MEET THE STUDENTS

Cydney Harkness (she/they) is a Junior from Bedford, Ohio. She is majoring in Marine Science on the chemistry track and is working toward a minor in Spanish. At Eckerd, she serves as an Inclusive Excellence Ambassador, an RA, a Diversity Leadership Scholar, and President of Omicron Delta Kappa. This past summer, they were an intern in Eckerd's Ecophysiology Stone Crab Lab under the direction of Dr. Philip Gravinese, studying the effects of climate stressors on stone crab development and behavior at Mote Marine Laboratory in Summerland Key, FL. In addition, Cydney was also granted the opportunity to attend and co-present at the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in Honolulu, Hawai'i. In merging her passions for marine science and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, Cydney is committed to learning more about the intersections of scientific research. She hopes to bring light to non-Western approaches to scientific research, primarily through community-based and two-eyed seeing research practices. Outside of the classroom, Cydney is most likely to be found singing, dancing, and spending time with friends in the Center for Inclusive Excellence.

Emma Kelliher (she/her) is a Junior from Lakeville, Massachusetts, double majoring in Literature and Political Science with a minor in Environmental Studies. In Emma’s discovery plan, she hopes to combine all three fields of her studies by examining the political discourse of environmental issues through various forms of literature. She plans on studying not only political essays and texts regarding the environment, but several forms of ecocriticism found in fiction as well, and how these texts impact the political environment they’re presented in. Furthermore, Emma wants to explore which routes of literature are most successful in generating political movement or change, and how to encourage literary discourse in her local community. Outside of class, Emma is the Vice President of Financial Affairs for the Eckerd College Organization of Students where she is working to eliminate single-use plastic by encouraging tools such as the Green Subsidy. Emma also loves biking, photography, hiking, and is a complete book worm.

Leo Dutkewych (He/Him) is a Junior at Eckerd College majoring in Environmental Studies and Visual Arts. He grew up in Connecticut where he found his passion for gardening, drawing and natural history. At Eckerd, Leo has been involved in heading the Garden Club, working at the community farm and participating in camera-trap research with Dr. Forys. This past summer, he had the opportunity to intern with the Loon Preservation Committee in New Hampshire, learning more about wildlife conservation and the public’s role in protecting species of concern. By combining his passions for science and art, Leo hopes to use art as an avenue for environmental education and as a medium for inspiring community-based conservation. He believes art, as a universal language, can help spread awareness and inspire change. When not in class, you can find Leo working in his studio, watering the garden, or watching movies. 

Mikaela Serio (she/her) is a Junior majoring in Marine Science with a focus on biology and minoring in creative writing. She is passionate about the intersection between science and creative expression and hopes to one day find a career focused on marine science communication. This is the main inspiration for her discovery plan, which involves analyzing how popular culture portrayals of sharks have had long term effects on their conservation and cultural image. Mikaela is currently a NOAA Hollings Scholar, enrolled in the Eckerd College Honors program and one of four club heads for EC Women’s+ Club Soccer. She loves playing soccer for the women’s and coed club teams and if she’s not in class you’ll most likely find her on the field. Mikaela’s other hobbies include creative writing, reading, hanging out with her friends, and occasionally trying to improve her gamer skills by replaying The Last of Us. 

Nilo Khoury (He/Him) is a junior from Parkersburg, West Virginia majoring in Marine Science on the biology track with minors in Environmental Studies and Spanish. He is an involved member on campus, serving as President of the Skate Club, an Inclusive Excellence Ambassador, a board member of EC Engage, and a Diversity Leadership Scholar. Additionally, as a lab assistant for the Florida Fish and Wildlife - Harmful Algal Bloom lab studying benthic foraminifera, he is passionate about environmental conservation and issues related to climate change. For Nilo’s Eastman Leader Discovery Plan, he will focus on how to improve coastal infrastructure in the wake of climate change from the areas that are being hit the hardest. When Nilo is not in the library or the classroom, you’ll find him backpacking, skateboarding, or reading with a cup of chai.

Kathryn Brown is a Senior at Eckerd College majoring in Psychology and Ancient Studies. They plan to pursue a career as a clinician focusing on the mental health of children. For her discovery plan, Kathryn is focused on promoting transgender visibility on campus and helping students battle anti-trans legislation. On campus, she is an avid shadow cast member and intimacy coordinator of the Rocky Horror Picture Show at Eckerd. They are also the current Vice President of the Taylor Swift Society. You can catch them working at the cafeteria, reading Homer, or hanging out with friends. 

Deenah McFadden (She/Her) is a Senior at Eckerd College, double majoring in Molecular Biology and Anthropology with a minor in Chemistry. She is passionate about medicine, healthcare accessibility, and issues relating to climate change. Deenah is also an ambassador for the Office of Inclusive Excellence, a board member of the Pre-Health Club, a Diversity Leader Scholar, and an Eastman Scholar. For her Eastman Program discovery plan, she wishes to use her leadership skills and culturally sensitive approach to address issues in accessibility to Western emergency medicine. When Deenah’s not in class, you’ll find her doing yoga, at community poetry, drinking tea, swimming, traveling, or playing with her dog, but when she’s home in Cleveland, OH, she spends her time with horses and her little sister! 

Elianna Tenace (‘25) is a Senior from Colorado Springs, Colorado. She’s an alum of Pikes Peak State College, having earned her Associate of Arts in May 2019. At Eckerd College, Elianna studies biochemistry and the humanities with a focus on philosophy and religion. Her discovery plan centers on examining the attitudes that surround aging and death. In that line, she is co-president of the Intergenerational Book Club; here, she intends to foster intergenerational connections between Eckerd students and ASPEC members (Academy of Senior Professionals at Eckerd College) via shared, written mediums. In her free time, Elianna likes to rewatch Mad Max: Fury Road and spend time with her loved ones. 

Emma Rodríguez (She/Her) is a Senior at Eckerd College obtaining a major in International Relations and Global Affairs with minors in Spanish and Public Health. She plans to pursue work in global health and development in Latin American countries, researching the politics of health. As an ambassador in the Office of Inclusive Excellence, a board member of the Pre-Health Club, and a member of Latinos Unidos, she is passionate about understanding the power relationships on the policy side of health and helping to educate and share her findings with the Eckerd Community. Outside of class, she enjoys taking care of those she loves, whether that be organizing Sunday morning breakfast for her roommates and neighbors, or writing letters to them with wax stamps, stickers, and dried flowers.

Lily Schwartz is a Senior at Eckerd College with a double major in Political Science and Environmental Studies, and minoring in Arabic and Leadership Studies. She is a member of Eckerd College’s sailing team and in the past, was a Resident Advisor and Peer Mentor. She is in the Peace Corps prep program and involved in SAAC on campus. Lily is from a small Lake Erie coastal town in Ohio, which gave her the opportunity to sail very affordably from a young age. Her Eastman project goal is to expand accessibility and exposure in the sport of sailing by working with community youth groups. She believes that sailing teaches fundamental life lessons and that everyone should have equal access to both sailing and our local natural resources. When not in class or studying, you can find Lily sailing or swimming in Tampa Bay.