Bob Graham Center for Public Service

Global Gator Month: International Internships Student Panel
2024-11-19 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Online, FL, United States
Are you ready to dive into a world of international internships and uncover the secrets to a life-changing experience?

Are you ready to dive into a world of international internships and uncover the secrets to a life-changing experience? Look no further because we’ve got an extraordinary session lined up just for you!
Join the Center for European Studies and the Career Connections Center to be inspired as fellow students spill the beans on their thrilling adventures with both in-person and virtual international-oriented internships in the US and abroad. Yes, you heard that right – real students, real experiences, and real-world insights! So, if you’ve ever dreamed of embarking on an international internship and expanding your horizons, this is your chance to learn from those who’ve been there, done that, and rocked it!

Let’s Talk Climate Lunch & Learn
2024-11-19 12:00 - 13:00 | O’Neill Reading Rm, 2nd Floor, Pugh Hall
Guest speaker Dr. Megan Ennes will share the work of the National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation (NNOCCI) and lead participants in a discussion on how to talk about environmental topics that matter to them. The event is open to all UF undergraduate and graduate students. Lunch will be served for those who RSVP. Reserve your spot at the following link: Let’s Talk Climate Lunch & Learn
About the speaker:
Dr. Megan Ennes is TESI’s Director and the assistant curator (professor) of museum education in the Florida Museum of Natural History at the University of Florida. She is the author of more than two dozen peer-reviewed publications and teaches several classes at UF related to science education and communication.
Dr. Ennes is also the head of the Museum Education Research Group. In this role, she studies how people learn about science in informal settings, like museums. This includes research on professional development for museum educators, online learning in museums, environmental civic engagement for K-12 students and undergraduates, and scientist-led museum outreach.
Dr. Ennes has also served as the science director for the National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation, an organization that trains informal educators on how to communicate about climate change using research-backed methods.
Not yet a member of the UF TESI Environmental Leaders Network? No worries! Become a member today!

International Careers in Public Service
2024-11-19 16:30 - 17:30 | O’Neill Reading Rm, 2nd Floor, Pugh Hall
In celebration of International Education Week, join us for a Careers in International Public Service talk featuring two distinguished Gator alumni with impressive careers in international public service. This engaging Q&A session offers a unique chance to learn about the educational and career paths that led them to prominent roles within the U.S. government. Refreshments will be provided.
Panelists
Samantha Gildea works in the National Security Council in the Executive Office of the President at the White House where she focuses on China and Taiwan affairs. Before joining the NSC, she served as the Associate Director of Space Policy in the Office of the Vice President and, prior, was a member of the Second Gentleman’s team as a White House Intern. She Advances ad hoc, and has traveled with White House principals domestically and internationally to countries like Poland, the U.K., and France.
Samantha graduated from the University of Florida with highest honors in 2022 as an International Studies and Russian Studies double major. As a student, she studied abroad in Latvia, Russia, and Middlebury College’s Russian Language Program and was a member of Cicerones, Florida Blue Key, Pi Beta Phi, Russian Culture Club, and FLAS. Samantha is currently working towards a Master of Military Operational Art and Science degree from the Air Force University in Joint Warfare. She is from Portland, Oregon and loves to play guitar and sing.
Thomas C. R. Reynolds is an experienced international trade and investment lawyer, and practiced law in the private sector for over a decade. Early in 2024, he moved into public service as an appointee of the Biden-Harris Administration and is currently the Executive Secretary of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. In this role, he is a key member of the executive staff, provides advice and counsel to the Chair and President of the bank, and helps support and manage her office. Previously, he worked for several years at the world’s largest law firm, DLA Piper. After graduating from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, Tom went on to earn his Juris Doctor at Chicago-Kent College of Law.
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Name, Image and Likeness
2024-11-20 18:00 - 19:00
As Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations continue to transform the landscape of college athletics, how are universities, lawmakers, and student-athletes adapting to these changes?
Join the Bob Graham Center Student Fellows on Wednesday, November 20, at 5:00 PM at the Hawkins Center for a thought-provoking panel discussion that delves into the rapidly evolving world of NIL.
The panel will feature key experts:

