IN FOCUS: TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT DEP'S WOMEN IN STEM

florida department of environmental protection in focus

Celebrating DEP's Women In STEM

In recognition of Women's History Month, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is celebrating the many women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields at DEP that work to protect and preserve Florida's environment every day. 

Cheryl Swanson

Cheryl Swanson

Biology Program Administrator - Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration 

How long have you been with DEP: 15 years

Education: B.S. Marine Science, M.S. Biology 

What is your best advice for girls interested in science? My best advice for girls interested in science is to have confidence in your abilities, apply yourself academically, find someone in your field of interest and reach out to them, and then find opportunities to experience or be a part of your scientific area of interest. I believe much of my success, aside from high academic achievement, came from having a clear idea of what I wanted my future to look like, taking advantage of science-related opportunities that I found or were presented to me by teachers, and having confidence in myself that I could do what I put my mind to doing. 

Learn more about Cheryl.

Trina Vielhauer 

Trina Vielhauer

Director of the Division of Water Restoration Assistance 

How long have you been with DEP: 17 years 

Education: B.S. Environmental Science, MPPA, J.D. 

What excites you about your work at DEP? 
I work with great, hard-working and dedicated people every day and they keep me going on those crazy days when nothing goes as planned! Our division helps fund a lot of important local projects through state and federal grant and loan programs. At the end of the day, it is good to know that we’ve helped the citizens of Florida with so many important wastewater, stormwater and drinking water projects as well as beach nourishment and non-mandatory land reclamations.  

Learn more about Trina.

 


Kimberly Jackson

Kim Jackson

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Manager - Office of Technology Information Services

How long have you been with DEP: 24 years

Education: B.S. Geography/Geology 

What is the coolest project you have worked on and why? Mapping and planning analysis for dune restoration at state parks in the panhandle after a severe hurricane season. One day, our ground truthing and mapping was delayed while we watched from a distance as sea turtle hatchlings scrambled into the surf.

What excites you about your work at DEP? Following the progression of information from field samples to analysis to policy. 

I love science/engineering/technology because… I feel that I have a small part in protecting the Florida natural resources I love by helping others make environmental policy decisions backed by the strongest science possible.

Learn more about Kimberly.

Lina Cerquera

Lina

Environmental Consultant - Office of Emergency Response 

How long have you been with DEP: 4 years

Education: B.S. Biological Sciences 

What is your favorite piece of technology or equipment you get to use in your job? Handheld Chemical Identification Analyzers are definitely one of my favorites! The ones we use utilize Raman and Infrared Spectroscopy to assist us in identifying unknown liquids and solids in the field to assist us in making key decisions on how to safely handle a material and determine what the mitigating goals should be for different sites, all at our fingertips! 

Learn more about Lina.

 


Janice Duquesnel

Janice

Biological Scientist - Division of Recreation and Parks, Florida Park Service

How long have you been with DEP: 
22 years

Education: B.S. Oceanography 

What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM? My passion for the marine environment began at a young age and I always knew that I wanted to work in that field. I enjoyed math and science in school, and found a strong connection with any classes related to marine biology and ecology. As I furthered my education, my passion only increased. When I moved to the Florida Keys, I was overwhelmed by the natural beauty, and expanded my interests to include studying the terrestrial ecosystems.

Learn more about Janice.

Jennifer Smith

Jennifer Smith

DEP Southeast District Director

How long have you been with DEP: 15 years

Education: B.S. Biology, M.S. Coastal Zone Management

Why is it important to get more students, including females, interested in STEM? If we want to continually attract the best and the brightest minds, then we must encourage young people to pursue their interest in STEM subjects. I want to encourage girls and boys with talent and a real interest in science, technology, engineering and math to be able to develop their abilities. As long as they are equally encouraged to study those subjects in school and out of school, then I think they can reach their goals. There are many ways they can develop those interests through programs such as career days and job shadowing, internships, summer camps and a variety of online resources. I am very pleased with the amount of interns we have had over the years who are female, and who wish to pursue a science-based career.

Learn more about Jennifer.

Legacy of the Marjories

Not only has Florida's environment benefited from the passion and hard work of today's women in STEM, but also from Florida's original women in STEM, Marjorie Stoneman Douglas and Marjorie Harris Carr. An advocate for the Florida Everglades, Marjorie Stoneman Douglas brought national attention to the importance of protecting Florida's natural resources, and helped form the environmental advocacy group Friends of the Everglades. Additionally, Marjorie Harris Carr's environmental efforts helped lead to the formation of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, a 22,000-acre wilderness of national importance, and the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway was named in her honor. DEP continues to build on the legacies of the Marjories to protect Florida's natural resources for future generations.