion he took up the role of UNF’s first ever Assistant Director of Campus Sustainability. With the knowledge imparted to him by Dr. Thomas Henry Culhane he gained a multifaceted understanding of food, energy, and water which he uses in his role today.
January 29, 2026Alumni Highlights
Katia Aldana Campos: Alumni Spotlight
When Katia Aldana Campos reflects on her journey, one theme flows through every chapter of her story: water. From her early days studying civil engineering in Colombia to her current role as an Engineering Designer III Water, Katia has built a career focused on protecting one of the planet’s most essential—and finite—resources.
January 5, 2026Alumni Highlights
PCGS Launches New Undergrad Course
PCGS announces a new undergrad course designed to introduce key sustainability topics. Taught by Dr. Lauren Bates, Introduction to Global Sustainability invites students from all majors to examine some of the pressing sustainability issues facing the world today, while learning how to develop solutions that can be applied both locally and globally.
December 3, 2025Global Sustainability News
PCGS Host 2nd University-wide Sustainability Career Fair and Expo
On November 12, 2025, the Patel College of Global Sustainability hosted the second university-wide Sustainability Career Fair & Expo, in collaboration with USF’s Center for Career & Professional Development. Building on the success of the inaugural April event, the fair served as a pivotal opportunity for sustainability-focused students across campus.
December 2, 2025Events
Hannah Nistler - Alumni Spotlight
Hannah Nistler, a PCGS alumna, built a career advancing sustainability at the municipal level. Before starting her master’s degree, she gained hands-on experience through initiatives like We Are Neutral. She also worked on projects with USF St. Petersburg, during her undergrad, building her understanding of community-focused sustainability.
December 2, 2025Alumni Highlights
7 Tips to Shop Sustainably on Black Friday
Black Friday often brings excitement, great deals, and a rush to click “add to cart.” But it can also be an opportunity to make more mindful choices — ones that benefit not only your wallet, but also your long-term habits and the planet. Read this guide if you're looking to reduce your environmental footprint while still enjoying great deals.
November 25, 2025Global Sustainability News
Amanda Kardosh - Alumni Spotlight
When Amanda talks sustainability, she speaks with the clarity of someone who watched the field evolve for more than two decades. Today, she leads sustainability at Bloomin’ Brands, the company behind Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Her passion began long before ESG became a corporate priority.
November 25, 2025Alumni Highlights
Applications for Undergrad Research
Applications are now open for the Patel College Global Sustainability Policy & Innovation Undergraduate Research Program. University of South Florida undergraduates can join faculty-led projects in climate resilience, the Food–Water–Energy Nexus, and emerging sustainability technologies to gain hands-on research and presentation experience.
November 21, 2025Faculty News, Global Sustainability News
USF Patel College explores the future of sustainable aviation fuel at the annual Airports Going Green Conference
Acting Dean, Dr. George Philippidis, joined global experts at the Annual Airports Going Green Conference to discuss the future of sustainable aviation fuel. PCGS students and alumni, including City of Tampa Sustainability Officer Kayla Caselli, also participated, showcasing the college’s leadership in advancing real-world sustainability solutions.
November 5, 2025Alumni Highlights, Faculty News, Global Sustainability News