Steve Spurrier, “the Head Ball Coach,” is a Heisman Trophy winner, a College Football Hall of Fame member and former head coach of the national champion University of Florida football team. Today he serves as an ambassador and consultant for the UF athletic program.
Amy Meyers Hass, JD is the Deputy Athletic Director and Senior Women’s Administrator at the University of Florida. A former collegiate soccer player at Furman University, Hass brings a unique blend of legal expertise and experience in campus relations. Prior to her current role, she had been with the University of Florida’s General Counsel’s office since 2006.
Senator Keith Perry is a member of the Florida Senate, representing District 9 since 2016, which includes Alachua County. Perry is also a key proponent of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights for college athletes, pushing for state-level protections and guidelines.
Ben Chase, JD is the Director of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Strategy at the University of Florida, where he works to maximize NIL opportunities for student-athletes. A 2013 UF graduate with a law degree from George Washington University, Chase’s unique combination of legal expertise and passion for college sports makes him a key player in UF’s athletic department.

Moderated by Dr. Matt Jacobs, Director of the Bob Graham Center, this conversation will tackle pressing questions about the intersection of NIL legislation, college sports governance.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into one of the most significant changes in college sports in decades. The event is free and open to the public—come learn, engage, and be part of the conversation.
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Videos

https://mediasite.video.ufl.edu/Mediasite/Play/2b45f51ff2e84a8481eef0dcca5fa58e1d

Science Journalist in Residence: Christian Davenport
2024-12-03 16:00 - 18:00 | Atlas Lab
Join us for a discussion with author and Washington Post Staff Writer Christian Davenport, fall 2024 UF Science Journalist in Residence. Reception will follow.

Christian Davenport covers space for the Washington Post Financial desk. He joined The Post in 2000 and was on a team that won the Peabody award in 2010 for its work on veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury. He has been part of reporting teams that were finalists for the Pulitzer Prize three times.
Davenport is the author of two books, “The Space Barons: Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk and the Quest to Colonize the Cosmos” (2018) and “As You Were: To War and Back with the Black Hawk Battalion of the Virginia National Guard” (2009).
A frequent commentator on television and radio, he was a producer of “Space: The Private Frontier,” a two-hour documentary that aired on the Discovery and Science Channels, and a producer and co-host of “Space Launch Live,” the networks’ live broadcast of SpaceX’s first crewed mission, which won an Emmy award in 2021 and was the highest rated, non-primetime telecast in Discovery’s history.
He has also served as a Public Policy Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and a fellow at the Alicia Patterson Foundation.
UF’s Science Journalist in Residence Program brings leading science writers to campus to interact with faculty and students. Visiting science journalists give public talks, speak in classes and meet with faculty and students with shared interests across the university.

2025 MLK Lecture: Hasan Kwame Jeffries
2025-01-16 17:00 - 18:30 | Pugh Hall
Noted Civil Rights scholar Hasan Kwame Jeffries delivered the 2025 MLK Lecture, exploring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s visionary blueprint for justice, peace, and economic equality.
Dr. Jeffries is an associate professor of history at The Ohio State University and a leading author and scholar in the history of the Civil Rights Movement. His lecture was titled Where do we go from here? Afrofuturism and Dr. King’s Vision for America.
A Brooklyn native, Hasan Kwame Jeffries graduated summa cum laude from Morehouse College and earned a Ph.D. in African American history from Duke University. He authored Bloody Lowndes: Civil Rights and Black Power in Alabama’s Black Belt and edited Understanding and Teaching the Civil Rights Movement, exploring Black freedom struggles. His forthcoming book, In the Shadow of Civil Rights, examines Black life in New York City post-1977.
Hasan regularly shares his knowledge of African American history and contemporary Black politics with the public through lectures, workshops, op-eds, and radio and television interviews. He has contributed to the National Civil Rights Museum’s renovation, hosts the podcast Teaching Hard History, and consults on anti-racism programs nationwide.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Lecture Series is sponsored by the Center for African American Studies, the Bob Graham Center for Public Service, and the College of Liberal Arts and Science, with additional support from the Department of History, the UF Office of Student Engagement, and the Center for Arts, Migration and Entrepreneurship in the College of the Arts.
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Info Session: Florida Gubernatorial Fellowship
2025-01-17 12:00 - 13:00 | Online, FL, United States
The Florida Gubernatorial Fellows Program offers undergrads, grad students and recent grads a chance to gain hands-on experience in state government. Over nine months in Tallahassee, Fellows work in key government areas, receiving on-the-job training and engaging with top leaders. Fellows also enjoy hourly pay, a tuition waiver, and all-expense-paid policy trips to Washington, DC.
Watch a recording of the info session.
This non-partisan program immerses students from public and private universities in key areas of state government. During their nine-month tenure in Tallahassee, Fellows receive advanced on-the-job training as well as an invaluable front-line view of the inner workings of government.
As Fellows, participants fulfill roles of critical responsibility, interact closely with the state’s top leaders and employ their skills and abilities in a highly rewarding environment.
The deadline to apply is January 30, 2025. Read more about the Gubernatorial Fellowship.

