ECOS Welcomes New Graduate Fellows at Fall Orientation and Reception

Steven Vollmer, Ph.D., director of Florida Atlantic University’s School of Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability (ECOS), officially welcomed the newest cohort of graduate postdoctoral fellows, comprised of 17 WLW-ECOS Masters Fellows, 12 WLW-ECOS Ph.D. Fellows, and four WLW-ECOS Postdoctoral Fellows, on Aug. 18. The group was invited to kick off their journeys with an engaging orientation in the state-of-the-art Science Learning Center within the Schmidt Family Center Complex for Academic and Athletic Excellence.

"We are thrilled to welcome such an exceptional group of graduate research fellows into the ECOS community with our generous, donor-funded WLW-ECOS opportunities," stated Vollmer. "Through these unparalleled, immersive programs, we look forward to preparing our next generation of environmental leaders to pioneer solutions for the future. We look forward to witnessing the impact they will have through their scientific contributions and the mentorship they offer to our undergraduates."

Afterward, the celebration continued with a lively reception at the Delray Genesis Club in the FAU Flagler Credit Union Stadium, where fellows mingled with over 40 ECOS faculty and staff members. Distinguished guests President Adam Hasner, First Lady Jillian Hasner, and donors Wayne and Lucretia Weiner enjoyed greeting the new fellows and personally welcoming them to the university and the WLW-ECOS Graduate Fellowships Program and the WLW-ECOS Postdoctoral Fellowships Program.

The festivities included a fun, interactive activity that gave all new fellows a chance to connect with each other and meet mentors, advisors, faculty members, and other key staff supporting students and researchers, along with some opportunities to win exciting Florida Atlantic prizes. To top it off, all the fellows went home with complimentary gift bags.