Kelsey Sherman will be trading her sunny home state of Florida for the Nordic country of Sweden, where she’ll be attending the University of Gothenburg the third-oldest Swedish university, founded in 1891, with more than 50,000 students. Her pursuit of a graduate degree in environmental policy and governance will be supported with the prestigious Axel Adler Scholarship. 
 
A highly-engaged student leader, Sherman will be pursuing a master’s degree in sustainability to gain a global perspective on environmental policy in a country she describes as leading by example. Drawn to Sweden’s strong commitment to sustainability, she said studying in a place where environmental practices are woven into everyday life will provide invaluable insight. Sherman also sees the international setting at Gothenburg as an opportunity to collaborate with peers from around the world and develop more effective, globally minded solutions. 
 
As she wrapped up her time at USF before graduating in May with a bachelor of arts in sustainability and political science, USF World caught up with Sherman as she prepared for her next chapter.

Tell our readers a little about yourself.

I'm from Lake City, Florida, a small city around 45 minutes north of Gainesville. My majors are sustainability studies and political science. I currently serve as the president of the Judy Genshaft Honors College Student Council at USF St. Petersburg and the Conservation and Convenings Intern for the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation. Outside of work and school, I love practicing yoga, reading, and spending time in nature. 

What activities were you involved in during your time at USF?

Throughout my time at USF, I've been involved with several different student organizations and campus departments. I was the events coordinator, treasurer, and writer for Her Campus USFSP, vice chair of Campus Council for USF Student Government, volunteer committee co-chair and now president for JGHCSC Student Council, events coordinator for USF College Democrats, and student recruiter for USF Education Abroad. I also participated in USF's Tallahassee Internship Program, where I was paired with environmental scientist and Florida Rep. Lindsay Cross, which solidified my passion for advancing environmental policy. I then went on to serve as her deputy campaign manager for her successful reelection campaign. 

What led to become interested in pursuing a degree in sustainability? 

My ultimate goal is to protect the planet and its people, and the best way to do that is to enact science-based and holistically sustainable environmental policy.

To me, sustainability is everything. At the end of the day, environmental degradation impacts everyone, no matter your political party, socioeconomic status, race, or gender. Sustainability is collaborative and interdisciplinary at its core, serving as the intersection between science, business and policy. It involves balancing the needs of different stakeholders, protecting our environment in a way that generates economic growth and meets the current and future needs of our population.  

My ultimate goal is to protect the planet and its people, and the best way to do that is to enact science-based and holistically sustainable environmental policy. I feel that this work is incredibly meaningful, as understanding both the science and policy realms can lead to better communication with decision makers and stakeholders, which leads to improved outcomes. This is why I was so drawn to the Master’s of Political Science: Environmental Governance and Behavior program. While I've dipped my toes into environmental policy work during my undergraduate years, I'm thrilled to delve into these subjects more deeply in my graduate program. 

How did you find out about the Axel Adler Scholarship?

After I submitted my application to the University of Gothenburg, I received an email inviting me to apply for the Axel Adler Scholarship, since I met the eligibility criteria. … I knew I wanted to apply, since this was an incredible opportunity to have my master's program fully funded. Receiving this scholarship was truly such a relief, easing the financial burden of graduate school. It also felt like a confirmation that this program at the University of Gothenburg is the perfect fit for me. 

Have you ever been to Sweden? What are you most excited about life there?

I actually have never been to Sweden! I am most excited to spend time enjoying Sweden's natural landscapes, as I love hiking and being outdoors. I'm also excited to be living in Europe, as that will give me the flexibility to travel to other European countries, especially considering the accessibility of high-quality public transportation. 

Have other study abroad or travel experiences that have shaped your interests?

In August of 2023, I studied abroad in Iceland with The Green Program. The program was focused on renewable energy innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship. It was an incredible learning experience that combined expert lectures at Reykjavík University's Iceland School of Energy, visits to geothermal and hydropower plants, collaborative learning with diverse peers, and hands-on interactions with natural landscapes like glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls.  
 
I also worked as the student recruiter for Education Abroad on the USFSP campus for over a year and a half, which opened my eyes to the possibilities and benefits of pursuing higher education in another country. Without this job, I probably never would have even thought to look into graduate programs outside of the U.S.