Applications Close: 2025 Future of Florida Summit
2025-01-19
Apply by Jan. 19 for the 2025 Future of Florida Summit, Feb. 28–Mar. 2 at the University of Florida. Explore Gulf of Mexico policy on environment, public health, economic development, and immigration. Students from any Florida college or university – public or private – are invited to apply to attend.
Calling all future changemakers! The annual Future of Florida Summit hosted by UF’s Bob Graham Center for Public Service is your chance to impact Florida policy for students by students.
Students of all years and majors at Florida colleges and universities are eligible to apply. No previous policy experience is required.
This year’s topic, Future of the Gulf: Shaping Resilient Solutions for Tomorrow, focuses on the Gulf of Mexico and aims to connect the Gulf region to broader policy issues related to the state of Florida.
Breakout topics will delve into critical issues affecting the Gulf of Mexico, including Environmental Sustainability, Public Health challenges, Economic Development opportunities, and Immigration Impacts.
Throughout the Summit, you will collaborate with students from around the state in small groups to create innovative policy proposals. Competitive applicants display strong collaborative skills, creative thinking, and a passion for change.
The 2025 Summit will take place Feb. 28-Mar. 2, 2025, in Gainesville, Florida. Sixty scholars will be selected to attend. There is no charge to attend: food and hotel accommodations are provided.
If you want your college experience to expand beyond the classroom with real lessons that will stay with you and fellow students for the rest of your life, this is the opportunity for you. Learn more and apply now.
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Info Session: UF in Istanbul Study Abroad
2025-01-30 16:00 - 17:00 | Zoom
Istanbul is ranked as one of the most visited cities in the world for its vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning architecture. This all new, six-week study abroad opportunity from the Graham Center is designed for UF students of all majors, and offers a unique chance to explore the intersection of history, culture, and modern urban life.
The program runs June 23 to August 2, 2025, and is open to 12-16 students. No Turkish language experience is necessary. This program is designed for everyone ready to engage and learn.
Please register for a virtual information session about this study abroad opportunity on Jan. 30, 2025 at 4 p.m. A link to the recorded session will be sent to those who register.
To learn more about the program, please visit our UF Study Abroad web page.

Nita Rudra: Globalization, Politics & Poverty in Developing Countries
2025-01-30 17:30 - 18:30 | Pugh Hall
Has globalization lived up to its promise of reducing poverty and creating prosperity in developing countries?
Political economist Nita Rudra from Georgetown University spoke in the Pugh Hall Ocora on January 30, 2025 and explored the challenges and opportunities that globalization presents for the poor in developing countries today.
Globalization has reshaped our world, bringing both opportunities and challenges, particularly for developing economies. On one hand, it has connected markets, created jobs, and opened access to new technologies and investments.
Yet, it has also deepened inequalities, with many individuals left behind in a rapidly changing economy. For millions living in poverty, globalization can feel like a false promise. The question isn’t whether globalization is good or bad—it’s how it can be made to work for everyone.
Rudra serves as the Executive Director of the university’s Lab for Globalization and Shared Prosperity, where she leads research initiatives aimed at understanding and addressing the challenges posed by globalization.
About Nita Rudra
Nita Rudra is a Professor at Georgetown University, holding joint appointments in the Department of Government, the School of Foreign Service, and the McDonough School of Business. She earned her Ph.D. in Political Economy and Public Policy from the University of Southern California in 2000.
Professor Rudra’s research centers on the distributional consequences of globalization, examining how technological innovation, reduced trade barriers, and foreign capital contribute to economic prosperity and inequality. Her work explores the political tensions and societal divisions arising from these disparities, with a focus on both developed and developing economies.
Her scholarship has been featured in leading academic journals, including the British Journal of Political Science, World Politics, Journal of Politics, American Journal of Political Science, Comparative Political Studies, International Organization, and International Studies Quarterly. She co-authored the book Democracies in Peril: Taxation and Redistribution in Globalizing Economies (Cambridge University Press, 2018).
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Summer ’25 Washington DC Internships Virtual Info Session
2025-02-03 16:00 - 17:00 | Zoom
Make your mark in Washington, DC! The application for the Summer 2025 cohort of the Bob Graham Center Washington Internship Program is now open. If you expect to apply for summer or a future term, please register for this session.
The University of Florida Bob Graham Center for Public Service and UF Federal Relations are pleased to sponsor public service internships for undergraduate UF students with Florida Congressional and Senate offices in Washington, D.C. during the 2025 Summer semester.
This is an in-person internship and requires a time commitment of 40 hours per week.
These are just a few of potential placements:

US Senator Rick Scott (R)
Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL-3)
Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL-22)
Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12)
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20)
Rep. Laurel Lee (R-FL-15)
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL-13)
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25)
Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL-6)
Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24)

There are many more positions open. We’ll talk about job duties in the program, available financial support, how to prepare your application, and much more. We’ll begin reviewing applications in mid-February, so register for the info session now!
Read more about the internship at this link.
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2024 & Beyond: Insights and the Future of Campaigning
2025-02-04 08:00 - 16:00 | Emerson Alumni Hall, 1938 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL, 32603, United States
You are invited to attend the University of Florida’s Political Campaigning forum, an all-day event that offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the critical outcomes of the 2024 election cycle while setting sights on the road ahead for U.S. politics—including the pivotal 2026 Governor’s race, Congressional midterms, and the 2028 presidential election.
The forum is free and open to the public. Whether you are a student of political science, a campaign professional, or an engaged citizen, the forum is your front-row seat to the conversation shaping the next generation of leaders and strategies.
Leading scholars, seasoned UF alumni practitioners, and respected policymakers will address the pressing challenges and opportunities in modern campaigns, such as voter turnout patterns, demographic shifts, the rise of innovative polling methods, and how technology and media continue to reshape the electoral process.
For an up-to-date list of panels and speakers, please visit our conference web page at this link.
Sponsors
This program is presented in partnership with the UF Department of Political Science Political Campaigning Program, the Bob Graham Center for Public Service, and the Hamilton Center for Classical and Civic Education.
Special Luncheon Program
Renowned pollster, political analyst and proud UF alumna Kristen Soltis Anderson will share her insights on the challenges facing modern campaigns and lessons learned from the 2024 elections. Registration for the luncheon is now closed as the event has reached capacity.
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Kristen Soltis Anderson: Insights and the Future of Campaigning
2025-02-04 12:00 - 13:30 | Emerson Alumni Hall, 1938 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL, 32603, United States
The political campaigning keynote conference will feature UF alumna and renowned pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson. She will provide insights in the forces shaping modern politics and explore campaign challenges, polarization strategies, and key takeaways from the 2024 election.
Registration for the luncheon is now closed as the event has reached capacity. Those unable to register are encouraged to join the conference panels.
Kristen Soltis Anderson is a renowned pollster, author, and political analyst. Drawing on insights from the 2024 election cycle, she will delve into the challenges facing modern campaigns, strategies for navigating polarization, and lessons learned from recent elections. Her talk will conclude with a moderated Q&A led by Dr. Matt Jacobs, Director of the Bob Graham Center for Public Service.
About the Speaker
Kristen Soltis Anderson is one of the leading pollsters and political analysts in the country. As co-founder of Echelon Insights, she specializes in applying data-driven insights to political campaigns and public policy. Her book, The Selfie Vote, examines how Millennials are reshaping American politics and how political parties can respond to changing voter dynamics. She is a frequent contributor to outlets such as CNN, The Washington Post, and Politico, where she is known for her clear analysis and engaging commentary.
Anderson’s work focuses on understanding the complexities of political polarization, the effectiveness of modern campaign strategies, and emerging trends in voter behavior. She has been recognized as one of Time’s 30 Under 30 Changing the World and one of National Journal’s Most Influential Women in Washington Under 35.
Moderator
Dr. Matt Jacobs has served as Director of the Bob Graham Center for Public Service since 2019. An associate professor of U.S. and international history, Jacobs earned his Ph.D. in history from the University of North Carolina. Under his leadership, the Center continues its mission to prepare students for effective civic engagement, public leadership, and public service in local and international communities.
Sponsors
This program js presented in partnership with the UF Department of Political Science Political Campaigning Program, the Bob Graham Center for Public Service, and the Hamilton Center for Classical and Civic Education.
For an up-to-date list of panels and speakers, please visit our conference web page at this link.
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Climate Communications Summit: Trust, Connection and the Climate Story
2025-02-06 14:00 - 16:00 | Reitz Union, 655 Reitz Union Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32611, United States
Interested in helping tell the story of climate change?
This year, our annual summit will focus on building trust and connecting with communities with climate change communications.

The summit is free to attend, but RSVP is required. Click Here to RSVP.
Keynote Speaker: Benji Backer, “Making Climate Change Nonpartisan Again”
Panel: Vocabulary of Trust: New insights into words, language and climate change

Benji Backer, author of The Conservative Environmentalist and founder of the American Conservation Coalition, works to depoliticize climate change and unify audiences around shared values and concerns such as protecting the places we call home. In 2025 he will launch the Nature is Nonpartisan movement devoted to restoring America’s cross-partisan environmental legacy.
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The morning of Feb. 6, student journalists also have an opportunity to join a climate-reporting workshop and lunch alongside professional journalists with sessions covering extreme weather, meteorological data and more. Trainers include environment reporter Max Chesnes of the Tampa Bay Times and climatologist Emily Powell of the Florida Climate Center. The workshop is free and open to professional and student journalists and communicators.
For more information, visit https://www.jou.ufl.edu/2025-climate-communications-summit/ or email Cynthia Barnett, clbarnett@jou.ufl.edu.

UF Gulf Scholars Medallion Orientation
2025-02-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Looking to focus your studies on the Gulf region? Consider pursuing the UF Gulf Scholars Medallion. By completing the required coursework, experiential learning opportunities, and a Gulf Impact Project, you will be well-prepared to tackle some of the Gulf’s most pressing challenges, whether in graduate school or the workforce.
Enrollment for the medallion program is now open, and students from all majors are encouraged to sign up. We’ll work closely with you to ensure your experience fits your personal and professional goals after graduation.
Join this virtual orientation to connect with the Gulf Scholars team and fellow students. You’ll gain a detailed understanding of the program requirements and pathways, as well as learn how to track your progress to make the most of your Gulf Scholars journey.
RSVP at the following link: UF Gulf Scholars Medallion Orientation

UF Gulf Scholars Medallion Orientation
2025-02-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Are you interested in earning the UF Gulf Scholars Medallion? Join us virtually to learn about the course requirements, experiential learning opportunities, and the Gulf Impact Project guidelines.

Summer 2025 Public Service Excursion to Washington, D.C.
2025-02-09
Interested in careers in public service, public policy, government relations, law, international relations, the public sector, and more? Join Beyond120 and the Bob Graham Center for Public Service on an unforgettable week in our nation’s capital.

In partnership with the Beyond120 program and the Bob Graham Center for Public Service, this excursion exposes students to industries related to public policy, government relations, law, education, international relations, public sector and more. As part of this excursion’s networking opportunities, you will meet with UF alumni and special guests through networking activities, meet-n-greets, admissions sessions, and panel discussions.
Program dates for Summer 2025 are: Monday, May 19 – Friday, May 23, 2025
Applications are due Sunday, February 9th at 11:59 p.m. and are extremely competitive – apply now for consideration!
Please contact the program director, Dr. Kevin Bird (kevin.bird@ufl.edu) with inquiries.
Find more details at the Beyond120 website.

Breaking Into International Affairs & Media: Paths and Possibilities
2025-02-11 17:00 - 18:00 | O’Neill Reading Room, 2nd floor, Pugh Hall
Curious about a career in international affairs or media? Join a careers conversation with the dynamic duo of Hagar Chemali and Salem Solomon as they share insider tips on breaking into the field, shaping global narratives, and building a career with impact.
They bring their vast experience in government, journalism, and media innovation to share insights on launching and advancing careers in these fields. You will gain valuable advice on developing the skills, networks, and perspective needed to thrive in roles that shape global narratives and policy.
This moderated discussion will cover:

The career paths and opportunities available in international affairs and media.
How storytelling and journalism influence global policy and public perception.
Tips on breaking into these industries and building a meaningful career.

Whether you’re interested in policymaking, journalism, or content creation, this event offers inspiration and practical tools for success.
Learn how storytelling influences policy, discover career paths, and gain practical advice to get started.
Hagar Chemali
A political satirist and foreign policy expert, Hagar Chemali is the creator of Oh My World! and CEO of Greenwich Media Strategies. She’s held senior U.S. government roles, including at the White House and U.S. Treasury, and teaches at Columbia University.
Salem Solomon
An award-winning journalist and senior editor at Voice of America, Salem Solomon specializes in multimedia reporting on Africa. Her work has appeared in The New York Times and The Washington Post. She is also a recognized expert in digital journalism and fact-checking.

UF Gulf Scholars Cohort Meeting with Dr. Galen Treuer
2025-02-27 16:00 - 17:00 | Pugh Hall, O’Neill Reading Room (Room 201), 296 Buckman Dr, Gainesville, FL, 32611, United States
Are you interested in learning more about climate careers? If you are enrolled in the UF Gulf Scholars medallion program, join us to connect with your peers and hear career advice from Dr. Galen Treuer, leading climate tech and economic strategist for Miami-Dade County. Not yet signed up for UF Gulf Scholars? Visit our website to learn more: UF Gulf Scholars
Refreshments will be served!
Please RSVP at the following link: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5vH9yw5AY8HaVBY
Following the cohort meeting, we encourage you to join us for Dr. Treuer’s program Our Gulf, Our Future: Unlocking Climate Tech Innovation in the Pugh Hall Ocora from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. No registration necessary.

Our Gulf, Our Future: Unlocking Climate Tech Innovation
2025-02-27 17:30 - 18:30 | Pugh Hall
In a public talk in the Ocora, Dr. Galen Treuer from Miami-Dade County’s Climate Ready Tech Hub spoke about the intersection of climate change, environmental policy, and economic innovation. He highlighted the challenge of communicating climate change effectively, noting that abstract data often failed to inspire action, whereas tangible impacts like sea level rise and extreme weather events made the issue more immediate.
Treuer discussed the disproportionate economic and social costs of climate change, stressing that communities would pay with money, disrupted lives, and infrastructure damage. He shared his experience in Miami-Dade County, where he had transitioned from strategic climate planning to implementation, leading efforts to foster climate and economic innovation. His work played a key role in securing a $20 million federal Tech Hub grant through the CHIPS Act, positioning South Florida as a leader in climate resilience technology.
This initiative, backed by bipartisan support and a coalition of universities, businesses, and nonprofits, aimed to develop commercial solutions for water management and extreme weather adaptation. Ultimately, Treuer underscored the importance of action-oriented solutions that protect people, property, and the planet.
Videos
https://www.youtube.com/live/I0flHV4ATWc?si=LNCWPCvtUZNGXhsM

2025 Joan S. Forrest Women in Leadership Forum
2025-03-12 17:30 - 18:30 | Pugh Hall Ocora, 296 Buckman Dr, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, United States
In honor of Women’s History Month, the Bob Graham Center Student Fellows joined with the Bob Graham Center for Public Service to host the 2025 Joan S. Forrest Women in Leadership Forum on March 12, 2025 at 5:30 pm in the Pugh Hall Ocora.
Panelists were Gwen Graham, Teresa Cornacchione, Pegeen Hanrahan and Max Tuchman.
Gwen Graham, JD is the daughter of former Florida Senator and Governor Bob Graham. She served as the former Assistant Secretary for the Office of Legislative and Congressional Affairs at the U.S. Department of Education. She has a distinguished career spanning law and politics, including as Chief of Labor and Employee Relations at the Leon County School District and as a Congresswoman from Florida’s Second Congressional District as the first woman ever elected from the Panhandle. She is also the proud mom of a daughter and two sons.
Teresa Cornacchione, PhD is the Civic Engagement Coordinator for the Bob Graham Center for Public Service. She earned her doctorate in political science from Florida State University in 2018. She has 20 years of teaching experience at both the secondary and the postsecondary levels, and has also served as an policy analyst in the Florida Legislature’s Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability.
Max Tuchman, MPP, MBA is the Co-Founder of Caribu, an interactive video-calling platform for kids, which was sold to Mattel. She has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Female Founders by Entrepreneur and Inc. Magazines. Max previously served as a senior policy advisor at the U.S. Department of the Treasury under President Obama. She holds a B.A. from New College of Florida, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and an MPP from the Harvard Kennedy School.
Pegeen Hanrahan, ME is a registered Professional Engineer and Associate Director of Conservation Finance Director for Trust for Public Land. A native and lifelong resident, she served Gainesville, Florida, as its Mayor from 2004-2010, and as a City Commissioner from 1996-2002, leaving office both times as a result of term limits. Pegeen holds Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Florida in Environmental Engineering, and a B.A. in Sociology, all with honors.
Image Gallery
https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC5p9X
Videos
https://www.youtube.com/live/82_vTVFwnCQ?si=HZLJ7PaBQy6H5ECl

UF Gulf Scholars Cohort Meeting: Rebuilding a Future on Apalachicola Bay
2025-03-24 15:00 - 16:00 | Pugh Hall, O’Neill Reading Room (Room 201), 296 Buckman Dr, Gainesville, FL, 32611, United States
Once the heart of Florida’s oyster industry, Apalachicola Bay provided 90% of the state’s oysters—until it all collapsed. Water quality issues, rising temperatures, hurricanes, and invasive species pushed the fishery to the brink. By 2020, it was so depleted that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shut down wild oyster harvesting for five years, hoping for a comeback.
But the story doesn’t end there. Meet Kung Li Sun and Xochitl Bervera of Water is Life Oysters, two former city dwellers who left Atlanta to rebuild a future on the bay—one sustainable oyster at a time. Their work prioritizes the interdependence between cultivating sustainable and equitable seafood and restoring ecosystems and protecting coastlines.
This UF Gulf Scholars Cohort Meeting is presented in collaboration with the UF Rothman Family Chair in the Humanities and the UF Thompson Earth Systems Institute’s Environmental Leaders Network. All students are welcome, but registration is limited. Refreshments will be served!
Please sign up at the following link to reserve your spot: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dnjR84yH0J0c6fY

Pathways to Foreign Service
2025-03-27 14:00 - 15:00 | Dauer Hall, Keene Faculty Center
Join us for an enlightening discussion with the Honorable Dennis K. Hays ’76, former U.S. ambassador to Suriname.

Movie Night: Agent of Happiness
2025-03-27 17:00 - 19:00
Take a break from the intensity of the news cycle and immerse yourself in a story that offers a fresh perspective on well-being, policy, and prosperity.
Join fellow Gators for the Bob Graham Center’s inaugural Global Film Night, featuring Agent of Happiness (2024), an award-winning documentary that explores Bhutan’s unique approach to measuring human welfare through its Gross National Happiness policy.
After the film, engage in a thought-provoking discussion led by Dr. Timothy Karis, Senior Lecturer in International Studies, as we connect Bhutan’s experiences to familiar global challenges.
Movie snacks are on us. We’re serving hot pizza, popcorn, cookies and brownies. Kindly let us know you’re coming so we have enough for everyone! RSVP Now

Fight the Power: A History of the UF Student Activist Movement Since 1963
2025-04-02 16:00 - 17:00 | Smathers Library Rm 100, Gainesville, 32611
Learn about campus protest history, including the history of the student activist movement at the University of Florida since 1963. This discussion, led by Smathers Discovery Fellow and Graham Center Askew Scholar Aron Ali-McClory, shows the relationships between institutions and their communities, and the connections between generations of Gator activists.
Drawing from archival research, Aron’s lecture highlights key moments of protest, coalition-building, and institutional response, offering a broad narrative of resistance at UF.
Aron’s research was made possible through the support of the Askew Scholars Program at the Bob Graham Center for Public Service, and the Discovery Fellows program at Smathers Libraries.
University Archivist Sarah Coates introduced the speaker and provided an overview of the Discovery Fellows program.
About the Presenter
Aron Ali-McClory is a fourth-year political science and anthropology major at the University of Florida. They have served as a College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Senator in UF’s Student Government, and worked on political campaigns at the local, state, and federal level. They were a co-founder and leader (2021-23) of the UF student organization Young Democratic Socialists of America, and presently serves as a co-chair of the national organization. Their Askew Scholars research investigates student activism at the University of Florida since 1963, documenting the perspectives of various groups, tendencies, and institutions in order to build a broad narrative of resistance at the University.
Image Gallery

Videos

Careers in Public Service: Graham Center Young Alums
2025-04-04 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
Curious about a career in public service?
Three recent UF grads — Hannah Townley, Gus Duran and Grace Banahan — shared their journeys, challenges, and lessons as they have embarked on their public service careers. This event featured a panel discussion, followed by a moderated Q&A session.
About the Speakers
Hannah Townley (B.A. Political Science & English, 2021) is a consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton, where she focuses on climate security and defense community training related to women, peace, and security.
Gus Duran (B.A. Political Science & History, 2022) is a senior social media strategist at the Center for American Progress, where he crafts digital narratives that drive progressive change.
Grace Banahan (B.A. Political Science, B.S., Journalism 2022) serves as the Trade Policy Officer at the British Embassy in Washington, DC. She has been with the Embassy since January 2024, and she supports the Trade Policy team across various portfolios including federal trade and tariff policy.
Videos
https://youtu.be/NjM8gJv4mBg?si=ewmUrcQ4RTrL_CQx

Diplomacy and Opportunity: Irish-USA Relations and the Path of the Working Holiday Visa
2025-04-07 15:00 - 16:00 | Farrior Hall Room 2000, 205 Fletcher Dr
Interested in living or working in Ireland after graduation? Join us to learn more about special visa opportunities.

Join the Consul General of Ireland to learn about the strong diplomatic ties between Ireland and the U.S. and discover the Working Holiday Visa, which offers recent U.S. graduates the chance to live and work in Ireland.
RSVP here for this event.

Science Journalist in Residence | Nadia Drake
2025-04-09 16:00 - 18:00 | Pugh Hall Ocora, 296 Buckman Dr, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, United States
Join us at Pugh Hall on Wed, April 9 for a talk with Nadia from 4-5 p.m. followed by a reception from 5-6 p.m.

Nadia Drake is a science journalist who specializes in covering space exploration and the search for life beyond Earth. For many years, she was a contributing writer with National Geographic; most recently, she was the interim physics editor at Quanta Magazine, and she has written for numerous publications including Nature, The New York Times, Science News, and Scientific American. She holds a PhD in genetics from Cornell University and a graduate certificate in science communication from UCSC.
Image Gallery
https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC8vSk
Videos
https://youtube.com/live/AdMsCc28zBQ?feature=share

2025 Research Symposium
2025-04-19 09:00 - 12:00 | Pugh Hall
The Bob Graham Center’s annual Undergraduate Research Symposium featured panel-style research presentations from undergraduate students funded through the Center’s undergraduate research programs.

The Bob Graham Center’s Undergraduate Research Symposium ran from 9 am to 11:45 am, and featured panel-style research presentations followed by a discussion at the end of each session.
Students involved with the Center’s Civic Scholars program, the Askew Research Fellows, and the International Studies major presented results of their research projects.

For photos from the event, view the Flickr album.
To view the student abstracts, visit our website.

UF Gulf Scholars Experiential Learning Faculty Info Session
2025-04-24 10:00 - 11:00 | O’Neill Reading Rm, 2nd Floor, Pugh Hall
Are you interested in providing students with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that connect them to the Gulf region? The UF Gulf Scholars Program is offering funding for faculty and community partners to develop experiential learning opportunities that align with the program’s mission.
This info session will provide an overview of the funding opportunity, including eligibility, proposal requirements, and examples of successful experiential learning models. Dr. Rick Stepp, Director of UF Quest, will highlight best practices for designing impactful experiential learning experiences, offering valuable insights to strengthen your proposal. Whether you’re exploring an idea or finalizing a submission, this session will help you make the most of this opportunity.
RSVP at: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_01EuvfFK4Q8ceQ6
